Self-reported psychological distress and self-perceived health in residents living near pesticide-treated agricultural land: a cross-sectional study in The Netherlands

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2021-107544
Author(s):  
Mariana Simoes ◽  
Anke Huss ◽  
Nicole Janssen ◽  
Roel Vermeulen
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Residential Proximity ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Distress Scale

ObjectivesThere is rising concern regarding possible health effects from exposure to pesticides in residents living near agricultural land. Some studies indicated increased risks of reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression among agricultural workers but less is known about the mental and perceived health of rural residents. We aimed to study possible associations between self-reported psychological distress (SPD) and self-perceived health (SPH) in residents near pesticide-treated agricultural land.MethodsUsing the Public Health Monitor national survey from 2012, we selected 216 932 participants who lived in rural and semi-urban areas of the Netherlands and changed addresses at most once in the period 2009–2012. Psychological distress (PD) was assessed via the Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K10) and participants were asked to assess their own health. We estimated the area of specific crop groups cultivated within buffers of 50 m, 100 m, 250 m and 500 m around each individual’s residence for the period 2009–2012. Association between these exposure proxies and the outcomes was investigated using logistic regression, adjusting for individual, lifestyle and area-level confounders.ResultsOverall, results showed statistically non-significant OR across all buffer sizes for both SPD and SPH, except for the association between SPH and ‘all crops’ (total area of all considered crop groups) with OR (95% CI) ranging from 0.77 (0.63 to 0.93) in 50 m to 1.00 (1.00 to 1.00) in 500 m. We observed that most ORs were below unity for SPH.ConclusionsThis study provides no evidence that residential proximity to pesticide treated-crops is associated with PD or poorer perceived health.

scholarly journals Stress gradation of medical practitioners during the pandemic (covid-19) along with ways to de-stress; a cross sectional study at tertiary care hospitals using Kessler’s 10 psychological distress scale.

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (09) ◽  
pp. 1239-1244
Author(s):  
Umair Toqueer ◽  
Muhammad Usama Zardad ◽  
Mahwish Toqueer ◽  
Anila Riyaz ◽  
Sana Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospitals ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: To determine stress grades of doctors working in tertiary care  hospitals by using a standard measuring tool i.e. Kessler 10 psychological distress scale along with finding out different coping methods adopted by doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Tertiary Care Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Period: 15 March 2020 to 20 June 2020. Material & Methods: A structured questionnaire was sent online to the junior and senior doctors working during the pandemic. The data was automatically collected with the help of Google docs and then analysed using SPSS 26. Results: Of the 219 doctors who completed the questionnaire 142 were males (64.8%) and 77 were females (35.2%). Interestingly, analysis of the score revealed that 38.8% of the doctors were found likely to be well, 16.4% of the doctors were likely to have mild disease and 20.5% were likely to have a moderate disorder while 24.2% were likely to have a severe disorder. Further analysis showed that the mean of  Kessler’s score was greater for junior doctors as  compared to Consultants which was found to be statistically significant (p=0.044). Conclusion: The impact of Corona virus disease (COVID-19) on the stress levels of health workers warrants considerable attention as it was declared a pandemic. Assessing the psychological impact and ways to tackle them will not only help the health care workers during this pandemic but will be beneficial in future pandemics as well.

scholarly journals COVID-19: Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies among community members across 17 countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Aziz Rahman ◽  
Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽  
Patraporn Tungpunkom ◽  
Farhana Sultana ◽  
Sheikh M. Alif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Background The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. Objectives We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. Results A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). Conclusions The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements.

scholarly journals Perceived Stigma Towards Psychological Illness in Relation to Psychological Distress Among Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 538-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalal Ibrahim Alfayez ◽  
Norah Ali AlShehri
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Perceived Stigma ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Objective Due to the high prevalence of psychological distress among medical students and its related functional and cognitive implications, this study aimed to investigate the association between perceived stigma and psychological distress, estimate the prevalence of each level of distress among medical students, and determine the independent significant risk factors of outcome variables for each level of psychological distress. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed that surveyed medical students at King Saud University in 2018. Using the modified and validated stigma scale for receiving psychological help along with Kessler psychological distress scale, the survey measured perceived stigma towards mental illness in relation to the level of psychological distress. Results Among the 524 participants, 395 surveys were completed. Participants had a mean age of 21.56 years old, and 53% were female. The overall prevalence of severe psychological distress was 30.7% (N = 161). Furthermore, 25.6% of participants reported experiencing moderate distress (N = 134). Additionally, a significant association was found between females and severe psychological distress. Moreover, family income was significantly associated with severe psychological distress in the extreme lower and upper groups (5000–10,000 SR and above 20,000 SR). Participants with high levels of psychological distress were more likely than those with low levels to agree or strongly agree with 3 out of 10 items related to perceived stigma. Conclusions Medical students with moderate/severe psychological distress disclosed more concerns regarding stigma, particularly about perceived consequences of their mental health issues being revealed to others. Such opinions could cause physical health problems and decrease quality of life.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic, psychological response to quarantine, and knowledge of the disease among inmates in a Nigerian custodial center

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Johnson Okoro ◽  
Tobechukwu Odionye ◽  
Benedicta Nweze ◽  
Martins Onuoha ◽  
Chinenye Ezeonwuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Female Inmates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Response ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Male Inmates ◽  
Distress Scale

This was a cross-sectional study to assess the psychological response to quarantine during COVID-19 pandemic and the level of knowledge about the disease among inmates of a Custodial Center in Enugu, Nigeria. A total of 66 new prison inmates were assessed for psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10); and inmates’ knowledge about COVID-19 using a COVID-19 Knowledge Questionnaire developed by the researchers. Participants had a mean age of 28.39±8.71 years; 63 (95.5%) were male inmates and 3 (4.5%) were female inmates. In total, 61 (92.4%) were awaiting-trial inmates, 43 (65.1%) had psychological distress, and 35 (53%) had completed at least secondary school. Those with higher educational level were significantly more knowledgeable about the disease than those with lower educational level (t(64)=-5.72; p˂0.01). Though not statistically significant, psychological distress was found to be associated with insufficient knowledge about the disease (t(64)=1.42; p=0.16). The mean score for the COVID-19 questionnaire among the participants was 3.82±3.33 which is indicative of poor knowledge of the disease among them. Considering responses to specific questions contained in the questionnaire, knowledge about some questions was relatively high. For example, a majority of the participants 45 (68.2%) correctly responded that death can be a complication of COVID-19; whereas half of them 33 (50%) correctly responded that regular hand washing with soap and water can help prevent the spread of the disease.  Nevertheless, responses to some questions showed poor knowledge about the disease as 18 (27.3%) correctly answered that COVID-19 can affect the lungs, while 20 (30.3%) correctly responded that COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Our study highlighted the need to have all quarantined persons educated about the disease for which they are being quarantined. It also provided the opportunity to raise awareness of COVD-19 among the inmates.

scholarly journals Is it Just About Physical Health? An Internet -Based Cross-Sectional Study Exploring The Pyschological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic On University Students in Jordan Using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽  
Amal Akour ◽  
Laith Alfalah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
University Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Abstract Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at the local, national, and international levels were directed primarily to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health were not thoroughly investigated yet, and studies that report the mental health risks of COVID-19 are still scarce.Objectives This study aimed to assess the level of psychological distress among university students in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire, The survey comprised of questions about (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iii) coping activities , and (iv) the students’ greatest concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). The total K10 distress scores had a mean of 34.2 (SD:9.4). However, the mean of total K10 distress scores had no significant association with gender (P=0.57). Age was negatively associated with total K10 distress score (P=0.0013). Concerning severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%), and females were found to have a statistically significant higher percentage in mild and severe psychological distress (P= 0.035), (P=0.016); respectively. 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between severe psychological distress and motivation for distance learning (P<0.0001). The most common coping strategy among students was spending more time on social media (n=269, 70.6%). Besides, 49 students (12.9%) reported the use of medications to cope with COVID-10 related distress, and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most serious concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 control measures resulted in a severe disruption of various human life activities, and this could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. A nationwide psychological support program should be incorporated into Jordan’s response strategy in combating the COVID-19, considering students and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.

Psychological Impact on Parents of University Students During COVID-19 Movement Control Order (MCO)

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-156
Author(s):  
Juslina Omar ◽  
Azreen Friddy ◽  
Anne Tasha Serun ◽  
Hemma B. Rayandran ◽  
Julie Reeni Remash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
University Students ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Control Order ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

The Malaysian Government has announced the Movement Control Order (MCO) starting 18th March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. This study attempts to assess the level of psychological distress among parents of university students stranded on campus and out campus during MCO; and to identify the stressors causing psychological distress among parents. It is a cross sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire done at a public university in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Psychological distress was determined by using Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale (K10). The study has shown significant associations between parents’ psychological distress with three stressors which consist of worrying about their child’s food supply, child’s future, and child’s mental health.

scholarly journals Reliability and Factor Structure of the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) among Portuguese adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 729-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabela Pereira ◽  
Carla Andreia Oliveira ◽  
Ana Bártolo ◽  
Sara Monteiro ◽  
Paula Vagos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Portuguese Version ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Abstract The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) has been presented as a valid measure to assess psychological distress levels in population surveys but its dimensional structure was not consensual. Our main objective was to provide a Portuguese version of the K10 exploring the reliability and factor structure of this measure. This cross-sectional study included 694 adults collected from a web-based survey and in training entities. Results showed that 37.9% of the individuals reported significant distress symptoms. A good internal consistency of the K10 scale (α=.91) and strong inter-item correlation (ranges from .350 to .659) were found in our study but the original one-dimensional structure was not confirmed. A two-factor model considering anxiety and depression as two latent, independent but correlated factors shows a good fit with the data even across two data collection methods. The K10 tool was sensitive to sociodemographic variables. Participants aged 40 or over and belonging to the general working class presented higher distress levels. Our data indicates the Portuguese version of K10 as a reliable tool with a factor structure to assess psychological distress.

scholarly journals COVID-19: Factors Associated with Psychol­­­ogical Distress, Fear, and Coping Strategies among Community Members Across 17 Countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Aziz Rahman ◽  
Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽  
Patraporn Tungpunkom ◽  
Farhana Sultana ◽  
Sheikh M Alif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Coping Scale ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Background: The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. Objectives: We aimed to examine the extent and identify associated factors of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19, and coping.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. Results: A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). Conclusions: The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID and coping varied by country; however, some groups were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of these people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Factors Associated with Psychological Distress among Older Adults Admitted to Hospitals After Fall Injuries in Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (22) ◽  
pp. 4518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Hoang Nguyen ◽  
Hai Minh Vu ◽  
Giang Thu Vu ◽  
Tung Hoang Tran ◽  
Kiet Tuan Huy Pham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Social Engagements ◽  
Distress Scale

Although psychological distress is one of the major health issues among aging populations, little is known about how this challenge affects older patients after falls. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Thai Binh province, Vietnam, to explore the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among 405 older patients after falls. The 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) was used to measure psychological distress. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate Tobit and Logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with psychological distress. The prevalence of psychological distress among participants was 26.2%. Patients who were alone or older had a higher likelihood of psychological distress. Patients with a history of falls in the past 12 months were more likely to suffer from psychological distress (OR = 2.87, 95%CI = 1.74; 4.72). Having two and three comorbidities was significantly associated with greater K6 scores and a higher risk of psychological distress. This study underlined a significantly high prevalence of psychological distress among older patients after falls. Providing frequent mental health monitoring, screening, treatment, and facilitating social engagements are important implications to improve the mental health of this population.

scholarly journals A cross sectional study to estimate the psychological stress level in medical students during Covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Alia Naaz ◽  
◽  
Mohammad Saad ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Severe Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Question Form ◽  
Distress Scale

Introduction: Stress and anxiety have been a common topic of discussion among the medicalstudents in normal circumstances owing to the burden of immense studies, clinical rotations, regularexams and assessments. Material and methods: A cross sectional study consisting of 330 medicalstudents studying in various medical colleges in various states like Himachal, Karnataka, Haryana,Rajasthan, Bihar, Punjab, Delhi etc. was conducted using online forms that were shared in variousWhatsApp college groups. The questionnaire was a simple 10 question form consisting of theKessler's psychological distress scale questions. The stress levels were defined according to theKessler's psychological distress scale k10. Results: The results of the study showed that 72.5% oftotal participants suffered from mild to moderate levels of stress with 20.6% students suffering frommild stress, 15.5% from moderate stress and significant 36.4% from severe stress. Similarly,various socio-demographic determinants have also been studied for any relation to these high stresslevels. The treatment seeking behaviour among medical students also reflected poorly when it cameto seeking help from health professionals. Conclusion: It was found that during the covid-19lockdown, medical students suffered from severe stress levels which is a topic of concern for theauthorities and calls for a timely intervention to control the situation. The treatment seekingbehaviour is also a topic of concern as medical students being most exposed to the knowledge ofmental health do not themselves prefer to take treatment from a health professional.

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