Mental Health Status (mental + health_status)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Mental health status of vulnerable tsunami-affected communities: A survey in Aceh Province, Indonesia

JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 3 2007
Renato Souza
The authors determined the prevalence of severe emotional distress and depressive symptoms using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL; Derogatis, Lipman, Rickels, Uhlenhuth, & Covi, 1974) in tsunami-affected communities that had experienced armed conflict arising from the ongoing independence movement in Aceh Province, Indonesia. We also evaluated determinants of severe emotional distress. The data were collected for the purposes of a mental health assessment. In our sample (N = 262), 83.6% demonstrated severe emotional distress, and 77.1% demonstrated depressive symptoms. In multivariate regression models, severe emotional distress was positively associated with the number of tsunami-related deaths among household members. Our data suggests a need for effective interventions in this vulnerable population. [source]


Mental health status of Japanese-Brazilian children at Brazilian schools in Japan

ASIA-PACIFIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2010
Shu Kondo MD PhD
Abstract Introduction: Although the mental health of Japanese-Brazilian children in Japan has become a matter of concern, few studies have employed a psychological approach and no research of these children's mental health has previously been performed at Brazilian schools in Japan. Methods: The present study used a sample of 241 children aged 4 to 10 years at five Brazilian schools in Japan. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was applied for their guardians and teachers to detect the probable cases of mental disorders. Demographic data of the children were also collected from their guardians and a further analysis was made to determine the risk factors of the probable cases of conduct disorders. Results: The proportion of probable cases was 0.8% for emotional disorders, 9.1% for conduct disorders, 2.1% for hyperactivity disorders, and 10.0% for any psychiatric disorder. The detected risk factors of conduct disorders were male sex, 8 to 10 years of age, living without a father, and not talking often with their teacher. Discussion: The proportions of probable cases of mental disorders were not as high compared to general prevalence ranges or earlier studies. Considering the school and home situation of the children, living without a father seemed to be the foremost risk factor of conduct disorders. [source]


The use of complementary therapy by men with prostate cancer in the UK

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 5 2008
S. WILKINSON
The study aims were to determine the use of complementary therapies (CT) by men with prostate cancer, and to explore factors influencing CT use and attitudes toward CT use. A cross-sectional survey design was used in which a postal questionnaire was mailed to an eligible sample of 405 patients with prostate cancer receiving outpatient treatment in a London teaching hospital. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of CT use and the relationship between CT use and mental health status. Two hundred and ninety-four patients (73%) responded, of whom 25% were using CT. The most frequently used CTs were vitamins, low-fat diets, lycopene and green tea. Multivariate analyses revealed no differences in mental health scores between CT users and non-users. CT users were younger (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89,0.97) and were more likely to be receiving conservative management in the form of ,active surveillance' (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.78,15.41) compared with non-users. Over half of the participants (55%) wanted to learn more about CT. Forty-three per cent of CT users had not informed any doctor about their CT use. Clinicians need to be aware of the prevalence of CT use amongst patients with prostate cancer, considering the potential harm that could be caused by interactions with conventional treatments. [source]


Sustained withdrawal behavior in clinic-referred and nonreferred infants

INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 3 2006
Daphna Dollberg
To examine the relations between infants' sustained withdrawal behavior and children's mental health status and maternal and child relational behavior, 36 clinic-referred and 43 control infants were evaluated. Families were visited at home, mother-child free play and feeding interactions were videotaped, and mothers completed self-report measures. Interactions were coded for sustained withdrawal using the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB; Guedeney and Fermanian, 2001) and for global relational patterns with the Coding of Interactive Behavior (CIB; Feldman, 1998). Higher ADBB scores were found for the referred group, with many infants (38.9% ) scoring above the clinical cutoff (vs. 11.6% in the control group). More negative relational patterns were found for the withdrawn group in terms of higher maternal intrusiveness, lower reciprocity, and lower child involvement. Associations were found between maternal and child behavior during play and feeding and child sustained withdrawal behavior at play. Sustained withdrawal also was associated with unpredictable child temperament and lower sense of parental self-efficacy. Maternal depressive symptoms were higher in the referred group and correlated with maternal and child relational patterns. The findings contribute to the construct and discriminant validity of the CIB and the ADBB coding systems, and suggest that sustained withdrawal may serve as a risk indicator for early socioemotional disorders. [source]


Sleep patterns, sleep disturbances and sleepiness in retired Iranian elders

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 11 2009
Seyed Kazem Malakouti
Abstract Objectives Complaints of sleep disturbance increase with age and many studies have reported on the relationship of sleep problems to the greater use of health services, physical and mental morbidity, functional decline, and all causes of mortality. This study aimed to examine sleep patterns and sleep disturbances in Iranian elders and correlate their sleep quality to their health status. Methods Four hundred men and women, aged 60 years or older, were interviewed by trained interviewers regarding their physical and mental health status. The Pittsburghh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and a General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) were then administered to each participant. The data gathered were analyzed using ,2 -test, t -test, and one-way analysis of variance and logistic regression. Results The results indicated that the majority of participants (82.6%) suffered from poor sleep quality and approximately one-third (29.2%) experienced sleepiness during the daytime. Difficulty falling asleep (p,,,0.001) and maintaining sleep (p,,,0.01) and the feeling of being too hot at night (p,,,0.005) were significantly more prevalent in women, but men suffered more from leg twitching (p,,,0.01). Being female (OR,=,2.52), and having GHQ scores of more than 11 (OR,=,4.14) increased the risk of poor sleep quality considerably. Conclusion Promoting sleep hygiene education of elders in primary health care services are recommended. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Utilization of parenting groups and consultation services as parenting support services by Japanese mothers of 18 month old children

JAPAN JOURNAL OF NURSING SCIENCE, Issue 2 2008
Azusa ARIMOTO
Abstract Aim:, To clarify the factors related to the utilization of parenting groups and consultation services by mothers with children aged 18 months. Methods:, This was a cross-sectional study using a self-report questionnaire survey at health examinations in five health centers of an urban city in Tokyo, Japan, from July to September 2003. The final study population was comprised of the 371 mothers who provided information on both demographics and the utilization of services. Results:, Of these 371 mothers, 166 participated in parenting groups since the birth of their 18 month old child. Logistic regression analyses indicated the following factors related to such participation: past experience in the use of services provided by the local government, trust in the specific group, and worries about their children. Participation in the parenting groups was not related to child-rearing anxiety or mental health status. The participants indicated that the groups provided friends and child-rearing information and alleviated stress. Worries about children and past experience in the use of public services would enhance the utilization of services. Conclusion:, It is essential for service-providers to offer services specific to the situation or desires of mothers. Mothers might need both consultation services and support groups to reinforce the mother,child relationship, for social support, and to freely discuss worries with both professionals and peers. [source]


Maternal distress: a concept analysis

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 9 2010
Elizabeth Emmanuel
emmanuel e. & st john w. (2010) Maternal distress: concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing,66(9), 2104,2115. Abstract Aim., This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of maternal distress. Background., Although not well-developed, the concept of maternal distress has offered an important viewpoint in nursing and midwifery practice since the mid-1990s. Traditionally, understanding of maternal distress has been based on the medical model and dysfunction. The concept of maternal distress needs development so that it describes responses ranging from normal stress responses to those indicating mental health problem/s. Data sources., The SCOPUS, CINAHL and Medline databases were searched for the period from 1995 to 2009 using the keywords ,psychological distress', ,emotional distress' and ,maternal distress'. Review methods., Steps from Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis guided the conduct of this concept analysis. Results., Four attributes of maternal distress were identified as responses to the transition to motherhood, with the level of each response occurring along a continuum: stress, adapting, functioning and control, and connecting. Antecedents to maternal distress include becoming a mother, role changes, body changes and functioning, increased demands and challenges, losses and gains, birth experiences, and changes to relationships and social context. The consequences of maternal distress are compromised mental health status, maternal role development, quality of life, ability to function, quality of relationships and social engagement. The extent of the impact depends on the level of maternal distress. Conclusion., Clearer interpretation of maternal distress offers a comprehensive approach to understanding maternal emotional health during the transition to motherhood. Acknowledging women's experiences and providing more appropriate support could alleviate some of the struggles and hardships experienced by mothers. [source]


Older people's expectations regarding ageing, health-promoting behaviour and health status

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2009
Su Hyun Kim
Abstract Title.,Older people's expectations regarding ageing, health-promoting behaviour and health status. Aim., This paper is a study to explore the influence of expectations regarding ageing on physical and mental health status, and to examine the mediating effects of health-promoting behaviour on the relationship between these expectations and physical and mental health. Background., To achieve healthy ageing, it is necessary for older people to play an active role in maintaining good health. Without any expectations for healthy ageing among older people themselves, encouraging them to participate in health-promoting behaviour and thereby to maintain good health would be unsuccessful. Method., A convenience sample of 99 community-residing Korean older people was surveyed in 2007 via questionnaire using a short version of the Expectations Regarding Aging questionnaire, Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, and Medical Outcomes Study 12-item short form. Findings., Having a higher expectation about ageing was associated with better physical and mental health, after adjusting for age, gender and education. Expectations about ageing were partially mediated through the health-promoting behaviour that influenced physical and mental health. Conclusion., It may be necessary for nurses to make an effort to improve older people's expectations about ageing to help them achieve good health. Nursing interventions to improve these expectations need to be used in conjunction with an emphasis on older people's active involvement in health-promoting behaviour. [source]


Prospective Follow-Up of Empirically Derived Alcohol Dependence Subtypes in Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC): Recovery Status, Alcohol Use Disorders and Diagnostic Criteria, Alcohol Consumption Behavior, Health Status, and Treatment Seeking

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2010
Howard B. Moss
Background:, We have previously reported on an empirical classification of Alcohol Dependence (AD) individuals into subtypes using nationally representative general population data from the 2001 to 2002 Wave 1 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) and latent class analysis. Our results suggested a typology of 5 separate clusters based upon age of onset of AD, multigenerational familial AD, rates of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), endorsement of specific AD and Alcohol Abuse (AA) criteria, and the presence of comorbid mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders (SUD). In this report, we focus on the clinical follow-up of these cluster members in Wave 2 of the NESARC (2004 to 2005). Methods:, The mean interval between NESARC Wave 1 and NESARC Wave 2 interviews was 36.6 (SD = 2.6) months. For these analyses, we utilized a Wave 2 NESARC sample that was comprised of a total of 1,172 individuals who were initially ascertained as having past-year AD at NESARC Wave 1 and initially subtyped into one of 5 groupings using latent class analysis. We identified these subtypes as: (i) Young Adult, characterized by very early age of onset, minimal family history, and low rates of psychiatric and SUD comorbidity; (ii) Functional, characterized by older age of onset, higher psychosocial functioning, minimal family history, and low rates of psychiatric and SUD comorbidity; (iii) Intermediate Familial, characterized by older age of onset, significant familial AD, and elevated comorbid rates of mood disorders SUD; (iv) Young Antisocial, characterized by early age of onset and elevated rates of ASPD, significant familial AD, and elevated rates of comorbid mood disorders and SUD; (v) Chronic Severe, characterized by later onset, elevated rates of ASPD, significant familial AD, and elevated rates of comorbid mood disorders and SUD. In this report, we examine Wave 2 recovery status, health status, alcohol consumption behavior, and treatment episodes based upon these subtypes. Results:, Significantly fewer of the Young Adult and Functional subtypes continued to meet full DSM-IV AD criteria in Wave 2 than did the Intermediate Familial, the Young Antisocial, and the Chronic Severe subtypes. However, we did not find that treatment seeking for alcohol problems increased over Wave 1 reports. In Wave 2, Young Antisocial and Chronic Severe subtypes had highest rates of past-year treatment seeking. In terms of health status, the Intermediate Familial, the Young Antisocial, and the Chronic Severe subtypes had significantly worse mental health scores than the Young Adult and Functional subtypes. For physical health status, the Functional, Intermediate Familial, Young Antisocial, and the Chronic Severe subtypes had significantly worse scores than the Young Adult subtype. In terms of alcohol consumption behavior, the Young Adult, Functional, and Young Antisocial subtypes significantly reduced their risk drinking days between Wave 1 and Wave 2, whereas the Intermediate Familial and the Chronic Severe subtypes did not. Discussion:, The results suggest that the empirical AD typology predicts differential clinical outcomes 3 years later. Persistence of full AD, treatment seeking, and worse mental health status were associated most strongly with those subtypes manifesting the greatest degree of psychiatric comorbidity. Reductions in alcohol consumption behavior and good physical health status were seen among the 2 younger subtypes. Overall, the least prevalent subtype, the Chronic Severe, showed the greatest stability in the manifestations of AD, despite having the highest rate of treatment seeking. [source]


Psychological Research on Homelessness in Western Europe: A Review from 1970 to 2001

JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES, Issue 3 2007
Pierre Philippot
The rapidly growing, but still small, research literature on homelessness in Europe has often been provided by non-academics, using qualitative methods, and has been published in sources that are not widely available. This article summarizes definitions employed, observed prevalence, the socio-demographic characteristics, and the physical and mental health status of the homeless in Western Europe. Research pertaining to the causes of homelessness and the societal response to the problem are also reviewed, and the ethical and methodological questions raised by European researchers are debated. A critical analysis of the largely descriptive European research is provided, and some noteworthy exceptions are described. We also discuss a number of promising theoretical models, including those that focus on learned helplessness, social strain, and social stress. [source]


The contribution of prior psychological symptoms and combat exposure to post Iraq deployment mental health in the UK military,

JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 1 2009
Roberto J. Rona
This study assessed the contribution of baseline psychological symptoms, combat exposure, and unit support in the etiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychological distress. From 2004,2006, 67% of a random sample of 2,820 participants who had been assessed for psychological symptoms in 2002 were reassessed. Baseline psychological symptoms, combat exposure, and unit support factors were associated with the outcomes and the effect sizes for combat exposure were marked for PTSD symptoms. Adjustment for baseline psychological symptoms did not modify the pattern of association of group cohesion and combat exposures. The authors concluded that combat exposure and group cohesion have an effect on mental health outcomes independent of previous mental health status, which explains why screening prior to deployment is ineffective. [source]


A framework for describing the impact of antidepressant medications on population health status

PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 7 2002
Scott B. Patten MD
Abstract Background In the absence of strategies for primary prevention, public health initiatives for major depression have generally focused on secondary and tertiary strategies such as case-finding, public and professional education and disease management. Much emphasis has been placed on low reported rates of antidepressant utilization. In principle, increased rates of treatment utilization should lead to improved mental health status at the population level. However, methods for relating antidepressant utilization to population health status have not been described. Methods An incidence,prevalence model was developed using data from a Canadian national survey, supplemented by parameter estimates from literature reviews. The lifetime sick-day proportion (LSP) was used to approximate point prevalence. Results Mathematical simulations using this model produced reasonable approximations of point prevalence for major depression. The model suggests that an improved rate of treatment utilization may not, in itself, lead to substantially reduced prevalence. Reducing the rate of relapse in those with highly recurrent disorders, which can be accomplished by long-term antidepressant treatment, is predicted to have a more substantial impact on population health status. Conclusions The model presented here offers a framework for describing the impact of antidepressant treatment on population health status. Mathematical models may assist with decision-making and priority setting in the public health sphere, as illustrated by the model presented here, which challenges some commonly held assumptions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Determinants of Mortality at Older Ages: The Role of Biological Markers of Chronic Disease

POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW, Issue 4 2005
Cassio M. Turra
Researchers have had a longstanding interest in understanding the determinants of mortality. This article examines the impact of a broad array of biological markers, together with self-reports of physical and mental health status, on the probability of dying for older adults. The estimates are derived from logistic regression models based on data from a national survey in Taiwan. The analysis confirms previous studies demonstrating the effects of clinical measures related to metabolic syndrome on mortality and identifies detrimental effects of neuroendocrine and immune-system markers. The results reveal that biomarkers provide independent explanatory power in the presence of self-reported health measures. The associations between biomarkers and mortality found here provide new avenues for projecting future mortality and elucidating differences in longevity across populations. [source]


Psychopathology in female juvenile offenders

THE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 6 2004
Angela Dixon
Background:, The aim was to document the spectrum of present and lifetime psychological disorders in female juvenile offenders, and to examine the relations between mental health status and socio-demographic, family and trauma variables. Method:, One hundred juvenile offenders were matched with a comparison group of 100 females on age and socioeconomic status (SES). Psychological profiles and trauma histories of both groups were assessed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children , Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) and family functioning was assessed with the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale II (FACES II) self-report measure. Results:, Rates of psychopathology were higher for offenders than non-offenders (p < .001), with particularly high levels of conduct disorder (91% v.1%, p < .001), substance abuse disorders (85% v. 5%, p < .001), depression (55% v. 25%, p < .001) and posttraumatic stress disorder (37% v. 4%, p < .001). In the offenders, 78% met the criteria for three or more diagnoses. The number of psychiatric diagnoses was the most significant factor associated with offender status (OR = 21.26, p < .001). Conclusions:, There is a high prevalence of psychological disorder in females in juvenile justice custody and this has a very strong association with offender status. Because these co-morbid disorders are treatable, there is a clear opportunity to intervene to decrease psychological distress. [source]


Frequency and Correlates of Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Diabetes Mellitus

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 12 2009
Anthonia Okeoghene Ogbera MPH, FACP
ABSTRACT Introduction., Sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important but understudied aspect of DM complications in women with DM. Aim., This report is an attempt to document the prevalence, clinical correlates, and determinants of SD in a cross sectional study of women with diabetes mellitus (DM). Main Outcome Measures., The main outcome measures were demographic, clinical parameters, psychological morbidity, and frequency of SD. Methods., A total of 58 married women with type 2 DM and 30 age-matched women who did not have DM had their sexual function and psychological status assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and General Health questionnaires (GHQ 12) respectively. Glycemic control was assessed using glycosylated hemoglobin. Results., The prevalence of SD in women with DM and in the control population was 88% and 80%, respectively. The mean (standard deviation) FSFI score in the women with DM was significantly lower than that of the control group (16.2 [9.5] vs. 21 [8.5], P = 0.02). Women with DM attempted sex less frequently than those in the control group. Poor mental health status which was found to be associated with SD was noted more in women with DM than those in the control group. Conclusions., SD is high in women with and without DM. A possible determinant of SD in women with DM is psychological morbidity. Ogbera AO, Chinenye S, Akinlade A, Eregie A, and Awobusuyi J. Frequency and correlates of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes mellitus. J Sex Med 2009;6:3401,3406. [source]


Self-concept and mental health status of ,stay-at-home' children in rural China

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 9 2009
Ke-Fu Zhao
Abstract Aim:, To describe the self-concept and mental health status of ,stay-at-home' children and to explore the differences between stay-at-home children and non-stay-at-home children. Methods:, A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Changfeng County to collect information on self-concept and mental health status. Children were classified as ,stay-at-home' or ,non-stay-at-home' for data analysis. Results:, Stay-at-home children accounted for 55.1% of children. The two groups of children differed significantly on the total scores of self-concept (stay-at-home, 52.48 ± 14.29; non-stay-at-home, 55.24 ± 15.10). The mental health status of stay-at-home children was poor, with significant difference between them (stay-at-home, 41.17 ± 12.25; non-stay-at-home, 40.14 ± 13.11). Using multivariate linear regression analysis, we found that the total P-H score, gender, low family economic status, stay-at-home status and being cared for by an uncle/aunt or an older sibling were independent variables for mental health of the children. Conclusion:, This study suggests that stay-at-home children have a greater risk of mental health problems than their counterparts in rural Anhui province, China. In addition, this study provides useful baseline information on childhood mental health and has identified important risk factors that would be important in planning strategies for prevention of mental health problems for stay-at-home children. [source]


Child Health Assessment at School Entry (CHASE) project: evaluation in 10 London primary schools

CHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2005
S. Edmunds
Abstract Aims To assess the feasibility of implementing the Child Health Assessment at School Entry (CHASE) questionnaire, developed to capture the multiple dimensions of the health of children in their first year at school, and to evaluate data quality, reliability and validity. Methods Parents of 278 year-1 children, from 10 primary schools in two London boroughs, received a parent questionnaire and school nurses completed a separate questionnaire from health and education records for children whose parents consented. Additional data on free school meal eligibility and ethnicity were obtained from the two Local Education Authorities. The parent questionnaire included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and four dimensions of the Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form-28 (CHQ-PF28). Results Response rate was 61%. The association between school free school meals eligibility and response rate in each school approached significance (r = ,0.62, P = 0.05). Data completeness of the parent questionnaire was high (mean 98%). Data completeness of the school nurse questionnaire was more variable (mean 82%). Cronbach's Alpha was greater than 0.6 for four of the five SDQ scales and greater than 0.7 for the two CHQ-PF28 multi-item scales. Relative to parents with qualifications, parents with no qualifications rated their children as having significantly more conduct problems, peer problems, and overall mental health problems (P < 0.01) as assessed by the SDQ, and significantly lower global health (P < 0.01) as assessed by the CHQ-PF28. Children with special educational needs and children with long-standing illness or disability were rated as having significantly lower global health (P < 0.05) than children without these. Sample tables of inter-school and inter-borough comparison of key findings demonstrate considerable differences in physical and mental health status. Discussion The questionnaire was acceptable to parents and school nurses, and feasible to implement within existing school resources. Initial tests of internal reliability and validity are satisfactory. These data have the potential to inform interventions and service provision at school and borough level, and public health trends over time. [source]


Adolescent life events and adult mental health 5,9 years after referral for acute psychiatric outpatient treatment

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY & PRACTICE), Issue 6 2004
T. Skarbų
Knowledge is needed of mental health in relation to life events of former acute child and adolescent outpatients at risk of suicide. The present study describes the long-term mental health outcome of young adults who as children or adolescents were referred to outpatient psychiatry for mental health problems, and identifies putative mental health statistical outcome predictors at follow-up, with focus on life events. One hundred patients referred to treatment at child and adolescent outpatient clinics in Nordland County, Norway, during 1990,1994 were interviewed face to face, 5,9 years after referral. At follow-up, life events at young age were associated with the mental health status in spite of referral and acute psychotherapeutic intervention. There was a general effect of life events at young age, affecting a large number of mental health variables. Childhood and adolescence difficulties were highly correlated, indicating a possible continuation of effects from childhood to adolescence.,Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]