International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

16 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of a Computerized Home-Based Cognitive Stimulation Program for Treating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment

by Jose L. Tapia, María Teresa Taberner-Bonastre, David Collado-Martínez, Athanasios Pouptsis, Martín Núñez-Abad and Jon Andoni Duñabeitia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4953; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064953 - 11 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2281

Abstract

Cancer patients assert that after chemotherapy their cognitive abilities have deteriorated. Cognitive stimulation is the clinical treatment of choice for reversing cognitive decline. The current study describes a computerized home-based cognitive stimulation program in patients who survived breast cancer. It aims to assess [...] Read more.

Cancer patients assert that after chemotherapy their cognitive abilities have deteriorated. Cognitive stimulation is the clinical treatment of choice for reversing cognitive decline. The current study describes a computerized home-based cognitive stimulation program in patients who survived breast cancer. It aims to assess safety and effectiveness of cognitive stimulation in the oncology population. A series of 45-min training sessions was completed by the participants. A thorough assessment was performed both before and after the intervention. The mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, the Cognitive Assessment for Chemo Fog Research, and the Functionality Assessment Instrument in Cancer Treatment–Cognitive Function served as the main assessment tools. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and Measuring Quality of Life–The World Health Organization data were gathered as secondary outcomes. Home-based cognitive stimulation demonstrated beneficial effects in the oncology population, with no side effects being reported. Cognitive, physical, and emotional improvements were observed, along with decreased interference in daily life activities and a better overall quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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18 pages, 1884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial Peer Support to Address Mental Health and Burnout of Health Care Workers Affected by COVID-19: A Qualitative Evaluation

by Lea Simms, Katherine E. Ottman, James L. Griffith, Michael G. Knight, Lorenzo Norris, Viktoriya Karakcheyeva and Brandon A. Kohrt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4536; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054536 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3029

Abstract

Health care workers in the U.S. are experiencing alarming rates of burnout. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this issue. Psychosocial peer-support programs that address general distress and are tailored to health care systems are needed. A Care for Caregivers (CFC) Program was [...] Read more.

Health care workers in the U.S. are experiencing alarming rates of burnout. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this issue. Psychosocial peer-support programs that address general distress and are tailored to health care systems are needed. A Care for Caregivers (CFC) Program was developed at an American metropolitan university hospital and outpatient health care system. The CFC program trains “Peer Caregivers” and managers and has four components: the identification of colleagues in need of support; psychological first aid; linkage to resources; and the promotion of hope among colleagues experiencing demoralization. Qualitative interviews (n = 18) were conducted with Peer Caregivers and Managers participating in the initial piloting of the program. Results suggest that the CFC program shifts the organizational culture, teaches staff skills for recognizing and supporting others in distress, and supports those staff who are already providing these services informally. Findings suggest that staff distress resulted primarily from external factors and secondarily from internal organizational stressors. External stressors were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the program has promise for addressing staff burnout, other organizational efforts are needed to simultaneously promote staff wellness. Ultimately, psychosocial peer support programs for health care workers are feasible and potentially impactful, but also require other systemic changes within a health care system to improve and sustain staff well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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17 pages, 953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Influencing Factors of COVID-19 Vaccination Willingness among Young Adults in China

by Yue Su, Sijia Li, Feng Huang, Jia Xue and Tingshao Zhu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3960; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053960 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1473

Abstract

Vaccine uptake is considered as one of the most effective methods of defending against COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). However, many young adults are hesitant regarding COVID-19 vaccines, and they actually play an important role in virus transmission. Based on a multi-theory model, this [...] Read more.

Vaccine uptake is considered as one of the most effective methods of defending against COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). However, many young adults are hesitant regarding COVID-19 vaccines, and they actually play an important role in virus transmission. Based on a multi-theory model, this study aims to explore the influencing factors related to COVID-19 vaccine willingness among young adults in China. Using semi-structured interviews, this study explored the factors that would motivate young adults with vaccine hesitancy to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data with topic modeling as a complementarity method. After comparing the differences and similarities of results generated by thematic analysis and topic modeling, this study ultimately identified ten key factors related to COVID-19 vaccination intention, including the effectiveness and safety of vaccines, application range of vaccine, etc. This study combined thematic analysis with machine learning and provided a comprehensive and nuanced picture of facilitating factors for COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Chinese young adults. Results may be taken as potential themes for authorities and public health workers in vaccination campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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13 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time to Lift up COVID-19 Restrictions? Public Support towards Living with the Virus Policy and Associated Factors among Hong Kong General Public

by Phoenix K. H. Mo, Yanqiu Yu, Mason M. C. Lau, Rachel H. Y. Ling and Joseph T. F. Lau

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2989; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042989 - 08 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1024

Abstract

The fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented toll on Hong Kong. As more countries are starting to lift COVID-19 restrictions, it would be important to understand the public attitudes towards lifting COVID-19 restrictions and to identify its associated factors. [...] Read more.

The fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented toll on Hong Kong. As more countries are starting to lift COVID-19 restrictions, it would be important to understand the public attitudes towards lifting COVID-19 restrictions and to identify its associated factors. The present study examined the level of support towards the living with the virus (LWV) policy for COVID-19 among the public in Hong Kong and to identify the associations between resilient coping, self-efficacy and emotional distress with support towards the LWV policy. A random population-based telephone survey was conducted among 500 Hong Kong Chinese adults from 7 March to 19 April 2022, i.e., during the fifth wave of COVID-19 outbreak. Of the respondents, 39.6% showed a supportive attitude towards the LWV policy. Results from the structural equational modeling showed a positive correlation between resilient coping and self-efficacy. Resilient coping was associated with support towards the LWV policy directly and indirectly through a lower level of emotional distress. Self-efficacy had a direct association with support towards the LWV policy but its indirect association through emotional distress was not significant. Interventions that foster resilient coping and self-efficacy would be effective in reducing public emotional distress and promoting their positive view towards the LWV policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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13 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Structural Validation of the Brief COPE Scale among Outpatients with Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders

by Melissa Kadi, Stéphanie Bourion-Bédès, Michael Bisch and Cédric Baumann

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032695 - 02 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1799

Abstract

Recovery from substance use disorder requires access to effective coping resources. The most widely self-reported questionnaire used to assess coping responses is the Brief COPE; however, different factorial structures were found in a variety of samples. This study aimed to examine across outpatients [...] Read more.

Recovery from substance use disorder requires access to effective coping resources. The most widely self-reported questionnaire used to assess coping responses is the Brief COPE; however, different factorial structures were found in a variety of samples. This study aimed to examine across outpatients with substance use disorders the factor structure of the short dispositional French version of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (COPE) inventory. The French version of the Brief COPE was administered in a sample of 318 outpatients with alcohol or opioid substance use disorder. A clustering analysis on latent variables (CLV) followed by a confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the factor structure of the scale. The internal consistency of the Brief COPE and its subscales were also studied. The analysis revealed a nine-factor structure with a revised 24-item version consisting of functional strategies (four items), problem-solving (four items), denial (two items), substance use (two items), social support seeking (four items), behavioral disengagement (two items), religion (two items), blame (two items), and humor (two items) that demonstrated a good fit to the data. This model explained 53% of the total variance with an overall McDonald’s omega (ω) of 0.96 for the revised scale. The present work offers a robust and valid nine-factor structure for assessing coping strategies in French outpatients with opioid or alcohol substance use disorder. This structure tends to simplify its use and interpretation of results for both clinicians and researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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13 pages, 808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Adults’ Mental Health in Switzerland: A Longitudinal Cohort Study from 2018 to 2021

by Simon Foster, Natalia Estévez-Lamorte, Susanne Walitza and Meichun Mohler-Kuo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2598; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032598 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

Most of the studies that examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health have been restricted to pandemic mental health data alone. The aim of the current study was to estimate the pandemic’s effect on young Swiss adults’ mental health by [...] Read more.

Most of the studies that examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health have been restricted to pandemic mental health data alone. The aim of the current study was to estimate the pandemic’s effect on young Swiss adults’ mental health by comparing pandemic to pre-pandemic mental health. Longitudinal data of 1175 young Swiss adults who participated in the S-YESMH study in 2018 and were followed-up in 2020 and 2021 were analyzed. The study outcomes were self-reported symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), thoughts about death or self-harm, and risky single-occasion drinking (RSOD). Generalized estimation equations, logistic regression and statistical mediation analysis were used to analyze the data. Evidence was found of increased depression, GAD, and ADHD among young women and increased depression among young men, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncertainty about the future predicted young women’s depression and anxiety in 2021. COVID-19 stress in 2021 fully mediated the effect of COVID-19 stress in 2020 on depression and GAD in 2021. Young Swiss women’s and men’s mental health appears to have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the second pandemic year. Uncertainty about the future and stress becoming chronic in 2021 likely explain some of the adverse effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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14 pages, 688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Protective Factors for Men at Risk of Suicide Using the CHIME Framework: The Primacy of Relational Connectedness

by Katherine M. Boydell, Alexandra Nicolopoulos, Diane Macdonald, Stephanie Habak and Helen Christensen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032259 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

Suicide is a global problem, ranking among the leading causes of death in many countries across the world. Most people who die by suicide are “under the radar”, having never seen a mental health professional or been diagnosed with a mental illness. This [...] Read more.

Suicide is a global problem, ranking among the leading causes of death in many countries across the world. Most people who die by suicide are “under the radar”, having never seen a mental health professional or been diagnosed with a mental illness. This article describes the protective factors for men experiencing suicidal thoughts, plans, and/or attempts who are “under the radar”. Using in-depth qualitative interviews, we aimed to understand stakeholder perspectives on the protective factors that influence men’s wellbeing. The pervasiveness of relational connectedness in men’s narratives was identified as a central protective factor. Other key protective factors included meaningful activity, empowerment, and hope. These results have the potential to facilitate the development of focused community initiatives. More generally, the current research offers an example of a qualitative inquiry into men’s wellbeing that focuses on strengths and positive factors in their lives and may provide a guide for future community-based suicide prevention research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 1045 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Improvements in Compassion and Fears of Compassion throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multinational Study

by Marcela Matos, Kirsten McEwan, Martin Kanovský, Júlia Halamová, Stanley R. Steindl, Nuno Ferreira, Mariana Linharelhos, Daniel Rijo, Kenichi Asano, Sara P. Vilas, Margarita G. Márquez, Sónia Gregório, Gonzalo Brito-Pons, Paola Lucena-Santos, Margareth da Silva Oliveira, Erika Leonardo de Souza, Lorena Llobenes, Natali Gumiy, Maria Ileana Costa, Noor Habib, Reham Hakem, Hussain Khrad, Ahmad Alzahrani, Simone Cheli, Nicola Petrocchi, Elli Tholouli, Philia Issari, Gregoris Simos, Vibeke Lunding-Gregersen, Ask Elklit, Russell Kolts, Allison C. Kelly, Catherine Bortolon, Pascal Delamillieure, Marine Paucsik, Julia E. Wahl, Mariusz Zieba, Mateusz Zatorski, Tomasz Komendziński, Shuge Zhang, Jaskaran Basran, Antonios Kagialis, James Kirby and Paul Gilbert Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031845 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3922

Abstract

During large-scale disasters, social support, caring behaviours, and compassion are shown to protect against poor mental health outcomes. This multi-national study aimed to assess the fluctuations in compassion over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (Time 1 n = 4156, Time 2 n [...] Read more.

During large-scale disasters, social support, caring behaviours, and compassion are shown to protect against poor mental health outcomes. This multi-national study aimed to assess the fluctuations in compassion over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (Time 1 n = 4156, Time 2 n = 980, Time 3 n = 825) from 23 countries completed online self-report questionnaires measuring the flows of compassion (i.e., Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales) and fears of compassion toward self and others and from others (i.e., Fears of Compassion Scales) and mental health at three time-points during a 10-month period. The results for the flows of compassion showed that self-compassion increased at Time 3. Compassion for others increased at Time 2 and 3 for the general population, but in contrast, it decreased in health professionals, possibly linked to burnout. Compassion from others did not change in Time 2, but it did increase significantly in Time 3. For fears of compassion, fears of self-compassion reduced over time, fears of compassion for others showed more variation, reducing for the general public but increasing for health professionals, whilst fears of compassion from others did not change over time. Health professionals, those with compassion training, older adults, and women showed greater flows of compassion and lower fears of compassion compared with the general population, those without compassion training, younger adults, and men. These findings highlight that, in a period of shared suffering, people from multiple countries and nationalities show a cumulative improvement in compassion and reduction in fears of compassion, suggesting that, when there is intense suffering, people become more compassionate to self and others and less afraid of, and resistant to, compassion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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27 pages, 1072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on CSR Activities of Healthcare Providers

by Christina Deselaers, Alina Dahmen and Sonia Lippke

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010368 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1699

Abstract

(1) Background: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is important for every company that cares for sustainable structures. Healthcare providers especially have made social responsibility their goal. However, crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted different activities within the healthcare sector including CSR and its [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is important for every company that cares for sustainable structures. Healthcare providers especially have made social responsibility their goal. However, crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted different activities within the healthcare sector including CSR and its monitoring. However, theory-driven CSR research within the healthcare sector is scarce and monitoring requires a structured understanding of the processes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the CSR practices and activities which healthcare providers have implemented in an exemplified country namely Germany and the effect of the pandemic in this process. (2) Methods: Participants were sampled based on their field of care (general, psychiatric, or rehabilitation), the type of organization (public, private, or non-profit), and group membership. A total of 18 healthcare providers were initially recruited, out of which nine participated in the interviews. They represent companies with yearly revenue of between EUR 110 million and EUR 6 billion, and have between 900 and 73,000 employees. (3) Results: CSR-related activities were postponed due to times of crisis. There was a necessity to rapidly digitalize processes. Frequent and precise communication turned out to be important for keeping employees’ well-being, motivation, and satisfaction levels high. Environmental efforts were counteracted by new hygienic requirements and a shift in priorities. Many study participants expressed the hope that after the pandemic, newly established methods, processes, and structures (e.g., digital meetings, quicker and more inclusive communication) would be maintained and developed further. (4) Conclusions: The pandemic has been challenging and at the same time, these challenges also created opportunities to strike a new path using the learnings to overcome future health-related or economic crises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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Review

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17 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessReview

Parents of Adolescents Who Experience Suicidal Phenomena—A Scoping Review of Their Experience

by Demee Rheinberger, Fiona Shand, Lauren McGillivray, Sonia McCallum and Katherine Boydell

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(13), 6227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136227 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1760

Abstract

High prevalence rates of self-harm and suicide in adolescence provide unique challenges for parents. The aim of this scoping review was to explore key gaps in our understanding of the current scientific literature on the experience of parents who have adolescent children experiencing [...] Read more.

High prevalence rates of self-harm and suicide in adolescence provide unique challenges for parents. The aim of this scoping review was to explore key gaps in our understanding of the current scientific literature on the experience of parents who have adolescent children experiencing suicide crisis or self-harm. Four academic databases were searched using three broad concepts: self-harming behaviour or suicidal crisis; adolescents or young people; and the experiences or behaviour of parents, between journal inception and March 2022. Information reporting on the parents’ experience was extracted and a qualitative synthesis was conducted. Twenty-two articles met inclusion criteria and were assessed in detail. The experience of parents with an adolescent engaged in self-harm or suicidal crisis were classified into three temporal themes: discovery of the suicidal phenomena, management of suicidal phenomena, and after the suicidal phenomena had ceased. Parents caring for an adolescent experiencing self-harm or suicidal crisis experience poorer psychological wellbeing, difficulty accessing support services, and changes in the parent–child relationship. Parents desire greater support for both themselves and their child and further investigation is required to understand specifically which supports would be most appropriate at each stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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Other

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10 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Personalized Computerized Training for Cognitive Dysfunction after COVID-19: A Before-and-After Feasibility Pilot Study

by Jon Andoni Duñabeitia, Francisco Mera, Óscar Baro, Tamen Jadad-Garcia and Alejandro R. Jadad

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043100 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2328

Abstract

The current pilot study was set to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefit of a personalized computerized cognitive training (CCT) intervention to improve cognitive function among people living with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Seventy three adults who self-reported cognitive dysfunction more than [...] Read more.

The current pilot study was set to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefit of a personalized computerized cognitive training (CCT) intervention to improve cognitive function among people living with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Seventy three adults who self-reported cognitive dysfunction more than 3 months after a diagnosis of COVID-19 took part in an 8-week training study. Participants’ general cognitive function was assessed before they completed as many cognitive daily training sessions as they wished during an 8-week period, using a personalized CCT application at home. At the end of this period, participants repeated the general cognitive function assessment. The differences between the scores at 8 weeks and baseline in five cognitive domains (attention, memory, coordination, perception, reasoning), complemented with analyses of the changes based on the participants’ age, training time, self-reported health level at baseline and time since the initial COVID-19 infection. Participants had significant cognitive dysfunction and self-reported negative health levels at baseline. Most of the participants obtained higher scores after CCT in each of the domains as compared with baseline. The magnitude of this score increase was high across domains. It is concluded that a self-administered CCT based on gamified cognitive tasks could be an effective way to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in persons with PASC. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT05571852. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mental Health Promotion)

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