Hybrid journal * Containing 2 Open Access article(s) in this issue * ISSN (Print) 1746-5729 - ISSN (Online) 2042-8731 Published by Emerald[362 journals]
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Authors:Achbani Ahmed, Lahlou Laila, Laaraj Hicham, Ouhamou Mina, Mouhadi Khalid, Salahddine Zineb, Elomary Omar, Elabbani Mohamed, Ramdani Fatima Zahra, Doufik Jalal, Amine Tbatou, Rammouz Ismail Abstract: This study aims to describe and analyze the factors associated with dependence and motivation to stop smoking in patients with schizophrenia. This descriptive, analytical study was conducted between October 2021 and April 2023 at two psychiatric centers in Morocco. The study population consisted of 274 smokers diagnosed with schizophrenia, who were examined just before their discharge. In addition to sociodemographic and economic data, tobacco use status and clinical information, the authors assessed dependence with Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), motivation to quit and depression. Around three-quarters (74%) smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day, with a mean FTND score of 5.61 (±1.94). Dependence was reported in 76% of smokers. More than two-thirds (69%) had made at least one attempt to quit, and almost all participants (99%) had done so without medical assistance. Nicotine dependence was associated with income, illness duration, motivation to stop smoking and depression. In addition, lower income, level of education, number of hospitalizations, attempts to stop smoking and nicotine dependence were associated with motivation to quit tobacco use. However, depression was not associated with motivation to stop smoking. The present study has the following limitations: the cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow for temporal evaluation, the sampling technique does not allow for generalization of the results, participants’ responses may be subjective despite the use of validated psychometric scales. The results of this research have important public health implications: Duration of schizophrenia progression was associated with nicotine dependence – highlighting the need to offer help as soon as possible after diagnosis, as a preventative measure; Calgary depression score was a factor associated with increased dependence – suggesting that screening and additional help for people with co-existing mental health problems could be important. Similarly, the onset of depression after the development of schizophrenia should be monitored. The authors have further searched the literature and have not found similar studies. The absence of such studies justifies the significance of this research, and its results will be valuable for publication to guide researchers in the treatment of tobacco dependence and, furthermore, to guide the preventive efforts of health authorities in Morocco. Additionally, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in Morocco and among the few in North Africa. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-08-26 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-01-2024-0009 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Lebogang Digwamaje, Ntsoaki Florence Tadi Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the mental health literacy of schizophrenia in a South African community sample. This study is part of the growing interest in community mental health literacy. A sample of 192 Black African participants from municipalities (Ditsobotla and Mahikeng) between 18 and 65 years participated in this study. Participants viewed fictional (male and female) sufferers of schizophrenia vignettes and responded to the same questions regarding each vignette. They completed a questionnaire examining the capacity to recognise schizophrenia as well as the capacity to source appropriate help. For both vignettes, a substantial majority of participants indicated that older people believe that when a male is diagnosed with schizophrenia, the cause is traditional (spiritual). In contrast, more participants with lower education believed that medical reasons cause a female person’s diagnosis of schizophrenia. Overall, the study highlights the complexity of beliefs about the causes of schizophrenia. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and educational factors in mental health research, practice and policy development. By uncovering the differences in perceptions between older individuals and those with lower education levels, the study sheds light on previously unexplored aspects of mental health literacy and cultural understanding of schizophrenia. While previous research has examined cultural beliefs about mental illness, this study specifically focuses on how age and education intersect with these beliefs, particularly regarding gender differences in diagnosis. This unique approach contributes to the broader literature on mental health disparities. It has implications for tailored interventions and public health strategies aimed at addressing stigma and improving mental health outcomes in diverse populations. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-08-22 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-03-2024-0036 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Rasha Aziz Attia Salama, Saima Javaid Iqbal, Mariam Mehwish Mohsin, Aisha Iram Mohsin, Nihal Amir Wadid Abstract: This study aims to assess the prevalence of burnout among undergraduate medical and health science students and to identify the factors associated with its development. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving students from Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Science University. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey was used to evaluate three subscales of burnout. Ethical considerations were met, and informed written consent was obtained from participants. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between demographic, personal and school environment factors and burnout. Out of 453 students surveyed, the majority were females (74.8%) aged 18–20 years (60%). Significant levels of burnout were reported, with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment affecting over half of the participants (69%). Factors such as being in the clinical years, long-distance commuting challenges and involuntary college selection were identified as predictors of burnout. While the study provides valuable insights, limitations may include the specific context of the university and potential biases in self-reported data. The findings underscore the importance of raising awareness, maintaining work-life balance and implementing coping strategies to support student well-being and foster a positive learning environment. Suggestions include time management and seeking guidance from mentors or mental health professionals. This study contributes to the understanding of burnout among medical and health science students, especially within the unique context of the United Arab Emirates, given the convergence of students from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-08-20 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-04-2024-0050 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Mohamed Lachaab Abstract: The purpose of this study is threefold: Determine recent trends in several mental health problems in the USA, identify risk factors that may be responsible for the trends and evaluate intervention policies to reduce the consequences of these problems. This study used data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), a nationally representative survey of children under the age of 17 that was conducted between 2016 and 2022. Prevalence rates in the data take into account the probability of selection and nonresponse. Because of the possible correlation in the longitudinal responses in the data, an appropriate extension of the generalized linear models (the marginal models) was used. Marginal models, also known as population-average models, do not require distributional assumptions for the observations, only a regression model for the mean response. The avoidance of distributional assumptions leads to the use of the generalized estimating equations (GEE) method. The author found that the odds of children and adolescents experiencing mental health problems in the USA changed over a seven-year period, from 2016 to 2022. Anxiety and depression, in particular, have both increased, with anxiety increasing faster than depression; however, behavioral issues and attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disoder (ADD/ADHD) remained stable until 2020 (the start of COVID-19), when they began to rise. This paper also found a link between increased social media use and increased mental health problems, and bullying has a negative impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. The NSCH, an annual representative survey, was used in this study to assess mental health problems among children and adolescents in the USA. Marginal models, which enable the capture of potential correlations among observations of the same subject, were used in conjunction with the GEE method. This study differs from previous research, which used other surveys, pre-COVID-19 data points and logistic regressions that assumed independence in repeated observations. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-08-15 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-12-2023-0108 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Endang Retno Surjaningrum, Edi Dwi Riyanto, Junaidah Yusof, Husnual Mujahadah Abstract: This study aims to investigate the feasibility of health cadres in Indonesia to take perinatal depression screening in the community using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Whooley. The field study involved 11 health cadres (community volunteers who assist in maternal and child health) who were trained to administrate EPDS and Whooley towards 36 pregnant and postpartum mothers in a low resource urban setting for a month. A comparison of scores from both tools, the number and type of mistakes made by the cadres, and cadres perception about the tools were combined to determine the most feasible tool for cadres in identifying depression symptoms. The results show both tools are comparable for screening depression symptoms in mothers; however, EPDS was better at differentiating the level of symptoms. Whooley, with two case-finding questions, is simpler for cadres, whereas the EPDS is more difficult to be computed by cadres. Cadres support the implementation of such a screening, as it provides a channel for mothers to express their negative feelings. The findings indicate Whooley is sufficient for first-level screening in the community by cadres, whereas the EPDS should be used by qualified health-care workers for further evaluation at primary health clinics. Health cadres could potentially be trained to use standardized yet simple psychological tools. Involving trained health cadres in integrated maternal mental health services in primary health care in Surabaya, Indonesia is promising. The use of the EPDS and the Whooley questions has not been applied in Indonesia particularly among health cadres despite their long-lasting role in primary health-care system. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-08-12 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-03-2024-0035 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Xiyuan Chen, Sang Qin, Lindsay Sheehan, Zhiying Ma, Virginia Spicknall, Yu Fan Abstract: This study aims to report on the feasibility, acceptability and outcomes of a peer support program designed to promote social participation for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) in China. The authors used a community-based participatory research approach to adapt and test a six-month, culturally responsive peer program with 68 participants. Peer supporters were trained and supervised in Guangzhou, China. Peer workers were hired via a competitive process and completed both classroom and field training. Study participants were offered individual and group socialization activities. Participants completed measures on recovery, quality of life, functioning and symptoms at three time points (pre-, post- and follow-up). Nearly 90% of participants expressed satisfaction with their peer supporters and the frequency of services. Findings showed a significant increasing trend for the social relationships domain of quality of life from baseline to follow-up. Female participants reported significantly increased recovery from pre to post and increased psychological quality of life pre-follow-up as compared to their male counterparts. Supervision logs documented positive gains from participants such as increased help-seeking, improved social skills, enhanced emotion regulation and self-confidence and established routine, alongside challenges like inconsistent engagement, low service incentives and an overreliance on social workers. Peer supporters also reported concerns about their own lack of skills and in navigating relationships between participants and their family members. Peer interventions have been well studied in Western countries but underexplored in China. This research addresses this gap by presenting a peer program aimed at enhancing the social participation of Chinese with SMI. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-08-02 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-01-2024-0011 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Felipe Agudelo-Hernández, Jhasny Moreno-Reales, Lauta Inés Plata-Casas Abstract: This study aims to describe the perceptions of some participants from a community mental health center in the Department of Chocó, Colombia. A case study with a qualitative approach was carried out in 2023. Focus groups were conducted with mental health leaders and members of a community mental health center. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Two categories emerged: characterize the Community Mental Health Center of Chocó and Reaffirm human rights. In the first category, the community center is described as a place of recovery that mobilizes social services and works to increase agency capacity. In the second category, the human rights were assumed as part of community services, not only to eliminate coercive practices but also to support the increase of autonomy. The limitations of this study are the analysis of strategies from the perspective of global politics, without delving into the structure of community actions themselves, which are not necessarily based on global recommendations. Despite the design and development of public policies the study of their implementation still poses several challenges. The strategies carried out by regions that follow evidence-based practices and participation routes are not officially recognized as good practices in mental health and, therefore, independently supported to be sustained. A community mental health center is described that manages to be implement and deliver a service despite not being able to be financed by current national regulations. This indicates, apart from a need, the capacity of the regions to build their solutions beyond regulations. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-07-30 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-03-2024-0037 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Julia Terry, Cathie Robins-Talbot Abstract: For over 15 years, Mental Health First Aid™ (MHFA) has successfully been delivered in Wales, United Kingdom, with growing interest in the MHFA programme and increasing course attendees. Trainers, aware of the need for support, know the importance of MHFA being accessible for different communities and learner groups. MHFA has always focused on increasing mental health literacy. One marginalised group, with lower mental health literacy than the general population, is Deaf people, a group with increased risk of mental health problems. This paper aims to provide insights about why Deaf people are twice as likely as hearing people to experience mental health problems. During this paper, the authors have used four focal points i) exploring situational contexts for Deaf people; ii) reasons why Deaf individuals are at greater risk of mental health problems; iii) the authors explore a project, “Hear Deaf”, and implementation of MHFA Wales by Deaf MHFA trainers; and iv) initiatives to influence and impact on policymakers. During the project, nine MHFA courses were delivered to Deaf communities across different locations in Wales, often with information and advertisements circulated directly to Deaf communities through Deaf clubs, resulting in 120 Deaf people trained. The authors conclude with their own reflections as a researcher and an MHFA who work predominantly with Deaf communities. This paper provides a discussion on the specific risks for Deaf people around mental health and the importance of mental health promotion programmes for Deaf communities. Further research is needed regarding the impact of MHFA on Deaf populations. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-05-17 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-12-2023-0107 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Farman Zahir Abdullah Abstract: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of cosmetic surgery and its relationship with the level of mental health and socioeconomic variables in Sulaymaniyah city in Iraq. This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on 941 subjects who were selected using multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a checklist as well as a questionnaire. Data analysis was done using chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model using Stata software version 20. The prevalence of cosmetic surgery was 13.4% (female: 17.5%; male: 8.2%). The most common types of cosmetic surgery were rhinoplasty (7.6%) in women and hair transplant (5.5%) in men. Overall, rhinoplasty (7.6%) was the most common type of cosmetic surgery among both groups. In total, the prevalence of having symptoms of mental disorders was 34.5% and it was significantly higher among people with a history of cosmetic surgery (65.1%) than those without any experience of having cosmetic surgery (29.8%) (p < 0.001). Being female (odds ratio [OR] = 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–3.22), having mild symptoms of mental disorders (OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.71–4.47) and having moderate or severe symptoms of mental disorders (OR = 7.48; 95% CI: 4.60–12.29) were among the important variables that could affect performing cosmetic surgery. The prevalence of cosmetic surgery in Sulaymaniyah is high, and based on the findings of this study, gender and mental health status are effective factors in this regard. Designing targeted interventions is suggested with an emphasis on the findings of this study to reduce the rate of cosmetic surgeries. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-05-16 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-02-2024-0019 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Jenny Burns Abstract: This study aims to generate theory that represented charity peer leader experiences, facilitating well-being interventions to two specific groups of people: new mothers and refugees. Part 1 of this study used in-depth interviews (n = 8) and phone calls with experienced mothers (called “peer leaders”) who had facilitated well-being interventions to new mothers. These interviews were analysed using Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) (Charmaz, 2014) generating a theory. Following a systematic literature review using the theory categories as search terms, a training approach was devised: The Modelled Training Approach (MTA). Refugees (n = 16) were trained to facilitate another well-being intervention using the MTA followed by a further set of interviews (n = 6). These interviews were analysed using CGT. A theory was generated representing the “journey” the peer leaders took: their lived experience triggered empathic feelings towards their peers, which motivated them to build a rapport where they gave hope. As a result, the peer leaders felt rewarded. The literature search did not find any studies looking at the experiences of peer leaders in the above settings. The theory generated could support mental health peer work offsetting statutory health costs. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-05-13 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-01-2024-0010 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Tyler Prochnow, Megan S. Patterson Abstract: Online gaming has emerged as a popular activity providing a social outlet for millions. However, implications of online game networks for mental health remain disputed. Concepts of bridging social capital and bonding social capital may help characterize protective factors within social networks. This study aims to examine the associations between social capital derived from online versus in-person networks and mental health indicators among gamers. Online gamers (n = 301) completed an online survey assessing their social networks (both in-person and through online gaming) and mental health indicators (depressive symptoms, anxiety, social isolation, perceived social support). Social network analysis was used to analyze bridging (network size, effective size, heterogeneity, weak ties) and bonding (closeness, frequent contact, confiding, connection quality) social capital. Separate linear regression models evaluated associations between bridging and bonding social capital for both online and in-person networks and depressive symptoms, anxiety, social support and social isolation. In-person network characteristics showed the strongest associations with mental health outcomes. Greater average closeness and frequent confiding in the in-person network predicted lower isolation and fewer depressive symptoms. More diverse relationship types also correlated with lower depression. For online networks, closeness and confiding ties associated only with less isolation and greater support, not depressive symptoms, or anxiety. While online gaming networks provide some degree of social support, in-person social capital exhibited stronger associations with mental health. This reinforces the importance of face-to-face relationships for emotional well-being. Findings suggest helping gamers cultivate close bonds offline. However, online connections still matter and should not be discounted. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-05-08 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-11-2023-0099 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Gebremeskel Mesafint, Nigusie Shifera, Alemayehu Sayih Abstract: Domestic violence is an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or mental suffering. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has had a ruinous effect globally, particularly in increasing the rate of domestic violence. Thus, this study aims to assess the prevalence of domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on Bench Sheko Zone residents from May to June 2021. Participants in the study were selected by multistage sampling technique. The collected data were coded, entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bi-variable and multiple logistic regression analysis models were fitted. Odds ratio was used at a 95% confidence level, and P-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. A total of 1,512 eligible women participated, with a 98.3% response rate. The proportion of domestic violence against women was 42.5%. The prevalence of psychological violence was 30.4%, followed by physical violence at 20.2% and sexual violence accounted for 9.6%. Variables, such as rural residency, women with no formal education, partner who had no formal education, women with monthly income of less than 25,00 Ethiopian birr and partner who was current substance user, were found to be associated with domestic violence against women. Domestic violence against women is still an important public health problem in Ethiopia. Special attention should be paid to identified predictors to reduce domestic violence beyond designing prevention and control strategies along with coronavirus pandemic intervention plan. The findings of this study show domestic violence against women is still an important public health problem in Ethiopia. Special attention should be paid to identified predictors to reduce domestic violence beyond designing prevention and control strategies, along with the coronavirus pandemic intervention plan. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-04-19 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-06-2022-0059 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Corey Dillon, Oscar Noel Ocho Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the sociocultural implications of caring for persons with COVID-19 in a developing country context. In total, 156 nurses participated in the study. Stratified random sampling methodology was used. Data were collected via online self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including ANOVA tests were done. Nurses experienced stigmatization, discrimination and reduced income. Nurses functioned on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic and encountered negative sociocultural experiences from a personal, social and professional perspective. ANOVA showed statistically significant relationships between the conflicts between their work role, family commitments and level of physical interactions with a number of variables. Data were collected from one Regional Health Authority and may not be representative of the national population of nurses. Further, as the researchers depended on gatekeepers to access participants, the recruitment process may not have been entirely based on randomization as originally agreed. The findings from this study can be used as a framework to develop context specific programmes and policies to support health professionals, including nurses. Pandemics, while not new, contribute to serious sociocultural challenges for individuals and families, as well as nurses, as part of their professional roles. In this regard, maintaining effective social networks must be central to effective functioning in crisis situations, such as pandemics. Nurses have played a key role, working both to identify, isolate and manage those with COVID-19 and supporting those who have non-COVID-19 related health needs. While nurses have been at the forefront delivering care in these uncertain times, doing so puts them at great risk, for not only contracting COVID-19 but also for experiencing negative psychosocial effects that may be due to the nature of their jobs. Citation: Journal of Public Mental Health PubDate: 2024-04-02 DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-08-2023-0069 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Hybrid journal * Containing 2 
Open Access article(s) in this issue *
