Attitudes of Primary Care Health Workers Towards Mental Health Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Osun State, Nigeria

The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on health systems and the physical and mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been substantial. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of mental health workers who provide care to a vulnerable patient population that have been particularly affected during this crisis. A total of 387 HCWs from across a large urban mental health service completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, lifestyle and work-based information and validated psychometric scales. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively; sleep problems with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS); burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); and resilience with the Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine potential mediating factors. Prevalence of burnout was notable, with 52% recording moderate/severe in Emotional Exhaustion, 19.5% moderate/severe in Depersonalisation, and 55.5% low/moderate Personal Accomplishment. Over half of all respondents (52%) experienced sleep problems; the presence of depressive symptoms was a significant predictor of insomnia. An increase in potentially harmful lifestyle changes, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and overeating was also observed. However, high Resilience was reported by 70% of the samples and the importance of this is highlighted. Female gender was associated with increased levels of depression and emotional exhaustion while those with a history of mental health conditions were most at risk of affective symptoms, insomnia, and burnout. Overall, our study revealed considerable levels of psychological distress and maladaptive coping strategies but also resilience and satisfaction with organizational support provided. Findings can inform tailored interventions in order to mitigate vulnerability and prevent long-term psychological sequelae.

Download Full-text

Competency of health workers in detecting and managing gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia during antenatal check-ups in primary care health facilities in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046638 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e046638

Author(s):

Sk Masum Billah ◽

Abdullah Nurus Salam Khan ◽

S M Rokonuzzaman ◽

Nafisa Lira Huq ◽

Marufa Aziz Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Health Workers ◽

Gestational Hypertension ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hypertensive Disorders ◽

Care Facilities

Study objectiveTo evaluate the competency of trained health workers in detecting and managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy during routine antenatal check-ups (ANCs) at primary care facilities in Bangladesh.Study design and settingsCross-sectional study; conducted in 26 primary care facilities.Outcome measuresAccurate diagnosis of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.MethodIn total 1560 ANC consultations provided by primary health workers, known as Family Welfare Visitors (FWVs), were observed using a structured checklist between October 2017 and February 2018. All consultations were reassessed by study physicians for validation.ResultOf the ‘true’ cases of gestational hypertension (n=32), pre-eclampsia (n=29) and severe pre-eclampsia (n=16), only 3%, 7% and 25%, respectively, were correctly diagnosed by FWVs. Per cent agreement for the diagnosed cases of any hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 9% and kappa statistics was 0.50 (p value 0.0125). For identification of any hypertensive disorders by FWVs, sensitivity and positive predictive values were 14% and 50%, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between the blood pressure measurements taken by FWVs and study physicians. Only 27% of those who had ‘some protein’ in urine were correctly identified by FWVs. Women diagnosed with any of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by FWVs were more likely to be counselled on at least one danger sign of pre-eclampsia (severe headache, blurring of vision and upper abdominal pain) than those without any such diagnosis (41% vs 19%, p value 0.008). All four cases of severe pre-eclampsia diagnosed by FWVs were given a loading dose of intramuscular magnesium sulphate and three among them were referred to a higher facility.ConclusionThe FWVs should be appropriately trained on risk assessment of pregnant women with particular emphasis on accurately assessing the diagnostic criteria of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and its management.

Download Full-text

Mental health of postgraduate trainees in primary care: a cross-sectional study

BMC Family Practice ◽

10.1186/s12875-020-01199-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Till J. Bugaj ◽

Katja Krug ◽

Annalena Rentschler ◽

Christoph Nikendei ◽

Joachim Szecsenyi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Download Full-text

Effect of COVID-19 on mental health of frontline health workers in Nigeria: A preliminary cross-sectional study

Journal of Psychosomatic Research ◽

10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 139 ◽

pp. 110288

Author(s):

Olufemi Erinoso ◽

Olusola Adejumo ◽

Azeez Fashina ◽

Ayodeji Falana ◽

Mary T Amure ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Health Workers

Download Full-text

Analysis of Factors That Influenced the Mental Health Status of Public Health Workers During the COVID-19 Epidemic Based on Bayesian Networks: A Cross-Sectional Study

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.755347 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Xin Peng ◽

Yangyang Pu ◽

Xiaoyong Jiang ◽

Qingmei Zheng ◽

Jing Gu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Bayesian Networks ◽

Health Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Health Workers

Background: Public health workers are essential to responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, but research on anxiety and stress among public health workers during the epidemic is limited. This study aimed to evaluate related factors affecting mental health among public health workers during the epidemic.Methods: Between February 19 and 25, 2020, an online, cross-sectional study was conducted among public health workers in a city in China. Mental health status was assessed using the Chinese versions of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), both with a cutoff score of 5. Work-related variables, workloads and sacrifices, and personal perceptions were also assessed.Results: The prevalence of anxiety and depression were 49.2% and 45.7%, respectively, among public health workers. Three risk factors and one protective factor, namely, overcommitment (OR = 1.10∼1.20, p < 0.001), perceived troubles at work (OR = 1.14∼1.18, p < 0.001), perceived tension (OR = 1.11, p < 0.001) and the capability to persist for more than 1 month at the current work intensity (OR = 0.41∼0.42, p < 0.001) were found to be independently associated with anxiety and depression in the multivariable logistic regression analyses after propensity score matching. But the Bayesian networks analysis found that the last three factors directly affect anxiety and depression.Conclusion: Psychological responses to COVID-19 were dramatic among public health workers during the severe phase of the outbreak. To minimize the impact of the epidemic, working conditions should be improved, and easily accessible psychological support services should be implemented.

Download Full-text

Pharmacists’ and Mental Health, Between Perceptions and Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-805582/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amal Akour ◽

Shiraz Halloush ◽

Mohammad Nusair ◽

Muna Barakat ◽

Fatima Abdulla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Issues ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Patient Counseling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Adequate Education ◽

Mental Health Patients

Abstract Background Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are usually underdiagnosed and undertreated. Medications are one primary modality in the management of mental health problems. Hence, pharmacists have a vital role in supporting patients regarding medications’ efficacy and safety. However, the potential role of pharmacists in managing mental health issues in Jordan has not been well established. Aim This study aimed at assessing attitudes and actual practices of Jordanian pharmacists regarding providing mental health services. Method: This was a cross-sectional study that used a convenience sample of 347 pharmacists using a self-reported-based questionnaire, which took place in Amman, the capital of Jordan. Results Participating pharmacists had a positive attitude towards providing care for patients with mental health problems. However, their actual practice did not resonate with their enthusiasm, especially when it comes to long-term follow-up of disease symptom, medications’ side effects and adherence. Pharmacists were eager to collaborate with their colleagues, but the level of actual cooperation was less than desired. The most commonly reported barrier was the lack of education on mental health issues (71.5%), followed by lack of privacy in the pharmacy settings (53.9%). To effectively involve pharmacist in the care of mental health patients, pharmacists should receive adequate education/training in the mental health topics, and pharmacies should be redesigned to provide a private area for patient counseling. Conclusion To effectively involve pharmacist in the care of mental health patients, pharmacists should receive adequate education/training in the mental health topics, and pharmacies should be redesigned to provide a private area for patient counseling.

Download Full-text

Measuring the impact of COVID-19 on mental health as a preliminary procedure in primary care provision: A cross-sectional study using COVID-19 anxiety scale

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care ◽

10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1244_20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 5554

Author(s):

Neeraja Meesala ◽

GV D Harsha ◽

Pradeep Kandikatla ◽

PVenkata Karteekvarma ◽

SandhyaR Nadakuditi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety Scale ◽

Care Provision ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Download Full-text

Tired, Worried and Burned Out But Still Resilient: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Workers During the Covid-19 Pandemic

10.20944/preprints202104.0091.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sofia Pappa ◽

Joshua Barnett ◽

Ines Berges ◽

Nikolaos Sakkas

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Emotional Exhaustion ◽

Organizational Support ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Health Workers ◽

Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Health Workers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

The burden of COVID-19 pandemic on health systems and the physical and mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been substantial. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the effects of Covid-19 on the psychological wellbeing of mental health workers who provide care to a vulnerable patient population that have been particularly affected during this crisis. A total of 387 HCWs from across a large urban mental health service completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, lifestyle and work-based information and validated psychometric scales. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) respectively, sleep problems with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and resilience with the Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine potential mediating factors. Prevalence of burnout was notable, with 52% recording moderate/severe in Emotional Exhaustion, 19.5% moderate/severe in Depersonalisation and 55.5% low/moderate Personal Accomplishment. Over half of all respondents (52%) experienced sleep problems; the presence of depressive symptoms was a significant predictor of insomnia. An increase in potentially harmful lifestyle changes, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and over-eating was also observed. However, high Resilience was reported by 70% of the sample and the importance of this is highlighted. Female gender was associated with increased levels of depression and emotional exhaustion while those with a history of mental health conditions were most at risk of affective symptoms, insomnia and burnout. Overall, our study revealed considerable levels of psychological distress and maladaptive coping strategies but also resilience and satisfaction with organizational support provided. Findings can inform tailored interventions in order to mitigate vulnerability and prevent long-term psychological sequelae.

Download Full-text

Determinants of timely access to Specialized Mental Health Services and maintenance of a link with Primary Care: A cross-sectional study.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-162872/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Carlos Alberto dos Santos Treichel ◽

Ioannis Bakolis ◽

Rosana Teresa Onocko-Campos

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Waiting Times ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Timely Access ◽

Specialized Mental Health

Abstract Background: Although it is known that several factors may influence the access to specialized care, the factors related to the maintenance of a link with Primary Care by patients who accessed Specialized Mental Health Services (SMHS) remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the determinants of timely access to SMHS and maintenance of a link with Primary Care. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted with 341 users of SMHS at outpatient and community level in a medium-sized city in Brazil. Associations between the outcomes and the other variables were explored with the use of Poisson regression models with robust variance estimators. Results: Among the factors associated with the study outcomes, those related to the organization of services and the movement between them were noteworthy. Patients referred by Primary Care were less likely to access specialized services in a timely manner (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.93). However, the referral of cases by Primary Care (RR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.79) and follow-up with visits by Community Health Agents (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.53) appeared to favor maintenance of the patient-Primary Care link. Conclusion: This study reinforces the idea that integration between Primary Care and SMHS should be strengthened, both to reduce waiting times for between-service referrals and benefit continuity of care.

Download Full-text