Psychosocial outcomes among bereaved and non-bereaved parents of children with cancer.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9526-9526
Author(s):  
Abby R. Rosenberg ◽  
Miranda Bradford ◽  
Michele Shaffer ◽  
Joanne Wolfe ◽  
Kevin Scott Baker
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Marital Satisfaction ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Financial Hardship ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Children With Cancer ◽  
Population Norms ◽  
Bereaved Parents

9526 Background: Psychosocial outcomes among parents of children with cancer are not well characterized and may affect the well-being of cancer-survivors and other children in the home. In order to examine adverse psychosocial outcomes among bereaved (BR) and non-bereaved (NBR) parents, we conducted a cross-sectional, survey-based study. Methods: Enrolled parents completed the “Resilience in Pediatric Cancer Assessment” (RPCA) at least 6 months after their child completed therapy or died from cancer. The RPCA is comprised of validated instruments to assess resilience, emotional distress, social function, health-related quality of life, and financial hardship. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize groups. Differences between groups were assessed with t or Fisher’s exact tests. Differences between the combined sample and population norms were assessed with one-sample t or binomial tests. Results: 120 (78%) of invited parents completed the RPCA (24 BR; 96 NBR). Compared to the general population, parents had lower levels of self-perceived resilience and higher levels of psychological distress. They were more likely to meet criteria for serious, debilitating psychological distress, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). All parents (100%) endorsed at least some PTSD symptoms. Parents also reported less marital satisfaction and family cohesion, and more sleep disturbance and binge drinking than population norms. Conversely, enrolled parents reported higher levels of social support and family adaptability, and were less likely to smoke cigarettes (all p<0.05). Compared to parents of survivors, BR parents were less likely to report appreciation for life, an ability to cope, or deal with stress. They had higher levels of psychological distress, more sleep difficulties, and greater financial hardship (all p<0.05). There were no differences between BR and NBR parents with respect to marital satisfaction, family function, or perceived general health. Conclusions: Parents of children with cancer are at high risk for poor psychosocial outcomes. Compared to parents of survivors, bereaved parents are at additional risk. Interventions aimed at improving resilience and other psychosocial outcomes are needed.

scholarly journals Healthcare staff well-being and use of support services during COVID-19: a UK perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. e100458
Author(s):  
Anika R Petrella ◽  
Luke Hughes ◽  
Lorna A Fern ◽  
Lisa Monaghan ◽  
Benjamin Hannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rapid Evaluation ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Post Traumatic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased demands on healthcare workers (HCWs) leaving them vulnerable to acute psychological distress, burnout and post-traumatic stress. In response, supportive services in a central London hospital mobilised mental health support specifically for HCWs.AimsThis rapid evaluation assessed HCW psychological welfare during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and their use of supportive services made available.MethodsDuring the acute phase of COVID-19 (April to May 2020) all staff working for the hospital were invited to complete an online survey assessing well-being (self-rated health, moral distress exposure, symptoms of burnout and psychological distress) and use of available supportive services (awareness of, use and perceived helpfulness). Associations among personal characteristics and psychological well-being were explored using correlations and linear regression.ResultsA total of 1127 staff participated in the rapid evaluation. On average, psychological distress was high (mean (SD): 22 (7.57)) regardless of role, with 84% of this sample scoring above the general population mean (14.5). Nearly half of the sample reported feeling emotionally drained and a profile emerged displaying higher levels of psychological distress and burnout in those who were younger and exposed to morally distressing situations, with this group also exhibiting greater support service use. Greater levels of burnout were associated with increased psychological distress when controlling for personal factors. During this acute phase of the pandemic, majority of staff used at least one service and rated it as helpful.ConclusionHCWs experienced high levels of psychological distress requiring continued support as the COVID-19 pandemic evolved. Although HCWs were aware of supportive services, uptake varied. In order to mitigate the risk of burnout and post-traumatic stress, long-term, effective strategies that facilitate staff accessing support are urgently required.

scholarly journals Risk perception and psychological state of healthcare workers in referral hospitals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Migisha ◽  
Alex Riolexus Ario ◽  
Benon Kwesiga ◽  
Lilian Bulage ◽  
Daniel Kadobera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Referral Hospitals

Abstract Background Safeguarding the psychological well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial to ensuring sustainability and quality of healthcare services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs may be subject to excessive mental stress. We assessed the risk perception and immediate psychological state of HCWs early in the pandemic in referral hospitals involved in the management of COVID-19 patients in Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in five referral hospitals from April 20–May 22, 2020. During this time, we distributed paper-based, self-administered questionnaires to all consenting HCWs on day shifts. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographics, occupational behaviors, potential perceived risks, and psychological distress. We assessed risk perception towards COVID-19 using 27 concern statements with a four-point Likert scale. We defined psychological distress as a total score > 12 from the 12-item Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We used modified Poisson regression to identify factors associated with psychological distress. Results Among 335 HCWs who received questionnaires, 328 (98%) responded. Respondents’ mean age was 36 (range 18–59) years; 172 (52%) were male. The median duration of professional experience was eight (range 1–35) years; 208 (63%) worked more than 40 h per week; 116 (35%) were nurses, 52 (14%) doctors, 30 (9%) clinical officers, and 86 (26%) support staff. One hundred and forty-four (44%) had a GHQ-12 score > 12. The most common concerns reported included fear of infection at the workplace (81%), stigma from colleagues (79%), lack of workplace support (63%), and inadequate availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (56%). In multivariable analysis, moderate (adjusted prevalence ratio, [aPR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.0) and high (aPR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.0–7.0) risk perception towards COVID-19 (compared with low-risk perception) were associated with psychological distress. Conclusions Forty-four percent of HCWs surveyed in hospitals treating COVID-19 patients during the early COVID-19 epidemic in Uganda reported psychological distress related to fear of infection, stigma, and inadequate PPE. Higher perceived personal risk towards COVID-19 was associated with increased psychological distress. To optimize patient care during the pandemic and future outbreaks, workplace management may consider identifying and addressing HCW concerns, ensuring sufficient PPE and training, and reducing infection-associated stigma.

scholarly journals Chronic social disruption following a systemic fishery failure

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (46) ◽  
pp. 22912-22914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven B. Scyphers ◽  
J. Steven Picou ◽  
Jonathan H. Grabowski
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
New England ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Classification Tree ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Disruption ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Groundfish Fishery

In the United States, the iconic groundfish fishery for Gulf of Maine cod has endured several dramatic reductions in annual catch limits and been federally declared an economic disaster. Using a repeated cross-sectional survey of fishing captains to assess potential social impacts of the fishery failure, we found that psychological distress and social disruption were pervasive throughout New England fishing communities. For instance, our results indicate that 62% of captains self-reported severe or moderate psychological distress 1 y after the crisis began, and these patterns have persisted for 5 y. Using classification tree analyses, we found that low levels of trust in fisheries management was the most powerful predictor of both initial and chronic psychological distress. Distress was most severe among individuals without income diversity and those with dependents in the household. Compared to other aspects of fisheries, measuring and managing for noneconomic social outcomes and human well-being has lagged behind, even though it is a necessary component of mitigating the adverse impacts of fisheries disruptions.

Psychological Distress and Social Support Availability in Different Family Caregivers of Latinas With Breast Cancer

2019 ◽  
pp. 104365961989682
Author(s):  
Chris Segrin ◽  
Terry Badger ◽  
Alla Sikorskii
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diverse Range

Introduction: Latinas with breast cancer draw on a diverse range of family members for informal care. Latin cultures typically prescribe high levels of support and care for an ill family member that leave caregivers vulnerable to compromised well-being. Method: In this cross-sectional survey study, 258 family caregivers of Latinas with breast cancer completed reports of psychological distress, availability of social support, and acculturation. Results: Mothers who provide care to a daughter with breast cancer experience higher levels of psychological distress and report lower availability of informational support than most other types of family caregivers. Mothers’ lower levels of acculturation may at least partially explain these reductions in well-being. Discussion: This study highlights the diverse range of family and fictive kin who participate in family caregiving for Latina breast cancer survivors. Spousal caregivers may not represent a unique population, whereas mothers as caregivers are indeed distinct for their higher distress levels.

scholarly journals Holding the frontline: a cross-sectional survey of emergency department staff well-being and psychological distress in the course of the COVID-19 outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gijs Hesselink ◽  
Lise Straten ◽  
Lars Gallée ◽  
Anne Brants ◽  
Joris Holkenborg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
World Health ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Symptoms

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been associated with stress and challenges for healthcare professionals, especially for those working in the front-line of treating COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to: 1) assess changes in well-being and perceived stress symptoms of Dutch emergency department (ED) staff in the course of the first COVID-19 wave, and 2) assess and explore stressors experienced by ED staff since the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was administered during June–July 2020 to physicians, nurses and non-clinical staff of four EDs in the Netherlands. Well-being and stress symptoms (i.e., cognitive, emotional and physical) were scored for the periods pre, during and after the first COVID-19 wave using the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and a 10-point Likert scale. Stressors were assessed and explored by rating experiences with specific situations (i.e., frequency and intensity of distress) and in free-text narratives. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations (GEE). Narratives were analyzed thematically. Results In total, 192 questionnaires were returned (39% response). Compared to pre-COVID-19, the mean WHO-5 index score (range: 0–100) decreased significantly with 14.1 points (p < 0.001) during the peak of the first wave and 3.7 points (< 0.001) after the first wave. Mean self-perceived stress symptom levels almost doubled during the peak of the first wave (≤0.005). Half of the respondents reported experiencing more moral distress in the ED since the COVID-19 outbreak. High levels of distress were primarily found in situations where the staff was unable to provide or facilitate necessary emotional support to a patient or family. Analysis of 51 free-texts revealed witnessing suffering, high work pressure, fear of contamination, inability to provide comfort and support, rapidly changing protocols regarding COVID-19 care and personal protection, and shortage of protection equipment as important stressors. Conclusions The first COVID-19 wave took its toll on ED staff. Actions to limit drop-out and illness among staff resulting from psychological distress are vital to secure acute care for (non-)COVID-19 patients during future infection waves.

scholarly journals Challenges facing essential workers: a cross-sectional survey of the subjective mental health and well-being of New Zealand healthcare and ‘other’ essential workers during the COVID-19 lockdown

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e048107
Author(s):  
Caroline Bell ◽  
Jonathan Williman ◽  
Ben Beaglehole ◽  
James Stanley ◽  
Matthew Jenkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Essential Work ◽  
Work Roles ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectivesTo compare psychological outcomes, experiences and sources of stress over the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand in essential workers (healthcare and ‘other’ essential workers) with that of workers in nonessential work roles.DesignOnline cross-sectional survey.SettingConducted in New Zealand over level 4 lockdown in April/May 2020.ParticipantsFindings from employed participants (2495) are included in this report; 381 healthcare workers, 649 ‘other’ essential workers and 1465 nonessential workers.Primary and secondary outcome measuresMeasures included psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)), anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)), well-being (WHO-5), alcohol use, subjective experiences and sources of stress. Differences between work categories were quantified as risk ratios or χ2 tests.ResultsAfter controlling for confounders that differed between groups of essential and nonessential workers, those in healthcare and those in ‘other’ essential work were at 71% (95% CI 1.29 to 2.27) and 59% (95% CI 1.25 to 2.02) greater risk respectively, of moderate levels of anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10), than those in nonessential work. Those in healthcare were at 19% (95% CI 1.02 to 1.39) greater risk of poor well-being (WHO-5 <13). There was no evidence of differences across work roles in risk for psychological distress (K10 ≥12) or increased alcohol use. Healthcare and ‘other’ essential workers reported increased workload (p<0.001) and less uncertainty about finances and employment than those in nonessential work (p<0.001). Healthcare and nonessential workers reported decreased social contact. No difference by work category in health concerns was reported; 15% had concerns about participants’ own health and 33% about other people’s health.ConclusionsDuring the pandemic lockdown, essential workers (those in healthcare and those providing ‘other’ essential work) were at increased risk of anxiety compared with those in nonessential work, with those in healthcare also being at increased risk of poor well-being. This highlights the need to recognise the challenges this vital workforce face in pandemics.

scholarly journals Psychological distress, fear and coping among Malaysians during the COVID-19 pandemic

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257304
Author(s):  
Ahmed Suparno Bahar Moni ◽  
Shalimar Abdullah ◽  
Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin Abdullah ◽  
Mohammed Shahjahan Kabir ◽  
Sheikh M. Alif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Impact

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously affected the psychological well-being, social and working life of millions of people across the world. This study aimed to investigate the psychological distress, fear and coping strategies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors among Malaysian residents. Methods Participants were invited to an online cross-sectional survey from Aug-Sep 2020. The study assessed psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, level of fear using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and coping strategies using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to adjust for potential confounders. Results The mean age (±SD) of the participants (N = 720) was 31.7 (±11.5) years, and most of them were females (67.1%). Half of the participants had an income source, while 216 (30%) identified themselves as frontline health or essential service workers. People whose financial situation was impacted due to COVID-19 (AOR 2.16, 95% CIs 1.54–3.03), people who drank alcohol in the last four weeks (3.43, 1.45–8.10), people who were a patient (2.02, 1.39–2.93), and had higher levels of fear of COVID-19 (2.55, 1.70–3.80) were more likely to have higher levels of psychological distress. Participants who self-isolated due to exposure to COVID-19 (3.12, 1.04–9.32) and who had moderate to very high levels of psychological distress (2.56, 1.71–3.83) had higher levels of fear. Participants who provided care to a family member/patient with a suspected case of COVID-19 were more likely to be moderately to highly resilient compared to those who did not. Conclusion Vulnerable groups of individuals such as patients and those impacted financially during COVID-19 should be supported for their mental wellbeing. Behavioural interventions should be targeted to reduce the impact of alcohol drinking during such crisis period.

scholarly journals Belonging and Inclusivity Make a Resilient Future for All: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Post-Flood Social Capital in a Diverse Australian Rural Community

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7676
Author(s):  
Veronica Matthews ◽  
Jo Longman ◽  
James Bennett-Levy ◽  
Maddy Braddon ◽  
Megan Passey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Marginalised Groups

In 2017, marginalised groups were disproportionately impacted by extensive flooding in a rural community in Northern New South Wales, Australia, with greater risk of home inundation, displacement and poor mental health. While social capital has been linked with good health and wellbeing, there has been limited investigation into its potential benefits in post-disaster contexts, particularly for marginalised groups. Six months post-flood, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to quantify associations between flood impact, individual social capital and psychological distress (including probable post-traumatic stress disorder). We adopted a community-academic partnership approach and purposive recruitment to increase participation from socio-economically marginalised groups (Aboriginal people and people in financial hardship). These groups reported lower levels of social capital (informal social connectedness, feelings of belonging, trust and optimism) compared to general community participants. Despite this, informal social connectedness and belonging were important factors for all participant groups, associated with reduced risk of psychological distress. In this flood-prone, rural community, there is a pressing need to build social capital collectively through co-designed strategies that simultaneously address the social, cultural and economic needs of marginalised groups. Multiple benefits will ensue for the whole community: reduced inequities; strengthened resilience; improved preparedness and lessened risk of long-term distress from disaster events.

scholarly journals A Portrait of Self-Reported Health and Distress in Parents Whose Child Died of Cancer

2020 ◽  
pp. 003022282095994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Émilie Dumont ◽  
Claude Julie Bourque ◽  
Michel Duval ◽  
Antoine Payot ◽  
Serge Sultan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Child Death ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mothers And Fathers ◽  
Bereaved Parents ◽  
Reported Health ◽  
Mental Well Being

Grieving a child following cancer is a substantially difficult task. The objectives of this research were: 1) to describe current quality of life (QoL), psychological distress and symptoms of grief of bereaved parents, and 2) to explore the role of possible contributors of QoL and psychological distress. Forty-six parents (32 mothers) of children who died of cancer were surveyed on their QoL, distress, and complicated grief. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Parents had a high frequency of grieving symptoms (58%). Mothers reported more retrospective grief symptoms than fathers when describing the year after child death. Current lower mental well-being was associated with experiencing higher retrospective grief symptoms, a shorter period since child death, and being a father. Hence, parents experienced disturbances even long after child death. Mothers and fathers may present specificities that should be considered when developing supportive activities for this vulnerable population.

The psychological effects of COVID-19 spread in young Canadian adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402098887
Author(s):  
Praneet K. Gill ◽  
Cynthia Du ◽  
Farihah Khan ◽  
Nima Karimi ◽  
Kanav Sabharwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Government Aid ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Burdens

Background and aim: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) not only threatens physical health but also psychological well-being. As a result of the pandemic, increased mental health burdens have been recorded in young adults around the world. We sought to understand the association of stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic with symptoms of psychological and emotional distress in young Canadian adults. Method: Questionnaire respondents were asked about the extent to which they were personally impacted by COVID-19, and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic disorder, and emotional distress. Results: Of 84 respondents, most identified as female (74%; 62/84). Overall, 61% (51/84) reported experiencing symptoms of psychological distress related to depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); specifically, 43% (36/84) reported anxiety-related symptoms, 33% (28/84) reported depression-related symptoms, and 6% (5/84) reported PTSD-related symptoms. Individuals with family in settings high risk for COVID-19 infection and individuals who received government aid with a reduction in income were 4.30-fold and 2.80-fold more likely, respectively, to experience symptoms of psychological distress (95% CI 1.31–14.14; p = .013 and 95% CI 1.08–7.25; p = .038, respectively). Visits to social media daily to hourly for COVID-19 related news resulted in a 3.24-fold increase in the likelihood of experiencing depression-related symptoms (95% CI 1.26–8.35; p = .020). Conclusion: We demonstrate a necessity to focus on alleviating the mental health burdens and contributing stressors within young Canadian adults. Though the mental health burdens are currently exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may persist after the pandemic ends if left unaddressed.

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