Impact of coronavirus 2019 on mental health and lifestyle adaptations of pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background In light of the pandemic, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to increased psychological distress and in need of imperative preventive measures. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on mental health, lifestyle adaptations, and their determinants among pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates. Methods A survey was conducted electronically between June and August 2020. Pregnant women were recruited from prenatal clinics in the UAE and invited to participate in an online survey developed on Google Forms. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, the Impact of Event Scale- Revised, the Perceived Support Scale and lifestyle-related factors. Results A total of 384 pregnant women completed the questionnaire of whom 20.6% were in their 1st trimester, 46.1% in their 2nd and 33.3% in their 3rd trimester. The mean IES-R score for the respondents was 26.15 ± 13.55, corresponding to a mild stressful impact, which did not differ significantly among trimesters of pregnancy. Pregnant women expressed increased stress from staying home (64%), work (40%), feeling frightened (66%) and apprehensive (59%). Women reported increased support and sharing their feelings with family members (59%), mainly in the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.05). There was a greater attention to mental health (48%), resting time (55.3%), and relaxing time (57.3%); while a decreased amount of time was spent engaging in physical activities (53.6%), which differed significantly between trimesters (P = 0.02). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a mild stressful impact among pregnant women in the UAE, braced by strong family support and self-care mental health behaviors.

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A cross-sectional survey of psychological distress in a Mexican sample during the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

10.31219/osf.io/wzqkh ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aldebarán Toledo-Fernández ◽

Diana Betancourt-Ocampo ◽

Héctor Romo-Parra ◽

Ernesto Reyes-Zamorano ◽

Alejandro González-González

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Second Phase ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Baseline Measure ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

Related Stress ◽

The Impact

The objectives of this study were to describe severity of psychological distress (event-related stress, anxiety, and depression) during the second stage of COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, and to explore associations between the indicators of psychological distress, sociodemographic characteristics and specific concerns about COVID-19. This report serves as a baseline measure of a longitudinal project to evaluate progression of psychological distress across stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. An online survey was conducted in the State of Mexico from April 8th -18th, 2020, in a sample of men and women who are beneficiaries of a welfare institution in the region. Variables were measured with the Impact of Event Scale-6, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disoder-7, and a questionnaire of concerns about COVID-19. A total of 5974 participants were analyzed. Moderate levels of psychological distress (with 23.6% of participants meeting significant event-related stress, but mild levels of depression and anxiety) were found, as well as high values in all concerns about COVID-19, especially regarding financial disruption, worsening of local security and concern of a family member becoming infected. These concerns associated mild-to-moderately with the indicators of psychological distress. Higher values of event-related distress were found in women, individuals with higher educational attainment and those with any current high-risk medical diagnosis, though the effect sizes were mild. Though psychological distress and concerns about COVID-19 have reached significant levels during the pandemic in Mexico, overall, they have not yet reached dysfunctional levels.

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Early Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil: A National Survey

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9092976 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 2976 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos ◽

Bianca Gonzalez Martins ◽

Lucas Arrais Campos ◽

João Marôco ◽

Rayya Ahmed Saadiq ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Related Factors ◽

Event Scale ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Population Demographic ◽

The Impact

Background: Isolation measures used to contain epidemics generate social interaction restrictions and impose changes in routines of the public that increase negative psychological outcomes. Anxiety and depression are the most common symptoms. Objective: To evaluate the mental health of the Brazilian population during the SARs-CoV-2 pandemic and its relationship with demographic and health characteristics. Methods: Adults from all Brazilian States participated (n = 12,196; women: 69.8%, mean age = 35.2 years). The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale–revised were used (online survey). Data validity and reliability were verified by confirmatory factor analysis and ordinal alpha coefficient. The probability of presenting psychological symptoms was calculated by multiple logistic regression and odds ratio (OR) (0 = without symptoms, 1 = with mild, moderate, and severe levels of symptoms). Results: High prevalence of depression (61.3%), anxiety (44.2%), stress (50.8%), and psychological impact (54.9%) due to the isolation experienced from the pandemic was found. Younger individuals (OR = 1.58–3.58), those that felt unsafe (OR = 1.75–2.92), with a previous diagnosis of mental health (OR = 1.72–2.64) and/or had general health problems before the pandemic (OR = 1.17–1.51), who noticed changes in their mental state due to the pandemic context (OR = 2.53–9.07), and excessively exposed to the news (OR = 1.19–2.18) were at increased risk of developing symptoms. Women (OR = 1.35–1.65) and those with lower economic status (OR = 1.38–2.69) were more likely to develop psychological symptoms. Lower educational levels increased the likelihood of depressive (OR = 1.03–1.34) and intrusive symptoms (OR = 1.09–1.51). Conclusions: The pandemic and related factors can have a high impact on the mental health of the population. Demographic characteristics can influence the occurrence of psychological symptoms.

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Decisional Trust and Regret Mediate the HRQL in Work-Related Hand Injury Patients

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.1753 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S479-S479

Author(s):

H.H. Liao ◽

S.L. Cheng ◽

C.C. Chang ◽

C.H. Lin ◽

F.C. Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mediation Analysis ◽

Short Form ◽

Hand Injury ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

Work Related ◽

The Impact ◽

Decisional Regret

BackgroundDespite mounting evidence that non-injury-related factors have an important role in recovery from injury; specific variables associated with surgery outcomes are poorly understood. This lack of knowledge complicates efforts to improve the care of work-related hand injury (WRHI) patients. However, substantial research and investigation have still not clarified these underlying relationships, which merit further attention.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) outcome for WRHI patients after the impact of event and to investigate the moderated mediation analysis associated with their decision trust and regret.MethodsA cross sectional study design was used to investigate the impact of event and the associated HRQL in 53 WRHI patients following severe and major hand injury. All consenting patients completed the Impact of Event Scale Revised, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, Decisional Trust scale, Decisional Regret scale and Short Form-36.Anticipated achievementIn the result of mediation analysis, patients affected HRQL via decisional trust and decisional regret, respectively. In addition, our data suggest that certain decisional trust and decisional regret (partial) characteristics significantly moderate this association. These findings may aid in the development of clinical interventions to enhance HRQL for WRHI patients. Overall, it is important for clinicians to consider the notion that more decisional trust or less decisional regret may sometimes, but not always, be better.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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COVID-19 Pandemic Causing Depression in Different Sociodemographic Groups in Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136955 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6955

Author(s):

Hana Sonbol ◽

Hadil M. Alahdal ◽

Rasis A. Alanazi ◽

Khawla Alsamhary ◽

Fuad Ameen

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Online Survey ◽

World Health ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Elderly Persons ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

COVID-19 disease was announced as a global pandemic in March 2020 by the World health organization (WHO). Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to enforce restriction measures such as closing schools, remote working, and a travel ban. We aim to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s depression in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional online survey of 1109 participants was conducted during the curfew between 18th of May and 11th of June 2020. An online questionnaire included questions about the commitment to follow the precautionary measures, knowledge on COVID-19, and depression. Depression was assessed with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised method. Females, unmarried individuals, elderly persons, parents of young children, unemployed, and small families were more likely to be depressed. Education level did not explain the differences in depression. However, the more knowledge the participants had about COVID-19 the better they followed the restrictions. A regression analysis revealed that the commitment of a person to follow the restrictions increased his/her depression symptoms. Attention should be paid to different groups of people in future psychiatric planning.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073731 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3731

Author(s):

Lucía del Río-Casanova ◽

Milagrosa Sánchez-Martín ◽

Ana García-Dantas ◽

Anabel González-Vázquez ◽

Ania Justo

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Linear Models ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Early Stage ◽

Psychological Responses ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

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

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Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) Lockdown on Mental Health and Well-Being in the United Arab Emirates

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.633230 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Leila Cheikh Ismail ◽

Maysm N. Mohamad ◽

Mo'ath F. Bataineh ◽

Abir Ajab ◽

Amina M. Al-Marzouqi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

United Arab Emirates ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

University Graduates ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken unprecedented precautionary measures including complete lockdowns against COVID-19 to control its spread and ensure the well-being of individuals. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 and societal lockdown measures on the mental health of adults in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an English and Arabic online questionnaire between May and June 2020. The psychological impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the social and family support impact was evaluated using questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). A total of 4,426 participants (3,325 females and 1,101 males) completed the questionnaire. The mean IES-R score was 28.0 ± 14.6, reflecting a mild stressful impact with 27.3% reporting severe psychological impact. Over 36% reported increased stress from work, home and financial matters. Also, 43–63% of the participants felt horrified, apprehensive or helpless due to COVID-19. Females, younger participants, part-timers, and college or University graduates were more likely to have a high IES-R score (p < 0.05). The majority of participants reported receiving increased support from family members, paying more attention to their mental health, and spending more time to rest and relax. The results of this study demonstrate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among the UAE residents and highlight the need to adopt culturally appropriate interventions for the general population and vulnerable groups, such as females and younger adults.

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Psychological effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown among students and workers of a Spanish university

10.31234/osf.io/2sc84 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Paula Odriozola-González ◽

Álvaro Planchuelo-Gómez ◽

María Jesús Irurtia-Muñiz ◽

Rodrigo de Luis-García

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Emotional Impact ◽

Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

The University ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

The Impact

The aim of this study was to analyze the psychological impact of COVID-19 in the university community during the first weeks of confinement. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was employed to assess symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The emotional impact of the situation was analyzed using the Impact of Event Scale. An online survey was fulfilled by 2530 members of the University of Valladolid, in Spain. Moderate to extremely severe scores of anxiety, depression, and stress were reported by 21.34%, 34.19% and 28.14% of the respondents, respectively. A total of 50.43% of respondents presented moderate to severe impact of the outbreak. Students from Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences & Law showed higher scores related to anxiety, depression, stress and impact of event with respect to students from Engineering & Architecture. University staff presented lower scores in all measures compared to students, who seem to have suffered an important psychological impact during the first weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. In order to provide timely crisis-oriented psychological services and to take preventive measures in future pandemic situations, mental health in university students should be carefully monitored.

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Factors Associated with Mental Health Results among Workers with Income Losses Exposed to COVID-19 in China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17155627 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (15) ◽

pp. 5627 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Xin Li ◽

Peixin Lu ◽

Lianting Hu ◽

Tianhui Huang ◽

Long Lu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Severity Index ◽

Health Problems ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

Factors Associated

The outbreak and worldwide spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a high prevalence of mental health problems in China and other countries. This was a cross-sectional study conducted using an online survey and face-to-face interviews to assess mental health problems and the associated factors among Chinese citizens with income losses exposed to COVID-19. The degrees of the depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress symptoms of our participants were assessed using the Chinese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Insomnia Severity Index-7 (ISI-7), and the revised 7-item Impact of Event Scale (IES-7) scales, respectively, which found that the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress caused by COVID-19 were 45.5%, 49.5%, 30.9%, and 68.1%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mental health outcomes among workers with income losses during COVID-19. Participants working in Hubei province with heavy income losses, especially pregnant women, were found to have a high risk of developing unfavorable mental health symptoms and may need psychological support or interventions.

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Social conditions and mental health during COVID-19 lockdown among people who do not identify with the man/woman binomial in Spain

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0256261 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0256261

Author(s):

Constanza Jacques-Aviñó ◽

Tomàs López-Jiménez ◽

Laura Medina-Perucha ◽

Jeroen de Bont ◽

Anna Berenguera

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Anxiety ◽

Gender Diversity ◽

Logistic Models ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Related ◽

The Impact

Evidence suggests that non-binary people have poorer mental and physical health outcomes, compared with people who identify within the gender binomial (man/woman). Research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health has been conducted worldwide in the last few months. It has however overlooked gender diversity. The aim of our study was to explore social and health-related factors associated with mental health (anxiety and depression) among people who do not identify with the man/woman binomial during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. A cross-sectional study with online survey, aimed at the population residing in Spain during lockdown, was conducted. Data were collected between the 8th of April until the 28th of May 2020, the time period when lockdown was implemented in Spain. Mental health was measured using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale for anxiety, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression. The survey included the question: Which sex do you identify with? The options “Man”, “Woman”, “Non-binary” and “I do not identify” were given. People who answered one of the last two options were selected for this study. Multivariate regression logistic models were constructed to evaluate the associations between sociodemographic, social and health-related factors, anxiety and depression. Out of the 7125 people who participated in the survey, 72 (1%) identified as non-binary or to not identify with another category. People who do not identify with the man/woman binomial (non-binary/I do not identify) presented high proportions of anxiety (41.7%) and depression (30.6%). Poorer mental health was associated with social-employment variables (e.g., not working before the pandemic) and health-related variables (e.g., poor or regular self-rated health). These findings suggest that social inequities, already experienced by non-binary communities before the pandemic, may deepen due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Increased stressful impact among general population in mainland China amid the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide cross-sectional study conducted after Wuhan city’s travel ban was lifted

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0020764020935489 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 66 (8) ◽

pp. 770-779 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Zheng Feei Ma ◽

Yutong Zhang ◽

Xiaoqin Luo ◽

Xinli Li ◽

Yeshan Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Mainland China ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Wuhan City ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological responses and lifestyle changes among the general population in mainland China following the re-opening of the Wuhan city. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2020. Participants of Chinese nationality aged ⩾ 18 years were asked to complete a modified validated Chinese version of a questionnaire regarding the impact of event scale (IES), family and social support, mental health–related lifestyle changes, and indicators of negative mental health impacts. Results: A total of 728 participants (i.e., 217 males and 511 females) completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 32.9 ± 10.4 years, with a majority of them (92.2%) having a higher educational qualification level. The overall mean IES in participants was 21.5 ± 7.0, reflecting mild stressful impact (i.e., following the re-opening of the Wuhan city); 25.5% of the participants had an IES score ⩾ 26. Being females and married were significantly associated with a higher mean IES score. The overall mean scores for intrusion and avoidance score scales in participants were 9.4 ± 3.7 and 12.1 ± 4.2, respectively. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased stressful impact in our participants following the re-opening of the Wuhan city when compared with our previous study, which should not be taken lightly.

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