scholarly journals It makes you realise your own mortality: A qualitative study on mental health of older adults in the UK during COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Ruth McKinlay ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Alexandra Burton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Grief And Loss ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Service Access ◽  
Health Complications ◽  
The Uk

Background: Older adults have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with high fatalities and health complications reported. Adults over the age of 70 in the UK were advised to self-isolate for 3 months early during the pandemic and it is unclear which factors influenced their experiences during this time. Objective: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore factors that threatened and protected the wellbeing of older adults living in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We undertook semi-structured interviews with 20 adults aged over 70. Purposive sampling methods were used to increase diversity within the group. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants were aged 72-93, 9 women and 11 men, 80% were White British, 40% lived alone. We identified 2 superordinate themes, including (1) Threats to wellbeing: mortality concerns, grief and loss of normal life, restricted health service access, COVID-19 concerns, and restricted access to activities that protect wellbeing. (2) Factors protective of wellbeing: slower pace of life, maintaining routine, socialising, and use of past coping skills. Many participants drew on their resilience and life experience to self-manage fear and uncertainty associated with the pandemic, using their time during lockdown to reflect or organise end-of-life affairs. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that while older adults experienced challenges, many were resilient against COVID-19 restrictions despite early concerns of mental health consequences. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining access to essentials to promote feelings of normality and social support to help reduce uncertainty in times of pandemics.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults: Changes in Health Access, Health, Socialization and Adaptive Coping Activities

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 731-731
Author(s):  
Judith Scott ◽  
Sara Qualls ◽  
Stacy Yun
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Adaptive Coping ◽  
Health Service Access ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Indirect effects of stay-at-home guidelines may negatively affect mental health by reducing health self-care behaviors and engagement in social participation. This study reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-dwelling older adults’ perceived physical and mental health and everyday health behaviors. 126 older adults participated in a county-wide telephone survey during June-July of 2020, asking about changes in mental and physical health, and adaptations in health behaviors. We investigated the effects of three negative everyday health behavior changes during the pandemic (changes in health services access, perceived changes in health, and increased social isolation) as well as two positive everyday health behaviors (adherence to stay-at-home guidelines to reduce risk, and adaptive coping activities) on mental health and COVID-related distress. Examples of active coping strategies were stockpiling resources, spiritual practices, or outreach to others. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and multiple regressions characterized the impact of COVID-19 on perceived mental health. Descriptive data included changes in health service access, changes in mental and physical health, reduced social engagement, increased adherence to guidelines, and increased adaptive coping activities. Significant predictors of mental health impact of the pandemic were changes in health service access (β = .18, p < .05), health changes (β = .25, p < .01), and adaptive coping activities (β = .21, p < .05). Findings suggest COVID-19 distress may be alleviated with improved health care access and increased social contact. Mental health challenges may also benefit from increased engagement in adaptive coping activities.

scholarly journals ‘I don’t think anybody explained to me how it works’: qualitative study exploring vaccination and primary health service access and uptake amongst Polish and Romanian communities in England

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e028228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadie Bell ◽  
Michael Edelstein ◽  
Mateusz Zatoński ◽  
Mary Ramsay ◽  
Sandra Mounier-Jack
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Vaccination Schedule ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Health Service Access ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesThis study explored vaccination attitudes and behaviours among Polish and Romanian communities, and related access to primary healthcare services.DesignA qualitative study using in-depth semistructured interviews with Polish and Romanian community members (CMs) and healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in vaccination in areas with large Polish and Romanian communities. CMs discussed their vaccination attitudes and their experiences of accessing vaccinations in England. HCWs shared their experiences in vaccinating Polish and Romanian communities.SettingRecruitment focused on three geographical areas in England with large Polish and Romanian populations (in London, Lincolnshire and Berkshire).Participants20 Polish and 10 Romanian CMs, and 20 HCWs. Most CMs were mothers or pregnant women and were recruited from London or Lincolnshire. HCWs included practice nurses, health visitors and school nurses recruited from the targeted geographical areas.ResultsAlthough most CMs reported vaccinating according to the UK schedule, obstacles to vaccination were highlighted. CMs experienced difficulties navigating and trusting the English primary healthcare system, and challenges in accessing credible vaccination information in Polish and Romanian. CM vaccination expectations, largely built on knowledge and experiences from Poland and Romania, were often unmet. This was driven by differences in vaccination scheduling and service provision in England, such as nurses delivering vaccines instead of doctors. CMs reported lower acceptance of the influenza vaccine, largely due to perceptions around the importance and efficacy of this vaccine. HCWs reported challenges translating and understanding vaccination histories, overcoming verbal communication barriers and ensuring vaccination schedule completeness among families travelling between England and Poland or Romania.ConclusionsThis study identified vaccination uptake and delivery issues and recommendations for improvement. HCWs should discuss health service expectations, highlight differences in vaccination scheduling and delivery between countries, and promote greater understanding of the English primary healthcare system in order to encourage vaccination in these communities.

scholarly journals A qualitative study about the mental health and wellbeing of older adults in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. McKinlay ◽  
D. Fancourt ◽  
A. Burton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Coping Skills ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Older Adult Population

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to examine factors that threatened and protected the wellbeing of older adults living in the UK during social distancing restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Semi-structured telephone or video interviews with 20 adults aged over 70. Purposive sampling methods were used to increase diversity within the group. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Participants described potential threats to their wellbeing during the pandemic, including fears for mortality, grieving normal life, and concerns for the future. Participants also described activities and behaviours that helped to protect their mental health, including adopting a slower pace of life, maintaining routine, socialising, and using past coping skills. Many participants drew on their resilience and life experience to self-manage fear and uncertainty associated with the pandemic, using their time during lockdown to reflect or organise end-of-life affairs. Discussion This study provides UK-based evidence that while some older adults experienced challenges during the first wave of COVID-19, many were resilient throughout social distancing restrictions despite early reported concerns of mental health consequences among the older adult population. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining access to essentials to promote feelings of normality and use of social support to help reduce uncertainty in times of pandemics.

scholarly journals The Life Experiences of Community Older Adults With Mental Illness in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Su-Jung Liao ◽  
Jiin-Ru Rong ◽  
Tse-Tsung Liu ◽  
Hsiao-Ju Sun
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Health Problems

Aims: The risk of mental illness and mental health problems is known to increase with aging, there is a continuing need for research and information about the daily life and care needs of elderly people with mental illness. The aim of this study was to examine the real-life experience of elderly outpatients with mental illnesses in Taiwan communities through in-depth interviews.Methods: A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews of mentally ill elderly patients was conducted in 15 participants (3 men and 12 women, mean age = 74.67 years, SD = 10.04 years).Results: The willpower to survive and cope with aging and mental health problems was identified as the core category of the life experiences in the older adults in this study. The struggle with the stress of aging and mental health problems was categorized in life-experience terms as ‘bear the bitterness of life,’ ‘adhere to psychiatric treatment and use resources to cope with life’s stress,’ ‘maintain the willpower to survive’. Results of this study shown that although elderly patients in community have had many stressful life experiences and problems with mental illness, they will continue to show strength to coping with the problems of aging and mental illnesses.Conclusions: The elderly mental illness patients could coping with their problems, and maintain an active lifestyle, accept the reality and arrange life, and connect with the community. Therefore, health professionals should help elderly people find new strategies to maintain their mental health and to function in their communities.

scholarly journals Identifying Risk Factors Affecting the Usage of Digital and Social Media: A Preliminary Qualitative Study in the Dental Profession and Dental Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Rayan Sharka ◽  
Jonathan P. San Diego ◽  
Melanie Nasseripour ◽  
Avijit Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Dental Education ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
General Context ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Dental Professionals

Aims: This study aimed to identify the risk factors of using DSM to provide an insight into the inherent implications this has on dental professionals in practice and trainee professionals’ education. Materials and methods: Twenty-one participants (10 dental professionals and 11 undergraduate and postgraduate dental students) participated in this qualitative study using semi-structured interviews in a dental school in the UK. The interviews were analysed and categorised into themes, some of which were identified from previous literature (e.g., privacy and psychological risks) and others emerged from the data (e.g., deceptive and misleading information). Results: The thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified nine perceived risk themes. Three themes were associated with the use of DSM in the general context, and six themes were related to the use of DSM in professional and education context. Conclusions: This study provided evidence to understand the risk factors of using DSM in dental education and the profession, but the magnitude of these risks on the uptake and usefulness of DSM needs to be assessed.

scholarly journals University students’ understanding and perceptions of schizophrenia in the UK: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e025813
Author(s):  
Charlotte Cadge ◽  
Charlotte Connor ◽  
Sheila Greenfield
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
African Caribbean ◽  
Lay Understanding ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

ObjectiveTo explore lay understanding and perceptions of schizophrenia in university students.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.SettingThe University of Birmingham, West Midlands.Participants20 UK home students of white British (n=5), Indian (n=5), Pakistani (n=5), African Caribbean (n=4) and dual white British and African Caribbean ethnicity (n=1).ResultsFindings revealed a lack of knowledge about schizophrenia, particularly the negative symptoms that were not mentioned. There were mixed ideas on the causes and sources of available help for schizophrenia; however, positively many said they would consult their general practitioner. While there was a general misconception among the students that schizophrenia caused multiple personalities and was a dangerous illness, there were some differences in perceptions and understanding between ethnic groups, with more Indian students perceiving upbringing as a causal factor in the development of the illness and more Pakistani students perceiving possession by a spirit as a cause.ConclusionsThe university students interviewed lacked knowledge about schizophrenia and stigma was widespread, both of which may delay help-seeking. Public health campaigns educating young people about schizophrenia are required to improve early identification and intervention and improve outcomes. Further research exploring ways to effectively tackle stigma is also required.

scholarly journals The complexity of caregiving for community-living older adults with multiple chronic conditions: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 2235042X2098119
Author(s):  
Jenny Ploeg ◽  
Anna Garnett ◽  
Kimberly D Fraser ◽  
Lisa Garland Baird ◽  
Sharon Kaasalainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Care Recipient ◽  
Community Living ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Structured Interviews

Background: Older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) rely heavily on caregivers for assistance with care. However, we know little about their psychosocial experiences and their needs for support in managing MCC. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of caregivers of older adults living in the community with MCC. Methods: This qualitative study was a secondary analysis of previously collected data from caregivers in Ontario and Alberta, Canada. Participants included caregivers of older adults (65 years and older) with three or more chronic conditions. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using Thorne’s interpretive description approach. Results: Most of the 47 caregiver participants were female (76.6%), aged 65 years of age or older (61.7%), married (87.2%) and were spouses to the care recipient (68.1%). Caregivers’ experiences of caring for community-living older adults with MCC were complex and included: (a) dealing with the demands of caregiving; (b) prioritizing chronic conditions; (c) living with my own health limitations; (d) feeling socially isolated and constrained; (e) remaining committed to caring; and (f) reaping the rewards of caregiving. Conclusions: Healthcare providers can play key roles in supporting caregivers of older adults with MCC by providing education and support on managing MCC, actively engaging them in goal setting and care planning, and linking them to appropriate community health and social support services. Communities can create environments that support caregivers in areas such as social participation, social inclusion, and community support and health services.

scholarly journals Mapping mental health service access: achieving equity through quality improvement

2012 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Green ◽  
A. J. Poots ◽  
J. Marcano-Belisario ◽  
E. Samarasundera ◽  
J. Green ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Health Service Access

scholarly journals Loss and assimilation: Lived experiences of Brexit for British nationals living in Luxembourg

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Maria Knight ◽  
Dean Fido ◽  
Henry William Lennon ◽  
Craig A. Harper
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Political Upheaval ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Political Realities

Inconsistent political realities are associated with mental health issues such as hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact of Brexit is clearly an important and timely issue, but hitherto has been understudied. This study uses a critical realist approach to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of British Citizens living in Luxembourg during the Brexit era. The study carried out semi-structured interviews with 8 British nationals aged 18-65. An experientially-focused Thematic Analysis was conducted, exploring two main themes: Loss (with psychological and broader social implications) and Integration (contrasting the mover's community with the receiving community). This study demonstrates the psychological impact of Brexit and highlights the urgency for future researchers and mental health practitioners alike – both in the UK and overseas – to consider the human consequences associated with political upheaval. Open access materials for this project can be viewed here: https://osf.io/38rg7/?view_only=b8c04dfc3fe5474f9aff4897e370b3e6.

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