OAR@UM Community:

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and anxiety levels of young mental health patients and their parents

2026-10-16T12:17:31Z

Title: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and anxiety levels of young mental health patients and their parents Authors: Vella Fondacaro, Daniel; Vella Fondacaro, Francesca; Camilleri, Nigel Abstract: Introduction: One restriction measure during the COVID-19 pandemic period was the closure of sport-related facilities, generating substantial anxiety. This study analyzed longitudinal changes in anxiety and physical activity (PA) levels in young people (YP) attending a community child and adolescent mental health service, and their parents/caregivers from 2020 to 2022. Method: This quantitatively driven convergent mixed-methods cohort study utilized validated scoring tools (GAD-7/GLTEQ) as the core quantitative component, and open-ended questions as the supplementary qualitative component. The quantitative and qualitative data were statistically analyzed, and both results were integrated. Questionnaires were distributed in August–October 2020 (Phase 1: At the peak of restriction period), August–October 2021 (Phase 2: During gradual removal of restrictions) and August–October 2022 (Phase 3: When all restrictions were removed). Results: Parent/caregiver’s anxiety levels significantly reduced from Phase 1 to Phase 3. Results revealed non-significant improvements in YP’s PA levels from Phase 1 to Phase 3. PA levels in YP were significantly higher than those of parents/caregivers throughout all Phases. A significant negative correlation was revealed between PA and anxiety levels in parents/caregivers throughout all Phases. The fear of getting infected, lifting of restrictive measures, vaccination benefits, and pandemic-induced social/financial struggles were common themes generated from the qualitative comments. Conclusion: The authors recommend PA promotional campaigns and incentives during such restrictive periods, helping the population’s mental well-being. The high attrition rates in this study may decrease its generalizability. However, the results generated from this innovative study may serve as a platform for future research carried out during traumatic periods.

Sociodemographic predictors and moderators of treatment outcomes of psychotherapeutic interventions for young people with mental disorders : a systematic review

2026-10-14T07:27:30Z

Title: Sociodemographic predictors and moderators of treatment outcomes of psychotherapeutic interventions for young people with mental disorders : a systematic review Authors: Gergov, Vera; Prevendar, Tamara; Vousoura, Eleni; Ulberg, Randi; Dahl, Hanne-Sofie J.; Feller, Clémence; Jacobsen, Celia Faye; Karain, Alexia; Milic, Branka; Poznyak, Elena; Sacco, Rosemarie; Tulbure, Bogdan Tudor; Camilleri, Nigel; Liakea, Iliana; Podina, Ioana; Saliba, Andrea; Torres, Sandra; Poulsen, Stig Abstract: Despite the worrying prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents and young people, evidence on predictors of treatment outcome remains scarce. Systematic reviews have focused on specific disorders or treatment modalities and have not targeted this age group in particular. This systematic review presents an overview of the sociodemographic predictors and moderators on the outcome of psychotherapeutic interventions for adolescents and young people with mental disorders across treatment modalities. The search was conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO following the PICOS strategy. The included studies were clinical outcome studies on psychotherapeutic interventions, targeted for young people (aged 12–30 years) with specified mental disorders and published in peer-reviewed journals. During a four-step screening process, 17,359 articles were assessed, among which 114 met the inclusion criteria. Most included studies involved patients with mood, eating, or substance use disorders. Age, gender, and ethnicity were the most frequently reported predictors. For age and gender the findings were mixed, so it is not possible to state which age group or gender would benefit most from treatment across disorder groups. Ethnic minority status and history of traumatic events may predict poorer outcomes. However, the results mainly did not support the relevance of sociodemographic variables for predicting treatment outcome.

The impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding rates : an international cross-sectional study

2026-05-12T06:10:52Z

Title: The impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding rates : an international cross-sectional study Authors: Ganho-Ávila, Ana; Guiomar, Raquel; Sobral, Mónica; Pacheco, Francisca; Caparros-Gonzalez, Rafael A.; Diaz-Louzao, Carla; Motrico, Emma; Domínguez-Salas, Sara; Mesquita, Ana; Costa, Raquel; Vousoura, Eleni; Hadjigeorgiou, Eleni; Bina, Rena; Buhagiar, Rachel; Mateus, Vera; Contreras-García, Yolanda; Wilson, Claire A.; Ajaz, Erilda; Hancheva, Camellia; Dikmen-Yildiz, Pelin; de la Torre-Luque, Alejandro Abstract: Background: Breastfeeding promotes children’s health and is associated with positive effects to maternal physical and mental health. Uncertainties regarding SARS-CoV-2 transmission led to worries experienced by women and health professionals which impacted breastfeeding plans. We aimed to investigate the im- pact of self-reported and country-specific factors on breastfeeding rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.; Methods: This study is part of a broader international prospective cohort study about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health (Riseup-PPD-COVID-19). We analysed data from 5612 women, across 12 countries. Potential covariates of breastfeeding (sociodemographic, perinatal, physical/mental health, professional perinatal care, changes in healthcare due to the pandemic, COVID-19 related, breastfeeding support, governmental containment measures and countries’ inequality levels) were studied by Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Models.; Results: A model encompassing all covariates of interest explained 24% of the variance of breastfeeding rates across countries (first six months postpartum). Overall, first child ( β= -0.27), age of the child ( β= -0.29), preterm birth ( β= -0.52), admission to the neonatal/pediatric care ( β= -0.44), lack of breastfeeding support ( β= -0.18), current psychiatric treatment ( β= -0.69) and inequality ( β= -0.71) were negatively associated with breastfeeding ( p < .001). Access to postnatal support groups was posi tively associated with breastfeeding ( β= 0.59; p < .001). In countries with low-inequality, governmental measures to contain virus transmission had a deleterious effect on breastfeeding ( β= -0.16; p < .05) while access to maternity leave protected breastfeeding ( β= 0.50; p < .001).; Discussion: This study shows that mother’s COVID-19 diagnosis and changes in healthcare and birth/postnatal plans did not influence breastfeeding rates. Virtual support groups help women manage breastfeeding, particularly when their experiencing a first child and for those under psychiatric treatment. The complex associations between covariates and breastfeeding vary across countries, suggesting the need to define context-specific measures to support breastfeeding.

The impact of a psychological skills training and mindfulness-based intervention on the mental toughness, competitive anxiety, and coping skills of futsal players — a longitudinal convergent mixed-methods design

2026-05-07T09:40:20Z

Title: The impact of a psychological skills training and mindfulness-based intervention on the mental toughness, competitive anxiety, and coping skills of futsal players — a longitudinal convergent mixed-methods design Authors: Vella Fondacaro, Daniel; Romano-Smith, Stephanie Abstract: Despite the sport’s popularity, there is a paucity in futsal psychological interventional research. This study analysed the impact of a ten-session psychological skills training and mindfulness-based intervention (PSTMI) on the mental toughness, competitive anxiety, and athletic coping skills of national league futsal players (n = 13). It also analysed whether these variables were predicted by playing experience. Pre-/post-intervention questionnaires were filled in and analysed (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with seven athletes; quantitative and qualitative data were integrated in a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Results revealed significant medium-to-large improvements in mental toughness, cognitive anxiety, and coping skills following the PSTMI. Years of playing experience positively and significantly predicted better self-confidence and coping skills. Thematic analysis generated five themes: (1) post-intervention enhancement in athletic performance and well-being; (2) the non-athletic commitments of futsal players; (3) diverse views on how to improve the intervention; (4) instilling social identity through sport psychology sessions; and (5) the impact of years of experience on skill learning. Results mirrored those from other sporting disciplines. The PSTMI was well-received and equipped athletes with beneficial psychological skills, stressing the need for more sport psychology resources in futsal.