Exploring the Association Between Structural Racism and Mental Health: Geospatial and Machine Learning Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Structural racism produces mental health disparities. While studies have examined the impact of individual factors such as poverty and education, the collective contribution of these elements, as manifestations of structural racism, has been less explored. Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, with its racial and socioeconomic diversity, provides a unique context for this multifactorial investigation. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to delineate the association between structural racism and mental health disparities in Milwaukee County, using a combination of geospatial and deep learning techniques. We used secondary data sets where all data were aggregated and anonymized before being released by federal agencies. METHODS: We compiled 217 georeferenced explanatory variables across domains, initially deliberately excluding race-based factors to focus on nonracial determinants. This approach was designed to reveal the underlying patterns of risk factors contributing to poor mental health, subsequently reintegrating race to assess the effects of racism quantitatively. The variable selection combined tree-based methods (random forest) and conventional techniques, supported by variance inflation factor and Pearson correlation analysis for multicollinearity mitigation. The geographically weighted random forest model was used to investigate spatial heterogeneity and dependence. Self-organizing maps, combined with K-means clustering, were used to analyze data from Milwaukee communities, focusing on quantifying the impact of structural racism on the prevalence of poor mental health. RESULTS: While 12 influential factors collectively accounted for 95.11% of the variability in mental health across communities, the top 6 factors-smoking, poverty, insufficient sleep, lack of health insurance, employment, and age-were particularly impactful. Predominantly, African American neighborhoods were disproportionately affected, which is 2.23 times more likely to encounter high-risk clusters for poor mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that structural racism shapes mental health disparities, with Black community members disproportionately impacted. The multifaceted methodological approach underscores the value of integrating geospatial analysis and deep learning to understand complex social determinants of mental health. These insights highlight the need for targeted interventions, addressing both individual and systemic factors to mitigate mental health disparities rooted in structural racism.

Association between low MCV in early pregnancy and perinatal mental health in the Japan Environment and Children's Study and the possible effect of iron deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum anemia and iron deficiency are associated with postpartum depression. This study investigated the association between a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) without anemia (which implies early-stage iron deficiency) in early pregnancy and perinatal mental health outcomes. METHODS: The fixed data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a Japanese nationwide birth cohort, were used. Perinatal mental health was assessed using the Kessler 6-item psychological distress scale (K6) in mid-pregnancy and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 1- and 6-months postpartum. RESULTS: Among the 3635 women with MCVs <85 fL in early pregnancy, the proportions of women with K6 scores ≥13 in mid-pregnancy and EPDS scores ≥9 at 1- and 6-months postpartum were 2.7 %, 12.8 %, and 9.9 %, respectively, compared with the 33,242 women with MCVs ≥85 fL at 1.9 %, 11.9 %, and 9.0 %, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that an MCV <85 in early pregnancy was associated with a K6 score ≥ 13 in mid-pregnancy and an EPDS score ≥ 9 at 1- and 6-months postpartum (adjusted odds ratio (95 % confidence interval): 1.48 (1.16-1.87), 1.14 (1.01-1.28), and 1.09 (0.95-1.24), respectively). LIMITATIONS: Low MCV values do not necessarily represent iron deficiency. Ferritin, currently the best indicator of iron deficiency, was not measured in the JECS. CONCLUSIONS: This study results suggest that a low MCV without anemia in early pregnancy is associated with a slightly increased risk of perinatal mental health deterioration.

Examining neighbourhood-level disparities in Black, Latina/o, Asian, and White physical health, mental health, chronic conditions, and social disadvantage in California.

Racial/ethnic minority individuals in the U.S. experience numerous health disparities versus Whites, often due to differences in social determinants. Yet, limited large-scale research has examined these differences at the neighbourhood level. We merged 2021 PLACES Project and 2020 American Community Survey data across 3,211 census tracts (neighbourhoods) defined as majority (>50%) Black, Latina/o, Asian or White. T-tests and hierarchical linear regressions were used to examine differences and associations between neighbourhoods on key health (general health, mental health, obesity, diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke), and social outcomes (income, unemployment, age, population density). Results indicated that minority neighbourhoods in California exhibited stark health and social disparities versus White neighbourhoods, displaying worse outcomes on nearly every social and health variable/condition examined; particularly for Black and Latina/o neighbourhoods. Moreover, regression findings revealed that, after considering income, unemployment, and population density, (1) fair/poor mental health and higher percentages of Black, Latina/o and Asian residents in neighbourhoods independently associated with greater neighbourhood fair/poor physical health, and (2) fair/poor mental health significantly associated with greater prevalence of obesity and COPD. This study thus underscores the need to address the profound health and social disparities experienced by minority neighbourhoods for more equitable neighbourhoods.

O Sofrimento Psíquico em Relatos de Usuários de Saúde Mental

Na história da humanidade, a loucura foi concebida de diversas formas. Atualmente a Reforma Psiquiátrica propõe a construção de um novo lugar social para a loucura, concebendo-a como sofrimento psíquico. Para compreender como os usuários de saúde mental a concebem, fizemos uma pesquisa com o objetivo de analisar como essas pessoas produzem sentidos sobre o sofrimento psíquico em vídeos de domínio público. Para desenvolver esta pesquisa, adotamos a perspectiva teórico-metodológica da proposta de estudo da produção de sentidos a partir da análise das práticas discursivas. Trata-se de uma investigação de natureza qualitativa, com caráter exploratório, para cujo desenvolvimento foi feito uma pesquisa documental. Foram utilizados os videodocumentários 'A loucura entre nós' e 'Estamira' e a Conferência 'I am not a monster: schizophrenia'. Nos relatos analisados, os usuários referenciaram o sofrimento psíquico recorrendo ao discurso da Psiquiatria e à utilização de medicamentos, no entanto, alguns se posicionaram contrariamente a esse saber.

Transtornos mentais comuns entre gays: evidenciando vulnerabilidades na pandemia da Covid-19 / Common mental disorders among gay men: showing vulnerabilities in the covid-19 pandemic / Trastornos mentales comunes entre los homosexuales: evidencia de vulnerabilidades en la pandemia de

Objetivou-se investigar a incidência de Transtornos Mentais Comuns (TMC) entre gays e no intragrupo que se autoidentificam como afeminados, durante o período pandêmico. Para tanto, utilizou-se de forma remota o Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) junto a 43 participantes cisgêneros, bem como fez-se entrevistas junto a 08 gays que se autoidentificam como afeminados. Encontrou-se indicativo de TMC em 60,5% dos participantes. Há uma heterogeneidade nos modos de sofrimento mental entre homens gays durante a pandemia, uma vez que marcadores sociais como raça, renda, escolaridade, local de moradia e ser gay afeminado foram determinantes para o adoecimento mental. O confinamento social durante a pandemia ampliou as vulnerabilidades, seja pela intensificação do contato com a família de origem ­ tradicionalmente conservadora e heteronormativa ­ seja pelo afastamento dos espaços da cidade e dos laços comunitários e de acolhimento LGBTQ+. A incidência de TMC foi elevada dentre os participantes, em especial, no intragrupo dos gays afeminados (87,5%), evidenciando vulnerabilidades na pandemia da Covid-19. (AU)

The objective was to investigate the incidence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) among gays and in the intragroup that self-identify aseffeminate gays,during the pandemic period. For this purpose, the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used remotely with 43 cisgender participants, as well as interviews with 08 gays who recognized themselves as effeminate. Indicative of CMD was found in 60.5% of the participants. There is a heterogeneity in the modes of mental suffering among gay men during the pandemic,since social markers such as race, income, education, place of residence and being an effeminate gay were decisivefor mental illness. Social confinement during the pandemic increased vulnerabilities, either by intensifying contact with the family of origin -traditionally conservative and heteronormative -or by distancing from city spaces and LGBTQ + community and host ties. The incidence of CMD was high among the participants, especially in the intragroup of effeminate gays(87,5%), showing vulnerabilities in the Covid-19 pandemic. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la incidencia de Trastornos Mentales Comunes (TMC) entre hombres homosexuales y en elintragrupo de hombres homosexualesautoidentificado comoafeminados,durante el período pandémico. Por lo tanto, se utilizó de forma remota el Self-ReportingQuestionnaire(SRQ-20) con 43 participantescisgéneros, así como entrevistas con08 gays que se reconocieron como afeminados. Indicativo de TMC se encontró en el 60,5% de los participantes. Existe heterogeneidad en las modalidades de sufrimiento mental entre los hombres homosexuales durante la pandemia, ya que los marcadores sociales como la raza, los ingresos, la educación, el lugar de residencia y ser homosexual fueron determinantesde lo sufrimiento mental. El confinamiento social durante la pandemia aumentó las vulnerabilidades, ya sea al intensificar el contacto con la familia de origen, tradicionalmente conservadora y heteronormativa, o al alejarse de los espacios de la ciudad y de los lazos de bienvenida comunitarios y LGBTQ +. La incidencia de TMC fue alta entre los participantes, especialmente en el intragrupo de hombres gay afeminados(87,5%), evidenciando vulnerabilidades en la pandemia de Covid-19. (AU)

Mental Health Conditions- and Substance Use-Associated Emergency Department Visits during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nevada, USA.

Background-Mental health conditions and substance use are linked. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health conditions and substance use increased, while emergency department (ED) visits decreased in the U.S. There is limited information regarding how the pandemic has affected ED visits for patients with mental health conditions and substance use. Objectives-This study examined the changes in ED visits associated with more common and serious mental health conditions (suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and schizophrenia) and more commonly used substances (opioids, cannabis, alcohol, and cigarettes) in Nevada during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 compared with the pre-pandemic period. Methods-The Nevada State ED database from 2018 to 2021 was used (n = 4,185,416 ED visits). The 10th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases identified suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, schizophrenia, and the use of opioids, cannabis, alcohol, and cigarette smoking. Seven multivariable logistic regression models were developed for each of the conditions after adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and payer source. The reference year was set as 2018. Results-During both of the pandemic years (2020 and 2021), particularly in 2020, the odds of ED visits associated with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, schizophrenia, cigarette smoking, and alcohol use were all significantly higher than those in 2018. Conclusions-Our findings indicate the impact of the pandemic on mental health- and substance use-associated ED visits and provide empirical evidence for policymakers to direct and develop decisive public health initiatives aimed at addressing mental health and substance use-associated health service utilization, especially during the early stages of large-scale public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investigation of sport-related habits in college students after covid-19 epidemic / Investigação sobre hábitos relacionados ao esporte em estudantes universitários após epidemia de covid-19 / Investigación de los hábitos relacionados con el deporte en estudiantes universitarios tras la epidemia de covid-19

ABSTRACT Introduction: China's covid-19 epidemic is under control. Universities and schools across the country have resumed physical education classes, but the mental health knowledge of college students in the aftermath of the covid-19 outbreak has not been investigated. Objective: To study college students' mental health and sports-related habits after the covid-19 outbreak. Methods: This study comprehensively used literature materials, expert interviews, mathematical statistics, and other methods to study the sports-related attitudes and health awareness of college students before and after the outbreak of the new epidemic, examining the health knowledge domain of college students. Results: In the survey dimensions related to students' sports knowledge, the highest mean score was for "emotional control" at 3.48, followed by "participation motivation" at 3.41 and "participation attitude" at 3.35. The scores of sports participation attitude, motivation, and sports emotion for males were equal and higher than in females, where the measures of emotional factors and motivation to participate reached significant levels. After the epidemic, the mean scores for students' participation attitude, sports emotion, and motivation to participate in sports exceeded the theoretical mean. Conclusion: After the health awareness and prevention work in the community and school network, university students' sports attitudes and awareness improved significantly compared to before the Covid-19 outbreak. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A epidemia de covid-19 em China encontra-se sob controle. Faculdades, escolas primárias e secundárias em todo o país retomaram as aulas de educação física, porém o conhecimento sobre a saúde mental dos estudantes universitários no estágio posterior do surto da Covid-19 não foi investigado. Objetivo: Estudar a saúde mental e os hábitos relacionados ao esporte nos universitários depois da epidemia da Covid-19. Métodos: Este estudo utilizou de forma abrangente materiais de literatura, entrevistas de especialistas, estatísticas matemáticas e outros métodos para estudar especificamente as atitudes relacionadas ao esporte e a conscientização na saúde dos estudantes universitários antes e depois do surto da nova epidemia, examinando o domínio do conhecimento em saúde dos estudantes universitários. Resultados: Nas dimensões da pesquisa relacionadas ao conhecimento esportivo dos alunos, a maior pontuação média foi de "controle emocional" como 3,48, seguida por "motivação de participação" como 3,41 e "atitude participativa" como 3,35. As pontuações de atitude de participação esportiva, motivação e emoção esportiva para os homens foram iguais e maior do que nas mulheres, onde as medidas de fator emocional e motivação para participar atingiram níveis significativos. Após a epidemia, as médias de atitude de participação dos alunos, emoção esportiva e motivação para participar do esporte superaram a média teórica. Conclusão: Após o trabalho de conscientização em saúde e prevenção, na rede comunitária e escolar, a atitude esportiva e a conscientização dos universitários foram significativamente aprimoradas em relação aos antecedentes ao surto de Covid-19. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La epidemia de covid-19 en China está bajo control. Los colegios y las escuelas primarias y secundarias de todo el país han reanudado las clases de educación física, pero no se ha investigado el conocimiento sobre la salud mental de los estudiantes universitarios en la última etapa del brote de covid-19. Objetivo: Estudiar la salud mental y los hábitos relacionados con el deporte en los estudiantes universitarios tras el brote de covid-19. Métodos: Este estudio utilizó de forma exhaustiva materiales bibliográficos, entrevistas a expertos, estadísticas matemáticas y otros métodos para estudiar específicamente las actitudes relacionadas con el deporte y el conocimiento de la salud de los estudiantes universitarios antes y después del estallido de la nueva epidemia, examinando el dominio del conocimiento de la salud de los estudiantes universitarios. Resultados: En las dimensiones de la encuesta relacionadas con los conocimientos deportivos de los estudiantes, la puntuación media más alta correspondió al "control emocional" con un 3,48, seguido de la "motivación para la participación" con un 3,41 y la "actitud para la participación" con un 3,35. Las puntuaciones de la actitud de participación deportiva, la motivación y la emoción deportiva de los varones fueron iguales y superiores a las de las mujeres, donde las medidas del factor emocional y la motivación para participar alcanzaron niveles significativos. Después de la epidemia, las puntuaciones medias de la actitud de participación, la emoción deportiva y la motivación para participar en el deporte de los alumnos superaron la media teórica. Conclusión: Tras el trabajo de concienciación y prevención sanitaria en la comunidad y la red escolar, la actitud y la conciencia deportiva de los estudiantes universitarios mejoraron significativamente en comparación con las anteriores al brote de Covid-19. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Impact of COVID-19 on quality of life in Peruvian older adults: construct validity, reliability and invariance of the COV19-Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) measurement

Abstract The aim of the present study was to translate into Spanish and evaluate the psychometric evidence of the Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) applied to a sample of Peruvian older adults ( N = 298; 58.1% women, 41.9% men, mean age 65.34 years [SD = 11.33]). The study used techniques from the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). The findings confirmed the single factor structure of the COV19-QoL, high internal consistency reliability, measurement invariance by gender, and all items demonstrated adequate discrimination and difficulty indices. In this sense, the items allow adequate discrimination between low, medium and high levels of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life. In addition, a greater perceived impact of the pandemic on quality of life is necessary to answer the higher response options of the COV19-QoL. In conclusion, the COV19-QoL is a valid measurement scale of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of Peruvian older adults.

Tendência de mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil, 2000 a 2019 / Tendencias de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil, 2000 a 2019 / Trends in mortality from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil, 2000-2019

Objetivo: analisar as tendências das taxas de mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil e nas suas macrorregiões, por faixa etária e sexo, no período de 2000 a 2019. Métodos: estudo de séries temporais sobre mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil e suas macrorregiões por faixa etária e sexo; os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM); o modelo de Prais-Winsten foi utilizado para análise das tendências. Resultados: houve 211.658 óbitos no período analisado, com tendência crescente na mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no país em idosos de 60-69 anos (VPA = 4,3; IC95% 2,9;5,9), 70-79 anos (VPA = 8,1; IC95% 4,8;11,5) e ≥ 80 anos (VPA = 11,3; IC95% 8,1;14,6), e em todas as macrorregiões, faixas etárias e sexo. Conclusão: o Brasil e todas as suas macrorregiões apresentaram tendência crescente nas taxas de mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer, seguindo a tendência mundial.

Objective: to analyze trends in mortality rates due to Alzheimer's disease in Brazil and its macro-regions by age and sex, from 2000 to 2019. Methods: this was a time-series study on mortality from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil and its macro-regions by age and sex; data were obtained from the Mortality Information System; a Prais-Winsten model was used to analyze trends. Results: there were 211,658 deaths in the period analyzed, with an increasing trend in Alzheimer's disease mortality in Brazil in elderly people aged 60-69 years (APC = 4.3; 95%CI 2.9;5.9), 70-79 years (APC = 8.1; 95%CI 4.8;11.5) and ≥ 80 years (APC = 11.3; 95%CI 8.1;14.6) and in all macro-regions, age groups and sexes. Conclusion: Brazil and all its macro-regions showed a rising trend in Alzheimer's disease mortality rates, following the global trend.

Objetivo: analizar las tendencias en las tasas de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil y sus macrorregiones por grupo de edad y sexo, de 2000 a 2019. Métodos: estudio de series temporales de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil y sus macrorregiones por grupo de edad y sexo; los datos se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil; se utilizó el modelo Prais-Winsten para analizar tendencias. Resultados: hubo 211.658 óbitos, con tendencia creciente en la mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en el país, en adultos mayores de 60-69 años (VPA = 4,3; IC95% 2,9;5,9), 70-79 años (VPA = 8,1; IC95%: 4,8;11,5) y ≥ 80 años (VPA = 11,3; IC95% 8,1;14,6) y en todas las macrorregiones, grupos de edad y sexo. Conclusión: Brasil y todas sus macrorregiones mostraron una tendencia creciente en las tasas de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer siguiendo la tendencia mundial.

Tracking demands for seeking psychological help before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quanti-qualitative study

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented burdens on individuals and communities around the world. The isolation, fear, and uncertainty caused by the virus has led to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The pandemic has also had a disproportionate impact on individuals and communities with low income and socioeconomic status. Objective To shed light on the consequences of the pandemic on individuals from minorities and low-income areas, we investigate the main reasons that led patients who were referred to a social clinic of a private university in Rio de Janeiro to seek psychological treatment before (2019) and during the pandemic (2020 and 2021). Methods We conducted a quanti-qualitative study with a lexical analysis that evaluated 549 complaint forms of patients seeking treatment in these two distinct periods. Our analyses included descending hierarchical analysis (DHA) and correspondence factor analysis (CFA). Results Family dynamics and communication factors play a dominant role in the reason for seeking therapy and psychological treatment. Additionally, our study suggested an increase in anxiety and panic attacks among other mental health issues associated with griefand losses during the pandemic years. Conclusion Based on these analyses, we can begin to identify a few changes in the main demand and redirection of complaints of patients during the period of COVID-19.

A pandemia de covid-19 e a morbidade hospitalar por transtorno mental e comportamental no Brasil: uma análise de série temporal interrompida, janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2021 / La pandemia de covid-19 y la morbilidad hospitalaria por trastornos mentales y del comportamiento en Brasil: un análisis de series temporales interrompidas, de enero de 2008 a julio de 2021 / The covid-19 pandemic and hospital morbidity due to mental and behavioral disorders in Brazil: an interrupted time series analysis, from January 2008 to July 2021

Objective: to analyze records of hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders before and after the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, from January 2008 to July 2021. Methods: this was a descriptive ecological interrupted time series study, using secondary data retrieved from the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System; a time series analysis of hospitalizations was conducted based on a population-weighted Poisson regression model; relative risk (RR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Results: we identified 6,329,088 hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders; hospitalization rates showed an 8% decrease (RR = 0.92; 95%CI 0.91;0.92) after the start of the pandemic, compared to the pre-pandemic period. Conclusion: the pandemic changed the trend of hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders in Brazil; the drop observed in the period is evidence that the pandemic affected the mental health care network.

Objetivo: analizar las hospitalizaciones por trastornos mentales y del comportamiento antes y después del inicio de la pandemia de covid-19 en Brasil, desde enero 2008 hasta julio 2021. Método: estudio ecológico descriptivo de series temporales interrumpidas, con datos registrados en el Sistema de Informações Hospitalares del Sistema Único de Saúde; se realizó un análisis de series temporales de hospitalizaciones basado en modelo de regresión de Poisson, ponderado por la población; calculado el riesgo relativo (RR), con intervalo de confianza del (IC95%). Resultados: se identificaron 6.329.088 hospitalizaciones por trastornos mentales y del comportamiento; las tasas de hospitalización mostraron disminución del 8% (RR = 0,92; IC95% 0,91;0,92) tras el inicio de la pandemia, en relación con el periodo prepandémico. Conclusión: la pandemia cambió la tendencia de hospitalizaciones por trastornos mentales y del comportamiento en Brasil; la caída observada en el período evidencia que la pandemia afectó la cadena asistencial estructurada para la salud mental.

Objetivo: analisar as internações por transtorno mental e comportamental, antes e após o início da pandemia de covid-19 no Brasil, de janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2021. Métodos: estudo ecológico descritivo de série temporal interrompida, com dados registrados no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS); realizada análise da série temporal das internações baseada em um modelo de regressão de Poisson, ponderado pela população; calculado o risco relativo (RR), com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: foram identificadas 6.329.088 internações por transtornos mentais e comportamentais; as taxas de internação apresentaram um decréscimo de 8% (RR = 0,92; IC95% 0,91;0,92) após o início da pandemia, em relação ao período pré-pandemia. Conclusão: a pandemia modificou a tendência das internações por transtornos mentais e comportamentais no Brasil; a queda observada no período é evidência de que a pandemia afetou a cadeia de cuidado estruturada para saúde mental.

Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Dads: A piloted randomized trial of public health surveillance of recent fathers' behaviors before and after infant birth.

BACKGROUND: Becoming a father impacts men's health and wellbeing, while also contributing to the health and wellbeing of mothers and children. There is no large-scale, public health surveillance system aimed at understanding the health and behaviors of men transitioning into fatherhood. The purpose of this study was to describe piloted randomized approaches of a state-based surveillance system examining paternal behaviors before and after their infant's birth to better understand the health needs of men and their families during the transition to parenthood. METHODS: During October 2018-July 2019, 857 fathers in Georgia were sampled 2-6 months after their infant's birth from birth certificates files and surveyed via mail, online or telephone, in English or Spanish, using two randomized approaches: Indirect-to-Dads and Direct-to-Dads. Survey topics included mental and physical health, healthcare, substance use, and contraceptive use. FINDINGS: Weighted response rates (Indirect-to-Dads, 33%; Direct-to-Dads, 31%) and population demographics did not differ by approach. Respondents completed the survey by mail (58%), online (28%) or telephone (14%). Among 266 fathers completing the survey, 55% had a primary care physician, and 49% attended a healthcare visit for themselves during their infant's mother's pregnancy or since their infant's birth. Most fathers were overweight or had obesity (70%) while fewer reported smoking cigarettes (19%), binge drinking (13%) or depressive symptoms (10%) since their infant's birth. CONCLUSIONS: This study tests a novel approach for obtaining population-based estimates of fathers' perinatal health behaviors, with comparable response rates from two pragmatic approaches. The pilot study results quantify a number of public health needs related to fathers' health and healthcare access.

The mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online survey in the UK.

Higher education students' mental health has been a growing concern in recent years even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The stresses and restrictions associated with the pandemic have put university students at greater risk of developing mental health issues, which may significantly impair their academic success, social interactions and their future career and personal opportunities. This paper aimed to understand the mental health status of University students at an early stage in the pandemic and to investigate factors associated with higher levels of distress. An online survey including demographics, lifestyle/living situations, brief mental well-being history, questions relating to COVID-19 and standardised measures of depression, anxiety, resilience and quality of life was completed by 1173 students at one University in the North of England. We found high levels of anxiety and depression, with more than 50% experiencing levels above the clinical cut offs, and females scoring significantly higher than males. The survey also suggested relatively low levels of resilience which we attribute to restrictions and isolation which reduced the opportunities to engage in helpful coping strategies and activities rather than enduring personality characteristics. Higher levels of distress were associated with lower levels of exercising, higher levels of tobacco use, and a number of life events associated with the pandemic and lockdown, such as cancelled events, worsening in personal relationships and financial concerns. We discuss the importance of longer-term monitoring and mental health support for university students.

Mental health status of COVID-19 survivors: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a communicable disease caused by a virus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemics are associated with the high level of mental stress. In many countries, general people reported the high level of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder during recent a pandemic. This study aims to investigate the mental health status of people who survived through this alarming situation of COVID-19. METHODS: In this study, seventy individuals (either gender) between the age of 18-60 years, who contracted COVID-19 previously and then recovered as indicated by negative PCR results, were included. Data was collected by using three tools: impact of event scale (IES-R), patient health questionnaire-9(PHQ-9) and corona anxiety scale (CAS). People with other systemic/mental disorders, ongoing malignancies, upper/lower motor disorders and inability to give consent were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 26.29 + 11.79. All the 70 responders suffered from COVID-19. Among these 23 (32.9%) were asymptomatic and 47(67.1%) had common symptoms related to COVID-19 53 (75.7%) responders also had symptoms post-recovery. Most of the people who suffered COVID-19 had mild depression. Twenty-nine participants (41.4%) reported the highest impact of this traumatic event on their mental health. After suffering from COVID-19, 74.3% reported no anxiety as measured through corona anxiety scale (CAS). CONCLUSION: High level of post-traumatic stress was seen among participants who recovered from COVID-19, especially those patients who were symptomatic. Mild depression and anxiety were also noted among them.

Impact on mental health of the COVID-19 pandemic in a radiation oncology department.

AIM: To evaluate the emotional state and organizational well-being of healthcare workers in radiation oncology departments, during the COVID pandemic. METHODS: A survey was carried out with three questionnaires: Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R); Italian ANAC questionnaire; and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Comparisons between groups were done by Student's t test. RESULTS: Seventy-eight questionnaires for 26 workers were analyzed. Thirty-three percent of the sample obtained an IES-R high score, such as post-traumatic syndrome. In terms of organizational well-being, younger age and lower working seniority were statistically significant for higher score of ANAC items (p < 0.5). Regarding MBI, 0, 27 and 50% high scores of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment were reported, respectively. Low working seniority and male sex were correlated with high score of personal accomplishment (p:0.05; p:0.03). CONCLUSION: Intervention to promote mental health well-being should be implemented in radiation oncology department.

Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on mental health and health care in adults with neurofibromatosis: Patient perspectives from an online survey.

The coronavirus pandemic increased anxiety and stress and prevented access to health care worldwide; it is unclear how COVID-19 affected adults with a multisystem genetic disorder such as neurofibromatosis (NF). An anonymous online survey was distributed through an international registry and foundations to adults with NF (June-August 2020) to assess the impact of the pandemic on mental health and NF health care. Six hundred and thirteen adults (18-81 years; M = 45.7) with NF1 (77.8%), NF2 (14.2%), and schwannomatosis (7.8%) provided complete responses. Respondents rated moderate-to-high amounts of worry about the impact of COVID-19 on their emotional (46.3%) and physical health (46.7%), and 54.8% endorsed moderate-to-high pandemic-related stress. Adults with diagnosed/suspected mental health disorders or moderate-to-severe NF symptom impact as well as females endorsed higher COVID-19 stress (ps < 0.01). Less than half who missed a doctor's appointment for their NF care (43.4%) used telehealth. Of these, 33.3% and 46.2% reported that telehealth met their needs to a moderate or high degree, respectively. Results indicated that subgroups of adults with NF experience higher COVID-19-related worries and stress and may need additional support. Furthermore, telehealth is under-utilized and could help NF providers connect with patients, although improved delivery and patient training may facilitate expanded use of these services.

Athletic Trainer-Reported Prevalence of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Barriers to Health in Secondary Schools.

CONTEXT: Where a person lives can have a significant effect on health. Limited access to health care, food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, and violence increase a person's likelihood of poor health. Athletic trainers (ATs) can contribute to identifying and improving the determinants of health that affect student-athletes. OBJECTIVES: (1) What were the current perceptions ATs had about the health behaviors (specifically mental health and substance use) of high school student-athletes? (2) What were the barriers that ATs experienced when providing health services to high school student-athletes? (3) How did the developed environment affect the health behaviors and barriers that ATs observed? DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: Online survey. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Certified National Athletic Trainers' Association members employed in the secondary school setting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Demographics of ATs were collected, and the ATs' perceptions of the health of student-athletes across developed environments, prevalence of mental health issues, tobacco and substance use, barriers to health care services, and housing and food insecurities among student-athletes were surveyed. Descriptive statistics for the outcome measures were reported. RESULTS: A total of 7600 electronic surveys were distributed to the ATs and 911 responded (females = 62%, average age = 36 years, average experience = 12.5 years). The school setting was identified by 82.5% as public and the environment as suburban by 43.7%, rural by 30.1%, and urban by 26.1%. Participants perceived a high average prevalence of mental health concerns (32%), e-cigarette use (31.7%), and marijuana use (26.9%) among student-athletes. Significant perceived barriers to health included limited access to transportation, poverty, and housing and food insecurities. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the health disparities and barriers ATs observed when addressing the health care needs of student-athletes. Understanding the determinants of health in order to identify the causes of health disparities may better prepare ATs to manage the health needs of underserved student-athletes.

COVID-19 e as repercussões na saúde mental de gestantes: revisão integrativa / COVID-19 y las repercusiones en la salud mental de mujeres embarazadas: revisión integradora / COVID-19 and the repercussions on pregnant women's mental health: integrative review

Resumo Objetivo Identificar, a partir das evidências presentes na literatura, os impactos da COVID-19 na saúde mental de mulheres grávidas. Métodos Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados/biblioteca eletrônica MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBCOVID19 e MEDRXIV. A busca aconteceu de forma pareada no mês de dezembro de 2020, com artigos disponíveis na íntegra abordando a saúde mental das grávidas na pandemia. Resultados Os estudos que compuseram a amostra foram publicados entre os meses de abril e dezembro de 2020 e nos 10 estudos incluídos, a depressão e a ansiedade são apontados como fatores impactantes na saúde das gestantes, tendo como elementos contribuintes o medo da COVID-19, estresse e preocupações associadas à pandemia. Conclusão Houve impacto na saúde mental das gestantes na pandemia com repercussões de ordem psicossocial, socioeconômica e de assistência à saúde. Nesse contexto, a abordagem do componente psicológico na consulta de enfermagem pode fazer a diferença na atenção à gestação.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar, a partir de evidencias presentes en la literatura, los impactos del COVID-19 en la salud mental de mujeres embarazadas. Métodos Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura, realizada en las bases de datos/biblioteca electrónica MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBCOVID19 y MEDRXIV. La búsqueda se realizó de forma pareada en el mes de diciembre de 2020, con artículos con texto completo disponible que abordaban la salud mental de embarazadas en la pandemia. Resultados Los estudios que formaron la muestra fueron publicados entre los meses de abril y diciembre de 2020. En los diez estudios incluidos, la depresión y la ansiedad son señaladas como factores impactantes en la salud de las mujeres embarazadas, donde los elementos contribuyentes son el miedo al COVID-19, el estrés y las preocupaciones relacionadas con la pandemia. Conclusión Hubo impacto en la salud mental de las mujeres embarazadas en la pandemia, con repercusiones de orden psicosocial, socioeconómica y de atención a la salud. En este contexto, el enfoque del componente psicológico en la consulta de enfermería puede marcar una diferencia en la atención al embarazo.

Abstract Objective To identify the impacts of COVID-19 on pregnant women's mental health from evidence in the literature. Methods This is an integrative literature review performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBCOVID19 and MEDRXIV databases/electronic libraries. The search took place in pairs in December 2020, with articles available in full addressing pregnant women's mental health in the pandemic. Results The studies that made up the sample were published between April and December 2020 and in the ten studies included, depression and anxiety were identified as factors exerting impact on pregnant women's health, and the fear of COVID-19, stress and worries associated with the pandemic as contributing elements. Conclusion There was an impact on pregnant women's mental health in the pandemic with psychosocial, socioeconomic and health care repercussions. In this context, the approach to the psychological component in the nursing consultation can make a difference in pregnancy care.

Prevalência de sofrimento mental em pessoas com diabetes mellitus durante a pandemia de Covid-19 / Prevalence of mental distress in people with diabetes mellitus during the Covid-19 pandemic / Prevalencia de angustia mental en personas con diabetes mellitus durante la pandemia Covid-19

Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de sofrimento mental em pessoas com diabetes mellitus durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Método: estudo transversal, de caráter exploratório, com amostra de 111 pessoas com diabetes. Na coleta de dados, utilizou-se um questionário de sintomas denominado Self Report Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20). A análise de dados foi realizada por meio da estatística descritiva. Resultados: a prevalência de sofrimento mental entre as pessoas com diabetes foi de 37,8%. No grupo de humor depressivo-ansioso, os sintomas mais prevalentes demonstraram que 64% dos diabéticos se sentiram nervosos, tensos ou preocupados. Quanto ao decréscimo de energia vital,51,4% dos diabéticos se cansaram com facilidade. Para os sintomas somáticos, identificou-se que 30,6% apresentaram sensações desagradáveis no estômago. Quanto aos pensamentos depressivos, verificou-se que 31,5% tiveram dificuldade para tomar decisões. Conclusão: recomenda-se a criação de estratégias e linhas integrais de cuidados que minimizem os impactos psicossociais causados pela pandemia da COVID-19 neste segmento populacional.

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of mental distress in people with diabetes mellitus during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method:cross-sectional, exploratory study with a sample of 111 people with diabetes. For data collection, a symptom questionnaire called the Self Report Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) was used. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Results: the prevalence of mental suffering among people with diabetes was 37.8%. In the depressed-anxious mood group, the most prevalent symptoms showed that 64% of diabetics felt nervous, tense or worried. As for the decrease in vital energy, 51.4% of diabetics got tired easily. For somatic symptoms, it was identified that 30.6% had unpleasant sensations in the stomach. As for depressive thoughts, it was found that 31.5% had difficulty making decisions. Conclusion: it is recommended to create comprehensive strategies and lines of care that minimize the psychosocial impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in this population segment.

Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de angustia mental en personas con diabetes mellitus durante la pandemia de Covid-19. Método: estudio exploratorio transversal con una muestra de 111 personas con diabetes. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizó un cuestionario de síntomas llamado Self Report Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20). El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: la prevalencia de sufrimiento mental entre las personas con diabetes fue del 37,8%. En el grupo de estado de ánimo depresivo-ansioso, los síntomas más prevalentes mostraron que el 64% de los diabéticos se sentían nerviosos, tensos o preocupados. En cuanto a la disminución de la energía vital, el 51,4% de los diabéticos se cansaban con facilidad. Para los síntomas somáticos, se identificó que el 30,6% presentaba sensaciones desagradables en el estómago. En cuanto a los pensamientos depresivos, se encontró que el 31,5% tenía dificultad para tomar decisiones. Conclusión: se recomienda crear estrategias y líneas de atención integrales que minimicen los impactos psicosociales provocados por la pandemia COVID-19 en este segmento de población.

Perfil epidemiológico da clientela que busca atendimento em práticas integrativas e complementares / Epidemiological profile of the clientele that seeks assistance in integrative and complementary practices / Perfil epidemiológico de la clientela que busca asistencia en prácticas integradoras y complementarias

Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico da clientela que busca atendimento em Práticas Integrativas e Complementares. Método: pesquisa descritiva, tipo corte transversal e abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 104 indivíduos que buscaram atendimento em Práticas Integrativas e Complementares na Universidade Federal Fluminense. Resultados: houve predomínio de jovens de 19 a 30 anos com alta escolaridade. Apesar de 57 (76%) ingerem regularmente a água e 14 (79%) praticam atividade física três ou mais vezes/semana, 14 (18,9%) eram etilistas, sete (9,3%) tabagistas, três (4,2%) consumiam drogas ilícitas e 27 (39,6%) dedicavam-se "nada" ou "muito pouco" ao lazer. Apenas 29 (37,1%) possuíam boa disposição geral, nove (11,8%) bom humor e 10 (9,3%) sentiam-se tranquilos a maior parte do tempo. Apetite e sede normal foram relatados em 43 (56,5%) e 38 (49,3%) respectivamente e 59 (90,7%) exibiram problemas com o sono. Conclusão: o atendimento tem sido buscado pela população que manifesta certo grau de sofrimento mental

Objective: describe the epidemiological profile of the clientele that seeks assistance in Integrative and Complementary Practices. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional research and quantitative approach, conducted with 104 individuals who sought assistance in Integrative and Complementary Practices at Universidade Federal Fluminense. Results: there was a predominance of young people from 19 to 30 years old with high schooling. Although 57 (76%) regularly drink water and 14 (79%) practice physical activity three or more times/week, 14 (18,9%) were alcoholics, seven (9,3%) smokers, three (4,2%) used illicit drugs and 27 (39,6%) devoted "nothing" or "very little" to leisure. Only 29 (37,1%) had good general disposition, nine (11,8%) good mood and 10 (9,3%) felt calm most of the time. Normal appetite and thirst were reported in 43 (56,5%) and 38 (49,3%) respectively and 59 (90,7%) exhibited problems with sleep. Conclusion: care has been sought by the population that manifests a certain degree of mental suffering

Objetivo: describir el perfil epidemiológico de la clientela que busca asistencia en Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias. Método: enfoque descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo, realizado con 104 personas que buscaron asistencia en Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias en la Universidad Federal Fluminense. Resultados: predominó la juventud de 19 a 30 años con estudios secundarios. Aunque 57 (76%) beben regularmente agua y 14 (79%) practican actividad física tres o más veces/semana, 14 (18,9%) eran alcohólicos, siete (9,3%) fumadores, tres (4,2%) usaron drogas ilícitas y 27 (39,6%) dedicaron "nada" o "muy poco" al ocio. Solo 29 (37,1%) tenían buen humor general, nueve (11,8%) estaban de buen humor y 10 (9,3%) se sentían tranquilos la mayor parte del tiempo. Se informaron apetito y sed normales en 43 (56,5%) y 38 (49,3%) respectivamente y 59 (90,7%) exhibieron problemas con el sueño. Conclusión: la población ha buscado atención que manifieste cierto grado de sufrimiento mental