To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Mental health in Nigeria.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Mental health in Nigeria'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Mental health in Nigeria.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Akinola, Olubusayo Ruth. "Mental Health Professionals' Attitude and Perception of their Role in Tackling Substance Abuse and Related Disorders in Nigeria." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/488.
Full textAbstract:
Mental health professionals (MHPs) play a pivotal role in enhancing treatment outcomes for drug-using populations and minimizing their harm to the public. In response to a gap in the literature, this study sought to (a) assess MHPs' attitudes about the use and abuse of substances and their perception of their role in tackling substance abuse and related disorders in Nigeria, (b) identify predictors of perception, and (c) explore regional variations in attitude. Based on the validated drug and drug users' problems perception questionnaire and the substance abuse attitude survey, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in a randomized sample of 292 MHPs practicing in neuropsychiatric hospitals and in the mental health departments of teaching hospitals from 4 geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A response rate of 81.1% was achieved. MHPs' attitude about substance use tended towards the non-permissive, stereotypical, and moralistic spectrum, and its role perception was distinctly defined. Educational attainment (O.R = 0.50, p = 0.030), work-motivation (O.R = 0.55, p < 0.0001), and role-support (O.R = 1.48, p < 0.0001) significantly predicted MHPs' role perception. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there were significant regional variations in the attitudes of multidisciplinary MHPs, H (3) 18.727, p < 0.0001. Step-down follow up analysis revealed that the distribution of attitude total score vary significantly between the south-southern and southwestern region (p< 0.001), the northeastern and southeastern region of the country (p < 0.028). To foster the rehabilitation of this population and its reintegration into mainstream society, a holistic approach toward the standardization of drug treatment is needed. It should take into account the cultural, religious, and ethnic differences predominating in different regions.
2
Okafor, Bernard E. "The Relation between Demographic Factors and Attitudes about Seeking Professional Counseling among Adult Nigerians Living in the United States." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1258571590.
Full text
3
Haruna, Mohammed Awaisu. "Managing the treatment of mental illness in a Nigerian hospital." Thesis, Lancaster University, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.337582.
Full text
4
LaFleur, Verna V. "Acculturation, social support, and self-esteem as predictors of mental health among foreign students: A study of Nigerian nursing students." ScholarWorks, 2010. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/775.
Full textAbstract:
Nigerians are an integral part of the nursing profession, yet there is no literature on their common health risks, such as homesickness, isolation and suicide ideation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between lack of acculturation, social support, and self-esteem and mental health among Nigerian nursing students. Berry's model of acculturation was used which identifies individuals perception of self in relation to their ethnic culture and the host culture. A sample of 76 Nigerian nursing students enrolled in Baccalaureate nursing programs from 3 universities in the District of Columbia and Maryland participated in the study. Data were obtained using an online survey of 69 items assessing their acculturation, social support, self-esteem and their mental health. A descriptive cross sectional design was used. Analysis of the data included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and ANOVA. The final regression model revealed that acculturation, companionship construct of social support and self-esteem are predictors of mental health status as shown by the adjusted R squared (R2 = 0.638). Recommendations are for universities to commit to increasing acculturation, social support, and self-esteem among foreign students in an effort to decrease isolation and improve their mental health. It is also recommended that future studies should be conducted on social isolation of subcultures to improve acculturation and reduce incidence of low self-esteem among foreign students within the American society. The strategies would create positive social change for healthcare organizations and nurse educators, resulting in an increase of ethnic diverse nurses and reducing the shortage of nurses in the USA.
5
Umeadi, Chinedu Anthony. "Effect of Social Support and HIV-Related Stigma on Depression in HIV/AIDS Patients." Thesis, Walden University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3734790.
Full textAbstract:
<p> HIV has remained a public health problem in Nigeria. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the effect of social support and HIV-related stigma on depression in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and to examine the moderating effect of sociodemographic factors, Quality of Life (QOL), and time since HIV diagnosis on this relationship. This study was based on the social cognitive theory. Data were collected from 98 PLWHA attending the antiretroviral clinic of Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Nigeria. Regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between the variables. Some 24.5% of the study participants were depressed. Significant relationships identified included negative relationships between depression and social support, positive relationships between depression and negative self-image, and a combination of poor social support and HIV-related stigma having synergic effects in predicting depression. Sociodemographic variables, quality of life, and time since HIV diagnosis did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between social support, HIV-related stigma, and depression in PLWHA. There is a need to improve social support and reduce HIV-related stigma in PLWHA in order to improve their mental health. These findings can help in bringing about positive social change by informing the development of public health initiatives aimed at improving the mental health of PLWHA.</p>
6
Meniru, Maryann O. "The Influence of Degree of Afroncentric Spirituality on Psychological Help Seeking Attitudes, Intentions and Stigma among Nigerian Americans." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1373308592.
Full text
7
Onwuliri, Michael O. "Primary health care management in Nigeria." Thesis, Aston University, 1987. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/12207/.
Full textAbstract:
This research sets out to assess if the PHC system in rural Nigeria is effective by testing the research hypothesis: 'PHC can be effective if and only if the Health Care Delivery System matches the attitudes and expectations of the Community'. The field surveys to accomplish this task were carried out in IBO, YORUBA, and HAUSA rural communities. A variety of techniques have been used as Research Methodology and these include questionnaires, interviews and personal observations of events in the rural community. This thesis embraces three main parts. Part I traces the socio-cultural aspects of PHC in rural Nigeria, describes PHC management activities in Nigeria and the practical problems inherent in the system. Part II describes various theoretical and practical research techniques used for the study and concentrates on the field work programme, data analysis and the research hypothesis-testing. Part III focusses on general strategies to improve PHC system in Nigeria to make it more effective. The research contributions to knowledge and the summary of main conclusions of the study are highlighted in this part also. Based on testing and exploring the research hypothesis as stated above, some conclusions have been arrived at, which suggested that PHC in rural Nigeria is ineffective as revealed in people's low opinions of the system and dissatisfaction with PHC services. Many people had expressed the view that they could not obtain health care services in time, at a cost they could afford and in a manner acceptable to them. Following the conclusions, some alternative ways to implement PHC programmes in rural Nigeria have been put forward to improve and make the Nigerian PHC system more effective.
8
Wood, Susan. "Mental health literacy and mental health in at-risk populations." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2016. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/88088/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis explores mental health literacy (MHL) and mental health difficulties in at-risk populations. Young people, particularly males, are vulnerable to the onset of mental health difficulties, failing to access support and increased risk of suicide. Supporting people with mental health difficulties and improving prognosis is an important area of public health concern. Chapter one is a systematic review of gender differences in MHL of young people (ages 12-25 years). 14 studies were identified and critically assessed. The nature of gender differences in MHL of young people is complex but most consistently reported in depression. Females tended to have higher levels of MHL than males. The implications for public health interventions and future research are discussed. Methodological components of MHL research, such as the use of case vignettes are also considered. Chapter two is a qualitative research study of male professional footballers’ lived experiences of mental health difficulties and help-seeking using interpretative phenomenological analysis. One superordinate theme emerged from the data; Survival. This is discussed through six subordinate themes and alongside existing literature pertaining to identity, transition, personality and emotional development. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research. Chapter three is a reflective paper considering the use of Cognitive Analytic Therapy as a tool for reflexivity in qualitative research. The opportunities and limitations of this approach are considered, alongside reflections on the research process.
9
Oates, Jennifer. "Mental health and subjective wellbeing in UK mental health nurses." Thesis, City, University of London, 2016. http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/15973/.
Full textAbstract:
This study explores the subjective wellbeing and subjective experience of mental health problems in UK mental health nurses using a mixed methods approach. It aimed to understand the relationships between mental health nurses' own mental health and their subjective wellbeing, and to explore the ways in which mental health nurses managed their own mental health and wellbeing and how they negotiated for and use their experiences both within and outside of their work. The mixed methods design had two phases. In phase one an online survey was sent to mental health nurses via their national professional bodies, the Royal College of Nursing and the Mental Health Nurses Association. The survey comprised three measures of subjective wellbeing, questions about personal and familial mental health history and questions about the impact of these experiences on mental health nursing work. 237 survey responses were included in the final statistical analysis. In the second phase 27 semi structured interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of survey respondents who had both subjective experience of mental health problems and high subjective wellbeing. A major finding of the study was that mental health nurses critically appraised their experience of delivering and receiving mental health care from the expert perspectives of both being a nurse and having their own experience of mental ill health. Personal experience of mental illness was found to influence nursing practice in a number of ways: first, through overt disclosure and negotiation of professional boundaries; second, through the ‘use of the self as a tool’, the emotional labour of nursing; third, through the formation and development of professional nursing identity. This was in the context of a broader canvas of life experiences which participants considered to influence the development of their nursing identity, the use of self and self disclosure in their work. Mental health nurses in this study had a relatively low subjective wellbeing. Low subjective wellbeing was associated with having current mental health problems, and with having past experience of mental health problem. Personal experience of living with someone with mental health problems was associated with relatively higher subjective wellbeing. This study has implications for occupational health and human resources policy within healthcare organisations. The findings suggest that mental health nurses who present to primary care or occupational health services should be offered care and treatment commensurate with their expertise and experience. Employers’ ‘staff happiness strategies’ and occupational health promotion activities should address work life balance and what nurses could do outside of their work to be well, as well as addressing the effects that team and management changes have on staff wellbeing.
10
Morelen, Diana M. "Infant Mental Health." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2017. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2728.
Full text
11
Rice, Judy A. "Mental Health Clinicians." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2012. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/7616.
Full text
12
Rice, Judy A. "Mental Health Clinicians." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2013. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/7617.
Full text
13
Morelen, Diana. "Perinatal Mental Health." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2019. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/7711.
Full text
14
Jaishankar, Gayatri, Matthew Tolliver, and Kristina Dulaney. "Perinatal Mental Health." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2018. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/8874.
Full text
15
Castro, Amanda E. "MENTAL HEALTH MEMORIES: A WEB-BASED ARCHIVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH STORIES." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/517.
Full textAbstract:
The Mental Health Memories project is an online archive created in order to display and preserve the personal histories of those with mental health experiences. The project aims to fill a void in available material culture related to the history of mental health and its preservation. Participants’ contributions include: oral histories, personal items, documents, and audio. Bringing together multimedia sources, the MHMemories website allows for the preservation of these items and stories through the digitization of contributions. This method allows for participants’ items to stay in their possession while also becoming part of the archive. In order to recruit participants, the Mental Health Memories project teamed up with the Psychiatric Stories Archive, based at California State University San Bernardino, and the San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Clubhouse. Three collection days facilitated the gathering of materials. The final product is the MHMemories.org/.com website which showcases the contributions of participants. The Mental Health Memories project helps to illustrate the diversity of mental health experiences.
16
Aschan, Lisa. "Health inequalities and mental health service use in mental-physical comorbidity." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2015. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/health-inequalities-and-mental-health-service-use-in-mentalphysical-comorbidity(6f2c678e-1d94-40c0-9622-333539e46c4b).html.
Full textAbstract:
Although mental and physical health are likely to share common social causes, most mental-physical comorbidity research has focused on immediate mechanisms between mental and physical illness. This thesis takes a social epidemiological approach to mental-physical comorbidity, where social disadvantage and the disproportionate availability of resources are central. The amplified burden of comorbidity in terms of poor health and functioning may have implications for the relationship between comorbidity and mental health service use (MHSU). Whilst much research examines the impact of comorbidity on physical health services, MHSU is under-researched. Furthermore, comorbidity inequalities may be perpetuated through processes of cumulative disadvantage. For example, barriers to social participation may deplete resources over time, thus leading to worse health outcomes and more adverse social circumstances. This project therefore aims to: 1. Estimate the prevalence of comorbidity, and describe inequalities in mental-physical comorbidity by key socio-demographic and socioeconomic factors 2. Describe and explain the association between comorbidity and mental health service utilisation and quality 3. Describe the trajectories of social functioning by comorbidity Analyses make use of survey data from the South East London Community Health Survey (SELCoH) phases 1 (N=1698) and 2 (N=1052) (73% response among those approached at follow-up). Statistical methods used include weighted cross-sectional and longitudinal regression analyses. The results indicate that comorbidity is associated with distinct socio-economic inequalities (most consistently by household income), increased MHSU over time, and persistent social exclusion. This suggests that comorbidity reflects a process of cumulative disadvantage, which has important implications for comorbidity and health inequality research, and local services and policy makers. Altering the downward spiralling trajectories of health and social disadvantage among those with mental-physical comorbidity may be addressed through integrated care models, while interventions aimed at reducing social inequalities may effectively 3 prevent comorbidity and interrupt its downward spiralling course of disadvantage.
17
Kelvin, Osuala. "Predictors of Full Childhood Immunization Status in Owerri, Nigeria." Thesis, Walden University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3684980.
Full textAbstract:
<p> Full (complete) childhood immunization against tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, yellow fever, measles, and the maternal retention of immunization documentation are the most cost-effective interventions against vaccine-preventable childhood diseases. The full childhood immunization rate in Nigeria has not reached the expected target level of compliance at 90%. Using the social ecological model, this study investigated the influence of maternal satisfaction with postnatal services and paternal support on full childhood immunization status; it also examined the association between maternal factors and the maternal retention of immunization documentation in Owerri, Nigeria. The hypotheses were that maternal satisfaction with postnatal services and paternal support were associated with full childhood immunization status. This study was a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design that included validated modified WHO/EPI-30 cluster immunization survey information from the cluster sample of 560 mothers of children between the ages of 12 and 23 months old. The multivariate logistic regression analysis (at the .05 level) indicated that the odds of full childhood immunization status were lower for participants who indicated no maternal satisfaction with postnatal services compared with those who indicated satisfaction with postnatal services. Public health workers and policymakers should invest more resources in maternal and child health care resources to increase maternal satisfaction with postnatal services. The study outcomes may help to evolve a system that may increase childhood immunization status and reduce vaccine-preventable diseases in Owerri, and serve as a model for other countries.</p>
18
Moy, Gretchen Michelle. "The Efficacy of Felony Mental Health Court Combined With Mental Health Probation." Thesis, NSUWorks, 2009. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_stuetd/53.
Full textAbstract:
The present study examined felony mental health court and mental health probation used in conjunction and whether those on mental health probation had a reduced rate of rearrest and psychiatric hospitalization as compared to participants on regular probation or not on either form of probation. The research explored whether specific variables predicted a reduced rate of hospitalization and arrest among the participants on mental health probation. Results found mental health probationers did not significantly differ from the probationers in their rate of rearrest, and were rearrested more frequently then participants not on probation. Mental health probationers did not differ significantly from regular probationers or those without probation in psychiatric hospitalization frequency. Within the mental health probationers type of crime, presence of a violent crime, age, gender, education level, history of substance abuse, prescription of psychiatric medication, diagnosis, mental retardation and prior psychiatric hospitalizations did not predict arrest. The above variables also did not predict psychiatric hospitalization, with the exception of a history of psychiatric hospitalization which predicted a higher rate of
hospitalization while on mental health probation. Factors influencing these results and limitations of the present study were offered.
19
Weehuizen, Rifka Maria. "Mental capital the economic significance of mental health /." Maastricht : Maastricht : Universitaire Pers Maastricht ; University Library, Universiteit Maastricht [host], 2008. http://arno.unimaas.nl/show.cgi?fid=11650.
Full text
20
Fowler, Lesley, and n/a. "Meditation and mental health." University of Canberra. Education, 1986. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060710.130437.
Full textAbstract:
The claims of the traditional texts and teachers of Buddhist meditation include the enhancement of mental health.
Twenty five meditators sitting a ten day retreat in Vipassana and Metta meditation were measured on a compassion scale and an androgyny index. The androgyny index was used to measure mental health.
Compassion scores for all meditators increased slightly after the
retreat. Experienced meditators had significantly higher scores than
inexperienced meditators.
Regardless of previous experience, meditators with high
compassion scores significantly increased in androgyny after the
retreat. The traditional claims for the enhancement of mental health
are therefore supported by these results.
21
Hutson, Serah. "Mental health nursing competency." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2001. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp04/MQ62020.pdf.
Full text
22
Wowra, Scott Andrew. "Ethics and mental health." [Gainesville, Fla.] : University of Florida, 2005. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/UFE0011429.
Full text
23
Moreton, Bryan. "Parents' perinatal mental health." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2017. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/96314/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis was focused on parent’s mental health during the perinatal period. Fear related to childbirth is common in mothers. Chapter one provides a meta-ethnographic synthesis of literature exploring mothers’ experiences of fear related to childbirth. Three meta-themes were identified which showed what it was like for women to experience fear related to childbirth, external factors than influenced their fear (e.g. the media) and internal factors (e.g. coping strategies). This study illustrated the complexity of mothers’ experiences and how fear related to childbirth can impact quality of life. The implications of these findings, and clinical recommendations, are discussed. There is increasing recognition that fathers may experience low mood in the postnatal period. Chapter two explores how fathers talk about paternal postnatal depression (PND). Six fathers who considered themselves to have had paternal PND took part in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using discourse analysis. The results showed that PND was constructed as something that happens to women rather than men. They highlighted the difficulties men have talking about PND and how masculine identities were used to account for this difficulty. Finally, men constructed themselves as being deficient fathers when they had paternal PND. This study has significant implications for how PND is talked about with men. Chapter three presents a reflective account of conducting the research, which was written from the perspective of a parent. The focus was on the impact that the researcher may have had on the study and the effect that the study had on the researcher. It encompassed the whole process from developing ideas to potential areas of future study. The importance of terminology in mental health was discussed as well as what it is like conducting research on parents as a parent. The chapter ends with reflections on the researcher’s epistemological position.
24
Daya, Aarti. "Dissociation and mental health." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2016. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/87973/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis consists of three papers: a literature review, an empirical paper and a reflective paper. The systematic literature review examines the role of dissociation within eating disorders. Thirty-four articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified through database searches and manual searches. The findings of these articles were reviewed and critically appraised. The evidence reviewed indicates that dissociation in people with an eating disorder diagnosis may have a number of roles. Individuals with an eating disorder diagnosis may use dissociation as a means of managing certain affective states and dissociation may also act as a means of separating oneself from eating disorder symptomatology. In addition, dissociation may play a role in the development of eating disorders in individuals who have also experienced trauma. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and future research recommendations are considered. There is a need for staff in eating disorder services to be aware of dissociation and to use or develop interventions which take this into consideration. Further research, using a wider variety of methodologies, is needed, in particular to further elucidate the relationship of dissociation to eating disorder symptomatology. The empirical paper is a qualitative exploration of the lived experience of dissociation in individuals with a diagnosis of psychotic disorders. Five participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The transcripts of interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. One super-ordinate theme emerged from the analysis. ‘Emotional impact of unsafe uncertainty’ describes the emotions evoked by dissociative experiences and the uncertainty that surrounds exploration of these experiences for participants. Themes are discussed and considered in relation to clinical implications. Further research is needed to more carefully consider the role of dissociation within psychotic disorders. Finally, the reflective paper discusses the author’s experience of the process of research and exploring experiences of dissociation in individuals with a diagnosis of psychotic disorders. This paper utilises an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach to support personal reflection and reflexivity.
25
Moser, Michele R. "Infant Mental Health 101." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2015. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/5002.
Full text
26
Chimezie, Raymond Ogu. "A Case Study of Primary Healthcare Services in Isu, Nigeria." Thesis, Walden University, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3558764.
Full textAbstract:
<p> Access to primary medical care and prevention services in Nigeria is limited, especially in rural areas, despite national and international efforts to improve health service delivery. Using a conceptual framework developed by Penchansky and Thomas, this case study explored the perceptions of community residents and healthcare providers regarding residents' access to primary healthcare services in the rural area of Isu. Using a community-based research approach, semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 27 participants, including government healthcare administrators, nurses and midwives, traditional healers, and residents. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's 7-step method for qualitative data analysis. Key findings included that (a) healthcare is focused on children and pregnant women; (b) healthcare is largely ineffective because of insufficient funding, misguided leadership, poor system infrastructure, and facility neglect; (c) residents lack knowledge of and confidence in available primary healthcare services; (d) residents regularly use traditional healers even though these healers are not recognized by local government administrators; and (e) residents can be valuable participants in community-based research. The potential for positive social change includes improved communication between local government, residents, and traditional healers, and improved access to healthcare for residents.</p>
27
Metz, Cara L. "The effects of mental health and physical health on job satisfaction in the mental health field." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1337715058.
Full text
28
Skinner, Laura. "Negotiating uncertainty : mental health professionals’ experiences of the Mental Health Act assessment process." Thesis, University of Leicester, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/8972.
Full text
29
White, Bradley Patrick. "Mental Health and Mental Health Treatment Experiences of Transgender and Gender Diverse Persons:." Thesis, Boston College, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/2345/bc-ir:109141.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis advisor: Susan Kelly-Weeder<br>Background: Stigma, discrimination, and victimization are common occurrences in the lives of TGGD persons (e.g. non-binary, genderqueer, agender, and other non-cisgender identities) in the U.S., including occurrences in healthcare settings. Additionally, TGGD people in the U.S. experience numerous disparities related to physical health, mental health, substance use, and health risk behaviors. Suicide prevalence data provide the strongest and most urgent indication that healthcare organizations, and mental health providers specifically, are not optimally meeting the needs of this marginalized, at-risk population. TGGD persons have experiences of stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings, and these experiences are directly associated with provider behaviors, staff cultural competence, and institutional policies/practices. Minority Stress Theory suggests that experiences of stigma are directly linked to health outcomes and health disparities. It also suggests disparities may be mitigated by one’s internal coping skills and by level of support available from affirming others. Purpose: This dissertation’s research sought to better understand the relationship between stigma/discrimination and sexual/gender minority (SGM) population health and to better understand the experiences of TGGD persons who receive mental health services in the United States. Therefore, this dissertation begins to address this critical need and fill the gap in science. Three discrete manuscripts are proposed to fully explicate three concepts: 1) How state-level policies may affect SGM mental health (a secondary data analysis); 2) A comprehensive understanding of TGGD persons’ mental healthcare experiences (an integrative review); and 3) TGGD persons’ inpatient mental healthcare experiences (a qualitative study). Methods: First, we conducted a secondary data analysis examining state-level inclusivity for SGM populations, and relationships with indicators of mental health and health risk behaviors in those states; we sought to determine whether and to what extent there is a relationship between states’ SGM policies and practices, and the mental health and health risk behaviors of those states’ SGM residents. Second, we conducted an integrative review examining the mental health treatment experiences of TGGD adults; we sought to synthesize and characterize the existing health literature regarding the mental health experiences of TGGD adults. Third, we conducted a qualitative descriptive study examining the inpatient mental health and substance disorder treatment experiences of TGGD adults; we sought to better understand the inpatient mental health and/or substance treatment experiences of TGGD persons and to identify and characterize facilitators of/barriers to gender-affirming care in inpatient mental health and/or substance treatment settings. Results: In Chapter Two of this dissertation, an ecological secondary analysis of the BRFSS data set showed statistically significant relationships between LGBTQ persons’ state of residence and self-reported mental health symptoms and risk behaviors of the LGBTQ persons who live there. Restrictive state policy environments were shown to function as a distal stress factor and inclusive state policy environments were shown to function as a resilience factor. In Chapter Three of this dissertation, integrative review results suggest that TGGD persons experience incidents of stigma and discrimination in mental health treatment settings. In Chapter Four of this dissertation, participants reported both stigmatizing aspects and welcoming/affirming aspects of inpatient mental health/substance treatment experiences. Conclusions: This dissertation explored the mental health of TGGD persons through a Minority Stress Theory conceptual framework, including potential distal stress factors, proximal stress factors, and resiliency factors. This program of research has made substantial and meaningful contributions towards an enhanced understanding of TGGD mental health experiences, sources of TGGD stigma, and sources of coping/resiliency. In each chapter, findings suggested the presence of MST concepts of distal stress factors, proximal stress factors, and resiliency factors. Nursing remains underrepresented in health literature, and dissertation results highlight ample opportunities to advance TGGD population health through nursing practice, nursing education, nursing scholarship, and nursing policy<br>Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2021<br>Submitted to: Boston College. Connell School of Nursing<br>Discipline: Nursing
30
Phillips, Elena [Verfasser]. "E-mental health – using digital technologies to advance mental health care / Elena Phillips." Hamburg : Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Hamburg Carl von Ossietzky, 2021. http://d-nb.info/1235243931/34.
Full text
31
Dominguez, Alva M. "SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH REFERRALS’ REPRESENTATION OF ACTUAL MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG ADOLESCENTS." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/894.
Full textAbstract:
Increasingly, health providers are recognizing the importance of providing behavioral and mental health services to children and adolescents. As a result, school districts are adopting the School-Based Mental Health Program approach to provide mental health services to their students. The purpose of this study is to test if there is a disparity between children being referred due to externalizing behavior versus internalizing behaviors. The data was collected from archival sources, and it was analyzed utilizing the SPSS software for a quantitative and descriptive study. The findings indicated that students experiencing Internalizing and/or Externalizing behaviors are almost equally receiving services. This study found that most of the referrals were made by school counselors, only a few by parents and even less by students themselves. For this reason, the study’s recommendation is for social workers to engage in providing training for parents and students in identifying mental health issues before they become a significant problem.
32
Oliver, Natikca. "Mental Health Worker Retention at African American and Caucasian-Owned Mental Health Agencies." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/499.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine which factor(s), including job satisfaction, employee-employer relationship, organizational climate, and ethnicity predict retention of mental health professionals employed by African American and Caucasian privately owned mental health agencies. Due to high turnover in the private sector in mental health in central Virginia, many agencies are closing after 5 years of business. The importance of this study was to determine which factor(s) can assist in reducing turnover in the mental health field and to determine which factor(s) assist in maintaining mental health professionals in order for the agency to remain operable. The variables were evaluated through 4 valid and reliable self-report surveys to determine their prediction of employee retention. The study used Vroom's expectancy theory as the theoretical framework, which focuses on the importance of rewards and incentives in the workplace. The study's research questions determined the predictive validity of the variables on employee retention among 46 African-Americans and 15 Caucasian mental health employees. The results from multiple linear regression indicated that job satisfaction was the only significant predictor of employee retention. The implications from this finding suggest that mental health professionals need a sense of job satisfaction from their agency in order to remain at their current agency. From the findings, social change can occur when African American and Caucasian privately owned mental health agencies increase retention and are able to continue to provide continued mental health services.
33
Stone, Kevin Mark Christopher. "Decisions on risk and mental health hospital admission by approved mental health professionals." Thesis, University of Bristol, 2017. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.702420.
Full textAbstract:
The Mental Health Act 1983 was amended in 2007 and introduced the new role of the multidisciplinary Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) , who may be a nurse, psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker. The AMHP replaced the Approved Social Worker. Using a social constructionist perspective, this study has explored the decision-making of ten social work and ten nursing AMHPs in England. The purpose was to see if the decision making relating to management and assessment of risk varies according to the professional background of the AMHP. The study used an experimental vignette with each participant of audio-visual material containing mock health and social care records undertaken within a semi-structured interview. This study found that there was no difference in detention rates across the two groups studied in this research and found variance across the whole sample relating to the risks that were identified in the vignette. The findings suggest that there are differences in the way individual AMHPs reach decisions and in the factors that contribute towards that decision. Assumptions about discipline-related differences in social work and nurse decision-making have been challenged in this study. There is evidence to suggest that experience working in mental health was what AMHPs felt was the most significant factor contributing to their perception of risk. Overall, AMHPs expressed a good level of confidence in their practice as AMHPs. This study also highlighted that the majority of participants have felt afraid during a Mental Health Act assessment, and it illuminated how intuition and feelings have a role in how detention decisions are reached. The conclusion of this study gives rise to the need for further investigative research.
34
Devi, Boishakhy. "Cooking fuels and children respiratory health: Evidence from Nigeria." Thesis, Jönköping University, Internationella Handelshögskolan, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-53192.
Full textAbstract:
Household air pollution (HAP) has been recognized as one of the lethal causes of millions of premature deaths every year, victimizing mainly children and women. Literature suggests that transition to modern cooking fuels such as electricity, biogas from the conventional ones, for instance, fuelwood, coal, can reduce HAP, thus minimize the likelihood of respiratory health problems among household members. This study explores whether cooking fuels has an impact on children's respiratory health in the context of Nigeria, and in particular, whether modern cooking fuels can be a solution to this problem. By using the children recode of the survey data collected by the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) for the year 2018, this study finds support to the claim that modern cooking fuels can reduce the probability of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) symptoms among children aged below 5 years in Nigeria. This probability is also found contingent on the age, gender, and education of the household heads. However, with regards to individual fuel types, the result seems inconclusive in some instances, mostly due to a lack of observations. The policy implication is that to reduce ARI among children, households should be encouraged to adopt modern cooking fuels, and this should follow with increasing education and empowerment opportunities for women in the household.
35
Sako, Esther Bridget. "Public Health Implications of Oil Pollution in Koluama: Nigeria." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3259.
Full textAbstract:
As the global demand for oil increases, human health implications related to its discovery and transport remain a serious concern. The Niger Delta has been the site of severe environmental degradation since the oil boom of the 1970s. While some researchers have examined the environmental effects of oil procurement, few have explored human health implications in this region. This phenomenological study investigated the human physical and mental health consequences of oil-related environmental degradation through the perceptions and lived experiences of villagers in Koluama, Nigeria. The conceptual framework for the study was based on research conducted by Morello-Frosch, Zuk, Jerrett, Shamasunder and Kyle (2011) on the public health consequences of environmental pollution to which marginalized populations are vulnerable. Participants included a random sample of 33 residents of Koluama. Data were collected via individual semistructured interviews and 3 focus groups and analyzed using: interpretative phenomenological analysis. Themes that emerged from analysis included children's health issues, including asthma and other breathing problems; and death rates among the elderly in the area. The villagers, aware of the increase in mortality and illness in the area, also suffered from anxiety and depression. The research findings demonstrated the perception of the participants that the oil companies appeared not to be concerned about the lack of health care in the area; although illness increased in the area of the oil fields. This study might be beneficial in eliciting positive social change at the individual and organizational levels by illuminating oil-related health problems and may lead to better health care access for the population.
36
Aroyewun-Adekomaiya, Khadijah. "Representation of mental illness : an examination of movies and professional perspectives in Nigeria." Thesis, De Montfort University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2086/17443.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis explores the social implication of representations of mental health issues in movies produced in Nigeria, by using Critical Discourse Analysis as a mode of textual analysis within the social constructionist tradition, while also employing narrative theories as a framework for the interpretation of data. The perceptions of movie producers and mental health care providers on media representations of mental health issues were compared with results of a content analysis of ten Nigerian movies, by focusing on the analysis of emergent themes and narratives in the data. To explore the extent to which media, particularly fictional narratives, convey mental health issues in Nigeria, a unique coding scheme was developed for content analysis of data from movies and interviews, which brought to light a variety of discourses on the perceptions of movie producers and mental health professionals on issues bordering on stigma, causes and forms of treatment associated with mental illness. The themes produced in the movies chosen (of media representations of mental illness) showed that alternative modes of causal explanation for the problem predominated over psychiatric modes, confirming existing studies. Central to this study is the identification and analysis of the causes, treatment and stigma attached to mental illness in movies, with a particular focus on the social implication of these representations. This study concludes that movies represent modern psychiatry only poorly; that the need to produce sellable media messages impacts on the construction and on-screen portrayal of mental health issues; and that perceptions of violence portrayed in 'Western' media appear different from representations of violence in Nigerian media.
37
Maduakor-Ugo, Augustina Chinyelu. "Effect of Education on Stigma of Epilepsy in South Eastern Nigeria." Thesis, Walden University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3619197.
Full textAbstract:
<p> There is a need for epilepsy-based health education programs to enlighten Nigerian communities and reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy. Epilepsy in Nigeria is viewed by some as a contagious and an infectious disease or a condition imposed from the gods, possessed by demons, as the work of witchcraft, or punishment from ancestral spirits, which are all related to a lack of knowledge about epilepsy leading to stigmatization of persons with epilepsy. Guided by the stigma theory, the purpose of this community-based, cross sectional study was to quantitatively examine the effect of an educational program on interpersonal, internalized, and institutional stigma of epilepsy in terms of knowledge, attitude, and treatment gained. Two hundred and fifty participants completed a general domain instrument which had been used in different countries, including South Eastern Nigeria, and revised for greater validity via a pilot study. Chi-square tests were used to examine any significant differences in participants' responses between pre- and post-test surveys regarding knowledge, attitude, and treatment gained of all 3 identified stigma levels. According to study results, the educational program reduced all 3 stigma levels in terms of attitude, knowledge, and treatment gained of epilepsy (p< 0.001). This study contributed to positive social change by providing information to public health workers on how to increase the knowledge and awareness of the South Eastern Nigerian community that epilepsy is not contagious or infectious and there is no need to isolate persons with epilepsy from their societies.</p>
38
Ebeniro, Jane. "The Geography of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2012. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc115073/.
Full textAbstract:
Maternal mortality is the leading cause of death among women in Nigeria, especially women aged between 15 and 19 years. This research examines the geography of maternal mortality in Nigeria and the role of cultural and religious practices, socio-economic inequalities, urbanization, access to pre and postnatal care in explaining the spatial pattern. State-level data on maternal mortality rates and predictor variables are presented. Access to healthcare, place of residence and religion explains over 74 percent of the spatial pattern of maternal mortality in Nigeria, especially in the predominantly Muslim region of northern Nigeria where poverty, early marriage and childbirth are at its highest, making them a more vulnerable population. Targeting vulnerable populations in policy-making procedures may be an important strategy for reducing maternal mortality, which would also be more successful if other socio-economic issues such as poverty, religious and health care issues are promptly addressed as well.
39
Asonye, Priscilla N. "Experiences and Perceptions of Pregnant Unmarried Adolescent Girls in Nigeria." Thesis, Walden University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3667804.
Full textAbstract:
<p> Sexual activity among unmarried adolescents is a major public health problem in Nigeria, because unmarried pregnant girls are more likely to have multiple sex partners and are less likely to use contraceptives, putting them at greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), unplanned pregnancy, abortion, social isolation, and poverty. Teen pregnancy and STD rates are on the rise in Nigeria, yet few data exist on the experience of the adolescents themselves. This phenomenological study was designed to explore the in-depth experiences of 10 pregnant, unmarried adolescent girls aged 16-19, including the factors contributing to their sexual activity. An ecological model served as the conceptual framework to permit individual experiences to be understood in their social and ecological context. Semistructured interviews and Hycner's method of analysis were used to collect and analyze the data. Results showed that the decision to initiate sexual activity among these girls was influenced by many factors, including: the need for financial support and a socially condoned system of "sugar daddies" who support girls in return for sex; peer pressure to have a sex partner; a romantic knowledge of sexual behavior based primarily on the mass media; and inadequate sex education. As a result of their pregnancy, the girls experienced negative reactions from their families and community, and serious psychological and financial concerns about their prospects for future marriage and their child's identity. A comprehensive community-based reproductive health program is called for, with reliable sex education, cooperation from the mass media, and support from family and community members. The social change implication of this study is to potentially lead to a decrease in unplanned pregnancy, STDs, social isolation, and poverty among adolescent girls in Nigeria.</p>
40
Blount, Michelle. "Mental Health Courts: Mental Illness, Diversion Programs and Recidivism." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7217.
Full textAbstract:
Many large urban juvenile probation departments have begun to utilize mental health courts to meet the demands of the increasing number of individuals who have mental health issues that end up in the juvenile justice system. Diversion programs are designed to keep youth in the community and out of the juvenile justice system, but it is not clear whether these programs keep individuals from re-offending. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine whether diversion programs used in the mental health courts are helping to decrease recidivism for juveniles identified with mental illness. This study was also aimed at identifying how mental illnesses affect successful completion of programming. The theory of therapeutic jurisprudence was used as the theoretical foundation to help guide this quantitative, quasi-experimental study and answer the research questions. The data utilized was from a large urban juvenile probation department, which uses the mental health court as a diversion program. Data was collected from 2009 to 2017 on both youth who participated in the program and those who chose not to participate in the program. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Based on the chi-square, recidivism rates were significantly impacted by participation in the mental health court. The data presented demonstrated mental health court is effective at reducing recidivism. The potential is there for positive social change in the treatment of youth with mental illness both in the community and the juvenile justice system.
41
Senior, Jane. "The development of prison mental health services based on a community mental health model." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2005. http://www.manchester.ac.uk/escholar/uk-ac-man-scw:85467.
Full text
42
Setati, Tsholofelo. "Mental Health Consequences of Unemployment: Mental Health, Somatic Symptoms, Depressive Affect and Positive Affect." Master's thesis, Faculty of Commerce, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/33018.
Full textAbstract:
In this dissertation, we endeavoured to investigate the relationship between mental health and labour market changes in South Africa. We started by understanding the relationship between the aggregate CESD-10 and labour market status and then explored whether this aggregate relationship holds true for each of the three mental health factors that make up the CESD-10 score. Using data from the National Income Dynamics Study, waves 1-5, we documented increasing mental health symptoms with employed to other states of unemployment. This follows for somatic symptoms, depressed affect and positive affect, but the source driving the effects differs between factors and with the CESD-10 as well. We found that those who are NEA suffer to a greater extent in positive affect than in the other two factors relative to the employed. For those who are unemployed (discouraged), we see they also experience the strongest detrimental effect to their positive affect relative to the employed. However, they experience lower depressed affect scores relative to the employed. Those who are unemployed (strict), meanwhile, experience greater depressed affect scores out of the three factors when compared to the employed. As such, we expect to see an average increase in depressive symptoms classifications among those moving from employed to NEA statuses. We can also expect an average increase in depressed affect disorder classifications among those moving from employed to NEA labour force status. Likewise, we can expect higher positive affect across the five waves among those moving from a employed to NEA status. We find that, after controlling for observed individual characteristics and utilizing the panel structure of the data by allowing for individual specific fixed effects, negative labour market shifts have a significant negative impact on mental health. The sub-group analysis shows that this has a particularly adverse effect on black people and males.
43
Gunn, Robin. "Mental Health Nurses' Perceptions| Making a Career Choice and Remaining in Mental Health Nursing." Thesis, William Carey University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10605386.
Full textAbstract:
<p> Mental health nursing is a distinct specialty in the nursing profession. However, research has consistently shown the field of mental health nursing is not a popular career choice. In addition, the mental health nursing field is facing a significant shortage of nurses. Understanding what attracts and retains nurses to this nursing specialty is needed to aid in recruitment and retention and to ensure there will be enough qualified mental health nurses in the future to provide care for those needing mental health care services. The purpose of this study was to explore mental health perceptions of the career choice and identify what factors and/influences, if any, encouraged the decisions to choose mental health nursing or to remain employed in mental health nursing. A qualitative research design using a descriptive online survey and individual interviews was used to explore mental health nurses' perceptions of the career choice of mental health nursing. Findings from the survey and interviews revealed themes as to why mental health nurses chose a career in and stay in mental health nursing, what factors influenced these decisions, and the image of mental health nursing. Recommendations for future studies in mental health nursing included replicating the study with a larger sample size and a variety of mental health facilities, an analysis of the current U.S. mental health nursing workforce, and how nursing school experiences affect students' perceptions of mental health nursing.</p><p>
44
Cohen, Tina S. "Death and the pub : a discourse analysis of men's talk about mental health, mental illness and mental health sevices." Thesis, University of Surrey, 2012. http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/804776/.
Full textAbstract:
Despite the prediction that religion would wane in the 21st century, evidence suggests otherwise. It is important therefore for mental health professionals to understand the role of religion in the lives of their clients and to appreciate its impact on mental health. Research suggests a moderate inverse relationship between religion and depression and anxiety with some cross-cultural support. The relationship is however complex and context needs to be taken into account. The effect of culture and the importance of intrinsic religiosity are discussed. Much research is conducted in the US in the field of psychiatry, suggesting a gap in the British psychological literature. Some implications for clinical practice are discussed. The interplay between religion, culture and wellbeing is discussed
45
Montgomery, Natalie D. "Tensions Along the Path Towards Mental Health Literacy for New Immigrant Mothers: Perspectives on Mental Health and Mental Illness." Thèse, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/30728.
Full textAbstract:
New immigrants to Canada are identified as a vulnerable population in mental health and, as a result, organizations are signaling the need to enhance their mental health supports. The research uses focus groups and questions based on the messaging of a Canadian school mental health program to understand how new immigrant mothers interpret and develop key aspects of their mental health literacy and how they attain parent empowerment. A thematic assessment of the knowledge, interpretation, action and decision-making of the study participants (n=7), all recent immigrants to Canada and mothers of high school students, shows that new immigrant mothers are prepared to follow a path towards mental health literacy. At the same time, however, there are barriers that can block progression towards mental health literacy for this audience. These findings are supported by three umbrella themes: the first main theme “home as haven” espouses maternal roles in mental health maintenance such as protector and communicator, the second main theme “knowledge versus suspicions of mental health and mental illness” represents informed views and support of mental illness and myths and illusions of mental illness, and the third main theme, “additional barriers to mental health literacy” includes the hardships of immigration and fear of knowledge. The study concludes that new immigrant mothers appreciate the importance of fostering mental health understanding and discussion with their children at the same time that they encounter obstacles to the advancement of their mental health literacy. This study is relevant to the field of communication in that it demonstrates the experience of new immigrant mothers as a secondary audience in mental health programming. As the caregivers of their children, they are in position to enforce the messages and health maintenance behaviours of a school-based mental health program aimed at adolescents.
46
Wenger, Tara Renee Brenneman. "Health Information Technology Adoption by Mental Health Organizations." The Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1523481704831465.
Full text
47
Faisal, Saman. "Mental Health Impact of Disasters." Digital Archive @ GSU, 2008. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/iph_theses/56.
Full textAbstract:
It is very important to study the mental health impact of disasters to provide adequate mental health services when there is an increased demand of mental health services and a concurrent deterioration of mental healthcare capacity after disasters. This study examined the mental health impact of 9/11 attacks among the individuals living close to the disaster area and compared them to the individuals living farther from the disaster area. New York (NY) state and Washington DC were selected as the disaster areas and Illinois (IL) was selected to study individuals living farther from the disaster area. The study also assessed the effects of mental health on risky behaviors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption and how they vary based on age, gender and proximity to the disaster. Ten year Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 1996-2005 was obtained for NY, DC and IL. Significant increase in mental distress was observed in NY and DC but not in IL. Increased use of alcohol was found among DC and NY residents but the increase in IL was not significant. Logistic regression showed that increase in alcohol consumption was not associated with mental health. An overall decrease in cigarette smoking was observed and there was no impact of disaster on smoking rates. Mental distress was much higher among the female respondents as compared to the male respondents. Mental distress was highest among 35- 49 year old respondents as compared to other age groups. In future longitudinal studies should be conducted in order to establish the causal relationship of mental health and risk behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption after disasters. Most of the interventions regarding post-disaster mental health focus on PTSD but other mental disorders should also be addressed.
48
Tengland, Per-Anders. "Mental health : a philosophical analysis /." Linköping : Tema, Univ, 1998. http://www.bibl.liu.se/liupubl/disp/disp98/arts177s.htm.
Full text
49
Pusateri, Cassandra G. "Mental Health Services in Appalachia." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2016. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/3160.
Full text
50
Pilecka, Izabela. "Nutrition, neurodevelopment and mental health." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2016. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/nutrition-neurodevelopment-and-mental-health(aef2ac73-1610-41bf-9941-5e7bd44f3666).html.
Full textAbstract:
There is increasing awareness for the potential effects of nutrition on mental health. Specifically, researchers are interested in the benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and vitamin D on brain development and psychological well-being. The main objective of this thesis is to examine evidence for the relationship between nutritional intake, neurodevelopment, psychotic and depressive symptoms. This thesis consists of a series of studies designed to test several hypotheses. A review and meta-analysis tested the hypothesis that maternal fish oil intake/omega 3 supplementation during pregnancy is associated with better cognitive performance in offspring. Next, we used data from the Swedish Women's Lifestyle and Health Study, to test the hypothesis that low UV exposure is associated with more positive psychotic symptoms and with more severe depressive symptoms. For the purpose of this study we use UV exposure data as a primary index for vitamin D. Firstly, the results of meta-analysis showed that for the measure of overall cognitive ability the standardised difference in means (SMD) was estimated to 0.10 (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.20; p=0.07) and for memory functions the SMD was 0.21 (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.41; p=0.04). The observational studies showed better overall cognitive ability with pooled OR of 1.92 (95% CI, 1.61 to 2.30; p<0.001) and for the domain of language and verbal skills the OR was 1.93 (95% CI, 1.37 to 2.73; p<0.001) among children of mothers consuming 2 to 3 fish servings per week during pregnancy. Maternal intake of fish oil during pregnancy is associated with improved cognitive abilities in the offspring. Secondly, the association between sun exposure and psychotic experiences was evaluated by quantile regression models. 34 279 women were included in the analysis. Women who reported no sunbathing holidays and two or more weeks of sunbathing holidays scored higher on the Community Assessment of Psychic Experience (CAPE) scale than women exposed to one week of sunbathing holidays across the entire distribution, when adjusting for age and education. Similarly, compared with women who reported a history of a single sunburn, the women with none or two or more sunburns showed higher scores on the CAPE scale with more women in the right part of the distribution. Thirdly, women who reported a history of two or more sunburns showed positive association with depressive symptoms, compared to history of a single sunburn, when adjusting for age and education. The findings suggest that in a population based cohort of middle aged women, both low and high sun exposure is associated with increased level of positive psychotic experiences and high sun exposure is associated with an occurrence of depressive symptoms.