Psychosocial Framework for Understanding Psychological Distress Among Survivors of the November 26, 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack: Beyond Traumatic Experiences and Emergency Medical Care

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 330-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacquleen Joseph ◽  
Surinder Jaswal
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Emergency Medical Care ◽  
Terror Attack ◽  
Key Factors

AbstractThe field of “Public Health in Disasters and Complex Emergencies” is replete with either epidemiological studies or studies in the area of hospital preparedness and emergency care. The field is dominated by hospital-based or emergency phase-related literature, with very little attention on long-term health and mental health consequences. The social science, or the public mental health perspective, too, is largely missing. It is in this context that the case report of the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attack survivors is presented to bring forth the multi-dimensional and dynamic long-term impacts, and their consequences for psychological well-being, two years after the incident. Based on literature, the report formulates a theoretical framework through which the lived experiences of the survivors is analyzed and understood from a social science perspective.This report is an outcome of the ongoing work with the survivors over a period of two years. A mixed methodology was used. It quantitatively captures the experience of 231 families following the attack, and also uses a self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ), SRQ20, to understand the psychological distress. In-depth qualitative case studies constructed from the process records and in-depth interviews focus on lived experiences of the survivors and explain the patterns emerging from the quantitative analysis.This report outlines the basic profile of the survivors, the immediate consequences of the attack, the support received, psychological consequences, and the key factors contributing to psychological distress. Through analysis of the key factors and the processes emerging from the lived experiences that explain the progression of vulnerability to psychological distress, this report puts forth a psychosocial framework for understanding psychological distress among survivors of the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attack.JosephJ,JaswalS.Psychosocial framework for understanding psychological distress among survivors of the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attack: beyond traumatic experiences and emergency medical care.Prehosp Disaster Med.2014;29(3):1-8.

The long-term impact of preoperative psychological distress on functional outcomes, quality of life, and patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (7) ◽  
pp. 845-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham S. Goh ◽  
Ming Han Lincoln Liow ◽  
You Wei Adriel Tay ◽  
Jerry Yongqiang Chen ◽  
Sheng Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Knee Score ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Total Knee

Aims While patients with psychological distress have poorer short-term outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), their longer-term function is unknown. We aimed to 1) assess the influence of preoperative mental health status on long-term functional outcomes, quality of life, and patient satisfaction; and 2) analyze the change in mental health after TKA, in a cohort of patients with no history of mental health disorder, with a minimum of ten years’ follow-up. Methods Prospectively collected data of 122 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA in 2006 were reviewed. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively at two and ten years using the Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Function Score (KSFS); Oxford Knee Score (OKS); and the Mental (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) which were derived from the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Patients were stratified into those with psychological distress (MCS < 50, n = 51) and those without (MCS ≥ 50, n = 71). Multiple regression was used to control for age, sex, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and baseline scores. The rate of expectation fulfilment and satisfaction was compared between patients with low and high MCS. Results There was no difference in the mean KSKS, KSFS, OKS, and SF-36 PCS at two years or ten years after TKA. Equal proportions of patients in each group attained the minimal clinically important difference for each score. Psychologically distressed patients had a comparable rate of satisfaction (91.8% (47/51) vs 97.1% (69/71); p = 0.193) and fulfilment of expectations (89.8% vs 97.1%; p = 0.094). The proportion of distressed patients declined from 41.8% preoperatively to 29.8% at final follow-up (p = 0.021), and their mean SF-36 MCS improved by 10.4 points (p < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with poor mental health undergoing TKA may experience long-term improvements in function and quality of life that are comparable to those experienced by their non-distressed counterparts. These patients also achieved a similar rate of satisfaction and expectation fulfilment. Undergoing TKA was associated with improvements in mental health in distressed patients, although this effect may be due to residual confounding. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):845–851.

Physicians' Detection of Psychological Distress in Primary-Care Clinics

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 999-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benyamin Maoz ◽  
Stanley Rabinowitz ◽  
Mordechai Mark ◽  
Helen Antonovsky ◽  
Joseph Ribak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Psychiatric Training ◽  
Primary Care Clinics ◽  
Military Physicians

This study investigated the amount of psychological distress reported by 182 soldiers in the Israeli military and compared soldiers' self-ratings of distress with ratings by military physicians of observed distress. Comparisons indicated a low detection rate by physicians with only 13% of self-reported cases of emotional distress identified. This and several related findings were taken to indicate shortcomings in medical care. Possible remedies include additional psychiatric training for military physicians, less frequent rotation of physicians to allow for more stable care, and the initiation of mental health education among soldiers.

scholarly journals The Acute Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children’s Mental Health in Southwestern Ontario

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Mactavish ◽  
Carli Mastronardi ◽  
Rosanne Menna ◽  
Kimberley A. Babb ◽  
Marco Battaglia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Children’S Mental Health ◽  
Children's Mental Health ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
The Impact

Objective: COVID-19 is an unprecedented global crisis. Research is critically needed to identify the acute and long-term impacts of the pandemic to children’s mental health including psychosocial factors that predict resilience, recovery, and persistent long-term distress. The present study collected data in June-July 2020 to enumerate the acute impact of the pandemic on children’s mental health, including the magnitude and nature of psychiatric and psychological distress in children, and to evaluate social support as a putative psychosocial correlate of children’s distress.Method: 190 families of children aged 8 to 13 from the Windsor-Essex region of Southwestern Ontario reported on the impact of the pandemic on children’s well-being (e.g., worry, happiness); irritability; social support; and symptoms of anxiety, depressive, and posttraumatic stress disorder at baseline assessment of an ongoing longitudinal study of the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Children and parents reported worsened well-being and psychological distress during the pandemic compared to retrospective report of pre-pandemic well-being. Children and parents also reported higher depressive and anxiety symptoms, but fewer PTSD symptoms, compared to epidemiological samples that used the same measures prior to the pandemic. Finally, child-perceived social support from family and friends was associated with lower symptom severity.Conclusions: Study findings indicate broad psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and are consistent with prior research that indicates a protective role of social support to mitigate the negative psychological impact of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Trauma in the Kashmir Valley and the mediating effect of stressors of daily life on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tambri Housen ◽  
Annick Lenglet ◽  
Showkat Shah ◽  
Helal Sha ◽  
Shabnum Ara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Daily Stressors ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Protracted Conflict ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background The negative psychological impact of living in a setting of protracted conflict has been well studied, however there is a recognized need to understand the role that non-conflict related factors have on mediating exposure to trauma and signs of psychological distress. Methods We used data from the 2015 Kashmir Mental Health Survey and conducted mediation analysis to assess the extent to which daily stressors mediated the effect of traumatic experiences on poor mental health outcomes. Outcomes of interest were probable diagnosis of anxiety, depression, or PTSD; measured using the pre-validated Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Results Total effect mediated were statistically significant but the proportions of effect mediated were found to be small in practical terms. Financial stress mediated 6.8% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 6∙0–8∙4], 6.7% [CI 6.2–7∙7] and 3.6% [CI 3∙4–4∙0] of the effect of experiencing multiple traumaticogenic events on symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD, respectively. Family stress mediated 11.3% [CI 10.3–13.8], 10.3% [CI 9.5–11.9] and 6.1% [CI 5.7–6.7] of the effect of experiencing multiple traumatogenic events on symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD, respectively. Poor physical health mediated 10.0% [CI 9.1–12∙0], 7.2% [CI 6.6–8.2] and 4.0% [CI 3.8,4.4] of the effect of experiencing more than seven traumatic events on symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD, respectively. Conclusion Our findings highlight that not only do we need to move beyond a trauma-focussed approach to addressing psychological distress in populations affected by protracted conflict but we must also move beyond focussing on daily stressors as explanatory mediators.

scholarly journals Long-term mental health of Vietnamese refugees in the aftermath of trauma

2010 ◽  
Vol 196 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aina Basilier Vaage ◽  
Per Hove Thomsen ◽  
Derrick Silove ◽  
Tore Wentzel-Larsen ◽  
Thong Van Ta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Global Severity Index ◽  
Original Cohort ◽  
Vietnamese Refugees ◽  
Norwegian Population

BackgroundThere is no long-term prospective study (> 20 years) of the mental health of any refugee group.AimsTo investigate the long-term course and predictors of psychological distress among Vietnamese refugees in Norway.MethodEighty Vietnamese refugees, 57% of the original cohort previously interviewed in 1982 (T1) and 1985 (T2), completed a self-report questionnaire prior to a semi-structured interview. Mental health was measured using the Symptom Checklist–90–Revised (SCL–90–R).ResultsThe SCL–90–R mean Global Severity Index (GSI) decreased significantly fromT1toT3(2005–6), but there was no significant change in the percentage reaching threshold scores (GSI =1.00). Trauma-related mental disorder on arrival and the trajectory of symptoms over the first 3 years of resettlement predicted mental health after 23 years.ConclusionsAlthough the self-reported psychological distress decreased significantly over time, a substantial higher proportion of the refugee group still remained reaching threshold scores after 23 years of resettlement compared with the Norwegian population. The data suggest that refugees reaching threshold scores on measures such as the SCL–90–R soon after arrival warrant comprehensive clinical assessment.

scholarly journals Negotiating vulnerability: The experience of long-term social security recipients

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 225-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Social Policy ◽  
Social Security ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Security System ◽  
Marginal Benefit ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Critical Account

This article addresses the prominence of ‘vulnerability’ as a way of making sense of disadvantage and suffering in both social policy and social science. It examines the interplay of vulnerability as a material phenomenon and cultural script by foregrounding the experiences of the most marginal benefit claimants in Australia’s residual social security system. The article questions whether the everyday disruptions and challenges that unsettle yet settle-into life in poverty are intelligible within authorised idioms of vulnerability that govern access to support. By examining what people surviving on benefits are vulnerable to and how they are compelled to demonstrate their status as vulnerable, it contributes a critical account of lived experiences of vulnerability that holds both its discursive and phenomenological dimensions in view.

scholarly journals Effect of workplace infection control practices on workers' psychological distress: a large-scale cohort study during the COVID-19 second state of emergency in Japan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toyohiko Kodama ◽  
Tomohiro Ishimaru ◽  
Seiichiro Tateishi ◽  
Ayako Hino ◽  
Mayumi Tsuji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
State Of Emergency ◽  
Good Mental Health ◽  
Leave Of Absence ◽  
Employee Mental Health

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed the work environment and work practices worldwide. Long-term infection control practices may increase the psychological stress on workers, and conversely, inadequate infection control practices at the working place may increase the fear of infection. This study aimed to determine the relationship between infection control practices at the workplace and employee mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Methods: This study was conducted in December 2020 and February 2021. The participants had undergone a preliminary survey, which revealed that they were in good mental health. Their psychological distress was investigated via a second survey, and the factors associated with distress were studied using a logistic model. Results: The results of the second survey indicated that 15.1% of participants demonstrated psychological distress. This was associated with leave-of-absence instructions, instructions for shortening business hours, and requests to avoid the workplace in case of any symptoms. Conclusion: The study found that while some infection control practices reduce workers' distress, others worsen it. Employers need to consider infection control practices as well as the worsening mental health of employees following a decrease in income caused by such measures. Follow-up studies may be necessary to clarify the long-term effects on workers' mental health.

scholarly journals Acute mental health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill M. Newby ◽  
Kathleen O’Moore ◽  
Samantha Tang ◽  
Helen Christensen ◽  
Kate Faasse
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Prior History ◽  
Mental Health Diagnosis ◽  
History Of ◽  
Health Diagnosis

AbstractThe acute and long-term mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown. The current study examined the acute mental health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in 5070 adult participants in Australia, using an online survey administered during the peak of the outbreak in Australia (27th March to 7th April 2020). Self-report questionnaires examined COVID-19 fears and behavioural responses to COVID-19, as well as the severity of psychological distress (depression, anxiety and stress), health anxiety, contamination fears, alcohol use, and physical activity. 78% of respondents reported that their mental health had worsened since the outbreak, one quarter (25.9%) were very or extremely worried about contracting COVID-19, and half (52.7%) were worried about family and friends contracting COVID-19. Uncertainty, loneliness and financial worries (50%) were common. Rates of elevated psychological distress were higher than expected, with 62%, 50%, and 64% of respondents reporting elevated depression, anxiety and stress levels respectively, and one in four reporting elevated health anxiety in the past week. Participants with self-reported history of a mental health diagnosis had significantly higher distress, health anxiety, and COVID-19 fears than those without a prior mental health diagnosis. Demographic (e.g., non-binary or different gender identity; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status), occupational (e.g., being a carer or stay at home parent), and psychological (e.g., perceived risk of contracting COVID-19) factors were associated with distress. Results revealed that precautionary behaviours (e.g., washing hands, using hand sanitiser, avoiding social events) were common, although in contrast to previous research, higher engagement in hygiene behaviours was associated with higher stress and anxiety levels. These results highlight the serious acute impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of respondents, and the need for proactive, accessible digital mental health services to address these mental health needs, particularly for those most vulnerable, including people with prior history of mental health problems. Longitudinal research is needed to explore long-term predictors of poor mental health from the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress Among Older LGBT and Non-LGBT Asian Americans: The Influence of Minority Stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 624-624
Author(s):  
Chien-Ching Li ◽  
Alicia Matthews ◽  
XinQi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Asian Americans ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
California Health Interview Survey ◽  
Intimate Violence ◽  
Distress Score

Abstract Emerging data from epidemiological studies have confirmed elevated prevalence rates for mental health conditions among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations. An estimated 2.8% of Asian Americans identify as LGBT and 26% of Asian LGBT are 40 years or older. This study analyzed the California Health Interview Survey to examine differences in psychological distress between LGBT and non-LGBT older Asian Americans, and further evaluated the role of discrimination in medical care and intimate violence on psychological distress. Regression results showed older LGBT Asians had a higher psychological distress score compared to non-LGBT Asians. After adjusting for discrimination or violence, this association no longer existed. Experiencing discrimination in medical care and intimate violence were associated with higher levels of psychological stress. This study increases our knowledge of mental health among older Asian LGBT, enhancing our ability to design culturally-targeted and trauma-informed psychosocial interventions to improve outcomes in this population.

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