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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2019) | Viewed by 46026

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. June Andrews Horowitz

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Guest Editor

College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA
Interests: perinatal/postpartum depression; maternal–infant interaction; family mental health; community-based research and treatment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are organizing a Special Issue on mental health nursing and public policy in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The venue is a peer-reviewed, scientific journal that publishes articles and communications in the interdisciplinary area of environmental health sciences and public health. For detailed information about the journal, we refer you to https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph

This Special Issue focuses on policy implications related to mental health nursing, research, practice, and education. As the largest cadre of health care providers, nurses contribute to community/public health in the areas of promotion, prevention, and treatment across the lifespan and treatment spectrum from community health care to acute and rehabilitative care. In this Special Issue, we invite manuscripts that report on original research, clinical practice innovations, workforce development and retention, quality and safety initiatives, and nursing education approaches with clear implications for mental health nursing and policy. Interdisciplinary submissions are welcome, but explicit mental health nursing contributions/implications are necessary. Proposed models for future mental health nursing education and practice are also welcome. Models and exemplars involving integrated care, e.g., integrated primary and mental/behavioral health care, are invited. In such models/exemplars, delineations of mental health nursing contributions are essential.

This Special Issue is open to any subject area related to mental health nursing with health policy implications across the lifespan and delivery settings, including professional education, quality and safety challenges, workforce issues, and treatment modalities. The listed keywords suggest a few of the many possibilities.

Prof. Dr. June Andrews Horowitz
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Psychiatric/mental health nursing
Mental health policy
Integrated primary care/behavioural mental health care
Psychiatric mental health advanced nursing practice exemplars and policy implications
Nursing education in mental health
Scope of practice policy issues for advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing
Innovative psychiatric mental health nursing practice models and research across lifespans, and treatment settings
Integrated practice models and policy implications for the future
Challenges to building capacity for advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing and policy implications
Psychiatric mental health nursing exemplars from education, practice, and/or research
Interdisciplinary models/exemplars for practice, education, and/or research with clear psychiatric mental health nursing involvement

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

2 pages, 210 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Mental Health Nursing

by June Andrews Horowitz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3274; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093274 - 8 May 2020

Viewed by 2380

Abstract

This Special Issue, Mental Health Nursing, provides transdisciplinary readers with a glimpse into the varied interests among researchers in nursing [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Nursing)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

16 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Encounters with Persons Who Frequently Use Psychiatric Emergency Services: Healthcare Professionals’ Views

by Manuela Schmidt, Sigrid Stjernswärd, Pernilla Garmy and Ann-Christin Janlöv

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17031012 - 5 Feb 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3170

Abstract

Encounters and interactions between healthcare professionals and patients are central in healthcare services and delivery. Encountering persons who frequently use psychiatric emergency services (PES), a complex patient group in a complex context, may be particularly challenging for healthcare professionals. The aim of the study was to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of such encounters. Data were collected via individual interviews (N = 19) and a focus group interview with healthcare professionals consisting of psychiatric nurses, assistant nurses, and physicians. The data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. This study focused on the latent content of the interview data to gain a rich understanding of the professionals’ experiences of the encounters. Two themes were identified: “Nurturing the encounter with oneself and colleagues for continuous, professional improvement” and “Striving for a meaningful connection with the patient”. The professionals experienced their encounters with persons who frequently use PES as caring, professional, and humane processes. Prerequisites to those encounters were knowing and understanding oneself, having self-acceptance and self-compassion, and working within person-centered cultures and care environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Nursing)

9 pages, 1086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Comprehensive Health Care Program on Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, Body Composition, and Depression in Older Adults Living Alone: A Quasi-Experimental Pretest–Posttest Study

by Eun Jeong Hwang and In Ok Sim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010220 - 27 Dec 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4924

Abstract

This study explored the effects of a comprehensive health-care program (CHCP) on blood pressure, blood glucose, body composition, and depression in older adults living alone. We used a quasi-experimental, two-group, pretest–posttest design. The CHCP consisted of open lectures, health counseling, exercise classes, nutrition counseling, and self-help group meetings at a local senior welfare center. Fifty-eight subjects participated in this study, with thirty subjects in the experimental group and twenty-eight subjects in the control group. Data were analyzed by using the descriptive statistics, χ²-test, and t-test. Comparisons of the pretest and posttest systolic blood pressure (t = −2.530, p < 0.016) and blood glucose (t = 3.089, p < 0.004) between the experimental and control groups showed significant differences. In both the experimental (t = 3.949, p < 0.001) and control groups (t = 3.816, p < 0.002), depression symptoms showed a significant decrease posttest, compared with pretest. Our findings infer that older adults require physical and psychosocial health care and that more efforts must be made to improve the general health and well-being of this population group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Nursing)

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9 pages, 318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design and validation of a Nursing Plan for Elderly Patients with Postoperative Delirium

by Estela Melguizo-Herrera, Ana Acosta-López, Isabel Patricia Gómez-Palencia, Yolima Manrique-Anaya and César Hueso-Montoro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(22), 4504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224504 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4605

Abstract

Delirium is the sudden alteration of the state of consciousness and perception, fluctuating over hours or days. It predominates in older adults and is associated with the aging process. The incidence of delirium increases between 10% and 15% in surgical interventions. The objective of this study was the design and validation of a nursing care plan for elderly patients with postoperative delirium. This study was based on the Delphi method and applied to nursing professionals at the Hospital Universitario del Caribe, Cartagena. The sample consisted of 36 nurses with knowledge of the taxonomy of nursing diagnoses. The care plan was applied in two rounds. For the analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion were used, as well as frequency and percentages. The participants were women (90.9%) from the hospitalization service (51.5%), with training in Nursing Diagnosis (NANDA), Nursing interventions classification (NIC) and Nursing Outcome Classifications (NOC) (78.8%). The validated care plan has eight diagnostic features. Highlights include “Risk for Ineffective Cerebral Tissue Perfusion” and “Disturbed Sleep Pattern” (in 98.1%; 11 results), with the highest score in the first round being “Vital Signs” (with 100%) and “Sleep” (100%) and “Mobility” (100%) in the second round. Forty-four interventions and 18 suggested activities were identified. This care plan offers the nursing professionals reliable and pertinent tools in clinical practice for the management of patients with postoperative delirium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Nursing)

11 pages, 1064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Pedometer-Based, 24-Week Walking Intervention on Depression and Acculturative Stress among Migrant Women Workers

by Youlim Kim, Young-Me Lee, Mikyeong Cho and Hyeonkyeong Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(22), 4385; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224385 - 9 Nov 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3538

Abstract

Little research has examined exercise-based interventions meant to alleviate depressive symptoms among Korean-Chinese migrant women workers living in Korea. Thus, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a 24-week walking program on reducing depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels in this population. This quasi-experimental sequential walking program was conducted with 132 Korean-Chinese women over a period of 24 weeks. Participants were divided into either a standard treatment group (n = 69) or enhanced treatment group (n = 63). All participants were instructed to walk using a pedometer. The enhanced treatment group also received mobile text messages designed to encourage walking adherence and improve acculturation. Participants were asked to complete two structured questionnaires, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Acculturative Stress Scale, to evaluate the intervention programs. At the end of the program, both groups exhibited decreased depression scores, but the decrease in the enhanced treatment group was more significant both at weeks 12 and 24. Acculturative stress was also found to have decreased at weeks 12 and 24. Our findings show the walking program reduced the depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels among the Korean-Chinese women in this study. Further studies will be needed to analyze the relationship between walking step count and mental health considering exercise intensity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Nursing)

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10 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Integrative Laughter Therapy to Reduce Anxiety, Improve Self-Esteem and Increase Happiness: A Naturalistic Study at a Day Hospital for Addictive Disorders

by Seyla De Francisco, Cristina Torres, Sandra De Andrés, Ana Millet, M. Teresa Ricart, Elvira Hernández-Martínez-Esparza, Mercedes Abades and Joan Trujols

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(21), 4194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214194 - 30 Oct 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 9257

Abstract

Little is known about the effectiveness of laughter therapy as an adjunctive treatment for patients with addictive disorders. This study aims to evaluate the benefits of integrative laughter therapy (ILT) on levels of self-esteem, anxiety, and happiness in patients treated for addiction at a day hospital (DH). A prospective, naturalistic study with a pre-post design was conducted. All 185 participants received the standard, multicomponent treatment at the DH (treatment as usual; TAU). The participants were also invited to attend weekly ILT sessions. Upon completion of the 2-month DH treatment program, patients were classified according to their attendance at the ILT sessions: patients who attended ≥80% constituted the experimental group (TAU + ILT group) while those who attended <80% were considered controls. Although both groups achieved statistically significant increases in self-esteem and happiness with a decrease in trait anxiety, the improvement on these variables was significantly greater in the TAU + ILT group. Subject to the limitations inherent to quasi-experimental research, the findings of the present study suggest that the addition of an ILT module to the standard treatment in a DH for addictive disorders may yield greater improvement in self-esteem, anxiety, and happiness compared to TAU. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Nursing)

13 pages, 475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Individual Stressors in Geriatric Nursing Staff—A Cross-Sectional Study

by Bettina Wollesen, Diane Hagemann, Katharina Pabst, Ramona Schlüter, Laura L. Bischoff, Ann-Kathrin Otto, Carolin Hold and Annika Fenger

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(19), 3587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193587 - 25 Sep 2019

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5414

Abstract

Background: Nurses in geriatric care are exposed to various burdens in the workplace that result in high stress levels. The perceived stress may result in a lack of professional caring and burnout. Objectives: The study aim was to identify work-related and personal factors that determine stress levels to design tailored interventions. Research design: cross-sectional study. Subjects: N = 195 geriatric nursing staff members. Measures: The survey included validated questionnaires (Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS), Health Survey Short form 12 (SF-12), Nordic Questionnaire) to identify work-related burdens, resulting stress levels and work-related behavior (AVEM). According to the limits of the Screening Subscale for chronic stress (SSCS) of the TICS, nurses were classified as stressed or non-stressed. With four-step regression analysis, main predictors for the stress level were identified. Results: The analysis revealed body postures, handling heavy loads, time pressure, deadlines and pressure to perform as the main burdens of the participants. Chronically stressed nurses showed different work patterns in comparison to nurses with lower stress levels. The regression analysis showed significance for the models including the work-related patterns and resilience aspects (step three (F (3.42) = 4.168; p = 0.010) and four (F (7.35) = 4.194; p = 0.002). Pattern B was a main factor for determining stress. The stress level determined the perceived burdens. Conclusions: Experiencing and managing stressors depends on the individual’s perception, while coping patterns—especially pattern B—can be decisive. The tailored interventions to reduce stress in geriatric nurses should focus on personal patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Nursing)

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18 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships Between Smartphone Dependency and Aggression Among Middle School Students: Mediating and Moderating Effects of Ego-Resilience, Parenting Behaviour, and Peer Attachment

by Youn-Joo Um, Yun-Jung Choi and So Yeon Yoo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(19), 3534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193534 - 21 Sep 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5140

Abstract

This study examined the moderating and mediating effects of ego-resilience, parenting behaviour, and peer attachment on the relationship between smartphone dependency and aggression. Participants included 1863 middle school youths who used smartphones and had responded to the 7th Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS), which was conducted by Korea’s National Youth Policy Institute. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses. First, ego-resilience showed a partial mediating effect on the relationship between smartphone dependency and aggression (significant moderating effects were revealed). Second, parenting behaviour demonstrated a partial mediating effect on the relationship between smartphone dependency and aggression (no moderating effects observed). Third, peer attachment had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between smartphone dependency and aggression (no moderating effects were observed). These findings suggest that mental health and student growth can be improved as children develop by implementing various nursing and health care programs designed to improve ego-resilience, parenting behaviour, and peer attachment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Nursing)

14 pages, 1769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Paths to Negative and Positive Experiences of Informal Caregiving in Severe Mental Illness: A Study of Explanatory Models

by Luísa Campos, Carlos Mota Cardoso and João Marques-Teixeira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(19), 3530; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193530 - 20 Sep 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3626

Abstract

The experience of caregiving in severe mental illness is a valuable concept for research and clinical practice as it can provide access to the idiosyncratic assessment of negative and positive dimensions of informal caregiving, thus allowing the design of interventions focused on reducing risk factors and promoting protective factors. This study was aimed at testing explanatory models of negative and positive experiences of caregiving considering the role of the caregiver’s perceptions of difficulties, satisfaction, and coping. A convenience sample of 159 informal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia was used in this study. Different variables were considered: (1) perception of difficulties (Caregiver’s Assessment of Difficulties Index); (2) perception of satisfaction (Caregiver’s Assessment of Satisfaction Index); (3) perception of coping (Caregiver’s Assessment of Managing Index); and (4) the experience of caregiving (Experience of Caregiving Inventory). Using structural equation modeling, the results revealed the following: (1) the perception of difficulties and of satisfaction coexist; (2) the negative experiences of caregiving are predominantly explained by the perception of difficulties and of coping with stress; and (3) the positive experiences of caregiving are mainly explained by the perception of sources of intrapersonal satisfaction, while the perception of coping does not have robust predictive value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Nursing)

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11 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Factors Related to Depressive Symptoms Amongst Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

by Dan Song, Doris S.F. Yu, Polly W.C. Li and Qiuhua Sun

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(18), 3449; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16183449 - 17 Sep 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3099

Abstract

High-level depressive symptoms have been reported in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), resulting in increased risk of progression to dementia. However, studies investigating the correlates of depressive symptoms among this population are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the significant socio-demographic, lifestyle-related and disease-related correlates of depressive symptoms among this cohort. Cross-sectional data were obtained from a sample of 154 Chinese community-dwelling older adults with MCI. MCI subjects were screened by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale. Possible correlates of depressive symptoms in individuals with MCI were explored by multiple linear regressions. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults with MCI was 31.8%. In multiple regression analysis, poor perceived positive social interaction, small social network, low level of physical activity, poor functional status, subjective memory complaint, and poor health perception were correlated with depressive symptoms. The findings highlight that depressive symptoms are sufficient to warrant evaluation and management in older adults with MCI. Addressing social isolation, assisting this vulnerable group in functional and physical activities, and cultivating a positive perception towards cognitive and physical health are highly prioritized treatment targets among individuals with MCI. Full article

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