The longitudinal directional associations of meaningful work with mental well-being – initial findings from an exploratory investigation

Abstract Background An increasing number of studies reveal that more meaning in life is positively related to mental well-being. Meaning in life can be derived from different sources, including the workplace. The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal directional association of meaningful work with mental well-being. Methods Prospective data from 292 persons at two timepoints (two-week interval) were used to estimate the cross-lagged relationship and directionality of meaningful work with mental well-being. Results The cross-lagged panel model had a good fit to the data (Chi2 ms(90) = 150.9; p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.048; p = 0.576; CFI = 0.984; TLI = 0.979; SRMR = 0.040) and showed that levels of meaningful work at t1 had a positive effect on mental well-being at t2 (β = 0.15, p = 0.010). But mental well-being at t1 did not affect meaningful work at t2 (β = 0.02, p = 0.652). Sub-analyses revealed the effects to be mainly driven by women (as opposed to men) and white-collar workers (as opposed to blue-collar workers). Conclusion This study confirmed a directional association of meaningful work on mental well-being, indicating that more meaningful work has beneficial mental well-being effects

“Well, to Be Honest, I Don’t Have an Idea of What It Might Be”—A Qualitative Study on Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer type in Western industrialized countries. However, research into the knowledge and awareness in the general population regarding NMSC is still scarce. This qualitative study aims to fill this research gap. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals aged 55–85 years were conducted between February and October 2020. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The term “white skin cancer”—the German colloquial term of NMSC—was well-known, but the incidence was underestimated. None of the participants could give a precise definition of NMSC, and various alterations in the skin were, partially wrongly, stated as potential signs for NMSC. As risk factors for NMSC, solar radiation, and fair skin type were mentioned most often. The perceived individual risk of developing NMSC and risk compared to individuals of the same age and gender were low in our sample. Own knowledge about NMSC was mostly perceived to be insufficient, and the majority of the sample would like to receive more information on NMSC. Our results emphasize a need to inform about the signs and risks of NMSC not only in the studied older age group but also in younger people

Is Physical Activity Associated with Less Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Rapid Systematic Review

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the entire world population. During the first spread, most governments have implemented quarantine and strict social distancing procedures. Similar measures during recent pandemics resulted in an increase in post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. The development of novel interventions to mitigate the mental health burden are of utmost importance. Objective: In this rapid review, we aimed to provide a systematic overview of the literature with regard to associations between physical activity (PA) and depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data Source: We searched major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) and preprint servers (MedRxiv, SportRxiv, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar), for relevant papers up to 25/07/2020. Study Eligibility Criteria: We included observational studies with cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. To qualify for inclusion in the review, studies must have tested the association of PA with depression or anxiety, using linear or logistic regressions. Depression and anxiety must have been assessed using validated rating scales. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: Effect sizes were represented by fully adjusted standardized betas and odds ratios (OR) alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). In case standardized effects could not be obtained, unstandardized effects were presented and indicated. Results: We identified a total of 21 observational studies (4 longitudinal, 1 cross-sectional with retrospective analysis, and 16 cross-sectional), including information of 42,293 (age 6-70 years, median female = 68%) participants from five continents. The early evidence suggests that people who performed PA on a regular basis with higher volume and frequency and kept the PA routines stable, showed less symptoms of depression and anxiety. For instance, those reporting a higher total time spent in moderate to vigorous PA had 12-32% lower chances of presenting depressive symptoms and 15-34% of presenting anxiety. Conclusion: Performing PA during Covid-19 is associated with less depression and anxiety. To maintain PA routines during Covid-19, specific volitional and motivational skills might be paramount to overcome Covid-19 specific barriers. Particularly, web-based technologies could be an accessible way to increase motivation and volition for PA and maintain daily PA routines

Does physical activity reduce the risk of psychosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Longitudinal prospective cohorts have suggested that physical activity (PA) may be a protective factor against psychosis and schizophrenia. However, no meta-analysis has been conducted. The study aims to To examine the prospective relationship between PA and incident psychosis/schizophrenia. Major databases were searched from inception to July 2019 for prospective studies that calculated the odds ratio (OR) or the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of incident psychosis/schizophrenia in people with higher PA against people with lower PA. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, for OR and AOR, separately. Across 4 cohorts (N=30,025, median males=50%, median follow-up=32 years), people with high self-reported PA (versus low PA) were at reduced odds of developing psychosis/schizophrenia (OR=0.73, 95%CI 0.532 to 0.995, p=0.047). Analysis including only 2 cohorts presenting AOR were not statistically significant (AOR=0.59, 95%CI 0.253 to 1.383, p=0.226). Overall study quality was moderate high (mean NOS=7.,0). The literature on the topic is scarce, whilst crude analysis suggests that PA may be a protective factor against the emergence of psychosis/schizophrenia, but when adjusting for covariates, the association is no longer significant. Further studies with objective physical activity and adjustment for confounders are needed