Lived Experiences of Patients with COVID-19 in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq: A Qualitative Study

Background and objective: COVID-19 has adverse effects on physical and mental health and threatens the quality of life significantly; therefore, it is necessary to help COVID-19 patients with their lifestyle, which is tightly bound to the quality of their lives. The present study aims to develop plans to improve the quality of life among COVID-19 patients by an-alyzing their lived experiences. Methods and patients: The present qualitative study was conducted from August to Sep-tember 2020 on twelve COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Erbil’s Emirates Hospital, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In-depth semi-structured interviews (12) were utilized to collect data. Trustworthiness was ensured by making an excellent prolonged relationship with the patients, peer-checking, member-checking, and implementing experts’ suggestion at every stage. Four main themes were extracted from the interviews, which were transcribed ver-batim and analyzed using the six methodological activities proposed by Van Manen. Results: The present study results indicated that COVID-19 patients have a difficult time dealing with the disease and getting adapted to their new situation, leading to a remarka-ble decrease in the quality of their lives. Analyzing the transcribed interviews led to emer-gence of four main themes: “disbelief in being really ill,” “fear and stress,” “changes in lifestyle,” and “seriously adhering to health guidelines.” Conclusion: Our results showed that COVID-19 patients suffer from physical pain and un-dergo poor mental health due to fear and stress resulting in worsening quality of life. A deep understanding of COVID-19 patients’ states and situations is highly significant to help nurses and nursing managers plan effective strategies for caring for patients with COVID-19.

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Video-Based Communication and its Association with Loneliness, Mental Health and Quality of Life among Older People during the COVID-19 Outbreak

10.20944/preprints202104.0520.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tore Bonsaksen ◽

Hilde Thygesen ◽

Janni Leung ◽

Mary C. Ruffolo ◽

Mariyana Schoultz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Older People ◽

Online Survey ◽

Age Groups ◽

Psychological Outcomes ◽

Age Group ◽

Communication Tools ◽

Study Results

The aim of the study was to examine the use of video-based communication and its association with loneliness, mental health and quality of life in older adults (60-69 years versus 70+ years) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020, and 836 participants in the relevant age groups were included in the analysis. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between use of video-based communication tools and loneliness, mental health and quality of life within age groups, while adjusting by sociodemographic variables. Video-based communication tools were found to be more often used among participants aged 60-69 years (60.1%), compared to participants aged 70 or above (51.8%, p < 0.05). Adjusting for all variables, use of video-based communication was associated with less loneliness (β = -0.12, p < 0.01) and higher quality of life (β = 0.14, p < 0.01) among participants aged 60-69 years, while no associations occurred for participants in the oldest age group. The use of video-based communication tools was therefore associated with favorable psychological outcomes among participants in their sixties, but not among participants in the oldest age group. The study results support the notion that age may influence the association between use of video-based communication tools and psychological outcomes amongst older people.

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Assessing Multiple Sclerosis‑Related Quality of Life among Iranian Patients Using the MSQOL-54 Tool: A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-110434/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Niloofar Namazi ◽

Shadi Ziaei ◽

Golnaz Afzal ◽

Saghar Barati ◽

Rezvaneh Mohebbi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Results ◽

Related Quality ◽

Assess Quality

Abstract BackgroundThe main objectives of this study were to assess quality of life (QoL), consumption patterns of dietary supplements, as well as physical/mental health status in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study also aimed to determine the association between demographic characteristics and physical as well as mental health composite (PHC and MHC) scores using the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) questionnaire.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of patients with MS (n=382) referring to Shahid Kazemi Pharmacy, based in the city of Tehran, Iran, as a national pharmacy providing specialized pharmaceutical care to these individuals from February 2019 to March 2020 via the implementation of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire. ResultsA total number of 382 patients with MS participated in this study, including 89 (23.3%) men and 293 (76.7%) women, aged 40±10.9 years old (range: 18-84 years old). The overall score of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire was also by 41.58, and that was 69.60 and 62.99 from 100 for PHC and MHC, respectively. Conclusions The study results demonstrated that advanced age, longer disease duration, and lower levels of education were significantly associated with lower QoL. Trial registration IR.SBMU.PHARMACY.REC.1398.240.

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How to bring residents’ psychosocial well-being to the heart of the fight against Covid-19 in Belgian nursing homes—A qualitative study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0249098 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0249098

Author(s):

Sanne Kaelen ◽

Wilma van den Boogaard ◽

Umberto Pellecchia ◽

Sofie Spiers ◽

Caroline De Cramer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Nursing Homes ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Needs ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Organization Of Care

Background Nursing homes (NH) for the elderly have been particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic mainly due to their hosted vulnerable populations and poor outbreak preparedness. In Belgium, the medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) implemented a support project for NH including training on infection prevention and control (IPC), (re)-organization of care, and psychosocial support for NH staff. As psychosocial and mental health needs of NH residents in times of Covid-19 are poorly understood and addressed, this study aimed to better understand these needs and how staff could respond accordingly. Methods A qualitative study adopting thematic content analysis. Eight focus group discussions with direct caring staff and 56 in-depth interviews with residents were conducted in eight purposively and conveniently selected NHs in Brussels, Belgium, June 2020. Results NH residents experienced losses of freedom, social life, autonomy, and recreational activities that deprived them of their basic psychological needs. This had a massive impact on their mental well-being expressed in feeling depressed, anxious, and frustrated as well as decreased meaning and quality of life. Staff felt unprepared for the challenges posed by the pandemic; lacking guidelines, personal protective equipment and clarity around organization of care. They were confronted with professional and ethical dilemmas, feeling ‘trapped’ between IPC and the residents’ wellbeing. They witnessed the detrimental effects of the measures imposed on their residents. Conclusion This study revealed the insights of residents’ and NH staff at the height of the early Covid-19 pandemic. Clearer outbreak plans, including psychosocial support, could have prevented the aggravated mental health conditions of both residents and staff. A holistic approach is needed in NHs in which tailor-made essential restrictive IPC measures are combined with psychosocial support measures to reduce the impact on residents’ mental health impact and to enhance their quality of life.

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Neuro-enhancement among German junior physicians: Prevalence, reasons and associations to mental health outcomes and quality of life

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-203279 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

pp. 285-293

Author(s):

Stefanie Mache ◽

Monika Bernburg ◽

David Groneberg ◽

Volker Harth

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Online Survey ◽

Illicit Drugs ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Workload Management ◽

Study Results

BACKGROUND: Previous research studies have demonstrated that neuro-enhancement, the use of legal or illegal drugs by healthy individuals to improve their job performance, is practiced among employees. Researchers discussed possible reasons for employees to consider the use of substances for neuro-enhancement. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of usage and motives for practicing neuro-enhancement among a sample of German junior physicians. The secondary objective was to determine associations between neuro-enhancement, mental health outcomes and quality of life. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included an online survey to analyze junior physicians’ neuro-enhancement stimulant use and their motives for usage (n = 873). Second, mental health outcomes and quality of life were assessed. Descriptive and analytic (Kruskal Wallis test, logistic regression) statistics were obtained. RESULTS: Of the 873 junior physicians, 18% reported having used stimulants for neuro- enhancement. 8% of the physicians have taken prescription stimulants (e.g. modafinil) or illicit drugs (e.g. cannabis) at least once in their lifetime. The most common reasons for taking stimulants were to enhance concentration, to relax and to increase alertness. Neuro-enhancement was associated with emotional exhaustion (p < 0.01), lower quality of life (p < 0.05) and work-related stress (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results give an overview on the actual situation regarding frequency and motives for taking performance-enhancing substances. The prevalence rate was low in comparison to current public debates. Decreasing the prevalence of neuro-enhancement among physicians requires the implementation of strategies targeting stress reduction and workload management.

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Quality of Life and Mental Health in Iranian Transgender Women: Socio-Demographic Differences

10.21203/rs.3.rs-120558/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Azar Nematollahi ◽

Safoora Gharibzadeh ◽

Farnaz Farnam

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Significant Relationship ◽

Economic Status ◽

Transgender Women ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Results

Abstract Background: Mental health issues and quality of life are among the important items of the general health in all people, and especially in transgender people. The present study aimed to assess the quality of life, depression, anxiety, and stress in transgender women and determine the factors contributing to them. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 127 Iranian transgender women was performed from August 2019 to April 2020 using a convenience sampling method. The quality of life (QOL) was determined by using the WHO questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The DASS-21 questionnaire was employed to evaluate the anxiety, depression, and stress in the subjects. Results: 48% of the individuals had a moderate QOL. The highest score achieved in the physical health dimension, and the lowest score in the social relationships dimension. Depression, anxiety, and stress were severe and extremely severe in 22%, 20.4%, and 17.3% of the subjects. A significant relationship was observed between the overall perception of QOL and depression, anxiety, and stress (p <0.001).A significant positive association between the subscales of QOL and education and favorable economic status were observed among transgender women. Also, a significant negative correlation existed between the subscales of QOL with age and sexual violence. Regarding mental health, education had a significant relationship with reduced stress and anxiety, and favorable economic status had a significant relationship with reduced depression, while sexual violence was associated with increased stress in the individuals.Conclusion: The study results show that change in some modifiable variables such as education can improve transgender women’s quality of life and mental health by improving economic status. Moreover, there is also a strong need for developing sexual violence prevention services regarding its considerable effects on mental health and quality of life.

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MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, RESILIENCE AND COPING STYLE CONTRIBUTING TO THE WELL BEING OF PATIENTS RECOVERED FROM COVID - 19.

10.36106/paripex/4707956 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 60-62

Author(s):

Kanaga Lakshmi P ◽

V Smitha Ruckmani

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Coping Style ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Well Being ◽

Difficult Time ◽

Patient Health ◽

Mental Health Challenges ◽

And Coping

BACKGROUND: COVID- 19 has been a difficult time for the world and with economic shutdown,the new normal ways of wearing a mask, the quarantine procedures and many different ways to function and adapt has elicited mental health challenges among many.The changing ways of situations and the fear of contracting the virus has elicited serious mental health challenges among people.Hence this study aims to understand the mental health challenges among COVID-19 recovered patients and to understand the resilience and coping style of people recovered from contracting the illness. METHODS: 41 Participants who contracted the COVID-19 virus in Chennai participated in the study. Participants who recovered from COVID-19, were contacted via telephone and participants who consented to the study were assessed using Impact of Event–revised (IES-R) scale,Patient health Questionnaire (PHQ -9),Coping scale ,brief resilience scale and Quality of life scale.The data obtained will be analysed using Pearson correlation co-efficient. RESULTS: The results of the study depicts the mental health challenges of the patients recovered from COVID - 19,on the different psychological issues along side the resilience and coping strategies used by them.The study also depict an understanding of these factors on the quality of life of the participants in their recovered stage.

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Video-Based Communication and Its Association with Loneliness, Mental Health and Quality of Life among Older People during the COVID-19 Outbreak

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126284 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6284

Author(s):

Tore Bonsaksen ◽

Hilde Thygesen ◽

Janni Leung ◽

Mary Ruffolo ◽

Mariyana Schoultz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Older People ◽

Online Survey ◽

Age Groups ◽

Psychological Outcomes ◽

Age Group ◽

Communication Tools ◽

Study Results

The aim of the study was to examine the use of video-based communication and its association with loneliness, mental health and quality of life in older adults (60–69 years versus 70+ years) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020, and 836 participants in the relevant age groups were included in the analysis. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between the use of video-based communication tools and loneliness, mental health and quality of life within age groups, while adjusting by sociodemographic variables. Video-based communication tools were found to be more often used among participants aged 60–69 years (60.1%), compared to participants aged 70 or above (51.8%, p < 0.05). Adjusting for all variables, the use of video-based communication was associated with less loneliness (β = −0.12, p < 0.01) and higher quality of life (β = 0.14, p < 0.01) among participants aged 60–69 years, while no associations were observed for participants in the oldest age group. The use of video-based communication tools was therefore associated with favorable psychological outcomes among participants in their sixties, but not among participants in the oldest age group. The study results support the notion that age may influence the association between the use of video-based communication tools and psychological outcomes amongst older people.

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