The impact of COVID-19 and bushfires on the mental health of Australian adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background When COVID-19 spread to Australia in January 2020, many communities were already in a state of emergency from the Black Summer bushfires. Studies of adolescent mental health have typically focused on the effects of COVID-19 in isolation. Few studies have examined the impact of COVID-19 and other co-occurring disasters, such as the Black Summer bushfires in Australia, on adolescent mental health. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey to examine the impact of COVID-19 and the Black Summer bushfires on the mental health of Australian adolescents. Participants (N = 5866; mean age 13.61 years) answered self-report questionnaires about COVID-19 diagnosis/quarantine (being diagnosed with and/or quarantined because of COVID-19) and personal exposure to bushfire harm (being physically injured, evacuated from home and/or having possessions destroyed). Validated standardised scales were used to assess depression, psychological distress, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. Trauma related to COVID-19 and the bushfires was also assessed. The survey was completed in two large school-based cohorts between October 2020 and November 2021. Results Exposure to COVID-19 diagnosis/quarantine was associated with increased probability of elevated trauma. Exposure to personal harm by the bushfires was associated with increased probability of elevated insomnia, suicidal ideation, and trauma. There were no interactive effects between disasters on adolescent mental health. Effects between personal risk factors and disasters were generally additive or sub-additive. Conclusions Adolescent mental health responses to community-level disasters are multi-faceted. Complex psychosocial factors associated with mental ill health may be relevant irrespective of disaster. Future research is needed to investigate synergistic effects of disasters on young mental health.

A bibliometric analysis of insomnia in adolescent

“…There are additional comorbidities associated with insomnia, including the aforementioned depression, and some of the symptoms caused by comorbid insomnia contribute to declines in quality of life, impeding the development and maturation of adolescents ( 107 ). During the COVID–19 pandemic, physical and mental health was negatively affected in adolescents, leading to sleep delays, insomnia, depression, decreased learning ability, cognitive impairment, and an increased risk of comorbidities ( 108 , 109 ). Bothe et al ( 110 ) found that adolescents affected by the epidemic reported sleep disturbances, diminished sleep quality, nightmares, anxiety, and depression, and as a result of these symptoms, daytime fatigue, impaired academic and social functions, and a diminished capacity to regulate emotions and emotional responses.…”

Pandemic impacts and experiences after disaster in Australia: qualitative study of compound impacts following the Black Summer bushfires

“…10 Notwithstanding the unique features of major bushfires and a public health emergency, few studies have yet considered specific impacts on mental health and well-being of the Black Summer bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic. Available studies have mainly comprised cross-sectional surveys of adolescents 11 and adults, 12 teachers 13 and older adults, 14 with one study using a mood-monitoring application that tracked changes over time. 15 The latter suggested that symptoms of depression increased during the bushfires and remained elevated subsequently during pandemic restrictions, whereas experiences of anxiety and reduced social connectedness were observed during the pandemic (relative to when bushfires were active).…”

“… 15 The latter suggested that symptoms of depression increased during the bushfires and remained elevated subsequently during pandemic restrictions, whereas experiences of anxiety and reduced social connectedness were observed during the pandemic (relative to when bushfires were active). 15 Cross-sectional surveys also indicate that bushfire and pandemic impacts are both associated with reduced mental health 11 and well-being 13 (although links with pandemic stressors may be attenuated when controlling for factors such as financial difficulties), 12 as well as greater social isolation. 14 By contrast, relevant studies have found no evidence of interactions between pandemic and bushfire impacts, although complex relationships have been observed with adverse childhood experiences (suggesting compounding effects of disasters and earlier trauma histories).…”

“… 14 By contrast, relevant studies have found no evidence of interactions between pandemic and bushfire impacts, although complex relationships have been observed with adverse childhood experiences (suggesting compounding effects of disasters and earlier trauma histories). 11 …”

Preventing overdoses with over‐the‐counter medicines

“…The study by Arbaeen and colleagues, 1 however, reminds us that this is unlikely to be sufficient alone, and that public engagement and education is also needed, as is guidance regarding appropriate therapeutic shifts. This is particularly important given that calls to NSWPIC for intentional overdoses with analgesics increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic, 2 as did levels of mental distress among adolescents and young adults 6,7 …”