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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2021) | Viewed by 23148

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sharyn Burns

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Guest Editor

School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
Interests: mental health prevention and promotion; relationships and sexuality education; school-based health promotion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mental health is defined by the World Health Organisation as “a state of well-being in which every individual realises their potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to community”. The achievement of mental health and the prevention and treatment of, and early intervention into, mental health problems and disorders have been identified as public health priorities globally. A broad range of ecological influences impact mental health. Mental health is important throughout the lifespan with interventions implemented in many settings.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) focuses on mental health care and promotion. We encourage the submission of original research papers, reviews, and case studies that contribute new knowledge in this area. Intervention studies, trials, and epidemiological studies are encouraged. The focus may include a specific population group, setting, or system. We encourage manuscripts that articulate research across the spectrum, including prevention, early intervention, care, and promotion.

Dr. Sharyn Burns
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

mental health prevention
mental health promotion
mental health early intervention
mental health care
interventions
epidemiology

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Group Intervention to Promote Resilience in Nursing Professionals: A Randomised Controlled Trial

by Gesche Janzarik, Daniel Wollschläger, Michèle Wessa and Klaus Lieb

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 649; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19020649 - 06 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4421

Abstract

In this study, a new group intervention program to foster resilience in nursing professionals was tested for efficacy. In total, 72 nurses were recruited and randomised to either an intervention condition or to a wait list control condition. The study had a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design. The eight-week program targeted six resilience factors: cognitive flexibility, coping, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-care, and mindfulness. Compared to the control group, the intervention group reported a significant improvement in the primary outcome mental health (measured with the General Health Questionnaire) from pre-test (M = 20.79; SD = 9.85) to post-test (M = 15.81; SD = 7.13) with an estimated medium effect size (p = 0.03, η² = 0.08) at post-test. Further significant improvements were found for resilience and other resilience related outcomes measures. The individual stressor load of the subjects was queried retrospectively in each measurement. Stress levels had a significant influence on mental health. The intervention effect was evident even though the stress level in both groups did not change significantly between the measurements. Follow-up data suggest that the effects were sustained for up to six months after intervention. The resilience intervention reduced mental burden in nurses and also positively affected several additional psychological outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care and Promotion)

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16 pages, 496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Stress Levels among Ukrainian Migrant and LGBT+ Minorities in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Tomasz Michalski, Maciej Brosz, Joanna Stepien, Karolina Biernacka, Michal Blaszczyk and Jakub Grabowski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12838; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312838 - 06 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3076

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, immigrant status and being a member of the LGBT+ community are all independent factors associated with increased stress levels. Few studies provide more complex analysis on this issue, and there has been no research on the cumulative burden of perceived stress that people belonging to both minorities experience in the current epidemiological situation. The aim of this study was to assess the ability to deal with an external situation during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland in the following groups with different stress levels (total sample n = 370): Polish heterosexual men (n = 202), heterosexual men from Ukraine (n = 131) and homo- and bisexual men (men who have sex with men—MSM) from Ukraine (n = 37). A Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used. The analysis of the survey did not show statistically significant differences between the three study groups in the general level of perceived stress (24.71, 24.77 and 26.49 points, respectively, p = 0.551), but it revealed numerous differences in coping with various aspects of everyday functioning between these groups. Negative assessment of one’s own health proved to be the main factor negatively affecting the level of perceived stress, however specific health risks, medical history or the participants’ previous experience have not been taken into account in the study. Our research shows differences in the needs, resources and methods of coping with stress between men who are Polish citizens and migrants from Ukraine, both heterosexual and belonging to the MSM group. Proper identification and addressing of these needs, taking into account different availability of health services, could be the responsibility of NGOs or insurance providers. This should result in the reduction of mental health burdens and the risk of developing serious mental disorders, and consequently in better functioning of persons belonging to minorities and in a reduced burden on the health care system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care and Promotion)

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19 pages, 1168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Group-Treatment for Dealing with the Work-Family Conflict for Healthcare Professionals

by Nicole Rosalinde Hander, Manuela Gulde, Thomas Klein, Nadine Mulfinger, Lucia Jerg-Bretzke, Ute Ziegenhain, Harald Gündel and Eva Rothermund

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11728; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111728 - 08 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2852

Abstract

Healthcare professionals’ exposure to work-family conflict negatively affects the health and well-being of the whole family and organizational outcomes. Specified workplace interventions are lacking. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of a two-day group-treatment specifically designed for the needs of healthcare professionals with family responsibilities concerning participation, satisfaction with the intervention and family- and individual-related outcome variables. 24 mostly female (85.7%) participants of a community hospital in southern Germany attended the treatment. Data were collected at baseline (T0), directly after the treatment (T1) and two months later (T2). A two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measures showed a statistically significant time x group effect for self-efficacy (F = 5.29, p = 0.011). Contrasts displayed substantial pre-post (T1-T0, T2-T0) increases of self-efficacy in the intervention group as compared with the control group. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney-U tests are in line with these findings. The results indicate that the group-treatment adapted to the needs of healthcare professionals has the potential to boost self-efficacy among healthcare professionals and that participants were predominantly satisfied. Perspectives for future research and practical implications are discussed in the light of the manifest lack of healthcare professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care and Promotion)

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12 pages, 2334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Australian Mental Health Consumers’ Experiences of Service Engagement and Disengagement: A Descriptive Study

by Sharon Lawn, Christine Kaine, Jeremy Stevenson and Janne McMahon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10464; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph181910464 - 05 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2873

Abstract

Mental health issues are a severe global concern with significant personal, social, and economic consequences and costs. This paper reports results of an online survey disseminated across the Australian community investigating why people with mental health issues choose particular mental health services over others, what causes them to disengage from services, and what factors and qualities of services are important to consumers to support their continued engagement or re-engagement with mental health services. The importance of GPs was evident, given their key role in providing mental healthcare, especially to those referred to as “the missing middle”—consumers with mental health issues who fall through the gaps in care in other parts of the healthcare system. The study found that many respondents chose to engage with mental healthcare providers primarily due to accessibility and affordability, but also because of the relational qualities that they displayed as part of delivering care. These qualities fostered consumers’ sense of trust, feeling listened to, and not being stigmatized as part of help seeking and having their mental health needs met. Implications for education and practice are offered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care and Promotion)

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14 pages, 899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Racial and Gender Discrimination Predict Mental Health Outcomes among Healthcare Workers Beyond Pandemic-Related Stressors: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey

by Rachel Hennein, Jessica Bonumwezi, Max Jordan Nguemeni Tiako, Petty Tineo and Sarah R. Lowe

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9235; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18179235 - 01 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4234

Abstract

Racial and gender discrimination are risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes in the general population; however, the effects of discrimination on the mental health of healthcare workers needs to be further explored, especially in relation to competing stressors. Thus, we administered a survey to healthcare workers to investigate the associations between perceived racial and gender discrimination and symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and burnout during a period of substantial stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic and a national racial reckoning. We used multivariable linear regression models, which controlled for demographics and pandemic-related stressors. Of the 997 participants (Mean Age = 38.22 years, SD = 11.77), 688 (69.01%) were White, 148 (14.84%) Asian, 86 (8.63%) Black, 73 (7.32%) Latinx, and 21 (2.11%) identified as another race. In multivariable models, racial discrimination predicted symptoms of depression (B = 0.04; SE: 0.02; p = .009), anxiety (B = 0.05; SE: 0.02; p = .004), and posttraumatic stress (B = 0.01; SE: 0.01; p = .006) and gender discrimination predicted posttraumatic stress (B = 0.11; SE: 0.05; p = .013) and burnout (B = 0.24; SE: 0.07; p = .001). Discrimination had indirect effects on mental health outcomes via inadequate social support. Hospital-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives are warranted to mitigate the adverse mental health effects of discrimination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care and Promotion)

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12 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Body Image, Insight, and Mental Health Confidence on Medication Adherence in Young Adult Women with Mental Disorders

by Eunmi Lee and Mi Heui Jang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3866; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18083866 - 07 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2475

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate the impact of body image, insight, and mental health confidence on medication adherence among young adult women with mental disorders. Data collection occurred from August to September 2018. The study participants were 147 young adult women aged 19 to 45 with mental disorders who were psychiatry outpatients either getting treatment in general hospitals located in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province or receiving rehabilitation therapy through local mental health welfare centers in Korea, and agreed to participate in the study. The measurement tools used were the Body Image Scale; the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder, Korean short-form version; the Korean version of the Mental Health Confidence Scale; and the Korean version of the Medication Compliance Scale. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis in SPSS/WIN 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Medication adherence among the study participants differed by age (F = 2.95, p = 0.042), religion (t = −2.06, p = 0.042), level of trust in psychiatrists (F = 5.40, p = 0.006), treatment duration (F = 4.48, p = 0.005), and noncompliance to medication regimens due to weight gain (t = −2.61, p = 0.010). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that body image (β = −0.32, p < 0.001), insight (β = −0.24, p = 0.002), and mental health confidence (β = 0.24, p = 0.004) had a significant impact on the medication adherence of the participants. Body image, in particular, had the greatest influence on the medication adherence of the participants. This study found that body image, insight, and mental health confidence were important in improving medication adherence among young adult women with mental disorders. Practical, patient-centered, and individualized approaches that can improve medication adherence by seeking to understand negative perceptions regarding body image should be considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care and Promotion)

Review

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16 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Meteorological, Pollution, and Geographic Exposures on Death by Suicide: A Scoping Review

by Sarah L. Cornelius, Tara Berry, Amanda J. Goodrich, Brian Shiner and Natalie B. Riblet

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7809; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18157809 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2340

Abstract

Suicide is a significant public health concern worldwide and in the United States. Despite the far-reaching impact of suicide, risk factors are still not well understood and efforts to accurately assess risk have fallen short. Current research has highlighted how potentially modifiable environmental exposures (i.e., meteorological, pollution, and geographic exposures) can affect suicide risk. A scoping review was conducted to evaluate the strength of the historical and current literature on the environment’s effect on suicide and suicide risk. Three databases (i.e., Medline, Embase, and PsychInfo) were reviewed to identify relevant studies and two authors independently reviewed studies considering pre-determined inclusion criteria. A total of 46 meteorological studies were included as well as 23 pollution studies and 12 geographic studies. Descriptive statistics, including counts, percentages, review of studies’ sample size (minimum, maximum, median, and interquartile range), were calculated using Excel and SAS 9.4. Overall, strong evidence supports that exposure to sunlight, temperature, air pollution, pesticides, and high altitude increases suicide risk, although effect sizes range from very small to small. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care and Promotion)

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