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The research method used in the study is a literature review, examining existing evidence on the effects of exercise on mental health, particularly in individuals with schizophrenia, alcohol dependence, and depression. The study synthesizes findings from clinical experience and research to highlight the benefits of physical activity, such as improved mental health, sleep quality, and reduced cravings.

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Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review

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In addition to the apparent physical health benefits, physical activity also affects mental health positively. Physically inactive individuals have been reported to have higher rates of morbidity and healthcare expenditures. Commonly, exercise…

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The article examines the financial and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth with eating disorders, their families, clinicians, and the mental health system. It highlights increased treatment costs, challenges in accessing care, and heightened strain on mental health resources. The research method used is a systematic review of available literature, synthesizing data on the pandemic's impact on eating disorder treatment. The findings emphasize the need for systemic support to improve care access and affordability during crises.

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Evaluation of the uptake, retention and effectiveness of exercise referral schemes for the management of mental health conditions in primary care: a systematic review

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Exercise is a recognised element of health-care management of mental-health conditions. In primary health care, it has been delivered through exercise referral schemes (ERS). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has highlighted…

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The study used a mixed-methods approach to identify and analyze barriers that prevent youth from accessing mental health and addiction care. This approach combined both qualitative and quantitative data, including interviews and surveys, to understand the challenges youth face in seeking care. The research aimed to identify key factors such as stigma, system navigation difficulties, and the availability of appropriate services, providing insights into how to improve access and equity in care. 

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Predictors of barriers to accessing youth mental health and/or addiction care

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It is estimated that 1.2 million Canadian youth are affected by mental health and/or addiction issues; yet only a small proportion of young people receive appropriate and specialized treatment. Given caregivers are often tasked with navigating the…

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School counselors discuss the importance of youth mental health, provide tips for parents

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The article examines the financial and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth with eating disorders, their families, clinicians, and the mental health system. It highlights increased treatment costs, challenges in accessing care, and heightened strain on mental health resources. The research method used is a systematic review of available literature, synthesizing data on the pandemic's impact on eating disorder treatment. The findings emphasize the need for systemic support to improve care access and affordability during crises.

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Obeid, N., Silva-Roy, P., Booij, L., Coelho, J. S., Dimitropoulos, G., & Katzman, D. K. (2024). The financial and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth with eating disorders, their families, clinicians and the mental health system: a mixed methods cost analysis. Journal of eating disorders, 12(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-024-00986-1

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doi: 10.1186/s40337-024-00986-1.

Affiliations

¹ Eating Disorders Research Lab, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada. nobeid@cheo.on.ca.

² Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. nobeid@cheo.on.ca.

³ Eating Disorders Research Lab, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.

⁴ Eating Disorders Continuum, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.

⁵ Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.

⁶ Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders Program for Children and Adolescents, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

⁷ Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

⁸ Calgary Eating Disorder Program, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada.

⁹ Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.

¹⁰ Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.

¹¹ Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

doi: 10.1186/s40337-024-00986-1.

Affiliations

¹ Eating Disorders Research Lab, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada. nobeid@cheo.on.ca.

² Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. nobeid@cheo.on.ca.

³ Eating Disorders Research Lab, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.

⁴ Eating Disorders Continuum, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.

⁵ Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.

⁶ Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders Program for Children and Adolescents, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

⁷ Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

⁸ Calgary Eating Disorder Program, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada.

⁹ Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.

¹⁰ Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.

¹¹ Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Abstract

Background: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on children, youth, and families with eating disorders (EDs). The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing personal and financial costs to youth, caregivers, and health professionals accessing or delivering ED services. The objectives of this mixed methods study were to (1) understand the indirect, direct medical and non-medical costs reported by youth, caregivers, and clinicians; (2) understand how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted these costs, and (3) explore implications of these costs with regards to barriers and resources to inform future decisions for the ED system of care.

Methods: Youth (aged 16-25 years) with lived/living experience, primary caregivers, clinicians, and decision-makers were recruited with support from various partners across Canada to complete group specific surveys. A total of 117 participants responded to the survey. From those respondents, 21 individuals volunteered to further participate in either a discussion group or individual interview to provide additional insights on costs.

Results: Youth and primary caregivers reported costs relating to private services, transportation and impacts of not attending school or work. Additionally, primary caregivers reported the top direct medical cost being special food or nutritional supplements (82.8%). In discussion groups, youth and caregivers elaborated further on the challenges with long waitlists and cancelled services, impact on siblings and effect on family dynamics. Clinicians and decision-makers reported increased work expectations (64.3%) and fear/isolation due to COVID-19 in the workplace (58.9%). Through discussion groups, clinicians expanded further on the toll these expectations took on their personal life. Approximately 1 in 3 health professionals reported contemplating leaving their position in 1-2 years, with greater than 60% of this group stating this is directly related to working during the pandemic.

Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the need for increased support for youth and caregivers when accessing ED services both during crisis and non-crisis times. Additionally, attention must be given to acknowledging the experience of health professionals to support better retention and resource management as they continue to navigate challenges in the health care system.

Keywords: COVID-19; Direct and indirect medical costs; Eating disorders; Mixed-methods.

Plain language summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts for children, youth and families with eating disorders (EDs) and those who care for them. The objective of this study was to understand the impacts on financial and personal costs to youth, caregivers and clinicians when either accessing or delivering ED services during the pandemic. This study consisted of an online survey and discussion groups with youth (16-25 years old) with lived experience of an ED, primary caregivers, clinicians and decision-makers delivering ED services to understand the costs they experienced. Although many reported costs were financial, including direct medical costs (i.e. private therapy) and direct non-medical costs (i.e. transportation, accommodation costs), there were also significant personal costs to individuals and their families. Healthcare professionals also reported extensive challenges with resources and increased work expectations due to the pandemic context. Acknowledging the costs experienced by young people, families and healthcare professionals during the pandemic allows for the discussion of how we can better support those accessing or delivering ED services in times of crisis and non-crisis.

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Conflict of interest statement

None of the authors have any competing interests or conflict of interest.

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The financial and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth with eating disorders, their families, clinicians and the mental health system: a mixed methods cost analysis - PubMed

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Findings demonstrate the need for increased support for youth and caregivers when accessing ED services both during crisis and non-crisis times. Additionally, attention must be given to acknowledging the experience of health professionals to support better retention and resource management as they c ...

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