Title: Table of Contents
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
File: TOC
Title: Protocol for population-based, sex-stratified cohort studies to understand the impact of concurrent traumatic brain injury and mental health and/or addictions on health system level outcomes
Volume:  2
Issue: 2
Abstract: Mental health disorders and/or addictions (MHA) are prevalent among survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This protocol describes population-based, sex-stratified studies to determine the sex-specific impact of concurrent TBI and MHA diagnoses on the following problematic system level outcomes: (1) delayed discharge from acute care, (2) re-hospitalization, (3) repeat non-urgent emergency department (ED) visits, and (4) direct medical cost of publicly-funded health service use. Methods and Analysis. Patients with a TBI or MHA-related ED or acute care visit between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2017 in Ontario, Canada, will be identified using codes from the International Classification of Diseases Version 10 in population-based health administrative data. Sex-specific descriptive analyses will be conducted to describe the sample of patients with only TBI, only MHA, and concurrent TBI and MHA at the time of healthcare encounter. Overall and sex-specific regression analyses will be conducted to (a) determine the impact of concurrent TBI and MHA on the health system level outcomes and (b) identify the predictors of these health system level outcomes among individuals with a concurrent TBI and MHA. Ethics and Dissemination. Research ethics approval will be obtained from Ontario Tech University and the University of Toronto. Fact sheets, reports, infographics, and peer-reviewed manuscripts will be generated; presentations will also be made at academic conferences and at ministerial departments, healthcare settings, and relevant consumer-led associations to reach a broad audience. Findings will provide policy-relevant data to direct resources and provide the right care in order to meet health service needs at the health system level. This protocol also provides the foundation for future research using and linking across multiple large population-based datasets to generate comprehensive and longitudinal sex-specific data on individuals with concurrent TBI and MHA.
Pages: 2-9
Keywords: Brain Injuries; Mental Health; International Classification of Diseases; Population Health; Public Health; Substance-Related Disorders
Authors: Vincy Chan, Robert Balogh, Danielle Toccalino, & Angela Colantonio
File: Protocol Population-Based Study
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/TDVC7658
Title: English Translation and Validation of the Ikigai-9 in a UK Sample
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Abstract: The psychological construct of ‘ikigai’ reflects the sense of having a ‘reason for living’ and has been associated with various positive health-related outcomes. This proposal presents an English translation of the Ikigai-9, empirically explores the manifestation of ikigai in the United Kingdom, and outlines its associations with facets of well-being.
Pages: 10-15
Keywords: Ikigai-9, positive health-related outcomes
Authors: Dean Fido, Yasuhiro Kotera, & Kenichi Asano
File: Ikigai_Protocol
https://doi.org/10.54127/LTVZ7010
Title: The association of addictive mukbang watching with mukbang watching motives, emotion regulation, impulsivity, and psychiatric distress
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Abstract: Extant literature has focused on the psychological and emotional predictors of addictive use of different types of specific online activities, including social media addiction, online gaming addiction, and online sex addiction. However, there is little research on the addictive engagement of watching online eating shows called mukbang. The present paper describes the research protocol of a study that will examine motivational, emotional, and psychological risk factors of addictive mukbang watching. An online survey comprised of the Motives for Watching Mukbang Questionnaire, Mukbang Addiction Scale, Short UPPS-P Impulsivity Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales will be used to collect data from at least 1,000 mukbang watchers. The research methodology of the investigation is illustrated in the present paper, and describes the data collection, assessment tools, and analytic strategy that will be used to investigate the research questions and hypotheses. The study will contribute to the literature by providing empirical evidence on associations which have never before been demonstrated. More specifically, the relationship between addictive mukbang watching and mukbang watching motives, impulsivity, emotion regulation, and psychiatric distress will be provided. Furthermore, future directions on studying addictive mukbang watching are discussed.
Pages: 16-22
Keywords: Mukbang; Online addictions; Mukbang addiction; Impulsivity; Emotion regulation; Protocol
Authors: Kagan Kircaburan, Andrew Harris, Filipa Calado, & Mark D. Griffiths
File: JCD Mukbang Study Protocol
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/XQLF8386
Title: Study Protocol: A Pilot Study Investigating Mental Health in the UK Police Force
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Abstract: Police workers in the United Kingdom suffer from poor mental health, which is exacerbated by stigma associated with mental health problems. Accordingly, this study protocol paper presents a pilot study aiming to appraise direct experiences of mental illness among police officers, and the culture in the police workforce towards officers suffering with a mental health problem, while evaluating the feasibility of a large study. Thematic analysis on semi-structured interviews was designed to capture their first-hand experience. Ethical considerations and dissemination plans were discussed.
Pages: 23-27
Keywords: Mental health; police; protocol
Authors: Ann-Marie Edwards & Yasuhiro Kotera
File: Protocol Mental Health in UK Police Force
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/DJAA6164
Title: Protocol: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the Workplace: Prevalence, Correlates and Comorbidities, and Outcomes
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Abstract: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common and frequently comorbid with, or may precede or result from, mental health and substance use problems. Population-based data on mild traumatic brain injury and subsequent return to work (RTW) are limited, particularly by sex. This research will pursue four primary aims: (1) to provide a population-level estimate of the prevalence of work-related mild TBI in Ontario; (2) to identify and compare correlates (e.g., demographic and occupation characteristics, injury characteristics) and comorbidities (e.g., mental and physical health, substance use) of work-related versus not-work-related mild TBI; (3) to identify factors (e.g., demographic and occupation characteristics, injury characteristics, psychosocial and work environment factors) predictive of the RTW experience (e.g., length of time before RTW, level of productivity, length of time workplace accommodations are in place, length of time employed in that position post-injury); and (4) to examine publicly-funded health services used following work-related mild TBI in Ontario. Methods and Analysis. New work-related TBI items will be included in the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Monitor survey of the Ontario adult population that will provide a population-based estimate of the prevalence of work-related TBI, stratified by injury severity. Follow-up interviews with those reporting a work-related TBI will include questions related to the circumstances specific to work-related TBIs (e.g., industry, job type) and the RTW experience. Interview data will be linked to healthcare usage data from ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences). Ethics and Dissemination. All participants will be asked to provide informed consent to participate, and approval will be obtained from the REBs at CAMH, York University, and the University of Toronto. Using a multi-faceted knowledge transfer and exchange plan, study findings will be used to leverage support for prevention and intervention initiatives from government, research, and regulatory authorities, and to guide improvements to workplace TBI policies and programs.
Pages: 28-41
Keywords:
Authors: Christine M. Wickens, Vincy Chan, Angela Colantonio, Gina Stoduto, Danielle Toccalino, & Robert E. Mann
File: TBI in the Workplace Protocol
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/YWME7259
Title: Study Protocol: Randomised Control Trial of Lunchtime Walk and Nature Awareness for UK Workers
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Abstract: Work mental health is an area that has been highly focused on in the United Kingdom, as poor mental health of the workforce has yielded substantial costs to organisations and the economy. While various therapeutic approaches have been introduced and recommended, this study will focus on a nature-based approach –through nature walks and nature awareness –as a preventative activity. Nature-based approaches to mental health have begun to receive attention from researchers and practitioners globally; however, rigorous evaluation using a randomised control trial has not been conducted sufficiently. This protocol paper, therefore, will report a research design to evaluate the mental health effects of a 15-minute lunch time nature walk and recording participant awareness (e.g. noticing three good things in nature).  This will take place over five days in a random control trial attended by UK public workers, where the control group will only engage in the walk without recording. Additionally, in order to capture their experience, qualitative data of their awareness will be collected and thematically analysed, followed by a focus group. Findings can inform a practical and feasible activity to support work mental health.
Pages: 42-46
Keywords: protocol, workplace wellbeing, nature-based intervention, work mental health
Authors: Phil Green & Yasuhiro Kotera
File: STUDY PROTOCOL PhilGreen
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/HQSB4310
Title: Research Proposal: Qualitative Investigation into Internet-based Interventions for Professional Dementia Caregivers’ Wellbeing
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Abstract: This paper proposes a qualitative investigation into internet-based intervention for the wellbeing of professional dementia caregivers. Dementia care is associated with care burden leading to negative psychological consequences, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has made access to the traditional face-to-face therapy challenging for dementia caregivers. Accordingly, some dementia caregivers have started to use therapy via information and communication technologies (ICTs) including internet-based interventions. The interventions offered in this medium include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation. To date, research has only examined the effects of these ICTs interventions among informal/family dementia caregivers, suggesting a need to examine the effects on professional dementia caregivers. In order to capture their first-hand experience receiving ICTs interventions on wellbeing, a qualitative research, using thematic analysis on semi-structured interview is proposed. Interviews will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of ICTs interventions on their mental wellbeing and care burden. Findings can inform the utility of these interventions for professional dementia caregivers in COVID-19 to help protect them from severe mental distress such as burnout supporting long-lasting care for their patients/clients.
Pages: 47-56
Keywords: Qualitative investigation; Internet-based; ICTs; CBT; Psychoeducation; Interventions; Professional dementia caregivers; COVID-19; Research proposal
Authors: Muhammad Aledeh & Yasuhiro Kotera
File: Aledeh_Protocol
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/TBJN6734