scholarly journals Social, Cognitive, and eHealth Mechanisms of COVID-19–Related Lockdown and Mandatory Quarantine That Potentially Affect the Mental Health of Pregnant Women in China: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Yang ◽  
Bo Song ◽  
Anise Wu ◽  
Phoenix K H Mo ◽  
Jiangli Di ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Prenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Fit Index

BACKGROUND Although lockdown and mandatory quarantine measures have played crucial roles in the sharp decrease of the number of newly confirmed/suspected COVID-19 cases, concerns have been raised over the threat that these measures pose to mental health, especially the mental health of vulnerable groups, including pregnant women. Few empirical studies have assessed whether and how these control measures may affect mental health, and no study has investigated the prevalence and impacts of the use of eHealth resources among pregnant women during the COVID-19 outbreak. OBJECTIVE This study investigated (1) the effects of lockdown and mandatory quarantine on mental health problems (ie, anxiety and depressive symptoms), (2) the potential mediation effects of perceived social support and maladaptive cognition, and (3) the moderation effects of eHealth-related factors (ie, using social media to obtain health information and using prenatal care services during the COVID-19 pandemic) on pregnant women in China. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 19,515 pregnant women from all 34 Chinese provincial-level administrative regions from February 25 to March 10, 2020. RESULTS Of the 19,515 participants, 12,209 (62.6%) were subjected to lockdown in their areas of residence, 737 (3.8%) were subjected to mandatory quarantine, 8712 (44.6%) had probable mild to severe depression, 5696 (29.2%) had probable mild to severe anxiety, and 1442 (7.4%) had suicidal ideations. Only 640 (3.3%) participants reported that they used online prenatal care services during the outbreak. Significant sociodemographic/maternal factors of anxiety/depressive symptoms included age, education, occupation, the area of residence, gestational duration, the number of children born, complication during pregnancy, the means of using prenatal care services, and social media use for obtaining health information. Multiple indicators multiple causes modeling (<i>χ</i><sup>2</sup><sub>14</sub>=495.21; <i>P</i>&lt;.05; comparative fit index=.99; nonnormed fit index=.98; root mean square error of approximation=.04, 90% CI 0.038-0.045) showed that quarantine was directly and indirectly strongly associated with poor mental health through decreased perceived social support and increased maladaptive cognition (B=.04; <i>β</i>=.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.02; <i>P</i>=.001), while lockdown was indirectly associated with mental health through increased social support and maladaptive cognition among pregnant women (B=.03; <i>β</i>=.03, 95% CI 0.02-0.03; <i>P</i>=.001). Multigroup analyses revealed that the use of social media for obtaining health information and the means of using prenatal care services were significant moderators of the model paths. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide epidemiological evidence for the importance of integrating mental health care and eHealth into the planning and implementation of control measure policies. The observed social and cognitive mechanisms and moderators in this study are modifiable, and they can inform the design of evidence-based mental health promotion among pregnant women.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Information and Being Connected: Qualitative Experiences of Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic from a Trans-National Sample

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Schoultz Mariyana ◽  
Leung Janni ◽  
Bonsaksen Tore ◽  
Ruffolo Mary ◽  
Thygesen Hilde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
National Study ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
The Uk

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.

scholarly journals Assessment of Attitudes and Practices Related to Social Media Usage among Dental Practitioners in their Dental Practice in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad City: A Cross-sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 264-269
Author(s):  
Tanushri Dalvi ◽  
Shrivardhan Kalghatgi ◽  
Samruddhi Metha ◽  
Amol Karagir ◽  
Madhuri Sale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Information And Communication

Background: In the last few decades, information and communication technology in social media has brought tremendous changes in the whole business, educational and political system; Dentistry is not an exception. The rise of social media has transformed how health professionals interact with their patients and deliver different types of health care services. Aim: To assess the attitudes and practices related to social media usage among dental practitioners in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad city. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire survey was conducted among all dental practitioners in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad city, Maharashtra, India. The questionnaire consisted of first part with socio-demographic variables like age, gender, years of experience and area of expertise and second part to assess attitudes and practices towards social media usage. Results: Among total of 138 dental practitioners, majority (68.1%) were belonging to age of 36-44 years followed by those above 45 years of age (17.4%). Around 49.3% dental practitioners were practicing dentistry since less than 5 years. Gender wise comparison showed no significant difference between attitudes and practices for social media usage. Although significant difference was found for question 3, 6 and 11 for P < 0.05. Conclusion: There has been wide adoption of social media among dental practitioners and shows no significant difference with different genders for both attitudes and practices.

Acculturation, Social Support and Mental Health Outcomes among Syrian Refugees in Germany

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly Green ◽  
Elizabeth King ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Reverse Causality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
German Culture ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Syrian refugees in Germany number around 700,000 and they are managing acculturation and mental health issues. In May–July 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 97 Syrian refugees in Germany using measures of acculturation, social support, depressive symptoms and wellbeing. We ran linear-regression models and created an interaction term of two aspects of acculturation, focused on the outcomes of depressive symptoms and wellbeing, along with the possible moderation of social support. Affiliation with German culture was positively associated with wellbeing. More acculturation to German culture may promote positive mental health. Higher levels of social support were associated with lower levels of wellbeing and higher levels of depressive symptoms; this could reflect reverse causality or more connections with those back home. This study provides insight into acculturation and mental health among a significant refugee population in Germany.

scholarly journals Association Between Social Support and Mental Health in Pre-Old and Old Age: Is It Different Depends on the Object? A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaya Li ◽  
Mai Kabayama ◽  
Kei Kamide
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emotional Social Support

Abstract Background The association of social support with mental health for the older adults has been well documented; however, object-specific support was rarely discussed. This study examined the relationships of multiple aspects of social support, especially focusing on objects of social support, across different aging stages. Methods We conducted a self-reported cross-sectional survey in Osaka, Japan in 2013. We analyzed 659 pre-old and 888 old age participants. SF-36v2 was used to measure mental health. Objects of social support was divided into 3 categories (kin, friends, community) with integrating sub-dimensions of social support such as instrumental / emotional social support (function) and provided / received social support (role). Ordinary least squares, controlled for covariates, was carried out to analyze the variation among three objects of social support on mental health in two age groups. Results The results showed a positive association within the pre-old age group but not within the old age group. For the pre-old age group, either emotional or instrumental social support either provided to or received from a community neighbor had a positive association, while emotional social support provided to kin or friends and instrumental support received from friends didn’t show any relation to mental health.Conclusions The relationship between social support and mental health varied by objects and age groups.

scholarly journals Frequency and Source of Worries in An International Sample of Pregnant and Postpartum Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Wyszynski ◽  
Sonia Hernandez-Diaz ◽  
Vanessa Gordon-Dseagu ◽  
Noemi Ramiro ◽  
Archana Basu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Postpartum Women ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Social Media Platforms

Abstract BackgroundPregnant and postpartum women face unique challenges and concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus far, no studies have explored the factors associated with increased levels of worry in this population globally. The current study sought to assess the frequency and sources of worry during the COVID-19 pandemic in an international sample of pregnant and postpartum women.MethodsWe conducted an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey in 64 countries between May and June 2020. The survey was available in 12 languages and hosted on the Pregistry platform for COVID-19 studies. Participants were sought mainly on social media platforms and online parenting forums. The survey included questions related to demographics, level of worry, support, stress, COVID-19 exposure, frequency of media usage, and mental health indicators.ResultsThe study included 7,561 participants. Eighty-three percent of all participants indicated that they were either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ worried. Women 13-28 weeks pregnant were significantly more likely to indicate that they were ‘very worried’ compared to those who were postpartum or at other stages of pregnancy. When compared with women living in Europe, those in Africa, Asia and Pacific, North America and South/Latin America were more likely to have increased levels of worry, as were those who more frequently interacted with social media. Different forms of support and stress also had an impact upon level of worry, while indicators of stress and anxiety were positively associated with worry level.ConclusionPregnant and postpartum women are vulnerable to the changes in societal norms brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the factors associated with levels of worry within this population will enable society to address potential unmet needs and improve the current and future mental health of parents and children.

scholarly journals Differential Impact of Types of Social Support in the Mental Health of Formerly Incarcerated Latino Men

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Muñoz-Laboy ◽  
Nicolette Severson ◽  
Ashley Perry ◽  
Vincent Guilamo-Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Latino Men ◽  
Formerly Incarcerated ◽  
The Impact

The role of social support in the mental health of formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM) is an issue overlooked in public health prevention efforts. The objectives of this analysis were to (a) describe the levels of social support perceived and received by FILM; (b) identify the associations, if any, between levels of social support and mental health indicators such as depression and anxiety; and (c) explore the impact of familism and hypermasculinity on the receptivity of social support and the potential role of these factors in mediating associations between social support and mental health indicators. To accomplish the objectives, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with FILM ( n = 259), ages 18 to 59, in New York City, and one nominated member of their social network ( n = 130 dyads). In this analysis, we examined four dimensions of social support (instrumental, informational, appraisal, and emotional) from two perspectives: provided (as reported by members of the social networks) and perceived (as reported by FILM). The major outcome variables for this analysis were the presence/absence of major anxiety and depressive symptoms. Our logistic regression analyses suggest that perceived emotional support was inversely associated with both anxiety and depression. Our findings suggest that familism mediated the association between perceived emotional support and anxiety/depression. Therefore, we must consider designing network enhancement interventions that focus on both FILM and their social support systems.

scholarly journals Simultaneously Blamed and Ignored: Barriers, Behaviors, and Impact of COVID-19 on Asian Americans (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thu Quach ◽  
Lan Doan ◽  
Julia Liou ◽  
Ninez Ponce
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
San Francisco Bay Area ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bay Area ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Testing Site

BACKGROUND The diverse Asian American population is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but due to limited data and other factors, disparities for this population are hidden. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to describe the Asian American community’s experiences and impacts during this pandemic, focusing on the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, California, to better inform our health care services. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey in May-June 2020 with 1,297 Asian American participants, with questions on COVID-19-related testing and preventative behaviors, economic impacts of COVID-19, experience with anti-Asian violence, and mental health challenges. RESULTS We found that only 3% (n=39) were tested, and 49% stated that they could not find a place to get tested. Three-quarters of participants reported feeling stressed, and about one-quarter reported feeling depressed. 6% of participants reported being treated unfairly because of their race/ethnicity. 36.3% of participants had lost their regular jobs and 25.4% had reduced hours or reduced income. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the longstanding need for culturally and linguistically-appropriate mental health services and resources. These findings led to the establishment of the first Asian multi-lingual and multi-cultural COVID-19 testing site in the county.

scholarly journals Associations of Health Literacy, Social Media Use, Self-efficacy and Health Information Seeking Intentions among Chinese Social Media Users (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaomeng Niu ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
Jessica Willoughby ◽  
Ze Li ◽  
Rongting Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND Empirical research has demonstrated that people frequently use social media for gathering and sharing online health information. Health literacy, social media use, and self-efficacy are important factors that may influence people’s health behaviors online. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the associations between health literacy, health-related social media use, self-efficacy and health behavioral intentions online. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Chinese adults aged 18 and above (N = 449) to examine predictors of health-related behavioral intentions online including health literacy, social media use, and self-efficacy. Hayes’ PROCESS macro was used to analyze the mediation and moderation models. RESULTS Two moderated mediation models were constructed. Self-efficacy mediated the effects of health literacy (Bindirect=0.213, 95% CI: 0.101 to 0.339) and social media use (Bindirect=0.023, 95% CI: 0.008 to 0.045) on health behavioral intentions on social media. Age moderated the effects of health literacy on self-efficacy (P=.029), while previous experience moderated the effects of social media use on self-efficacy (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Health literacy and health-related social media use influenced health behavioral intentions on social media via their prior effects on self-efficacy. The association between health literacy and self-efficacy was stronger among younger respondents, whereas the association between health-related social media use and self-efficacy was stronger among those who previously had positive experiences with health information on social media. Health practitioners should target self-efficacy among older population and increase positive media experience related to health. CLINICALTRIAL

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