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Purpose There are increasing concerns about the intersection between NEET (not in education, employment, or training) status and youth mental ill-health and substance use. However, findings are inconsistent and differ across types of problems. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO-CRD42018087446) on the association between NEET status and youth mental health and substance use problems. Methods We searched Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, ERIC, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (1999–2020). Two reviewers extracted data and appraised study quality using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. We ran robust variance estimation random-effects models for associations between NEET and aggregate groups of mental ill-health and substance use measures; conventional random-effects models for associations with individual mental/substance use problems; and subgroup analyses to explore heterogeneity. Results We identified 24 studies from 6,120 references. NEET status was associated with aggregate groups of mental ill-health (OR 1.28, CI 1.06–1.54), substance use problems (OR 1.43, CI 1.08–1.89), and combined mental ill-health and substance use measures (OR 1.38, CI 1.15–1.64). Each disaggregated measure was associated with NEET status [mood (OR 1.43, CI 1.21–1.70), anxiety (OR 1.55, CI 1.07–2.24), behaviour problems (OR 1.49, CI 1.21–1.85), alcohol use (OR 1.28, CI 1.24–1.46), cannabis use (OR 1.62, CI 1.07–2.46), drug use (OR 1.99, CI 1.19–3.31), suicidality (OR 2.84, CI 2.04–3.95); and psychological distress (OR 1.10, CI 1.01–1.21)]. Longitudinal data indicated that aggregate measures of mental health problems and of mental health and substance use problems (combined) predicted being NEET later, while evidence for the inverse relationship was equivocal and sparse. Conclusion Our review provides evidence for meaningful, significant associations between youth mental health and substance use problems and being NEET. We, therefore, advocate for mental ill-health prevention and early intervention and integrating vocational supports in youth mental healthcare.

Background Depression is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to determine whether the association between depression and incident type 2 diabetes differs by measure of depression. Methods Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, Web of Science Emerging Sources Citation Index and Conference Proceedings Citation Index, Cochrane Library, the University of York Center for Reviews and Dissemination, abstracts from the PsychoSocial Aspects of Diabetes conference. Inclusion criteria: comparison of participants with and without depression, depression measured at age 18 or older, longitudinal follow-up with an outcome of type 2 diabetes, effect estimate adjusted for important confounders, full-text available in English or French, and study at overall low or moderate risk of bias. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality. Results Twenty-one studies reporting twenty-five effect estimates were included. Depressive symptom scales, clinical interviews, physician diagnoses, and use of antidepressants were all associated with an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes. When all measures of depression were combined, the meta-analyzed risk ratio for type 2 diabetes was 1.18 (95% CI 1.12–1.24, I2=45.4%). Results did not provide conclusive evidence that the association between depression and incident diabetes differs by measure of depression. Limitations Results showed heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias. Conclusions Results suggest that various measures of depression may be used to identify individuals at higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

BackgroundPrevious studies have examined associations of cardiometabolic factors with depression and cognition separately.AimsTo determine if depressive symptoms mediate the association between cardiometabolic factors and cognitive decline in two community studies.MethodData for the analyses were drawn from the Rotterdam Study, the Netherlands (n = 2940) and the Whitehall II study, UK (n = 4469).ResultsMediation analyses suggested a direct association between cardiometabolic factors and cognitive decline and an indirect association through depression: poorer cardiometabolic status at time 1 was associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms at time 2 (standardised regression coefficient 0.07 and 0.06, respectively), which, in turn, was associated with greater cognitive decline between time 2 and time 3 (standardised regression coefficient of −0.15 and −0.41, respectively).ConclusionsEvidence from two independent cohort studies suggest an association between cardiometabolic dysregulation and cognitive decline and that depressive symptoms tend to precede this decline.Declaration of interestNone.