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While there are studies connecting everyday physical activity (PA) to mental health, they mostly use self-report measures for PA which are biased in multiple ways. Nevertheless, a realistic assessment of everyday PA is important for the development and implementation of low-threshold public health interventions. Therefore, we want to analyze the relationship between objectively measured daily steps and mental health. We included 1451 subjects from a subsample of the population-based LIFE-Adult-Study (2011-2014) with an average age of 55.0 years, 52.1% were female. We analyzed the effects of PA (step count measured via SenseWear Pro 3) on depression (CES-D), anxiety (GAD-7), and quality of sleep (PSQI). The regression analysis showed a significant negative association between low to moderate PA [Incidence rate ratio: 0.87 (0.77; 0.98)] as well as high to very high PA [0.84 (0.74; 0.95)] and depression and no significant associations between PA and anxiety [l-m: 0.98 (0.81; 1.18)/h-vh: 1.00 (0.82; 1.21)] or quality of sleep [l-m: 0.94 (0.84, 1.06)/h-vh: 0.92 (0.82, 1.03)], controlling for sociodemographic variables and personality. Low-threshold interventions that increase daily step count could be a useful approach for the prevention of depression. The use of objective PA measurement for research is highly encouraged.

Studies show a connection between anxiety and stress, but with little differentiation between different domains of stress. In this article, we utilize a multi-dimensional approach to better understand the relationship between different chronic stress domains and anxiety. This will allow researchers to identify and address those areas of stress that are most relevant with regard to anxiety. We used data from a sub sample of the LIFE-Adult-Study (n = 1085) to analyze the association between nine different areas of chronic stress (Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress, TICS) and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder 7, GAD-7), controlling for sociodemographic variables, personality, and social support. There was a significant and positive association between Work Overload, Pressure to Perform, Social Tensions, Social Isolation, Chronic Worrying, and anxiety. After including the control variables, only Work Overload and Chronic Worrying remained significant. By focusing on Work Overload and Chronic Worrying researchers, practitioners, and policy makers can help to mitigate anxiety and related health problems in the population in an efficient way.

Several working time characteristics have been linked to negative outcomes for health personnel. The aim was to investigate the impact of working time dimensions on well-being in a representative sample of physicians. Data was collected during a baseline study. Linear regression analysis was performed on a sample including 669 physicians of different medical specialties. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and information on working time dimensions (e.g. shift work). In addition, job satisfaction, workload and self-reported health were explored. The majority were female, working in internal medicine and the mean age was 42.5 years. Findings reveal that overtime hours (β = -0.478, p = .011) and autonomy (β = 0.444, p .001) were significantly associated with job satisfaction. The number of free weekends (β = -2.622, p = .005) and autonomy significantly predicted personal (β = -6.153, p .001), work-related (β = -6.597, p .001) and patient-related workload (β = -4.731, p .001). Overall health was only affected by working time autonomy (β = 3.804, p .001). In conclusion, the study suggests that working time characteristics have negative consequences for well-being and need to be addressed to ensure health, performance and safety of physicians.

Depressive disorders are among the most widespread mental disorders in old age, with negative consequences for quality of life (QOL). Understanding QOL as a multidimensional construct, in this article we have a closer look on what specific aspects are affected by depression. We used a representative sample of the German population (n = 805) and one of individuals diagnosed with depression (n = 106) to compare QOL using the WHOQOL-BREF and the WHOQOL-OLD. Multivariate analysis showed that individuals diagnosed with depression exhibited lower QOL with regard to WHOQOL-BREF-dimensions physical health, psychological, social relationships and global QOL and with regard to WHOQOL-OLD-facets sensory abilities, past, present, and future activities and social participation. In addition, in the regression analysis, there were no significant differences between individuals with and without depression with regard to environment (WHOQOL-BREF), autonomy, death and dying, intimacy and overall (WHOQOL-OLD). Associations between depression and QOL in older age are selective in terms of which aspects of QOL are affected. From a methodological perspective, a multidimensional approach to QOL is recommended. From a clinical perspective, our research highlights those areas of QOL that are relevant for health professionals working with older people and that could be the focus of interventions.

Objectives: Previous work has shown that high mental demands are associated with better cognitive functioning in old age. As there is a lack of a general conceptual framework for this association, the aim of the study was to investigate how mental demands and other work-related factors relate to cognitive functioning as a foundation for developing such a framework.Methods: An expert panel discussion was conducted with the aim of determining relevant work-related factors, which were then tested in a survey with 346 employees aged 50+ years, who were actively working. Assessment of cognitive functioning comprised complex attention, executive function, learning/memory, language, perceptual-motor, and social cognition. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to confirm factor belonging. Associations with cognitive functioning were analyzed using structure equation modelling to confirm associations and to identify additional direct and indirect paths.Results: Only 42.3% (22/52) of the work-related factors and 19.0% (4/21) of the mediating paths suggested by the experts were significant with respect to cognitive functioning. Factor analysis and structural equation modeling indicated that high mental demands are only associated with better cognitive functioning in old age to the extent that they are intellectually stimulating and this effect is embedded in individual capacities and the social context.Conclusion: Based on the panel discussion and the empirical testing, we propose the Conceptual Framework of Social Dependency of Intellectual Stimulation on Cognitive Health. We recommend researchers and workplace health experts to pay attention to the component of this theory when assessing workplace risk.

Background Individuals receiving means-tested benefits are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with a psychiatric illness compared to those who are employed, and the rate of those working in the first labor market is low. The intervention (Individual Placement and Support, IPS) aims at maintaining or regaining working ability and at facilitating reintegration into the (first) labor market following a “first place, then train”-approach. The objective of the study is to conduct the first RCT in Germany that addresses a broad group of long-term unemployed individuals with severe mental illnesses that receive means-tested benefits, and to test the effectiveness of the IPS intervention. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, about 120 eligible participants aged between 18 years and local retirement age will be randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG) or to an active control group (CG) using a parallel arm design. The IG will receive IPS + high quality treatment as usual (TAU), the active CG will receive TAU + a booklet on integration measures. A block-randomization algorithm with a targeted assignment ratio of 1:1 for participants in IG and active CG will be used, stratified by sex and three age groups. Assessments will take place before the intervention at baseline (t0), and 6 (t1), 12 (t2), and 18 (t3) months later. Primary outcome will be the proportion of participants having worked at least 1 day in competitive employment since baseline, as assessed at t3. Secondary outcomes will be related to employment/ vocation and mental health. In addition, there will be a process evaluation. Treatment effects on outcomes will be tested using appropriate panel-data regression models, and acceptability, uptake and adherence will be evaluated using descriptive statistics and appropriate inference testing. Discussion The results of this trial are expected to generate a better understanding of the efficiency, feasibility, acceptance, and relevance of the IPS intervention in a German setting. They could be a first step towards the implementation of the method and towards improving the situation of long-term unemployed individuals with severe mental health problems. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00023245), registered on 22.02.2021.

Introduction:This article outlines a dog owner–focused social marketing pilot program implemented in 2017, which aimed to reduce koala and domestic dog interactions in one local city council in Australia.Literature:Dog attacks and predation are the third most common cause of death in koalas after habitat loss and vehicle strikes. Programs aiming to reduce wildlife and domestic pet interactions frequently neglect human dimensions, and social sciences have been called upon to complement conservation efforts.Methods:Developed in consultation with dog training experts and the local regional council Leave It was based on input from 41 dog owners. Leave It was a 4-week training program priced at AUD$150 that was delivered by local dog trainers who had previously received specialized koala aversion training.Findings:Co-design results indicated that the social marketing pilot program needed to emphasize training, be positive, and be dog and not koala-focused. A fun, positive dog-focused event, supported by dog retailers, entertainers, and food service providers, was held in June 2017 to launch the Leave It program. Outcome evaluations for Leave It indicated a statistically significant increase in wildlife aversion–related behaviors (stay, come back every time/some of the time, and stay quiet on command). Process evaluation indicated that people enjoyed the dog-focused event and the opportunity to seek training and obedience advice.Conclusions:Co-designing the program with dog owners in the local council area engaged community members, making them contributors rather than program participants. The program had a dog focus rather than wildlife focus as recommended by dog owners.

Background: Research shows a connection between stress and depression, but there is little differentiation between areas of stress, making it difficult to identify and address specific areas in the context of public health measures. We utilized a multi-dimensional approach to chronic stress to better understand the relationship between different areas of stress and depression. Methods: We conducted linear regression analyses and used data from a sub-sample of the LIFE-Adult-Study (N = 1008) to analyze the connection between nine different areas of chronic stress (TICS) and depression (CES-D). In the second analysis, we controlled for sociodemographic variables, personality, physical activity, and social support. Results: There was a significant positive association between the stress domains Excessive Demands from Work, Lack of Social Recognition, Social Isolation, and Chronic Worrying and depression and a significant negative association between Pressure to Perform and depression. After adding control variables, only Pressure to Perform, Social Isolation, and Chronic Worrying remained significant predictors. Conclusions: By focusing on the connections between chronic stress and depression, researchers can help identify the areas that matter most and contribute to the creation of meaningful and efficient interventions. On the basis of our results, measures for the prevention of depression that focus on the reduction of worrying and social isolation are recommended.

OBJECTIVE According to self-determination theory, autonomy and competence are two essential basic human needs. It is the aim of this study to show that mental demands at the workplace (WPMDs) that address those basic needs can protect employees against depressiveness. METHODS Using a sample of 346 working participants (average age 56.2), we derived three WPMDs (Information Load, Time Control, and Exploration) via principal component analysis. We then analyzed how far they predict depressiveness, and how far this mechanism is mediated by perceived fit between job and person (PJF). RESULTS Time Control and Exploration significantly reduced depressiveness, and the relationship between exploration and depressiveness was mediated by PJF. CONCLUSIONS Our results emphasize the importance of addressing basic human needs at the workplace, and the relevance of PJF for employee mental health.

Purpose Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a widespread phenomenon, especially affecting older individuals. We will analyze in how far MCI affects different facets of quality of life (QOL). Methods We used a sample of 903 participants (110 with MCI) from the fifth follow-up of the German Study on Ageing, Cognition, and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe), a prospective longitudinal study, to analyze the effects of MCI on different facets of the WHOQOL-OLD. We controlled for age, gender, marital status, education, living situation, daily living skills, and the ability to walk, see, and hear. Results Univariate analyses showed that individuals with MCI exhibited lower QOL with regard to the facets autonomy; past, present, and future activities; social participation; and intimacy, but less fears related to death and dying. No significant difference was shown with regard to the facet sensory abilities. In multivariate analyses controlling for age, gender, marital status, education, living situation, daily living skills, and the ability to walk, see and hear, MCI-status was significantly associated with QOL in the facet autonomy. Conclusion Effects of MCI go beyond cognition and significantly impact the lives of those affected. Further research and practice will benefit from utilizing specific facets of QOL rather than a total score.

Objective: Workplace-related mental demands (WPMDs) are considered to be protective factors for cognitive health in old age and are linked to delayed onset of dementia. Yet, what exactly is meant by WPMDs differs greatly between studies, putting an enormous challenge on researchers and practitioners. Aim of our study was thus to create a systematic overview on WPMD concepts and to depict their associations with dementia and cognitive decline. Thereby, we want to create a solid basis for further work and implementation. Data Source: PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: We included observational studies with populations older than 18 that addressed the association between WPMDs and dementia/cognitive functioning and that were published as journal articles. We excluded studies with emotional and physical demands, stress, and organizational frameworks such as exposure variables and quality of life, depressive symptoms, burnout, and Parkinson as outcome. Furthermore, we excluded study populations younger than 18 and students. Data Extraction: Standardized search string. Data Synthesis: Based on theoretical concepts. Results: Thirty-four studies that employed concepts of WPMDs in 5 different categories: complexity with people/data/things, cognitive demands, job control, novelty, and mental workload. Discussion: Challenges associated with categorizing WPMDs as well as theoretical and measurement-related implications are discussed. Conclusion: This review helps to better understand how workplaces can contribute to later life cognitive fitness, and it offers a conceptual overview for practitioners that want to create more protective working environments or improve existing ones.

With large numbers of people affected, no treatment in sight and continuing demographic change, the prevention of dementia is becoming a central public health issue. We conducted a systematic meta-review including systematic reviews and meta-analyses of longitudinal observational studies on modifiable risk and protective factors for dementia published over the last 5 years. Compelling evidence on a number of modifiable risk factors, mostly lifestyle factors, is available from longitudinal observational studies to inform primary preventive efforts. Evidence stemming from preventive RCTs is limited. However, multi-domain interventions addressing a variety of risk factors at once seem promising with regard to high-risk individuals (selective preventive approach). However, we argue that it is time to move forward and discuss a public brain health agenda as a universal preventive approach. Based on a risk reduction strategy, the public brain health agenda suggests the following ten key actions: (1) increase physical activity, (2) foster social integration, (3) improve education and foster lifelong learning, (4) provide mentally stimulating workplaces, (5) foster a cognitively active lifestyle, (6) propose a healthy Mediterranean-like diet, (7) reduce alcohol consumption, (8) stop smoking, (9) prevent, diagnose and treat chronic conditions, and (10) reduce anticholinergic medication in the elderly.

Koala populations are in decline and measures are necessary to change the current scenario. Social marketing aims to influence an audience to change behaviour for social or environmental benefit. This paper demonstrates how social marketing was applied to achieve environmental change. A pilot program, aiming to reduce dog and koala interactions, was designed and developed with dog owners and experts including koala conservation officers and dog trainers. Experts indicated that for dogs to be taught aversion, training of basic obedience skills was necessary. Therefore, a four-week dog obedience training program was implemented, emphasising a series of behaviours including sit, stay and koala aversion. A mixed method outcome evaluation was undertaken to evaluate Leave It. The evaluation included online surveys completed by dog owners’ pre and post program, and trainer observations. Results indicate that five of seven behaviours measures were changed from baseline to follow-up, namely sit, stay, come back when called every time, wildlife aversion and stay quiet on command. Successful koala aversion was also evident in field notes from trainers. Findings of this pilot program provide evidence of the effectiveness and potential of social marketing to change behaviours in an environmental context.