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Public safety personnel (PSP) encounter traumatic events in their workplace, elevating the likelihood of mental health issues. Delivering efficient, evidence-backed interventions, like supportive SMS text messaging programs, can significantly enhance PSPs’ mental well-being, garnering high user satisfaction rates.
Objectives
This study evaluates users’ satisfaction, receptiveness, and perceptions of the supportive SMS text messaging intervention (Text4PTSI).
Methods
Participants enrolled in the Text4PTSI program and received one-way cognitive behavioural–based supportive text messages for six months. They participated in a web-based survey delivered through SMS text messages at enrollment, six weeks, three months, and six months after enrollment. The participants’ perceptions and receptiveness of the program were evaluated through a 5-point Likert scale. Data were represented as categorical variables, and overall satisfaction with the Text4PTSI program was assessed on a scale ranging from 0 to 100.
Results
Of the 131 Text4PTSI program subscribers, 81 participants responded to the survey, yielding 100 responses across the three follow-up time points. The average satisfaction score was 85.12 (SD 13.35). A significant portion of respondents, constituting 79%, agreed or strongly agreed that Text4PTSI helped them manage anxiety. Additionally, 72% reported relief from depressive symptoms, and 54% (54 out of 100 responses) felt less lonely. Moreover, the majority (84%) of participants expressed that Text4PTSI connected them to a support system, improving their mental well-being, felt more hopeful about managing concerns about their mental health or substance use (82%), and helped enhance their overall quality of life (77%). The data also revealed that most participants consistently read the supportive text messages (84 out of 100 responses, 84%), took time to contemplate each message (75 out of 100 responses, 75%), and revisited the messages more than once (76 out of 100 responses, 76%).
Conclusions
PSP participating in the 6-month Text4PTSI intervention expressed significant satisfaction and gratitude in the follow-up surveys. Their positive feedback indicates a promising path towards increased service utilization, potentially enhancing its effectiveness and impact on end users.
Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can interfere with young adults’ everyday function, academic achievement, and interpersonal relationships. Interventions aimed at preventing the deterioration or possibly onset of these mental disorders among young people are timely.
Objectives
To assess the impact of a supportive text messaging program (Text4Hope) on the psychological well-being of young adults.
Methods
This study adopted both longitudinal and naturalistic controlled trial designs. Longitudinal study: compared baseline and 6th week outcomes in the same group of young adult subscribers. Naturalistic controlled study: compared clinical parameters in two groups of Text4Hope young adult subscribers: (i) intervention group (IG), subscribers who received once-daily supportive text messages for 6-weeks and completed 6th-week evaluation between 26 April and 12 July 2020, and (ii) control group (CG), subscribers who joined Text4Hope the same time frame, completed a baseline survey and were yet to receive text messages. The prevalence and severity of moderate-high stress, anxiety, and depression was measured using standardized scales. Inferential statistics, including the t-test, McNemar test, chi-square, and binary logistic regression analyses, were used to evaluate the differences in the prevalence and severity of the psychological symptoms.
Results
Longitudinal study: subscribers who completed both the baseline and 6th-week surveys, had significant reduction in the prevalence of moderate-high stress (8%) and likely GAD (20%) from baseline to six weeks. The largest reduction in mean scores was for the GAD-7 scale (18.4%). Naturalistic study: significantly lower prevalence for likely Moderate Depressive Disorder (25.2%) and suicidal thoughts/thoughts of self-harm (48.4%), with a small effect size in the IG compared to CG.
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Conclusions
TheText4Hope program has been demonstrated as an effective e-mental health tool for mental health support for young adult subscribers. This is particularly encouraging, as young adults have already adapted to SMS text messaging and texting. Therefore, this mode of intervention can be used to supplement existing treatments for psychological problems impacting young adults. In addition, the cost effectiveness and easy scalability of supportive text message interventions mean that policymakers and governments can quickly implement similar programs as part of national youth suicide prevention strategies.
Emergency psychiatric care, unplanned hospital admissions, and inpatient health care are the costliest forms of mental health care. According to Statistics Canada (2018), almost 18% (5.3 million) of Canadians reported needing mental health support. However, just above half of this figure (56.2%) have reported their needs were fully met. To further expand capacity and access to mental health care in the province, Nova Scotia Health has launched a novel mental health initiative, the Rapid Access, and Stabilization Program (RASP).
Objectives
This study evaluates the effectiveness and impact of the RASP on high-cost health services utilization (e.g. ED visits, mobile crisis visits, and inpatient treatments) and related costs. It also assesses healthcare partners’ (e.g. healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders) perceptions and patient experiences and satisfaction with the program and identifies sociodemographic characteristics, psychological conditions, recovery, well-being, and risk measures in the assisted population.
Methods
This is a hypothesis-driven program evaluation study that employs a mixed methods approach. A within-subject comparison will examine health services utilization data from patients attending RASP, one year before and one year after their psychiatry assessment at the program. A controlled between-subject comparison will use historical data from a control population will examine whether possible changes in high-cost health services utilization are associated with the intervention (RASP). The primary analysis involves extracting secondary data from provincial information systems, electronic medical records, and regular self-reported clinical assessments. Additionally, a qualitative sub-study will examine patient experience and satisfaction, and examine health care partners’ impressions.
Results
The results for the primary, secondary, and qualitative outcome measures to be available within 6 months of study completion. We expect that RASP evaluation findings will demonstrate a minimum 10% reduction in high-cost health services utilization and corresponding 10% cost savings, and also a reduction in the wait times for patient consultations with psychiatrists to less than 30 calendar days. In addition, we anticipate that patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare partners would express high levels of satisfaction with the new service.
Conclusions
This study will demonstrate the results of the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) efforts to provide stepped-care, particularly community-based support, to individuals with mental illnesses. Results will provide new insights into a novel community-based approach to mental health service delivery and contribute to knowledge on how to implement mental health programs across varying contexts.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in psychological disorders among adolescents and young adults. There is an increase in the prevalence of likely anxiety and likely depression among the subscribers of MoreGoodDays supportive text message program, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this cohort.
Objectives
To assess the prevalence, severity, and correlates of likely generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and likely major depressive disorder (MDD) among subscribers of MoreGoodDays program.
Methods
This study used a cross-sectional design. An online survey questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical information from subscribers of MoreGoodDays program, a daily supportive text message program co-designed with adolescents and young adults for their peers in Alberta. Validated instruments, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 PHQ-9 were used to collect information on likely GAD and likely major depressive disorder (MDD), respectively. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 25 using chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression analysis.
Results
343 subscribers of MoreGoodDays participated in the survey. Overall, 117 (56.0%) respondents had a likely MDD and 97 (46.6%) had a likely GAD. Participants who would like to receive mental health counselling were 27 times more likely to experience GAD (OR = 27; 95% CI: 3.09–250.00) and 40 times more likely to experience MDD (OR = 40.03; 95% CI: 4.43–361.51) than those who did not. Respondents who had received mental health counselling in the past were 18.5 times more likely to experience MDD compared with those who had not (OR = 18.52; 95% CI: 1.55–200.00). Demographic variables, including age, education, employment, and relationship status, and clinical variables, such as history of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, and adverse childhood experience, did not independently the predict presence of likely GAD or MDD in subscribers of MoreGoodDays.
Conclusions
The prevalence of anxiety and depression was relatively high among subscribers of MoreGoodDays, indicating the long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding has significant implications in the broader context of mental health research and emphasizes the need for more research into innovative mental health support for this cohort. The desire to receive counselling was predictive of both anxiety and depression and is a positive sign of the openness of this cohort to receive psychological intervention. Since this group is mostly adapted to mobile text technology, government agencies and policymakers should prioritize and implement readily accessible interventions such as supportive text messages to support their psychological well-being.
Transitioning from mental health inpatient care to community care is often a vulnerable time in the treatment process where additional risks and anxiety may arise.
Objectives
The objective of this paper was to evaluate the progression of mental health symptoms in patients six weeks after their discharge from the hospital as the first phase of an ongoing innovative supportive program. In this study, factors that may contribute to the presence or absence of anxiety and depression symptoms, and the quality of life following a return to the community were examined. The results of this study provide evidence and baseline data for future phases of the project.
Methods
An observational design was used in this study. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data using REDCap at discharge and six weeks later. Anxiety, depression, and well-being symptoms were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) respectively. Descriptive, Chi-square, independent T-test, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted.
Results
The survey was completed by 88 participants out of 144 (61.1% response rate). A statistically non-significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms was found six weeks after returning to the community based on the Chi-squared/Fisher exact test and independent t-test. As well, the mean anxiety and depression scores showed a non-significant marginal reduction after discharge compared to baseline. In the period following discharge, a non-significant increase in participants experiencing low well-being symptoms was observed, as well as a decline in the mean well-being scores. Based on logistic regression models, only baseline symptoms were significant predictors of symptoms six weeks after inpatient discharge.
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Conclusions
In the short term following hospital discharge, no significant changes were observed in mental health conditions. A collaboration between researchers and policymakers is essential for the implementation and maintenance of effective interventions to support and maintain the mental health of patients following discharge.
Hundreds of fires have been burning from coast to coast across the country since March 2023, putting Canada on track to experience the worst wildfire season ever. From East to West, provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and British Columbia have been particularly affected by large and uncontrollable wildfires.
Objectives
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression symptoms among residents of Alberta and Nova Scotia during the Canadian wildfires of 2023.
Methods
This study conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey for data collection. In the period between 14th May and 23rd June 2023, an online survey was administered using REDCap. Through the Text4Hope program, participants subscribe to receive supportive SMS messages daily. After the first message, participants were invited to complete an online questionnaire, containing demographic information, wildfire-related information, and responses to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression assessment. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were employed.
Results
A total of 298 respondents completed the online survey out of 1802 who accessed it, resulting in a response rate of 16.54 %. Most of the respondents were females (85.2%, 253), below 40 years of age (28.3%, 84), employed (63.6%, 189), and in a relationship (56.4%, 167). A historical depression diagnosis (OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.39–7.14) was a significant predictor of moderate to severe MDD in our study. While employment status did not significantly predict MDD, unemployed individuals were two times more likely to report moderate-to-severe symptoms of MDD than employed individuals (OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.06–5.67). Among the total sample population, the moderate to severe MDD prevalence was 50.4%, whereas it was 56.1% among those living in wildfire-affected areas.
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Conclusions
As a result of our study, the development of moderate to severe MDD symptoms during wildfire disasters was significantly associated with a history of depression diagnosis. Although employment status did not significantly predict MDD, unemployed individuals had a greater likelihood of experiencing moderate-to-severe symptoms than employed individuals. Further research is necessary to ascertain reliable predictors of mental health issues among those who have experienced disasters, as well as to offer appropriate interventions and treatment options to the communities and individuals who are most vulnerable.
According to the World Health Organization, around 2 billion people worldwide are estimated to drink. Alcohol intake results in 25% of the 3.8% of worldwide fatalities and 4.6% of global disability-adjusted life years that may be attributed to alcohol
Objectives
This review seeks to synthesize data on psychological and pharmacological treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) available in the inpatient setting.
Methods
A comprehensive and narrative review of studies and research on psychological and pharmacological interventions for patients with alcohol use disorders in inpatient treatment units was performed. Data was extracted from electronic bibliographic databases, including Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, HealthSTAR, and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) via EBSCOhost. This review included both qualitative and quantitative studies
Results
Overall, after an initial title, abstract screening, and subsequent full-text screening, seven out of 1245 extracted studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. This review suggests that a combination of pharmacological interventions such as naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosate and brief psychological interventions were effective in treating AUD.
Conclusions
This review suggests that pharmacological and psychological approaches, when used together, are efficacious in treating AUD. There is a need to adopt both pharmacological and psychological interventions in the treatment of AUD.
Wildfire disasters have become increasingly rampant. There is a critical need for all to fully understand the mechanism and impact of these disasters on humans, with a special emphasis on the mental health effects they pose on the affected individuals and communities. This article specifically presents a scoping review of the psychological reactions of children and adolescents post-wildfire disaster.
Objectives
This review aims to synthesize currently available literature regarding the impact of wildfire on mental health, specifically the psychological reactions of children to wildfires.
Methods
We identified 8 research articles using 6 databases for this review. Data extraction was performed using a qualitative descriptive approach.
Results
The results identified post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, stress, alcohol/substance misuse, hopelessness, low resilience, reduced quality of life, and self-esteem as the psychological conditions manifesting in children and adolescents post-wildfire disaster. PTSD was the most evaluated psychological reaction in the participants (7 out of eight studies).
Conclusions
This review highlights that deleterious mental health effects, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidality, can persist in children for years post-wildfire disaster. Factors such as gender, direct exposure to the wildfire, re-traumatization, and resilience informed or ameliorated the severity of the impact of wildfire on children and adolescents. Our findings further emphasize the need for multi-year funding and programs to support children and adolescents’ mental health, including children with disabilities in the communities that have experienced wildfire disasters.
One of the biggest global crises in our generation is the COVID-19 pandemic. It has had a severe and far-reaching negative impact on our health systems, economies, and societies. Older adults were particularly at higher risk of severe illness, isolation from social distancing measures, and concerns about their health.
Objectives
The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the daily supportive text message program (Text4Hope) on the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by elderly subscribers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta six weeks after enrollment.
Methods
An online survey link was used to gather demographic and clinical information on several self-report scales, such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) ≥ 14 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7). Scale ≥ 10, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) ≥ 10. Descriptive and inferential statistics were run using SPSS version 25.
Results
172 subscribers out of 1136 completed baseline and six weeks using an online questionnaire, giving a response rate of 15.1%. There were significant reductions in mean scores on the PSS-10 and GAD-7 scales at six weeks compared to baseline (P>.05), but not on the PHQ-9 scale. There were also significant reductions in the prevalence of moderate or high stress (68.6% vs 60.5%, p=0.036) and likely GAD (14.9% vs 22.7%, p=0.029) from baseline to six weeks, with the highest reduction in stress (8.1%). A change (27.6% to 25.2%) in the prevalence of likely MDD from baseline to six weeks was insignificant. (P>.05)
Conclusions
This study’s findings show a decrease in the prevalence rates and the mean scores for stress and anxiety on standardized scales, indicating an improvement from baseline to six weeks. This outcome has potential implications for planning an intervention to meet the mental health needs of the elderly in similar situations like the pandemic
The transition from hospital to community settings for most mental health service users is often hindered by challenges that affect community adjustment and continuity of care. The first few weeks and days after discharge from mental health inpatient units represent a critical phase for many service users.
Objectives
This paper aims to evaluate the changes in quality of Life status, resilience, and personal recovery of individuals with mental health challenges recently discharged from acute mental health care into the community.
Methods
Data for this study were collected as part of a pragmatic stepped-wedge cluster-randomized, longitudinal approach in Alberta. A paired sample t-test and Chi-squared/Fisher test were deployed to assess changes from baseline to six weeks in the recovery assessment scale (RAS), brief resilience scale (BRS), and EuroQol-5d (EQ-5D), using an online questionnaire.
Results
A total of 306 service users were recruited, and 88 completed both baseline and six weeks, giving a response rate of 28.8%. There was no statistically significant change in the level of resilience, recovery and quality of life as measured with the brief resilience scale, recovery assessment scale and EQ-5D from baseline to six weeks (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
The study showed that there was neither an improvement nor deterioration in resilience, recovery, or quality of life status of service users six weeks post-discharge from inpatient mental health care. The lack of further progress calls into question whether the support available in the community when patients leave inpatient care is adequate to promote full recovery.
War tends to produce fear. The devastating and traumatic occurrences of war can have both short- and long-term effects on the mental well-being of populations. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine indirectly affects all populations, especially individuals of Ukrainian descent.
Objectives
To assess the mental health impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Canadian residents who subscribed to ‘Text4Hope Ukraine’ program and to ascertain if there are differences in mental health impacts between those with and without Ukrainian descent.
Methods
Canadians were invited to self-subscribe to the text messaging program. An online survey was used to collect sociodemographic, war-related, and clinical information; stress, resilience, likely anxiety disorder and likely depressive disorder from subscribers. Outcome measures included baseline scores using validated scales. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. To examine the association of psychological problems with the sociodemographic and war-related factors, univariate analysis using the Chi-square/Fishers Exact test was performed with two-tailed significance (p ≤ .05). An independent sample t-test with two-tailed significance (p-value ≤ 0.05) was employed to assess the differences in the respective mean scores of the psychological problems across the two groups. The first group represents the participants who did not have citizenship or ancestors from Ukraine (NUk), while the second group represents the respondents are Ukrainian who either have previously held citizenship or have ancestors/family from Ukraine (Ukr). No imputation of missing data and reported data represents the complete responses
Results
Study findings reflected prevalence of low resilience (59.7%), moderate to high stress (87.5%), likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (45.8%) and likely Major Depressive Disorder (38.9%). Respondents who identified as female had a higher likelihood of presenting with low resilience (χ2(1) = 5.68, p = .02) and likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (χ2 (1) = 4.85, p = .03) compared to male respondents. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean scores of the four psychological problems based on any of the variables that suggest Ukrainian descent or not (p>.05).
Conclusions
War can have negative impacts on all populations irrespective of their location, or association of individuals with the impacted country. This study provides valuable insights into the mental health impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on a specific sample of Canadian residents who subscribed to the ‘Text4Hope Ukraine’ text messaging program. This information is relevant when planning mental health intervention for this population. Governments should target and provide adequate mental health and psychosocial support or interventions for global populations at risk during war.
Raging wildfires are rising in diverse areas, leading to significant environmental and psychological repercussions that are drawing growing concern.
Objectives
This study seeks to assess the prevalence of likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and investigate the factors contributing to its occurrence amidst the wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia.
Methods
Data were collected online through a cross-sectional survey from May 14 to June 23, 2023. Alberta and Nova Scotia participants self-subscribe to the program by texting ‘HopeAB’ or ‘HopeNS’ to a designated short code, respectively. The GAD-7 validated scale assessed likely GAD symptoms among the participants.
Results
There were 298 respondents in this study, with a majority residing in Alberta/Nova Scotia areas affected by recent wildfires (62.3%). Among the respondents, 41.9% were likely to experience Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms. Those living in regions recently impacted by wildfires in Alberta/Nova Scotia were found to be twice as likely to have GAD symptoms, with an odds ratio of 2.4 and a confidence interval of 95% ranging from 1.3 to 4.3.
Conclusions
The study’s findings highlight a relationship between living in areas affected by wildfires and the likelihood of experiencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Exploring potential predictors through additional research could aid in developing strategies to alleviate the mental health impact of natural disasters.
Many mental health conditions, including anxiety, mood disorders, and depression, can be effectively treated at a relatively low cost. Exercise interventions can be a therapeutic strategy, but even though exercise has consistently been shown to improve physical health, cognitive function, and psychological well-being, as well as reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, this intervention is often neglected in mental health care services.
Objectives
The study aims to assess the feasibility of incorporating an Exercise Intervention Program (EIP) as a therapeutic pathway within the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) in Nova Scotia, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the program on mental health outcomes and incremental costs, and the patient acceptability and satisfaction with the program.
Methods
This proof-of-concept study has a pragmatic, prospective, controlled observational design with an embedded one-phase qualitative component. Patients with a primary diagnosis of depression or anxiety attending the Rapid Assessment and Stabilization Program (RASP, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) will be offered to receive 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week, per 12 weeks. Patients with similar mental health conditions that have opted to wait for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the community provider and declined from the EIP will be part of the control group. A certified recreational therapist will conduct the EIP. Participants of both groups (EIP and control condition) will be assessed at baseline and then weekly for four weeks, six weeks and then at 12 weeks post-enrollment. Primary outcomes include differences in the mean change in functional (well-being, resilience, and recovery) and symptom variables (depression, anxiety, and suicidal risk), which will be assessed through online validated scales/questionnaires. Service variables (patient acceptance and satisfaction) and health care utilization (crisis calls, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and readmissions, length of stay for each admission) will comprise the secondary outcomes.
Results
The results of the study will provide information about the effectiveness of EIP in the treatment of anxiety and depression compared to those only wait-listed to receive CBT or counselling from a CMHA provider. The study will also inform about the acceptability and satisfaction of the EIP, as well as the incremental cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to the control condition.
Conclusions
This proof-of-concept study will demonstrate the effectiveness of EIP as an adjunctive or alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients seeking mental health support from the MHAP in Nova Scotia.
Adolescents and young adults have particularly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a rise in the incidence of mental health issues. Increased exposure to traumatic events may lead to decreased resilience and subsequently increased likely PTSD.
Objectives
This study sets out to examine the predictors and prevalence of likely PTSD and determine the level of resilience among adolescents and young adults.
Methods
A cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was adopted to collect sociodemographic and clinical information from the subscribers of MoreGoodDays. The PTSD Checklist Civilian (PCL-C) and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS was respectively used to assess likely PTSD and resilience Data was analyzed with SPSS version 25 using chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results
343 of MoreGoodDays subscribers who participated in the survey were about 343. Most were female (79.0%), and 13.7% were male. Overall, 95 (45.7%) of respondents had likely PTSD and 109 (51.7%) had likely low resilience. Approximately 176 (51.3%) respondents had received mental health counselling, and 64 (35.4%) expressed the desire to receive mental health counselling. When all other variables are controlled in the regression model, respondents who have received mental health counselling in the past year were 13.7 times more likely to experience likely PTSD (OR = 13.70; 95% CI: 1.23- 142.86) and 15.15 times more likely to experience low resilience than those who did not (OR = 15.15; 95% CI: 1.46- 166.67). Again, those who would like to receive mental health counselling were 20.8 times more likely to experience PTSD than those who did not (OR = 20.76; 95% CI: 2.61- 165.401) and 29.4 times more likely to experience low resilience than those who did not (OR = 29.42; 95% CI: 3.31- 261.445). Finally, those with four or more ACE scores were 6.2 times more likely to experience likely PTSD than those who had zero scores (OR = 6.24; 95% CI: 1.46- 26.67).
Conclusions
MoreGoodDays subscribers were disproportionally affected by likely PTSD and low resilience, reflecting the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased ACE has been linked to low resilience, which may also lead to a rise in mental health issues. Strategies to promote resilience may reduce the incidence of likely PTSD. Educational institutions may adopt innovative mental health interventions, including psychological interventions such as mobile text technology, to support the mental health of this cohort. Policymakers and government agencies are encouraged to give the mental health of young adults and youth more prominence on their agenda.
The recent wildfires in Canada provide a clear illustration of the significant and lasting damage they inflict on the well-being of individuals and communities. Evaluating the occurrence and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and low resilience is valuable for policymakers in public health.
Objectives
The study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of low resilience and likely PTSD among subscribers of Text4Hope, an e-mental health program that delivered daily supportive messages to residents of Nova Scotia (NS) and Alberta (AB) during the recent wildfires.
Methods
Data collection was through a self-administered online survey completed by residents of the affected regions of NS and AB from May 14 to June 23, 2023. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.
Results
Out of 298 respondents, the prevalence of low resilience and likely PTSD in our sample were 52.0% and 39.3% respectively. Unemployed respondents were about 3 times more likely to experience both low resilience and PTSD symptoms compared to those employed. Respondents with a history of mental health diagnosis were about 4 times more likely to experience likely PTSD compared to those with no history of mental health diagnosis.
Conclusions
This research demonstrated that the likelihood of PTSD was predicted by both unemployment and a history of mental health diagnosis, with unemployment also being linked to low resilience during the wildfire. These results provide valuable insights for designing clinical interventions and developing psychosocial support programs tailored for vulnerable populations.
Problematic substance use is rising, and other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression correlate with substance abuse. Diverse interventions to reduce this effect are emerging. Supportive text messages offer the prospect of improving symptoms of drug misuse and other associated comorbidities.
Objectives
The study aims to evaluate the impact of the Text4Hope-Addiction program in mitigating craving, anxiety, and depression symptoms in subscribers.
Methods
Individuals self-subscribe to Text4Hope Addiction program by texting “Open2Change” to 393939 to receive daily addiction-related text messages for three months. Subscribers are invited via text message to complete online questionnaires which assess cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms using the Brief Substance Craving Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 on subscription (baseline), six weeks and three months. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 with descriptive and inferential statistics. Satisfaction responses were used to assess various aspects of the Text4Hope- Addiction program.
Results
There was a significant difference in the mean baseline and three-month BSCS scores ( -2.17, 95% CI of -0.62 to -3.72), PHQ-9 scores (-5.08, 95% CI of -1.65 to -8.51), and the GAD-7 scores (-2.93, 95% CI of -0.48 to -5.56). Participants agreed that the supportive text messages helped them cope with addiction-related stress (89%), anxiety (81%) and depression (69%).
Conclusions
The Text4Hope-Addiction program effectively reduced cravings, anxiety, and depression among subscribers, with high satisfaction rates for the program. Healthcare practitioners and policymakers should consider implementing supportive text-based strategies to complement conventional treatments for addiction.
The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected the mental health of many individuals, especially vulnerable communities, who have experienced multiple traumas.
Objectives
To examine the prevalence and associated factors of likely major depressive disorder (MDD) among inhabitants of Fort McMurray.
Methods
A study adopted a cross-sectional design, and questionnaires were distributed online. Sociodemographic, COVID-19-related, and clinical data were obtained. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale was used to assess likely MDD. SPSS version 25 used employed to analyze the data.
Results
The prevalence of likely MDD among participants was 45%. Participants who desire mental health counselling are more likely to exhibit depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 5.48; 95% CI: 1.95–15.40). History of depression (OR = 4.64; 95% CI: 1.49–14.44) and hypnotics (OR = 5.72; 95% CI: 1.08–30.30) were more likely to experience depression symptoms during the pandemic than other participants without a history. Participants who received absolute support from the employer (OR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.24–9.82) were protective against depression symptoms amid the pandemic.
Conclusions
Clinical factors and employer support are associated with depression symptoms during the pandemic. Communities that have experienced multiple traumas need to reduce any psychopathology, and governmental bodies need to implement holistic policies to increase support to individuals during traumatic eras like the CVID-19 pandemic.
The flood in Fort McMurray (FMM) which occurred between April 26 and May 2, 2020, is known to have displaced an estimated population of 1,500 people, and destroyed or damaged about 1,230 buildings. In all, it is estimated to have caused about $228 million in losses.
Objectives
This study aims to identify the determinants of likely Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD) among respondents 12 months after the 2020 flooding
Methods
Data for the study were collected through a cross-sectional survey sent through REDCap and hosted online from the 24th of April to the 2nd of June 2021. The self-administered questionnaire was emailed to respondents using community, government, school, and occupational platforms. Demographic, flooding-related variables and clinical data were collected. A validated instrument, the GAD-7 was used to collect information on likely GAD. Consent was implied by completing the survey forms, and the University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Committee approved the study.
Results
Of the 249 residents surveyed, 74.7% (186) respondents completed the online survey, 81.6% (80) were above 40 years, 71% (132) were in a relationship, 85.5% (159) were females, and 94.1% (175) were employed. The prevalence of likely GAD was 42.5% in our study. Predictors of likely GAD among respondents included positive employment status (OR = 30.70; 95% C.I. 2.183–423.093), prior diagnosis of depression (OR = 3.30; 95% C.I. 1.157–9.43), and the perceived need to have mental health counseling (OR = 6.28; 95% C.I. 2.553–15.45).
Conclusions
This study showed that there was an increased magnitude of moderate to high anxiety symptoms among respondents following the natural disaster, particularly the flood in 2020. The predictors of likely GAD include positive employment status, a history of depression diagnosis, and the need to have mental health counseling. Policy formulators may reduce the risk of anxiety after flooding in vulnerable areas by addressing these factors.
Burnout in the medical profession has garnered a lot of attention over the recent years. While it is reported across all specialties and all stages of medical education; resident physicians in particular are at high risk for burnout throughout their years of training.
Objectives
This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence and correlates of burnout among resident physicians in Alberta.
Methods
Through a descriptive cross-sectional study design, a self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from resident physicians at two medical schools in Alberta, Canada. Maslach Burnout Inventory was used as an assessment tool. Chi-squared and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used.
Results
Overall burnout prevalence among residents was 58.2%. Working more than 80 hours/week (OR= 16.437; 95% CI: 2.059 – 131.225), being dissatisfied (OR= 22.28; 95% CI: 1.75– 283.278) or being neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with a career in medicine [(OR= 23.81; 95% CI: 4.89 – 115.86) were significantly associated with high depersonalization. Dissatisfaction with efficiency and resources (OR= 10.83; CI: 1.66- 70.32) or being neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with a career in medicine (OR= 5.14; CI: 1.33- 19.94)] were significantly associated with high emotional exhaustion. Working more than 80 hours/week (OR= 5.36; CI: 1.08- 26.42) and feeling that the residency program is somewhat having enough strategies aimed at resident well-being in place (OR= 3.70; CI: 1.10- 12.46) were significantly associated with high work exhaustion and interpersonal disengagement. Young age of the residents (≤ 30 years) (OR= 0.044; CI: 0.004- 0.445) was significantly associated with low professional fulfillment.
Conclusions
Burnout is a serious occupational phenomenon that can degenerate to other conditions or disrupts one’s professional performance. Significant correlates were associated with high rates of burnout. Leaders of medical schools and policy makers need to acknowledge, design, and implement various strategies capable of providing continuous effective mental health support to improve the psychological health of the medical resident across Canada.
Natural disasters adversely impact individuals living in places where they occur, resulting in emotional distress. The wildfire that occurred in Fort McMurray (FMM), Alberta in 2016 is no different.
Objectives
This study aims to identify the prevalence and predictors of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms in residents of FMM five years after the devastating wildfires.
Methods
Data for the study were collected through a cross-sectional survey conducted online from the 24th of April to the 2nd of June 2021. A validated instrument, the GAD-7 scale, was used to collect information on anxiety.
Results
Of the total number of 186 residents who took part in the study, the majority were females (85.5%), employed (94.1%), working at school boards (50.0%), and were either married, cohabiting, or partnered (71.0%). The prevalence of likely GAD among the study sample was 42.5%. Unemployed respondents were seventeen times more likely to develop GAD symptoms (OR = 16.62; 95% C.I. 1.23-223.67) while respondents who would like to receive mental health counseling were five times more likely to experience GAD symptoms (OR = 5.35; 95% C.I. 2.03-14.15). Respondents who suffered a loss of property because of the wildfire were two times more likely to develop GAD symptoms (OR = 2.36; 95% C.I. 1.01-22.62).
Conclusions
Formulators of policy may mitigate GAD symptoms, particularly after natural disasters, by making long-term mental health counseling available and a key component of post-disaster management, and by investing in the social capital of the people to build resilience and support to deal with the post-disaster mental health effects.