Genetics of environmental sensitivity and its association with variations in emotional problems, autistic traits, and wellbeing.

Greater environmental sensitivity has been associated with increased risk of mental health problems, especially in response to stressors, and lower levels of subjective wellbeing. Conversely, sensitivity also correlates with lower risk of emotional problems in the absence of adversity, and in response to positive environmental influences. Additionally, sensitivity has been found to correlate positively with autistic traits. Individual differences in environmental sensitivity are partly heritable, but it is unknown to what extent the aetiological factors underlying sensitivity overlap with those on emotional problems (anxiety and depressive symptoms), autistic traits and wellbeing. The current study used multivariate twin models and data on sensitivity, emotional problems, autistic traits, and several indices of psychological and subjective wellbeing, from over 2800 adolescent twins in England and Wales. We found that greater overall sensitivity correlated with greater emotional problems, autistic traits, and lower subjective wellbeing. A similar pattern of correlations was found for the Excitation and Sensory factors of sensitivity, but, in contrast, the Aesthetic factor was positively correlated with psychological wellbeing, though not with emotional problems nor autistic traits. The observed correlations were largely due to overlapping genetic influences. Importantly, genetic influences underlying sensitivity explained between 2 and 12% of the variations in emotional problems, autistic traits, and subjective wellbeing, independent of trait-specific or overlapping genetic influences. These findings encourage incorporating the genetics of environmental sensitivity in future genomic studies aiming to delineate the heterogeneity in emotional problems, autistic traits, and wellbeing.

Developmental trajectories of child and adolescent emotional problems: associations with early adult alcohol use behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Whether emotional problems during childhood and adolescence are longitudinally associated with adult alcohol use behaviors is unclear. This study examined associations between developmental trajectories of emotional problems and early adult alcohol use behaviors, while considering co-occurring conduct problems, developmental change/timing, sex differences, and potential confounds. METHODS: Participants were from the Twins Early Development Study (analytic N = 19,908 individuals). Emotional and conduct problems were measured by parent reports at child ages 4, 7, and 9 years and via self-reports at ages 9, 11, and 16 years on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Alcohol use behaviors (alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems) were self-reported by the twins on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test at age 22 years. Piecewise latent growth curve models described nonlinear developmental trajectories of emotional and conduct problems from ages 4 to 16. At age 22, alcohol use was regressed on emotional and conduct problems' intercepts and slopes from piecewise latent growth curve model and sex differences in regression coefficients were tested. Using twin modeling, Cholesky decompositions and direct path models were compared to test whether significant phenotypic associations were best explained by direct phenotypic influences or correlated genetic and environmental influences. RESULTS: Emotional problems had different associations with alcohol-related problems versus alcohol consumption. After accounting for direct influences from conduct problems, emotional problems were not associated with alcohol-related problems, while emotional problems at age 9 were negatively associated with alcohol consumption in males. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, findings did not support emotional problems as prospective risk factors for severe alcohol use above and beyond risks associated with conduct problems. Sex- and age-specific links between emotional problems and alcohol consumption in early adulthood may be worthy of further exploration, particularly as twin analyses improved our confidence that such links may be underpinned by causal mechanisms.

Bidirectional Causal Associations Between Same-Sex Attraction and Psychological Distress: Testing Moderation and Mediation Effects.

Only one study has examined bidirectional causality between sexual minority status (having same-sex attraction) and psychological distress. We combined twin and genomic data from 8700 to 9700 participants in the UK Twins Early Development Study cohort at ≈21 years to replicate and extend these bidirectional causal effects using separate unidirectional Mendelian Randomization-Direction of Causation models. We further modified these models to separately investigate sex differences, moderation by childhood factors (retrospectively-assessed early-life adversity and prospectively-assessed childhood gender nonconformity), and mediation by victimization. All analyses were carried out in OpenMx in R. Same-sex attraction causally influenced psychological distress with significant reverse causation (beta = 0.19 and 0.17; 95% CIs = 0.09, 0.29 and 0.08, 0.25 respectively) and no significant sex differences. The same-sex attraction → psychological distress causal path was partly mediated by victimization (12.5%) while the reverse causal path was attenuated by higher childhood gender nonconformity (moderation coefficient = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.13, -0.04).

Gene-environment interplays between family chaos and emotional problems among Nigerian adolescents: A twin study.

Gene-environment correlations and interactions for the relationship between emotional problems (EP) and family environment in adolescents in low- to middle-income countries (LMIC) have been rarely investigated. In total, 3207 adolescent twins aged 12-18 (Mean = 14.6 ± 1.73) years attending public schools in Lagos State in Nigeria completed measures of EP and Family Chaos (FC). Model-fitting analyses suggested that genetic and non-shared environmental influences on EP were 21% and 71%, respectively, and the corresponding estimates were 23% and 71% for FC. Shared environmental influences were not significant (8% and 6% respectively). Phenotypic correlation between EP and FC was .30 (95% CI = .27-.34), which was significantly influenced by genetic (A - 49%, 95% CI: 0.01-0.97) and non-shared environmental factors (E - 32%, 95% CI: 0.10-0.54). Shared environmental influences were not significant (C - 19%, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.50). Moderation effects were significant whereby as FC increased, A on EP decreased (ßA = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.12 to -0.02) while E increased (ßE = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.03-0.09). Our findings indicate that genetic and non-shared environmental risk factors may mediate the relationship between EP and FC, and that as FC increases, protective genetic influences on EP may be attenuated, whereas environmental influences may become stronger in adolescents in LMIC.

Correlates of Geosocial Networking Applications (GSN Apps) Usage among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nigeria, Africa.

Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) are widely utilized by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) to meet potential sexual/romantic partners, foster friendships, and build community. However, GSN apps usage has been linked to elevated levels of HIV sexual risk behavior among GBMSM. Little is known about how GSN apps can facilitate HIV sexual risk behaviors, especially among GBMSM in Africa. To fill this gap in research, the present study aimed to characterize the frequency of GSN apps usage and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, sexual health, healthcare access, psychosocial problems, and substance use in a large multicity sample of community-recruited GBMSM in Nigeria (N = 406). Bivariate and multivariable ordinal logistic regression procedures were used to examine factors associated with GSN apps usage. We found that 52.6% of participants reported recent (≤ 3 months) GSN apps use to meet sexual partners. Factors associated with increased odds of GSN apps usage included: being single, having a university degree or higher, reporting higher recent receptive anal sexual acts, being aware of PrEP, having a primary care provider, and reporting higher levels of identity concealment. HIV-related intervention delivered through GSN apps may help curb the spread of HIV among Nigerian GBMSM.

Depression and Associated Factors Among Gay and Heterosexual Male University Students in Nigeria.

Homosexuality is a recognized risk factor for depression in high-income countries; however, there is little research investigating the relationship between depression and sexual orientation in developing countries, especially in Africa. In this first study to investigate psychopathology in sexual minority men in Nigeria, the prevalence rates of depression in Nigerian gay and heterosexual individuals were compared as well as the explanatory power of risk and resilience factors in both groups. Eighty-one gay and 81 heterosexual male university students were, respectively, recruited from the Obafemi Awolowo University. Both groups were assessed for depression and other clinical factors, including alcohol and other substance use, suicidal ideation, and resilience. Gay students were further assessed for sexuality-related variables, including minority stress factors such as internalized homophobia and perceived stigma. The prevalence rates of depression among gay and heterosexual students were, respectively, 16 and 4.9% (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.15-11.82), and this increased likelihood for depression was significantly attenuated by resilience. Clinical factors correlated significantly with depression in both groups, explaining 31% of the variance in depression in gay and heterosexual students, respectively. Sexuality-related variables including internalized homophobia and perceived stigma were further associated with depression in gay students-accounting for a further 14% of the variance of depression in gay students. The findings highlight the importance of minority stress factors in understanding depression among non-heterosexual individuals in a developing country, and the need for further research to investigate the mechanisms of these relationships in such settings.

The Development of Mental Health Difficulties in Young People With and Without Developmental Language Disorder: A Gene-Environment Interplay Study Using Polygenic Scores.

PURPOSE: Young people with developmental language disorder (DLD) have poorer mental health than those without DLD. However, not all young people with DLD are equally affected; some have more mental health difficulties than others. What explains these differences remains unclear. METHOD: Data from a community cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, were analyzed to investigate genetic and environmental influences on the development of mental health difficulties at five time points from childhood (7 years) to adolescence (16 years) in 6,387 young people (8.7% with DLD). Regression and latent class models were fitted to the data. RESULTS: Polygenic scores (PGSs), indices of genetic risk, for common psychiatric disorders (major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) predicted mental health difficulties in both groups (with and without DLD). The presence of DLD, in some instances, amplified mental health difficulties for those with high genetic risk for common psychiatric disorders. Subgroups of children with similar developmental trajectories of mental health difficulties were identified. Young people with DLD were more likely than those without DLD to follow mental health subgroups characterized by consistently high levels of difficulties during development. PGSs, socioeconomic status, and the early home environment distinguished subgroups with low mental health difficulties from those characterized by high levels of difficulties, but these effects did not differ based on DLD status. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that, for the most part, both genetic and environmental risk affect the development of mental health difficulties in a cumulative way for young people with DLD (and those without). Some analysis did, however, suggest that genetic risk for common psychiatric disorders might manifest more strongly in those with DLD compared with those without DLD. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22351012.

The Etiological and Predictive Association Between ADHD and Cognitive Performance From Childhood to Young Adulthood.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence about the etiology of the predictive associations between a diagnosis of ADHD and cognitive performance over time is scarce. Here, we examine these predictive and etiological patterns using a cross-lagged model design in a sample of 404 participants (74% males) from ADHD and control sibling pairs aged 6 to 17 years at baseline and 12 to 24 years at follow-up. METHODS: Data included IQ, short-term and working memory measures, and response speed and variability from a four-choice reaction-time task. RESULTS: ADHD and IQ predicted each other over time. ADHD at baseline predicted lower working memory performance at follow-up. Stable etiological influences emerged in the association between ADHD and cognitive variables across time. CONCLUSION: Whether early interventions can reduce negative interference with learning at school requires further study.

Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Is Associated with Psychosocial Health Problems Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (GBMSM) in Nigeria, Africa.

Previous research has shown high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Experiencing IPV may predispose GBMSM to psychosocial health problems. A vast majority of the research on IPV among GBMSM have been conducted in North America and Europe. To date, no published studies that we are aware of have investigated the prevalence and correlates of IPV among GBMSM in West Africa. To fill this gap in research, the present study investigated the prevalence of IPV and its' association with psychosocial health problems in a large multicity sample of community-recruited GBMSM in Nigeria. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial health problems, sexual risk, and experiences of IPV (N = 389). The prevalence of experiencing emotional, physical, sexual, monitoring behaviors, and controlling behavior were 45%, 31%, 20%, 55%, and 22% respectively. Experiencing all types of IPV, except physical violence, was significantly associated with increased odds of having depressive symptoms (Adjusted OR [AOR] 1.79-2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-4.60) and anxiety (AOR 1.63-2.63; 95% CI: 1.01-4.18). Experiencing emotional violence (standardized beta [ß] = 0.21; standard error [SE] SE = 0.44), physical violence (ß = 0.14; SE = 0.48), and controlling behaviors (ß = 0.11; SE = 0.54) was associated with increased odds of loneliness. Experiencing all types of IPV was associated with history of suicide thoughts (AOR 2.20-3.68; 95% CI: 1.28-6.32) and suicide attempt (AOR 2.36-3.42; 95% CI: 1.20-6.75). Additionally, we observed a dose-response relationship, whereby increasing number of IPV was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting psychosocial health problems. Lastly, after adjusting for other psychosocial health problems and demographic characteristics, there remained a significant association between experiencing IPV and reporting a history of suicide thoughts and suicide attempt. Consequently, it is imperative that health interventions aimed at improving psychosocial health of GBMSM explore experience and perpetration of IPV.

A commentary on the Nigerian response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this commentary, we review the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and how aspects of the socioeconomic context and responses from the government and general public may contribute to its persistence. We also suggest mechanisms for the adverse mental health impacts of the pandemic and highlight the need for data and strengthening social infrastructure. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Internalized Homophobia, Coping, and Quality of Life Among Nigerian Gay and Bisexual Men.

Despite high levels of homophobia in Nigeria, no studies have investigated the quality of life (QOL) of Nigerian gay and bisexual (GB) men. The associations between QOL and minority stress may differ from those reported in developed countries and may indicate alternative interventions. This study investigated internalized homophobia (IH) and coping strategies among gay and bisexual men in Nigeria and the relationships with overall QOL. Eighty-nine GB men were recruited with a snowball sampling technique. QOL (outcome), IH (predictor) and coping strategies (covariates) were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Relationships were investigated using linear regression analyses. Participants used adaptive more frequently than maladaptive coping strategies. The relationship between IH and QOL was nonlinear (ß = -0.27, 95% CI = -0.48, -0.06), and the positive component was attenuated by adaptive coping strategies. Adaptive strategies can be reinforced as a therapeutic intervention to improve wellbeing among gay and bisexual men in Nigeria.

Modified electroconvulsive therapy in a resource-challenged setting: Comparison of two doses (0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg) of suxamethonium chloride.

BACKGROUND: Suxamethonium has been shown to have a superior modification of the convulsion associated with ECT compared to other muscle relaxants. The dosage of suxamethonium used in ECT varies widely based on the experiences of practitioners. The study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness and side effect profile of 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg in modified ECT. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized crossover study, comparing the effects of suxamethonium at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, and 1.0 mg/kg in 27 patients who had a total of 54 sessions of modified ECT. The primary outcome parameters were quality of convulsion and onset and duration of apnoea. The secondary outcome parameters were hemodynamic variables, arterial oxygen saturation, delayed recovery, muscle pain, vomiting, headache, prolonged convulsion, and serum potassium. Data collected were entered into proforma and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0. Parametric variables are presented as means and standard deviations while non-parametric variables are presented as frequencies and percentages. The level of significance (P-value) was considered at 0.05. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (59%) had acceptable convulsion modification with 0.5 mg/kg suxamethonium compared to 23 patients (85%) with the use of 1.0 mg/kg suxamethonium (P = 0.016). There was no statistically significant difference in the duration of convulsion, the onset of apnoea, and the duration of apnoea with the two doses. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, and serum potassium level that accompany the mECT were comparable with the two doses of suxamethonium studied. CONCLUSIONS: A better modification of convulsion with comparable hemodynamic and side effect profile is achieved during mECT with the use of 1.0 mg/kg suxamethonium compared to 0.5 mg/kg.

Workplace violence and risk for psychiatric morbidity among health workers in a tertiary health care setting in Nigeria: Prevalence and correlates.

The objectives were to evaluate the workplace violence and risk for psychiatric morbidity, as well as their correlates, among health workers in a tertiary healthcare setting in Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit the health workers. Each participant was administered a socio-demographic questionnaire, the ILO/ICN/WHO/PSI Workplace Violence Questionnaire and the 12- item General Health Questionnaire. A total of 380 health workers were recruited, with a mean age of 36.4 (±7.64) years. The prevalence rates of workplace violence and risk of psychiatric morbidity were 39.9% and 38.5%. Factors with independent associations with workplace violence included young age, female sex and worry about workplace violence while a widowed, separated or divorced marital status and being victim of workplace violence independently increased risk for developing psychiatric morbidity. This study therefore showed that workplace violence is common in the health care setting, and significant proportion of workers are at risk for developing psychiatric morbidity. These observations suggest need for the regular mental health screening of health workers, as well as the need for programmes aimed at preventing workplace violence in this setting.

Sleep Hygiene Index: Psychometric Characteristics and Usefulness as a Screening Tool in a Sample of Nigerian Undergraduate Students.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the psychometric properties of the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) and determine its capacity to screen for poor sleep quality in a nonclinical sample of Nigerian university students. METHODS: A total of 348 students appropriately completed the SHI, the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). RESULTS: The internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) of the SHI was .64 and its construct validity was modestly satisfactory. It had a significant negative correlation with the MEQ (r = -.170, P < .001) and positive correlations with global PSQI (r = .289, P < .001) and ESS (r = .219, P < .001) scores. Prior to the factor analysis, our sample was randomly divided into two. In one half of the sample (sample 1), exploratory factor analysis of the SHI items yielded a three-factor model. Confirmatory factor analysis on the other half (sample 2) corroborated this model with satisfactory indices of fitness (c2 = 67.805; df = 55; c2/df = 1.233; P = .115; goodness of fit index = .943; Tucker-Lewis index = .958; incremental fit index = .972; comparative fit index = .970; root mean square error of approximation = .037). A cutoff total score of 16 on the SHI had the best sensitivity (77.0%) and specificity (47.5%) to identify students who were categorized as experiencing poor sleep quality, according to the PSQI (area under the curve = 0.65, 95% confidence interval = 0.59-0.71). CONCLUSIONS: The SHI exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties as a self-rated assessment instrument in the evaluation of sleep hygiene and as a screening instrument for poor sleep quality among Nigerian undergraduate students.