International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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14 pages, 490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Environmental Quality Perception on Depression: Subjective Social Class as a Mediator

by Liqin Zhang and Lin Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116130 - 6 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3278

Abstract

Although the relationship between environment and public depression has aroused heated debate, the empirical research on the relationship between environmental quality perception and public depression is still relatively insufficient. This paper aims to explore the influence of environmental quality perception on public depression [...] Read more.

Although the relationship between environment and public depression has aroused heated debate, the empirical research on the relationship between environmental quality perception and public depression is still relatively insufficient. This paper aims to explore the influence of environmental quality perception on public depression and the mediating role of subjective social class between environmental quality perception and public depression. Using the China Family Panel Studies data of 2016 for empirical analysis, this study’s results show that environmental quality perception has a significant effect on public depression and subjective social class also has a significant effect on public depression. In addition, we found that subjective social class can play a partial mediating role between environmental quality perception and public depression, and the intermediary effect only comes from the contribution of the perception of living environmental quality, not the perception of overall environmental quality. That is to say, the perception of living environment quality deeply affects the subjective social class, and then induces public depression. In order to alleviate the relationship between environmental quality and public depression, it is recommended that the state environmental protection department and civil affairs department strengthen the improvement of public living environment so as to promote individual subjective social class and reduce the risk of public depression. Moreover, it is suggested that research with longitudinal design and comprehensive indicators be undertaken in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Social Determinants of Mental Health)

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10 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does It Run in the Family? How Family Background Affects Attachment Styles for Students in Higher Education

by Bent E. Mikkelsen, Anette Q. Romani, Inger G. Bo, Frantisek Sudzina and Maria P. Brandão

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5135; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105135 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2829

Abstract

Background: Socioeconomic background has traditionally been the most important determinant of an individual’s social advantage. Studies have used social class and opportunities based on parental income and education to predict such advantage. There is limited evidence that stratification mechanisms other than socioeconomic background [...] Read more.

Background: Socioeconomic background has traditionally been the most important determinant of an individual’s social advantage. Studies have used social class and opportunities based on parental income and education to predict such advantage. There is limited evidence that stratification mechanisms other than socioeconomic background can play an important role. The purpose of the study is to examine the influence of the traditional factors (income and education) of family background on students’ social attachment styles compared to other background variables (civil status and number of children). Methods: We used the Vulnerable Attachment Style Questionnaire as an outcome measure to assess students’ social attachment advantage. As a point of departure, we use theories of social psychology to categorize social relations in terms of secure or insecure bonding, respectively. Results: A cross-sectional data set of 912 university students from five European countries was used. With respect to social attachment, the likelihood of being a student with robust relations increases by 23% if the students have high-income parents. Students with robust relations also have a decreased likelihood of poor body self-esteem by 19% when compared with other students. Conclusions: Stratification mechanisms other than social class, such as parental characteristics, civil status, and number of siblings, all affect the privileged students’ social relations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Social Determinants of Mental Health)

10 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression for Chinese Residents in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Qin Hu and Maki Umeda

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4958; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094958 - 7 May 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3451

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly affected the psychological well-being of foreign residents. This study examines stress, anxiety, and depression levels in Chinese residents in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. It identifies risk factors and the roles of disaster preparedness and social [...] Read more.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly affected the psychological well-being of foreign residents. This study examines stress, anxiety, and depression levels in Chinese residents in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. It identifies risk factors and the roles of disaster preparedness and social support. An online survey among Chinese residents in Japan was conducted from 22 June to 14 July 2020. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, Disaster Preparedness for Resilience Checklist, and Social Support Rate Scale were used to measure psychological symptoms. Multivariable linear regressions identified the risk factors and positive effects of disaster preparedness and social support. Of the total 497 participants, 45.3%, 66.6%, and 54.3% reported severe stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, respectively. People with a lower level of education, a higher level of economic influence, the presence of COVID-19 symptoms, and confirmed or suspected family or friends in China were associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first survey to reveal the protective role of disaster preparedness in reducing psychological symptoms during the pandemic. It offers unique data for further research on how to promote the mental health of vulnerable populations including foreign residents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Social Determinants of Mental Health)

12 pages, 3421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Language Proficiency and Migrant–Native Disparities in Postpartum Depressive Symptoms

by Sousan Hamwi, Elsa Lorthe and Henrique Barros

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4782; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094782 - 29 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3103

Abstract

Migrant women have a higher risk of developing postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) than do native women. This study aimed to investigate the role of host-country language proficiency in this disparity. We analysed the data of 1475 migrant and 1415 native women who gave [...] Read more.

Migrant women have a higher risk of developing postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) than do native women. This study aimed to investigate the role of host-country language proficiency in this disparity. We analysed the data of 1475 migrant and 1415 native women who gave birth at a Portuguese public hospital between 2017 and 2019 and were participants in the baMBINO cohort study. Migrants’ language proficiency was self-rated and comprised understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills. PPDS were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale with a cut-off score of ≥10. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the association between language proficiency and PPDS. PPDS were experienced by 7.2% of native women and 12.4% among migrants (p < 0.001). Increasing proportions of PPDS were observed among decreasing Portuguese proficiency levels; 11% among full, 13% among intermediate, and 18% among limited proficiency women (ptrend < 0.001). Full (aOR 1.63 (95% CI 1.21–2.19)), intermediate (aOR 1.68 (95% CI 1.16–2.42)), and limited (aOR 2.55 (95% CI 1.64–3.99)) language proficiencies were associated with increasingly higher odds of PPDS among migrant women, compared to native proficiency. Prevention measures should target migrant women at high risk of PPDS, namely those with limited language skills, and promote awareness, early detection, and help-seeking, in addition to facilitating communication in their perinatal healthcare encounters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Social Determinants of Mental Health)

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9 pages, 692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Loneliness Is Associated with Depressive Affect, But Not with Most Other Symptoms of Depression in Community-Dwelling Individuals: A Network Analysis

by Roland von Känel, Sonja Weilenmann and Tobias R. Spiller

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2408; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052408 - 1 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3156

Abstract

There is a strong relationship between loneliness and depression, but depression is a heterogeneous disorder. We examined the profile of depressive symptoms most strongly related to loneliness. Study participants were 2007 community-dwelling individuals (median age 31 years, 70.4% women) who completed an online [...] Read more.

There is a strong relationship between loneliness and depression, but depression is a heterogeneous disorder. We examined the profile of depressive symptoms most strongly related to loneliness. Study participants were 2007 community-dwelling individuals (median age 31 years, 70.4% women) who completed an online survey on loneliness (single-item question: “never”, “sometimes”, “often”), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and demographics. The relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms was evaluated with linear regression and network analyses. The prevalence of loneliness (sometimes or often) and of moderate depression was 47.1% and 24.0%, respectively. Loneliness explained 26% of the variance in the total depressive symptom score (p < 0.001), independent of covariates. This result was almost exclusively explained by the relationship with a single depression symptom (“feeling down, depressed, or hopeless”), irrespective of whether loneliness was treated as a nominal or continuous variable. The findings of our study suggest that the role of loneliness in depression should not only be investigated at the syndrome level, but also at the symptom level. Studies are warranted to test whether targeted treatment of depressive affect is particularly effective against loneliness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Social Determinants of Mental Health)

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16 pages, 353 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Psychological Distress in Urbanizing China: How Does Local Government Effectiveness Matter?

by Juan Chen, Lin Gong and Shenghua Xie

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2042; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042042 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2797

Abstract

Despite growing literature identifying key individual, family, community, and environmental factors as causes for mental disorders during the process of urbanization, the role played by local government has not been taken into account. In this article, we investigate how the effectiveness of local [...] Read more.

Despite growing literature identifying key individual, family, community, and environmental factors as causes for mental disorders during the process of urbanization, the role played by local government has not been taken into account. In this article, we investigate how the effectiveness of local government affects residents’ levels of psychological distress in areas of China undergoing urbanization. We measure the effectiveness of local governments according to their success in promoting access to the social security system through the distribution of social security cards among citizens. We hypothesize that higher local government effectiveness will reduce residents’ psychological distress by alleviating worries about medical expenses and elder care. Drawing on data from the 2018 Urbanization and Quality of Life Survey (N = 3229) conducted in 40 localities undergoing rural–urban transition, we estimate three-level mixed-effects regression models to test the research hypotheses, allowing random effects at the township/county and neighborhood levels while controlling for a series of individual attributes. The results demonstrate that local government effectiveness is negatively associated with residents’ psychological distress: effective local governments alleviate worries about medical expenses and elder care, and thereby reduce psychological distress. The findings indicate that, to reduce residents’ worries and psychological distress during the process of rural–urban transition, it is essential to improve local government effectiveness, particularly in promoting residents’ access to the social security system. Beyond demonstrating how local government effectiveness matters for residents’ psychological distress, our research also illustrates how to properly model locational parameters in analyses of individual well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Social Determinants of Mental Health)

12 pages, 1453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trend in the Prevalence of Non-Daily Smoking and Their Relationship with Mental Health Using the Korea Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

by Yunna Kwan, Hye Sim Kim, Dae Ryong Kang and Tae Hui Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103396 - 13 May 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2400

Abstract

Introduction: Non-Daily Smoking (NDS), which is increasingly prevalent worldwide, has not yet attracted as much attention as has daily smoking in Asia. The aims of this study were to identify trends in the prevalence of NDS and to compare characteristics by age, gender, [...] Read more.

Introduction: Non-Daily Smoking (NDS), which is increasingly prevalent worldwide, has not yet attracted as much attention as has daily smoking in Asia. The aims of this study were to identify trends in the prevalence of NDS and to compare characteristics by age, gender, and mental health indicators such as depression, suicidality, and alcohol consumption in South Korea. Methods: We included 33,806 adults (aged ≥ 19 years) who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) from 2010 to 2015. The dataset includes self-reported medical history and questionnaires that explore depression, suicidality, and alcohol use, which are known to be highly related to smoking. We divided the respondents into four groups according to smoking status: Never Smoking (NS, N = 20,270); Past Smoking (PS = 6835); Daily Smoking (DS = 5927), who reported smoking every day; and Non-Daily Smoking (NDS = 774), who reported that they sometimes smoke. Results: Increased NDS prevalence is observed in most age groups in both male and female adults despite the prevalence of total smoking and daily smoking gradually decreasing. Depression and suicidality were significantly more prevalent in the NDS than the NS group (Depression Odds ratio, OR = 1.72, 95% Confidence interval, CI = 1.31–2.26; Suicidality OR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.40–7.02). NDS is also associated with a higher frequency of binge drinking and alcohol use disorder than NS (OR = 4.17, 95% CI = 3.49–4.99). Conclusions: This study suggests that more concern is warranted for NDS given the increasing prevalence and characteristics of poor mental health in NDS respondents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Social Determinants of Mental Health)

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Review

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16 pages, 2696 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Interplay between Social and Ecological Determinants of Mental Health for Children and Youth in the Climate Crisis

by Maya K. Gislason, Angel M. Kennedy and Stephanie M. Witham

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4573; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094573 - 26 Apr 2021

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 15568

Abstract

Children and youth are showing increasing levels of mental health distress due to the climate crisis, characterized by feelings of sadness, guilt, changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, solastalgia, and disconnection from land. To gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between [...] Read more.

Children and youth are showing increasing levels of mental health distress due to the climate crisis, characterized by feelings of sadness, guilt, changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, solastalgia, and disconnection from land. To gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between climate change and children and youth’s mental health, we conducted a rapid review and a thematic analysis of the results in NVivo 12. Our findings show that children and youth experience a plethora of direct and indirect effects from climate change and this impacts their mental wellbeing in diverse and complex ways. Young people also have varied perceptions of climate change based on their social locations and many are dealing with feelings of immense worry and eco-anxiety. The mental health impacts of climate change on children/youth are tied to Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) but also need to be understood in relation to the Ecological Determinants of Health (EDoH). Through an eco-social lens, this paper explores these conceptual issues and uses them to provide a framework for understanding the interplay of social and ecological determinants of mental health for children/youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Social Determinants of Mental Health)

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