Predictors of Psychological Stress Occurring After the First Wave of the COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Stady in Poland

The article presents the results of research aimed to identify the predictors of psychological distress among Poles seven months after the occurrence of the first case of COVID-19. In order to gather the research material, the CAWI on-line survey method was applied and carried out within the framework of the Ariadna Research Panel on the sample of 1079 Poles aged 15 and over. The results of the conducted research indicate that Polish society experienced psychological distress as a result of the first wave of the pandemic. According to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), no mental disorders were observed among 36% of Poles, mild mental disorders were observed among 23% of respondents, average levels of disorders were observed among 18% of respondents, whereas high levels of disorders were observed among 23% of respondents. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of psychological distress. In the first stage, socio-demographic variables explained 20% of the distress variance. In the second stage, the variables measuring social nuisances of the pandemic were introduced, which increased the percentage of the explained stress variance to 33%. In the third stage, the introduced psychological variables increased the percentage of the explained variance to 73%. The main factor which increased stress levels was neuroticism. The conducted analyses have shown that the lack of social, economic and psychological capital significantly increases the susceptibility to distress when a threat to life and health lasts for a prolonged period of time.

PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS OCCURRING AFTER THE FIRST WAVE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN POLAND

10.31234/osf.io/2k8px ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Piotr Długosz

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Survey Method ◽

Psychological Variables ◽

First Case ◽

Polish Society ◽

On Line ◽

Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136700 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6700

Author(s):

Mduduzi Colani Shongwe ◽

Song-Lih Huang

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Telephone Survey ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Government ◽

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.

Stress gradation of medical practitioners during the pandemic (covid-19) along with ways to de-stress; a cross sectional study at tertiary care hospitals using Kessler’s 10 psychological distress scale.

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2021.28.09.6238 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (09) ◽

pp. 1239-1244

Author(s):

Umair Toqueer ◽

Muhammad Usama Zardad ◽

Mahwish Toqueer ◽

Anila Riyaz ◽

Sana Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Junior Doctors ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tertiary Care Hospitals ◽

Distress Scale ◽

The Impact

Objectives: To determine stress grades of doctors working in tertiary care hospitals by using a standard measuring tool i.e. Kessler 10 psychological distress scale along with finding out different coping methods adopted by doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Tertiary Care Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Period: 15 March 2020 to 20 June 2020. Material & Methods: A structured questionnaire was sent online to the junior and senior doctors working during the pandemic. The data was automatically collected with the help of Google docs and then analysed using SPSS 26. Results: Of the 219 doctors who completed the questionnaire 142 were males (64.8%) and 77 were females (35.2%). Interestingly, analysis of the score revealed that 38.8% of the doctors were found likely to be well, 16.4% of the doctors were likely to have mild disease and 20.5% were likely to have a moderate disorder while 24.2% were likely to have a severe disorder. Further analysis showed that the mean of Kessler’s score was greater for junior doctors as compared to Consultants which was found to be statistically significant (p=0.044). Conclusion: The impact of Corona virus disease (COVID-19) on the stress levels of health workers warrants considerable attention as it was declared a pandemic. Assessing the psychological impact and ways to tackle them will not only help the health care workers during this pandemic but will be beneficial in future pandemics as well.

COVID-19: Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies among community members across 17 countries

Globalization and Health ◽

10.1186/s12992-021-00768-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Aziz Rahman ◽

Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽

Patraporn Tungpunkom ◽

Farhana Sultana ◽

Sheikh M. Alif ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Workers ◽

Factors Associated ◽

And Coping ◽

Abstract Background The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. Objectives We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. Results A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). Conclusions The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements.

Perceived Stigma Towards Psychological Illness in Relation to Psychological Distress Among Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Academic Psychiatry ◽

10.1007/s40596-020-01247-4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 44 (5) ◽

pp. 538-544 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dalal Ibrahim Alfayez ◽

Norah Ali AlShehri

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Medical Students ◽

Family Income ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Perceived Stigma ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Strongly Agree ◽

Abstract Objective Due to the high prevalence of psychological distress among medical students and its related functional and cognitive implications, this study aimed to investigate the association between perceived stigma and psychological distress, estimate the prevalence of each level of distress among medical students, and determine the independent significant risk factors of outcome variables for each level of psychological distress. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed that surveyed medical students at King Saud University in 2018. Using the modified and validated stigma scale for receiving psychological help along with Kessler psychological distress scale, the survey measured perceived stigma towards mental illness in relation to the level of psychological distress. Results Among the 524 participants, 395 surveys were completed. Participants had a mean age of 21.56 years old, and 53% were female. The overall prevalence of severe psychological distress was 30.7% (N = 161). Furthermore, 25.6% of participants reported experiencing moderate distress (N = 134). Additionally, a significant association was found between females and severe psychological distress. Moreover, family income was significantly associated with severe psychological distress in the extreme lower and upper groups (5000–10,000 SR and above 20,000 SR). Participants with high levels of psychological distress were more likely than those with low levels to agree or strongly agree with 3 out of 10 items related to perceived stigma. Conclusions Medical students with moderate/severe psychological distress disclosed more concerns regarding stigma, particularly about perceived consequences of their mental health issues being revealed to others. Such opinions could cause physical health problems and decrease quality of life.

Higher stress scores for female medical students measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) in Pakistan

Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions ◽

10.3352/jeehp.2014.11.27 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 27 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Khadija Qamar ◽

Muhammad Rizwan Bash Kiani ◽

Aisha Ayyub ◽

Atif Ahmed Khan ◽

Mohammad Osama

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Medical Students ◽

Stress Level ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Distress Scale ◽

The Relationship ◽

Academic Year ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire ◽

The aim of this study was to determine the stress level of medical students and the relationship between stress and academic year. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at an undergraduate medical school with a five-year curriculum, in Pakistan, from January 2014 to April 2014. Medical students in the first four years were included in the study. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), a self-administered questionnaire, was distributed to the students. A total of 445 medical students completed the questionnaire. The average stress score was 19.61 (SD = 6.76) with a range from 10 to 43. Stress was experienced by 169 students (41.7%). The scores of female students were higher than scores of males, indicating a higher stress level (P = 0.011). The relationship between stress and academic year was insignificant (P = 0.392).

Stress and Depression among undergraduate Medical Students of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education ◽

10.3329/bjme.v2i1.18130 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 6-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nazma Sultana

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Medical Students ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Mild Stress ◽

Severe Stress ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

This cross-sectional descriptive type of study was conducted to explore the level of stress and depression and to find out the various socio-demographic, academic factors which act as barriers to study among undergraduate medical students of Bangladesh. The study was conducted at Dhaka Medical College during the period of April 2009 to June 2009. The students of 1st year to 5th year were the study population. A total of 425 students participated in the study. After taking proper approval from the concerned authority adopting convenient sampling technique data were collected through a self administered questionnaire with validated Kessler 10 psychological distress scale. The study revealed that only (1%) respondents were free from any sorts of psychological stress. Over one third (34.6%) had mild stress, (39.8%) moderate stress and about one fourth (24.9%) was suffering from severe stress according to Kessler 10 Psychological distress scale. A significant proportion of male respondents (73%) had moderate to severe psychological distress compared to the female respondents (56%) p<0.001. A significant higher proportion (56%) of those experiencing study pressure had moderate to severe stress as well (p<0.001). Having political affiliation, higher proportion of students (66%) reported no or mild stress. It is researchers opinion that politically affiliated students usually maintain good relationship with their teachers which help them to pass or they influence their teachers to bring result in their favor or teachers favor them to keep their position undisturbed. Lower proportion (34%) reported to have moderate to severe stress. The differences between politically affiliated and not politically affiliated groups are statistically significant p<0.001.This study demonstrates that factors which are responsible for students stress and depression are not similar in all countries. Sources of stress of our students should be checked out for the betterment of our students. The study recommended that need for intervention like social and psychological support to improve the quality of life of medical students. Students advisors should be provided who will train students about stress management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjme.v2i1.18130 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.2(1) 2011: 6-9

Mental Disorders Among Elderly People in Baghdad, Iraq, 2017

INQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing ◽

10.1177/0046958019845960 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 56 ◽

pp. 004695801984596

Author(s):

Ahmed Abdulameer Ibrahim ◽

Faris AI-Lami ◽

Riyadh Al-Rudainy ◽

Yousef S. Khader

Keyword(s):

Mental Disorders ◽

Elderly People ◽

Low Income ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Economic Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determinants of mental disorders (MDs) among elderly people residing in nursing homes (NHs) and those living with their families (WF) in Baghdad, Iraq, 2017. A cross-sectional study was conducted on all elderly individuals residing in all NHs in Baghdad and an equal number of elderly people residing WF. MDs were defined based on Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). We used relevant World Health Organization–accredited tools to identify the types of MDs. The prevalence of MDs among elderly people was 38.7%, being statistically significantly ( P < .01) higher among those in NH (55.8%) compared with those living WF (21.5%). The proportion of types of MDs among NH versus WF residents was as follows: depression (35.4% vs 16.6%), anxiety (32.6% vs 9.9%), dementia (19.3% vs 5%), and suicide thoughts (25.4% vs 4.4%). The multivariate analysis showed many factors that were associated with MD. Low income, dependency on others, and being neglected were stronger determinant of MD among elderly people living WF. However, chronic joint pain, visual impairment, auditory impairment, and economic status deterioration were stronger determinant among those in NHs. The prevalence of MDs in the NH is more than double the prevalence in the community. We recommended enhancing elderly mental health care services including curative, preventive, and promotive activities.

COVID-19 pandemic, psychological response to quarantine, and knowledge of the disease among inmates in a Nigerian custodial center

Emerald Open Research ◽

10.35241/emeraldopenres.13684.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

pp. 26

Author(s):

Johnson Okoro ◽

Tobechukwu Odionye ◽

Benedicta Nweze ◽

Martins Onuoha ◽

Chinenye Ezeonwuka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Educational Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Female Inmates ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Response ◽

Poor Knowledge ◽

Male Inmates ◽

This was a cross-sectional study to assess the psychological response to quarantine during COVID-19 pandemic and the level of knowledge about the disease among inmates of a Custodial Center in Enugu, Nigeria. A total of 66 new prison inmates were assessed for psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10); and inmates’ knowledge about COVID-19 using a COVID-19 Knowledge Questionnaire developed by the researchers. Participants had a mean age of 28.39±8.71 years; 63 (95.5%) were male inmates and 3 (4.5%) were female inmates. In total, 61 (92.4%) were awaiting-trial inmates, 43 (65.1%) had psychological distress, and 35 (53%) had completed at least secondary school. Those with higher educational level were significantly more knowledgeable about the disease than those with lower educational level (t(64)=-5.72; p˂0.01). Though not statistically significant, psychological distress was found to be associated with insufficient knowledge about the disease (t(64)=1.42; p=0.16). The mean score for the COVID-19 questionnaire among the participants was 3.82±3.33 which is indicative of poor knowledge of the disease among them. Considering responses to specific questions contained in the questionnaire, knowledge about some questions was relatively high. For example, a majority of the participants 45 (68.2%) correctly responded that death can be a complication of COVID-19; whereas half of them 33 (50%) correctly responded that regular hand washing with soap and water can help prevent the spread of the disease. Nevertheless, responses to some questions showed poor knowledge about the disease as 18 (27.3%) correctly answered that COVID-19 can affect the lungs, while 20 (30.3%) correctly responded that COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Our study highlighted the need to have all quarantined persons educated about the disease for which they are being quarantined. It also provided the opportunity to raise awareness of COVD-19 among the inmates.

Is it Just About Physical Health? An Internet -Based Cross-Sectional Study Exploring The Pyschological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic On University Students in Jordan Using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

10.21203/rs.3.rs-29439/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽

Amal Akour ◽

Laith Alfalah

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Distance Learning ◽

University Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Distress Scale ◽

Abstract Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at the local, national, and international levels were directed primarily to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health were not thoroughly investigated yet, and studies that report the mental health risks of COVID-19 are still scarce.Objectives This study aimed to assess the level of psychological distress among university students in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire, The survey comprised of questions about (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iii) coping activities , and (iv) the students’ greatest concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). The total K10 distress scores had a mean of 34.2 (SD:9.4). However, the mean of total K10 distress scores had no significant association with gender (P=0.57). Age was negatively associated with total K10 distress score (P=0.0013). Concerning severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%), and females were found to have a statistically significant higher percentage in mild and severe psychological distress (P= 0.035), (P=0.016); respectively. 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between severe psychological distress and motivation for distance learning (P<0.0001). The most common coping strategy among students was spending more time on social media (n=269, 70.6%). Besides, 49 students (12.9%) reported the use of medications to cope with COVID-10 related distress, and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most serious concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 control measures resulted in a severe disruption of various human life activities, and this could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. A nationwide psychological support program should be incorporated into Jordan’s response strategy in combating the COVID-19, considering students and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.