scholarly journals Predictors of stress among a sample of Egyptian healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nermin Mahmoud Shaker ◽  
Noha Sabry ◽  
Muhammad Abdullatif Alkasaby ◽  
Menan Rabie
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Stress Levels

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous effect on people’s mental health. Healthcare workers were on the front lines in response to this crisis; therefore, they were among the most affected by the pandemic. The study aims to assess the stress perceived by healthcare workers and possible factors contributing to it, hoping that more efforts will be exerted to support the well-being of healthcare workers during public health emergencies. A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted. Data were collected from 118 healthcare professionals working with COVID-19 patients during the peak of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Most of the respondents (75.2%) scored much higher stress levels than average, and 19.5% had slightly higher levels of stress. Most respondents were afraid of infecting their family and close ones (77.1 %), and about half of the respondents were afraid of getting infected (47.5%). Regression analysis revealed that the only significant independent variable predicting developing higher stress levels among the participants was assigning them to tasks outside their specialty. Conclusions Healthcare workers are at high risk of developing mental health problems during public health emergencies. Their well-being is essential for the quality of services they provide. More efforts are needed to ensure the well-being of healthcare workers and to prepare them for such emergencies. Preparing healthcare workers before redeployment through training and providing PPEs will help to reduce the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their physical and mental health.

scholarly journals “I Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Quarantine Partner!”: Experiences with Companion Dogs during Covid-19

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 330
Author(s):  
Cori Bussolari ◽  
Jennifer Currin-McCulloch ◽  
Wendy Packman ◽  
Lori Kogan ◽  
Phyllis Erdman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has been found to negatively impact the psychological well-being of significant numbers of people globally. Many individuals have been challenged by social distancing mandates and the resultant social isolation. Humans, in our modern world, have rarely been as isolated and socially restricted. Social connectedness and support are critical protective factors for human survival and well-being. Social isolation can lead to loneliness, boredom, and can become a risk factor for physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The attachments formed with dogs, however, can be as strong or even stronger than human connections, and has been shown to relate to fewer physical health and mental health problems, as well as decrease isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the thoughts, experiences and concerns of 4105 adults regarding their companion dog during the initial months of Covid-19. Data were collected between March 31st–April 19th, 2020 via online survey and themes were coded by the researchers using directed content analysis. Results highlighted a strong human–animal appreciation, and that dog ownership during this pandemic diminished participants’ sense of isolation and loneliness, as well as supported their mental/physical health.

scholarly journals Prioritizing the Mental Health and Well-Being of Healthcare Workers: An Urgent Global Public Health Priority

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lene E. Søvold ◽  
John A. Naslund ◽  
Antonis A. Kousoulis ◽  
Shekhar Saxena ◽  
M. Walid Qoronfleh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Healthcare Workforce ◽  
Health And Well Being

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on health systems in most countries, and in particular, on the mental health and well-being of health workers on the frontlines of pandemic response efforts. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence-based overview of the adverse mental health impacts on healthcare workers during times of crisis and other challenging working conditions and to highlight the importance of prioritizing and protecting the mental health and well-being of the healthcare workforce, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, we provide a broad overview of the elevated risk of stress, burnout, moral injury, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges among healthcare workers. Second, we consider how public health emergencies exacerbate these concerns, as reflected in emerging research on the negative mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers. Further, we consider potential approaches for overcoming these threats to mental health by exploring the value of practicing self-care strategies, and implementing evidence based interventions and organizational measures to help protect and support the mental health and well-being of the healthcare workforce. Lastly, we highlight systemic changes to empower healthcare workers and protect their mental health and well-being in the long run, and propose policy recommendations to guide healthcare leaders and health systems in this endeavor. This paper acknowledges the stressors, burdens, and psychological needs of the healthcare workforce across health systems and disciplines, and calls for renewed efforts to mitigate these challenges among those working on the frontlines during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Beyond PPE: a mixed qualitative–quantitative study capturing the wider issues affecting doctors’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e050223
Author(s):  
Lyndsey Jayne Cubitt ◽  
Yu Ri Im ◽  
Ciaran James Scott ◽  
Louise Claire Jeynes ◽  
Paul David Molyneux
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the medical workforce. This has put them at increased risk of burnout at a time when levels are already worryingly high in the profession, with recent studies consistently showing that around half of doctors meet the validated criteria for burnout.ObjectivesTo understand the wider factors influencing and impacting upon hospital doctors’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in England.DesignCross-sectional survey and mixed quantitative–qualitative analysis.SettingAcute National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in England.ParticipantsAn online survey was circulated in early June 2020 to all 449 doctors employed by the Trust. 242 doctors completed the survey (54% response rate).Primary outcome measuresQuestions assessed occupational details, self-reported changes in physical and mental health, satisfaction with working hours and patterns, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), medication and facilities, communication and sought to identify areas seen as having a significant effect on doctors’ well-being.Results96% of respondents requiring PPE were able to access it. Nearly half of the respondents felt that their mental health had deteriorated since the start of the pandemic. Over a third stated that their physical health had also declined. Issues identified as having a negative impact on doctors included increased workload, redeployment, loss of autonomy, personal issues affecting family members, anxiety around recovery plans, inadequate access to changing and storage facilities and to rest areas that allow for social distancing. Doctors appreciated access to ‘calm rooms’ that were made available for staff, access to clinical psychology support, free drinks and free car parking on site.ConclusionThe emerging themes are suggestive of increased burnout risk among doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic and encompass factors well beyond shortage of PPE. Small organisational initiatives and the implementation of changes suggested by survey respondents can have a positive impact on doctors’ well-being.

scholarly journals Embitterment as a Specific Mental Health Reaction during the Coronavirus Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Beate Muschalla ◽  
Clio Vollborn ◽  
Anke Sondhof
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Affective State ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Perceived Injustice

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Embitterment can occur as a reaction to perceived injustice. During the pandemic and restrictions in daily living due to infection risk management, a range of many smaller or severe injustices have occurred. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study is to investigate what characterizes persons with high embitterment, mental illness, embitterment and mental illness, and those without embitterment or mental health problems. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We conducted an online survey including persons from the general population in November 2020 and December 2020, the phase during which a second lockdown took place, with closed shops, restaurants, cultural and activity sites. 3,208 participants (mean age 47 years) gave self-ratings on their present well-being, burdens experienced during the pandemic, embitterment, wisdom, and resilience. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Embitterment occurred among 16% of the sample, which is a high rate in comparison with 4% during pre-pandemic times. Embitterment was weakly correlated with unspecific mental well-being. There were more persons with embitterment than those with embitterment and a mental health problem. Persons with embitterment reported less coronavirus-related anxiety than persons without embitterment. However, embittered persons reported more social and economic burdens and more frequent experiences of losses (job loss and canceling of medical treatments). Embittered persons perceive their own wisdom competencies on a similar level as persons with mental health problems or persons without mental health problems. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Embitterment is a specific potentially alone-standing affective state, which is distinguishable from general mental health and coping capacities (here: wisdom). The economic and social consequences of pandemic management should be carefully recognized and prevented by policy.

scholarly journals Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1577
Author(s):  
Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽  
Ilana Eli ◽  
Nir Uziel ◽  
Joanna Smardz ◽  
Anahat Khehra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Culturally Different ◽  
Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

scholarly journals Exploring the quality of life and psychological symptoms of university students in Cyprus during the Covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 110-121
Author(s):  
Hadjicharalambous Demetris ◽  
Loucia Demetriou ◽  
Koulla Erotocritou
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Idioms Of Distress

The onset of the infectious disease Covid19 originating in Wuhan, China, took over the world in December 2019 and was declared a pandemic in January 2020.  Empirical evidence resulting from relevant research illustrated that the effects of the pandemic itself but also of the strict measures to contain the spread of the virus on the mental health and well-being of affected populations were just as unanticipated as the pandemic itself. Data led to the identification of six idioms of distress: (1) Demoralization and pessimism towards the future, (2) anguish and stress, (3) self-depreciation, (4) social withdrawal and isolation, (5) somatization, (6) withdrawal into oneself. Our research explores the psychological impact of the Covid19 pandemic on college students and their quality of life. The study took place in Cyprus with 356 young participants, whereas 256 were female (72%) and 100 were male (28%). They all completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 and the Life Satisfaction Inventory (LSI). The present study's findings revealed that six factors, including residence without family, the deterioration of the financial situation of the family, the loss of employment, the deterioration of social relationships, young age, and gender, have significantly affected in a negative way the mental health and quality of life of young people. Research findings revealed that the strict lockdown and physical/social isolation measures had a significant adverse effect on our sample, whereas participants showed increased symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and somatization. Young adults who lost their jobs during the pandemic or had a significant decrease in their family income, and students who stayed away from their families, experienced a negative impact on their quality of life and had to cope with more mental health problems.

scholarly journals Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika McGivern ◽  
Stephen Shannon ◽  
Gavin Breslin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
History Of

Purpose This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being. Findings In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores. Practical implications Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport. Social implications Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being. Originality/value This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.

Perceived Stress, Stressors, and Mental Distress Among Doctor of Pharmacy Students

2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 1457-1468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma P. Geslani ◽  
Claude J. Gaebelein
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Doctor Of Pharmacy

We conducted an online survey to assess stress levels, stressors, coping strategies, and mental distress among first year professional Doctor of Pharmacy students at St. Louis College of Pharmacy. We used the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10) to measure perceived stress and the Health-related Quality of Life Scale (HRQOL-14) to assess physical and mental health. Self-reported stress levels among our respondents were elevated, significantly higher than among other populations as reported in previous studies, and exceeded the threshold benchmarked as being unhealthy. Mental health scores were negatively correlated with stress levels, exceeded the threshold for frequent mental distress, and were significantly higher than in comparison groups as reported in previous studies. Examinations were ranked the most stressful events and spending time with family ranked as the most effective stress reliever. Further specific investigation is needed to identify probable contributors to distress and to solicit recommendations to help students alleviate their stress and strengthen their mental health.

First the Pandemic then the Tsunami: COVID-19 and Its Impact on Mental Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keng Chuan SOH ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Behavioural Patterns

Introduction: COVID-19 has undeniably and profoundly impacted everyday lives of the general public. One particular emphasis is the mental wellbeing of populations. This review serves to examine the mental health impact of the current pandemic. Methods: A review of the literature on PubMed was conducted, drawing from systematic reviews and large population studies about mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The content was synthesized with the writer’s experience of daily life across different perspectives. Certain demographic sub-groups were examined, such as those under home quarantine or isolation, those who had contracted COVID-19, those with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, as well as healthcare workers and medical students. Results: Psychological well-being was adversely affected by the pandemic, although there is some controversy about the magnitude of this impact which is likely in relation to the timeline of the pandemic’s progression. Behavioural patterns such as spending habits during lockdowns might provide an early indication of mental health problems. Those who had contracted COVID-19 were found to have heightened levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms and depressive symptoms. Healthcare workers and medical students have faced comparable levels of anxiety, depressed mood and insomnia. The final results of some of the systematic reviews are still pending. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted everyday life. If not already thecase, there is likely to be an anticipated tsunami of mental health concerns. This wouldmake a strong case for the anticipatory need of increased resource allocation to allowmental health services to meet this demand.

scholarly journals Well-being through group exercise: immigrant women’s experiences of a low-threshold training program

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-305
Author(s):  
Nancie Luth-Hanssen ◽  
Marit Fougner ◽  
Jonas Debesay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Immigrant Women ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Body Awareness ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Threshold

Purpose Immigrant women show a higher risk of mental health problems and report higher levels of musculoskeletal disorders. Norwegian psychomotor physiotherapy (NPMP) is a body awareness treatment that has been used to alleviate musculoskeletal disorders and mental distress. The purpose of this study is to explore immigrant women’s participation in a low threshold training group and identify what motivates and affects their attendance and well-being. Design/methodology/approach The study is informed by a phenomenological approach. The data collection methods consisted of participatory observation and interviews. Observations and interviews were carried out between December 2016 and March 2017. Findings The findings show that the content and context of the movement group, being able to participate in exercises wearing own clothes and relying on previous body experiences motivate the women to attend and continue in the training program. NPMP inspired group training takes into account women’s cultural preferences and values. The culture-sensitive approach to physical exercise seems to motivate attendance and contribute to social and mental well-being. Low threshold physical programs should, therefore, be considered to provide immigrant women with the opportunity to experience well-being and social participation. Originality/value This study contributes to the better understanding and promotion of the physical and mental health of immigrants.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document