scholarly journals New directions in research on childhood adversity

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Andrea Danese ◽  
Stephanie J. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Clinical Impact ◽  
Childhood Adversities ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Mental And Physical Health ◽  
Scientific Advances

Summary Childhood adversities are major preventable risk factors for poor mental and physical health. Scientific advances in this area are not matched by clinical gains for affected individuals. We reflect on novel research directions that could accelerate clinical impact.

scholarly journals Difficulties detaching psychologically from work among German teachers: prevalence, risk factors and health outcomes within a cross-sectional and national representative employee survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasemin Z. Varol ◽  
Gerald M. Weiher ◽  
Johannes Wendsche ◽  
Andrea Lohmann-Haislah
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Secondary School Teachers ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Impairment ◽  
Psychological Detachment ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Background Teachers often face high job demands that might elicit strong stress responses. This can increase risks of adverse strain outcomes such as mental and physical health impairment. Psychological detachment has been suggested as a recovery experience that counteracts the stressor-strain relationship. However, psychological detachment is often difficult when job demands are high. The aims of this study were, first, to gain information on the prevalence of difficulties detaching from work among German teachers, second, to identify potential person-related/individual (i.e., age, sex), occupational (e.g., tenure, leadership position), and work-related (e.g., overload, cognitive, emotional, and physical demands) risk factors and, third, to examine relationships with mental and physical health impairment and sickness absence. Methods A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a national and representative survey of German employees was conducted (BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey 2018). For the analyses data from two groups of teachers (primary/secondary school teachers: n = 901, other teachers: n = 641) were used and compared with prevalence estimates of employees from other occupations (n = 16,266). Results Primary/secondary school teachers (41.5%) and other teachers (30.3%) reported more difficulties detaching from work than employees from other occupations (21.3%). Emotional demands and deadline/performance pressure were the most severe risk factors in both groups of teachers. In the group of primary/secondary school teachers multitasking demands were further risk factors for difficulties to detach from work whereas support from colleagues reduced risks. In both groups of teachers detachment difficulties can be linked to an increase in psychosomatic and musculoskeletal complaints and, additionally, to a higher risk of sickness absence among primary/secondary school teachers. Conclusions Difficulties detaching from work are highly prevalent among German teachers. In order to protect them from related risks of health impairment, interventions are needed which aim at optimizing job demands and contextual resources (i.e., work-directed approaches) or at improving coping strategies (i.e., person-directed approaches).

The Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN) Birth Cohort protocol: rationale, design and methodology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Zare Sakhvidi ◽  
Navid Danaei ◽  
Payam Dadvand ◽  
Amir Houshang Mehrparvar ◽  
Motahar Heidari-Beni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Developmental Origins ◽  
Epidemiological Research ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Background: Birth cohorts are essential for developing evidence-based policies and advancing knowledge on different aspects of the concept of developmental origins of health and diseases (DOHaD). The Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN) is a multicentre cohort in Iran. It is one of the pioneers of DOHaD research in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This profile provides a brief overview of this birth cohort, focusing on the objectives and design of the study. The main objective of this birth cohort is to evaluate the associations of socio-economic characteristics, lifestyle, diet, environmental exposures and epigenetic factors with outcomes of: pregnancy; mother and child mental and physical health and well-being; child neurodevelopment; and the establishment of chronic disease risk factors.Methods: The enrolment of PERSIAN Birth Cohort participants is currently ongoing in five Iranian cities (Isfahan, Yazd, Semnan, Sari and Rafsanjan). We plan to recruit 15,000 mother–offspring pairs, and to follow them for at least ten years. Data collection consists of three consecutive phases: (1) periconception until birth; (2) infancy (0–2 years); and (3) childhood (3–11 years). We are collecting data on both ‘determinants of health’ and ‘health outcomes’. In addition to questionnaires and physical examination, various biological samples, including blood, urine, hair, nail, cord blood and breastmilk are being collected. Growth and neurodevelopment of children will be monitored. Appropriate data analysis schemes will be employed to assess the role of early life factors in health and disease that would facilitate international comparisons.<br />Key messages<br /><ul><li>This study provides the profile and objectives of the PERSIAN Birth Cohort ongoing in five cities in Iran.</li><br /><li>This cohort is one of the first longitudinal studies on the developmental origins of health and disease in the Middle East and North Africa.</li><br /><li>It aims to evaluate the effects of gene–environment interactions on pregnancy outcomes and on mother and child mental and physical health.</li><br /><li>The cohort aims to assess the life course establishment of risk factors of non-communicable diseases.</li></ul>

Effects of Qigong Exercise on Biomarkers and Mental and Physical Health in Adults With at Least One Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsuan-Man Hung ◽  
Shu-Hui Yeh ◽  
Chung-Hey Chen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Body Fat Percentage ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Mental And Physical Health ◽  
Cad Risk

Current medical technology permits the early detection of risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in adults, and interventions are available to prevent CAD-related morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a Qigong exercise intervention in improving biomarker levels and mental and physical health outcomes in community-dwelling adults diagnosed with CAD risk factors, in a southern Taiwanese city. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental ( n = 84) group that participated in a 60-min Qigong group session 3 times per week for 3 months or a control ( n = 61) group that did not receive the intervention. Self-perceived mental and physical health assessed with the Chinese Health Questionnaire-12, and body fat percentage were measured at baseline and 6, 12, and 16 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 12 weeks for analysis of lipid profiles, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting plasma sugar. Linear mixed model analyses revealed that experimental participants had significantly improved perceived mental and physical health and body fat percentage compared to the control group at 6 and 12 weeks but not 16 weeks. The lipid profiles were significantly more improved in the Qigong group than in the control group at 12 weeks. Qigong exercise, however, had no significant effects on hs-CRP, HbA1c, or fasting plasma sugar. Findings suggest that Qigong exercise improves a limited number of CAD risk factors in community-dwelling adults aged 40 years and over.

Children’s Healing Center involvement reduces social isolation and loneliness among immunocompromised children and their family members

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 37-47
Author(s):  
Laura B. Luchies, PhD ◽  
Amanda L. Barbour, BS ◽  
Samantha R. Anderson, BA
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Immune Systems ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
Recreational Facility ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Because they must avoid environments in which they are exposed to pathogens, children with a weakened immune system and their family members are at risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation and loneliness predict many negative mental and physical health outcomes and are notable mortality risk factors. Therefore, the overall health of immunocompromised children and their family members would be promoted by avoiding exposure to pathogens while being afforded the opportunity to socialize and interact with others. The Children’s Healing Center (CHC) is a recreational facility designed to meet this crucial need of children, adolescents, and young adults with weakened immune systems and their family members. Findings from focus groups and surveys of people who have been involved with CHC, including immunocompromised adolescents and young adults and parents of immunocompromised children, provide initial evidence of CHC’s effectiveness at reducing social isolation and loneliness. By extension, CHC involvement would be expected to buffer the negative mental and physical health effects of social isolation and loneliness.

scholarly journals Childhood adversities and related mental health among children in socialization centers

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Peciukaityte ◽  
M Jakubauskiene
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High Schools ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Criminal Behavior ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Childhood Adversities ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Background Life course paradigm provides a comprehensive overview of different determinants and mental health outcomes during the life course. Childhood adversities experienced in early adulthood are related to poor mental and physical health in the future. The aim of the study was to identify relations between experienced childhood adversities and mental health outcomes among children in socialization centers and regional high schools (HS) in Lithuania. Methods A prevalence study was conducted in all 3 socialization centers (SC) in Lithuania (n = 35) and two regional high schools (n = 96) among 13-18 year old’s. Anonymous individual interviews were conducted in 2018. Descriptive statistics using SPSS was applied for assessment of adverse life events, mental health risk factors and outcomes (%). Pearson chi square, Fisher test, Kruskal - Wallis H were applied for comparison and statistical significance (p ≤ 0,05). Results Prevalence of bullying among children in SC was 77.1% (47.9% among HS children), parental divorce - 60% (27% HS), parental criminal behavior - 40 % (2.1% HS), family violence - 48.6% (16.7% HS), physical abuse - 62.9% (9.4% HS), parental alcohol use - 40% (13.5% HS). 74.3% among children in SC experienced neglect, physical traumas (39.6% HS), prevalence of suicidal behavior was 25.7% and 6.25% accordingly. Criminal behavior, alcohol, substance abuse and smoking were much more prevalent among children in socialization centers than among high school children (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions Children in socialization centers had higher exposure of childhood adversities and poorer mental health outcomes. High prevalence of adversities was related to poor parenting skills as well as toxic family and social environment. Key messages Childhood adversities experienced in early adulthood are related to poor mental and physical health as well as deprivation of social performance in later life. Childhood adversities are more prevalent among children in socialization centres than in regional high schools.

scholarly journals Risk factors, physical and mental health burden of male and female pathological gamblers in the German general population aged 40–80

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Wejbera ◽  
Klaus Wölfling ◽  
Michael Dreier ◽  
Matthias Michal ◽  
Elmar Brähler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
General Population ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Health Burden ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Background Gambling Disorder (GD) has been associated with considerable mental and physical health risks in clinical samples. The paper determines risk factors, mental and physical health burden of probable GD for both men and women in the general population. Methods In the Gutenberg Health Study, a population-based sample of N = 11,875 aged 40–80 years was analyzed regarding lifetime probable GD prevalence (measured with the Lie/ Bet Questionnaire) and a wide array of health variables including standardized measures of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Results Probable GD lifetime prevalence was 2.1%, with higher rates among 1st generation migrants (5.5%; vs. non-migrants 1.6%), men (3.0%; vs. women 1.2%), and the sample’s youngest age decade (40–49 y., 3.1%). Lifetime probable GD was associated with current work-related, family and financial stressors as well as unhealthy behavior (smoking, extended screen time), and lifetime legal offenses. In men, but not in women, increased rates of imprisonment, mental and somatic symptoms were found. Conclusions GD is a major public health problem with serious social, mental and physical health burden. Epidemiological findings underscore the preponderance of GD among 1st generation migrants and men. Findings are consistent with a vicious cycle of family, work related and financial stress factors, and mental and physical burden, particularly in men. Demographic risk factors may help to target specific prevention and treatment efforts.

scholarly journals Artificial Intelligence Language Predictors of Two-Year Trauma-Related Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua R. Oltmanns ◽  
H. Andrew Schwartz ◽  
Camilo Ruggero ◽  
Youngseo Son ◽  
Jiaju Miao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
World Trade Center ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Background: Recent research on artificial intelligence has demonstrated that natural language can be used to provide valid indicators of psychopathology. The present study examined artificial intelligence-based language predictors (ALPs) of seven trauma-related mental and physical health outcomes in responders to the World Trade Center disaster. Methods: The responders (N = 174, Mage = 55.4 years) provided daily voicemail updates over 14 days. Algorithms developed using machine learning in large social media discovery samples were applied to the voicemail transcriptions to derive ALP scores for several risk factors (depressivity, anxiousness, anger proneness, stress, and personality). Responders also completed self-report assessments of these risk factors at baseline and trauma-related mental and physical health outcomes at two-year follow-up (including symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbance, respiratory problems, and GERD). Results: Voicemail ALPs were significantly associated with a majority of the trauma-related outcomes at two-year follow-up, over and above corresponding baseline self-reports. ALPs showed significant convergence with corresponding self-report scales, but also considerable uniqueness from each other and from self-report scales. Limitations: The study has a relatively short follow-up period relative to trauma occurrence and a limited sample size. Conclusions: This study shows evidence that ALPs may provide a novel, objective, and clinically useful approach to forecasting, and may in the future help to identify individuals at risk for negative health outcomes.

scholarly journals Does childhood adversity account for poorer mental and physical health in second-generation Irish people living in Britain? Birth cohort study from Britain (NCDS)

BMJ Open ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. e001335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayati Das-Munshi ◽  
Charlotte Clark ◽  
Michael E Dewey ◽  
Gerard Leavey ◽  
Stephen A Stansfeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Irish People ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

scholarly journals Childhood adversity and subsequent mental health status in adulthood: screening for associations using two linked surveys

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. B. Patten ◽  
T. C. R. Wilkes ◽  
J. V. A. Williams ◽  
D. H. Lavorato ◽  
N. el-Guebaly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Childhood Adversities

Aims.Accumulating evidence links childhood adversity to negative health outcomes in adulthood. However, most of the available evidence is retrospective and subject to recall bias. Published reports have sometimes focused on specific childhood exposures (e.g. abuse) and/or specific outcomes (e.g. major depression). Other studies have linked childhood adversity to a large and diverse number of adult risk factors and health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease. To advance this literature, we undertook a broad examination of data from two linked surveys. The goal was to avoid retrospective distortion and to provide a descriptive overview of patterns of association.Methods.A baseline interview for the Canadian National Longitudinal Study of Children and Youth collected information about childhood adversities affecting children aged 0–11 in 1994. The sampling procedures employed in a subsequent study called the National Population Health Survey (NPHS) made it possible to link n = 1977 of these respondents to follow-up data collected later when respondents were between the ages of 14 and 27. Outcomes included major depressive episodes (MDE), some risk factors and educational attainment. Cross-tabulations were used to examine these associations and adjusted estimates were made using the regression models. As the NPHS was a longitudinal study with multiple interviews, for most analyses generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used. As there were multiple exposures and outcomes, a statistical procedure to control the false discovery rate (Benjamini–Hochberg) was employed.Results.Childhood adversities were consistently associated with a cluster of potentially related outcomes: MDE, psychotropic medication use and smoking. These outcomes may be related to one another since psychotropic medications are used in the treatment of major depression, and smoking is strongly associated with major depression. However, no consistent associations were observed for other outcomes examined: physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, binge drinking or educational attainment.Conclusions.The conditions found to be the most strongly associated with childhood adversities were a cluster of outcomes that potentially share pathophysiological connections. Although prior literature has suggested that a very large number of adult outcomes, including physical inactivity and alcohol-related outcomes follow childhood adversity, this analysis suggests a degree of specificity with outcomes potentially related to depression. Some of the other reported adverse outcomes (e.g. those related to alcohol use, physical inactivity or more distal outcomes such as obesity and cardiovascular disease) may emerge later in life and in some cases may be secondary to depression, psychotropic medication use and smoking.

Childhood adversities in UK treatment-seeking military veterans

2020 ◽  
pp. jramc-2019-001297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Ross ◽  
C Armour ◽  
D Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Military Veterans ◽  
Childhood Adversities ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
Common Mental Health Problems ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

IntroductionThe long-term consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult physical and mental health are well documented in the literature. The current study sought to examine this relationship in a sample of UK treatment-seeking military veterans.MethodsThe data were collected through a cross-sectional self-report survey from military veterans who have sought help for mental health difficulties from a veteran-specific UK-based charity. The response rate was 67.2% (n=403) and the effective sample for this study consisted of 386 male veterans. Participants’ history of ACEs and current mental/physical health difficulties were assessed. A latent class analysis was conducted to categorise participants into subgroups based on their ACEs and the relationship of these to the mental and physical health outcomes was examined.ResultsFive classes of veterans with different combinations of ACEs were identified. A total of 97% reported at least one ACE. There were minimal differences between the classes on mental and physical health outcomes, but the total number of ACEs was related to aggression, common mental health problems and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).ConclusionsNo combination of ACEs was specifically predictive of adverse mental/physical health difficulties in our sample. Instead, those with a higher number of ACEs may be more prone to developing problems with aggression, common mental health problems and PTSD. Assessing the history of childhood adversities in military veterans is therefore important when veterans are seeking help for mental health difficulties, as some of these may be related to childhood adversities and may need to be addressed in treatment.

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