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INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 lockdowns, shelter in place, closures of transportation and mental health services, and dearth of mental health providers created new barriers to obtaining support for mental health needs at a time of increased rates of anxiety and depression. During the pandemic, a record number of households owned and adopted pets, opening a potential avenue to investigate the relationship between pets and mental health. This systematic literature review examined the question: What is the evidence for a relationship between human-animal interaction and/or animal ownership and common mental disorders among adults who interacted with pets compared to adults who did not during the COVID-19 pandemic? METHODS: To address this question, four databases were searched: Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and SCOPUS for peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and July 2023. Of the 1,746 articles identified by the searches, 21 studies were included in this review. RESULTS: Results suggest that there exists a relationship between animal ownership and strong pet attachment and pet interaction, though the directionality of the relationship was not investigated by the included studies. There was an association between having a stronger relationship with a pet and lower feelings of depression and other mental health symptoms. There was also evidence of an association between anxiety and higher levels of animal attachment. CONCLUSION: Understanding the association between human-animal interaction and common mental disorders may be helpful to clinicians assessing the mental health of clients. Clinicians may glean additional insight about stressors, risk factors, social supports, and lifestyle of clients based on the clients status as a pet owner. Future research could further explore the direction of the causal relationship of human-animal interaction and/or animal ownership on common mental disorders; this could further inform how the HAI relationship can be used to support clients with mental health struggles.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynaecological problem for women of reproductive age. Depression and anxiety are common conditions that occur in women with PCOS and have an impact on mental well-being. However, there is a lack of data on their prevalence and its associated factors in the Thai population. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among women with PCOS and identify the factors associated with depression and anxiety in women with PCOS as well as their impact on mental well-being in Thailand. Methods: A total of 260 women aged 15 to 40 years diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria were included in the study. Physical examinations were conducted, and participants completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Thai version WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5 Thai) questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, and mental well-being, respectively. The prevalence and prevalence rations (PR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for depression and anxiety were analysed using modified Poisson regression analyses with robust variance estimators. Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and poor mental well-being among women with PCOS was found to be 3.85%, 11.92%, and 16.92%, respectively. Abdominal obesity (PR 24.25, 95% CI: 2.75–219.50; p = 0.004), poor mental well-being (PR 16.68, 95% CI: 4.02–69.18; p = < 0.001), and snoring (PR 10.26, 95% CI: 2.06–51.14; p = 0.005) were identified as factors associated with depression in women with PCOS. Having children (PR 6.22, 95% CI: 2.90-13.35; p = < 0.001), alcohol drinking (PR 3.41, 95% CI: 1.52–7.65; p = 0.003), poor mental well-being (PR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.14–4.74; p = 0.021), and hirsutism (PR 2.23, 95% CI: 1.18–4.22; p = 0.014) were found to be relative factors for anxiety in women with PCOS. Conclusion: Women with PCOS is associated with high prevalences of depression and anxiety. Poor mental well-being was identified as key factors associated with both depression and anxiety in women with PCOS. Based on these findings, the present study suggests that screening for depression and anxiety should be conducted for all women with PCOS, especially those who present with poor mental well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Perceived social support plays a crucial role in adolescent development, health, well-being, and resilience. Understanding the factors associated with perceived social support among adolescents is essential for designing effective interventions. However, research in this area, particularly within specific contexts, remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors associated with perceived social support among adolescents in the Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia Regional State. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 1172 adolescents selected through a stratified multi-stage sampling method. Structured face-to-face interviews were employed for data collection. Summary statistics were utilized for data presentation. Multiple linear regressions were then performed to identify factors associated with perceived social support. The strength and direction of associations were presented using b coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The level of statistical significance was set at alpha 5%. Result: The total mean for perceived social support among adolescents was 57.02 ± 12.68. Adolescents living with their biological parents reported significantly higher levels of perceived social support (b = 4.17, 95% CI: 2.00 to 6.34) compared to their counterparts. Similarly, adolescents engaged in paid work within the last 12 months reported higher perceived social support (b = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.39 to 5.46). Higher levels of parental monitoring were also associated with increased perceived social support (b = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.23 to 4.82). Additionally, adolescents who perceived risks for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems reported higher levels of perceived social support (b = 2.76, 95% CI: 0.84 to 4.69). Moreover, adolescents with good knowledge about SRH rights exhibited increased perceived social support (b = 2.46, 95% CI: 0.89 to 4.02). Furthermore, adolescents residing in rural areas reported higher levels of perceived social support compared to those in urban areas (b = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.16 to 3.11) Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that factors such as living arrangements, employment status, parental monitoring, perceived risks for SRH problems, knowledge about SRH rights, and geographical context emerged as important predictors of perceived social support. Therefore, implementing interventions and initiatives to address these identified factors holds promise for nurturing resilient adolescent social support networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigates the impact of financial insecurity on the mental well-being and stress levels of parents in Lebanon amid the country’s severe economic crisis. The context of Lebanon’s economic collapse, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion, has exacerbated financial and psychological distress among the population. This research aims to understand the correlation between financial instability and parental stress, identifying key factors contributing to mental health challenges in this demographic. Methods: Employing a quantitative research approach, data was collected through an online survey from 785 parents from different backgrounds in Lebanon. The survey incorporated sociodemographic questions, the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale (IFDFW), and the Arabic version of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Results: Findings showed significant correlations between high levels of parental stress and factors such as age (r = 0.071, p = 0.047) and lower education levels. Notably, refugees residing in Lebanon exhibited higher stress levels compared to Lebanese parents (mean stress score: 51.73 vs. 45.71, p < 0.001). Similarly, employed participants exhibited higher stress levels compared to the nonworking (mean stress score: 46.75 vs. 44.60, p = 0.003). A significant inverse association was found between financial well-being and parental stress (r=-0.216, p < 0.001), emphasizing the profound impact of economic instability on mental health. Conclusions: This study highlights the adverse effects of financial insecurity on parents’ mental health, primarily during a period of economic instability, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted support interventions. These findings contribute to the literature on economic crises and mental health, providing a basis for future research and policy development in similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental health encompasses more than just the absence of mental disorders. Thus, a Mental Health Surveillance (MHS) and reporting system for Germany should monitor mental well-being in addition to psychopathology to capture a more complete picture of population mental health. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) is an internationally established inventory for the integrated assessment of different aspects of mental well-being (i.e., hedonic and eudaimonic) in population samples that has not yet been validated for Germany. Methods: Using data from a cross-sectional online survey of a convenience sample of N = 1.048 adults aged 18–79 years (51% female) living in Germany, the factorial structure, measurement invariance (age, sex) and psychometric properties of the WEMWBS in its long (14 items) and short (7 items) versions were analyzed. Additionally, correlations to relevant factors (e.g., health-related quality of life, psychological distress) were investigated as indicators of criterion validity. Results: Means of model fit indices did not confirm a unidimensional factor structure for either version. The three-factor-correlative models showed moderate to good fit while the bifactor model with one general mental well-being factor and three grouping factors fitted the data best. The full range of possible responses was used for all items, and the distribution of both scales was approximately normal. Moreover, the results revealed measurement invariance across sex and age groups. Initial evidence of criterion validity was obtained. Internal consistencies were α = 0.95 and α = 0.89, respectively. Average mental well-being was comparable to that of other European countries at 3.74 for the long version and 3.84 for the short version. While there were no differences by sex, comparisons between age groups revealed higher mental well-being among the older age groups. Conclusions: Both versions of the WEMWBS showed sound psychometric characteristics in the present German sample. The findings indicate that the instrument is suitable for measuring mental well-being at the population level due to its distributional properties. These results are promising, suggesting that the scale is suitable for use in a national MHS that aims to capture positive mental health in the population as a foundation for prevention and promotion efforts within public mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resilience contributes to mental well-being, hence expediting recovery from stressful events. Health professions students, in particular, often experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety due to academic demands and other stressors. This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to resilience and identify support systems that universities can implement to help undergraduate health professions students build resilience and manage their mental well-being. Methods: A total of 28 students from the fields of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Dietetics and Nutrition participated in semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interviews were stopped when data saturation was achieved. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Thematic analysis of the interviews identified five key themes contributing to resilience: life experience, socioeconomic factors, personal attributes, support resources, and role modelling. Universities play a crucial role in fostering resilience among health professions students through soft skills training, workplace-oriented training, mentoring, and extracurricular activities. These opportunities enable students to develop and strengthen resilience in both formal and informal settings. Such initiatives not only equip students to manage future career challenges but also support their overall personal and professional development. Conclusions: This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors to health professions students' resilience. The availability of support resources together with a nurturing environment provided by university are crucial. By fostering resilience, students are better prepared to navigate the challenges of the demanding professions and develop the emotional fortitude necessary for long-term success in healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization entails complex problems not only in cities, but also within urban agglomerations. In modern landscape science, the greatest problems are primarily related to the ecological state of urban ecosystems. In this context, the most important task of urbanism is the interdisciplinary study of urban infrastructure in relation to the well-being of inhabitants, with a focus on the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. The aim of this study is to conduct a theoretical analysis of interdisciplinary research on the interactions between humans and the urban environment in the context of intensive urbanization, as well as to be an empirical study of the relationship between the real ecological state of the city of Astana, based on the use of geographical, environmental, cartographic, statistical, sociological, and socio-psychological research methods, aimed at identifying the mental well-being of citizens in correlation with their consumed urban ecosystem services using an associative psychological experiment, socio-psychological survey, and GIS mapping. As a result of this study, the authors have determined that the research hypothesis 1 "Spatial representations of the city's geoecological state are interrelated with the mental well-being and satisfaction with urban ecosystem services of citizens depending on the area of residence" is confirmed. Additionally, a positive correlation has been noted among the key indicators and criteria of geoecological condition, mental well-being, and satisfaction with urban ecosystem services across different districts of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how activities in natural settings, such as gardening, improve health and well‐being is important for designing nature‐based health interventions.Our study focused on a sociodemographic‐diverse group of new gardeners (n = 34) who had participated for one season in the community gardens as part of the Denver Urban Gardens initiative in Denver, CO USA. New gardeners participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews to determine how and why gardening influenced their well‐being. Interview transcripts were analysed iteratively using grounded theory and comparative case study methodologies.Analysis revealed that new gardeners' previous gardening experience, social support systems and overcoming gardening challenges increased gardening engagement and improved outcomes. Within‐garden outcomes that were nearly universally experienced by new gardeners included food production, physical activity in the garden and a 'gardening triad': (1) caretaking, nurturance or love and sense of responsibility for garden plants; (2) feelings of accomplishment, success and pride and (3) connection to nature including appreciation, restoration and wonder.We found that the elements of the 'gardening triad' were meaningful to gardeners and connected to both continued engagement of participants and others in the garden, and social and emotional well‐being outcomes including new and/or strengthened social relationships; purpose and meaning; self‐learning, self‐worth and confidence; joy, immersion, restoration and respite; and management of mental health conditions. Gardening with others, including other gardeners, garden leaders, friends and family, amplified the well‐being effects of the 'gardening triad.'Identification of the 'gardening triad' expands understanding of the salient health‐promoting characteristics of gardening beyond simple exposure to nature, food production and physical activity. It embeds gardeners in relationship with their gardens as active participants eliciting universal emotional processes which, in turn, manifested as improved social and emotional well‐being. Gardening, as an avenue for improving well‐being, should be supported widely. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, disproportionately affecting older people. This study aims to assess the mental health of elderly individuals living in a deprived region of Hungary, and to identify and estimate the weight of different determinants of mental health across different age groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted with randomly selected samples of individuals (n = 860) aged 18 years and older in Northeast Hungary. The World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), the single-item Life Satisfaction Scale, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used to measure mental health of the participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to measure the association between sociodemographic and health-related variables and mental health. Overall, the mean WHO-5 score was 69.2 ± 18.1 and it showed a significant decrease by age (p < 0.001), with the lowest score observed in aged 75 years and above (p < 0.001). The mean life satisfaction score was 7.5 ± 1.9 and it showed a significant decreasing trend over the life course (p < 0.001). The highest level of psychological distress as assessed by GHQ-12 was observed in the group aged 75 years or older (11.5 ± 6.0, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression indicated that self-reported financial status, social support, sense of control over their health, activity limitation and pain intensity were the most important determinants of mental health among older adults. Interventions to improve the mental health of older adults should focus on the positive impact of social support, the reduction of financial insecurity and the use of effective pain relief medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of eating habits in adolescent mental health has become a growing area of interest for researchers and health professionals. Recent studies suggest that healthy eating habits may play a role in the development and management of mental health. However, existing literature is largely based on clinical populations, and comparisons are challenged by sociocultural differences and methodological issues. The aim of the present study was to use nationally representative data based on standardized procedures, to explore associations between adolescents eating habits and mental health, considering the importance of age, gender, socioeconomic factors, and country. Methods: The study was based on data from Nordic adolescents (age 11, 13 and 15 years) who participated in the 2017/2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (n = 22384). General linear modelling and multigroup regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between food habits (intake of fruit, vegetables, sweets, soft drinks), meal habits (intake of breakfast and having family meals together), and mental health (life satisfaction and subjective health complaints). The analyses were weighted and adjusted for age, gender, socio-economic status, and country. Results: Overall, healthier eating habits were associated with better mental health. The strongest associations were found between meal habits (breakfast consumption and having family meals together) and mental health. Gender and country differences were seen, with weaker associations found among Danish boys. Conclusion: Eating habits should be considered when promoting mental health in the adolescent population. While gender differences and cross-country variations exist, even minor enhancements in eating behaviors could yield meaningful benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The stress levels in emergency services are enormous. The resulting stress can range from psychological irritation to burnout. This study examines the importance of resilience in the German EMS and its significance for the risk of irritation and burnout among EMS personnel. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 285 EMS personnel in Germany. Resilience was measured by the RS-13 Scale, irritation by the Irritation Scale (IS), and burnout by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Sociodemographic and job-related data were also collected. A classification into resilient groups was used to compare stress levels. Results: More than one-third (39%) of the participants had a low level of resilience. EMS personnel with high levels of resilience had significantly lower scores on the cognitive and emotional irritation dimensions, as well as on the burnout dimensions of emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Conclusions: Resilience plays an important role in the safety culture of emergency services. The results support the hypothesis that high levels of resilience lead to less stress and help people cope better with stress. Almost two-fifths of the participants had lower resilience, underscoring the need for safe communication and targeted measures to strengthen resilience. Regular training, a supportive work environment, and promoting team cohesion and social support can improve emergency responders' mental health and job performance. Future research should develop specific intervention strategies and evaluate their effectiveness to ensure the long-term health of emergency responders and improve the quality of emergency care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After natural disasters, the occurrence of mental health problems and adverse effects on reproductive health in women of reproductive age can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including the deterioration of health facilities, a shortage of qualified health professionals, a lack of socio-economic stability, and a paucity of familial and community support. Methods: The descriptive correlational study was conducted through social networks with 405 women who had experienced the disaster of the century 8 months after (between November and December 2023) the earthquake. The snowball sampling method was used to obtain the research data. The questionnaire form, developed for the purpose of data collection, was disseminated to women who consented to participate in the study through social networks. The data were evaluated using a variety of statistical techniques, including number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and structural equation modeling. Results: According to the results of linear regression analysis, these were found to be predictors of the desire to avoid pregnancy: having housing problems (β-coefficient 0.173; p =.008), having a damaged home (β-coefficient. 276; p =.009), sleep patterns (β-coefficient 0.433; p =.022), eating habits (β-coefficients 0.248, 0.044), use of psychiatric medication (β-coefficient 0.436, p =.003), and problems related to the food and water supply (β-coefficient 0.127, p =.003). In addition, a structural equation model (SEM) was established to examine the relationship between these variables and mental well-being and pregnancy avoidance. Only the model constructed with mental well-being demonstrated significance in the SEM analysis. Conclusions: This study shows that women's mental health is negatively affected in unpredictable emergencies such as earthquakes and that poor mental health negatively affects pregnancy planning. The findings of the study may help to guide health professionals working in the field of women's health to protect women's mental health in emergency situations, to provide counseling about pregnancy planning, and to provide social and psychological support programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crafting research has often focused solely on the work domain or examined work and non‐work life domains separately, using a variable‐centered approach. Little is known about the interactions of crafting processes in the work and non‐work domain. In this time‐lagged study, we examined (1) the relationship between job and off‐job crafting behaviours using a person‐centered approach to identify crafting profiles, (2) whether job, home and personal resources differentially predicted these profiles and (3) whether these profiles differed in relation to outcomes, that is work engagement and mental well‐being. We conducted a three‐wave, time‐lagged survey with 3‐month intervals among 2125 employees. The results revealed three profiles of active (18.0%), average (48.2%) and least active (33.9%) crafters. Analyses of predictors showed that active crafters had higher levels of home developmental possibilities and self‐efficacy than average and least active crafters, likewise for average crafters compared with least active crafters. Furthermore, active crafters had higher levels of social support at home than least active crafters. Regarding well‐being outcomes, active crafters experienced significantly higher mental well‐being than average and least active crafters and higher work engagement than least active crafters. Interventions to enhance employee's resources could stimulate crafting behaviours, ultimately improving well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women have unique experiences with mental health challenges that require relevant strategies and interventions that effectively support their mental health. Empowerment interventions that vary in nature and format have the potential to play a key role in supporting women's mental health. The purpose of this scoping review is to outline empowerment interventions targeting improvement in the mental health of women living in Canada.A search was undertaken using major databases including Medline, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between 2013 and 2023. A total of 243 articles were identified, from which 12 were ultimately included in this review. All included studies were conducted in Canada but were diverse in design, setting, and sample size. A total of four types of interventions were identified including mental health and emotional awareness, reading, peer support, and skill building and engagement. The findings of the review inform key insights for mental health care and service providers to focus on sustainable outcomes for women's mental health. The findings also guide the need for a systematic review to appraise the existing empowerment interventions for women's mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to assess which elements of street design impact subjective well-being in the central area of a city in southern Chile, based on residents' perceptions. Fifty-six semi-structured walking interviews were conducted to obtain records of pedestrians' self-reported perceptions of their environment. To categorize the emotions reported in the interviews, the Circumplex Model of Affect was used to organize and classify the declared emotions. The results revealed that street design elements such as heritage buildings with well-maintained facades with intense colors in their coatings, spacious front gardens, wooden facades, low fences, wide sidewalks, soft or rubberized floors, and trees with colorful fruits and leaves promote a greater dominance of high-intensity positive emotions such as enjoyment, joy, happiness, liking, and pleasure. In contrast, neglected or abandoned building facades, blind fronts with graffiti or murals, high fences, tall buildings, treeless or vegetation-free sidewalks, untrimmed bushes, and narrow and poorly maintained sidewalks promote negative emotions of both high and low activation such as fear, anger, dislike, rage, unsafety, discomfort, and stress. The article concludes with the development of an emotional map of momentary experiences, identifying places of well-being and discomfort in public spaces. The value of this map is discussed as a tool to inform urban design in the promotion of healthier pedestrian environments in Latin American cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) is a probiotic strain widely studied for its potential to improve human health. Previous studies have demonstrated promising results for HN001 in the improvement of mental well-being, particularly in terms of increased happiness and support for stress management in healthy adults. Methods: To further explore these findings, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 120 participants aged ≥ 18 years with mild to high stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The participants were randomly assigned to receive either HN001 or placebo for 28 days. Psychological assessments, including the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), were completed at baseline, day 14, and day 28. Secondary outcomes included changes in PSS scores, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and total score levels measured by the DASS-21 questionnaire. Results: While not statistically significant, participants who received HN001 showed an improvement in OHQ (mean change, 13.3) and PSS total scores (mean change, −8.1) over time compared with the placebo group (mean change, 10.2 and −6.6, respectively). Furthermore, 39% of the participants moved from not happy to happy, compared with only 29% in the placebo group. Post-hoc analysis showed a statistically significant interaction between intervention and study day for OHQ and PSS total scores, with p-values of 0.014 and 0.043, respectively. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: HN001 showed improvements in both happiness and PSS scores. Furthermore, sex subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant differences in both outcomes, emphasizing the need for larger and longer intervention studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynaecological problem for women of reproductive age. Depression and anxiety are common conditions that occur in women with PCOS and have an impact on mental well-being. However, there is a lack of data on their prevalence and its associated factors in the Thai population. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among women with PCOS and identify the factors associated with depression and anxiety in women with PCOS as well as their impact on mental well-being in Thailand. Methods A total of 260 women aged 15 to 40 years diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria were included in the study. Physical examinations were conducted, and participants completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Thai version WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5 Thai) questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, and mental well-being, respectively. The prevalence and prevalence rations (PR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for depression and anxiety were analysed using modified Poisson regression analyses with robust variance estimators. Results The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and poor mental well-being among women with PCOS was found to be 3.85%, 11.92%, and 16.92%, respectively. Abdominal obesity (PR 24.25, 95% CI: 2.75–219.50; p = 0.004), poor mental well-being (PR 16.68, 95% CI: 4.02–69.18; p =

Introduction: The future of our healthcare services highly depends on the current generation of health science students since they are the ones who will work in the healthcare setting. Ensuring their mental well-being is an utmost priority so that they can offer top-tier quality care and services to people in need. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of mental well-being and mental help-seeking attitude among undergraduate sciences students and the impact of socioeconomic status toward both variables. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students (N = 364) from six sciences schools at International Islamic University Malaysia via an online survey, which contained three main parts; socioeconomic status, mental well-being assessment using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and assessment of mental help-seeking attitude using the General Mental Help-Seeking Attitude Scale (MHSAS). Data were analysed using SPSS, version 29.0. Results: Only 7.1% of the students have positive mental well-being, while 44.8% scored positive mental help-seeking attitude. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in students’ mental well-being and any of SES components. There was a significant association between students’ year of study and mental help-seeking attitude (P = 0.029), in addition, WEMWBS and MHSAS scores showed a positive correlation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Future studies are essential to find out the contributing factors, prevention, and intervention that can be done to help the student in need.

Abstract Background Health education in primary schools plays a critical role in equipping children with essential self-care skills, fostering health literacy, and addressing social determinants of health. This study explores the perspectives of parents and teachers on teaching self-care and managing common health issues in UK primary schools. Despite the recognized importance of health education, there is limited research on how self-care education is perceived and implemented in the primary school setting. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, including 9 generalist primary teachers and 9 parents from diverse educational and socioeconomic contexts in the West Midlands, East Midlands, Northwest, and London of England. Participants were recruited via social media and professional networks, and interviews were conducted via video conferencing platforms. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo 12 to identify recurring themes related to the delivery and impact of self-care education in primary schools. Results Teachers and parents highlighted key self-care topics, including hygiene, managing common illnesses like colds and cuts, and mental well-being. There was a consensus on the importance of self-care education, but views diverged on whether the responsibility should lie primarily with schools, parents, or a collaborative approach. Teachers expressed concerns about their preparedness to teach sensitive topics, citing a lack of training and resources. Socioeconomic and religious contexts further influenced perceptions, with participants emphasising further importance of school-led self-care education for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Strengths were identified in current self-care education efforts, particularly in practical lessons that empower children with age-appropriate skills. Conclusions This study highlights the critical need for comprehensive and collaborative health education in primary schools to promote health literacy and reduce health disparities. Enhancing teacher training, integrating self-care topics into the primary curriculum, and fostering stronger partnerships between schools and families are essential to improving the quality and consistency of self-care education. Policymakers should consider implementing mandatory health education training in teacher education programs and providing ongoing professional development to support teachers. By addressing these gaps, schools can play a pivotal role in preparing children for lifelong health management, reducing the burden on healthcare services, and supporting public health objectives.

Abstract Background This study investigates the impact of financial insecurity on the mental well-being and stress levels of parents in Lebanon amid the country’s severe economic crisis. The context of Lebanon’s economic collapse, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion, has exacerbated financial and psychological distress among the population. This research aims to understand the correlation between financial instability and parental stress, identifying key factors contributing to mental health challenges in this demographic. Methods Employing a quantitative research approach, data was collected through an online survey from 785 parents from different backgrounds in Lebanon. The survey incorporated sociodemographic questions, the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale (IFDFW), and the Arabic version of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Results Findings showed significant correlations between high levels of parental stress and factors such as age (r = 0.071, p = 0.047) and lower education levels. Notably, refugees residing in Lebanon exhibited higher stress levels compared to Lebanese parents (mean stress score: 51.73 vs. 45.71, p

Abstract Background Mental health encompasses more than just the absence of mental disorders. Thus, a Mental Health Surveillance (MHS) and reporting system for Germany should monitor mental well-being in addition to psychopathology to capture a more complete picture of population mental health. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) is an internationally established inventory for the integrated assessment of different aspects of mental well-being (i.e., hedonic and eudaimonic) in population samples that has not yet been validated for Germany. Methods Using data from a cross-sectional online survey of a convenience sample of N = 1.048 adults aged 18–79 years (51% female) living in Germany, the factorial structure, measurement invariance (age, sex) and psychometric properties of the WEMWBS in its long (14 items) and short (7 items) versions were analyzed. Additionally, correlations to relevant factors (e.g., health-related quality of life, psychological distress) were investigated as indicators of criterion validity. Results Means of model fit indices did not confirm a unidimensional factor structure for either version. The three-factor-correlative models showed moderate to good fit while the bifactor model with one general mental well-being factor and three grouping factors fitted the data best. The full range of possible responses was used for all items, and the distribution of both scales was approximately normal. Moreover, the results revealed measurement invariance across sex and age groups. Initial evidence of criterion validity was obtained. Internal consistencies were α = 0.95 and α = 0.89, respectively. Average mental well-being was comparable to that of other European countries at 3.74 for the long version and 3.84 for the short version. While there were no differences by sex, comparisons between age groups revealed higher mental well-being among the older age groups. Conclusions Both versions of the WEMWBS showed sound psychometric characteristics in the present German sample. The findings indicate that the instrument is suitable for measuring mental well-being at the population level due to its distributional properties. These results are promising, suggesting that the scale is suitable for use in a national MHS that aims to capture positive mental health in the population as a foundation for prevention and promotion efforts within public mental health.

Abstract Background Resilience contributes to mental well-being, hence expediting recovery from stressful events. Health professions students, in particular, often experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety due to academic demands and other stressors. This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to resilience and identify support systems that universities can implement to help undergraduate health professions students build resilience and manage their mental well-being. Methods A total of 28 students from the fields of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Dietetics and Nutrition participated in semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interviews were stopped when data saturation was achieved. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis of the interviews identified five key themes contributing to resilience: life experience, socioeconomic factors, personal attributes, support resources, and role modelling. Universities play a crucial role in fostering resilience among health professions students through soft skills training, workplace-oriented training, mentoring, and extracurricular activities. These opportunities enable students to develop and strengthen resilience in both formal and informal settings. Such initiatives not only equip students to manage future career challenges but also support their overall personal and professional development. Conclusions This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors to health professions students’ resilience. The availability of support resources together with a nurturing environment provided by university are crucial. By fostering resilience, students are better prepared to navigate the challenges of the demanding professions and develop the emotional fortitude necessary for long-term success in healthcare.

Abstract Understanding how activities in natural settings, such as gardening, improve health and well‐being is important for designing nature‐based health interventions. Our study focused on a sociodemographic‐diverse group of new gardeners (n = 34) who had participated for one season in the community gardens as part of the Denver Urban Gardens initiative in Denver, CO USA. New gardeners participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews to determine how and why gardening influenced their well‐being. Interview transcripts were analysed iteratively using grounded theory and comparative case study methodologies. Analysis revealed that new gardeners' previous gardening experience, social support systems and overcoming gardening challenges increased gardening engagement and improved outcomes. Within‐garden outcomes that were nearly universally experienced by new gardeners included food production, physical activity in the garden and a ‘gardening triad’: (1) caretaking, nurturance or love and sense of responsibility for garden plants; (2) feelings of accomplishment, success and pride and (3) connection to nature including appreciation, restoration and wonder. We found that the elements of the ‘gardening triad’ were meaningful to gardeners and connected to both continued engagement of participants and others in the garden, and social and emotional well‐being outcomes including new and/or strengthened social relationships; purpose and meaning; self‐learning, self‐worth and confidence; joy, immersion, restoration and respite; and management of mental health conditions. Gardening with others, including other gardeners, garden leaders, friends and family, amplified the well‐being effects of the ‘gardening triad.’ Identification of the ‘gardening triad’ expands understanding of the salient health‐promoting characteristics of gardening beyond simple exposure to nature, food production and physical activity. It embeds gardeners in relationship with their gardens as active participants eliciting universal emotional processes which, in turn, manifested as improved social and emotional well‐being. Gardening, as an avenue for improving well‐being, should be supported widely. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract Background The role of eating habits in adolescent mental health has become a growing area of interest for researchers and health professionals. Recent studies suggest that healthy eating habits may play a role in the development and management of mental health. However, existing literature is largely based on clinical populations, and comparisons are challenged by sociocultural differences and methodological issues. The aim of the present study was to use nationally representative data based on standardized procedures, to explore associations between adolescents eating habits and mental health, considering the importance of age, gender, socioeconomic factors, and country. Methods The study was based on data from Nordic adolescents (age 11, 13 and 15 years) who participated in the 2017/2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (n = 22384). General linear modelling and multigroup regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between food habits (intake of fruit, vegetables, sweets, soft drinks), meal habits (intake of breakfast and having family meals together), and mental health (life satisfaction and subjective health complaints). The analyses were weighted and adjusted for age, gender, socio-economic status, and country. Results Overall, healthier eating habits were associated with better mental health. The strongest associations were found between meal habits (breakfast consumption and having family meals together) and mental health. Gender and country differences were seen, with weaker associations found among Danish boys. Conclusion Eating habits should be considered when promoting mental health in the adolescent population. While gender differences and cross-country variations exist, even minor enhancements in eating behaviors could yield meaningful benefits.

Abstract Background After natural disasters, the occurrence of mental health problems and adverse effects on reproductive health in women of reproductive age can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including the deterioration of health facilities, a shortage of qualified health professionals, a lack of socio-economic stability, and a paucity of familial and community support. Methods The descriptive correlational study was conducted through social networks with 405 women who had experienced the disaster of the century 8 months after (between November and December 2023) the earthquake. The snowball sampling method was used to obtain the research data. The questionnaire form, developed for the purpose of data collection, was disseminated to women who consented to participate in the study through social networks. The data were evaluated using a variety of statistical techniques, including number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and structural equation modeling. Results According to the results of linear regression analysis, these were found to be predictors of the desire to avoid pregnancy: having housing problems (β-coefficient 0.173; p = .008), having a damaged home (β-coefficient. 276; p = .009), sleep patterns (β-coefficient 0.433; p = .022), eating habits (β-coefficients 0.248, 0.044), use of psychiatric medication (β-coefficient 0.436, p = .003), and problems related to the food and water supply (β-coefficient 0.127, p = .003). In addition, a structural equation model (SEM) was established to examine the relationship between these variables and mental well-being and pregnancy avoidance. Only the model constructed with mental well-being demonstrated significance in the SEM analysis. Conclusions This study shows that women’s mental health is negatively affected in unpredictable emergencies such as earthquakes and that poor mental health negatively affects pregnancy planning. The findings of the study may help to guide health professionals working in the field of women’s health to protect women’s mental health in emergency situations, to provide counseling about pregnancy planning, and to provide social and psychological support programs.

In this article, we assess the utility of the American Voices Project in supplementing more traditional sources of labor market data. To do so, we explore the effects of safety net program expansions on household financial stability and labor force participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that despite the expanded safety net, employment loss was sometimes associated with declines in financial well-being. We find little evidence of the programs disincentivizing work, however. Pandemic relief programs helped cover essential living expenses, but implementation challenges muted their effects for some. Connections between employment loss and declines in mental well-being, as well as both the vulnerability and importance of gig work, emerged as prominent, if unexpected, themes. Our analysis suggests that, with improvements, an ongoing, large-scale qualitative data collection effort could be an invaluable asset in monitoring labor market conditions in low-income communities.

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Women have unique experiences with mental health challenges that require relevant strategies and interventions that effectively support their mental health. Empowerment interventions that vary in nature and format have the potential to play a key role in supporting women’s mental health. The purpose of this scoping review is to outline empowerment interventions targeting improvement in the mental health of women living in Canada.A search was undertaken using major databases including Medline, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between 2013 and 2023. A total of 243 articles were identified, from which 12 were ultimately included in this review. All included studies were conducted in Canada but were diverse in design, setting, and sample size. A total of four types of interventions were identified including mental health and emotional awareness, reading, peer support, and skill building and engagement. The findings of the review inform key insights for mental health care and service providers to focus on sustainable outcomes for women’s mental health. The findings also guide the need for a systematic review to appraise the existing empowerment interventions for women’s mental health outcomes.

Abstract Background The topic of adolescent mental health is currently a subject of much debate due to the increasing prevalence of mental health problems among this age group. Therefore, it is crucial to have high-quality and validated mental well-being measurement tools. While such tools do exist, they are often not tailored specifically to adolescents and are not available in Czech language. The aim of this study is to validate and test the Czech version of the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS) on a large sample of Czech adolescents aged 15 to 18 years. Methods The analysis is based on data from the first wave of the Czech Education Panel Survey (CZEPS) and was mainly conducted using Item Response Theory (IRT), which is the most appropriate method for this type of analysis. Specifically, the Graded Response Model (GRM) was applied to the data. This comprehensive validation study also included reliability and three types of validity (construct, convergent and criterion) testing. Results The study found that the Czech version of the SWEMWBS for adolescents aged 15 to 18 years (N = 22,498) has good quality and psychometric properties. The data was analysed using the GRM model as it met the assumptions for the use of IRT. The estimated parameter values by GRM demonstrated good discriminant and informative power for all items, except for item 7, which showed poorer results compared to the others. However, excluding it from the scale would not enhance the overall quality of the scale. The five-category response scale functions effectively. Additionally, the results demonstrated high reliability, and all types of validity tested were also confirmed. Conclusions The Czech version of the SWEMWBS for adolescents has been validated as a psychometrically sound, reliable and valid instrument for measuring mental well-being. It can therefore be used with confidence in future studies.

Abstract Introduction Within the Thai medical curriculum, its rigorous education framework, demanding schedules and high academic standards can contribute to psychological distress. Regular physical activity has consistently shown positive effects on mental health. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between exercise and psychological well-being, including depression, anxiety, and burnout, in Thai medical students, and factors related to insufficient exercise and depression. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in the university hospital during 2020–2021. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires consisting of demographic data, Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, depression screening (9Q), Thai General Health Question-28 (4 domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, severe depression), and Maslach burnout inventory (Emotional exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), Reduced Personal Achievement (rPA). Results Of the 404 participants, 50.5% were women, the mean age (SD) was 21.06 (1.8) years, and 52% were in clinical years. The prevalence of insufficient exercise was 59.6%, depression (30.2%), somatic symptoms (27.7%), anxiety (30.7%), insomnia (89.4%), social dysfunction (89.4%), high level of EE (32.4%), DP (21%), and rPA (56.7%). Insufficient exercise was associated with moderate to severe depression (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.16–7.25), anxiety and insomnia (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.01–2.43), social dysfunction (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.31–4.78), burnout in part due to high rPA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.13), and study in clinical years (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.28–2.87). After adjusted significant factors, only studying in the clinical year, social dysfunction, and burnout in part of rPA were related to insufficient exercise. Conclusions High rates of insufficient exercise, psychological challenges, and burnout were prevalent among medical students. To effectively address these issues, medical school should advise students to participate in regular exercise, promoting mental well-being and healthier lifestyles.

Abstract Older adults residing in refugee settlements with unhealthy living environments, inadequate access to health care services, and limited psychosocial support are vulnerable to experience mental health problems jeopardizing their mental well-being. The present study aims to explore the mental well-being status and its socio-economic determinants among the older adults living in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥ 60 residing in five sub-camps within the Rohingya refugee camp of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted between November and December 2021. The 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used to assess mental well-being. A cumulated score was derived using the scale ranging from 14 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mental well-being. A generalized linear regression model was used to examine the socio-economic factors associated with the mental well-being of older adults. A total of 864 older adults participated in the study having a mean mental well-being score of 45.4. Regression analysis revealed that the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly lower among participants aged 70–79 years (β: − 1.661; 95% CI: − 2.750 to − 0.572; p = 0.003), aged ≥ 80 years (β: − 3.198; 95% CI: − 5.114 to − 1.282; p = 0.001), and those with any non-communicable chronic conditions (β: − 2.903; 95% CI: − 3.833 to − 1.974; p

Introduction: Stress is an inherent part of the human experience, especially among medical students, due to academic pursuits and social commitments. The present study explores the intricate relationship of cognition with perceived stress levels, lung function, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in exercising and non exercising medical students. Aim: To find out and compare the levels of stress, cognition, BMI, and lung function in exercising and non exercising medical students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, JSS Medical College, Constituent College of JSSAHER, Mysuru, Karnataka, India over a span of two months from February 2021 to April 2021. It included 110 participants categorised into an exercising group and a non exercising group. Stress and cognition were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10) and the Modified Mini-mental State Examination (3MS), respectively. The BMI was calculated using Quetelet’s index. Pulmonary function was measured using a computerised spirometer. Associations were determined using a Student’s t-test, with p

It has been suggested that adolescents’ mental health challenges account for half of the disease burden in the world’s adolescents and young adults. In addition to psychological and medical interventions employed to prevent and treat mental health conditions, programmes such as social prescribing which include arts-based activities like dance, are gaining momentum in countries such as the UK. Evidence shows that such activities can produce positive mental and physical well-being outcomes for individuals with the potential to build a sense of belonging and connection among adolescents. This review aims to collate and synthesise findings of studies that explored building a sense of belonging and/or its features in dance with adolescents. The review was reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria which were used to present a narrative synthesis to address the review questions. The findings show the need for more dance research that directly focuses on and explores the role of dance in building a sense of belonging with adolescents and how a sense of belonging can be facilitated through dance.

The aim of the article is to substantiate the essence and component structure of psychological maturity, and the set of soft skills as an integral part of an individual’s psychological maturity. For this research, the author employed general scientific theoretical research methods including analysis, synthesis, generalisation, induction, deduction, explanation, and classification. The author has found that a modern person should be able to question established opinions and judgments, engage in competent and rational dialogue, determine the essence of problems and seek alternative solutions, and always be able to distinguish verifiable facts from assumptions and personal subjective opinions. This, in turn, should be inherent in every mature personality, since all modern specialists are people with a wide range of knowledge and the ability to quickly adapt to new situations. As a result, they can effectively interact with colleagues and solve theoretical and practical problems. Today, the labour market requires their comprehensive development, so along with this, the ability to quickly respond to labour market demands, ensure continuous self-education, communication skills and a sense of responsibility for the results of their activities play an important role for each individual. In general, to succeed in the modern labour market, it is important to develop not only professional skills but also a wide range of so called soft skills. Only when these qualities are combined can future professionals be competitive and advance their professional careers. In order to carry out a comprehensive analysis and further practical application of the research results, the author analysed 76 scientific publications related to the subject of scientific research, namely psychological maturity and soft skills of a modern personality. It has been determined that the characteristics of psychological maturity can be interpreted as soft skills of a personality through the prism of the definition of “hard kills”, “soft skills” and “meta skills”, because they have a fundamental difference, but are interdependent. In general, the development of soft skills leads to an increase in self-awareness and self-understanding, the formation of clear life values and goals, an increase in the ability of self-regulation and adaptation, and a level of life satisfaction, and are important factors in a person’s overall mental well-being. Scientific research shows that psychological maturity, which describes a set of characteristics necessary for successful functioning in society, is closely related to soft skills, as the study of psychological maturity can help in better understanding and development of soft skills, which is extremely relevant today. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to theoretically analyse the available publications describing psychological maturity in order to identify the main (most frequently mentioned) characteristics of psychological maturity. To conduct this study, the author used general scientific theoretical methods of information research, namely analysis, synthesis, generalisation, induction, deduction, explanation and classification. The author determines that modern research and the experience of leaders in various fields of work indicate an increase in the role of soft skills in occupational programs and requirements for candidates for employment, which in turn leads to an improvement in positive emotional integrity in terms of increasing the team’s performance, the effectiveness of training and mutual development, a positive perception of any challenges and solving urgent problems of the enterprise, and the way to use one’s own creativity, flexibility, responsibility and independence. The results of the study suggest that further research will be aimed at studying methods and tools for developing soft skills of a psychologically mature personality, as well as at studying the impact of these qualities on various aspects of human life. The study is based on the analysis of scientific publications and requires further empirical confirmation.

Background: Technology serves as a potent tool that enhances the quality of teaching and learning experiences. However, when educators lack proficiency in utilizing technology, it leads to obstacles in providing effective education, resulting in emotions of frustration, diminished self-assurance, and uncertainty regarding their teaching abilities. This study aims to investigate the experiences of university faculty members in relation to the impact of technology on their mental well-being. Methods: For this qualitative study, ten professionals engaged in university-level teaching, encompassing research domains, were selected for interviews. Inclusion criteria were based on teaching experience, tenure, specific courses or subjects taught, and active involvement during the research phase. The guiding question for the study was framed as follows: 'What are the experiences and perceptions of university faculty members concerning techno-stress?' Additionally, the study identified four subcategories: work overload, social and emotional interaction, adaption to new technologies, and expectations and teaching quality. Results: Techno-stress is a composite of emotional and physical reactions triggered by the improper use of technology. Faculty members’ encounters with techno-stress have substantial implications for their quality of life. The subcategories shed light on different aspects of the faculty’s experiences, including the burden of excessive workload, the influence of social and emotional interactions, the process of adapting to evolving technologies, and the connection between expectations and the quality of their teaching. Conclusions: This research underscores the significance of technology in higher education, highlighting its potential to positively impact teaching and learning. Nevertheless, faculty members’ struggles with techno-stress indicate a pressing need for effective training and support. Establishing limits on connectivity with technology and others emerges as a crucial step in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Ultimately, addressing techno-stress and providing appropriate guidance are essential for safeguarding the well-being of university faculty members and, consequently, enhancing the overall educational experience.

Background: The topic of adolescent mental health is currently a subject of much debate due to the increasing prevalence of mental health problems among this age group. Therefore, it is crucial to have high-quality and validated mental well-being measurement tools. While such tools do exist, they are often not tailored specifically to adolescents and are not available in Czech language. The aim of this study is to validate and test the Czech version of the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS) on a large sample of Czech adolescents aged 15 to 18 years. Methods: The analysis is based on data from the first wave of the Czech Education Panel Survey (CZEPS) and was mainly conducted using Item Response Theory (IRT), which is the most appropriate method for this type of analysis. Specifically, the Graded Response Model (GRM) was applied to the data. This comprehensive validation study also included reliability and three types of validity (construct, convergent and criterion) testing. Results: The study found that the Czech version of the SWEMWBS for adolescents aged 15 to 18 years (N = 22,498) has good quality and psychometric properties. The data was analysed using the GRM model as it met the assumptions for the use of IRT. The estimated parameter values by GRM demonstrated good discriminant and informative power for all items, except for item 7, which showed poorer results compared to the others. However, excluding it from the scale would not enhance the overall quality of the scale. The five-category response scale functions effectively. Additionally, the results demonstrated high reliability, and all types of validity tested were also confirmed. Conclusions: The Czech version of the SWEMWBS for adolescents has been validated as a psychometrically sound, reliable and valid instrument for measuring mental well-being. It can therefore be used with confidence in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ensuring mental health literacy among students aged 10–25 is of utmost importance, and the efficacy of educational programs in this domain holds significant value. This systematic review assesses the influence of The Guide (Mental Health and High School Curriculum Guide) on mental health literacy within this demographic. Materials and methods: This review examined how effective The Guide was in increasing students' mental health literacy, help-seeking attitudes, and stigma reduction. It also looked at what factors influenced its implementation and sustainability in different settings. It followed the PRISMA guidelines and searched for studies that used The Guide or a modified version of it with students aged 10–25 from 1975 to 2023. Studies were assessed for quality using the QuADS Quality Appraisal tool. Results: Our systematic review encompassed a comprehensive analysis of 10 reports derived from five primary articles originating from six countries, with a combined participant pool of 4298 individuals. The selected studies exhibited variations in design, duration, delivery modes, and outcome measures. The synthesized findings underscored the positive impact of The Guide educational program on enhancing students' mental health literacy. However, the effects on students' help-seeking attitudes and stigma were varied. Additionally, the results illuminated that the success and sustainability of The Guide were contingent on several factors, including the mode of delivery, the role of facilitators or teachers, and the unique characteristics of the student population. Conclusion: The review showed that The Guide was effective in improving students' mental health literacy in different settings. It also suggested that The Guide needed to be adapted and tailored to the local context and culture, and that the facilitators or teachers and the students needed to be trained and involved in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stress is an inherent part of the human experience, especially among medical students, due to academic pursuits and social commitments. The present study explores the intricate relationship of cognition with perceived stress levels, lung function, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in exercising and non exercising medical students. Aim: To find out and compare the levels of stress, cognition, BMI, and lung function in exercising and non exercising medical students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, JSS Medical College, Constituent College of JSSAHER, Mysuru, Karnataka, India over a span of two months from February 2021 to April 2021. It included 110 participants categorised into an exercising group and a non exercising group. Stress and cognition were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10) and the Modified Mini-mental State Examination (3MS), respectively. The BMI was calculated using Quetelet's index. Pulmonary function was measured using a computerised spirometer. Associations were determined using a Student's t-test, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean PSS-10 score for exercising students (11.36±3.67) was significantly lower compared to non exercising students (20.71±4.61). The 3MS score of exercisers (97.33±1.73) was significantly higher compared to nonexercisers (94.02±1.40). The mean values of pulmonary functions namely Forced Expiratory Volume 1 (FEV1) (3.43±0.71 L), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (3.88±0.76 L), and FEV1/FVC (87.94±2.73%) in exercisers, were significantly better than the values for non-exercisers: FEV1 (3.00±0.67 L), FVC (3.48±0.71 L), and FEV1/FVC (85.86±2.75%). The mean BMI of exercisers (21.45±1.43 kg/m2) was significantly lower than that of nonexercisers (23.03±1.35 kg/m2). Conclusion: Participants who exercise regularly have better cognition, lower stress levels, a healthier BMI, and better lung function than their non exercising counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults residing in refugee settlements with unhealthy living environments, inadequate access to health care services, and limited psychosocial support are vulnerable to experience mental health problems jeopardizing their mental well-being. The present study aims to explore the mental well-being status and its socio-economic determinants among the older adults living in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥ 60 residing in five sub-camps within the Rohingya refugee camp of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted between November and December 2021. The 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used to assess mental well-being. A cumulated score was derived using the scale ranging from 14 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mental well-being. A generalized linear regression model was used to examine the socio-economic factors associated with the mental well-being of older adults. A total of 864 older adults participated in the study having a mean mental well-being score of 45.4. Regression analysis revealed that the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly lower among participants aged 70–79 years (β: − 1.661; 95% CI: − 2.750 to − 0.572; p = 0.003), aged ≥ 80 years (β: − 3.198; 95% CI: − 5.114 to − 1.282; p = 0.001), and those with any non-communicable chronic conditions (β: − 2.903; 95% CI: − 3.833 to − 1.974; p < 0.001) when compared to their counterparts. Conversely, the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly higher among individuals with formal schooling (β: 3.370, 95% CI: 1.855 to 4.886, p < 0.001) and those having additional income besides aid (β: 1.629; 95% CI: 0.642 to 2.615; p = 0.001), compared to their respective counterparts. Our findings highlight the need to provide psychosocial assistance to older individuals, particularly those who live in large families, suffer from chronic diseases, and live in socio-economic deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of digital transformation, effective leadership and motivation are pivotal for organisations navigating the complexities of today's systems. This study explores the intersection of intrinsic motivation and mental well-being among mature students—an analogy that sheds light on strategies applicable to organisational contexts. In developed nations like the UK, mental health for mature students is increasingly recognised as a crucial component of their educational journey. Mature students, who typically enrol in higher education after an educational gap and upon turning 21, often face specific challenges that can impact their mental well-being while pursuing academic goals. The primary objective of our study was to assess the relationship between intrinsic motivation and the mental well-being of mature students. The study included 248 full-time undergraduate mature students enrolled in private higher education institutions in the UK. These participants were 21 years and older. The research employed two measurement scales: the four-item Intrinsic Motivation Scale, adapted from Jaramillo, and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Data collection utilised online Google Forms with multiple choice self-report formatted questions, and our analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. Our research revealed a significant positive correlation between variables of intrinsic motivation and mental well-being. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results confirmed the construct in the model. The results indicated that intrinsic motivation significantly predicts mental well-being among mature students (Cohen's effect size value, f2 = 0.54). Recognising and addressing the unique difficulties individuals encounter and providing appropriate support can enhance their well-being and contribute to the overall success of the higher education community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is a fundamental biological process that plays a pivotal role in the health and performance of physically active individuals (PAI). Sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality can negatively impact recovery capacity, concentration, coordination, and muscular strength, thereby compromising physical performance and increasing the risk of injuries. Objectives: This narrative literature review aims to examine the scientific evidence on the importance of sleep hygiene for the health and performance of PAI. A search was conducted for studies published on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies that investigated the effect of sleep hygiene on health and performance variables in athletes were included. The literature analysis highlighted that good sleep hygiene, adequate sleep duration (7–9 h per night), high sleep quality, and a regular sleep routine are associated with a range of benefits for the health and performance of PAI, including: (1) improved post-training recovery; (2) reduced risk of injuries; (3) enhanced concentration and attention; (4) improved coordination and muscle strength; (5) better mood and mental well-being; (6) reduced risk of chronic diseases. Sleep hygiene is a key factor for the health and performance of PAI. Implementing a comprehensive and personalized sleep hygiene routine can lead to significant improvements in the quality and quantity of sleep, with positive effects on physical and mental health, and overall well-being of PAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the association of psychological well-being (PWB), resilience, depressive symptoms, and social–emotional learning (SEL) with physical activity (PA) in school-aged children. The objective was to understand how these psychosocial factors influence PA levels and identify gender-specific differences in these relationships. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 534 fourth grade and sixth grade students from eight schools in the Midwest region of the United States, with data collected through a Qualtrics survey. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data, with gender-specific analyses conducted to identify differences between boys and girls. Results: The models indicated that all psychosocial factors taken together are significantly associated with PA (F = 26.937, p < 0.001). Of the factors, PWB and resilience were associated with higher PA individually for the total sample (β = 0.383, p = 0.001; β = 0.146, p = 0.005). A gender-specific analysis revealed that all factors collectively were significantly associated with PA in boys and girls (F = 15.846, p < 0.001; F = 6.869, p < 0.001). Individually, PWB and resilience were significantly associated with PA in boys (β = 0.358, p = 0.001; β = 0.171, p = 0.013), while only PWB was significantly associated with PA in girls (β = −0.355, p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity of promoting resilience and psychological well-being through structured physical activities, aiming to reduce the risk of obesity and improve mental health among children. Future research should consider longitudinal designs and objective measures to further elucidate these relationships and inform effective educational strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Within the Thai medical curriculum, its rigorous education framework, demanding schedules and high academic standards can contribute to psychological distress. Regular physical activity has consistently shown positive effects on mental health. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between exercise and psychological well-being, including depression, anxiety, and burnout, in Thai medical students, and factors related to insufficient exercise and depression. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in the university hospital during 2020–2021. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires consisting of demographic data, Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, depression screening (9Q), Thai General Health Question-28 (4 domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, severe depression), and Maslach burnout inventory (Emotional exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), Reduced Personal Achievement (rPA). Results: Of the 404 participants, 50.5% were women, the mean age (SD) was 21.06 (1.8) years, and 52% were in clinical years. The prevalence of insufficient exercise was 59.6%, depression (30.2%), somatic symptoms (27.7%), anxiety (30.7%), insomnia (89.4%), social dysfunction (89.4%), high level of EE (32.4%), DP (21%), and rPA (56.7%). Insufficient exercise was associated with moderate to severe depression (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.16–7.25), anxiety and insomnia (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.01–2.43), social dysfunction (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.31–4.78), burnout in part due to high rPA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.13), and study in clinical years (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.28–2.87). After adjusted significant factors, only studying in the clinical year, social dysfunction, and burnout in part of rPA were related to insufficient exercise. Conclusions: High rates of insufficient exercise, psychological challenges, and burnout were prevalent among medical students. To effectively address these issues, medical school should advise students to participate in regular exercise, promoting mental well-being and healthier lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: This study aimed to explore the impact of physical activity on depression, anxiety, and stress among pregnant women in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending randomly selected prenatal clinics in primary healthcare hospitals in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The calculated sample size was 350. Data were collected conveniently through a semi-structured questionnaire covering demographic details, pregnancy-related characteristics, physical activity assessed using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), and mental health parameters evaluated by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis rank sum tests, with significance levels set at p < 0.05. Results: The study involved 406 pregnant females. Nearly a third (31%) had a family history of depression, anxiety, or distress. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 62.6%, 68.7%, and 38.4%, respectively. The mean sedentary, light, moderate, vigorous, and total energy expenditures were 1.512, 24.35, 22.32, 4.84, and 53.02 metabolic equivalent tasks/day. Anxious females exhibited higher light activity (median 24, p = 0.033), while stressed ones showed higher light (median 25, p = 0.039), moderate (median 20, p < 0.001), and vigorous activity (median 3, p < 0.001). A significant association was observed between total energy expenditure and stress levels (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of physical activity in managing depression, anxiety, and stress among pregnant women in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The findings suggest a need for tailored interventions to promote physical activity to improve mental well-being during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dating violence is a serious public health issue among adolescents due to the detrimental short- and long-term consequences. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adolescent dating violence (ADV) and adverse health behavioral outcomes related to substance abuse, mental health, and select risky health behaviors such as feeling unsafe, school performance, and inadequate sleep within the state of Florida. This study used data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The high school students represented a weighted total of 542,818 (n = 4301). Logistic regression analyses, stratified by gender, examined the relationship between ADV and health risk behaviors after adjusting for race and grade. Proportions of ADV were as follows: 3.1% of students reported being abused both physically and sexually; 3.4% reported being abused only physically; 3.9% reported being abused only sexually; and 89.6% were uninvolved. ADV was associated with almost all the health risk behavior outcomes studied, with a few exceptions. Experiencing both kinds of abuse held the highest odds ratio among the four mutually exclusive categories of ADV. The findings from this study could be helpful in identifying youths who demonstrate warning signs of ADV abuse and thus could provide opportunities for targeted preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The future of our healthcare services highly depends on the current generation of health science students since they are the ones who will work in the healthcare setting. Ensuring their mental well-being is an utmost priority so that they can offer top-tier quality care and services to people in need. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of mental well-being and mental help-seeking attitude among undergraduate sciences students and the impact of socioeconomic status toward both variables. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students (N = 364) from six sciences schools at International Islamic University Malaysia via an online survey, which contained three main parts; socioeconomic status, mental well-being assessment using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and assessment of mental help-seeking attitude using the General Mental Help-Seeking Attitude Scale (MHSAS). Data were analysed using SPSS, version 29.0. Results: Only 7.1% of the students have positive mental well-being, while 44.8% scored positive mental help-seeking attitude. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in students' mental well-being and any of SES components. There was a significant association between students' year of study and mental help-seeking attitude (P = 0.029), in addition, WEMWBS and MHSAS scores showed a positive correlation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Future studies are essential to find out the contributing factors, prevention, and intervention that can be done to help the student in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We conducted the present study to compare the effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) on the mental well-being of high school female students with suicide attempts. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this study included female high school students who attempted suicide and were referred to the counseling center in Bojnord City, Iran, in 2022-2023. Forty-five students were selected through the convenience sampling method and they were randomly assigned into three groups (CFT, EFT, and the control). The participants fulfilled the Mental Well-being Questionnaire of Keyes and Magyar-Mo (2003). The experimental groups received interventions in eight ninety-minute sessions. We analyzed the data using MANCOVA test, ANOVA test, and SPSS version 20. Results: The results revealed a significant difference between the mean scores of the three groups in the post- test and follow-up stages in social well-being (P< 0.01). While, the mean score of mental well-being was higher in CFT group. Conclusion: We concluded that both compassion-focused therapy and emotion-focused therapy impact significantly on mental well-being, while compassion-focused therapy is more effective on mental well-being in female high school students with suicide attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity, a multifaceted global challenge, intertwines with mental health concerns, necessitating nuanced strategies for sustainable solutions. The intricate web of challenges posed by these intersections has made it imperative to delineate a strategic way forward, incorporating solutions and robust policy recommendations. This study aims to comprehensively examine the intricate relationship between food security and its intersection with mental health on a global scale, offering insights into case studies, responses, and innovative approaches to inform effective strategies for addressing these pressing challenges. This study involved an analysis of a literature search, mainly between 2013 and 2023, with an updated addition of relevant 2024 studies. Examining responses across regions unveils varied interventions, from targeted social safety net programs in West Africa to technology-driven solutions in Asia. Success stories, such as Ghana’s sustainable agricultural practices and Canada’s income transfer programs, underscore the efficacy of multifaceted approaches. Innovative initiatives like community food programs offer promising alternatives to traditional food banks. Furthermore, international cooperation and policy innovations, exemplified by the European Union’s “Farm to Fork Strategy”, demonstrate the potential for collective action in addressing food insecurity. By prioritizing integrated strategies, global collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking, we lay the groundwork for sustainable development where communities thrive nutritionally and mentally. We emphasize continuous research and evaluation and incorporating mental health support into community programs to pave the way for a future where communities are not only food-secure but also mentally resilient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]