Caregivers of people with dementia and mental health during COVID-19: findings from a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background There is sparse evidence on the impact on vulnerable populations of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of our study was to explore burden and mental wellbeing (including depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms) in caregivers of people with dementia during the first wave of the pandemic in Italy and southern Switzerland, two bordering regions severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an online cross-sectional survey with family carers of people with dementia between May and June 2020. We registered socio-demographic characteristics, and information about the relationship with the care recipient, dementia subtype, care inputs from others, and the need of care of the person with dementia. We measured caregiver burden with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), psychological distress with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and perceived isolation with the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLALS3). Results Caregivers (N =571) reported moderate to severe care-related burden (mean=54.30; SD=18.33), moderate anxiety symptoms (mean=10.04; SD=6.93), mild depressive symptoms (mean=11.79; SD=6.12) and mild stress (mean=12.95; SD=5.53), and 72.3% of participants reported to feel lonely. All scores were significantly more severe in Swiss compared to Italian caregivers (all p values<0.001). Conclusions We found that caregivers’ burden, anxiety symptoms, depression and perceived loneliness were marked during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in two severely hit bordering countries. Regional differences in the impact of the epidemic on caregivers could be due to contextual, societal, and cultural circumstances. As the pandemic endures, support to caregivers of people with dementia should be proportionate and tailored to needs and adapted to contextual factors.

Download Full-text

Public attitudes towards people living with dementia: A cross-sectional study in urban Japan (innovative practice)

Dementia ◽

10.1177/1471301216682118 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 438-446 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Yoko Aihara ◽

Hisako Kato ◽

Tetsuko Sugiyama ◽

Kuniko Ishi ◽

Yasushi Goto

Keyword(s):

Public Attitudes ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multiple Regression Model ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Key Factor ◽

Person With Dementia

Stigma and social isolation are major challenges in building dementia friendly communities. Information is a key factor in improving knowledge and attitudes about dementia. This cross-sectional survey aimed to investigate public attitudes towards people with dementia in an urban community in Japan. Nearly 90% of the participants responded that they were able to have a good relationship with a person with dementia and help such a person if needed. However, around half of the participants would be ashamed of a family member with dementia. A multiple regression model showed that information from television and educational classes was associated with positive attitudes towards people with dementia among older adults. Information from educational classes and the Internet was likewise associated with positive attitudes among the volunteers. Increasing the availability and accessibility of information on dementia may contribute to improving public attitudes towards people with dementia.

Download Full-text

The Impact of exposure to screen during COVID-19 Lockdown on the General health of students in Punjab, Pakistan

Medical & Clinical Research ◽

10.33140/mcr.06.07.04 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (7) ◽

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Screen Time ◽

General Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dry Eyes ◽

Mental Symptoms ◽

The Impact

Background: Since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic and a worldwide lockdown was imposed, it was predicted that there would be an increase in screen usage, especially among students, which could potentially have a lot of negative symptomology associated with it. Objective: The objective of our study was to determine the extent of screen exposure among medical students during lockdown and to study the symptoms that they faced due to it along with their frequency. Methods: In our descriptive cross-sectional study, we distributed the specifically designed questionnaire through online media to the concerned population, in order to gather important data about the physical and mental symptoms experienced by the medical students as a result of excessive screen exposure. Results: Of the 400 participants, 93.75 % reported an increase in screen time during the lockdown. As a consequence of increased screen usage, 207 (51.75%) of the participants reported headache, 267 (66.75%) reported fatigue, 283 (70.75%) reported eye strain, 121 (30.25%) reported dry eyes, 143 (35.75%) reported blurry vision, 154 (38.5%) reported teary eyes, 154 (38.5%) reported ear ache, 247 (61.75%) reported neck and back stiffness and 148 (37%) participants agreed to having experienced fingers and hand fatigue. We also established that increasing screen time was associated with a progressive decrease in physical activity (p=0.11) and increase in food consumption (p=0.002). A significant association was also recorded with weight gain (p=0.03). We found that the students previously diagnosed with a refractive error were more likely to complain of eye strain (p=0.004) and those diagnosed with migraine experienced more screen related headache (p=0.001). Of the 11 symptoms related to mental health in the questionnaire, students with screen usage of less than 4 hours marked a median of 2 symptoms, those with screen time of 4-8 hours marked a median of 4 symptoms and those with a screen usage >8 hours ticked a median of 5 symptoms. Students who had been diagnosed with anxiety or depression in the past checked an average of 5.24 symptoms while those with no such diagnosis had only 3.51 symptoms on average. Conclusion: The results proved a potential impact on the general health of the medical students. A significant increase in weight was observed along with other serious short and long term effects on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Download Full-text

Determining Major Stressors for Students at a Private Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan, Using MSSQ.

10.53350/pjmhs211592880 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (9) ◽

pp. 2880-2886

Author(s):

Syed Hussain Raza Zaidi ◽

Sara Mukhtar ◽

Rahila Yasmeen ◽

Rehan Ahmed Khan ◽

Tayyaba Azhar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Student ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Mild Stress ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Undergraduates ◽

Moderate Stress

Background: Undergraduate medical studies are tough and require long hours of study and thus can lead to significant stress for the students both physically and emotionally. Stress can affect a student’s mental wellbeing and can lead to anxiety, fatigue and depression. Medical undergraduates report a greater level of perceived stress then general population. We need to understand the stressors affecting the health of our students in order to prevent psychological and emotional consequences. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using the Medical student stressor questionnaire (MSSQ) was designed to determine the different stressors that a medical student deals with during their educational career at the University College of Medicine (UCM) at University of Lahore (UOL). Student participation in this study was voluntary. 1st, 2nd and 3rd year MBBS students of UCM were included in the study. The questionnaire has 20 questions that determine the academic, interpersonal & intrapersonal, teaching and learning, social, drive and desire, and group activities related stressors. The students were further asked to answer questions related to their gender, study routine and physical activity. They were also asked about family and social support available to them. SPSS software version 23 was utilized for data analysis. Results: Data revealed that the 2nd and 3rd year students regard academic related stressors as the most bothersome for them, whereas the desire related stressors were regarded by them as causing mild to moderate stress. The remaining four domains were rated as causing only moderate stress. 1st year students graded the academic related stressors as the cause of most stress for them, while the teaching and learning related stressors, interpersonal related stressors and social related stressors were rated less than it. Drive and desire related stressors were regarded as causing mild stress. When we compared the data from all three years, we found that group activates related stressors were regarded as least stressful by 3rd year students. 3rd year MBBS students rated the intrapersonal & interpersonal stressors, social related stressors, drive and desire related stressors and group activity related stressors at a level that was lower than the 1st & 2nd year MBBS students. Conclusions: Academic related stressors and teaching and learning related stressors were rated as being most stressful by students of all three years. Institutions should take to make the learning environment less stressful for the students as continued stress can adversely affect the health and mental well-being of the students. Keywords: Undergraduate Medical Students, Stress, Medical student stressor questionnaire (MSSQ)

Download Full-text

Mobile Health Program to Reduce Psychological Treatment Gap in Mental Healthcare in Alberta Through Daily Supportive Text Messages – Cross-sectional Survey Evaluating Text4Mood

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1970 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S139-S139 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

V. Agyapong ◽

K. Mrklas ◽

M. Juhás ◽

J. Omeje ◽

A. Ohinmaa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Psychological Treatment ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Well Being ◽

Text Messages ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Treatment Gap ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

BackgroundTo complement the oversubscribed counselling services in Alberta, the Text4Mood program which delivers daily supportive text messages to subscribers was launched on the 18th of January, 2016. This report presents an evaluation of self-reports of the impact of the program on the mental wellbeing of subscribers.MethodsAn online link to a survey questionnaire was created by an expert group and delivered via text messages to mobile phones of all 4111 active subscribers of the Text4Mood program as of April 11, 2016.ResultsOverall, 894 subscribers answered the survey (overall response rate 21.7%). The response rate for individual questions varied and is reported alongside the results. Most respondents were female (83%, n = 668), Caucasian (83%, n = 679), and diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (38%, n = 307), including Depression (25.4%, n = 227) and Anxiety (20%, n = 177). Overall, 52% (n = 461) signed up for Text4Mood to help elevate their mood and 24.5% (n = 219) signed up to help them worry less. Most respondents felt the text messages made them more hopeful about managing issues in their lives (81.7%, n = 588), feel in charge of managing depression and anxiety (76.7%, n = 552), and feel connected to a support system (75.2%, n = 542). The majority of respondents felt Text4Mood improved their overall mental well-being (83.1%, n = 598).ConclusionSupportive text messages are a feasible and acceptable way of delivering adjunctive psychological interventions. Given that text messages are affordable, readily available, and can be delivered to thousands of people simultaneously, they present an opportunity to help close the psychological treatment gap for mental health patients.

Download Full-text

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF DIET & LIFESTYLE IN PREVALENCE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM IN FEMALES - AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

November 2020 - International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ◽

10.46607/iamj0809122021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 2971-2974

Author(s):

Pavan Kumar K ◽

Sudhakar P Reddy

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Clinical Syndrome ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Male Female Ratio ◽

The Impact ◽

Diet And Lifestyle ◽

Female Subjects

Background: In India, 42 million people are suffering from thyroid disorders, out of which hypothyroidism is most common with a prevalence of 5.4%. It is more prevalent among females with the male-female ratio being 1:6. Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome resulting from a deficiency of thyroid hormones, which in turn results in a generalized slowing down of metabolic processes. Impaired metabolism can be compared with vitiation of Agni causing Agnimandhya according to Ayurveda. Agnimandhya further hampers the formations of Ahara Rasa and consecutive Dhatus Nirmana, diminishing the metabolism, thereby causing features similar to hypothyroidism. The objective of the Study: To assess the impact of diet & lifestyle on the prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Females. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional survey study. A total of 150 female subjects were selected for the study. With the help of a validated pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire, the interview was conducted on female subjects diagnosed with Hypothyroidism to assess the impact of diet and lifestyle on the prevalence of Hypothy- roidism in and around Mysuru city. Result: In the survey study, the majority of the hypothyroidism diagnosed subjects followed unhealthy daily regimes and the majority percentage of them practised unwholesome diet, food habits and lifestyle. Diet and lifestyle have a direct influence on the occurrence of hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is a metabolic disorder is mainly caused by Agni Mandhya and Rasa Pradoshaja as a result of faulty diet and lifestyle. One should follow Dincharya, Rutucharya and other Ayurveda principles to protect the Agni and thereby prevent Hypothyroidism. The practice of Ahita Ahara Vidhi and Ahita Vihara in the manifestation of Agnimandhya, followed by the development of features of hypothyroidism was substantiated by the result of the survey. Keywords: Hypothyroidism; Diet; Lifestyle; Agnimandhya; Rasa Pradoshaja Vikara.

Download Full-text

The impact of COVID-19 on mental health outcomes among hospital fever clinic attendants across Nepal: A cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0248684 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0248684

Author(s):

Hridaya Raj Devkota ◽

Tula Ram Sijali ◽

Ramji Bogati ◽

Meraj Ahmad ◽

Karuna Laxmi Shakya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Programs ◽

The Impact

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been creating a panic and distressing situations among the entire population globally including Nepal. No study has been conducted assessing the psychological impact of this pandemic on the general public in Nepal. The objective of this study is to assess the mental health status during COVID-19 outbreak and explore the potential influencing factors among the population attending the hospital fever clinics with COVID–19 symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May—June, 2020 with a sample of 645 participants aged 18 and above in 26 hospitals across Nepal. Telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire along with a validated psychometric tool, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) scale. The metrics and scores of symptoms and their severity were created and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of potential covariates with outcome variables. Results The prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress were 14%, 7% and 5% respectively. In reference to Karnali, participants from Bagmati province reported higher level of anxiety (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.31–9.06), while stress (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.09–18.32) and depressive symptoms (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.05–9.23) observed higher among the participants in Province 1. Women were more at risk of anxiety (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.83–6.36) than men. Similarly, people currently living in rented houses reported more stress (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.05–8.43) and those living far from family reported higher rates of depressive symptoms (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.03–11.46). Conclusion The study identified increased prevalence of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms during the initial stage of COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Considering the findings, there is urgent need to develop and implement appropriate community-based mental health programs targeting individuals who have had COVID-19 symptoms and who are prone to develop adverse mental health outcomes.

Download Full-text

Usefulness and acceptability of an animation to raise awareness to grief experienced by carers of individuals with dementia

Dementia ◽

10.1177/14713012211041259 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 147130122110412

Author(s):

Clara Scher ◽

Sophie Crawley ◽

Claudia Cooper ◽

Elizabeth L Sampson ◽

Kirsten J Moore

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Data ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Survey Design ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Before And After ◽

Qualitative Responses ◽

Person With Dementia

Aim Many carers of individuals with dementia experience high levels of grief before and after the death of the person with dementia. This study aimed to determine the usefulness, acceptability, and relevance of an animation developed to raise awareness to grief experienced by carers of people with dementia. Methods This research had a cross-sectional survey design. We contacted carers of people with dementia over the phone or email. Participants evaluated the animation through an online or paper-based survey. We used descriptive statistics and analysed qualitative data using thematic analysis. We required a sample of 40 carers to adequately power the study with a target of 75% of carers finding the animation useful, acceptable, and relevant. Results 31/78 carers approached evaluated the animation. Ninety-four percent of participants found the animation relevant to their situation, meeting our target. However, we fell short of this target for usefulness (68%) and acceptability (73%). The qualitative responses suggested that participants felt the animation could help improve the understanding of grief among carers, family, friends, and healthcare professionals. Carers also shared that the animation would be most useful for carers of newly diagnosed people with dementia. Conclusion Most carers of people with dementia in this study reported that the animation was useful, acceptable, and relevant. Dissemination of the resource may be useful for the majority of carers, with the caveat that a few carers may find it distressing and need to be referred for further support.

Download Full-text

Impact of COVID-19 on medical students’ mental wellbeing in Jordan

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0253295 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. e0253295

Author(s):

Khaled Seetan ◽

Mohammad Al-Zubi ◽

Yousef Rubbai ◽

Mohammad Athamneh ◽

Almu’atasim Khamees ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Data Assessment ◽

The Impact

COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and has resulted in significant morbidity, mortality, and negative psychological impact. This prospective cross-sectional study is exploring the effect of the pandemic on mental health of medical students. The study was conducted at six Jordanian medical schools using an online survey to collect students’ socio-demographic and academic data. Assessment of mental wellbeing status was done using Kessler’s psychological stress scale (K10); the impact of COVID-19 on life activities and strategies followed to manage the situation were also examined. A total of 553 medical students were recruited for the study. Men constituted 40.1%, and women were 59.9%. Students reported that COVID-19 has affected the aspects of physical fitness (73.1%), study (68.4%), and social relationships (65.6%) the most. Sixty-six percent of the students were concerned about family members’ affection, and more than half (58.4%) explained their concerns about the inability to get clinical sessions and labs. Cooking, baking, and hobby practicing were the most popular methods to improve their mental wellbeing. About half of the participants had a severe mental disorder, and only 13.2% were likely to be well. The study indicates that half of our medical students suffer severe mental disorders, with physical fitness, exercise, and studying being among the most affected aspects during the COVID 19 pandemic. It is recommended that measures need be taken to alleviate students’ stress, which might have deleterious effects in many aspects.

Download Full-text

The impact of COVID-19 on pharmacy students in Sudan: A cross-sectional survey

Pharmacy Education ◽

10.46542/pe.2020.202.276282 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 276-282

Author(s):

Noon Abubakr Abdelrahman Kamil ◽

Salma Elmukashfi Eltahir Mohammed ◽

Yasir Ahmed Mohammed Elhadi ◽

Mohamed Babiker Musa ◽

Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Pharmacy Education ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Traditional Teaching ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Health Emergencies ◽

Academic Activities ◽

The Impact

Background: The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted many aspects of life. Several studies have investigated the effect of this pandemic on academic activities. Yet, no studies addressed the impact of COVID-19 on students in Sudan. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on Sudanese undergraduate pharmacy students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire delivered to undergraduate pharmacy students. Results: A total of 137 students responded to the survey. The majority were female (74.5%) and were students in private colleges (60.6%). Majority of the students (95.0%) were affected by COVID-19 crisis and about half of the respondents (54.0%) were depressed and 85.4% reported a decreased level of concentration. In spite of these challenges, majority of our respondents were still motivated (85.3%) to continue their education on campus. Conclusion: Despite unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy students in Sudan are motivated to continue their studies, and they want the traditional teaching model to resume. It is time to invest more in education and rethink delivery of pharmacy education in Sudan during public health emergencies. There is no better time than now.

Download Full-text

Mental health and illness of medical students and newly graduated doctors during the pandemic of SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0251525 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. e0251525

Author(s):

Lis Campos Ferreira ◽

Rívia Siqueira Amorim ◽

Fellipe Matos Melo Campos ◽

Rosana Cipolotti

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medical Students ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physical Distance ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health And Illness ◽

The Impact

Introduction: SARS-Cov-2 virus pandemic causes serious emotional consequences. It has occurred widespread medical courses suspension, and graduations were anticipated. Field hospitals, set up to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, were the main workplaces of newly graduated doctors. Objective: To assess the impact of SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of medical interns and newly graduated doctors. Method: This is a cross-sectional study performed using a digital platform. Links to forms were sent in two moments: moment 1 (M1), at the beginning of the pandemic, in the first half of April/2020 and moment 2 (M2), after six months of pandemic, in the second half of September/2020. All students from the medical internship and all doctors graduated since 2018 from the three medical schools in Sergipe-NE-Brazil were invited. Results: 335 forms were answered in April and 148 in September. In M1 88.9% considered themselves exposed to excess of information about COVID-19, which was associated with anxiety symptoms (p = 0.04). Long family physical distance was also associated with these symptoms, as increased appetite (p = 0.01), feeling shortness of breath (p = 0.003) and sweating (p = 0.007). Fear of acquire COVID-19 was reported as intense by almost half of participants, and of transmitting by 85.7% in M1. In M2 41.2% reported the death of friends or relatives. Psychiatric illness was described by 38.5% and psychotropic drugs use by 30.1% in M1, especially those who lived alone (p = 0.03) and the single ones (p = 0.01). Alcohol intake was reported by 54.3%, and among doctors graduated in 2020 it increased from 50% in M1 to 85% in M2 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health of medical students and newly graduated doctors. Exposure to excessive COVID-19 information and family physical distance were associated to anxiety symptoms. Among doctors graduated in 2020, alcohol intake increased during pandemic evolution.

Download Full-text