The prevalence rate and demographic correlates of perceived stress in Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic: A one-week cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to have an unprecedented global effect on health and daily life, with many countries struggling to adapt to the adverse pandemic impact. While strict public health measures are necessary to slow the virus’ spread, these measures may adversely affect individual mental health and wellbeing. Texting-based programs offer organizations a feasible and cost-effective option to deliver mental health supports and to collect population-level data. This study reports on the prevalence rate and demographic correlates of perceived stress on the one-week data obtained from Text4Hope enrollees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that used the Perceived Stress Scale to determine the one-week prevalence for perceived stress in Alberta. Univariate and binomial logistic regression analysis were used to determine the demographic correlates (i.e., gender, age, ethnicity, educational attainment, employment status, relationship status, and housing status) of moderate/high perceived stress. Results One week after the program launch, 32,805 individuals were enrolled. 6,041 enrollees completed the baseline survey (18.4% response rate). 84.7% of respondents reported moderate/high stress. All demographic variables, except ethnicity, were significantly associated with moderate/high stress (p < 0.001). Females were 1.5 times more likely to report moderate/high stress (95% CI = 1.2–1.9) than males. Compared to respondents in the 26–40 years, 41–60 years, and > 60 years of age categories, those ≤ 25 years of age were 1.9 (95% CI = 1.1–3.4), 3.4 (95% CI = 1.9–6.3), and 5.3 (95% CI = 2.8–10.0) times more likely to report moderate/high stress, respectively. Unemployed individuals were 2.5 times more likely to report moderate/high stress (95% CI = 1.8–3.6) than employed individuals. Retirees were 1.6 times less likely to report moderate/high stress (95% CI = 1.1–2.2) than employed respondents. Respondents renting a home were 1.7 times more likely to report moderate/high stress (95% CI = 1.3–2.1) than home owners. Conclusion Prevalence rate for perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic is very high in Alberta, signaling detrimental pandemic impacts on mental health. Our demographic correlates of perceived stress align with research results from other jurisdictions. Trail registration: The study was approved by the University of Alberta Human Research Ethics Board (Pro00086163).

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Changes in mental health during three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: a repeated cross-sectional study among polish university students

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03615-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aleksandra M. Rogowska ◽

Dominika Ochnik ◽

Cezary Kuśnierz ◽

Karolina Chilicka ◽

Monika Jakubiak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

University Students ◽

Physical Health ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Research indicates that mental health worsened during the Coronavirus crisis, in particular among women and university students. However, few longitudinal studies have so far investigated the changes in mental health outcomes across three subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to examine changes in mental health among university students. Methods A total of 1,961university students from Poland, at mean age 23.23 years (SD = 3.16, 57.47% of women) were included in this repeated cross-sectional study across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: W1 (n = 657), W2 (n = 654), and W3 (n = 650). They completed the online survey with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), General Self-Rated Health (GSRH), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), as well as sociodemographic variables. Results The prevalence of people at high risk of anxiety and perceived stress, poorer physical health, and low life satisfaction changed significantly across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the two-way ANOVA showed that both the wave (W1<W2<W3) and gender (men<women) had a significant impact on the level of anxiety. Statistically significant changes in perceived stress were found between pandemic waves (W1>W2, W1>W3), and genders (men<women). Self-reported physical health significantly deteriorated in W3 compared to W1 and W2 (W1>W3, W2>W3), and was significantly worse in women than in men. The level of life satisfaction also decreased significantly in W3 (W1>W3, W2>W3), but did not differ between men and women. High GAD risk was presented two times more frequently among women and people who subjectively assessed their health as poor, three times more likely in participants dissatisfied with their lives, and seven times more probably in persons with high-stress levels. Conclusions The results of this study consistently indicate (using parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis) that there are significant differences in mental health problems across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. It suggests that pandemic waves should be considered in future review studies and meta-analyses. Furthermore, these findings indicate a potential role for prevention and intervention programs aimed at alleviating life satisfaction and subjective assessment of health and improving coping skills to reduce stress and anxiety.

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Perceived Stress and Increased Food Consumption during the ‘Third Wave’ of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072380 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2380

Author(s):

Eduardo Sánchez-Sánchez ◽

Jara Díaz-Jimenez ◽

Ignacio Rosety ◽

Maria José M. Alférez ◽

Antonio Jesús Díaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Third Wave ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Scale ◽

The Third ◽

Moderate Stress

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people worldwide. An increase in perceived stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as increased food consumption. The aim of this study was to find the level of perceived stress and its relationship with increased food consumption during the “third wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. This was a cross-sectional study that employed anonline self-reported frequency of consumption questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. A total of 637 subjects participated and 83.6% of respondents had moderate or high stress—more prevalent in the female and young respondents. Moreover, 36.1% of respondents reported that they had increased the frequency of consumption of some foods, mainly nuts, snacks, and jellybeans, along with coffee, tea, cocoa, and soft drinks. Eating between meals was more pronounced in those with high stress (65.1%) than in those with moderate stress (40.4%) and low stress (20.2%). Furthermore, the respondents with high stress reported greater weight gain. Thus, the results show that the level of perceived stress during the ‘third wave’ of this pandemic increased food consumption.

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Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among First Year Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study, Thrissur District, Kerala

Global Journal of Medical Research ◽

10.34257/gjmrkvol19is4pg9 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 9-12

Author(s):

Maria Mathew ◽

Navya C J ◽

Vidhu M Joshy

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

First Year ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Brief Cope

Coping strategies used by an individual for stress determine its effect on health and the body’s functioning. Academic challenges make the first year medical students disparately susceptible to it. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the first year undergraduate medical students of a private medical college in Thrissur, Kerala to find the prevalence of stress and the coping strategies used with the help of pretested and validated questionnaire containing the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10) and Brief COPE Inventory. 73% of the students had moderate stress and, 20% of the students had high-stress scores. Self-distraction and religion {(6.66 ±1.52), (6.55 ±1.58)}were the most common coping strategies used by the boys and girls respectively. The prevalence of stress was high among the first year undergraduate medical students and those with high-stress scores were found to use maladaptive coping strategies.

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Perceived Stress Among Resident Doctors in Jordanian Teaching Hospitals: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.14238 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Nizar Maswadi ◽

Yousef S Khader ◽

Ahmad Abu Slaih

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Work Performance ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Working Environment ◽

Stress Factors ◽

Medical Residents ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND Medical residents in Jordanian hospitals are involved in many clinical and nonclinical tasks that expose them to various stress factors. High stress and burnout have the potential to negatively impact work performance and patient care, including medication errors, suboptimal care, clinical errors, and patient dissatisfaction. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the perceived stress among medical residents in Jordanian hospitals and its associated risk factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents in Jordanian hospitals. A cluster sample of 5 hospitals with residency programs was selected from different health sectors. All residents who were working in the selected hospitals were invited to participate in this study, during the period from April to July 2017. A total of 555 residents agreed to participate in this study, giving a response rate of 84%. The perceived stress scale (PSS) was used for assessment. RESULTS A total of 398 male and 157 female residents were included in this study. The mean PSS score in this study was 21.6; 73% (405/555) of the residents had moderate level of stress, and 18% (100/555) had high level of stress. About 6.7% (37/555) of the residents had hypertension, 2.7% (15/555) had diabetes, 3.2% (18/555) had heart disease, and 8.5% (47/555) were anemic. 233 (42%) respondents complained of back pain, and 161 (29%) of the respondents complained of insomnia. Stress was associated with higher workload, sleep deprivation, and dissatisfaction in the relationship with colleagues, with income, and with the program. In multivariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with stress: female gender, dissatisfaction with working environment, and facing work-related, academic, and family stressors. CONCLUSIONS The majority of medical residents in Jordanian hospitals felt nervous and stressed. Conducting stress management programs during residency and improving the work environment are strongly recommended.

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Perceived Stress Among Resident Doctors in Jordanian Teaching Hospitals: Cross-Sectional Study

JMIR Public Health and Surveillance ◽

10.2196/14238 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. e14238 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nizar Maswadi ◽

Yousef S Khader ◽

Ahmad Abu Slaih

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Work Performance ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Working Environment ◽

Stress Factors ◽

Medical Residents ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Background Medical residents in Jordanian hospitals are involved in many clinical and nonclinical tasks that expose them to various stress factors. High stress and burnout have the potential to negatively impact work performance and patient care, including medication errors, suboptimal care, clinical errors, and patient dissatisfaction. Objective This study aimed to determine the perceived stress among medical residents in Jordanian hospitals and its associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents in Jordanian hospitals. A cluster sample of 5 hospitals with residency programs was selected from different health sectors. All residents who were working in the selected hospitals were invited to participate in this study, during the period from April to July 2017. A total of 555 residents agreed to participate in this study, giving a response rate of 84%. The perceived stress scale (PSS) was used for assessment. Results A total of 398 male and 157 female residents were included in this study. The mean PSS score in this study was 21.6; 73% (405/555) of the residents had moderate level of stress, and 18% (100/555) had high level of stress. About 6.7% (37/555) of the residents had hypertension, 2.7% (15/555) had diabetes, 3.2% (18/555) had heart disease, and 8.5% (47/555) were anemic. 233 (42%) respondents complained of back pain, and 161 (29%) of the respondents complained of insomnia. Stress was associated with higher workload, sleep deprivation, and dissatisfaction in the relationship with colleagues, with income, and with the program. In multivariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with stress: female gender, dissatisfaction with working environment, and facing work-related, academic, and family stressors. Conclusions The majority of medical residents in Jordanian hospitals felt nervous and stressed. Conducting stress management programs during residency and improving the work environment are strongly recommended.

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Emotional exhaustion, burnout, and perceived stress in dental students

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060519859145 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (9) ◽

pp. 4251-4259 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

JL Jiménez-Ortiz ◽

RM Islas-Valle ◽

JD Jiménez-Ortiz ◽

E Pérez-Lizárraga ◽

ME Hernández-García ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Emotional Exhaustion ◽

High Stress ◽

Private University ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dental Students ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Northern Mexico ◽

Parametric Data

Objective As in other health sciences, a career in dentistry is associated with numerous stressors in practitioners. The main objective of this research was to examine the prevalence of emotional exhaustion, burnout, and perceived stress among dental students in Mexico. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 73 dental students attending a private university in Northern Mexico. Three scales were administered to students to identify emotional exhaustion, burnout, and perceived stress, and parametric data analysis was performed. Results Among participants (mean age 19.7 years), the proportion with emotional exhaustion, perceived high stress, and burnout was 52.0%, 42.3%, and 17.8%, respectively. All students with perceived stress also had burnout. Conclusions We found that emotional exhaustion and perceived stress are experienced by a large proportion of dentistry students enrolled in the third semester at this private university in Northern Mexico. The proportions were independent of age and sex.

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Caffeine consumption, intoxication, and stress among female university students: a cross-sectional study

Middle East Current Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s43045-021-00109-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Deemah A. AlAteeq ◽

Razan Alotaibi ◽

Raneem Al Saqer ◽

Njoud Alharbi ◽

Maram Alotaibi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Caffeine Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Dsm 5 ◽

Stress Levels

Abstract Background University students use caffeine to cope with stress in spite of its adverse effects. The purpose of this study is to explore caffeine consumption among university students in Saudi Arabia, as well as its correlation with stress and caffeine intoxication. This cross-sectional study examined a convenience sample of 547 students at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU). A self-administrated questionnaire was used to assess caffeine consumption in milligrams per day, stress was assessed by the perceived stress scale (PSS), and caffeine intoxication was assessed using the DSM-5 criteria. Results The mean total caffeine consumption was 424.69 ± 385.31 mg/day. High levels of caffeine consumption were found among students of non-health colleges and students who were undiagnosed with psychiatric disorders (p values <0.040 and 0.027, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between caffeine consumption and perceived stress (p<0.045). Only 13.26% of all participants fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria for caffeine use disorder. The majority of participants showed moderate and high stress levels (69.9% and 18.7%). Conclusion This study revealed high caffeine consumption and perceived stress levels among female undergraduate students with a significant positive association between them. The results emphasize the importance of educational campaigns about caffeine consumption and intoxication. They also encourage the development of stress management programs. Longitudinal studies need to be designed for evidence-based intervention.

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Prevalence and risk factors of perceived stress on COVID-19 among health care providers in Dilla Town Health institutions, Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-23476/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yigrem Ali Chekole ◽

Solomon Yimer ◽

Birhanie Mekuriaw ◽

Semagn Mekonnen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Care Providers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: The Coronavirus belongs to large groups of viruses that cause serious health problems including the mental health of the society particularly the health care providers. Understanding the mental health response after a public health emergency might help health care providers and communities to prepare for a population's response to a disaster.Objective: This study aimed to assess the magnitude of perceived stress and risk factors of coronaviruses disease 2019 among healthcare providers in Dilla, Southern Ethiopia 2020.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 samples selected with systematic random sampling technique. Data collection was carried out with validated perceived stress scale adapted from the World health organization. Data were coded and entered into Epi-info Version 7 and was exported and analyzed with SPSS version 20. Crude and adjusted OR were analyzed using logistic regression and the level of significance of association was determined at P-value <0.05.Result: The magnitude of perceived stress of coronavirus disease 2019 among participants was 126 (51.6%). Being at the age range of 25-31 years (AOR=2.5, 95%CI, 1.07, 5.90), nurse professionals (AOR= 7.8, 95%CI 2.15, 27.98) and pharmacist professionals (AOR=4.15, 95%CI, 1.01, 17.06) were variables found to have a strongly statistically significant association with perceived stress of Coronaviruses disease.Conclusion: this indicates that early prevention, early identification and intervention of perceived stress of coronaviruses disease among healthcare providers. Particularly, more stress for the frontline healthcare worker nurses, pharmacists and age ranges of 25-31 years.

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Stress and stressors in female medical and dental students at Kathmandu Medical College

Journal of Chitwan Medical College ◽

10.3126/jcmc.v10i2.29678 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 72-74

Author(s):

Sushil Kharel ◽

Bionod Raut

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dental Students ◽

Female Students ◽

Tension Stress ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical And Dental Students

Background: Stress is a physical, mental or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. Stress upsets an individual both mentally and physically. Study showed that medical students suffer from higher stress than other stream students. Among medical students also female students are more prone to stress due to varied reasons. This study aimed to determine the stress among female medical and dental undergraduates. Methods: This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate and assess the levels of perceived stress and common stressors among female medical and dental students at a teaching institute of Kathmandu, Nepal. A cross-sectional study was done to the first- and second-year undergraduate female medical and dental students. Perceived stress was evaluated using universally accepted Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS-10). Results: A total of 176 female medical and dental students were enrolled in the study. The mean COHEN PSS score was found to be 27.97 (SD 4.32) which showed high stress among study population. Fifty nine percent (59%) of the female medical and dental students had perceived stress. Conclusions: Levels of perceived stress were very high in female students. The most common stressors were related to educational and economic concerns. The students were more focused to daily matters and problems related to their academic achievements.

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The Disparity in Mental Health Between Two Generations of Internal Migrants (IMs) in China: Evidence from A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16142608 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (14) ◽

pp. 2608

Author(s):

Wen Chen ◽

Qi Zhang ◽

Andre M.N. Renzaho ◽

Li Ling

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Social Integration ◽

Economic Reform ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Internal Migrants ◽

New Generation

Background: Internal migrants (IMs) are a large, vulnerable population in China and are mostly driven by national economic reform. IMs who were born before and after 1980, when the general social and economic reform began to appear in China, are considered to be two separate generations. The generational differences in mental health across IMs remain undocumented. In this study, the intergenerational disparity in IMs’ mental health, using data from a national cross-sectional study, was assessed. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the “National Internal Migrant Dynamic Monitoring Survey 2014” were used. IMs were divided into the “old” or “new” generation, based on their date of birth (before 1980 vs. from 1980 onwards). Mental health includes psychological distress, which was measured using the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6), and perceived stress, which was measured with the Perceived Stress Scales (PSS-4). Two-level Generalized Linear Mixed Models were performed so as to assess the generation gap and associated factors of each group’s mental health. IM demographics, migration characteristics, and social integration indicators were controlled for when assessing the intergenerational disparity in mental health. Results: A total of 15,999 IMs from eight different cities participated in the survey. New generation migrants accounted for 61.5% (9838/15,999) of the total sample. After controlling for participants’ characteristics, new generation migrants had higher psychological distress scores (βad = 0.084, 95% CI: (0.026,0.193) and higher perceived stress scores (βad = 0.118, 95% CI: 0.029, 0.207) than the older generation. For both generations, factors associated with good mental health included high levels of social integration, personal autonomy, and life satisfaction, as well as self-rated good physical health. For the new generation, the mental health of urban-to-urban IMs (βad = 0.201, 95%CI: 0.009, 0.410) for the K6, βad = 0.241, 95% CI: 0.073, 0.409 for the PSS-4), IMs with a longer migration duration (βad = 0.002, 95% CI: (0.000, 0.003) for the PSS-4) and IMs with a higher annual income (βad = 0.124, 95% CI: (0.029, 0.218) for the K6) was significantly poorer than their counterparts. Conclusions: New-generation migrants’ mental health is worse compared to older IMs. An array of services for addressing these generation-specific needs may facilitate the promotion of mental health among IMs in China.

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