Mental and Social Health Commons^™

A Multi-Study Examination Of Student-Athlete Mental Health And Mental Health Service Delivery In Mid-Major College Athletic Programs, Grace Louis

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Student-athlete mental health has become a central priority in intercollegiate athletics, with the NCAA emphasizing its Mental Health Best Practices (2016) and strengthening and expanding these standards through updated recommendations in 2024. These efforts reflect a broader cultural shift toward recognizing the unique psychological stressors faced by college athletes, including performance pressure, identity foreclosure, high time demands, and transitions both into and out of sport (Moreland et al., 2018; Hughes & Leavey, 2012). Additionally, student-athletes frequently delay or avoid help-seeking due to stigma, time constraints, identity-protective behaviors, cultural norms emphasizing toughness, and limited mental health literacy (Gulliver et al., 2012; …

Vape Counseling At Pediatric Practices: The Rethink Vape Toolkit, Paul T. Harrell, Ann L. Edwards, Natasha K. Sriraman, Rebecca J. Slimak, Anisha S. Vanka, Amy C. Paulson, Kelli J. England

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Introduction:

E-cigarettes (Vapes) represent the most common form of tobacco used by adolescents, with one out of every 29 (3.5%) middle school students and one in every 13 (7.8%) of high school students vaping daily. This project aimed to increase vape screening and prevention education in youth visits at pediatric practices, to increase provider comfort with the topic of vaping, and to evaluate this educational process.

Methods:

A provider training and resource modules (talking points, billing codes, and shareable parent/teen-tailored resources) were developed. Providers (N = 32) completed an anonymous pre/postsurvey regarding their knowledge, comfort levels, barriers, and practices related …

The Impact Of Medicaid Policy Limitations On Access To Eating Disorder Treatment: Uncovering The Consequences Of A System Built To Fail, Meghan Frost

DSW Capstone Projects

Individuals who rely on Medicaid face major barriers when trying to access eating disorder (ED) treatment, reflecting broader patterns of structural disadvantage in publicly funded health care. Research shows delayed diagnosis, limited access to ED specialists, and frequent denials for recommended services. These gaps occur because Medicaid policies do not match the needs of evidence based ED care, resulting in delayed or incomplete care for many individuals with eating disorders.

This issue is highly relevant to social work practice because the policies shaping these barriers are complex and difficult for clients and ED providers to navigate. Social workers across clinics, …

Exploring The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Preventive Healthcare Utilization In Rural Georgia, Ryan R. Traylor

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and preventive healthcare use among adults in Georgia, specifically within rural populations facing structural barriers. Using 2023 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, the research analyzes associations between ACE exposure, rural residence, and preventive care outcomes, including physical exams and flu vaccinations. Guided by an intersectionally adapted version of Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, the study evaluates how predisposing factors, enabling resources, and perceived barriers relate to healthcare engagement. Logistic regression analyses assess the correlation of ACE exposure, cost barriers, provider access, and sociodemographics with preventive …

A Delphi Study Of Ethical Best Practices For Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, Alyssa K. Griskiewicz

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this Delphi study was to establish areas of ethical consensus regarding psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) from the perspectives of an expert panel of practitioners, with attention to issues of equity and access. Participants (N = 29) include individuals with two or more years of experience in one or more of the following domains of psychedelic expertise: clinical/professional practice, scholarly/research contributions, or guided community/ceremonial facilitation. In Round 1, qualitative data were collected through open-ended questions and analyzed using thematic analysis to generate Delphi statements. In Round 2, panelists (N = 24) rated these statements using a Likert-type scale to …

Cross-Domain Identity Development In Bipoc Autistic Adults: A Grounded Theory Study, Ginnylyne Mariano Guisadio

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Racial and autistic identity development both involve navigating stigma, seeking community, and contending with dominant frameworks that constrain authentic self-expression, yet existing research has not examined how these processes interact for individuals holding both identities. These interactions unfold within structural conditions such as diagnostic disparities, culturally specific ableism, and racialized consequences of visible autistic expression, which shape how identity development proceeds for BIPOC autistic adults. This study investigated whether and how the core identity processes of exploration and commitment proceeded for this population. Nine BIPOC autistic adults participated in written interviews analyzed through constructivist grounded theory, with identity status theory …

Prenatal Exposure To Nicotine And Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Reem Sharaf-Alddin, May Salama, Denise Mckinney, George Saade, Qi Zhang

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

Purpose: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the most common mental health complication of childbirth, and has short-term and long-term consequences for mother, child, and the entire family. PPD is a function of several factors. Prenatal exposure to nicotine (PEN) by Active Tobacco Smoking (ATS), Secondhand Smoking (SHS), or Electronic Nicotine Products (ENPs) is a major potential risk factor. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarize and evaluate all evidence regarding the association between PEN and PPD.

Methods: We searched the following databases, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and CINHAL, for studies published between Jan.1st ,2000&Sep.19th ,2024, with the outcome PPD. Studies …

Brief Exposure Therapy With Exercise For Ptsd: A Pilot Study Using Single Case Experimental Design, Troy J.J. Hubert

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and often disabling psychiatric disorder associated with an increased risk of multiple mental and physical health conditions. Exposure therapy is a gold standard treatment for PTSD, but attrition rates and treatment response are notable limitations. Animal and human research collectively indicate that aerobic exercise can enhance preclinical and experimental models of exposure by improving consolidation of fear-extinction memories. To date, only one clinical trial has attempted to translate exercise augmented exposure therapy for PTSD. The current study is an open-label pilot clinical trial aiming at gauging the effectiveness of a brief eight-session PTSD …

Student And Faculty Perspectives On Perceived Stress, Coping, And Educational Practice In A Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Kristen Morgus, Tiffany Karalis Noel, Christopher Stavisky

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This mixed methods study examined occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students' and faculty members' perceptions of supports and challenges influencing perceived stress, with the aim of generating actionable recommendations for OTA education. While existing literature offered information regarding stressors and coping mechanisms for occupational therapy and non-traditional students, the confluence of these two identities in this OTA student population, as well as faculty perspectives, presented an underexplored area of inquiry. Specifically, this study examined how the intersection of OTA student identity and non-traditional student status influenced perceived stress, an underrepresented focus in the existing occupational therapy education literature. Data were collected …

Putting Lived Experience At The Centre: A Critical Review Of Multidisciplinary, Person-Centred Mental Health Care, Laura Grattidge, Darren Haywood, Nicolas H. Hart, Bridget Elizabeth Hamilton, Ellie Fossey, Melissa Petrakis, David J. Castle

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Person-centred care is widely endorsed in mental health policy yet remains inconsistently enacted in multidisciplinary practice, particularly where services default to diagnostic dominance, risk management, and service-led priorities. This critical review examines what is required to operationalise person-centred, rights-based care across disciplines and settings, positioning lived and living experience as core expertise rather than a supplementary perspective and considering implications for suicide prevention. Methods: A critical review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was undertaken, focusing on person-centred and multidisciplinary mental health care. Five commonly used approaches were compared: the Optimal Health Program, the Strengths Model, Open Dialogue, traditional case …

Flourishing In Hong Kong: An Analysis Of Wellbeing-Related Outcomes In The Global Flourishing Study, Lanxi Huang, Xu, Maggie Yue Zhao, Hanchao Hou, Aaron Jarden, Tim Lomas, Brendan Case, R. Noah Padgett, Ying Chen, Richard G. Cowden, Byron R. Johnson, Tyler J. Vanderweele

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Using population-based data from Hong Kong (N = 3,012) drawn from Wave 1 of the Global Flourishing Study, this study examines the distribution of multidimensional flourishing and explores sociodemographic variation across psychological, social, physical, and economic domains. Overall, respondents reported relatively strong happiness and life satisfaction and financial wellbeing, alongside less favourable social connectedness. Patterns of flourishing varied across age, gender, education, employment, and religious affiliation, highlighting meaningful heterogeneity within the population. Early older adults tended to show more favourable wellbeing profiles, whereas younger adults and nonreligious individuals displayed comparatively lower scores across several domains. Educational attainment and employment status …

Lived Experience Of Secondary Vicarious Trauma Among The Tegaru Australian Diaspora In The Postwar Context Of Tigray, Hailay Abrha Gesesew, Fauk, Kiflu Gebremicael Tesfamicael, Gebremeskel Mamu Werid, Lillian Mwanri, Amanuel Gebremedhin, Kidane Gebremariam, Semira Hailu, Kalayu Brhane Mruts, Michael Musker, Fisaha Haile Tesfay, Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema, Paul Ward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The war in Tigray has caused humanitarian and public health crises in North Ethiopia in addition to a high prevalence of mental health symptoms among the Tegaru (people from Tigray) diaspora in Australia. To date, there have been no studies that have explored mechanisms of vicarious mental health and resilience among Tegaru diasporas in Australia. Methods: We conducted 14 in-depth interviews with Tegaru people living in South Australia from September 2023 to June 2024. Data analysis involved an initial stage of open coding, followed by conceptual coding. We also applied “interanalyst validity” to validate the code of framework. Results: …

A Group Motivational Intervention To Support Motivation For Physical Activity Among Adults In Residential Treatment For Substance Use Disorders: A Series Of N-Of-1 Studies, Sascha Thal, Nikos Ntoumanis, Stephen Bright, Bronwyn Myers, Dominika Kwasnicka, Peter Verboon, James Clarke, Eleanor Quested

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: Physical activity (PA) may offer health benefits for individuals undergoing substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, yet relapse, comorbidities, and motivational challenges often hinder PA maintenance. This study assessed the impact of a motivational intervention aimed at increasing PA motivation and maintenance in a residential SUD treatment setting. Methods and Measures: This non-concurrent multiple-baseline N-of-1 study consisted of a six-week baseline and a ten-week intervention period. The study was conducted with 17 participants from a male-only residential SUD treatment facility in Perth, Australia. Seven participants provided sufficient data for statistical analysis. Participants received ten weekly sessions of a motivational face-to-face …

Co-Design Of An Online Mindfulness Program For Informal Carers Of People Living With Dementia: A Qualitative Study Of Co-Designers’ Experience, Charunya A.K.R. Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage, Seng Giap Marcus Ang, Aisling Smyth, Joanne M. Dickson, Beverley Ewens

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Informal carers face significant challenges related to care provision for people living with dementia. Participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program could improve the wellbeing of informal carers. However, engaging in these programs can be difficult for informal carers due to the needs of their care recipients. Purpose: This study aimed to co-design an online mindfulness program in collaboration with a range of stakeholders and those with lived experience as carers. Methods: This co-design study adopted an interpretive descriptive qualitative approach to the development of the program. The stakeholders (co-designers) included people with lived experience as informal carers and …

Maternal Child Maltreatment And Intimate Partner Violence: Effects On Perceptions Of Infant Temperment And The Mediating Role Of Emotion Regulation And Responsiveness, Jewelian N. Fairchild, G. Anne Bogat, Amy K. Nuttall, Alytia A. Levendosky, Joseph S. Lonstein, Maria Muzik

Psychology Faculty Publications

Purpose

Maternal adverse experiences, such as maltreatment in childhood and later intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy, can disrupt the mother-child relationship and influence maternal perceptions of infant temperament. The present study explored how these adversities influence mothers’ views of their infants’ temperaments and examined the role of maternal emotion regulation and responsiveness to their infants as mediators of these relationships.

Methods

Using data from a longitudinal study of highly stressed, vulnerable women, 355 mothers retrospectively reported on their own childhood maltreatment, as well as their experiences of IPV and emotion regulation during pregnancy. Maternal responsiveness was coded using mother-infant …

Cross-National Longitudinal Insights Into College Alcohol Beliefs And Consequences: The Role Of Food And Alcohol Disturbance, Javiera A. Hernandez Puelma, Katherine A. Berry, Luke Herchenroeder, Alison Looby, Adrian J. Bravo, Christopher C. Conway, Fermín Fernández-Calderón, James M. Henson, Lee Horgarth, Manuel I. Ibáñez, Debra Kaminer, Matthew Keough, Oleg Medvedev, Laura Mezquita, Yanina Michelini, Generós Ortet, Ricardo Pautassi, Matthew R. Pearson, Angelina Pilatti, Mark A. Prince, Jennifer P. Read, Verónica Vidal Arenas, Cross-Cultural Addictions Study Team

Psychology Faculty Publications

The present study examined the mediational role of FAD-intoxication (i.e., restricting calories to increase or quicken alcohol intoxication) in the relationship between college alcohol beliefs (CABs) and negative alcohol-related consequences. A sample of 2543 student drinkers from six countries completed the baseline survey, and 505 drinkers completed at least one follow-up. Two models examined whether frequency of FAD-intoxication mediated the relationship between CABs and alcohol-related problems, and structural invariance testing was conducted across sex and countries. FAD-intoxication was concurrently and prospectively associated with greater endorsement of alcohol-related consequences and significantly mediated the effects of CABs on alcohol-related consequences. The relationship …

Advancing Models Of Ptsd-Aud Comorbidity: Protocol For A Multimethod Framework Using Genetics And Ecological Momentary Assessment, Elizabeth A. Stinson, Samhita Lellapalli, Sage E. Hawn, Natalie Merrill, Lance M. Rappaport, Christina M. Sheerin, Vasiliki Michopoulos, Silviu-Alin Bacanu, Roseann E. Peterson, Abigail Powers, Ananda B. Amstadter

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), which are moderately heritable, frequently co-occur and contribute to significant public health burdens, particularly among economically disadvantaged urban communities. There are noted sex differences in PTSD and AUD outcomes, with evidence suggesting women have heightened susceptibility to stress-related alcohol use. Preliminary PTSD-AUD ecological momentary assessment (EMA) findings support bidirectional associations across clinical outcomes. However, no studies to date have used PTSD-AUD comorbidity models as organizing frameworks to examine the temporal ordering and stability of within-person symptom dynamics underlying the maintenance or exacerbation of PTSD and AUD symptoms, including bidirectional and …

Measuring Mental Health Promoting Behaviours: Development And Psychometric Properties Of A Danish Act Belong Commit-Mental Health Promoting Behaviours (Abc-Mhpb) Scale, Line Nielsen, Ziggi Ivan Santini, Malene Kubstrup Nelausen, Carsten Hinrichsen, Frederik Schou-Juul, Vibeke Jenny Koushede, Robert J. Donovan, Charlotte Bjerre Meilstrup

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Act Belong Commit-ABCs of Mental Health campaign is the world’s first comprehensive, population-wide, community-based initiative to promote mental health. In response to a growing demand for valid tools to monitor mental health promoting behaviours, this study presents the development and psychometric evaluation of the ABC-Mental Health Promoting Behaviours (ABC-MHPB) scale in a Danish population-based sample. Methods: A 10-item scale was developed, based on the ABC framework, to assess mental health promoting behaviours. A total of 119,221 randomly selected participants aged 18+ filled out an electronic survey, including the scale to measure the underlying construct of mental health promoting …

Patients’ And Health Professionals’ Perspectives On Transforming The Burden Of Haemodialysis (Hd) Treatment To An Opportunity: An In-Depth Qualitative Investigation, Haseeba Shouket, Eyal Gringart, Deirdre Drake, Ulrich Steinwandel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Most patients with End Stage Kidney Failure (ESKF) in Pakistan must undergo maintenance haemodialysis (HD) to survive. Session duration and the often lifelong nature of this treatment, along with other factors associated with HD, make it difficult to tolerate. This study took a positive psychological perspective and considered that HD sessions’ duration, which has been a major challenge for HD patients, can be turned to an opportunity for patients’ meaningful engagement. Such meaningful engagement can positively transform Pakistani patients’ experience of HD and extend into their lives outside HD. Twenty-four HD patients and six healthcare professionals were interviewed to explore …

Reflections From A Community Capacity Building Forum To Support People Bereaved By Suicide, Colleen Carlon, Jacquie Tarrant, Marie Eckersley, Priscilla Vindin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

An estimated half the population may be impacted by suicide loss. The combination of grief and trauma makes the experience particularly complex. Recognised as the most stigmatised of all sudden losses people bereaved by suicide are in sociocultural contexts that disrupt constructive grief processes and create barriers for help seeking and supportive responses. Effecting change in this context poses a significant health promotion challenge. Social workers in the South West Region of Western Australia sought to develop and deliver a unique postvention approach aimed at strengthening the self-support capacity of people bereaved by suicide while building broader community capacity for …

Ensuring That Marginalized Young People Feel Welcome, Understood, And Empowered In Health Services: A Qualitative Examination Of The Service Needs Of Aboriginal Lgbtqa+ Young People, Shakara Liddelow-Hunt, Ashleigh Lin, Yael Perry, Braden Hill, Bep Uink

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A lack of appropriate care and discrimination in healthcare settings likely compounds the existing risks to mental health and well-being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, and asexual (LGBTQA+) young people. The current study contributes findings from Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people’s perspectives on their health service needs and preferences. Data consists of qualitative interviews and focus groups with N = 14 Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people aged 14–25 years in Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia. The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Analysis identified three major themes: (1) Unmet need for “whole self” care, (2) Communicating …

Towards A Person-Centred Holistic Consultation Framework For Paramedics Attending Non-Acute Presentations: A Multidisciplinary Commentary, Robbie King, Angela Martin, Alan M. Batt, Sonia Louise Martin, Nigel Barr, Caroline Hwang, Bill Lord, Peter O’Meara, Louise Reynolds, Staffan Hammarbäck, Shaun Hosein, Julie Kempton, Brendan Shannon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Traditional rapid-assessment models may not be fully suited for the complex non-acute presentations that paramedics commonly encounter. As paramedicine evolves to meet non-acute patient needs, extended practice community paramedic roles are emerging to deliver holistic and collaborative community-based healthcare. Purpose: This commentary outlines the need for a person-centred holistic clinical consultation framework for paramedics attending complex non-acute presentations. A framework that provides a structured and systematic process for paramedics, particularly those who are transitioning into extended practice community paramedic roles, to guide them in conducting holistic person-centred assessments. This commentary highlights the importance of understanding the biopsychosocial factors influencing …

Determining The Mental Wellbeing Of Family Day Care Educators In Australia, Theresa Rayfield, Ruth Wallace, Karen Lombardi, Eben Afrifa-Yamoah, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Family Day Care (FDC) is an essential service supporting Australian families requiring convenient, versatile, and quality education and care for their children. FDC educators’ mental wellbeing (MWB), often overlooked, is vital to ensure optimal education and care. This study aimed to gauge Australian FDC educators’ MWB and identify factors positively or negatively affecting MWB. A cross-sectional questionnaire measuring MWB, and eight predictor variables influencing MWB, was completed by Australian FDC educators. Structural equation modelling was utilised to ascertain relationships of the predictor variables on MWB. This study established MWB was lower than population norms (N = 292) and provided a …

Socialization Interventions For Older Adults In Assisted Living Facilities: A Systematic Review, Anoop S. Muvva

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Older adults, defined as individuals over the age of 65, are a growing population in the United States, with projections estimating this group will reach approximately 80 million persons by 2050. Over 90% of older adults are diagnosed with a chronic condition, which can make it difficult to carry out the activities of daily living. As a result, some older adults reside in assisted living facilities, where dedicated staff provide daily support. However, issues in the delivery of care within these settings, including unmet socialization needs and complications among care staff, may contribute to social isolation. Programs designed to address …

Perceptions, Expectations, And Attitudes About Adolescent Telepsychiatry Among Indian American Family Caregivers, Udayvir Jalf

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Adolescent mental health concerns have risen sharply in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point in mental health care access, with telehealth having become a central mode of care delivery. With adolescent telehealth, caregiver involvement has shown to improve treatment adherence and outcomes. Little is known, however, about how Indian American caregivers experience and navigate their adolescent’s virtual mental health care. This qualitative study investigated the perceptions, expectations, and attitudes of Indian American family caregivers regarding adolescent telepsychiatry and caregivers’ involvement. In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with Indian American caregivers of adolescents who completed at …

The Knowledge, Experiences, And Attitudes Of Nurses Regarding Trauma-Informed Care For Sexually Abused Intrapartum Patients, Kayleigh Mcgraw

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Labor and delivery nurses care for women from diverse backgrounds who are preparing for a life-changing event, often marked by fear, excitement, sadness, and joy. However, 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape, and for these survivors, labor can become re-traumatizing. Many report flashbacks, dissociation, and a sense of “being back in the rape” during childbirth. Research further links prior sexual assault to unplanned cesareans, traumatic births, and childbirth-related PTSD. Trauma-informed care (TIC) provides a framework to reduce these risks by encouraging providers to understand trauma, recognize signs of distress, and act to …

The Role Of Resistance Training In Managing Menopause-Related Changes, Alyson K. Strauss

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Resistance training serves as a critical non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating the physiological and psychological declines associated with the menopausal transition. This natural biological phase, marked by declining estrogen levels, typically leads to accelerated bone mineral density loss, sarcopenia, metabolic regulation disturbance, and heightened mood disturbances. To evaluate the efficacy of targeted exercise interventions, a systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. From an initial pool of 60 relevant articles, 13 studies met the specific inclusion criteria, focusing on structured resistance training protocols for perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal cohorts.

The synthesis of these studies indicates that resistance training is a highly …

Risk And Protective Factors Of South Asian American Youth Mental Health, Jasmine Kaur

Honors Undergraduate Theses

South Asian American youth represent a rapidly growing yet understudied population in United States mental health research. Much of the existing literature aggregates diverse Asian American subgroups, obscuring the unique sociocultural experiences of South Asian adolescents and young adults. This thesis examines the risk and protective factors influencing the mental health of South Asian American youth aged 15–25. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using the databases Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Search terms included culturally specific identifiers, migration-related terminology, youth demographic terms, and mental health outcomes. After removing duplicates and applying …

Double Burden: Exploring The Impact Of Epilepsy On Caregivers Of Children With Medical Complexities, Maria Eduarda Baldanzi Silva

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Children with medical complexities (MC) often have epilepsy as a comorbidity. The demanding management of conditions in children with complex needs requires specialized medical care. This care usually prioritizes the child’s health but often disregards caregivers' physical and mental health. This study examined the relationship between epilepsy in children with medical complexities (MC) and their caregivers' quality of life (QoL), with a focus on mental health, physical well-being, and financial stability. A national survey was conducted to compare the experiences of two groups of caregivers: 1) those who have children with MC and epilepsy, and 2) those who have children …

Comparison Of Mental Illness Comorbidity Pre-Pandemic Vs. Pandemic-Era And Associations With Clinical And Demographic Characteristics For Virginia Public Hospital Inpatient Discharges With A Substance Use Disorder, Marilyn Bartholmae, Tharidu Gunawardena

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

The rise in mental illnesses after the COVID-19 pandemic is well documented. However, it is not known whether the rates of mental illness comorbidity increased. The objectives of this study were to compare mental illness comorbidity rates before and after the pandemic among inpatients with SUD and to test associations between mental illness comorbidity, physical illness, and demographics. We used a retrospective cross-sectional design in a sample of inpatient discharges (N = 233,017) at Virginia public hospitals from January 2018 to December 2022. We used Z tests to compare rates of mental illness comorbidity pre- and post-pandemic and Chi-square tests …