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 Prevalence of Depression Symptoms and Associated Sociodemographic and Clinical Correlates Among Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hady Naal ◽  
Dana Nabulsi ◽  
Nour El Arnaout ◽  
Lina Abdouni ◽  
Hani Dimassi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Correlates ◽  
Syrian Refugee ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression

Abstract Background: Since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, close to 6 million Syrian refugees have escaped to Syria’s neighbouring countries, including Lebanon. Evidence suggests rising levels of mental health disorders among Syrian refugee populations. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, large-scale studies addressing the mental health of adult Syrian refugees in Lebanon are lacking. Aims: We examined the prevalence of depression symptoms, which represent a common and debilitating mental health disorder among Syrian refugee populations in Lebanon, along with their sociodemographic and clinical correlates.Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was conducted as part of a collaborative project-“Sijilli”- led by the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut (Beirut, Lebanon) across 4 informal tented settlements for refugees (Beirut, Bekaa, North, South) in Lebanon among adult Syrian refugees (≥18), over a period extending from 2018 to 2020. The survey inquired about participants’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and screened participants for symptoms of depression through sequential methodology using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2 and PHQ-9). Results: A total of 3255 adult Syrian refugees were enrolled in the study. Of those refugees, only 51.6% (n=1678) screened positive on the PHQ-2 and were therefore eligible to complete the PHQ-9. The PHQ-9 analysis revealed high prevalence (25%) of moderate to severe depression in the total sample, suggestive of high probability for major depression disorder (MDD). Further analyses indicate that being ≥45 years of age (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.22-2.36), a woman (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.07-1.69), divorced/separated (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.57-7.01), reporting a neurological (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.20-2.61) or a mental health condition (OR 5.30, 95% CI 2.40-11.66) are major risk factors for MDD.Conclusion: Our study suggests that one in four Syrian refugees in Lebanon have probable MDD, and our findings have important public health and clinical implications on refugee health. There is a need to enhance screening efforts, to improve access and referral to mental health services, and to improve post-migration factors among Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

scholarly journals Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and impact on self-management among adults with chronic conditions in Chicago, Illinois, USA, during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e052495
Author(s):  
Rebecca M Lovett ◽  
Lauren Opsasnick ◽  
Andrea Russell ◽  
Esther Yoon ◽  
Sophia Weiner-Light ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Measurement Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Reported

ObjectivesTo examine the prevalence of mental health symptoms during the first surge of COVID-19 in the USA, and their associations with COVID-19-related emotional distress, health self-management and healthcare utilisation.DesignCross-sectional analysis of wave 3 (1–22 May 2020) survey data from the ongoing Chicago COVID-19 Comorbidities (C3) study.SettingSeven academic and community health centres in Chicago, Illinois.Participants565 adults aged 23–88 with one or more chronic conditions completing at least one prior C3 study wave.Primary and secondary outcome measuresClinically relevant anxiety and depressive symptoms as measured using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short forms. Self-reported emotional and health-related responses to COVID-19 were measured through a combination of single-item questions and validated measures.ResultsRates of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 14% (81/563) and 15% (84/563), respectively. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were then each separately associated with greater worry about contracting COVID-19 (relative risk (RR) 2.32, 95% CI 1.52 to 3.53; RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.54), greater stress (RR 4.93, 95% CI 3.20 to 7.59; RR 3.01, 95% CI 1.96 to 4.61) and loneliness (RR 3.82, 95% CI 2.21 to 6.60; RR 5.37, 95% CI 3.21 to 8.98), greater avoidance of the doctor (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.49; RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.36) and difficulty managing health (least square means (LS Means) 6.09, 95% CI 5.25 to 6.92 vs 4.23, 95% CI 3.70 to 4.75; LS Means 5.85, 95% CI 5.04 to 6.65 vs 4.22, 95% CI 3.70 to 4.75) and medications (LS Means 3.71, 95% CI 2.98 to 4.43 vs 2.47, 95% CI 2.02 to 2.92) due to the pandemic.ConclusionsIdentifying and addressing mental health concerns may be an important factor to consider in COVID-19 prevention and management among high-risk medical populations.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on mental health outcomes among hospital fever clinic attendants across Nepal: A cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248684
Author(s):  
Hridaya Raj Devkota ◽  
Tula Ram Sijali ◽  
Ramji Bogati ◽  
Meraj Ahmad ◽  
Karuna Laxmi Shakya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Programs ◽  
The Impact

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been creating a panic and distressing situations among the entire population globally including Nepal. No study has been conducted assessing the psychological impact of this pandemic on the general public in Nepal. The objective of this study is to assess the mental health status during COVID-19 outbreak and explore the potential influencing factors among the population attending the hospital fever clinics with COVID–19 symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May—June, 2020 with a sample of 645 participants aged 18 and above in 26 hospitals across Nepal. Telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire along with a validated psychometric tool, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) scale. The metrics and scores of symptoms and their severity were created and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of potential covariates with outcome variables. Results The prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress were 14%, 7% and 5% respectively. In reference to Karnali, participants from Bagmati province reported higher level of anxiety (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.31–9.06), while stress (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.09–18.32) and depressive symptoms (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.05–9.23) observed higher among the participants in Province 1. Women were more at risk of anxiety (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.83–6.36) than men. Similarly, people currently living in rented houses reported more stress (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.05–8.43) and those living far from family reported higher rates of depressive symptoms (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.03–11.46). Conclusion The study identified increased prevalence of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms during the initial stage of COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Considering the findings, there is urgent need to develop and implement appropriate community-based mental health programs targeting individuals who have had COVID-19 symptoms and who are prone to develop adverse mental health outcomes.

scholarly journals Loneliness, mental health and COVID-19 in the Spanish population

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-62
Author(s):  
Berta Ausín ◽  
Clara González-Sanguino ◽  
Miguel Ángel Castellanos ◽  
Jesús Saiz ◽  
Carolina Ugidos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Spanish Population ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Data

The study aim was to assess the effects of the health emergency and the stay-at-home restrictions on loneliness variables in the Spanish population during the initial stage of COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey of 3480 people. From March 14, 2020, screening tests were used to evaluate sociodemographic and COVID-19-related data on loneliness, social support, the presence of mental health symptoms, discrimination, and spiritual well-being. Descriptive analyses were conducted and linear regression models were constructed. A negative association was found between loneliness and being older, being partnered, having children, being a university graduate, being retired or still working, having stronger religious beliefs, believing that information provided about the pandemic was adequate, having social support, and having self-compassion. Actions that promote social support and further studies on loneliness in groups of older people are needed to prevent the pandemic having a stronger impact on mental health and well-being.

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 Generalized anxiety disorder, depressive symptoms and sleep quality during COVID-19 epidemic in China: a web-based cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeen Huang ◽  
Ning Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Influence Factors ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based

Abstract Background China has been severely affected by COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) since December, 2019. This study aimed to assess the population mental health burden during the epidemic, and to explore the potential influence factors. Methods Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 7,236 self-selected volunteers assessed with demographic information, COVID-19 related knowledge, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Center for Epidemiology Scale for Depression (CES-D), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regressions were used to identify influence factors associated with mental health problem. Results Of the total sample analyzed, the overall prevalence of GAD, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality were 35.1%, 20.1%, and 18.2%, respectively. Young people reported a higher prevalence of GAD and depressive symptoms than older people ( P <0.001). Compared with other occupational group, healthcare workers have the highest rate of poor sleep quality ( P <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (< 35 years) and times to focus on the COVID-19 (≥ 3 hours per day) were associated with GAD, and healthcare workers were associated with poor sleep quality. Conclusions Our study identified a major mental health burden of the public during COVID-19 epidemic in China. Young people, people who spent too much time on the epidemic, and healthcare workers were at high risk for mental illness. Continuous surveillance and monitoring of the psychological consequences for outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide.

Resilience and mental health issues in classical musicians: A preliminary study

2020 ◽  
pp. 030573562092778
Author(s):  
Jolan Kegelaers ◽  
Michiel Schuijer ◽  
Raôul RD Oudejans
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Music Students ◽  
Psychological Resilience ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Classical Musicians

Due to considerable occupational challenges and stressors, classical musicians might face increased risk for mental health issues, compared to the general population. As such, scholars have highlighted the importance of developing psychological resilience in musicians. Nevertheless, this important psychological characteristic has remained understudied within music psychology. The present study therefore examined the relationship between mental health issues and resilience. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a total of 64 musicians (including both music students and professionals) participated in this study. Results highlight that symptoms of depression/anxiety were relatively high within the current population. Moreover, music students experienced significantly more symptoms compared to professional musicians. Both resilience and general physical health were found to be negatively associated with mental health issues. The results highlight the need for further research into mental health issues in music students and provide preliminary evidence for the importance of psychological resilience in classical musicians.

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 COVID-19 Pandemic Influence on Healthcare Professionals

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1280
Author(s):  
Anna Klimkiewicz ◽  
Adrianna Schmalenberg ◽  
Jakub Klimkiewicz ◽  
Agata Jasińska ◽  
Joanna Jasionowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

During the pandemic, many healthcare professionals (HCPs) are overburdened by work and stress. The aim of the study was to examine alcohol intake, sleep disorders, and depressive symptoms of HCPs during the pandemic in comparison with the pre-pandemic period. Another goal was to indicate risk factors for mental state deterioration and an increase in alcohol use. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted from 1 April to 15 May 2020. HCPs (n = 158) completed questionnaires that probed for symptoms during and prior to the pandemic, including the Beck depression inventory (BDI), Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS), Athens insomnia scale (AIS), and Alcohol Timeline Followback (TLFB) calendar of alcohol consumption. Gender, age, education, marital status, work situation, income, participants’ and relatives’ COVID-19 diagnosis as correlates were analyzed. Depressive symptoms and insomnia became more severe during the pandemic among HCPs, while social support increased. The increase in depressive symptoms was even higher among women (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.05–7.36; p = 0.04) and was also positively correlated with work reduction (p = 0.02); the presence of sleep disorders was correlated with female gender. Alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic, and was correlated with both more time spent at work and income increase. HCPs involved in the treatment of COVID-19 need support and attention due to the excessive stress load during pandemics, resulting in depression, insomnia, and increased alcohol intake.

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