Exploring the prevalence and predictors of low resilience and likely PTSD in residents of two provinces in Canada during the 2023 wildfires

Frontiers in Public Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: March 25, 2024

The recent wildfires in Canada serve as a stark example of the substantial and enduring harm they cause to health individuals communities. Assessing prevalence correlates Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) low resilience is valuable for policymakers public health. study aimed assess predictors likely PTSD among subscribers Text4Hope, an e-mental program that delivered daily supportive messages residents Nova Scotia (NS) Alberta(AB) during wildfires. Data collection was through self-administered online survey completed by affected regions NS AB from May 14 June 23, 2023. were analyzed using Statistical Package Social Sciences. Out 298 respondents, our sample 52.0 39.3%, respectively. Unemployed respondents about 3 times more experience both symptoms compared those employed. Respondents with history mental diagnosis 4 no diagnosis. This established unemployment predicted PTSD, while associated wildfire. These findings offer insights clinical interventions creation psychosocial support programs vulnerable populations.

Language: Английский

---

2023 Wildfires in Canada: Living in Wildfire Regions in Alberta and Nova Scotia Doubled the Odds for Residents to Experience Likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Journal of Clinical Medicine, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(11), P. 3234 - 3234

Published: May 30, 2024

Background: Wildfires have become increasingly prevalent in various regions, resulting substantial environmental and psychological consequences that garnered increasing attention. Objective: This study aims to examine the prevalence of likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) explore determinants GAD during wildfires Alberta Nova Scotia. Methods: Data were collected online through a cross-sectional survey from 14 May–23 June 2023. Scotia participants self-subscribed program by texting ‘HopeAB’ or ‘HopeNS’ short code, respectively. The GAD-7–validated tool was used collect information on GAD. Results: included 298 respondents while one hundred twelve lived region Alberta/Nova affected (37.7%). among 41.9%. Respondents who recently impacted twice as experience symptoms (OR = 2.4; 95% C.I. 1.3–4.3). Conclusions: study’s identification statistically significant relationship between residing wildfire-impacted shows association well-being. However, relatively small sample size self-reported assessment may limit generalizability findings. Further research involving larger delving into potential predictors could facilitate strategies for mitigating mental health natural disasters.

Language: Английский

---

Depression, anxiety, and poor well-being at discharge from psychiatric hospitals: prevalence and risk factors

Frontiers in Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15

Published: July 11, 2024

Background Being ready for discharge is vital to successful hospital-to-home transitions. For many patients, however, the transition from psychiatric hospital care outpatient can be challenging. An in-depth understanding of mental health conditions patients at crucial and instructive recovery research. Objective The purpose this study was determine prevalence risk factors depression, anxiety, poor well-being symptoms among who are about discharged units in Alberta, Canada. Our aim help overall general inpatient population Alberta before potential which may influence this. Methods This epidemiological used a cross-sectional quantitative survey March 8, 2022, November 5, 2023, assess well-being. Participants were invited complete an online questionnaire that contained demographics, clinical information, responses PHQ-9, GAD-7, WHO-5 questionnaires. SPSS version 25 analyze data. Descriptive, univariate, multivariate regression analyses employed. Result found likely 37.1%, 56.4%, 48.3%, respectively. Based on logistic model, there statistically significant association between diagnoses multiple socio-demographic such as ethnicity, primary diagnoses, education level, housing status, baseline. Conclusion Mental assessment critical step care. There still need further research identify underlying causes robust predictors provide appropriate interventions supportive resources both following discharge. Future utilizing these findings key opportunities improve outcomes after

Language: Английский

---

Impact of the 2021 Fire in the Municipality of Ancient Olympia in Greece on the Mental Health of Residents

Advanced Journal of Social Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(1), P. 1 - 9

Published: March 1, 2024

A natural disaster is the probability of a potentially catastrophic event occurring over period time in specific geographical area. The aim this research was to investigate whether fire 2021 affected mental health, terms post-traumatic stress and depression, social care services beneficiaries Municipality Ancient Olympia Greece. questionnaire used which, apart from demographic questions, contained two main tools: a) PCL Scale (a tool for assessing stress), b) Geriatric Depression Scale. individuals with sample are range moderate high PTSD symptomatology. majority participants symptomatology, but there also significant percentage who In geriatric close mean. This article written serve as reference that can be directly caused by disasters.

Language: Английский

---

A Focused Review on Wildfire Evacuation and Infrastructure Resilience in Canada: Trends and Insights (2013–2023)

Fire, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7(5), P. 161 - 161

Published: May 6, 2024

This review paper investigates the landscape of wildfire-related studies with a focus on infrastructure and evacuations across Canadian provinces, revealing predominant Alberta, particularly after 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. The aftermath this event has heightened attention to unique challenges faced during evacuations, emphasizing urgent need for awareness preparedness, especially in vulnerable northern communities Alberta. Studies beyond Alberta contribute understanding wildfire dynamics. However, noticeable research gap British Columbia raises concerns about prioritization resource allocation despite activity. fact that some provinces are contributing less than 4.2%, such as Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Prairies, might be attributed regional variations influenced by historical frequency population density. Thematic analysis categorizing into “community support/resilience”, “evacuation efficiency”, “infrastructure protection/raising awareness” provides nuanced insights. dominance support/resilience” category, comprising over 40% studies, signifies societal shift towards proactive community engagement. Balanced representation efficiency” categories, each 29%, reflects collective effort glean lessons from past enhance preparedness. Temporal trends thematic analyses spotlight commitment continuous improvement, adaptability emerging challenges, growing recognition multifaceted aspects management. evolving emphasis involvement, responsiveness changing evacuation dynamics, protection underscores stance community, providing insights shaping future priorities, policy frameworks, resilience strategies face threats Canada.

Language: Английский

---

Psychological Health and Wellness and the Impact of a Supportive Text Messaging Program (Wellness4MDs) Among Physicians and Medical Learners in Canada: Protocol for a Longitudinal Study

JMIR Research Protocols, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13, P. e44368 - e44368

Published: Sept. 16, 2024

Background Burnout, anxiety, and depression continue to affect physicians, postgraduate medical trainees, students globally in Canada particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The primary goal of this project is design, implement, monitor, evaluate a daily supportive SMS text messaging program (Wellness4MDs, Global Psychological e-Health Foundation). aims reduce prevalence severity burnout, symptoms among Canada. Methods This longitudinal study represents multistakeholder, mixed methods, multiyear implementation science project. Project evaluation will be conducted through quantitative prospective approach using paired sample comparison, naturalistic cross-sectional controlled satisfaction surveys. Prevalence estimates for psychological problems would based on baseline data from self-completed validated rating scales. Additional collected at designated time points comparison. Outcome measures assessed standardized scales, including Maslach Burnout Inventory burnout symptoms, 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale anxiety World Organization–Five Well-Being Index. Results launched last quarter 2023, results become available within 36 months. Wellness4MDs expected physicians achieve high subscriber satisfaction. Conclusions provide key information regarding effectiveness messages links mental health resources these parameters Canadian students. Information useful informing policy decision-making concerning interventions International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/44368

Language: Английский

---

Household needs among wildfire survivors in the 2017 Northern California wildfires

Environmental Research Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 3(1), P. 015008 - 015008

Published: Nov. 21, 2024

Abstract Wildfires are impacting communities globally, with California wildfires often breaking records of size and destructiveness. Knowing how affected by these is vital to understanding recovery. We sought identify impacted communities’ post-wildfire needs characterize those change over time. The WHAT-Now study deployed a survey that was made publicly available for the October 2017 Northern or accompanying smoke at beginning approximately four months post-fire vast majority completed nine post-fire. Among other questions, asked an adult household member report on their households’ greatest need both one-week time survey. A total 1461 households responded questions. Households reported many types needs, 154 responses did not directly name but rather described had been affected, which we classified as impacts. Four major themes were identified: physical, health, air, information, each representing array varied specific Physical (e.g. housing, food) most common (cited more than 50% during fires about third survey). clean air strong fires, later, In contrast, health quarter fires. Needs times categorized ‘persistent’, there persistent mental compared themes. Understanding impacts arise wildfires, diversity duration, they crucial identifying assistance needed recovery efforts when needed. Results presented here along wildfire assessments can be utilized improve disaster preparedness, including

Language: Английский

---

Status after Hospital Discharge: An Observational Study of the Progression of Patients’ Mental Health Symptoms Six Weeks after Hospital Discharge

Journal of Clinical Medicine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 12(24), P. 7559 - 7559

Published: Dec. 7, 2023

(1) Background: Transitioning from mental health inpatient care to community is often a vulnerable time in the treatment process where additional risks and anxiety may arise. We collected data for this study as part of pragmatic cluster-randomized, longitudinal approach Alberta. As first phase ongoing innovative supportive program, paper assessed progression symptoms patients six weeks after hospital discharge. Factors that contribute presence or absence depression symptoms, well well-being, following return were investigated. This provides evidence baseline future phases project. (2) Methods: An observational design was adopted study. Data on variety sociodemographic clinical factors at discharge via REDCap. Anxiety, depression, well-being using Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), World Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), respectively. Descriptive, chi-square, independent t-tests, multivariate regression analyses conducted. (3) Result: The survey completed by 88 out 306 participants (28.8% response rate). chi-square/Fisher exact test t-test revealed no significant change conditions It found only factor predicting all three logistic models. four times more likely those who experienced experience (OR = 4.27; 95% CI: 1.38-13.20) 4.04; 1.25-13.05). Those with poor almost 12 11.75; 3.21-42.99). (4) Conclusions: Study results short term essential researchers policymakers collaborate order implement effective interventions support maintain

Language: Английский

---

Neuroinflammatory and Metabolomic Temporal Dynamics Following Wood Smoke Inhalation

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 5, 2023

Abstract Smoke from wildland fires has been shown to produce neuroinflammation in preclinical models, characterized by neural infiltrations of neutrophils and monocytes, as well altered neurovascular endothelial phenotypes. To address the longevity such outcomes, present study examined neuroinflammatory metabolomic temporal dynamics after inhalation exposures biomass-derived smoke. 2-month-old female C57BL/6J mice were exposed wood smoke every other day for two weeks at an average exposure concentration 0.5mg/m 3 . Subsequent serial euthanasia occurred 1-, 3-, 7-, 14-, 28-days post-exposure. Flow cytometry right hemispheres revealed populations PECAM (CD31), high medium expressors, with causing increased proportion Hi These Med associated anti-inflammatory pro-inflammatory response, respectively, their inflammatory profiles largely resolved 28-day mark. However, activated microglial (CD11b + /CD45 low ) remained higher smoke-exposed than controls 28. Infiltrating neutrophil decreased levels below MHC-II expression peripheral immune infiltrate high, population retained CD45, Ly6C, MHC-II. Utilizing unbiased approach examining alterations, we observed notable hippocampal perturbations neurotransmitter signaling molecules like glutamate, quinolinic acid, 5-α-dihydroprogesterone. a targeted panel designed explore aging-associated NAD metabolic pathway, drove fluctuations compensations across time course, ending abundance Summarily, these results indicate highly dynamic environment, potential resolution extending past 28 days, implications which may include long-term behavioral changes, systemic neurological sequalae directly wtith wildfire exposure.

Language: Английский

---

Psychological Health and Wellness and the Impact of a Supportive Text Messaging Program (Wellness4MDs) Among Physicians and Medical Learners in Canada: Protocol for a Longitudinal Study (Preprint)

Published: Dec. 23, 2023

Burnout, anxiety, and depression continue to affect physicians, postgraduate medical trainees, students globally in Canada particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary goal of this project is design, implement, monitor, evaluate a daily supportive SMS text messaging program (Wellness4MDs, Global Psychological e-Health Foundation). aims reduce prevalence severity burnout, symptoms among Canada. This longitudinal study represents multistakeholder, mixed methods, multiyear implementation science project. Project evaluation will be conducted through quantitative prospective approach using paired sample comparison, naturalistic cross-sectional controlled satisfaction surveys. Prevalence estimates for psychological problems would based on baseline data from self-completed validated rating scales. Additional collected at designated time points comparison. Outcome measures assessed standardized scales, including Maslach Burnout Inventory burnout symptoms, 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale anxiety World Organization–Five Well-Being Index. launched last quarter 2023, results become available within 36 months. Wellness4MDs expected physicians achieve high subscriber satisfaction. provide key information regarding effectiveness messages links mental health resources these parameters Canadian students. Information useful informing policy decision-making concerning interventions PRR1-10.2196/44368

Language: Английский

---