scholarly journals Death by request in Switzerland: Posttraumatic stress disorder and complicated grief after witnessing assisted suicide

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 542-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Wagner ◽  
J. Müller ◽  
A. Maercker
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Suicide ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Complicated Grief ◽  
Brief Symptom Inventory ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Present Sample ◽  
Swiss Population ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundDespite continuing political, legal and moral debate on the subject, assisted suicide is permitted in only a few countries worldwide. However, few studies have examined the impact that witnessing assisted suicide has on the mental health of family members or close friends.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 85 family members or close friends who were present at an assisted suicide was conducted in December 2007. Full or partial Post-Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD; Impact of Event Scale–Revised), depression and anxiety symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory) and complicated grief (Inventory of Complicated Grief) were assessed at 14 to 24 months post-loss.ResultsOf the 85 participants, 13% met the criteria for full PTSD (cut-off≥35), 6.5% met the criteria for subthreshold PTSD (cut-off≥25), and 4.9% met the criteria for complicated grief. The prevalence of depression was 16%; the prevalence of anxiety was 6%.ConclusionA higher prevalence of PTSD and depression was found in the present sample than has been reported for the Swiss population in general. However, the prevalence of complicated grief in the sample was comparable to that reported for the general Swiss population. Therefore, although there seemed to be no complications in the grief process, about 20% of respondents experienced full or subthreshold PTSD related to the loss of a close person through assisted suicide.

Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

The impact of COVID-19 on oncologists: Experience from Egyptian physicians.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13514-e13514
Author(s):  
Abeid Mohamed Athman Omar ◽  
Marwa Ramadan ◽  
Yomna Khamis ◽  
Abdelsalam A. Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Burnout Rate ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

e13514 Background: The unprecedented emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has disrupted the patients' and physicians' daily activities, including cancer care. However, little is known on how COVID-19 has impacted oncologists from low and middle-income countries. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among eighty-eight practicing oncologists in Alexandria governorate, Egypt. An electronic, anonymized self-reporting survey was distributed in February 2020 to collect information on occupational safety measures, the prevalence of COVID-19 among respondents, workload, and family support during the pandemic Results: Out of 88 contacted oncologists, 75% completed the survey (n=66). Nearly half (45%) of respondents were residents, 36% were specialists, and 18% were consultants. The mean age of respondents was 34.79 years (SD ±10.42). More than half of the respondents were not comfortable managing cancer patients during the pandemic (56%) and did not feel well-protected at the workplace (58%). However, most (79%) had managed a cancer patient with COVID-19 more than once. Furthermore, almost all participants (98%) have worked with an infected colleague. Nevertheless, to more than half (54%), it made no difference working with a colleague who was previously infected. Most physicians (79%) felt overwhelmed with workload than the pre-pandemic period. Despite being COVID-19 negative, nearly half reported their family members had reduced contact with them due to the fear of being infected. In contrast, 24% are now getting more family support, whereas 27% are experiencing the same contact level as before the COVID-19 era. Physicians lacking family support had a significantly higher burnout rate than those who had family support (p=0.038). However, the burnout rate was similar regardless of doctors' rank, or treating COVID-19 patients, or feeling protected at work. The majority of the participants (75%) had experienced COVID-19 like symptoms, and one third (n=21) were confirmed COVID-19 infected: residents - 52%, specialists - 33%, and consultants - 14%. Nevertheless, we found no association between the rank and being infected with COVID-19 (p=0.632). Most participants thought they were infected at the hospital (38% by patients; 24% by colleagues), and 14% by family members. However, there was no significant association between being infected and feeling protected at work (p=0.823). Most of the infected physicians (61%) received moral support from both the family and colleagues, and 33% received family support only. There was no association between burnout rate and being COVID-19 infected (p=0.719). Conclusions: One-third of the oncologists were COVID-19 positive. Besides, most oncologists feel overwhelmed with workload and experience more burnout than before the COVID-19 era, and it worsens if one lacks family support.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional survey of psychological distress in a Mexican sample during the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldebarán Toledo-Fernández ◽  
Diana Betancourt-Ocampo ◽  
Héctor Romo-Parra ◽  
Ernesto Reyes-Zamorano ◽  
Alejandro González-González
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Baseline Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
The Impact

The objectives of this study were to describe severity of psychological distress (event-related stress, anxiety, and depression) during the second stage of COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, and to explore associations between the indicators of psychological distress, sociodemographic characteristics and specific concerns about COVID-19. This report serves as a baseline measure of a longitudinal project to evaluate progression of psychological distress across stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. An online survey was conducted in the State of Mexico from April 8th -18th, 2020, in a sample of men and women who are beneficiaries of a welfare institution in the region. Variables were measured with the Impact of Event Scale-6, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disoder-7, and a questionnaire of concerns about COVID-19. A total of 5974 participants were analyzed. Moderate levels of psychological distress (with 23.6% of participants meeting significant event-related stress, but mild levels of depression and anxiety) were found, as well as high values in all concerns about COVID-19, especially regarding financial disruption, worsening of local security and concern of a family member becoming infected. These concerns associated mild-to-moderately with the indicators of psychological distress. Higher values of event-related distress were found in women, individuals with higher educational attainment and those with any current high-risk medical diagnosis, though the effect sizes were mild. Though psychological distress and concerns about COVID-19 have reached significant levels during the pandemic in Mexico, overall, they have not yet reached dysfunctional levels.

scholarly journals Emotional impact of COVID-19 lockdown and mitigation options: A cross-sectional survey of households in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110324
Author(s):  
Nwamaka A Elom ◽  
Ignatius O Nwimo ◽  
Sampson Omena Elom ◽  
Deborah N Alegu ◽  
Eunice N Afoke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Video Conference ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mitigation Options ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Background: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has continued to plague households, leading to lockdown problems. Adopting appropriate mitigation strategies can reduce the impact on family members. Purpose: To assess the emotional impact of COVID-19 epidemic lockdown and mitigation measures among households in Ebonyi State. Methods: Cross-sectional survey design was used to study 516 participants. Emotional impact of COVID-19 lockdown ( r = 0.73) and mitigation options ( r = 0.92) questionnaire was used for data collection. Of the 516 copies of the questionnaire distributed, 493 copies (95.5% return rate) were used for data analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, standard deviations, and t-tests. Results: The data showed the emotional impact of the COVID-19 epidemic was high (2.97 ± 0.48) on households. They embraced friendly communication and communication with their partners, maintaining regular contact with their loved ones by phone, email, social media, or video conference to alleviate the COVID-19 lockdown. No significant differences were found in the emotional impact for location ( p > 0.05). Significant differences were not observed in many gender-based mitigation options. Conversely, a significant difference existed in the mitigation options based on location ( t = 3.143, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in friendly interactions and communication with partners ( t = 0.354, p > 0.05), finding opportunities to develop excellent and promising news and images ( t = 0.770, p > 0.05) and maintaining regular communication with loved ones via phone, email, social media, and video conference ( t = 0.448, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The emotional impact of COVID-19 confinement was significant on family life and was more prevalent among men and urban dwellers. There is need to organise an awareness campaign on fundamental ways to overcome emotional distress using media targeting family members to promote emotional health.

scholarly journals Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study

10.2196/24776 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. e24776
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

Background The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. Objective This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. Methods We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. Results A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). Conclusions The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts.

scholarly journals Psychological symptoms of the outbreak of the COVID-19 confinement in Spain

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532096708
Author(s):  
Paula Odriozola-González ◽  
Álvaro Planchuelo-Gómez ◽  
María Jesús Irurtia ◽  
Rodrigo de Luis-García
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Spanish Population ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
The Impact

We studied the short-term psychological effects of the COVID-19 crisis and the quarantine on 3550 adults from the Spanish population in a cross-sectional survey. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress were analyzed using the 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder were analyzed using the Impact of Event Scale. Symptomatic scores of anxiety, depression, and stress were observed in 20% to 30% of respondents. Symptomatic scores indicating psychological stress were found in 47.5% of respondents. Similar to the findings of other multiple studies, confinement has been found to have significant emotional impact in the Spanish population.

scholarly journals Increased stressful impact among general population in mainland China amid the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide cross-sectional study conducted after Wuhan city’s travel ban was lifted

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (8) ◽  
pp. 770-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Feei Ma ◽  
Yutong Zhang ◽  
Xiaoqin Luo ◽  
Xinli Li ◽  
Yeshan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological responses and lifestyle changes among the general population in mainland China following the re-opening of the Wuhan city. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2020. Participants of Chinese nationality aged ⩾ 18 years were asked to complete a modified validated Chinese version of a questionnaire regarding the impact of event scale (IES), family and social support, mental health–related lifestyle changes, and indicators of negative mental health impacts. Results: A total of 728 participants (i.e., 217 males and 511 females) completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 32.9 ± 10.4 years, with a majority of them (92.2%) having a higher educational qualification level. The overall mean IES in participants was 21.5 ± 7.0, reflecting mild stressful impact (i.e., following the re-opening of the Wuhan city); 25.5% of the participants had an IES score ⩾ 26. Being females and married were significantly associated with a higher mean IES score. The overall mean scores for intrusion and avoidance score scales in participants were 9.4 ± 3.7 and 12.1 ± 4.2, respectively. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased stressful impact in our participants following the re-opening of the Wuhan city when compared with our previous study, which should not be taken lightly.

scholarly journals Physicians’ experiences with euthanasia: a cross-sectional survey amongst a random sample of Dutch physicians to explore their concerns, feelings and pressure

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Evenblij ◽  
H. Roeline W. Pasman ◽  
Johannes J. M. van Delden ◽  
Agnes van der Heide ◽  
Suzanne van de Vathorst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Random Sample ◽  
Assisted Suicide ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Other ◽  
Recent Case ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Physicians who receive a request for euthanasia or assisted suicide may experience a conflict of duties: the duty to preserve life on the one hand and the duty to relieve suffering on the other hand. Little is known about experiences of physicians with receiving and granting a request for euthanasia or assisted suicide. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the concerns, feelings and pressure experienced by physicians who receive requests for euthanasia or assisted suicide. Methods In 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 3000 Dutch physicians. Physicians who had been working in adult patient care in the Netherlands for the last year were included in the sample (n = 2657). Half of the physicians were asked about the most recent case in which they refused a request for euthanasia or assisted suicide, and half about the most recent case in which they granted a request for euthanasia or assisted suicide. Results Of the 2657 eligible physicians, 1374 (52%) responded. The most reported reason not to participate was lack of time. Of the respondents, 248 answered questions about a refused euthanasia or assisted suicide request and 245 about a granted EAS request. Concerns about specific aspects of the euthanasia and assisted suicide process, such as the emotional burden of preparing and performing euthanasia or assisted suicide were commonly reported by physicians who refused and who granted a request. Pressure to grant a request was mostly experienced by physicians who refused a request, especially if the patient was ≥80 years, had a life-expectancy of ≥6 months and did not have cancer. The large majority of physicians reported contradictory emotions after having performed euthanasia or assisted suicide. Conclusions Society should be aware of the impact of euthanasia and assisted suicide requests on physicians. The tension physicians experience may decrease their willingness to perform euthanasia and assisted suicide. On the other hand, physicians should not be forced to cross their own moral boundaries or be tempted to perform euthanasia and assisted suicide in cases that may not meet the due care criteria.

Traumatic Stress and Ways of Coping of Community Residents Exposed to a Train Disaster

2001 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 528-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Cheung Chung ◽  
Man Cheung Chung ◽  
Steven Farmer ◽  
Julie Werrett ◽  
Yvette Easthope ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Ways Of Coping ◽  
Community Residents ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: The aims of this study were to examine the degree of traumatic stress and the coping strategies employed by community residents who lived on both sides of a rail track where a train collision occurred in 1996 in Stafford, UK. The hypothesis was that there would be a high level of traumatic stress and that emotion-focused coping would be the predictor to distress. Method: This was a cross-sectional survey with a retrospective design in which 66 community residents, who lived between 30 and 100 feet away from the crash site, were interviewed. The study began approximately 7 months after the disaster. The Impact of Event Scale (IES), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Ways of Coping Checklists (WOC) were administered to the residents. Results: On the whole, the results did not entirely support the hypothesis. The residents were found to have experienced some intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviour but their mean scores were significantly lower than those of standardized samples. Thirty-five per cent scored at 4 or above on the GHQ-28. Traumatic stress was predicted by both emotionfocused and problem-focused coping strategies. Conclusion: Although community residents were not on the train or related to the dead or injured in any way, they could, after being exposed to a train disaster, manifest traumatic stress symptoms which had long-lasting effects. Such traumatic stress was found to be associated with coping strategies of community residents characterized by their efforts to manage or alter the source of stress, and by their efforts to regulate stressful emotions.

scholarly journals Psychological outcomes following the Hazelwood mine fire: A mixed methods study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darryl Maybery ◽  
Rebecca Jones ◽  
Matthew Carroll ◽  
Joanna Dipnall ◽  
Emily Berger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Mine Fire ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: This mixed method study assessed the psychological impacts of six weeks of exposure to smoke and ash from the 2014 Hazelwood mine fire in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, Australia. The quantitative component compared residents from the most exposed community (Morwell) with those from a similar, but minimally-exposed, control community (Sale). Qualities of the experience were examined in interviews with Morwell residents.Methods: A cross-sectional survey involved 3,091 Morwell and 960 Sale adults with multiple psychological measures was complimented by 26 interviews with Morwell residents.Results: Morwell residents scored significantly higher than Sale residents on the primary outcome measure, the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (difference = 6.53; 95%CI: 5.37, 7.35, p&lt;0.001), which measured the posttraumatic stress symptoms of intrusive rumination, hyperarousal and avoidance behaviour. Morwell residents also scored significantly higher on the Kessler 10-item general distress scale (difference = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.05, 2.33, p&lt;0.001). On average, the Hazelwood mine fire continued to generate moderate levels of participant distress more than two years after the event, however this ranged from no impact to more severe distress. This range of impact was also evident in the qualitative interviews, where intrusive thoughts were the most frequently reported symptom of posttraumatic stress. The interviews highlighted the increased vulnerability of people with pre-existing mental health concerns.Conclusions: The finding that moderate distress was apparent in the community several years after an extended community-wide pollution event highlights the need for improving response to such events, including providing support to more vulnerable subgroups.

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