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To investigate the comorbidity of adolescent depression and Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and their shared and unique cognitive-behavioral factors (i.e., self-esteem, dysfunctional attitudes, hopelessness, and coping), a large-scale school-based survey was conducted among 3147 Chinese secondary school students in Hong Kong. Probable depression and IGD were screened using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale and DSM-5 IGD checklist, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify the associations between different condition statuses and cognitive-behavioral factors. Four groups were identified, including comorbidity group (having probable depression and IGD), IGD group (having probable IGD alone), depression group (probable depression alone), and healthy group (neither condition). Comorbidity group showed the worst cognitive-behavioral statuses, followed by depression group and then IGD group. Compared with healthy group, those with lower self-esteem and higher hopelessness and dysfunctional attitudes were more likely to be classified into depression group and comorbidity group, while maladaptive coping was positively associated with all three disorder groups. The results suggest that depression and IGD may share common cognitive-behavioral mechanisms (e.g., maladaptive coping) but also own their uniqueness regarding specific factors (e.g., hopelessness and self-esteem). A transdiagnostic intervention approach targeting the common factors may effectively address the comorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high prevalence of perceived stress and mental health problems among medical professionals (MPs), their professional help-seeking is extremely low. This qualitative study explored MPs' stressors, stress-coping, barriers and facilitators of professional help-seeking. 10 MPs (30% male, M age = 34.8 years) were recruited by purposive-sampling for views from different roles/settings. Thematic analyses revealed five central stressors: emerging novel diseases, challenges from technology-advancement, patient-communication difficulties, lack of workplace mental health care culture, excessive workload/manpower shortage. Participants predominantly used peer support/supervision and de-stress activities for stress-coping. Five factors affecting professional help-seeking were time constraint versus flexibility, mental health stigma versus de-stigmatization, concern over confidentiality/anonymity versus sense of privacy, worry about damage on professional role versus least work disruption, doubts of service providers versus perceived efficacy. All participants indicated a preference for online mental health service delivery. Results reflected unmet needs and service gaps from MPs' perspectives for the development of future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few longitudinal studies have examined the prevalence of psychoactive drug use and its related predictors among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hong Kong. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychoactive drug use in this population and the relationships of background characteristics, health status, MSM-related self-stigma, and perceived stress with psychoactive drug use. Furthermore, the study tested the mediation effect of perceived stress in the relationship between MSM-related self-stigma and psychoactive drug use based on the minority stress model and the general strain model. A total of 600 MSM were recruited through multiple sources and completed a telephone interview at baseline, and 407 completed the 6-month follow-up survey. Prevalence of using any type of psychoactive drugs in the past 12 months at baseline and in the past six months at follow-up was 16.8% and 9.1% respectively. History of sexually transmitted infection (STI), self-stigma and perceived stress significantly predicted psychoactive drug use at 6-month follow-up. Bootstrapping analysis showed that self-stigma could, directly and indirectly, predict psychoactive drug use at 6-month follow-up through perceived stress. The results highlighted the need for interventions to reduce psychoactive drug use among local MSM and its potential modifiable factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study tested the mediation effect of maladaptive cognition of internet gaming and moderation effect of internet gaming history in the relationship between internet gaming engagement and internet gaming disorder in adolescents. Method: A total of 2,902 secondary school students were surveyed in Hong Kong from February 2021 to December 2021. The proposed moderated mediation model was tested by PROCESS. Results: Internet gaming engagement, internet gaming history and maladaptive cognition were positively associated with internet gaming disorder symptoms. Maladaptive cognition significantly mediated the association between internet gaming engagement and internet gaming disorder symptoms in both males and females. In addition, a significant interaction between internet gaming engagement and internet gaming history was detected among females but not for males, namely, the positive relationships of internet gaming engagement with maladaptive cognition and internet gaming disorder symptoms were weaker with the increased years of internet gaming. Conclusions: Our study provides a better understanding of the underlying mechanism and boundary condition in the association between internet gaming engagement and internet gaming disorder among adolescents. Preventing interventions should aim to reduce maladaptive cognition and internet gaming engagement. Interventions targeting internet gaming engagement maybe more effective among female gamers who are beginners and all male gamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological flexibility may reduce addictive behaviours by adaptive and flexible emotional and cognitive processes. This study tested a mediation model of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in which psychological flexibility would reduce depression and maladaptive cognitions related to internet gaming and in turn lower the risk of IGD. A cross-sectional study surveyed 2102 secondary 1–4 students from seven schools during March to November 2021 in Hong Kong, China. The results showed that 12.7% and 52.2% of the students were classified as having probable IGD and depression, respectively. The proposed mediation model fitted the data well: χ2/df = 8.00, CFI =.99, NNFI =.99, RMSEA =.01. Psychological inflexibility was directly and positively associated with IGD (B =.01, β =.07, p =.003) and indirectly and positively associated with IGD via depressive symptoms (B =.01, β =.07, p =.001, PM = 23.7%) and maladaptive cognitions (B =.03, β =.15, p =.001, PM = 50.8%). Multi-group analyses showed that gender significantly moderated the associations between psychological inflexibility and maladaptive cognitions (Δχ2/Δdf = 8.69/1, p <.05), between maladaptive cognitions and IGD (Δχ2/Δdf = 4.33/1, p <.05), and between psychological inflexibility and IGD (Δχ2/Δdf = 5.46/1, p <.05). Depression and maladaptive cognitions may be significant mediators that could explain the relationship between psychological flexibility and IGD. Also, gender difference may exist. Based on the findings, intervention strategies for IGD reduction are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although digital technology enables people to stay connected during COVID-19, protracted periods of isolation, crisis-induced stress, and technology-based activity may intensify problem technology use (PTU), such as social media addiction (SMA) and Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Objective: This study aimed to characterize the patterns and levels of SMA and IGD during COVID-19 in the general population of Hong Kong. We also tested the associations between prolonged use of social media/Internet games and SMA/IGD and the mediation effects of psychosocial statuses (i.e., loneliness, boredom, and post-traumatic stress) on these associations. Methods: A population-based random telephone survey was conducted in community adults in May 2020; 658 social media users and 177 Internet gamers were identified. A structured questionnaire, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder IGD Symptoms Checklist, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale, Multidimensional State Boredom Scale, and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, was used. Time spent on social media and Internet games during and before COVID-19 was also asked. Results: There were 66.2–81.8% increases in time use of social media or Internet games during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 self-reported information of the participants. The estimated IGD prevalence rate in the gamers based on the sample weighted to the age distribution and gender ratio of the Hong Kong population was 9.7%, higher than that of pre-COVID-19 research. Age, marital status, education levels, time use of social media, COVID-19-related post-traumatic stress, boredom, and emotional loneliness were significantly associated with SMA, while time spent on Internet games, boredom, and emotional loneliness was significantly associated with IGD. Boredom positively mediated the associations between time spent on social media/Internet games and SMA/IGD, whereas social loneliness negatively mediated the association between time spent on social media and SMA. Conclusion: These findings highlight the concern of prolonged use of digital platforms during COVID-19 and its role as a "double-edged sword" for psychosocial wellbeing and behavioral health during COVID-19. It also highlights a need to monitor and prevent PTU in the general public. The observed psychosocial mechanisms are modifiable and can inform the design of evidence-based prevention programs for PTU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC10) and generate normative data for Chinese adolescents. A total of 24,499 participants (male 52.1%, mean age 13.3 years) were enrolled in the school-based survey among 132 secondary schools in Hong Kong during 2017. The CD-RISC10 showed high reliability and confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure. Metric invariance across the gender, age, and grade subgroups was demonstrated. CD-RISC10 scores were positively correlated with psychological well-being and negatively correlated with mental distress. Male and younger students had higher resilience scores. There were significant interaction effects of gender and age/grade, with CD-RISC10 scores decreasing with age/grade in females while similar trends were not observed in males. Overall, the findings suggest that CD-RISC10 is appropriate for use in Chinese adolescents. The availability of normative data will facilitate the interpretation and comparison of research results in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have tested the underlying mechanisms in the association between workaholism and depression. This study aims to investigate the potential mediation effects of work-life balance stress and chronic fatigue and depression among Chinese male workers in Hong Kong. A population-based study among male workers in Hong Kong (n = 1,352) was conducted. The self-reported scales of assessing workaholism, work-life balance stress, chronic fatigue and depressive symptoms were included in the questionnaire. Path analysis was conducted to test the proposed mediation model. Workaholism was directly and indirectly associated with depression through work-life balance stress and chronic fatigue, respectively. The association between work-life balance stress and chronic fatigue was statistically significant in the correlation analysis but not in the path analysis. As high as 30.5% of the participants were classified as having probable chronic fatigue, while 8.4% of the participants were classified as having probable depression. Workaholism is a stressor that may induce negative consequences on well-being and health among male workers in Hong Kong. Interventions to help workers with time and stress management and fatigue reduction may be beneficial for their mental health. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Socio-political circumstances, including security, poverty, national wealth, income inequality, social integration and political conflicts, determine population health. Anticipated socio-political developments refer to the perceived improvement/deterioration in these circumstances in the future year. Aims: This study tested relationships between this anticipation and population mental health (probable depression/depressive symptoms and life satisfaction) and the mediation roles of negative personal responses toward socio-political situations (frustration, emotional disturbance, self-efficacy in political involvement, perceived sense of security, and satisfaction about societal ability in fulfilling individuals' needs) in explaining these relationships. Method: The telephone survey randomly interviewed 420 (59.5% female) adults in Hong Kong. Questionnaire included scales assessing the aforementioned variables. Results: Most participants (71.7%) had pessimistic anticipations over socio-political developments; 11.3% of the participants were classified as having probable depression. Anticipated deterioration in socio-political developments was significantly associated with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction; emotional disturbance, sense of security and need satisfaction were partial mediators of these relationships. Need satisfaction and sense of security showed the strongest mediation effects both for mediations that involved depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Conclusion: Both politicians' awareness and mental health promotion are required to alleviate the negative impact of negative socio-political perception on mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Binge drinking is prevalent among male populations. Few studies have investigated masculine role discrepancy (i.e., the perception of being less masculine than the typical 'man')/discrepancy stress (i.e., the strain caused by perceived masculine role discrepancy) and binge drinking among men. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of binge drinking among Chinese men and the associations between masculine role discrepancy and binge drinking via discrepancy stress.Methods: A random and population-based telephone survey was conducted among Chinese male adults (n = 2000) in Hong Kong. Their levels of masculine role discrepancy and discrepancy stress and presence of binge drinking were tested.Results: We found that 12.3% of the participants had binge drinking behaviors during the last three months prior to the survey. Age and marital status were significantly associated with binge drinking behaviors. Discrepancy stress was positively associated with binge drinking, and it positively mediated the relationship between masculine role discrepancy and binge drinking. However, we found a negative direct association between masculine role discrepancy and binge drinking in the mediation model.Conclusion: The study may shed light on a relatively new and important research direction that links up gender roles and substance use problems. It contributes to an understanding of the potential health impact of gender-role related issues as well as determinants of drinking problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Masculine role discrepancy and discrepancy stress occur when men perceive that they fail to live up to the ideal manhood derived from societal prescriptions. The present study examined the associations between masculine role discrepancy and two emotional and mental health problems (social anxiety and depressive symptoms), and potential mediation effects through discrepancy stress and self-esteem in a male general population.Methods: Based on random population-based sampling, 2000 male residents in Hong Kong were interviewed. Levels of masculine role discrepancy, discrepancy stress, self-esteem, social anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed by using validated scales.Results: Results of structural equation modeling analysis indicated that the proposed model fit the sample well. (χ2(118) = 832.34, p < .05, CFI = 0.94, NNFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.06). Those who were young, single and less educated were vulnerable to masculine role discrepancy, discrepancy stress, and emotional/mental health problems. We found that discrepancy stress significantly mediated the association between masculine role discrepancy and social anxiety, while self-esteem significantly mediated the associations between masculine role discrepancy and both social anxiety and depression.Limitations: Study limitations mainly included the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported questionnaires.Conclusions: The associations between masculine discrepancy and social anxiety/depressive symptoms among men may be explained by the increase in discrepancy stress and decrease in self-esteem. The findings suggest needs and directions for future research for the relationship between masculine role discrepancy and men's mental health, mechanisms involved, and interventions for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the incidence of remission from probable depression among adolescents in Hong Kong. Remissions were defined as having Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD) scores changed from ≥16 at baseline to <16 over the 12-month follow-up period. The study tested the predictors of remissions, including perceived changes in family support, self-efficacy, self-esteem, positive affect, negative events, social anxiety, and loneliness.Methods: The study surveyed 9666 secondary school students and identified 5487 (57%) students with probable depression in Hong Kong. A questionnaire assessing the levels of the aforementioned variables was completed at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up.Results: Among participants with probable depression at baseline, 23.2% remitted from depression at follow-up. Remissions were more common among males than females. Univariate logistic regression showed that perceived changes in all the aforementioned variables significantly predicted remission for both males and females. The same is true for most of these variables when they were entered together into multiple logistic regression models (with and without controlling for baseline CESD scores), except for family support in the female model and self-efficacy in both male and female models.Limitations: Limitations include potential self-report bias and only one follow-up observation over time. The design treats cases of probable mild to severe depression as a single group (CESD≥16).Conclusions: The findings are potentially useful for designing and guiding related intervention programs. Results highlight the importance of long-term follow-up of those screened as probable depression to understand the course of changes in levels of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the mediating effect of love attitude on the associations between relationship quality with self-stigma and mental health among HIV-positive men having sex with men (MSM). Participants included 211 HIV-positive MSM (Mage = 41.77 years, SD = 11.10) and they were assessed on their relationship quality, love attitudes, HIV-positive self-stigma, and mental health. Structural equation modeling showed that the model fit the data well,χ2(50) = 152.80,p < .05, comparative fit index = .94, non-normed fit index = .92, standardized root mean square residual = .08. The indirect effect of perceived relationship quality on self-stigma was significant through love attitude. The indirect effect of love attitude on mental health was significant through reduced self-stigma. The outcomes differed by the number of partners, partner’s knowledge of HIV-positive status, relationship nature, and marital status. Implications for developing a positive self-in-love to diminish self-stigma were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Across the 1213-1736 participants (aged >=18 years) included in each wave, the authors identified those with probable depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score >=10), PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist - Civilian Version score >=14), and - for those in 2019 - suspected PTSD (PTSD symptoms plus direct exposure to traumatic events related to the social unrest). It is worth noting that the 2019 prevalence was assessed during ongoing unrest instead of after the unrest had finished; thus, prevalence of PTSD symptoms during the 2019-20 social unrest might have been overestimated by including acute stress responses in the estimation. [Extracted from the article]

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is an abundant carbonyls and plays important roles in ozone formation and atmospheric oxidizing capacity. To better understand the formation mechanisms of HCHO and its effects on ozone formation, carbonyl compounds were measured at a regional background site of Hong Kong from 20 August to 22 December 2012. Among the total observed carbonyls, Formaldehyde (HCHO, 2.00 ± 1.04 ppbv) presents the most abundant concentration and plays the most important role in OH removal with L OH value of 0.47 s−1. To further dissect the secondary formation mechanism of HCHO at Hok Tsui, detailed modeling analyses were conducted by the OBM-AOCP model for two cases with different meteorological conditions. The result shows that HCHO production was dominated by the reactions of CH 3 O + O 2 , and RO + O 2 (first-generation precursor of RO was Alkenes). The HCHO destruction pathways during two cases were governed by the reactions with OH and photolysis. The net generation rate of HCHO was controlled by meteorological conditions with alkenes (mainly ethylene (C 2 H 4) and propylene (C 3 H 6)) being the dominant parent hydrocarbons of HCHO. Overall, this study provides some new insights into the formation mechanisms of HCHO, especially their parent hydrocarbon species, underlines the important role of carbonyls in ozone pollution in Hok Tsui. Reducing the emissions of alkenes would be an effective way to mitigate photochemical pollution in the background atmosphere of China. • Formaldehyde is the most abundant and important reactive carbonyls at Hok Tsui. • The MCM model explicitly simulated the HCHO formation and identifying precursors at the species level. • Alkenes (mainly ethene and propene) are the principal precursors of HCHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric oxidizing capacity (AOC), dominated by the hydroxyl radical (OH), is an important index of the self-cleaning capacity of atmosphere and plays a vital role in the tropospheric chemistry. To better understand the key processes governing the chemistry of rural atmosphere of southern China, we analyzed the oxidation capacity and radical chemistry at a regional background site in Hong Kong from 23 August to 22 December 2012, which covered the summer, autumn and winter seasons. A chemical box model built on the latest Master Chemical Mechanism (v3.3) was used to elucidate the OH reactivity and sources of RO X radicals (RO X = OH + HO 2 + RO 2 ). The AOC showed a clear seasonal pattern with stronger intensity in late summer compared to autumn and winter. Reactions with NO 2 (30%) and oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) (31%) together dominated the OH loss in summer, while reactions with CO (38% in autumn and 39% in winter) and OVOCs (34% in autumn and 25% in winter) made larger contributions in autumn and winter. Photolysis of O 3 (36%–47%) presented the major RO X source during all three seasons. The second largest ROx source was HONO photolysis (25%) in summer compared to HCHO photolysis in autumn (20%) and winter (21%). Besides, photolysis of other OVOCs was another important primary source of ROx radicals with average contributions of 14%, 13% and 20% for the summer, autumn and winter cases, respectively. Overall, the present study evaluates the oxidizing capacity of the rural atmosphere of South China and elucidates the varying characteristics of photochemical processes in different air masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]