Countries in recession experience high unemployment rates and a decline in living conditions, which, it has been suggested, negatively influences their populations’ health. The present review examines the recent evidence of the possible association between economic recessions and mental health outcomes. Literature review of records identified through Medline, PsycINFO, SciELO, and EBSCO Host. Only original research papers, published between 2004 and 2014, peer-reviewed, non-qualitative research, and reporting on associations between economic factors and proxies of mental health were considered. One-hundred-one papers met the inclusion criteria. The evidence was consistent that economic recessions and mediators such as unemployment, income decline, and unmanageable debts are significantly associated with poor mental wellbeing, increased rates of common mental disorders, substance-related disorders, and suicidal behaviours. On the basis of a thorough analysis of the selected investigations, we conclude that periods of economic recession are possibly associated with a higher prevalence of mental health problems, including common mental disorders, substance disorders, and ultimately suicidal behaviour. Most of the research is based on cross-sectional studies, which seriously limits causality inferences. Conclusions are summarised, taking into account international policy recommendations concerning the cost-effective measures that can possibly reduce the occurrence of negative mental health outcomes in populations during periods of economic recession.

This umbrella review analyzed the effectiveness of school-based interventions, applying body weight or behavioral outcomes. Twelve systematic reviews and five meta-analyses (examining 196 trials) were included. Results indicated that the effectiveness was usually referred to body weight or BMI change, with 1/3 of trials (per review) indicating significant changes in BMI or obesity prevalence. Meta-analyses yielded mixed effects (three showed significant changes in weight, BMI, or obesity). Interventions were more effective if they aimed at a reduction of sedentary behaviors, incorporated moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and parental involvement. The inclusion of a nutrition component moderated the long-term effects of interventions. More efficient interventions lasted at least 3 months, did not aim solely at environmental changes, and were implemented in general population. Female and younger participants may benefit more from the interventions. The role of psychological theories and behavioral or cognitive mediators was rarely investigated.

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the associations between physical fitness (PF) and psychosocial aspects of health. This study aimed to analyse the associations between self-reported PF and self-rated health (SRH), life-satisfaction (LS), and quality of life (QoL). This is a cross-sectional study of 3554 adolescents (1652 boys), aged 13-18, from the HBSC Portuguese survey. PF, health, LS and OoL were self-rated. SRH, LS, and health-related OoL (HRQoL) were significantly and positively correlated with all PF components. From regression model, overall fitness was significantly related with SRH (boys: β = 0.18, p < 0.001; girls: β = 0.16, p < 0.001), LS (boys: β = 0.36, p < 0.001; girls: β = 0.43, p < 0.001), and HRQoL (boys: β = 2.26, p < 0.001; girls: β = 2.54, p < 0.001). Cardiorespiratory fitness was also positively and significantly related with SRH (boys: β = 0.17, p < 0.001; girls: β = 0.11, p < 0.001), LS (boys: β = 0.13, p < 0.05; girls: β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and HRQoL (boys: β = 1.74, p < 0.001; girls: β = 1.57, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that perceived PF is associated with a better SRH, LS, and perceived HRQoL. A few implications regarding public policies were highlighted.