scholarly journals Use of Artificial Intelligence to understand adults’ thoughts and behaviours relating to COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 175791392097933
Author(s):  
SW Flint ◽  
A Piotrkowicz ◽  
K Watts
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Community Recovery ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Artificial Intelligence Methods ◽  
High Concern ◽  
The Impact

Aims: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that has had substantial impact across societies. An attempt to reduce infection and spread of the disease, for most nations, has led to a lockdown period, where people’s movement has been restricted resulting in a consequential impact on employment, lifestyle behaviours and wellbeing. As such, this study aimed to explore adults’ thoughts and behaviours in response to the outbreak and resulting lockdown measures. Methods: Using an online survey, 1126 adults responded to invitations to participate in the study. Participants, all aged 18 years or older, were recruited using social media, email distribution lists, website advertisement and word of mouth. Sentiment and personality features extracted from free-text responses using Artificial Intelligence methods were used to cluster participants. Results: Findings demonstrated that there was varied knowledge of the symptoms of COVID-19 and high concern about infection, severe illness and death, spread to others, the impact on the health service and on the economy. Higher concerns about infection, illness and death were reported by people identified at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Behavioural clusters, identified using Artificial Intelligence methods, differed significantly in sentiment and personality traits, as well as concerns about COVID-19, actions, lifestyle behaviours and wellbeing during the COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusions: This time-sensitive study provides important insights into adults’ perceptions and behaviours in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown. The use of Artificial Intelligence has identified that there are two behavioural clusters that can predict people’s responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, which goes beyond simple demographic groupings. Considering these insights may improve the effectiveness of communication, actions to reduce the direct and indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support community recovery.

scholarly journals Are public health measures and individualised care compatible in the face of a pandemic? A national observational study of bereaved relatives’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110198
Author(s):  
Catriona R Mayland ◽  
Rosemary Hughes ◽  
Steven Lane ◽  
Tamsin McGlinchey ◽  
Warren Donnellan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
Dying Patients ◽  
The Face ◽  
Individualised Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Informative Communication

Background: COVID-19 public health restrictions have affected end-of-life care experiences for dying patients and their families. Aim: To explore bereaved relatives’ experiences of quality of care and family support provided during the last days of life; to identify the impact of factors associated with perceived support. Design: A national, observational, open online survey was developed and disseminated via social media, public fora and professional networks (June–September 2020). Validated instruments and purposively designed questions assessed experiences. Analysis used descriptive statistics, logistic regression and thematic analysis of free-text responses. Participants: Individuals (⩾18 years) who had experienced the death of a relative/friend (all care settings) within the United Kingdome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Respondents ( n = 278, mean 53.4 years) tended to be female ( n = 216, 78%); over half were ‘son/daughter’ (174, 62.6%) to the deceased. Deceased individuals (mean 81.6 years) most frequently died in their ‘usual place of care’ ( n = 192, 69.3%). Analysis established five conceptual themes affecting individualised care: (1) public health restrictions compounding the distress of ‘not knowing’; (2) disparate views about support from doctors and nurses; (3) challenges in communication and level of preparedness for the death; (4) delivery of compassionate care; (5) emotional needs and potential impact on grief. Male respondents (OR 2.9, p = 0.03) and those able to visit (OR 2.2, p = 0.04) were independently associated with good perceptions of family support. Conclusion: Despite public health restrictions, individualised care can be enabled by proactive, informative communication; recognising dying in a timely manner and facilitating the ability to be present before death.

scholarly journals The Influence of Human–Animal Interactions on Mental and Physical Health during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Phase in the U.K.: A Qualitative Exploration

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Dimitra Kale ◽  
Daniel S. Mills ◽  
Catherine Reeve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of animals as sources of emotional and physical support during a period when most of the population is experiencing social and environmental challenges. We investigated how companion animal owners perceived the influence of human–animal interaction on their physical and mental health during the first COVID-19 lockdown phase in the U.K., and what concerns they had regarding their animals at this time. We also explored the impact of participants’ interaction with non-companion animals during this phase. A cross-sectional online survey of U.K. residents aged over 18 was conducted between April and June 2020. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences and/or perceptions of their human–animal relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. A qualitative thematic analysis of responses was undertaken. Four main themes related to the following aspects of human–animal interactions during the COVID-19 lockdown phase were identified: the positive impact of animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., amelioration of wellbeing and mental health), concerns relating to animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., concerns over animals carrying the COVID-19 virus), grief and loss of an animal during the COVID-19 lockdown and the impact of engaging with non-companion animals during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings complement and extend previous insights into the impact of human–animal interaction with both companion and non-companion animals. They also highlight the challenges of caring for an animal during the lockdown phase and indicate the need to consider the development of further targeted support strategies, such as “day care” for the companion animals of key workers in this context.

scholarly journals Experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000987
Author(s):  
Nicola J Roberts ◽  
Carol A Kelly ◽  
Kate A Lippiett ◽  
Emma Ray ◽  
Lindsay Welch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
British Thoracic Society ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Free Text ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundNurses have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, involved in extensive coordination of services, screening, vaccination and front-line work in respiratory, emergency and intensive care environments. The nature of this work is often intense and stress-provoking with an inevitable psychological impact on nurses and all healthcare workers. This study focused on nurses working in respiratory areas with the aim of identifying and characterising the self-reported issues that exacerbated or alleviated their concerns during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was developed consisting of 90 questions using a mixture of open-ended and closed questions. Participant demographic data were also collected (age, gender, ethnicity, number of years qualified, details of long-term health conditions, geographical location, nursing background/role and home life). The online survey was disseminated via social media and professional respiratory societies (British Thoracic Society, Primary Care Respiratory Society, Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists) over a 3-week period in May 2020 and the survey closed on 1 June 2020.ResultsThe study highlights the experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the pandemic in early 2020. Concerns were expressed over the working environment, the supply and availability of adequate protective personal equipment, the quality of care individuals were able to deliver, and the impact on mental health to nurses and their families. A high number provided free-text comments around their worries and concerns about the impact on their household; these included bringing the virus home, the effect on family members worrying about them, mental health and the impact of changing working patterns, and managing with children. Although both formal and informal support were available, there were inconsistencies in provision, highlighting the importance of nursing leadership and management in ensuring equity of access to services.ConclusionsSupport for staff is essential both throughout the pandemic and afterwards, and it is important that preparation of individuals regarding building resilience is recognised. It is also clear that psychological support and services for nurses and the wider healthcare team need to be available and quickly convened in the event of similar major incidents, either global or local.

scholarly journals Gender differences in barriers to mental healthcare for UK military veterans: a preliminary investigation

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001754
Author(s):  
Lauren Rose Godier-McBard ◽  
G Cable ◽  
A D Wood ◽  
M Fossey
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Military Veterans ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Free Text ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionLimited UK research focuses on female military veterans’ gender-related experiences and issues when accessing civilian mental healthcare support. This study sought to illuminate a preliminary understanding of any gender differences in barriers that may discourage them accessing mental healthcare support.MethodsA total of 100 participants completed an open online survey of UK triservice veterans who identified as having experienced postmilitary mental health problems. They completed a 30-item Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation scale and were asked to elaborate using free-text questions. Resulting quantitative data were analysed for gender-related differences, while the qualitative text was thematically explored.ResultsWhile stigma, previous poor experience of mental healthcare and a lack of trust in civilian providers were found to act as barriers to postmilitary support for both men and women, significantly more women reported that their gender had also impacted on their intention to seek help. Women also commented on the impact of gender-related discrimination during service on their help-seeking experiences.ConclusionsWhile efforts are being made by the UK Ministry of Defence to reduce barriers to mental healthcare for those still serving in the Armed Forces, it has been more difficult to provide a similar level of support to the veteran population. With little veteran research focusing on the specific experiences of women, this study suggests that female veterans encounter specific access barriers and issues related to their gender. Further research is therefore needed to ensure these findings are addressed.

scholarly journals The Perceived Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Specific Interpersonal Relationships: A Qualitative Study of Survey Data

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeriya Azorina ◽  
Nicola Morant ◽  
Hedvig Nesse ◽  
Fiona Stevenson ◽  
David Osborn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Social Discomfort ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

People bereaved by suicide have an increased risk of suicide and suicide attempt, yet report receiving less support than people bereaved by other sudden deaths. Reductions in support may contribute to suicide risk, yet their nature is unclear. We explored the impact of suicide bereavement on the interpersonal relationships of young adults in the UK using an online survey to collect qualitative data. We conducted thematic analysis of free-text responses from 499 adults to questions capturing the impact of bereavement on relationships with partners, close friends, close family, extended family, and other contacts. We identified four main themes describing the changes in relationships following the suicide: (1) Social discomfort over the death (stigma and taboo; painfulness for self or others to discuss; socially prescribed grief reactions); (2) social withdrawal (loss of social confidence; withdrawal as a coping mechanism); (3) shared bereavement experience creating closeness and avoidance; (4) attachments influenced by fear of further losses (overprotectiveness towards others; avoiding attachments as protective). These findings contribute to understanding deficits in support and pathways to suicidality after suicide bereavement. Such disrupted attachments add to the burden of grief and could be addressed by public education on how to support those bereaved by suicide.

scholarly journals Lifestyle behaviours of children and adolescents during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland and their relation to well-being: a population-based study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela P Peralta ◽  
Anne-Linda Camerini ◽  
Sarah R Haile ◽  
Christian R Kahlert ◽  
Elsa Lorthe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Partial Recovery ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Excellent Health ◽  
The Impact

Background: Previous studies assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's and adolescent's lifestyle focused mainly on the first wave in early 2020. We aimed to describe changes in adherence to recommendations for physical activity (PA), screen time (ST), and sleep duration over the first two waves of the pandemic (March-May 2020 and October 2020-January 2021) in Switzerland, and to assess the associations of these lifestyle behaviours with life satisfaction and overall health, as indicators of well-being. Methods: We included 3168 participants aged 5 to 18 years from four Swiss cantons. Participants or their parents completed repeated questionnaires and reported on their (child's) PA, ST, sleep, life satisfaction, and overall health. We analysed lifestyle behaviours in terms of adherence to international recommendations. We used linear and logistic regression models to assess the associations of number of recommendations met and adherence patterns with well-being indicators. Findings: Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the percentage of participants meeting the recommendations for PA and ST decreased strikingly during March-May 2020, while there was a slight increase in those meeting recommendations for sleep. During October 2020-January 2021, the percentage of compliant children for PA and ST increased but remained lower than before the pandemic. Participants meeting all three recommendations were more likely to report excellent health (OR: 1.87 [1.15-3.08]) and a higher life satisfaction score (β: 0.59 [0.30-0.88]) than participants not meeting any recommendation. Adherence to recommendations for PA and sleep, PA and ST, and sleep and ST was similarly associated with both well-being indicators. Interpretation: We show a substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's and adolescents' lifestyle behaviours with a partial recovery over time, and an association between lifestyle and well-being. Public health policies to promote children's and adolescents' well-being should target PA, ST, and sleep simultaneously. Funding: Corona Immunitas.

Was a global pandemic needed to adopt the use of telehealth in occupational therapy?

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Viktoria Hoel ◽  
Claudia von Zweck ◽  
Ritchard Ledgerd ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Traditional Service ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: An analysis of data from an international survey was undertaken to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on telehealth practice in occupational therapy worldwide, in addition to facilitators and barriers in utilising this form of service delivery. METHOD: The global online survey was circulated in the occupational therapy community by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) between April and July 2020, collecting responses to closed-ended questions, in addition to free-text comments. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess relationships between respondent characteristics and the utilisation of telehealth. Thematic statement analysis provided further insight regarding factors impacting telehealth use. RESULTS: Findings revealed a significant increase in the use of telehealth strategies with the onset of the pandemic among survey respondents, with many reported benefits. Bivariate analyses indicated telehealth users were more likely to score higher feelings of safety and positive work morale, as well as perceive employer expectations to be reasonable. Restricted access to technology, limitations of remote practice, funding issues and slow pace of change were identified as barriers for some respondents for use of telehealth. Facilitators included availability of supportive policy, guidelines and strategies, in addition to education and training. CONCLUSION: This study advances the understanding of the current scope of occupational therapy telehealth practice in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although results suggest long-term potential for telehealth use as an adjunct to traditional service provision, important considerations were identified regarding factors influencing integration of such strategies.

scholarly journals 410 - Dementia-related Psychosis Symptoms and Impact from the Patient and Care Partner (Caregiver) Perspective: an Observational, Prospective Study to Describe the Patient Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 126-126
Author(s):  
Teresa Brandt ◽  
Theresa Frangiosa ◽  
Virginia Biggar ◽  
Angela Taylor ◽  
Bill Keller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Lewy Body Dementia ◽  
Auditory Hallucinations ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Visual Hallucinations ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
The Impact

Background:This study aimed to describe the person-centered experience of symptoms and impact of dementia-related psychosis (DRP) from a patient and care partner (CP) perspective.Methods:This observational, non-interventional, prospective study collected patient experience data to understand the impact of DRP in persons with various dementia subtypes. Qualitative interviews were conducted with persons or their CP who have a clinical diagnosis of all-cause dementia with psychotic symptoms, recruited through physician referrals. The quantitative online survey was completed by persons with self-reported DRP or their CP recruited by advocacy groups: UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and the Lewy Body Dementia Association. CP burden was beyond the scope of this study.Results:Sixteen individuals (1 patient, 15 CP) participated in the qualitative interview. The most commonly reported symptoms of DRP were visual hallucinations (88%), auditory hallucinations (69%), and persecutory delusions (56%). Participants described an impact of DRP on activities of daily living (75%), sleep (63%), family life (56%), and safety concerns (56%).The quantitative portion was completed by 212 participants (26 patients, 186 CP). DRP symptoms most frequently reported by patients were visual hallucinations (89%), auditory hallucinations (54%), and distortion of senses (54%); those reported by CP were paranoid delusions (76%), visual hallucinations (75%), and lack of trust for loved ones (52%). For patients with recent visual hallucinations, 61% of patients and 70% of CP reported experiencing this symptom on a weekly basis. When asked to rank the impact on the patient’s life, patients reported that visual hallucinations were the most impactful symptom whereas CP reported paranoid delusions/false beliefs as most impactful, followed by visual hallucinations. Difficulty differentiating what is real from what is not real, increased anxiety, and effects on personal relationships were the most common types of impacts reported by both patients and CP. Most patients (>40%) were not receiving medications for DRP.Conclusions:Persons with DRP experience hallucinations and delusions that have a substantial impact on their lives. Here, patient experience data demonstrate that there is a need for treatments to reduce the symptoms and impacts of DRP.Study Sponsored By: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.DisclosuresTF is a consultant with Frangiosa & Associates, LLC.VB and AT have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.TB, BK, and VA are employees of and may hold stock and/or stock options with ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.

scholarly journals Individual Differences in Responsiveness to Acupuncture: An Exploratory Survey of Practitioner Opinion

Medicines ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Mayor ◽  
Lara McClure ◽  
J. Clayton McClure
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Situational Factors ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Practitioner Survey ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Treatment Responses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Response

Background: Previous research has considered the impact of personal and situational factors on treatment responses. This article documents the first phase of a four-stage project on patient characteristics that may influence responsiveness to acupuncture treatment, reporting results from an exploratory practitioner survey. Methods: Acupuncture practitioners from various medical professions were recruited through professional organisations to complete an online survey about their demographics and attitudes as well as 60 questions on specific factors that might influence treatment. They gave categorical (“Yes”, “No”, and “Don’t know”) and free-text responses. Quantitative and qualitative (thematic) analyses were then conducted. Results: There were more affirmative than negative or uncertain responses overall. Certain characteristics, including ability to relax, exercise and diet, were most often considered relevant. Younger and male practitioners were more likely to respond negatively. Limited support was found for groupings between characteristics. Qualitative data provide explanatory depth. Response fatigue was evident over the course of the survey. Conclusions: Targeting and reminders may benefit uptake when conducting survey research. Practitioner characteristics influence their appreciation of patient characteristics. Factors consistently viewed as important included ability to relax, exercise and diet. Acupuncture practitioners may benefit from additional training in certain areas. Surveys may produce more informative results if reduced in length and complexity.

scholarly journals Use of Alcohol and Unprescribed Drugs after Suicide Bereavement: Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (21) ◽  
pp. 4093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Eng ◽  
Lauren Drabwell ◽  
Fiona Stevenson ◽  
Michael King ◽  
David Osborn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Alcohol And Drugs ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Drug And Alcohol Use ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Drug And Alcohol ◽  
The Relationship

Studies describing the impact of suicide bereavement report an excess risk of suicide, suicide attempt, psychiatric illness, and drug and alcohol use disorders compared with the general population. However, the nature of patterns of drug and alcohol use after suicide bereavement is unclear. We used an online survey to collect qualitative data to understand whether and how drug and alcohol use changes after suicide bereavement. We conducted thematic analysis of free-text responses to a question capturing their use of alcohol and drugs after the suicide of a family member or a close friend. Analysing data from 346 adults in Britain aged 18–40, we identified three main themes describing the relationship of suicide bereavement to alcohol or drug use: (1) control over drug or alcohol use, (2) the perceived purpose of using drugs or alcohol, and (3) the attribution of drug or alcohol misuse to external factors. Overlying these themes were dimensions of control and of awareness of potential harms. This study highlights that increased use of drugs and alcohol after suicide bereavement may form part of a bereaved person’s coping strategies, and that sensitive approaches are needed when judging whether and when to intervene.

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