Psychological distress in Afghan journalists: a descriptive study

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
Jonas Osmann ◽  
Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar ◽  
Anthony Feinstein
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Afghanistan is one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists. There are, however, no data on the mental health of Afghan journalists covering conflict in their country. The study aims to determine the degree to which Afghan journalists are exposed to traumatic events, their perceptions of organizational support, their rates of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, their utilization of mental health services and the effectiveness of the treatment received. Design/methodology/approach The entire study was undertaken in Dari (Farsi). Five major Afghan news organizations representing 104 journalists took part of whom 71 (68%) completed a simple eleven-point analog scale rating perceptions of organizational support. Symptoms of PTSD and depression were recorded with the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively. Behavioral comparisons were undertaken between those journalists who had and had not received mental health therapy. Findings The majority of journalists exceeded cutoff scores for PTSD and major depression and reported high rates for exposure to traumatic events. There were no significant differences in IES-R and CES-D scores between journalists who had and had not received mental health therapy. Most journalists did not view their employers as supportive. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to collect empirical data on the mental health of Afghan journalists. The results highlight the extreme stressors confronted by them, their correspondingly high levels of psychopathology and the relative ineffectiveness of mental health therapy given to a minority of those in distress. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Early Psychological Reactions in a Group of Individuals with Pre-existing and Enduring Mental Health Difficulties Following a Major Coach Accident

1996 ◽  
Vol 169 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen L. Chubb ◽  
Jonathan I. Bisson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenia ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Psychological Sequelae ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe impact of major trauma on individuals with pre-existing and enduring mental health difficulties is poorly understood.MethodTwenty individuals with pre-existing and enduring mental health difficulties were assessed with the Clinician Administered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale, the 28-item version of the GHQ, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale between four and eight weeks after their involvement in a major coach accident.ResultsTen (50%) individuals satisfied the full DSM–IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The questionnaire scores indicated a high level of psychological suffering among the group. On dividing the sample into those individuals with previous diagnoses of anxiety or depressive disorders and those with a previous diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia, the schizophrenia group displayed less marked psychological sequelae on all measures.ConclusionThere was a high incidence of early psychological sequelae among the group as a whole. Some diagnoses (e.g. depression and anxiety) may predispose to psychological sequelae while others (e.g. chronic schizophrenia) may not.

scholarly journals Impact of type of reconstructed residence on social participation and mental health of population displaced by disasters

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomomi Suzuki ◽  
Tetsuya Akaishi ◽  
Harumi Nemoto ◽  
Yusuke Utsumi ◽  
Moe Seto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Recovery ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Public ◽  
Athens Insomnia Scale ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAfter disasters, people are often forced to reconstruct or move to new residences. This study aimed to reveal the association between the types of reconstructed residences and psychosocial or psychiatric conditions among the population. A total of 1071 adult residents in a coastal town, whose houses were destroyed by the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, enrolled in the study five years after the disaster. The type of reconstructed post-disaster residences (reconstructed on the same site/disaster-recovery public condominium/mass-translocation to higher ground/privately moving to remote areas) and the current psychosocial indicators were investigated. The results revealed that individuals living in public condominiums showed significantly worse scores on the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (p < 0.0001) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (p < 0.0001), and slightly worse scores on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (p = 0.035) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (p = 0.028). Lower psychosocial indicator scores in the public condominium group were more remarkable in younger adults aged < 65 years. Insomnia evaluated using the Athens Insomnia Scale was not different among the four residential types. In summary, residents moving into disaster-recovery public condominiums are likely to have less social interaction, be more depressed, and may need additional interventions.

scholarly journals Family Physicians’ Standpoint and Mental Health Assessment in the Light of COVID-19 Pandemic—A Nationwide Survey Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2093
Author(s):  
Tina Vilovic ◽  
Josko Bozic ◽  
Marino Vilovic ◽  
Doris Rusic ◽  
Sanja Zuzic Furlan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, family physicians (FPs) are the backbone of the healthcare system with considerable impact on the general population, and their well-being is of great importance. The aim of this investigation was to assess FPs mental health, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) regarding the pandemic, and opinions on non-communicable disease (NCD) health care provided to patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 613 FPs. Anxiety and depression levels were estimated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subjective perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale, while trauma-related symptoms were assessed using the Impact on Event Scale-COVID19. KAPs toward the pandemic and opinions regarding NCD patients were evaluated with questionnaires accordingly. Results have shown that age (β = −0.02, p = 0.013) and personal risk of COVID‑19 (β = 1.05, p < 0.001) were significant independent correlates of the knowledge score. A total of 87.7% FPs expressed moderate/high perceived stress, 45.2% moderate/severe trauma-related symptoms, 60.4% borderline/abnormal anxiety levels, and 52.4% borderline/abnormal depression levels. Knowledge score was an independent predictor of perceived stress (β = −0.33, p = 0.023) and anxiety (β = −0.31, p = 0.006) levels. Limited accessibility to healthcare services and decreased number of newly-diagnosed NCD cases were mostly agreed on. The pandemic puts a considerable strain on FPs mental health, as well as on public health measures, due to the decreased overall quality of NCD patient health care. Educational programs may bridge the gaps between FPs’ knowledge. Thus lowering anxiety and improving patient care.

scholarly journals The psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak on medical staff and the general public

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biao Chen ◽  
Qing-xian Li ◽  
Heng Zhang ◽  
Jia-yong Zhu ◽  
Yu-hang Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Medical Staff ◽  
General Public ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Psychosocial Effects ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose: To assess the psychological effects of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on medical staff and the general public.Methods: During the outbreak of COVID-19, an internet-based questionnaire included The Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used to assess the impact of the epidemic situation on the mental health of medical staff and general population in Wuhan and its surrounding areas.Results: The results suggest that the outbreak of COVID-19 has affected individuals significantly, the degree of which is related to age, sex, occupation and mental illness. There was a significant difference in PSS-10 and IES-R scores between the medical staff and the general population. The medical staff showed higher PSS-10 scores (16.813 ± 4.87) and IES-R scores (22.40 ± 12.12) compared to members of the general population PSS-10 (14.80 ± 5.60) and IES-R scores (17.89 ± 13.08). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the SDS scores of medical staff (44.52 ± 12.36) and the general public (43.08 ± 11.42). In terms of the need for psychological assistance, 50.97% of interviewees responded that they needed psychological counseling, of which medical staff accounted for 65.87% and non-medical staff accounted for 45.10%.Conclusion: During the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, great attention should be paid to the mental health of the population, especially medical staff, and measures such as psychological intervention should be actively carried out for reducing the psychosocial effects.

Is Acknowledgment of Trauma a Protective Factor?

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Maercker ◽  
Marija Povilonyte ◽  
Raichat Lianova ◽  
Karin Pöhlmann
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factor ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Potentially Traumatic Events ◽  
Causal Direction ◽  
The Impact

We assessed victims’ status and its relation to self-perceived “social acknowledgment as a victim or survivor” ( Maercker & Müller, 2004 ) in a sample of Chechen refugees living in camps in Ingushetia. A total of 61 Chechen refugees were surveyed using a war-related trauma checklist, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and the Disclosure of Trauma Questionnaire. Rates of potentially traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appeared to be very high in this sample: 100% reported one or more potentially traumatic events and over 75% were estimated to have PTSD. As expected, social acknowledgment as a victim or survivor was negatively related to PTSD symptoms. We discuss the possible causal direction of this finding. Our cross-sectional study provides further evidence that social acknowledgment should be regarded as a protective or resource factor in the aftermath of trauma.

The EMDR Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents: Application in a Disaster Mental Health Continuum of Care Context

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 82-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Jarero ◽  
Lucina Artigas ◽  
Marilyn Luber
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Critical Incidents ◽  
Continuum Of Care ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Disaster Mental Health ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Delayed Treatment ◽  
The Impact

This randomized, controlled group field study was conducted subsequent to a 7.2 earthquake in North Baja California, Mexico. Treatment was provided according to continuum of care principles. Crisis management debriefing was provided to 53 individuals. After this, the 18 individuals who had high scores on the Impact of Event Scale (IES) were then provided with the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents (EMDR-PRECI), a single-session modified EMDR protocol for the treatment of recent trauma. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: immediate treatment group and waitlist/delayed treatment group. There was no improvement in the waitlist/delayed treatment group, and scores of the immediate treatment group participants were significantly improved, compared with waitlist/delayed treatment group paticipants. One session of EMDR-PRECI produced significant improvement on symptoms of posttraumatic stress for both the immediate-treatment and waitlist/delayed treatment groups, with results maintained at 12-week follow-up, even though frightening aftershocks continued to occur frequently. This study provides preliminary evidence in support of the protocol’s efficacy in a disaster mental health continuum of care context. More controlled research is recommended to evaluate further the efficacy of this intervention.

scholarly journals Mental Health of the General Population during the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Tale of Two Developing Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-84
Author(s):  
Cuiyan Wang ◽  
Mohammad A. Fardin ◽  
Mahmoud Shirazi ◽  
Riyu Pan ◽  
Xiaoyang Wan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

Background: This study aimed to compare the severity of psychological impact, anxiety and depression between people from two developing countries, Iran and China, and to correlate mental health parameters with variables relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although China and Iran are developing countries based on the World Bank’s criteria, these two countries are different in access to resources and health care systems. We hypothesized that Iranians would show higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress as compared to Chinese. Methods: This study collected information related to the COVID-19 pandemic including physical health, precautionary measures and knowledge about the pandemic. We also used validated questionnaires such as the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess the mental health status. Results: There were a total of 1411 respondents (550 from Iran; 861 from China). The mean IES-R scores of respondents from both countries were above the cut-off for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Iranians had significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression (p < 0.01). Significantly more Iranians believed COVID-19 was transmitted via contact, practised hand hygiene, were unsatisfied with health information and expressed less confidence in their doctors, but were less likely to wear a facemask (p < 0.001). Significantly more Iranians received health information related to COVID-19 via television while Chinese preferred the Internet (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This cross-country study found that Iranians had significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression as compared to Chinese. The difference in reported measures between respondents from Iran and China were due to differences in access to healthcare services and governments’ responses to the pandemic.

scholarly journals Psychological Responses According to Gender during the Early Stage of COVID-19 in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3731
Author(s):  
Lucía del Río-Casanova ◽  
Milagrosa Sánchez-Martín ◽  
Ana García-Dantas ◽  
Anabel González-Vázquez ◽  
Ania Justo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Psychological Responses ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Background: Current research has pointed out an increased risk of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in women compared to men, however the reason for this difference remains unclear. The aim of this research is to study early psychological responses to the pandemic in the Spanish general population, focusing on gender differences. Methods: Nine to 14 days after the declaration of a state of emergency an online survey was conducted assessing sociodemographic, health, behavioral and COVID-19-related variables. Mental health status was evaluated by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Self-Care Scale (SCS). Results: The study included 3520 respondents: 2611 women and 909 men. Women scored significantly higher in DASS-21 and IES-R (p < 0.05) and were more likely to somatize, suffer from hypochondriasis, sleeping disturbances and claustrophobia (p < 0.05). Being a woman can be considered a risk factor for intrusive thoughts, avoidance mechanisms, stress and anxiety (Odd Ratio = 2.7/2.3/2.3/1.6). The risk of presenting posttraumatic symptoms and emotional distress was greater in women (Odd Ratio = 6.77/4.59). General linear models to predict IES-R and DASS-21 scores clarified which variables were gender specific, such as main concerns. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that at early stages of the pandemic, women mental health was more impacted and that both genders show different concerns. Gender perspective in secondary and tertiary prevention strategies must be taken into account when facing the distress associated with the pandemic.

scholarly journals Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Associated With Coronavirus Disease: A Single Institutional Study In Tokyo

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aya Banno ◽  
Toru Hifumi ◽  
Yuta Takahashi ◽  
Mitsuhito Soh ◽  
Ayako Sakaguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Icu Discharge ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Intensive Care Syndrome

Abstract Background: The occurrence of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the physical, mental, and cognitive components of PICS in intensive care unit (ICU)-treated COVID-19 survivors.Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with COVID-19 who were treated in the ICU of a single institution between March 19, 2020 and April 30, 2020. A survey was sent by postal mail at 4 and 6 months after ICU discharge. The questionnaire comprised the post-COVID-19 functional status (PCFS) scale and the modified medical research council dyspnea scale (mMRC) for assessing physical PICS; the impact of event scale-revised (IES-R) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) for assessing mental PICS; and self-assessment questions for concentration, memory, and forgetfulness for assessing cognitive PICS. Physical PICS was defined by a PCFS or mMRC score ≥1. Mental PICS was defined by an IES-R score ≥25 or if the HADS score for anxiety or depression components was ≥8. Cognitive PICS was defined according to patient complaints of deterioration in concentration, memory, or forgetfulness. The primary outcome was PICS occurrence at 4 months. Moreover, we assessed the co-occurrence of the three PICS components.Results: Twenty patients consented to participate in the study and responded to the survey. The median age was 57.5 years, and 80% of the patients were male; moreover, 50%, 55%, and 80% lived alone, were married, and were employed/self-employed before hospitalization, respectively. During ICU stay, 80%, 75%, and 25% received invasive mechanical ventilation, systemic steroids, and continuous benzodiazepine, respectively. Delirium occurred in 40% of patients. The median days of ICU and hospital stay were 6 and 21, respectively. Physical, mental, and cognitive PICS occurred in 14 (78%), 9 (45%), and 11 (55%) patients, respectively. There were 16 (80%) and 8 (40%) patients with at least one and all PICS components, respectively.Conclusions: Our findings revealed a high rate of PICS in COVID-19 survivors. Long-term and comprehensive evaluation of all three PICS components is crucial for providing appropriate care to these patients.

scholarly journals Evaluation of tools to assess psychological distress: how to measure psychological stress reactions in citizen responders– a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Rolin Kragh ◽  
Fredrik Folke ◽  
Linn Andelius ◽  
Emma Slebsager Ries ◽  
Rasmus Vedby Rasmussen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Stress Reactions ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Dispatched citizen responders are increasingly involved in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) resuscitation which can lead to severe stress. It is unknown which psychological assessment tools are most appropriate to evaluate psychological distress in this population. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate existing assessment tools used to measure psychological distress with emphasis on citizen responders who attempted resuscitation. Methods A systematic literature search conducted by two reviewers was carried out in March 2018 and revised in July 2018. Four databases were searched: PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, and The Social Sciences Citation Index. A total of 504 studies examining assessment tools to measure psychological distress reactions after acute traumatic events were identified, and 9 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for further analysis. The selected studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Results The Impact of Event Scale (IES) and The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were the preferred assessment tools, and were used on diverse populations exposed to various traumatic events. One study included lay rescuers performing bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and this study used the IES. The IES and the IES-R also have proven a high validity in various other populations. The Clinical administered PTSD scale (CAPS) was applied in two studies. Though the CAPS is comparable to both the IES-R and the IES, the CAPS assess PTSD symptoms in general and not in relation to a specific experienced event, which makes the scale less suitable when measuring stress due to a specific resuscitation attempt. Conclusions The IES and the IES-R seem to be solid measures for psychological distress among people experiencing an acute psychological traumatic event. However, only one study has assessed psychological distress among citizen responders in OHCA for which the IES-R scale was used, and therefore, further research on this topic is warranted.

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