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European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Nov 2023Self-care is among the emerging types of mental health support which operate outside traditional services, although the meaning and practice of self-care for young... (Review)
Review
Self-care is among the emerging types of mental health support which operate outside traditional services, although the meaning and practice of self-care for young people with mental health difficulties are currently unclear. This systematic review was pre-registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021282510) and investigated conceptualizations of self-care in academic publications which investigated or discussed self-care for young people's mental health or wellbeing. A Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) workshop facilitated young people with experience of mental health difficulties to respond to the identified concepts and co-develop a definition of self-care. Searches in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, and gray literature sources resulted in 90 included publications. Content analysis indicated little conceptual consistency, with health and wellness promotion most commonly used to define self-care. The PPI workshop co-developed a definition of mental health self-care, which attendees felt should emphasize an individual process of self-awareness, self-compassion, and specific strategies to work toward emotional balance. This study highlights the gap between current academic understandings of young people's mental health self-care and young people's experience. The presented definition will enable future research to begin from an understanding of self-care which is relevant to young people with experience of mental health difficulties.
PubMed: 37947894
DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02320-7 -
The International Journal of Social... Nov 2023Self-immolation is one of the most brutal suicide methods and is a significant social and medical problem throughout the world. Self-immolation is more common in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Self-immolation is one of the most brutal suicide methods and is a significant social and medical problem throughout the world. Self-immolation is more common in low-income countries than in high-income countries.
AIM
The aim is to evaluate the trends in self-immolation and examine its frequency in Iraq.
METHODS
The PRISMA guideline was used to conduct this systematic review study. We searched for publications in English, Arabic and Kurdish in PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 105 publications were identified through the search; however, 92 were eliminated due to duplication and irrelevant content. Finally, 13 full articles were included for data extraction. The inclusion criteria were articles that investigated self-immolation. However, letters to editors and media reports on self-immolation were excluded. The retrieved studies were selected, reviewed and then quality assessed.
RESULTS
This study included 13 articles. According to the findings, self-immolation accounted for 26.38% of all burn admissions in the Iraqi provinces and the Kurdistan region, with 16.02% of those occurring in the middle and southern provinces of Iraq and 36.75% in the Kurdistan region. It is more common in women than in men, especially among young, married, illiterate, or poorly educated people. Sulaymaniyah had a higher percentage of self-immolation than other governorates in Iraq, accounting for 38.3% of burn admissions. Cultural and social norms, domestic violence, mental health problems, family conflicts and financial problems were identified as the most common causes of self-immolation.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of self-immolation is high among the Iraqi population, compared to other countries, particularly among the Kurdish population and in Sulaymaniyah. Self-immolation is relatively common among women. There are sociocultural factors that could contribute to this problem. Families must be restricted from having easy access to kerosene, and high-risk individuals should have access to psychological consultation to reduce the risk of self-immolation.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Suicide, Attempted; Iraq; Suicide; Marriage; Burns
PubMed: 37139597
DOI: 10.1177/00207640231168787 -
Clinical Psychology Review Apr 2019There is a long tradition in suicide research, accompanied by recent developments in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) research, of examining cognitive processes as...
There is a long tradition in suicide research, accompanied by recent developments in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) research, of examining cognitive processes as potential precursors of risk. But these cognitive processes are often studied separately, and are rarely integrated or directly compared with each other. In an effort to synthesize this literature, this systematic review (n=109 longitudinal studies conducted over the past 10 years) demonstrates how specific cognitive processes predict self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs), and examines whether intervening on features of cognition may help mitigate SITB risk. Our review reveals that cognitive processes, measured using self-report and behavioral measures, are most often linked to recurrent suicidal ideation. Overall, several patterns emerged. First, SITB-themed cognitions were robust risk factors and proximally associated with SITB outcomes. Second, negatively-valenced cognitive risk factors were the most commonly studied risk factors, relatively robust, and modestly related to SITB outcomes. Third, cognitive deficits (i.e., basic cognitive processes not characterized by thematic content or negative valence) produced mixed findings that suggest a more distal relationship to SITB outcomes. Moreover, our review of treatment articles revealed that while many interventions are informed by the cognitive literature, potential cognitive mechanisms of treatment change are rarely studied. We conclude by outlining key ways that future research can generate more comprehensive cognitive profiles of self-injurious and suicidal individuals.
Topics: Attentional Bias; Cognitive Dysfunction; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Self-Injurious Behavior; Thinking
PubMed: 30166197
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2018.07.002 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Mar 2017We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies to examine the strategies people employ as part of self-directed weight loss attempts, map these to an existing... (Review)
Review
AIM
We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies to examine the strategies people employ as part of self-directed weight loss attempts, map these to an existing behaviour change taxonomy and explore attitudes and beliefs surrounding these strategies.
METHODS
Seven electronic databases were searched in December 2015 for qualitative studies in overweight and obese adults attempting to lose weight through behaviour change. We were interested in strategies used by participants in self-directed efforts to lose weight. Two reviewers extracted data from included studies. Thematic and narrative synthesis techniques were used.
RESULTS
Thirty one studies, representing over 1,000 participants, were included. Quality of the included studies was mixed. The most commonly covered types of strategies were restrictions, self-monitoring, scheduling, professional support and weight management aids. With the exception of scheduling, for which participant experiences were predominantly positive, participants' attitudes and beliefs surrounding implementation of these groups of strategies were mixed. Two new groups of strategies were added to the existing taxonomy: reframing and self-experimentation.
CONCLUSIONS
This review demonstrates that at present, interventions targeting individuals engaged in self-management of weight do not necessarily reflect lived experiences of self-directed weight loss.
Topics: Cognition; Humans; Obesity; Overweight; Self Care; Weight Loss
PubMed: 28117945
DOI: 10.1111/obr.12500 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022Adolescence is considered a fundamental time to promote change. During this time, young people consolidate their social and individual identity. By influencing positive... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Adolescence is considered a fundamental time to promote change. During this time, young people consolidate their social and individual identity. By influencing positive changes, chronic diseases can be avoided, delayed or modified in the future. The use of valid and reliable questionnaires is an optimal resource for gathering information and thus useful for this study.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the study were to: (1). identify the questionnaires that assess self-esteem/self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise and lifestyle of adolescents; (2). analyse the psychometric measures of the questionnaires used to assess the self-esteem/self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise and lifestyle of adolescents; and (3). determine which questionnaires are the most reliable and valid for assessing the self-esteem/self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise and lifestyle of adolescents.
METHOD
A bibliographic search was carried out in the following databases: Virtual Health Library, Cochrane, Medline, Cuiden, Scielo, Dialnet, PubMed and Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare following the PICO method. The recommendations of the PRISMA statement were followed.
RESULTS
A total of 71 scientific articles were collected. Within the self-perception/self-concept questionnaires, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale stands out for being an optimal and widely used resource in adolescents. Regarding the questionnaires that evaluate self-perception, the General Health Questionnaire is the most used; it is used in numerous national health surveys in different countries. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents ranks first with respect to the rest of the tools. It is a widely used resource internationally and provides enough information on the physical activity carried out by the subject in a given week. Although there are several questionnaires that measure lifestyle, the Health Behavior in School-aged Children instrument was selected. This instrument is at the European level and involves the collaboration of 48 countries and allows us to compare the lifestyle habits of adolescents from different countries.
DISCUSSION
The questionnaire that stands out in the assessment of self-esteem/self-concept is the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The General Health Questionnaire has been selected as the best tool for assessing self-perception. To measure physical exercise, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents is identified as the ideal instrument because it is widely used and can be completed quickly. Regarding lifestyle, the Health Behavior in School aged Children is shown to be an effective instrument in assessing lifestyle.
PubMed: 35053716
DOI: 10.3390/children9010091 -
PloS One 2020Given concerns about suicide or self-harm content on Instagram, we conducted a systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed English language primary studies published...
Given concerns about suicide or self-harm content on Instagram, we conducted a systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed English language primary studies published between 2010-2019. Only ten studies had been published. Looking into purposive samples of Instagram posts tagged with self-harm related hashtags, studies report finding self-harm or suicide content in between 9-66% of their studied posts. Studies assessing Instagram's efforts to tackle such content found they had not been very effective. Despite heterogeneity in study aims, use of terminology, samples, methods of analysis, and study outcomes, we aggregated and distinguished 'content studies' and 'user studies'. Most studies showed concern for self-harm risk, but only one examined the relationship between self-harm posts and actual self-harm behaviours offline. It found such content had negative emotional effects on some users and reported preliminary evidence of potential harmful effects in relation to self-harm related behaviours offline, although causal effects cannot be claimed. At the same time, some benefits for those who engage with self-harm content online have been suggested. More research directly interviewing Instagram users to understand this phenomenon from their perspective is required. Finally, some ethical issues are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Self-Injurious Behavior; Social Media; Suicide; Young Adult
PubMed: 32877433
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238603 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on travel and quarantine measures made people turn to self-medication (SM) to control the symptoms of their diseases. Different... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on travel and quarantine measures made people turn to self-medication (SM) to control the symptoms of their diseases. Different studies were conducted worldwide on different populations, and their results were different. Therefore, this global systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of self-medication.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, databases of Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched without a time limit. All eligible observational articles that reported self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test and I statistics. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of self-medication. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
Fifty-six eligible studies were reviewed. The pooled prevalence of self-medication was 48.6% (95% CI: 42.8-54.3). The highest and lowest prevalence of self-medication was in Asia (53%; 95% CI: 45-61) and Europe (40.8%; 95% CI: 35-46.8). Also, the highest and lowest prevalence of self-medication was related to students (54.5; 95% CI: 40.8-68.3) and healthcare workers (32.5%; 16-49). The prevalence of self-medication in the general population (48.8%; 40.6-57) and in patients with COVID-19 (41.7%; 25.5-58). The prevalence of self-medication was higher in studies that collected data in 2021 than in 2020 (51.2 vs. 48%). Publication bias was not significant ( = 0.320).
CONCLUSION
During the COVID-19 pandemic, self-medication was highly prevalent, so nearly half of the people self-medicated. Therefore, it seems necessary to provide public education to control the consequences of self-medication.
Topics: Humans; Prevalence; COVID-19; Pandemics; Quarantine; Students
PubMed: 36408026
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1041695 -
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry Dec 2019To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on research on prevalence and correlates of self-harm in pregnancy and the postpartum year ("perinatal self-harm").
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on research on prevalence and correlates of self-harm in pregnancy and the postpartum year ("perinatal self-harm").
DATA SOURCES
Six databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Maternity and Infant Care Database, CINAHL, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials) were searched from inception through October 31, 2018.
STUDY SELECTION
Inclusion criteria were (1) peer-reviewed articles with (2) data available for estimating prevalence and correlates. Exclusion criteria were (1) studies of women seeking abortion and (2) letters, editorials, or case reports/series.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently screened all articles, extracted data, and appraised quality.
RESULTS
Of 3,913 articles screened, 39 (reporting 19,191,431 pregnancies) were included. Prevalence ranges were as follows: self-harm during pregnancy (14 studies): 0%-2.39% (median = 0.0004%; interquartile range [IQR], 0.0002%-0.18%); self-harm during postpartum year (10 studies): 0%-2.41% (median = 0.17%; IQR, 0.04%-1.05%); self-harm during pregnancy in women with serious mental illness (SMI) (6 studies): 0%-23.78% (median = 2.16%; IQR, 0.26%-7.9%); self-harm during postpartum year in women with SMI (7 studies): 0%-21.9% (median = 7.97%; IQR, 0%-18%). Key correlates of self-harm during pregnancy and the postpartum year include mental disorder, substance misuse, younger age, being unmarried, and obstetric and neonatal complications. Additionally, a history of self-harm and fetal/infant loss were associated with postpartum self-harm. There were limited data on correlates of perinatal self-harm in women with SMI.
CONCLUSIONS
Perinatal self-harm appears to be rare but is associated with adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. However, it is common in women with SMI, though there is limited evidence regarding correlates and outcomes in this population. More research into the prevalence, correlates, and outcomes of perinatal self-harm, particularly in women with SMI, is needed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Self-Injurious Behavior
PubMed: 31917904
DOI: 10.4088/JCP.19r12773 -
Journal of Adolescence Jul 2019Research on self-compassion and depressive symptoms is growing at an exponential pace. This systematic review provides an in-depth exploration of the relation between...
Research on self-compassion and depressive symptoms is growing at an exponential pace. This systematic review provides an in-depth exploration of the relation between self-compassion and depressive symptoms in adolescents. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched and 18 studies were identified. Results demonstrate the potentially pertinent role that self-compassion may play in the development, maintenance, and treatment of depression in adolescents, yet reflect on the paucity of research on this topic with respect to mechanisms of change. These studies further highlight how the impact of self-compassion may differ according to gender and age and underscore the need to account for other diversity-related variables, such as ethnic-racial group, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. Despite such limitations in the literature, the current findings extend research in adults by providing support for the relevance of self-compassion in adolescence, particularly with respect to the prevention of depressive symptoms.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Depression; Empathy; Female; Humans; Male; Psychology, Adolescent; Self Concept
PubMed: 31254780
DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.06.006 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing May 2023Living with chronic condition(s) is difficult, due in part to the complexities of effective disease self-care. Self-care has been considered a challenging process... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Living with chronic condition(s) is difficult, due in part to the complexities of effective disease self-care. Self-care has been considered a challenging process according to the literature which describes multiple barriers patients with chronic conditions experience. Resilience has the potential to buffer the adversities of daily self-care and maintain physical and emotional well-being. No systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted to synthesise and quantify the relationship between resilience and self-care across chronic conditions.
AIMS
(1) To examine how the definitions and measurements of self-care and resilience align with the middle-range theory of self-care of chronic illness (i.e. self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management) and 3 Rs of resilience process from the society-to-cells framework (i.e. resistance, recovery and rebound) across different chronic conditions; and (2) to examine whether and the degree to which resilience is correlated with self-care across different chronic conditions.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis, following PRISMA guidelines.
METHODS
PubMed, CINAHL, SocINDEX and PsychINFO were searched for quantitative studies published from January 2000 through July 2020. Descriptive data were summarised using numerical counting to provide an overview of the study characteristics. Definitions and measurements of self-care and resilience were synthesised narratively based on self-care and resilience theories. Numerical data with Pearson's product-moment correlation among observational studies were examined using meta-analysis.
RESULTS
This review included 20 articles, involving 9,269 individuals across 11 chronic conditions. Despite self-care and resilience being defined and operationalised in a variety of ways, most definitions shared some underlying core constructs. Meta-analysis showed a positive relationship between resilience and self-care across chronic conditions. Findings from interventional studies indicated a bidirectional relationship between resilience and self-care.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, resilience was positively associated with self-care in people with chronic conditions. Longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to better understand the causal relationship between resilience and self-care.
RELEVANT TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Resilience has the potential to buffer the adversities of daily self-care and maintain physical and emotional well-being. The positive relationship between resilience and self-care found in this review provides preliminary evidence for clinicians to not only focus on reducing barriers and risk factors of self-care but also to improve or increase patients' resilience through various evidence-based interventions.
Topics: Humans; Self Care; Chronic Disease; Resilience, Psychological
PubMed: 35194870
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16258