Better nutrition, healthier mind? Experimental evidence from primary schools in rural northwestern China

Malnutrition and mental health problems are both prevalent among rural students in China. To provide a better understanding of the functional linkage between these two problems, this study estimates the causal effect of improved nutrition on rural students’ mental health status, exploiting a randomized controlled trial involving 6 044 fourth and fifth graders in rural northwestern China. Estimation results show that a nutrition subsidy provided by the project significantly improved students’ mental health status(measured by their anxiety scale). However, an add-on incentive provided to school principals, which was tied to anemia reduction, almost entirely offset the beneficial impact of the nutrition subsidy. These findings suggest that to improve students’ mental health in rural China, not only direct subsidies, such as low-priced school meals, but also correct incentives, especially those tied closely to students’ mental health outcomes, should be provided.

Relationship between the Self-Efficacy and Mental Health of Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease in Rural Hebei Province

Objective:To investigate the self-efficacy and mental health of elderly patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)in rural Hebei Province as well as to analyze the relationship between them.Methods:From June 2021 to December 2021,480 elderly patients with CHD from rural areas,who had been discharged by the Department of Cardiology from three tertiary hospitals in three cities with different economic levels in Hebei Province for more than a year,were selected as the research subjects.The general self-efficacy scale(GSES)and symptom self-rating scale(SCL-90)were used to investigate the self-efficacy and mental health of these patients.SPSS 25.0 was used for data analysis.Results:The total mean self-efficacy score of elderly patients with CHD in rural Hebei Province was 17.18±4.68,which is lower than the international norm(t=-32.067,P=0.000)and the national norm(t=-28.783,P=0.000);the total average SCL-90 score was 148.64±55.13,which is higher than the national norm for adults and the reference norm for ordinary elderly people;except for hostility and psychosis,the other dimensions were significantly higher than the national norm for adults(P<0.05);except for psychosis,the other dimensions were significantly higher than the reference norm for ordinary elderly people(P<0.05);the self-efficacy score was found to be negatively correlated with the total SCL-90 score and the score for each dimension(P<0.05).Conclusion:Elderly CHD patients with higher self-efficacy in rural Hebei Province have higher mental health level.It is suggested that the mental health of elderly patients with CHD in rural areas can be improved by improving their self-efficacy.

Cross-sectional population based study ascertaining the characteristics of US rural adults with mental health concerns who perceived a stigma regarding mental health issues

Introduction: Mental health is an important component of overall health. Mental illness is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US and is associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. In the US, most people with mental health issues or disorders remain untreated. Epidemiological studies have identified rural residents as being at greater risk for health disparities;as a result, rural residents are a vulnerable population in terms of mental health and mental health care. Research has demonstrated that perceived stigma can be a significant barrier to rural residents seeking mental health care. This study examined the research question: What are the characteristics of US rural adults with mental health concerns who perceived stigma? Methods: 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate techniques to answer the research question. 2007 BRFSS data were used because in that year non-institutionalized US adults in 37 states and territories were queried about their attitudes toward mental illness. BRFSS is a random digit telephone survey that uses a complex multi-stage sampling approach and subsequently a weighting factor is calculated for application to the data in order to ensure that they are representative of the US population based on the most recent census data. Only weighted data were analyzed. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that rural adults reporting mental health concerns who perceived stigma regarding mental health were more likely to be unemployed seeking work or not working and not seeking work, military veterans, or to have deferred medical care because of cost. They were also more likely to not have a health care provider and to rarely or never feel supported emotionally. Conclusions: Support systems may render people with mental health issues less vulnerable to perceiving stigma, thus assisting with removing stigma as a barrier to care. Pharmacist may play a role as support in communities, especially where access to health care providers may be limited.

Mental health services in rural India: challenges and prospects

Mental health services in India are neglected area which needs immediate attention from the government, policymakers, and civil society organizations. Despite, National Mental Health Programme since 1982 and National Rural Health Mission, there has been a very little effort so far to provide mental health services in rural areas. With increase in population, changing life-style, unemployment, lack of social support and increasing insecurity, it is predicted that there would be a substantial increase in the number of people suffering from mental illness in rural areas. Considering the mental health needs of the rural community and the treatment gap, the paper is an attempt to remind and advocate for rural mental health services and suggest a model to reduce the treatment gap.

Psychological Capital Status of Left-Behind Rural Children in China and Its Relationship with Mental Health

Background:The mental health of left-behind rural children of China has become a prominent social problem.At the same time,psychological capital has become a positive psychological resource to promote personal growth.However,the relationship between psychological capital and mental health of left-behind rural children has not been explored.Method:A total of 332 left-behind rural children were investigated using a questionnaire of psychological capital and mental health scale.The psychological capital status of left-behind rural children and its impact on mental health were analyzed.Results:(1)Left-behind rural children were found to have a psychological capital score of was 3.16±0.56;Gender,age,grade,and school style had no significant effect on psychological capital.(2)Left-behind rural children obtained a mental health score of 2.21±0.5 G and gender,age,grade,and school style had no significant effect on mental health.(3)A significant negative correlation is found between psychological capital and mental health scores of left-behind rural children.Regression analysis shows that psychological capital is negatively correlated with mental health scores.Conclusion:The psychological capital of left-behind rural children can positively predict their mental health,and thus developing the former can promote the latter.

Mental health in a Canadian Old Order Mennonite community

This paper presents the results of a 2010 survey exploring the determinants of rural mental health in two farming groups in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: Old Order Mennonites (OOMs) and non-OOM farmers. Comparing these two groups reduces the likely impact of many contextual features impacting both groups, such as local economic conditions. We explore a comprehensive list of health determinants to assess their relative importance and thus enable policy action to focus on those having the greatest impact. The mental component summary (MCS) of the short- form health survey (SF-12) was used to measure mental health. We compare mental health in the two populations and use multiple regression to determine the relative importance of the determinants in explaining mental health. The results show that OOMs experience better mental health than non-OOMs, in part due to the strong mental health of OOM women. Coping, stress and social interaction shape mental health in both groups, reflecting the broader determinants literature and suggesting these are important across many populations with different life circumstances. Other determinants are important for one group but not the other, underscoring the diversity of rural populations. For example, different social capital measures shape mental health in the two groups, and sense-of-place is associated with mental health in only one group (OOMs). The results are discussed in terms of their implications for future health determinants research and policy action to address rural mental health.

Outcome of treatment seeking rural gamblers attending a nurse-led cognitive-behaviour therapy service:A pilot study

Objectives:Little is known about the differences between urban and rural gamblers in Australia,in terms of comorbidity and treatment outcome.Health disparities exist between urban and rural areas in terms of accessibility,availability,and acceptability of treatment programs for problem gamblers.However,evidence supporting cognitivebehaviour therapy as the main treatment for problem gamblers is strong.This pilot study aimed to assess the outcome of a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy(CBT)treatment program offered to urban and rural treatment-seeking gamblers.Methods:People who presented for treatment at a nurse-led Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy(CBT)gambling treatment service were invited to take part in this study.A standardised clinical assessment and treatment service was provided to all participants.A series of validated questionnaires were given to all participants at(a)assessment,(b)discharge,(c)at a one-month,and(d)at a 3-month follow-up visit.Results:Differences emerged between urban and rural treatment-seeking gamblers.While overall treatment outcomes were much the same at three months after treatment,rural gamblers appeared to respond more rapidly and to have sustained improvements over time.Conclusion:This study suggests that rural problem gamblers experience different levels of co-morbid anxiety and depression from their urban counterparts,but once in treatment appear to respond quicker.ACBT approach was found to be effective in treating rural gamblers and outcomes were maintained.Ensuring better availability and access to such treatment in rural areas is important.Nurses are in a position as the majority health professional in rural areas to provide such help.

Closing the Gap: Characterizing Key Factors Leading to the Disparity in Suicide Rates along the Urban-Rural Continuum

Suicide is a top ten cause of mortality in the United States.In previous literature the suicide rates in rural com-munities have been reported to be greater than those of more urban communities.Additionally,these studies have discussed many potential causes for the unfortunate disparity in rates.One cause often discussed is lack of mental health care providers in rural communities.The data for this study was gathered from the CDC’s WONDER data-base and the NPPES NPI Registry.The urban-rural categorization of counties used the 2013 NCHS Urban-Rural Scheme.Statistical analysis included chi-square tests,paired t-tests,and stepwise regression analyses.Results indi-cate that both the number of residents per provider(r=0.35,p≤0.005),and urbanization level(r=0.49,p≤0.001)were significantly related to suicide rate.Additionally,even after controlling for provider rates,each additional level of rurality predicted an increase of 1.2 suicides per 100,000 residents.Ultimately,the number of providers may play a major role in suicide rates,but extra effort must also be made in rural communities to combat the other contextual factors leading to increased suicide rates.

北京市农村居民心理健康服务需求调查

针对当前北京市农村居民心理健康服务存在城乡发展不平衡和人才短缺等问题组织调研,指出北京市农村居民心理健康服务的现状和问题。通过对926份有效问卷分析发现,农民整体心理健康水平较高,70.52%对自己的心理健康状况比较满意,64.47%的居民对心理健康服务有需求,但在面对心理问题时只有24.8%表示肯定去寻求心理帮助,求助意愿较低;有17.17%的农村社区开展了心理健康服务,服务形式多样且居民的满意度非常高。建议关注农民心理健康,满足其心理健康服务需求,高职院校要加强高素质农民心理培育工作,明确高素质农民心理人才培育目标,建构人才培养的方向和模式,使得高素质农民心理人才作为内生力量参与到农村心理服务中去,以提升农村居民心理健康服务工作的质量。

互联网使用对农村空巢老年人身心健康的影响

基于2020年中国老年社会追踪调查数据,实证检验互联网使用对农村空巢老年人身心健康的影响及其作用机制。研究发现:互联网使用对农村空巢老年人的身体健康和心理健康均具有显著的积极影响,且对中低年龄段和发达地区农村空巢老年人的影响更显著;互联网使用主要通过促进子女代际支持和扩大老年人社会网络对其身心健康产生影响。进一步研究发现,不同用途的互联网使用对农村空巢老年人身心健康的影响存在差异,社交类的互联网使用对农村空巢老年人的身心健康具有促进作用,而学习类用途未发现显著影响,娱乐类的互联网使用有利于促进老年人的心理健康,但对身体健康产生不利影响,购物类用途的影响则与娱乐类正好相反。

河北省农村留守儿童身心健康提升策略研究

城镇化以来,中国流动人口的数量越来越大,在推动经济发展的同时,背后所带来的儿童问题也不容忽视。尤其是留守儿童身心健康问题,对儿童成长将会产生巨大的影响。国家层面应制定相关的政策,家庭、社会、学校需采取积极的应对措施,提升对农村留守儿童身心健康问题的关注和解决力度,这将对留守儿童身心健康产生巨大的影响。基于此,通过抽样调查法了解河北省部分地区留守儿童身心健康现状,并从国家政策,家庭、社会、学校方面提出针对性建议,以期为提升河北省留守儿童身心健康水平提供一定的理论依据。

互联网使用对农村居民身心健康的影响——基于CGSS2021数据的实证研究

【目的】探究互联网使用对农村居民身心健康的影响及其作用机制。【方法】基于2021年中国社会状况综合调查(CGSS)数据,采用有序Logit、广义有序Logit、工具变量、中介效应等方法进行实证分析。【结果】互联网使用对农村居民的身体和心理健康均具有显著的正向影响,互联网使用对身体健康的影响大于对心理健康的影响。互联网使用对农村居民身体和心理健康的正向影响在性别、年龄、社会经济地位、区域经济水平等维度上存在异质性。互联网使用通过促进农村居民的休闲娱乐、社会网络和知识获取对其身体和心理健康产生正向影响。【结论】建议提高农村互联网普及率和网络质量,丰富面向农村居民的信息终端和服务供给,提升农村居民的数字素养。

睡眠质量对农村老年人生命质量的影响:心理健康的中介效应与跌倒风险的调节作用

为探讨农村地区老年人睡眠质量与生命质量之间的作用机制,文章采用欧洲五维三水平健康量表、匹兹堡睡眠质量量表、12项目一般健康问卷与Morse跌倒风险评估量表调查M县农村老年人,并用Bootstrap法进行中介效应与调节效应的检验。结果发现,心理健康在老年人睡眠质量和生活质量之间起到部分中介作用(效应值为-0.197,95%置信区间为-0.331~-0.072),中介效应占总效应的43.8%;中介效应受到跌倒风险的调节(R=-0.020,P<0.01),在跌倒风险较高的老年人中观察到更大的影响。因此,跌倒风险调节了老年人心理健康在其睡眠质量与生命质量之间的中介作用。降低跌倒风险,可能会提升睡眠质量差、心理健康状况不佳的老年人的生命质量。

城乡居民医保整合对农村中老年人心理健康的影响

目的:分析城乡居民医保整合对农村中老年人心理健康的影响及作用机制,为政策制定提供参考。方法:使用中国健康与养老追踪调查(China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, CHARLS)2011年、2013年、2015年和2018年四期面板数据,运用多期双重差分法评估城乡居民医保整合对农村中老年人心理健康的影响,同时分析性别、慢性病和地区异质性,并进一步检验功能受限和劳动参与的中介效应。结果:城乡居民医保整合可以改善农村中老年人心理健康(P<0.01),对男性、西部地区农村中老年人有更显著的作用,但是在是否患有慢性病方面没有存在差异。城乡居民医保整合可能通过功能受限、劳动参与对农村中老年人的心理健康产生影响。结论:城乡居民医保政策可能对农村中老年人的心理健康产生影响,政府应关注城乡居民医保政策在心理健康方面的效益,在政策制定中充分考虑不同特征农村中老年人的差异,提高统筹层次,强化区域间协同。

互联网使用、社会网络与农村女性心理健康——基于CFPS2020数据分析

本文基于2020年中国家庭动态追踪调查(CFPS)中4558条农村女性数据,分析了互联网使用对农村女性心理健康的影响,并检验了家庭网络、社交网络这两种社会网络的中介作用。结果表明,互联网的使用会显著降低农村女性的抑郁程度,即提高其心理健康程度。此外,互联网的使用会通过强化家庭网络和拓宽社交网络提高农村女性的心理健康水平。异质性分析表明,农村女性在线观看视频有利于提高其心理健康水平。基于此,本文提出以下政策建议:推动农村网络基础设施建设提档升级,同时为农村女性提供互联网使用培训和正确引导,在党建引领的乡村格局下借助互联网构建紧密的社交网络,平衡互联网的推广与家庭网络的维系以充分发挥互联网对农村女性心理健康的积极作用。

云南楚雄、红河州农村老年高血压患者心理健康状况及影响因素

目的了解云南农村老年高血压患者的心理健康状况,并探究其影响因素。方法采取多阶段随机抽样方法,在云南楚雄、红河州农村地区选取老年高血压患者,通过问卷调查收集其基本信息、心理健康状况等信息。采用多因素Logistic回归分析老年高血压患者心理健康的影响因素。结果云南楚雄、红河州21.82%(209/958)的高血压老年人心理健康状况差。年龄为80~89岁(OR=2.395,P<0.05)和90岁以上(OR=3.293,P<0.05)及身体残障(OR=2.037,P<0.05)是老年高血压患者的心理健康差的危险因素;相较于自评经济状况非常困难,自评经济状况比较困难(OR=0.490,P<0.05)、中等(OR=0.632,P<0.05)和比较富裕(OR=0.344,P<0.05),有配偶(OR=0.655,P<0.05)、子女很关心(OR=0.411,P<0.05)、子女关系比较好(OR=0.339,P<0.05)是老年高血压患者的心理健康差的保护因素。结论云南楚雄、红河州农村高血压老人的心理健康状况较差;需要重点关注年龄较大的和有身体残障的老年高血压患者的心理健康,倡导子女对老年高血压患者的经济及心理支持对于改善云南楚雄、红河州农村地区老年高血压患者的心理健康状况尤为重要。

甘肃省农村儿童心理健康现状调查分析

通过《心理健康诊断测验》对甘肃省农村儿童心理健康状况进行全面调查,运用SPSS2.0对所获得的实验数据进行统计分析,得出:(一)甘肃省农村儿童心理健康状况不容乐观;(二)甘肃省农村儿童长期处于焦虑情绪状态,身体症状表现明显;(三)甘肃省农村儿童对考试怀有恐惧心理,无法安心学习的症状很严重;(四)甘肃省农村儿童女生在情绪方面的极度焦虑性比男生严重。建议:政府相关部门必须高度重视农村儿童的心理健康问题;学校认真落实政府部门和教育部门对学生心理健康的政策;学生家长必须积极支持并配合学校的心理健康教育;学生自己也必须提高对心理健康的认知。

社会支持与农村留守儿童心理健康的关系研究

农村留守儿童心理健康问题已经引起学界高度重视和广泛讨论,文献分析结果说明:留守儿童心理健康研究视角呈现出分层化和多元化特征;社会支持对留守儿童心理健康具有重要的意义,不同的社会支持对留守儿童心理健康具有不同的作用;由个体支持、家庭支持、学校支持和其他支持构成的社会支持系统对留守儿童心理健康具有显著的影响,且存在明显的差异;主效应模型、缓冲模型、退化模型、动态模型可以阐释社会支持影响留守儿童心理健康的机制,领悟社会支持在其中扮演重要的角色;实际社会支持水平和领悟社会支持强弱通常有高、中、低三种情形,会组合出九种关系链条,并最终指向不同的心理健康水平。

乡村振兴背景下农村特殊家庭儿童心理问题研究——基于Z省的个案分析

乡村教育振兴是乡村振兴的基石,推动城乡一体化发展是实现义务教育优质均衡发展的必由之路。文章通过对结对农村小学特殊家庭儿童问题现状的个案研究,发现单亲儿童心态存在的问题,并针对农村小学单亲儿童健康心态构建的策略展开研究,希望借此来促进小学生身心健康发展。

浙西南山区农村中学家校合作现状及对策分析——基于教师和家长双视角

家校合作是促进学生全面发展的重要途径和关键力量。研究以L市B中学为例,从教师和家长两个视角研究分析了目前浙西南农村中学家校合作的情况。研究发现:教师虽认识到家校合作的重要性,但在执行动力、家庭教育指导能力等方面存在不足;家长教育意识薄弱,关注学生成绩多过于心理健康,且缺乏家校合作意识和能力;学校家校合作制度不够完善成熟。因此,文章从学校、家长、教师和社会4个层面提出了一系列优化家校合作的对策。