scholarly journals Psychological Distress in Caregivers for People with Dementia: A Population-Based Analysis of a National Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Norio Sugawara ◽  
Norio Yasui-Furukori ◽  
Kazushi Maruo ◽  
Kazutaka Shimoda ◽  
Tomiki Sumiyoshi
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Serious Psychological Distress ◽  
Forward Selection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Distress Scale

Background: Taking care of patients with dementia is often stressful and exhausting. The burden placed on caregivers (CGs) for care recipients with dementia (CRDs) has been reported to cause psychological distress. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological distress experienced by CGs for CRDs and identify the sociodemographic factors affecting that distress. Methods: We utilized the 2013 Comprehensive Survey of the Living Conditions for CRDs and CGs. Linked data from 643 pairs of CRDs and CGs were extracted. Serious psychological distress experienced by CGs was measured by Kessler’s Psychological Distress scale (K6) with a cutoff point of 13. Factors predictive of psychological distress were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis with the forward selection method. Results: Overall, the mean age of the CGs was 63.5±11.6 years, and 5.3%(34/643) experienced serious psychological distress. Male sex of CRDs, knowing how to access consulting services, spending almost all day for nursing care, and having subjective symptoms within a few days of completing the survey were associated with having serious psychological distress, while older age, participating in shopping as part of the nursing activities, and having their own house were related to freedom from serious psychological distress. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for psychological distress in CGs and consider providing support to reduce the distress imposed by modifiable factors. Further studies are warranted to examine whether such efforts would improve the mental health of CGs for CRDs.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress in Caregivers for People With Dementia: A Population-Based Analysis of A National Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norio Sugawara ◽  
Norio Yasui-Furukori ◽  
Kazushi Maruo ◽  
Kazutaka Shimoda ◽  
Tomiki Sumiyoshi
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Serious Psychological Distress ◽  
Forward Selection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Background: Informal caregivers (CGs), also called family caregivers, play an important role in supporting the well-being of and providing care to older people with dementia. However, taking care of patients with dementia is often stressful and exhausting. To facilitate the sustainable provision of care to people with dementia at home, it is crucial to reduce the burden placed on CGs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological distress experienced by CGs for care recipients with dementia (CRDs) and identify the sociodemographic factors affecting that distress.Methods: We utilized the 2013 Comprehensive Survey of the Living Conditions for CRDs and CGs. Linked data from 643 pairs of CRDs and CGs were extracted. The psychological distress experienced by CGs was measured by Kessler’s Psychological Distress scale (K6) with a cutoff point of 13. Factors predictive of psychological distress were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis with the forward selection method.Results: Overall, the mean age of the CGs was 63.5 ± 11.6 years, and 5.3% (34/643) experienced serious psychological distress. Male sex of CRDs, knowing how to access consulting services, spending almost all day for nursing care, and having subjective symptoms within a few days were associated with having serious psychological distress, while older age, participating in shopping as part of the nursing, and having their own house were related to freedom from serious psychological distress.Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for psychological distress in CGs and consider providing support to reduce the burden imposed by modifiable factors. Further studies are warranted to examine whether such efforts would improve the mental health of CGs for CRDs.

scholarly journals Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6700
Author(s):  
Mduduzi Colani Shongwe ◽  
Song-Lih Huang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
The Government ◽  
Distress Scale

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.

scholarly journals Association between Participation Activities, Pain Severity, and Psychological Distress in Old Age: A Population-Based Study of Swedish Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2795
Author(s):  
Elena Dragioti ◽  
Björn Gerdle ◽  
Lars-Åke Levin ◽  
Lars Bernfort ◽  
Huan-Ji Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Pain Severity ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Modifiable Factors

Although chronic pain is common in old age, previous studies on participation activities in old age seldom consider pain aspects and its related consequences. This study analyses associations between participation activities, pain severity, and psychological distress in an aging population of Swedish older adults (N = 6611). We examined older adults’ participation in five common leisure activities using the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI), sociodemographic factors, pain severity, weight status, comorbidities, and pain-related psychological distress (anxiety, depression, insomnia severity, and pain catastrophising). We found that gender, body mass index (BMI) levels, and psychological distress factors significantly affected older adults’ participation in leisure activities. Pain severity and multimorbidity were not significantly associated with older adults’ participation in leisure activities nor with gender stratification in generalised linear regression models. The potentially modifiable factors, such as high levels of BMI and psychological distress, affected activity participation in men and women differently. Health professionals and social workers should consider gender and target potentially modifiable factors such as weight status and psychological distress to increase older adults’ participation in leisure activities.

scholarly journals BDNF val66met genotype is not associated with psychological distress: A cross-sectional study in Indonesian young adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Ng ◽  
Sofa Dewi Alfian ◽  
Rizky Abdulah ◽  
Melisa Intan Barliana
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Val66met Polymorphism ◽  
Bdnf Val66met Polymorphism ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Background The number of mental disorders has been increasing but has yet to receive sufficient attention. Healthcare students and professionals tend to have high stress burden. Finding the root cause of psychological distress is important to formulate a method for early detection. The association of BDNF val66met polymorphism to neuropsychiatric disorders has been widely studied. The aim of this study was to interplay between BDNF val66met polymorphism and sociodemographic factors in the pathogenesis of psychological distress among Indonesian students. Methods Level of psychological distress and sociodemographic profiling was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and sociodemographic questionnaires, respectively. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-amplified refractory mutation system. Pearson’s chi square and binomial logistic tests were used to evaluate the correlation. Results This study recruited 148 participants. The psychological distress levels of the participants were well (27.03%), mild (37.16%), moderate (25.00%), and severe (10.81%). Genotypic distributions were AA (25.67%), GA (50.68%), and GG (23.65%). No statistical significance was found in the study (p > 0.05). Conclusion Psychological distress is not affected by genotypic and environmental factors. Further confirmatory research with larger and broader populations is required.

scholarly journals Factors associated with serious psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a nationwide cross-sectional internet-based study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e051115
Author(s):  
Takashi Yoshioka ◽  
Ryo Okubo ◽  
Takahiro Tabuchi ◽  
Satomi Odani ◽  
Tomohiro Shinozaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Income Level ◽  
Economic Situation ◽  
Serious Psychological Distress ◽  
Sampling Weights ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Caregiving Burden ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Factors Associated

ObjectiveTo investigate the factors associated with serious psychological distress (SPD) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.DesignNationwide cross-sectional study using survey data.SettingInternet survey using sampling weights for national estimates conducted between 25 August and 30 September 2020 in Japan.ExposuresDemographics (age, gender), socioeconomic status (income level, employment type, educational attainment, marital status, family composition and caregiving burden); the experience of domestic violence (DV), the state of emergency and fear of and stigma related to COVID-19.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of SPD, defined as Kessler 6 Scale score ≥13.ResultsAmong 25 482 respondents, 10.0% met the criteria of SPD. Overall, women (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.59; 95% CI 1.17 to 2.16; p=0.003), ages 15–29 (aOR 2.35 compared with ages 45–59 years; 95% CI 1.64 to 3.38; p<0.001), low-income level (aOR 1.70 compared with intermediate income; 95% CI 1.16 to 2.49; p=0.007), providing caregiving to family members (aOR 5.48; 95% CI 3.51 to 8.56; p<0.001), experiencing DV (aOR 5.72; 95% CI 3.81 to 8.59; p<0.001) and fear of COVID-19 (aOR 1.96; 95% CI 1.55 to 2.48; p<0.001) were associated with SPD. Among women aged 15–29 years, who have a higher risk of suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, caregiving, DV, fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19-related stigma were associated with SPD.ConclusionsEconomic situation, caregiving burden, DV and fear of COVID-19 were independently associated with SPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among young women, similar factors, except economic situation, were associated with SPD. Targeted interventions based on age and gender may be more effective in mitigating the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the population’s mental health.

The Association Between Chronic Disease and Psychological Distress: An Australian Twin Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 322-329
Author(s):  
Jessica Tyler ◽  
Janine Lam ◽  
Katrina Scurrah ◽  
Gillian Dite
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Twin Study ◽  
Disease Status ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Distress Scale

AbstractThere is a commonly observed association between chronic disease and psychological distress, but many potential factors could confound this association. This study investigated the association using a powerful twin study design that can control for unmeasured confounders that are shared between twins, including genetic and environmental factors. We used twin-paired cross-sectional data from the Adult Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire collected by Twins Research Australia from 2014 to 2017. Linear regression models fitted using maximum likelihood estimations (MLE) were used to test the association between self-reported chronic disease status and psychological distress, measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). When comparing between twin pairs, having any chronic disease was associated with a 1.29 increase in K6 (95% CI: 0.91, 1.66; p < .001). When comparing twins within a pair, having any chronic disease was associated with a 0.36 increase in K6 (95% CI: 0.002, 0.71; p = .049). This within-pair estimate is of most interest as comparing twins within a pair naturally controls for shared factors such as genes, age and shared lived experiences. Whereas the between-pair estimate does not. The weaker effect found within pairs tells us that genetic and environmental factors shared between twins confounds the relationship between chronic disease and psychological distress. This suggests that associations found in unrelated samples may show exaggerated estimates.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with the Caregivers’ Desire to Institutionalize Persons with Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 298-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Vandepitte ◽  
Koen Putman ◽  
Nele Van Den Noortgate ◽  
Sofie Verhaeghe ◽  
Eric Mormont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Respite Care ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Modifiable Factors

Background/Aims: Dementia is one of the main reasons for institutionalization among the elderly. Few studies have explored factors associated with the caregivers’ (CG) desire to institutionalize (DTI) a person with dementia (PWD). The objective of this study is to identify modifiable and non-modifiable psychosocial and sociodemographic factors associated with a caregiver’s DTI. Methods: Cross-sectional data of 355 informal CG of community-dwelling PWD were analyzed. Several characteristics were identified in CG and PWD to be included in a multivariable regression model based on the purposeful selection method. Results: Positively modifiable associated factors were: higher CG burden, being affected by behavioral problems, and respite care use. Positively associated non-modifiable factors were: CG older age, being professionally active, and CG higher educational level. Cohabitation and change of professional situation were negatively associated. Conclusion: Although no causality can be assumed, several practical recommendations can be suggested. First of all, these results reconfirm the importance of multicomponent strategies, especially support aimed at decreasing burden and in learning coping strategies. Also, CG might benefit from information about support options, such as respite care services. Finally, special attention should be given to older and working CG. In the latter, flexible and adaptive working conditions might alleviate burden and therefore reduce the DTI of the PWD.

scholarly journals App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawson Church ◽  
Peta Stapleton ◽  
Debbie Sabot
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Emotional Intensity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Emotional Freedom Techniques ◽  
Distress Scale

BACKGROUND The burgeoning area of mobile health (mHealth) has experienced rapid growth in mobile apps designed to address mental health issues. Although abundant apps offer strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety and stress, information regarding their efficacy is scarce. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the effect of an mHealth app on user self-ratings of psychological distress in a sample of 270,461 app users. The Tapping Solution App guides users through the therapeutic protocols of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based psychophysiological intervention that combines acupressure with elements of cognitive and exposure therapies. METHODS App users provided self-ratings of emotional intensity before and after app sessions (termed “tapping meditations”) using an 11-point Subjective Units of Distress scale. App user data for 23 tapping meditations, which addressed psychological symptoms of anxiety and stress, were gathered between October 2018 and October 2019, totaling 380,034 completed app sessions. RESULTS Across 12 anxiety-tapping meditations, the difference in emotional intensity ratings from presession (mean 6.66, SD 0.25) to postsession (mean 3.75, SD 0.30) was statistically significant (<i>P</i>&lt;.001; 95% CI −2.92 to −2.91). Across 11 stress-tapping meditations, a statistically significant difference was also found from presession (mean 6.91, SD 0.48) to postsession (mean 3.83, SD 0.54; <i>P</i>&lt;.001; 95% CI −3.08 to −3.07). The results are consistent with the literature on the efficacy of Clinical EFT for anxiety and stress when offered in conventional therapeutic formats. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the mHealth app in the immediate reduction of self-rated psychological distress. As an adjunct to professional mental health care, the app promises accessible and convenient therapeutic benefits.

scholarly journals Use, awareness and willingness to self-test for HIV: An analysis of cross-sectional population-based surveys in Malawi and Zimbabwe

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Case Johnson ◽  
Melissa Neuman ◽  
Peter MacPherson ◽  
Augustine Choko ◽  
Caitlin Quinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Population Based ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Result Analysis

Abstract Background Many southern African countries are nearing the global goal to diagnose 90% of people with HIV by 2020. In 2016, 84% and 86% of people with HIV knew their status in Malawi and Zimbabwe respectively. Despite this progress, gaps remain, particularly among men (≥25 years). We investigated awareness, use and willingness to HIV self-test (HIVST) prior to large scale implementation and explored sociodemographic associations. Methods We pooled responses from two of the first cross-sectional Demographic Health Surveys to include HIVST questions: Malawi and Zimbabwe in 2015-16. Sociodemographic factors and sexual risk behaviours associated with previously testing for HIV, and awareness, past use and future willingness to self-test were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for the sample design and limiting analysis to participants with completed questionnaire and a valid HIV result. Analysis of willingness to self-test was restricted to Zimbabwean men, as Malawians and women were not asked this question. Results Of 31 385 individuals, the proportion never-tested was higher for men (31.2%) than women (16.5%), p<0.001. For men, having ever tested increased with age. Past use and awareness of HIVST was very low, 1.2% and 12.6% respectively. Awareness was lower among women than men (9.1% vs 15.3%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-1.75), and at younger ages, and lower education and literacy levels. Willingness to self-test among Zimbabwean men was high (84.5%), with having previously tested for HIV, high sexual risk, and being ≥25 years associated with greater willingness. Wealthier men had greater awareness of HIVST than poorer men (p<0.001). Men at higher HIV-related sexual risk, compared to men at lower HIV-related sexual risk, had the greatest willingness to self-test (aOR=3.74; 95%CI: 1.39-10.03, p<0.009).Conclusions In 2015-16 many Malawian and Zimbabwean men had never tested for HIV. Despite low awareness and minimal HIVST experience at that time, willingness to self-test was high among Zimbabwean men, especially in older men with moderate to high HIV-related sexual risk. These data provide a valuable baseline against which to investigate population-level uptake of HIVST as programmes scale-up. Programmes introducing, or planning to introduce HIVST, should consider including questions in population-based surveys.

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