Aftermath of anti-police protests in Nigeria: Burden and predictors of psychiatric morbidity among protesters and non-protesters

Objectives: Anti-police (#EndSARS) protests took place in October 2020 across several Nigerian cities, resulting in deaths, injuries and loss of property, but the psychological sequelae of these protests have not been studied. Method: In a cross-sectional online survey, we collected data on psychiatric morbidity and potential risk factors from 426 Nigerian social media users, who self-identified as participants or non-participants in a recent anti-police protest. Results: We found elevated rates of psychiatric morbidity, with worse outcomes for protesters compared to non-protesters (psychological distress [44.2% vs 29.8%], depression [26.0% vs 14.9%], anxiety [51.0% vs 29.8%], post-traumatic stress disorder [7.4% vs 1.8%], current substance use [11.2% vs 4.5%] and suicidal ideation [7.1% vs 4.4%], respectively). After adjusting for the effects of COVID-19 pandemic and previous mental health diagnosis, the predictors of poor mental health among non-protesters were being unmarried (odds ratio = 7.4, p = 0.01) and low resilience (odds ratio range = 4.1–5.4, p < 0.03) while for the protesters, the predictors were low resilience (odds ratio range = 2.9–4.7, p < 0.01), being from Northern Nigeria (odds ratio = 4.7, p < 0.01) or residing in Northern Nigeria (odds ratio = 2.8, p = 0.03), being under-/unemployed (odds ratio range = 2.1–2.5, p < 0.04), holding the view that the protest was caused by the state of the economy (odds ratio = 2.0, p = 0.01), belief that the protest had a direct negative impact on the protester (odds ratio = 2.3, p = 0.04) and willingness to participate in future protests (odds ratio = 4.13, p = 0.02). Conclusion: We conclude that participating in the #EndSARS protest was associated with significant psychiatric morbidity. There is need to recognise and address the mental health sequelae of collective actions, and invest in programmes that build resilience and address socio-political determinants of mental health, especially with a focus on youth.

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Mental Health, Information and Being Connected: Qualitative Experiences of Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic from a Trans-National Sample

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060735 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 735

Author(s):

Schoultz Mariyana ◽

Leung Janni ◽

Bonsaksen Tore ◽

Ruffolo Mary ◽

Thygesen Hilde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Health Information ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

National Study ◽

Free Text ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Information ◽

The Uk

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.

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The Perceived Impact of The First UK Covid-19 Lockdown on Companion Animal Welfare and Behaviour: A Mixed-Method Study of Associations with Owner Mental Health

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18116171 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 6171

Author(s):

Emily Shoesmith ◽

Luciana Santos de Assis ◽

Lion Shahab ◽

Elena Ratschen ◽

Paul Toner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Animal Welfare ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Principal Component ◽

Companion Animal ◽

Free Text ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Human Animal

Background: Companion animals may be a positive presence for their owners during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the welfare of a companion animal is strongly influenced by the behaviour of their owners, as well as their physical and social environment. We aimed to investigate the reported changes in companion animal welfare and behaviour and to examine the association between these changes and companion animal owners’ mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020 (n = 5926). The questionnaire included validated, bespoke items measuring outcomes related to mental health, human-animal bonds and reported changes in animal welfare and behaviour. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe experiences associated with human-animal relationships during the first UK lockdown phase. Results: Animal owners made up 89.8% of the sample (n = 5323), of whom 67.3% reported changes in their animal’s welfare and behaviour during the first lockdown phase (n = 3583). These reported changes were reduced to a positive (0–7) and negative (0–5) welfare scale, following principal component analysis (PCA) of 17 items. Participants reported more positive changes for cats, whereas more negative changes were reported for dogs. Thematic analysis identified three main themes relating to the positive and negative impact on companion animals of the Covid-19 pandemic. Generalised linear models indicated that companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores pre-lockdown reported fewer negative changes in animal welfare and behaviour. However, companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores since lockdown reported more changes, both positive and negative, in animal welfare and behaviour. Conclusion: Our findings extend previous insights into perceived welfare and behaviour changes on a very limited range of species to a wider a range of companion animals. Owner mental health status has a clear, albeit small, effect on companion animal welfare and behaviour.

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Psychiatric morbidity in December 2015 flood-affected population in Tamil Nadu, India

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0020764019846166 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 65 (4) ◽

pp. 338-344 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shailaja Bandla ◽

NR Nappinnai ◽

Srinivasagopalan Gopalasamy

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Tamil Nadu ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Psychiatric Morbidity ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Chi Square ◽

Health Organization

Background: Floods are the most common type of natural disaster, which have a negative impact on mental health. Following floods, survivors are vulnerable to develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. Aim: The aim is to study the psychiatric morbidity in the persons affected by floods during December 2015. Materials and methods: This study was carried out in Chennai and Cuddalore. In total, 223 persons who were directly exposed to floods were assessed. PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version, Beck’s Depression Inventory, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory and World Health Organization–Five Well-Being Scale (WHO-5) were used in the study. Chi-square test was used to compare the means. Results: Overall, psychiatric morbidity was found to be 45.29%; 60 (26.9%) persons had symptoms of PTSD. Anxiety was found in 48 (27.4%) and depression was found in 101 (45.29%) persons; and 11 (4.9%) persons have reported an increase in substance abuse. Conclusion: Following disaster like floods, there is a need for better preparedness in terms of basic necessities and medical and psychological assistance, particularly emphasizing the needs of older persons in order to prevent the development of psychiatric problems.

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Abusive experiences and psychiatric morbidity in women primary care attenders

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.183.4.332 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 183 (4) ◽

pp. 332-339 ◽

Cited By ~ 92

Author(s):

Jeremy Coid ◽

Ann Petruckevitch ◽

Wai-Shan Chung ◽

Jo Richardson ◽

Stirling Moorey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Substance Misuse ◽

Psychiatric Morbidity ◽

Self Report ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Measures ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Mental Health Effects

BackgroundAbusive experiences in childhood and adulthood increase risks of psychiatric morbidity in women and independently increase risks of further abuse over the lifetime. It is unclear which experiences are most damaging.AimsTo measure lifetime prevalence of abusive experiences and psychiatric morbidity, and to analyse associations in women primary care attenders.MethodA cross-sectional, self-report survey of 1207 women attending 13 surgeries in the London borough of Hackney, UK. Independent associations between demographic measures, abusive experiences and psychiatric outcome were established using logistic regression.ResultsChildhood sexual abuse had few associations with adult mental health measures, in contrast to physical abuse. Sexual assault in adulthood was associated with substance misuse; rape with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder but not substance misuse. Domestic violence showed strongest associations with most mental health measures, increased for experiences in the past year.ConclusionsAbuse in childhood and adulthood have differential effects on mental health; effects are increased by recency and severity. Women should be routinely questioned about ongoing and recent experiences as well as childhood.

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Can psychological flexibility and prosociality mitigate illness perceptions toward COVID-19 on mental health? A cross-sectional study among Hong Kong adults

Globalization and Health ◽

10.1186/s12992-021-00692-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yuen Yu Chong ◽

Wai Tong Chien ◽

Ho Yu Cheng ◽

Angelos P. Kassianos ◽

Andrew T. Gloster ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Hong Kong ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Illness Perceptions ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Public Mental Health ◽

Psychological Flexibility ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Best Fit

Abstract Background The negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on public mental health can be persistent and substantial over a long period of time, but little is known regarding what psychological factors or processes can buffer such impact. The present study aimed to examine the mediating roles of coping, psychological flexibility and prosociality in the impacts of perceived illness threats toward COVID-19 on mental health. Method Five-hundred and fourteen Hong Kong citizens (18 years or above) completed an online survey to measure illness perceptions toward COVID-19, coping, psychological flexibility, prosociality, and mental health, together with their socio-demographic variables. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the explanatory model that was the best-fit to illustrate the relationships between these constructs. Results Serial mediation structural equation model showed that only psychological flexibility (unstandardised beta coefficient, β = − 0.12, 95% CI [− 0.20, − 0.02], p = 0.031) and prosociality (unstandardised β = 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.08], p = 0.001) fully mediated the relationship between illness perceptions toward COVID-19 and mental health. In addition, psychological flexibility exerted a direct effect on prosociality (standardised β = 0.22, 95% CI [0.12, 0.32], p < 0.001). This best-fit model explained 62% of the variance of mental health. Conclusions Fostering psychological flexibility and prosocial behaviour may play significant roles in mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 and its perceived threats on public mental health.

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Surviving SARS and living through COVID-19: Healthcare worker mental health outcomes and insights for coping

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0258893 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0258893

Author(s):

Rima Styra ◽

Laura Hawryluck ◽

Allison Mc Geer ◽

Michelle Dimas ◽

Jack Sheen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Work Experience ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Greater Toronto Area ◽

Patient Health

Objective Explore how previous work during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak affects the psychological response of clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers (HCWs) to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional, multi-centered hospital online survey of HCWs in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Mental health outcomes of HCWs who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic and the SARS outbreak were assessed using Impact of Events—Revised scale (IES-R), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results Among 3852 participants, moderate/severe scores for symptoms of post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (50.2%), anxiety (24.6%), and depression (31.5%) were observed among HCWs. Work during the 2003 SARS outbreak was reported by 1116 respondents (29.1%), who had lower scores for symptoms of PTSD (P = .002), anxiety (P < .001), and depression (P < .001) compared to those who had not worked during the SARS outbreak. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed non-clinical HCWs during this pandemic were at higher risk of anxiety (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.19–2.15, P = .01) and depressive symptoms (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.34–3.07, P < .001). HCWs using sedatives (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.61–4.03, P < .001), those who cared for only 2–5 patients with COVID-19 (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.06–2.38, P = .01), and those who had been in isolation for COVID-19 (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.96–1.93, P = .05), were at higher risk of moderate/severe symptoms of PTSD. In addition, deterioration in sleep was associated with symptoms of PTSD (OR, 4.68, 95% CI, 3.74–6.30, P < .001), anxiety (OR, 3.09, 95% CI, 2.11–4.53, P < .001), and depression (OR 5.07, 95% CI, 3.48–7.39, P < .001). Conclusion Psychological distress was observed in both clinical and non-clinical HCWs, with no impact from previous SARS work experience. As the pandemic continues, increasing psychological and team support may decrease the mental health impacts.

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COVID-19 Lockdown Landslides: The negative impact of subsequent lockdowns on loneliness, wellbeing, and mental health of Australians

Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management ◽

10.24083/apjhm.v16i4.855 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 125-133

Author(s):

Kim Johnston ◽

Jessica Oliva

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Los Angeles ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Living Alone ◽

Design Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

First Results ◽

The University

Objective. We previously reported on loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress of Australians living alone during the first COVID-19-related government enforced lockdown in Australia. At this time, those living alone were experiencing relatively low levels of emotional distress. Since then, one state, Victoria, underwent a second extended lockdown period and until now, it was unclear what impact this sequential lockdown might have had on the mental health and wellbeing of Victorian citizens. The current study aimed to add to the emerging literature on the lockdown experience in Australia by directly comparing the levels of anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, and wellbeing between Victorians in the second extended lockdown and Australians in the first lockdown. Design. Data from our original study of 384 Australians was compared with cross-sectional surveys of 340 Victorians during the second lockdown period. Setting. An online survey was administered with people residing in Victoria self-selecting to complete the study. Outcome Measures. Participants were asked to complete the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), WHO-5 Wellbeing Scale, and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. They were also invited to offer their insights into how the second extended lockdown experience had differed from the first. Results. Independent samples t-tests revealed that Australians were significantly more depressed, anxious, stressed, and lonely, and experienced reduced psychological wellbeing in the second lockdown compared to the first however overall, the levels indicated mild psychological distress. Qualitative insights revealed impact on mental health and a feeling of increased restrictions during lockdown two. Conclusions. Participants demonstrated adaptation to the lockdowns, providing support for the measures the Australian government have adopted to physically protect Australians from COVID-19. Management of the negative psychological impact through attention to wellbeing practices is however recommended in light of the increase in mental health concerns and likely further lockdown periods.

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The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and residency training of family medicine residents: findings from a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Turkey

BMC Family Practice ◽

10.1186/s12875-021-01576-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hüsna Çevik ◽

Mehmet Ungan

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Family Medicine ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Short Version ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Training Programmes ◽

Family Medicine Residents

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on resident training in different branches and affected the physical and mental health of frontline residents adversely. This nationwide cross-sectional survey aimed to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on family medicine residents in Turkey, including the levels of depression and burnout. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to all family medicine residents via e-mail and a web link between 28.11.2020 and 12.12.2020. Information on sociodemographic data and the residency programme were evaluated, and factors associated with depression and burnout were examined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Burnout Measure-Short Version (BMS) respectively. Results Although the weekly average working hours of the 477 respondents increased significantly during the pandemic (p < 0.05), the average weekly working time in the Family Medicine (FM) outpatient clinic decreased. The greatest concern of 58.3% of the residents was fear of transmitting COVID-19 to their family members. 90.2% of the residents stated that training programmes were negatively or very negatively affected. According to PHQ-9 scores, 15.7% of residents had moderately severe, and 14.9% severe depression. The BMS scores of the residents demonstrated that 24.1% had a very severe burnout problem, and 23.3% should seek professional help as soon as possible. Being single, having no children, female gender, lack of personal protective equipments and increased contact time with COVID-19 patients were associated with higher scores in the depression and burnout scales (p < 0.05). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on training programmes for FM residents, who are at the forefront of the pandemic in Turkey, and this situation is closely related to depression and burnout. Due to the unpredictability of the pandemic, long-term plans should be made for the training needs of residents in order to protect their physical and mental health.

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Prevalence of mental health problems in frontline healthcare workers after the first outbreak of COVID-19 in China: a cross-sectional study

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-021-01743-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wen-Ping Guo ◽

Qing Min ◽

Wei-Wei Gu ◽

Liang Yu ◽

Xiao Xiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Problems ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Problems ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract Background More than 210,000 medical workers have fought against the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei in China since December 2019. However, the prevalence of mental health problems in frontline medical staff after fighting COVID-19 is still unknown. Methods Medical workers in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei Province were invited to participate a cross-sectional and convenience sampling online survey, which assessed the prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results A total of 1,091 responses (33% male and 67% female) were valid for statistical analysis. The prevalence was anxiety 53%, insomnia 79%, depression 56%, and PTSD 11%. Healthcare workers in Wuhan were more likely to face risks of anxiety (56% vs. 52%, P = 0.03) and PTSD (15% vs. 9%, P = 0.03) than those in other cities of Hubei. In terms of educational attainment, those with doctoral and masters’ (D/M) degrees may experience more anxiety (median of 7.0, [interquartile range (IQR) 2.0–8.5] vs. median 5.0 [IQR 5.0–8.0], P = 0.02) and PTSD (median 26.0 [IQR 19.5–33.0] vs. median 23.0 [IQR 19.0–31.0], P = 0.04) than those with lower educational degrees. Conclusions The mental problems were an important issue for the healthcare workers after COVID-19. Thus, an early intervention on such mental problems is necessary for healthcare workers.

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Mindfulness Buffers the Effect of Inauthenticity on Depression

Psychological Reports ◽

10.1177/00332941211012941 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 003329412110129

Author(s):

Anja Roemer ◽

Anna Sutton ◽

Oleg N. Medvedev

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

New Zealand ◽

Protective Effect ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Daily Life ◽

Mindfulness Practice ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Relationship

Objectives Pressures in daily life limit one’s ability to be authentic and research shows that inauthenticity can be detrimental to mental health. Mindfulness is known to have a protective effect on mental health through an accepting and nonjudgmental stance. This study aimed to establish whether mindfulness buffers the relationship between inauthenticity and depression. Method A cross-sectional sample of employed individuals in New Zealand ( n=301) completed an online survey assessing their levels of authenticity, mindfulness, and depression. Results Findings indicate that authenticity and mindfulness together explain 29% of variance in depression. In addition, mindfulness can buffer the negative impact of low authenticity on depression. Conclusion Inauthenticity is related to higher levels of depression, but mindfulness is able to buffer this impact. These findings imply that engaging in mindfulness practice may be beneficial for mental health when individuals experience reduced authenticity.

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