Fostering Mental Wellbeing in Return Migrant Women

COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic that has spread rapidly to six continents, with over 2.5 million deaths from December 2019 to March 2021. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is still growing worldwide, and quarantines have been recommended to prevent the disease’s spread. However, quarantines affect people’s quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to assess the effect of social isolation—quarantine—on QOL during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used in the present study. We obtained data from an online survey conducted in Saudi Arabia. We included a convenience sample of 775 participants in the study. Most of the participants were female (67%), with a mean age of 46 years ranging from 18 to 75 years. Many participants were government employees (n = 308, 39.7%) and had a bachelor’s degree or greater (n = 513, 66.2%). Most of the participants (n = 629, 81%) were free from any chronic disease. Nearly 88% of participants were partially isolated socially owing to COVID-19. Concerning QOL, the means of both the Physical Health Composite Scale and the Mental Health Composite Scale SF-12 scores were 44.7 and 34.6, respectively. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that partially socially isolated participants appeared to have significantly better physical health statuses (M = 44.96, SD = 5.90) than completely socially isolated participants (M = 42.87 ± 7.26). There was no significant social isolation effect on mental health status (t (773) = 2.5, p = 0.115). Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic considerably influenced various aspects of QOL including physical and mental health. Community-based interventions such as online counseling services and wellness programs are required to reduce the pandemic’s negative impact and enhance overall health status and QOL.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is endemic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To prevent the chronic carriage of HBV in Saudi children, hepatitis B vaccine was added as the seventh immunogen in the expanded program on immunization (EPI). In the first year, the coverage of the first dose and third dose of HB vaccine was 90% and 73%, respectively. In a survey of 637 children, 603 (95%) were positive for antibody to hepatitis surface antigen (anti-HBs) without concomintant antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). A total of 592 (93%) with anti-HBs titer of > 10 IU/L were considered as responders to the vaccine. The majority (60%) of these responders had titers > 100 IU/L. Only one (0.3%) non-responder was positive for anti-HBc alone. Using historical control, the protective efficacy was estimated as 99%. Neither the gender of the recipient, schedule of the vaccination, nor the sourve of vaccine influenced the response to the vaccine. The successful integration of the HB vaccine into the EPI was due to the effectiveness of the EPI and the efficient primary health care system in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose Stigma associated with mental health problems is widespread in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Consequently, this may prevent many Saudi people from accessing the mental health-care services and support they need. The purpose of this study is to consider how stigma affects people needing to access mental health services in the KSA. To achieve this aim, this study reviews the knowledge base concerning stigma and mental health in KSA and considers specific further research necessary to increase the knowledge and understanding in this important area. Design/methodology/approach This review examines the relevant literature concerning mental health stigma and related issues in KSA using the Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses frameworks. As a scoping review, it has used a systematic approach in literature searching. The results of the search were then thematically analysed and the themes were then discussed in light of the concepts of stigma and mental health. Findings Stigma around mental health impedes access to care, the nature of care and current clinical practice in the KSA. The voices of those with mental health issues in KSA are almost entirely unrepresented in the literature. Originality/value The review identifies that mental health stigma and cultural beliefs about mental health in KSA may act as barriers to accessing services. The voice of mental health service users in KSA remains largely unheard. If public discussion of mental health issues can increase, people’s experiences of accessing services may be improved.

The present study investigates whether loneliness and social isolation are associated with poor physical and mental health among adolescents and young adults, and whether age and gender play a role in the associations of loneliness and social isolation with mental and physical health. This study used cross-sectional self-report data from the 2017 Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys titled 'How are you?' (N = 19,890, M = 22.6 years). Logistic regression analyses showed that loneliness and social isolation were independently associated with poor physical and mental health. Loneliness was associated with increased odds of asthma, migraine, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, slipped disc/back pain, tinnitus, long-term mental illness, depressive symptomatology, anxiety symptomatology and alcohol problems. Social isolation was associated with decreased odds of having migraine, osteoarthritis and alcohol problems, and an increased risk of long-term mental illness and depressive symptomatology. Small age and gender differences were detected. In adolescents and young adults, loneliness and social isolation were associated with poor mental health and loneliness with poor physical health. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention and intervention initiatives to alleviate loneliness and social isolation.

Based on this review there is currently very uncertain evidence on the effectiveness of video call interventions to reduce loneliness in older adults. The review did not include any studies that reported evidence of the effectiveness of video call interventions to address social isolation in older adults. The evidence regarding the effectiveness of video calls for outcomes of symptoms of depression was very uncertain. Future research in this area needs to use more rigorous methods and more diverse and representative participants. Specifically, future studies should target older adults, who are demonstrably lonely or socially isolated, or both, across a range of settings to determine whether video call interventions are effective in a population in which these outcomes are in need of improvement.

Cancer survivors experience an array of physical, psychological, and social problems after treatment has ended. Perceived social isolation may exacerbate the effects of physical problems on mental health. We examined the association between physical health (cancer-related fatigue and physical function) and mental health (depression and anxiety symptoms) in cancer survivors in the first year of survivorship (i.e., up to one year after the end of treatment with curative intent), as well as the moderating role of perceived social isolation. Survey data were collected from 118 cancer survivors who completed treatment with curative intent in the last year. We assessed mental and physical health symptoms, as well as perceived social isolation. In multivariable analyses, fatigue was significantly associated with both depression (β = 0.279, 95% CI: 0.193,0.362) and anxiety symptoms (β = 0.189, 95% CI: 0.106,0.272). Social isolation moderated the effect of fatigue on depression and anxiety such that higher social isolation exacerbated the association of fatigue with mental health. Cancer survivors who continue to experience fatigue after curative treatment are at risk for mental health problems, including depression and anxiety symptoms. For cancer survivors who feel socially isolated, the association between fatigue and mental health may be stronger. The current standard of care for survivorship does not sufficiently address psychosocial needs. Future research should evaluate the inclusion of social support interventions in early-term survivorship care.

This research examined the impact of network participation, social support, and social control on the violence victimization of female marriage migrants by a spouse. Data were from a household survey of 492 cross‐border and 379 local married couples in Hong Kong in 2007. The findings indicated that female marriage migrants were more vulnerable to spousal violence and more socially isolated, compared with local women. Husbands of marriage migrants were also more socially isolated compared with men who married locally. The network participation of both husband and wife was associated positively with spousal violence against women, whereas their perceived social control was associated negatively with violence. Female marriage migrants' greater vulnerability to spousal physical assault was a result of their younger age compared with local women, but their greater vulnerability to spousal psychological aggression and sexual coercion was related, in part, to their own and their husbands' network participation as well as their level of social control.

Background: Nowadays, many students are active on social media and use it for various purposes. Excessive engagement with social media can lead to problems such as mental health disorders and social isolation among students who are considered the future builders of society. These issues may result in academic decline and reduced performance. Therefore, attention to social media addiction and its effects on a healthy lifestyle is of fundamental importance. Accordingly, this study aimed to explain a model of the impact of social media addiction on a healthy lifestyle, with the mediating role of social isolation and mental health among students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This study was quantitative, cross-sectional, and applied in nature. The research population consisted of 9,905 students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Using stratified random sampling, 250 students from the faculties of Management, Nursing, and Health participated in the study. The sample size was determined as 250 based on the rule that a minimum of 30 samples is required for each parameter in structural equation modeling (SEM) using the PLS approach. Data were collected using four instruments: the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) by Walker, the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the standard Mental Health questionnaire by Keyes, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling (SEM) with SPSS 25 and Smart PLS 3 software. Results: The findings indicated that social isolation and mental health mediated the relationship between social media addiction and a healthy lifestyle. Social media addiction did not directly affect a healthy lifestyle (p > 0.05), but its influence was indirect through social isolation and mental health. Furthermore, social media addiction had a negative impact on mental health. A positive relationship was found between social media addiction and social isolation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Social isolation and mental health mediate the impact of social media addiction on a healthy lifestyle. To reduce this addiction among students, it is essential to strengthen healthy lifestyle behaviors, decrease social isolation, and promote mental health through educational and institutional support.

ABSTRACTHypertension is a serious disease known as the silent killer because of its important on physical and psychological health. In Indonesia, the percentage of hypertension in 2018 reached 34%, which is often triggered by excessive stress and anxiety. Anxiety is a mood disorder accompanied by unrealistic anxiety and excessive worry. Excessive anxiety can be a risk factor for increased blood pressure in hypertensive patients. To minimize the occurance of complications in hypertensive patients, namely by overcoming their anxiety using the butterfly hug technique used to calm feelings of relaxation. The purpose of this case study is to describe the characteristics of the client, describe the client’s anxiety level, and describe the application of the butterfly hug technique in overcoming anxiety. The theories underlying this study include the concepts of hypertension, anxiety, and the butterfly hug technique. This research method uses a qualitative design with a descriptive approach. The research was conducted for 5 days on two clients, the result showed that the level of anxiety before being given therapy in client 1 and client 2 was a moderate level of anxiety. After being given therapy, the symptoms of two clients decreased to a mild level of anxiety. The result showed that there was an effect of the application of the butterfly hug technique on reducing signs of anxiety symptoms. It is recommended that hypertensive patients with anxiety can apply this butterfly hug technique to help reduce their anxiety levels.

Dear Editor, We read the article by Rohilla[1] with great interest where the authors have described that how our primary care physician colleagues can share the responsibility and can manage the psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the many special groups identified by authors,[1] we would like to highlight the psychological issues related to needs of a very important subgroup, that is, “Migrant workers.”[23] The migrant population is already very vulnerable and in addition to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 has brought tremendous challenges for this population.[4] Migration is a process in which people move to another place with the hope of making their lives better. Unskilled and uneducated people lacking job opportunities in local areas often migrate temporary from remote places to larger cities in India. Nationwide lockdown and travel restrictions placed in order of containing virus spread resulted in unbearable social stigma, isolation, income loss, fear and risk for mental health concerns, including suicide.[56] Recently, an editorial “Mental health of migrant laborers in COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown: Challenges ahead” and another article “COVID-19 pandemic: Mental health challenges of internal migrant workers (IMW) of India” draws timely attention to the increased risk and rates of mental health problems among IMWs in India.[37] Mental health problems can have biological, social, and environmental influences in etiopathogenesis and all these are at heightened interplay during the COVID-19 pandemic for IMWs.[8] The attempts of virus containment affected all components of the social system and thus mental health of internal migrant workers globally but particularly in India. The present COVID-19 pandemic has created extremely challenging social situations. It resulted into more significant social exclusion and risk for mental health problems. Due to inherent vulnerability, migrant workers are at higher risk.[9] Four components of the social-ecological model, individual (intrapersonal), interpersonal relationships, community, and societal policies influence the mental health of an individual.[10] It is essential to recognize that the risk of increased mental health issues that have mainly originated due to social factors and distress should be handled in the context of social-ecological approaches of mental health intervention.[11] The need for mental health care has been sensed by the providers and government officials in several countries, including India. To address the present epidemic related challenges, as an alternative to the face-to-face, mental health services, interventions are being planned and need to be offered in an online mode [Table 1]. In the setting of online mode, psychiatric services offered by trained mental health professionals can be considered the main component to overcome the mental health-related problems.Table 1: Suggestions for addressing concurrent mental health issues of migrants in social ecological health care frameworkFinancial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Youth unemployment is an escalating challenge in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania, with far-reaching implications that extend beyond economic hardship. This study explores the hidden crisis linking youth unemployment to deteriorating mental health among young people in the region. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research examines how prolonged joblessness contributes to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and loss of self-worth. Through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with unemployed youth, community leaders, and mental health professionals, the study uncovers the social stigma, emotional distress, and lack of coping mechanisms experienced by affected individuals. Findings reveal that the absence of meaningful employment opportunities not only hampers economic progress but also leads to increased vulnerability to mental health disorders. The study calls for urgent intervention from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the community to develop integrated solutions combining job creation, skills training, and accessible mental health services. It concludes that addressing youth unemployment in Morogoro must go hand in hand with strengthening mental health support systems to safeguard the well-being and future potential of the region’s youth

BackgroundCancer is perceived as a life-threatening, fear-inducing, and stigmatized disease. Most patients with cancer and cancer survivors commonly experience social isolation, negative self-perception, and psychological distress. The heavy toll that cancer takes on patients continues even after treatment. It is common for many patients with cancer to feel uncertain about their future. Some undergo anxiety, loneliness, and fear of getting cancer again.ObjectiveThis study examined the impact of social isolation, self-perception, and physician-patient communication on the mental health of patients with cancer and cancer survivors. The study also explored the impact of social isolation and physician-patient communication on self-perception.MethodsThis retrospective study used restricted data from the 2021 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), which collected data from January 11, 2021, to August 20, 2021. We used the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method for data analysis. We checked for quadratic effects among all the paths connecting social isolation, poor physician-patient communication, mental health (measured using the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-4]), and negative self-perception. The model was controlled for confounding factors such as respondents’ annual income, education level, and age. Bias-corrected and accelerated (BCA) bootstrap methods were used to estimate nonparametric CIs. Statistical significance was tested at 95% CI (2-tailed). We also conducted a multigroup analysis in which we created 2 groups. Group A consisted of newly diagnosed patients with cancer who were undergoing cancer treatment during the survey or had received cancer treatment within the last 12 months (receipt of cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic). Group B consisted of respondents who had received cancer treatment between 5 and 10 years previously (receipt of cancer treatment before the COVID-19 pandemic).ResultsThe analysis indicated that social isolation had a quadratic effect on mental health, with higher levels of social isolation associated with worse mental health outcomes up to a certain point. Self-perception positively affected mental health, with higher self-perception associated with better mental health outcomes. In addition, physician-patient communication significantly indirectly affected mental health via self-perception.ConclusionsThe findings of this study provide important insights into the factors that affect the mental health of patients with cancer. Our results suggest that social isolation, negative self-perception, and communication with care providers are significantly related to mental health in patients with cancer.

BackgroundSocial isolation and mental health issues have become a severe problem in disaster areas in the Great East Japan Earthquake. This study examined whether the combination of the house damage and social isolation or the combination of the death of family members and social isolation is associated with depressive symptoms among survivors using the baseline study data of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Community-Based Cohort Study (TMM CommCohort Study).MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from a baseline survey of 48,958 participants (18,423 males, 30,535 females; aged 60.1 ± 11.2 years) to examine the association between social isolation measured by the Lubben social network scale 6 (LSNS-6) and depressive symptoms measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive Scale (CES-D). The presence of social isolation and depressive symptoms was defined by an LSNS-6 score of < 12 and a CES-D score of ≥16, respectively. We performed a logistic regression analysis to determine the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) [AOR (95% CI)] for depressive symptoms according to sex in the social isolation in comparison to without social isolation, and the associations of the combination of the house damage or the death of family members and social isolation and depressive symptoms.ResultsSocial isolation was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (males: OR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.72–2.04, females: OR = 2.13; 95% CI = 2.00–2.26). Both males and females respondents with severe house damage and social isolation had a greater risk of depressive symptoms in comparison to those with an undamaged house and without social isolation (males: OR = 3.40; 95% CI = 2.73–4.24, females: OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 2.46–3.46). The risk of depressive symptoms was also higher in both males and females respondents with the death of family members and social isolation in comparison to those without the death of family members and without social isolation (males: OR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.90–2.50, females: OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 2.35–2.88).ConclusionThe findings suggested that a combination of social isolation and severe house damage and the death of family members caused by a large-scale natural disaster was associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms although the interaction was not statistically significant.

Immigrant Latinos frequently experience social isolation in their receiving communities. This paper investigates the prevalence of social isolation among immigrant workers in a new settlement area and delineates the association between social isolation and physical and mental health outcomes. Interviews were conducted in Spanish with immigrant Latino manual workers (N = 743) in western North Carolina. The CES-D and the SF-12 questionnaires assessed health outcomes. A social isolation scale was used to assess degree of social isolation. Nearly 1 in 5 workers (19.5 %) reported the highest level of social isolation. Social isolation was associated with higher depressive symptoms and poorer physical and mental health, related to quality of life. Social isolation is a common experience among immigrant Latinos that may have negative implications for physical and mental health. Community outreach efforts to minimize experiences of isolation may be useful in protecting immigrant physical and mental health.

Background: Mental health problems are prevalent among university students in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students’ mental health and sleep in Saudi Arabia. Method: A total of 582 undergraduate students from Saudi Arabia aged between 18 and 45 years old (M = 20.91, SD = 3.17) completed a cross-sectional online questionnaire measuring depression, anxiety, stress, resilience, and insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). Analysis included an independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Hierarchical regression analysis. Results: Undergraduate students reported high levels of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress and low levels of resilience (p < 0.001) during the pandemic. In addition, students reported experiencing insomnia. A hierarchical regression analysis indicated that lower resilience, high levels of insomnia, having a pre-existing mental health condition, and learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or dyscalculia) were significantly associated with high levels of depression and stress. In addition, lower resilience, a high level of insomnia, and pre-existing mental health conditions were significantly associated with high levels of anxiety. Finally, a lower level of psychological resilience and a high level of insomnia were significantly associated with increased levels of depression, anxiety and stress within university students. Conclusion: This study has provided evidence that a lower level of psychological resilience and insomnia were associated with mental health problems among undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia, thus enhancing psychological resilience and interventions to support sleep and mental health are vital to support student well-being outcomes throughout the pandemic.