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Early Childhood Anxiety and Maternal Factors: Associations with State and Trait Anxiety in a Greek Cohort of Preschoolers.1 month agoAnxiety symptoms in preschool children represent early indicators of potential mental health vulnerabilities. Maternal psychological, sociodemographic, lifestyle and dietary factors may be associated with child emotional development; however, evidence regarding their independent contributions to distinct dimensions of child anxiety (trait vs. state) remains limited. This study aimed to examine maternal factors associated with preschool children's trait and state anxiety.
In this cross-sectional study conducted in Greece, 200 preschool-aged children and their mothers were assessed. Maternal demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, lifestyle, dietary, and psychosocial characteristics were evaluated using validated instruments, including the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory short form (STAI-6). Children's trait and state anxiety were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH). Bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by separate multivariable linear regression models for trait and state anxiety, with covariate selection guided by a directed acyclic graph (DAG).
Maternal anxiety was positively associated with children's state anxiety (B = 1.508, SE = 0.566, β = 0.196, t = 2.666, p = 0.008; 95% CI [0.43, 2.66]). Higher maternal educational attainment demonstrated a weak positive association with child state anxiety (B = 1.061, SE = 0.509, β = 0.145, t = 2.086, p = 0.038; 95% CI [0.08, 2.09]), which may reflect greater awareness or reporting of child symptoms by more-educated mothers or other unmeasured factors. For trait anxiety, maternal depressive symptomatology exhibited the strongest association (B = 3.578, SE = 0.918, β = 0.276, t = 3.897, p < 0.001; 95% CI [1.77, 5.39]), while maternal anxiety was also independently associated with higher trait anxiety (B = 2.088, SE = 0.744, β = 0.194, t = 2.807, p = 0.006; 95% CI [0.62, 3.56]). The models explained a modest proportion of variance (R2 < 0.15), indicating that most variation in child anxiety does not seem to be fully explained by the specific measured maternal factors.
Maternal psychological distress was modestly associated with preschool children's state and trait anxiety, exhibiting differential patterns across anxiety dimensions. These findings should be interpreted as correlational, with unmeasured contributors such as paternal mental health, family functioning, genetics, and school/peer influences likely playing important roles. Early screening and interventions addressing maternal mental health may support children's emotional well-being, but further multi-informant and longitudinal research is needed to clarify temporal and causal pathways.Mental HealthAccessAdvocacy -
The impact of urban green spaces on obesity-related eating behaviours among university students across 31 Chinese cities.1 month agoOverweight and obesity are well-established risk factors for numerous chronic diseases, but few studies have focused on obesity-related eating behaviours (OEB). Studies suggest that living near green spaces is associated with higher physical activity levels, highlighting the need to examine how these environments specifically influence behaviours related to obesity. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of urban green spaces on OEB among university students across 31 Chinese cities.
A total of 11 659 students across 31 cities participated in the study. Each respondent completed a standardised questionnaire focused on health behaviour and health in China. We obtained the data on regional characteristics from the National Bureau of Statistics. We used multilevel logistic regression models to examine the associations between urban green space and OEB. Furthermore, we conducted a quantitative analysis to demonstrate the dose-response relationship between the city-level green space and the prevalence of OEB.
Approximately 5.4% of students experienced OEB. According to a multilevel logistic regression analysis, greater availability of green land was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of OEB (odds ratio = 0.44; 95% confidence interval = 0.24, 0.67). There was also a significant inverse dose-response relationship between city-level green land area and the probability of OEB (β = -0.2784; P < 0.01).
These results reinforce existing literature demonstrating the beneficial role of green spaces in reducing stress and improving mental well-being. Future research should examine variations in student engagement with green spaces in urban environments and explore how natural environment elements can be incorporated into public health strategies across Chinese universities.Mental HealthAccessAdvocacy -
"Nobody ever asked how I was": the hidden mental health burden of caring for someone with spinal cord injury.1 month agoThis study aimed to understand how caregivers of people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience and carry secondary trauma, and how this shapes role identity and emotional wellbeing. It focused on the psychological toll of caregiving, highlighting needs that remain unsupported.
Twenty-three SCI caregivers participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Reflective Thematic Analysis to understand recurring emotional and psychological challenges across the caregiving journey.
Five themes emerged: (1) SCI reality uncovered, confronting the gap between expectations and lived reality; (2) Shared traumatisation, describing caregivers' exposure to acute trauma and emotional burden alongside the person living with SCI; (3) The sidelined supporter, reflecting systemic invisibility across care contexts; (4) Masking mental health, involving the concealment of personal distress; and (5) Demanding a discharge toolkit, underscoring the desire to access adequate post-discharge support. Caregivers described persistent emotional suppression, role loss, and social isolation.
Caregivers carry emotional strain that is internalised, and rarely acknowledged. Their needs are frequently silenced, by their own efforts to stay strong and systems that overlook them. Addressing this burden demands the embedding of dedicated caregiver support into rehabilitation, with sustained attention to the emotional demands of long-term care.Mental HealthAccessCare/Management -
Mens sana in corpore non semper sanum: nurturing mind-body harmony in transplant prehabilitationand rehabilitation.1 month agoTo review and summarize the literature published between May 2024 and November 2025 on the role of mental health professionals in the multidisciplinary transplant team and interventions to improve psychological health.
The literature increasingly emphasizes integrating psychological expertise into multidisciplinary transplant teams; however, the practical implementation and standardization of this approach remain inconsistent. Despite clear evidence linking mental health to adherence, recovery, and long-term outcomes, structured psychosocial screening and follow-up are still not routine in many centers. The field is shifting toward proactive, prevention-oriented models, including telepsychology and caregiver involvement, reflecting a broader understanding of transplantation as a biopsychosocial process. Future research should focus on unified protocols and equity-based frameworks that ensure fair access and continuity of psychological care for all transplant candidates and recipients.
Although mental health is recognized as an integral component of multidisciplinary transplantation programs, research on its systematic implementation and the effectiveness of mental health interventions within multidisciplinary teams remains limited. Consequently, many transplant candidates and recipients continue to have unmet psychological needs. Integrating psychological expertise into transplant medicine strengthens patient-centered care and improves long-term outcomes.Mental HealthAccessCare/Management -
Exploring the dynamic biopsychosocial health needs of middle-aged adults living alone: a qualitative study.1 month agoThe number of middle-aged adults living alone in South Korea is increasing, raising concerns about their physical, mental, and social health. This study explored their health concerns and perceived support needs.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adults aged 40-64 years living alone in urban and suburban areas. Purposive sampling ensured diverse experiences. Data were analyzed using deductive qualitative content analysis guided by the social-ecological model.
Five themes emerged: (1) navigating aging with autonomy and avoidance, (2) seeking companionship for a healthier solitary life, (3) pursuing personal growth through community engagement, (4) recognizing the influence of residential environments, and (5) managing health through social safety nets. Participants valued independence but experienced disconnection from traditional support systems. They emphasized the importance of social relationships, supportive living environments, and the absence of caregivers as a key concern.
Tailored multilevel strategies are needed to support healthy aging among middle-aged adults living alone, including strengthening social connections, addressing caregiving gaps, and improving community and residential support.Mental HealthAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Wildfires and Public Health: A Comprehensive Review of Human-Centric Studies.1 month agoIn the last decade, wildfires have surged in frequency, as highlighted in the 2024 National Interagency Fire Center report, and continue to rise, making them a worldwide concern due to their environmental and public health impact. Climate change and shifting fire patterns contribute to this growing challenge. This review addresses the complex relationship between wildfires and public health, facilitating informed decision-making in response to this global challenge. Wildfires intricately affect human health, encompassing physical, psychological and social dimensions. Beyond immediate risks like respiratory issues, cardiovascular incidents, and burns, their enduring effects include prolonged exposure to poor air quality, population displacement, disrupted healthcare, psychological trauma and negative economic impacts. As research methods advance, it is vital to systematically review the existing literature to consolidate knowledge, identify gaps, and guide policies and interventions. Our review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the health consequences linked to wildfires by synthesizing findings from diverse studies. We systematically reviewed 139 peer-reviewed studies published between 1997 and 2023, retrieved from Web of Science, to synthesize evidence on wildfire exposure metrics, health impacts, and population vulnerabilities. We seek to outline the spectrum of health outcomes, explore potential impact mechanisms, and identify vulnerable populations. Additionally, we critically assess study methodologies, evaluate evidence quality, and pinpoint areas requiring further exploration.Mental HealthAccess
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Preliminary effects and feasibility of a school-based regular aerobic exercise intervention on PTSD-related symptoms among college students: a single-group pre-post study.1 month agoCollege students are considered a high-risk group for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Existing non-pharmacological interventions, although effective and accessible, still have notable limitations. Regular aerobic exercise, as a potential mental health promotion strategy, requires empirical validation in real campus environments to determine its specific effects on reducing anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, as well as its role in enhancing psychological resilience.
This study employed a single-group pre-test/post-test design and was conducted in August 2025 at a comprehensive university in Sichuan, China. Using convenience sampling, 47 participants with elevated PTSD symptoms were recruited for the "School-Based Regular Aerobic Exercise" intervention trial (operationalized as a 21-Day Exercise Check-In Activity). All participants engaged in 30 min of aerobic exercise daily for 3 weeks. Before and after the intervention, participants completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC).
All 47 participants completed the 21-day intervention. Significant pre- to post-intervention improvements were observed in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and psychological resilience. Clinical significance analysis showed that 57.45% of participants fell below the PTSD clinical cutoff after the intervention, and 87.23% demonstrated reliable change. Exploratory change-score analyses indicated that improvements in resilience were significantly associated with reductions in anxiety and PTSD symptoms, but not depression.
In a real-world campus setting, this 21-day school-based regular aerobic exercise intervention appears feasible and is associated with improvements in PTSD-related symptoms and psychological resilience. However, because the study lacked randomization and a control group, causal inferences regarding effectiveness and underlying mechanisms cannot be made. Randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods and objective activity measures are warranted.Mental HealthAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Parental postpartum depression directly and indirectly affects exclusive breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study.1 month agoExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is essential for infant health. Parental postpartum depression (PPD) may play a crucial role in shaping maternal intention and behavior to breastfeeding. This study, grounded in the ABC model of behavior theory, aimed to examine the direct and indirect pathways linking maternal and paternal PPD with EBF intention and practice.
A total of 273 couples attending postpartum health check-ups were invited to complete structured questionnaires with assistance from trained interviewers. Symptoms of PPD in both mothers and fathers were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between parental PPD and intention and practice related to EBF. Path analysis was further employed to identify potential pathways linking parental PPD, maternal intention to EBF, and EBF practice. Direct and indirect effects were estimated within the path model using the weighted least squares mean and variance adjusted (WLSMV) estimator. Standardized path coefficients (β) were reported for all effects.
Among 273 couples, 41.0% of mothers and 28.5% of fathers screened positive for PPD. Although most mothers (93.4%) showed a positive intention to EBF, only 52.4% practiced it. Maternal depression was associated with a less positive intention to EBF (adjusted OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06-0.64). Path analysis further revealed that paternal PPD indirectly influenced maternal intention through maternal PPD (β indirect = -0.177, p = 0.001), while maternal PPD exerted an indirect effect on EBF practice through intention (β indirect = -0.189, p = 0.038). These findings highlight a family-level psychological pathway linking parental mental health to breastfeeding behaviors.
A substantial gap was found between willingness and actual practice of EBF. Both maternal and paternal postpartum depression were directly and indirectly associated with breastfeeding intention and practice. Early identification and intervention for parental depression are essential to promote exclusive breastfeeding.Mental HealthAccessAdvocacy -
Perspectives of professionals on the perinatal period as a window of opportunity for change in women with SUD: insights from healthcare, child welfare, substance use, and child protection services.1 month agoThe perinatal period is widely recognized as a time of profound transition and heightened vulnerability, particularly for women with substance use disorders (SUD). Adopting a strengths-based perspective, this qualitative study aims to explore how professionals across healthcare, child welfare, substance use, and child protection services in Belgium perceive this period as a window of opportunity for change in women with SUD.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 professionals, and thematic analysis identified key themes related to barriers, opportunities, and facilitators to achieve change.
Barriers include disconnected bodily awareness, mutual avoidance between women and professionals, limited insight and (self-) reflection on SUD and motherhood, and insufficient support across interpersonal, socioeconomic, and systemic levels. However, professionals also identified several areas that could be reinforced to unlock the period's transformative potential, reflecting a gradual shift from a deficit-oriented view toward a more strengths-based understanding of perinatal SUD. Empowerment was seen as crucial through open conversations on family planning, psychoeducation on fertility and contraception, access to appropriate contraceptives, and trauma-sensitive, body-oriented approaches that foster connection to pregnancy and the unborn child, as well as the integration of the infant mental health perspective. The perinatal period itself was considered a naturally occurring window of opportunity for change, driven by processes of identity transformation and growing maternal motivation. Professionals emphasized the importance of enhancing professional capacity, particularly in healthcare, and improving screening and referral by midwives and gynecologists. At the care system level, increased and more consistent contact with healthcare services during pregnancy was described as a contextual opportunity for timely support; however, intersectoral collaboration and integrated care were considered essential, alongside a legal prenatal framework that enables early, non-punitive interventions to support both mother and (unborn) child.
These findings underscore the need to move beyond hegemonic discourses that frame strength and deficit, mothering and substance use, or vulnerability and opportunity as binary opposites. Recognizing the ways these dimensions coexist and intersect is vital for developing responsive, relational, and ethically grounded models of perinatal care.Mental HealthAccess -
Associated factors of depression, anxiety, and suicide behavior among men in Switzerland: findings from the Swiss health survey 2022.1 month agoThis study examined demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts among men in Switzerland, using nationally representative population data from the Swiss Health Survey 2022. Understanding men's mental health disparities is essential, as men are often underdiagnosed and less likely to seek psychological help despite high suicide rates. Data from 10,761 individuals registered as male were analyzed. All analyses applied the survey weights provided by the SFO to ensure representativeness of approximately 3.55 million adult men living in private households across all Swiss regions. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Lifetime suicide attempts were assessed through self-report. Weighted linear and logistic regression models examined associations between mental health outcomes and demographic (age, language area, partnership status), socioeconomic (income, employment, education), and migration-related factors, including sexual orientation. Higher symptom levels were associated with younger age, lower income, unemployment, and single relationship status. Men identifying as non-heterosexual and those with a migration background reported significantly higher scores on both the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 compared to heterosexual and Swiss-born men. Regional and language differences were evident, with elevated symptom levels among French-speaking participants. Transgender and non-binary individuals registered as male exhibited particularly elevated symptom levels of anxiety and depression. These findings highlight persistent disparities in men's mental health across social and demographic groups in Switzerland. Population-level screening, improved access to gender-sensitive mental health services, and targeted prevention programs addressing social and economic vulnerability are warranted. Future national surveys should also incorporate measures of masculinity norms and gender role attitudes to better capture underlying mechanisms contributing to men's mental health outcomes.Mental HealthAccess