Examining the associations between food worry and mental health during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

ObjectiveLittle is known about the association between mental health and diminished food worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines worry about having enough food to meet household needs and its association with mental health during the early months of the pandemic in Canada.MethodsData are drawn from the first round of a multi-round mental health monitoring survey. Online surveys were administered between May 14 and 29, 2020, to a nationally representative sample of Canadian adults (n = 3000). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between food worry and mental health indicators (anxious/worried, depressed, worse mental health compared with pre-pandemic, and suicidal thoughts/feelings), after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and pre-existing mental health conditions. Fully adjusted models explored the impact of controlling for financial worry due to the pandemic in the previous 2 weeks.ResultsOverall, 17.3% of the sample reported food worry due to the pandemic in the previous 2 weeks, with the highest prevalence found among those with a reported disability (29.3%), Indigenous identity (27.1%), or pre-existing mental health condition (25.3%). Compared with participants who did not report food worry, those who did had higher odds of reporting feeling anxious/worried (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.08–1.71) and suicidal thoughts/feelings (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.24–2.80) when controlling for socio-demographics, pre-existing mental health conditions, and financial worry.ConclusionThis paper provides insights about the associations between food worry and mental health in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicates the need for improved policies and social supports to mitigate food worry and associated mental health outcomes.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.17269/s41997-021-00557-w.     

Changes in physical activity and basic psychological needs related to mental health among people with physical disability during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway

BackgroundPeople with a physical disability are more inactive than the general population. Due to the positive effects of physical activity (PA) on physical and mental health, maintaining a physically active lifestyle is important especially during challenging periods of life.ObjectiveExplore whether people with a physical disability experienced changes in PA, health status, and psychological need satisfaction (autonomy, competence and relatedness) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. Further, explore whether changes in psychological need satisfaction were associated with changes in PA level and mental health.MethodsCross-sectional retrospective study using an online self-reported questionnaire after the first wave during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsOf the 298 participants with physical disabilities (Age_M = 49yr; 62% females; 66% using mobility aids), 66% reported decreased PA compared to the same period in the previous year, 45% reported declined health status due to increased pain and reduced physical functioning. Regarding psychological need satisfaction, it was primarily the change in need for autonomy and competence for PA that were associated with change in PA and mental health.ConclusionsMost of the participants indicated decreased PA and about half decreased Health status during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the results indicated that it is important to nurture the basic psychological needs of autonomy and competence for PA when aiming to maintain or increase PA levels and mental health for this population living under restrictions of a pandemic.     

新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情暴发期间护士身心健康状况调查

目的 调查新型冠状病毒肺炎(新冠肺炎)疫情暴发期间,临床护士身体心理健康状态,为其减轻身心压力,提升工作状态提供依据.方法 采用便利抽样法,应用PSTRI心理身体紧张松弛测试表对新冠肺炎疫情暴发期间临床护士身心健康状况进行调查,并采用t检验、方差分析对不同人群特征的身心健康得分差异进行分析.结果 共调查广东省29家三级...     

The effects of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and mental health of children and young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities

BackgroundCOVID-19 has caused unprecedented restrictions, significantly affecting the most vulnerable groups in society, such as those with a disability.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on physical activity and mental health of children and young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional design. Parents/carers completed an electronic survey in the UK between June–July 2020 on behalf of their child. Through Likert scales and free-text questions, the survey asked about physical activity levels and mental health during lockdown compared to before, access to specialist facilities and equipment to aid with physical activity, and the short- and long-term concerns around ongoing lockdown restrictions.ResultsGenerally, respondents reported negative effects of lockdown restrictions, with 61% reporting a reduction in physical activity levels and over 90% reporting a negative impact on mental health (including poorer behaviour, mood, fitness and social and learning regression). Many respondents cited a lack of access to specialist facilities, therapies and equipment as reasons for this, and raised concerns about the long-term effects of this lack of access on their child’s mental health and physical activity levels.ConclusionsThe survey highlights the negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the physical activity levels and mental health of children and young adults with disabilities and highlights the importance of addressing the needs of the disabled community as restrictions are eased.     

新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情期间大学生心理健康及应对方式调查研究

目的 调查新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情期间大学生心理健康、应对方式状况及其影响因素。方法 采用自制一般信息问卷、《突发性公共卫生事件心理问卷》和《简易应对方式问卷》对全国1 571名大学生进行网络调查。结果 在心理健康方面,少数民族的神经衰弱（t = 2.08,P＜0.05）、女生的恐惧（t = 4.04,P＜0.05）,非医学生的恐惧、强迫-焦虑和疑病（t = 3.25、2.56、2.73,均P＜0.05）,学生干部的恐惧（t = 2.46,P＜0.05）,及农村学生的疑病（t = 2.40, P＜0.05）得分均较高。在积极应对方面,女生、汉族及城市学生的得分较高（t = 2.32、3.29、3.08,均P＜0.05）。在消极应对方面,父亲学历为高中、大专、本科及以上的学生得分均较高（t = 2.10、2.10、2.34, 均P＜0.05）。多元线性回归分析显示,倾向于积极应对方式的大学生抑郁、神经衰弱、强迫-焦虑及疑病等维度得分较低（t = - 12.13、- 13.20、- 9.15、- 6.73,均P＜0.05）;倾向于消极应对方式的大学生抑郁、神经衰弱、恐惧、强迫-焦虑及疑病维度得分较高（t = 10.03、11.73、4.94、7.83、4.40,均P＜0.05）。结论 应对突发性公共卫生事件,高等学校应针对不同类型的大学生,尤其是学生干部、少数民族、农村及非医学学生,及时进行心理健康干预,引导他们采取积极的应对方式,提升其解决心理健康问题的能力。     

The association of physical activity,sleep, and screen time with mental health in Canadian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal isotemporal substitution analysis

BackgroundThe impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health is a global concern. Increased screen time and reduced physical activity due to the lockdown measures have been linked to detrimental mental health outcomes; however, the literature remains limited by cross-sectional and retrospective designs, and consideration of behaviours in isolation. Prospective evidence is necessary to examine whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sleep and screen time influenced changes in mental health.MethodAnalyses used data from a prospective cohort study of secondary school students in Canada with baseline data from the 2018–2019 school year and linked follow-up data from online surveys completed during the initial COVID-19 outbreak (May–July 2020). Multilevel linear regression models were used to evaluate the within- and between-person isotemporal substitution effects of sleep, MVPA and screen time behaviours on depression, anxiety, subjective well-being, and trait emotional dysregulation.ResultsLinked longitudinal data from 2645 students attending 44 schools were available. Between-person effects indicated that individuals who engaged in more MVPA and sleep while minimizing screen time had lower depression scores, less severe emotional dysregulation, and better subjective well-being. While controlling for between-person effects, within-person year-on-year change suggests those who increased screen time while decreasing either MVPA or sleep experienced mental health decline on all outcomes.ConclusionMVPA and sleep were associated with youth mental health during the early COVID-19 lockdown. Increasing MVPA and sleep (or at least mitigating the increase of screen time) compared to the prior year was associated with better mental health during the early pandemic. A limitation to consider is that the screen time measure represents a combination of screen behaviours, and effects of replacing screen time may have varied if distinctions were made.     

Understanding the mental health impacts of poor quality private-rented housing during the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown

This paper examines the mental health impacts of poor quality private-rented housing in the north of England during the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown. The paper draws on data collected from semi-structured telephone interviews with 40 renters in the private-rented sector. We use the Power Threat Meaning Framework to highlight how substandard housing was a social and material vulnerability which, underpinned by powerlessness, resulted in threats that created and exacerbated the mental-ill health of precarious private renters. The paper suggests the pandemic and increased time spent in unhealthy places of residence can create stresses at a time of broader structural fragility, and calls for the greater engagement and integration of health practitioners in the future development of housing policy at all levels.     

Mobility restrictions and mental health among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador

ObjectiveTo study the association between mobility restriction and mental health outcomes among Ecuadorian young adults.MethodThe present is a cross-sectional study that included a non-probabilistic sample of mostly highly educated young adults. Socio-demographic and mental health data were collected through an online survey, between May and June 2020, when confinement was mandatory in Ecuador. Data on mobility was extracted from Google Community Mobility Reports. Four aspects of the participants’ mental health were evaluated: eating behavior (emotional eating), depression, sleep quality and sense of coherence as a proxy of resilience, using previously validated instruments. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models in R.ResultsSample included 8426 young adults, with a mean age of 22.85 (standard deviation: 4.43), most of whom were women (n = 5943, 70.53%). During mandatory confinement, in Ecuador mobility in general was reduced by nearly 50% in comparison to January/February, 2020. Less healthy eating behavior, depression, worse sleep quality and lower sense of coherence were associated with higher mobility restriction to workplaces and groceries/pharmacies. Women and youngsters more often showed depression, less healthy eating behavior, worse quality of sleep and lower sense of coherence in comparison with men and older respondents.ConclusionsMobility restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic were associated with worse self-reported mental health in a sample of young highly-educated Ecuadorian adults. Women and youngsters were the most affected. Our findings highlight the need of implementing health promotion measures directed to ameliorate the effects of confinement on mental health, focusing on women and youngsters.     

新冠肺炎疫情背景下公共卫生安全问题反思

新冠肺炎疫情的暴发与蔓延,给公共卫生安全体系带来巨大挑战。文章以新冠肺炎疫情为例,剖析疫情暴发与应对过程中所暴露的公共卫生安全问题及其链锁机制,从多层面、多主体探析公共卫生安全危机产生的深层次原因。目前,亟待提高全社会安全意识、完善公共卫生法律体系、整合社会资源,引导社会合作与社会参与共同建立常态化应急准备机制,同时建立卫生问题国内多部门协同治理的联防联控机制以及国际合作机制协同,强化事后反思与容错机制,以期铸就公共卫生安全的严密防线。     

Physical activity and the incidence of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: Findings from the PAMPA cohort

We examined the longitudinal association between physical activity (PA) and the incidence of self-reported diagnosed depression in adults in southern Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health) cohort was used. Data collection for baseline was carried out on June–July 2020, with two follow-up assessments taking place six months apart. An online, self-reported questionnaire assessed depression and PA. Depression was assessed by asking participants whether they were ever diagnosed with depression. We included 441 participants (women: 75.9%; mean age [SD]: 38.0 [13.5]) in southern Brazil. Over the follow-up, 21.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.1%–25.9%) were diagnosed with depression. Insufficiently active (<150 min per week of physical activity) (Incidence rate [IR]: 61.9; 95%CI: 39.5–102.4; p = 0.047) and active (≥150 min per week of physical activity) (IR: 50.4; 95%CI: 31.9–84.0; p = 0.015) participants had reduced IR of depression per 1000 persons-year at risk compared to inactive ones (0 min per week of physical activity) (IR: 99.9; 95%CI: 79.7–126.8). In the adjusted analyses, participants in the insufficient active (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.58; 95%CI: 0.34–0.98) and active (HR: 0.53; 95%CI: 0.31–0.93) group had a lower risk of developing depression than the inactive group. PA both at and out of home reduced the risk of incident depression (HR: 0.49; 95%CI: 0.25–0.98) compared to no physical activity. Endurance (HR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.28–0.97) and endurance plus strengthening (HR: 0.40; 95%CI: 0.17–0.95) PA reduced the risk of incident depression compared to none. Being physically active during pandemic, regardless of the amount of PA practiced, reduced the incidence of depression in adults in southern Brazil.     

Downstream health impacts of employment losses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives The Canadian workforce has experienced significant employment losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, in part as a result of non-pharmaceutical interventions to slow COVID-19 transmission. Health consequences are likely to result from these job losses, but without historical precedent for the current economic shutdown they are challenging to plan for. Our study aimed to use population risk models to quantify potential downstream health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and inform public health planning to minimize future health burden.MethodsThe impact of COVID-19 job losses on future premature mortality and high-resource health care utilization (HRU) was estimated using an economic model of Canadian COVID-19 lockdowns and validated population risk models. Five-year excess premature mortality and HRU were estimated by age and sex to describe employment-related health consequences of COVID-19 lockdowns in the Canadian population.ResultsWith federal income supplementation like the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, we estimate that each month of economic lockdown will result in 5.6 new high-resource health care system users (HRUs), and 4.1 excess premature deaths, per 100,000, over the next 5 years. These effects were concentrated in ages 45–64, and among males 18–34. Without income supplementation, the health consequences were approximately twice as great in terms of both HRUs and premature deaths.ConclusionEmployment losses associated with COVID-19 countermeasures may have downstream implications for health. Public health responses should consider financially vulnerable populations at high risk of downstream health outcomes.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.17269/s41997-021-00588-3.     

Findings from an online survey on the mental health effects of COVID-19 on Canadians with disabilities and chronic health conditions

BackgroundAlthough the COVID-19 pandemic has led to worsening mental health outcomes throughout the Canadian population, its effects have been more acute among already marginalized groups, including people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. This paper examines how heightened fears of contracting the virus, financial impacts, and social isolation contribute to declining mental health among this already vulnerable group.Objective/hypothesisThis paper investigates how increases in anxiety, stress, and despair are associated with concerns about getting infected, COVID-19-induced financial hardship, and increased social isolation as a result of adhering to protective measures among people with disabilities and chronic health conditions.MethodsThis study uses original national quota-based online survey data (n = 1027) collected in June 2020 from people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Three logistic regression models investigate the relationship between COVID-19’s effects on finances, concerns about contracting the virus, changes in loneliness and belonging, and measures taken to combat the spread of COVID-19 and reports of increased anxiety, stress, and despair, net of covariates.ResultsModels show that increased anxiety, stress, and despair were associated with negative financial effects of COVID-19, greater concerns about contracting COVID-19, increased loneliness, and decreased feelings of belonging. Net of other covariates, increased measures taken to combat COVID-19 was not significantly associated with mental health outcomes.ConclusionsFindings address how the global health crisis is contributing to declining mental health status through heightened concerns over contracting the virus, increases in economic insecurity, and growing social isolation, speaking to how health pandemics exacerbate health inequalities.     

Role of neighborhood social support in stress coping and psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from Hubei,China

The COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in China, has caused severe health problems and imposed a tremendous psychological impact on the public. This study investigated the risk and protective factors associated with psychological distress among Hubei residents during the peak of the outbreak. Data were obtained from a combined online and telephone survey of 1,682 respondents. Various COVID-19-related stressors, including risk exposure, limited medical treatment access, inadequate basic supplies, reduced income, excessive exposure to COVID-19-related information, and perceived discrimination, were associated with psychological distress. Neighborhood social support can reduce psychological distress and buffer the effect of COVID-19-related stressors, whereas support from friends/relatives affected stress coping limitedly. Interventions to reduce stressors and promote neighborhood support are vital to reduce psychological distress during infectious disease outbreaks.     

Mental health status of healthcare workers at a third line tunisian hospital during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: During the COVID-19(coronavirus-19 disease) pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) faced the risk of infection and distressing work to meet health requirements. The aim of the present stud ywas to evaluate perceptions of HCWs of their security at work in COVID-19 units and their coping strategies, at the military hospital of Tunis, during the second wave of COVID-19. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted via an auto-questionnaire on February 2021.HCWs of the military hospital of Tunis were included. Participants were asked about their perceived security at work in COVID-19 units and their coping behaviors. Mental disorders were assessed, via qualitative questionnaires. Results:A total of 110 HCWs’ responses were collected. Fifty-eight participants (52.7%) were females. The mean age was 33.7 years (SD 9.3). They were doctors at 45.5% and nurses at 39.1%. HCWs declared having worked in COVID-19 units in 81.8% of cases. The participants reported their fears about being infected in 58.2% and infecting family members in 85.5% of cases. Protective factors included information about the disease (80%), availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (80.9%), support from colleagues(72.7%)or superiors at work (50.9%), and ability to communicate with others (63.6%). Depression, anxiety, and insomnia were found in respectively 25.5%, 30%, and 41.8% of HCWs. In multivariate analysis, suffering from a traumatic distress was significantly associated with anxiety and depression (p<0.01 and, p<0.05 respectively). In addition, insomnia severity was linked to age (p=0.05) and having colleagues infected with COVID-19 (p<0.05). Conclusion:In the present study, HCWs of the military hospital of Tunis stated having high levels of insomnia, anxiety, and depression since the early outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. These mental disorders may have a negative impact on the quality of life of HCWs and should be enhanced by psychological support and preventive measures.     

The experience of individuals affected by Australia's international border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explored the experiences of individuals who reported being negatively affected by Australia's international border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative data from 1930 adults who responded to a cross-sectional online survey exploring the mental health and wellbeing of individuals affected by border closure were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, drawing on understandings of the relationship between place and wellbeing. Four themes were identified: ‘Disconnection from family and social connections’, ‘Disconnection from a sense of home and belonging’, ‘Disconnection and sense of self’, and ‘A desire for reconnection’. Results provide a rich illustration of the relationship between disconnection from place and wellbeing during COVID-19 and highlight the need to support those affected and consider these adverse effects in future public health planning.     

Physical activity levels and shoulder pain in wheelchair users during COVID-19 restrictions

BackgroundManual wheelchair users are at high risk of developing shoulder pain. However, it is not known if restrictions to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus affected physical activity, wheelchair use and shoulder pain.ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to determine whether COVID-19 related restrictions caused changes in physical activity levels and the presence of shoulder pain in persons who use a wheelchair.MethodsManual wheelchair users completed a survey about the presence and severity of shoulder pain in a cross-sectional study design. Participants completed the Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire and were asked about daily wheelchair activity before and during lockdown. A logistic regression examined the relationship between increase in shoulder pain severity and change in activity levels.ResultsSixty respondents were included for analysis. There was no significant change in physical activity during lockdown. There was a significant reduction in number of hours of daily wheelchair use and number of chair transfers during lockdown. Of the respondents, 67% reported having shoulder pain and 22% reported their shoulder pain becoming more severe during lockdown. No significant relationship was observed between the change in activity levels and increasing severity of shoulder pain.ConclusionRestrictions to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus resulted in no changes in physical activity levels in a sample of adult manual wheelchair users; however, there was a reduced time using a wheelchair each day and fewer chair transfers. The changes in wheelchair activities were not related to the worsening of shoulder pain.     

Association between work-related changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and severe psychological distress among Japanese workers

This study aimed to evaluate the association between work-related changes caused by COVID-19 and psychological distress among Japanese workers. The cross-sectional study was conducted from August 25 to September 30, 2020. The participants were 15,454 employees who were registered as panelists with an online survey company. The Kessler psychological distress scale with a 13-point cutoff was used to measure psychological distress. Multiple logistic regression was performed. Of the respondents, 8.9% were evaluated as having severe psychological distress. Among five examined work-related changes, being laid off and changing jobs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.18–7.05), experiencing temporary workplace closure (aOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.67–2.25), being forced to visit the workplace for paperwork (aOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.58–2.15), and starting telework from home (aOR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.01–1.37) were associated with increased psychological distress; no significant association was found for participation in work-related online meetings. The impact on psychological distress was greater among men, especially for being laid off and changing jobs because of COVID-19. It is important to assess and reduce negative mental health effects among workers experiencing work-related changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, taking gender differences into account.