Esme Elsden | University College London (original) (raw)

Papers by Esme Elsden

European journal of public health, Sep 30, 2023

International Review of Psychiatry

BMC Public Health, Jun 30, 2022

Rationale: Leisure activities have wide-ranging benefits for physical and mental health. However,... more Rationale: Leisure activities have wide-ranging benefits for physical and mental health. However, previous studies have often focused on "leisure" as a homogeneous group of activities. This study was therefore designed to take a prospective and comparative approach exploring different types of leisure activities, as well as investigating whether frequency of engagement is associated with strength of benefits. Method: Data from the 1970 British Cohort Study Waves 9 (age 42) and 10 (age 46) were analysed (N = 5,639). Eight domains derived from the SF-36 health survey questionnaire were used to measure health functioning (general health, vitality, bodily pain, social functioning, physical functioning, mental health, role limitations due to emotional, and role limitations due to physical problems). Leisure activities included physical activity, culture engagement, arts participation, volunteering or community engagement, and literature activities. Both ordinary least squares and logistic regressions were applied. Results: Physical activity was associated with greater levels of physical functioning, general health, and vitality at higher frequencies, while cultural engagement was associated with social functioning and physical functioning when engaged in several times a year. Arts participation and literature activities had a general negative association with health functioning. Engagements in volunteering/community groups showed varying associations with health functioning (both positive and negative) depending on the levels of engagements. Conclusion: This research suggests that the types of leisure activities and levels of engagement can have differential associations with health amongst middle-aged adults. This may be helpful for public health initiatives and programmes such as social prescribing schemes when formulating programmes, especially regarding 'dosage' of engagement. Further, the overall benefits of high engagement frequency suggest that increasing leisure engagement could play an important role in supporting improving health and wellbeing at a population level.

Research Square (Research Square), Apr 25, 2022

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically t, newly diagnose... more Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically t, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, offering better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life (QoL). However, with the UK's 1st national lockdown on 23/03/2020, several guidelines recommended deferring ASCT due to risks of infection, with resource limitations forcing some units to suspend ASCT entirely. Such changes to patients' treatment plans inevitably altered their lived experience during these uncertain times with expected impact on QoL. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain insight into MM patients' understanding of their disease, initial therapy and ASCT, and their response to therapy changes. A clinical snapshot of how COVID-19 affected the MM ASCT service in a single UK institution is also provided, including changes to chemotherapy treatment plans, timing, and prioritisation of ASCT. Framework analysis identi ed 6 overarching themes: 1) beliefs about ASCT, 2) perceptions of information provided about MM and ASCT, 3) high levels of fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, 4) feelings about ASCT disruption or delay due to COVID-19, 5) perceptions of care and 6) importance of social support. Example subthemes were beliefs that ASCT would provide a long-remission/best chance of normality including freedom from chemotherapy and associated side-effects, disappointment, and devastation at COVID-related treatment delays (despite high anxiety about infection) and exceptionally high levels of trust in the transplant team. Such insights will help us adjust our service and counselling approaches to be more in tune with patients' priorities and expectations.

Perspectives in Public Health, May 24, 2020

Art, nature and mental health: assessing the biopsychosocial effects of a 'creative green prescri... more Art, nature and mental health: assessing the biopsychosocial effects of a 'creative green prescription' museum programme involving horticulture, artmaking and collections

Journal of Public Mental Health, Dec 18, 2020

Journal of Public Mental Health (((depress*.ti. or malaise inventory.af. or depressive disorder.a... more Journal of Public Mental Health (((depress*.ti. or malaise inventory.af. or depressive disorder.af. or mental wellbeing.af. or mental health.af.) and (cultural participation.af. or arts engagement.af. or creative intervention.af. or social prescri*.af. or cultural engagement.af. or psychosocial interventions.af. or non-clinical interventions.af.) and (cohort study.af. or epidemiology stu*.af. or case-control stud*.af. or population-based stud*.af.))) remove duplicates from 1

Supportive Care in Cancer, Jun 3, 2022

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically fit, newly diagno... more Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically fit, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, offering better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life (QoL). However, with the UK's 1st national lockdown on 23/03/2020, several guidelines recommended deferring ASCT due to risks of infection, with resource limitations forcing some units to suspend ASCT entirely. Such changes to patients' treatment plans inevitably altered their lived experience during these uncertain times with expected impact on QoL. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain insight into MM patients' understanding of their disease, initial therapy and ASCT, and their response to therapy changes. A clinical snapshot of how COVID-19 affected the MM ASCT service in a single UK institution is also provided, including changes to chemotherapy treatment plans, timing, and prioritisation of ASCT. Framework analysis identified 6 overarching themes: (1) beliefs about ASCT, (2) perceptions of information provided about MM and ASCT, (3) high levels of fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, (4) feelings about ASCT disruption or delay due to COVID-19, (5) perceptions of care, and (6) importance of social support. Example subthemes were beliefs that ASCT would provide a long-remission/ best chance of normality including freedom from chemotherapy and associated side-effects, disappointment, and devastation at COVID-related treatment delays (despite high anxiety about infection) and exceptionally high levels of trust in the transplant team. Such insights will help us adjust our service and counselling approaches to be more in tune with patients' priorities and expectations.

Arts & Health, Jan 30, 2022

BACKGROUND This paper proposes a framework for studying the potential of museum-led interventions... more BACKGROUND This paper proposes a framework for studying the potential of museum-led interventions for supporting stroke rehabilitation goals. METHODS The intervention was based on Kirvevold et al.'s model for interventions for post-stroke wellbeing. Mixed-methods data was collected to review benefits in a pilot study, including retrospective video observations for six sessions with four patients; interviews with patients, carers and facilitators; pre-post patient assessments; and facilitator diaries. RESULTS Systematic analysis of videos showed high levels of concentration and engagement with museum objects, low levels of social interaction, and positive or neutral mood throughout. Thematic qualitative analysis suggested patients felt engaged in meaningful activities, which lifted negative mood, provided positive distraction from the ward, and increased self-esteem, including belief in patient abilities. CONCLUSION Further research is needed to fully establish the potential of museum-led interventions for stroke rehabilitation.

EClinicalMedicine, Nov 1, 2021

Background Bullying victimisation is of global importance due to its long-term negative consequen... more Background Bullying victimisation is of global importance due to its long-term negative consequences. We examined the prevalence of victimisation and its inequalities in 15-year-olds across 71 countries. Methods Data were from the Programme for International Student Assessment (March-August 2018). Students reported frequencies of relational, physical, and verbal victimisation during the last 12 months, which were analysed separately and combined into a total score. Prevalence of frequent victimisation (> a few times a month) was estimated, followed by mean differences in total score by gender, wealth and academic performance quintiles in each country. Meta-analyses were used to examine country differences. Findings Of 421,437 students included, 113,602 (30·4%) experienced frequent victimisation, yet this varied by country—from 9·3% (Korea) to 64·8% (Philippines). Verbal and relational victimisation were more frequent (21·4%, 20.9%, respectively) than physical victimisation (15·2%). On average, boys (vs girls +0·23SD, 95%CI: 0·22–0·24), students from the lowest wealth (vs highest +0·09SD, 0·08–0·10) and with lowest academic performance (vs highest +0·49SD, 0·48–0·50) had higher scores. However, there was substantial between-country heterogeneity in these associations (I2=85%–98%). Similar results were observed for subtypes of victimisation—except relational victimisation, where gender inequalities were smaller. Interpretation Globally, bullying victimisation was high, although the size, predominant subtype and strength of associations with risk factors varied by country. The large cross-country differences observed require further replication and empirical explanation, and suggest the need to and the large scope for reducing bullying victimisation and its inequity in the future. Funding Japan Foundation for Pediatric Research

International Journal for Equity in Health, Nov 24, 2021

Background: Reducing health inequalities in the UK has been a policy priority for over 20 years, ... more Background: Reducing health inequalities in the UK has been a policy priority for over 20 years, yet, despite efforts to create a more equal society, progress has been limited. Furthermore, some inequalities have widened and become more apparent, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. With growing recognition of the uneven distribution of life expectancy and of mental and physical health, the current research was commissioned to identify future research priorities to address UK societal and structural health inequalities. Methods: An expert opinion consultancy process comprising an anonymous online survey and a consultation workshop were conducted to investigate priority areas for future research into UK inequalities. The seven-question survey asked respondents (n = 170) to indicate their current role, identify and prioritise areas of inequality, approaches and evaluation methods, and comment on future research priorities. The workshop was held to determine areas of research priority and attended by a closed list of delegates (n = 30) representing a range of academic disciplines and end-users of research from policy and practice. Delegates self-selected one of four breakout groups to determine research priority areas in four categories of inequality (health, social, economic, and other) and to allocate hypothetical sums of funding (half, one, five, and ten million pounds) to chosen priorities. Responses were analysed using mixed methods. Results: Survey respondents were mainly 'academics' (33%), 'voluntary/third sector professionals' (17%), and 'creative/cultural professionals'(16%). Survey questions identified the main areas of inequality as 'health' (58%), 'social care' (54%), and 'living standards' (47%). The first research priority was 'access to creative and cultural opportunities' (37%), second, 'sense of place' (23%), and third, 'community' (17%). Approaches seen to benefit from more research in relation to addressing inequalities were 'health/social care' (55%), 'advice services' (34%), and 'adult education/training' (26%). Preferred evaluation methods were 'community/participatory' (76%), 'action research' (62%), and 'questionnaires/focus groups' (53%). Survey respondents (25%) commented on interactions between inequalities and issues such as political and economic decisions, and climate. The key workshop finding from determining research priorities in areas of inequality was that health equity could only be achieved by tackling societal and structural inequalities, environmental conditions and housing, and having an active prevention programme.

Museum and Society

This article reports outcomes from a 15-month (2018-19) study led by UCL on behalf of the Culture... more This article reports outcomes from a 15-month (2018-19) study led by UCL on behalf of the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance in partnership with three London museums of differing sizes with natural or local history collections. The study aimed to address mental health inequalities by diversifying volunteer populations through reforming recruitment procedures to overcome perceived barriers, and enriching training programmes to improve wellbeing. A mixed methods approach was used to assess wellbeing and mechanisms by which key benefits were derived, such as social interaction and forming connections. The article considers how increasing the diversity of volunteer training in museums can improve wellbeing, widen access and promote social inclusion. Policy and practice implications are discussed in relation to embedding wellbeing training strategies into heritage organizations.

Supplemental material, Appendix1_PPH_R1 for Art, nature and mental health: assessing the biopsych... more Supplemental material, Appendix1_PPH_R1 for Art, nature and mental health: assessing the biopsychosocial effects of a ‘creative green prescription’ museum programme involving horticulture, artmaking and collections by LJ Thomson, N Morse, E Elsden and HJ Chatterjee in Perspectives in Public Health

Arts & Health, 2022

Perspectives in Public Health, 2020

Aims: To assess the biopsychosocial effects of participation in a unique, combined arts- and natu... more Aims: To assess the biopsychosocial effects of participation in a unique, combined arts- and nature-based museum intervention, involving engagement with horticulture, artmaking and museum collections, on adult mental health service users. Methods: Adult mental health service users (total n = 46 across two phases) with an average age of 53 were referred through social prescribing by community partners (mental health nurse and via a day centre for disadvantaged and vulnerable adults) to a 10-week ‘creative green prescription’ programme held in Whitworth Park and the Whitworth Art Gallery. The study used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design comprising two phases – Phase 1 (September to December 2016): qualitative research investigating the views of participants ( n = 26) through semi-structured interviews and diaries and Phase 2 (February to April 2018): quantitative research informed by Phase 1 analysing psychological wellbeing data from participants ( n = 20) who completed ...

BMC Public Health

Rationale Leisure activities have wide-ranging benefits for physical and mental health. However, ... more Rationale Leisure activities have wide-ranging benefits for physical and mental health. However, previous studies have often focused on “leisure” as a homogeneous group of activities. This study was therefore designed to take a prospective and comparative approach exploring different types of leisure activities, as well as investigating whether frequency of engagement is associated with strength of benefits. Method Data from the 1970 British Cohort Study Waves 9 (age 42) and 10 (age 46) were analysed (N = 5,639). Eight domains derived from the SF-36 health survey questionnaire were used to measure health functioning (general health, vitality, bodily pain, social functioning, physical functioning, mental health, role limitations due to emotional, and role limitations due to physical problems). Leisure activities included physical activity, culture engagement, arts participation, volunteering or community engagement, and literature activities. Both ordinary least squares and logistic ...

International Journal for Equity in Health

Background Reducing health inequalities in the UK has been a policy priority for over 20 years, y... more Background Reducing health inequalities in the UK has been a policy priority for over 20 years, yet, despite efforts to create a more equal society, progress has been limited. Furthermore, some inequalities have widened and become more apparent, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. With growing recognition of the uneven distribution of life expectancy and of mental and physical health, the current research was commissioned to identify future research priorities to address UK societal and structural health inequalities. Methods An expert opinion consultancy process comprising an anonymous online survey and a consultation workshop were conducted to investigate priority areas for future research into UK inequalities. The seven-question survey asked respondents (n = 170) to indicate their current role, identify and prioritise areas of inequality, approaches and evaluation methods, and comment on future research priorities. The workshop was held to determine areas of research prior...

Journal of Public Mental Health

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore whether engaging with arts and culture affect dep... more Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore whether engaging with arts and culture affect depression in adults. This is because depression is the most common mental health disorder. Diversification of mental health services, initiatives in arts in health and social prescribing are providing emerging evidence of benefits relating to depression outcomes. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review design adhering to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting guidelines. MEDLINE®, Embase and American psychology association PsycINFO were searched and six studies were deemed eligible. Data extraction and quality appraisal enabled a narrative descriptive summary comparing study design, characteristics, populations and key results relating arts and cultural engagement to depression outcomes. Findings The total number of participants across the studies were 49,197. Three studies reported mean age, 58.78 years (15–99 years). Gender reported by fi...