scholarly journals Psychological Distress and Social Support among Conflict Refugees in Urban, Semi-rural and Rural Settlements in Uganda: Burden and Mechanisms of Association

Author(s):  
Stephen Lawoko ◽  
Catherine Nakidde ◽  
Eric Lugada ◽  
Maria Ssematiko ◽  
Dunstan P. Ddamulira ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Recent research shows that psychological distress is on the rise globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions imposed on populations to manage it. We estimated the burden of psychological distress and scrutinized the role that social support may play in moderating psychological distress among conflict refugees in urban, semi-rural and rural settlements in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Cross-sectional survey data on psychological distress, social support, demographics, socio-economic and behavioral variables was gathered from 1014 adult refugees randomly sampled from urban, semi-rural and rural refugee settlementsin Uganda, using two-staged cluster sampling. Research instruments were checked for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. T-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multivariable Linear Regression were applied to analyse the data in SPSS-version 22. Statistical significance was assumed at p<0.05.Results: Refugees resident in rural/semi-rural settlements exhibited higher levels of psychological distress, lower levels of social interaction and lower levels of social attachment than peers resident in urban settlements. However, they reported, on the other hand, higher adequacy of social interaction and higher adequacy of social attachment than peers resident in urban settlements. Adequacy of social interaction and attachment were directly associated with psychological distress and acted as stress buffers in the relationship between psychological distress and rural/urban settlement. Conclusions: There is a settlement-inequality (i.e. rural vs. urban) in psychological distress and social support among conflict refugees in Uganda. Both the direct and buffering effects of adequacy of social interaction and attachment can explain the rural/urban discrepancy in psychological distress, with important implications for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) interventions.

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261147
Author(s):  
Daniel Chukwuemeka Ogbuabor ◽  
Ijeoma Lewechi Okoronkwo

Background Person-centred maternity care (PCMC) is acknowledged as essential for achieving improved quality of care during labour and childbirth. Yet, evidence of healthcare providers’ perspectives of person-centred maternity care is scarce in Nigeria. This study, therefore, examined the perceptions of midwives on person-centred maternity care (PCMC) in Enugu State, South-east Nigeria. Materials and methods This study was conducted in seven public hospitals in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, South-east Nigeria. A mixed-methods design, involving a cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) was used. All midwives (n = 201) working in the maternity sections of the selected hospitals were sampled. Data were collected from February to May 2019 using a self-administered, validated PCMC questionnaire. A sub-set of midwives (n = 56), purposively selected using maximum variation sampling, participated in the FGDs (n = 7). Quantitative data were entered, cleaned, and analysed with SPSS version 20 using descriptive and bivariate statistics and multivariate regression. Statistical significance was set at alpha 0.05 level. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results The mean age of midwives was 41.8 years ±9.6 years. About 53% of midwives have worked for ≥10 years, while 60% are junior midwives. Overall, the prevalence of low, medium, and high PCMC among midwives were 26%, 49% and 25%. The mean PCMC score was 54.06 (10.99). High perception of PCMC subscales ranged from 6.5% (dignity and respect) to 19% (supportive care). Midwives’ perceived PCMC was not significantly related to any socio-demographic characteristics. Respectful care, empathetic caregiving, prompt initiation of care, paying attention to women, psychosocial support, trust, and altruism enhanced PCMC. In contrast, verbal and physical abuses were common but normalised. Midwives’ weakest components of autonomy and communication were low involvement of women in decision about their care and choice of birthing position. Supportive care was constrained by restrictive policy on birth companion, poor working conditions, and cost of childbirth care. Conclusion PCMC is inadequate in public hospitals as seen from midwives’ perspectives. Demographic characteristics of midwives do not seem to play a significant role in midwives’ delivery of PCMC. The study identified areas where midwives must build competencies to deliver PCMC.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferdinand Mukoso ◽  
Aliocha Nkodila ◽  
François Lepira ◽  
Pascal Bayauli ◽  
Yves Lubenga ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and aim: In limited resource settings, reliable epidemiological data generated from hypertension high risk geographical areas or people is a prerequisite for the planning of proven and effective interventions. The aim of the present survey was to assess the prevalence, awareness, control and factors associated with hypertension in adults living in the port City of Bandundu, located in the southwestern part of DRC.Methods: a cross-sectional survey using a modified WHO STEPwise questionnaire for data collection during face-to face interviews was conducted from 1st May to 30th October 2018. A multistage cluster sampling method was used and inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and informed consent. Information on demographic parameters, behavioral lifestyles, anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) measurements was obtained. Hypertension was defined as an average of two BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or self-reported history of antihypertensive medication use. Independent factors associated with hypertension were identified using logistic regression analysis. P<0.05 defined the level of statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 34,5% (Women 36,6 %). Older age (p<0.001), subclinical atherosclerosis (p= 0.021), sleep duration <8 hours (p<0.002), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), and obesity (p= 0.009) emerged as main cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension.Conclusion: Hypertension was characterized by a high prevalence, low rate of awareness and suboptimal BP control, high cardiovascular risk and associated sleep duration and obesity as modifiable risk factors.


2019 ◽  
pp. 104365961989682
Author(s):  
Chris Segrin ◽  
Terry Badger ◽  
Alla Sikorskii

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Chen ◽  
Jia Xu ◽  
Yunting Chen ◽  
Ruiheng Wu ◽  
Haoqiang Ji ◽  
...  

AbstractThe complex relationships among social support, experienced stigma, psychological distress, and quality of life (QOL) among tuberculosis (TB) patients are insufficiently understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the interrelationships among social support, experienced stigma, psychological distress, and QOL and to examine whether experienced stigma and psychological distress play a mediating role. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2020 and March 2021 in Dalian, Liaoning Province, Northeast China. Data were obtained from 473 TB patients using a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the hypothetical model. The research model provided a good fit to the measured data. All research hypotheses were supported: (1) social support, experienced stigma and psychological distress were associated with QOL; (2) experienced stigma fully mediated the effect of social support on psychological distress; (3) psychological distress fully mediated the effect of experienced stigma on QOL; and (4) experienced stigma and psychological distress were sequential mediators between social support and QOL. This study elucidated the pathways linking social support, experienced stigma, and psychological distress to QOL and provides an empirical basis for improving the QOL of TB patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Khaled K. Aldossari ◽  
Mamdouh M. Shubair ◽  
Jamaan Al-Zahrani ◽  
Abdulrahman A. Alduraywish ◽  
Khalid AlAhmary ◽  
...  

Background. Diabetes is a debilitating chronic health condition that is associated with certain pain syndromes. The present study sought to evaluate chronic pain and its association with diabetes mellitus at a population level. Methods. A population-based cross-sectional questionnaire survey study was conducted in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, from January 2016 to June 2016. Participants from both private and governmental institutions were selected following a multistage sampling technique and using a cluster sampling method. Anthropometric measurements were taken, including body weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. A blood sample was also drawn from each respondent for fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and fasting lipid profile. A P value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results. A total of 1003 subjects were included for final analysis. Compared to prediabetic and nondiabetic individuals, diabetic subjects had a higher prevalence of lower limb pain (11.1%), back pain (8.9%), abdominal pain (6.7%), and neck pain (4.4%) (X2 = 27.792, P=0.015). In a multiple logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, gender, education level, cholesterol, and smoking status, diabetic/prediabetic patients had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic pain ((OR) = 1.931 (95% CI = 1.536–2.362), P=0.037). Increased age was also significantly associated with chronic pain ((OR) = 1.032 (95% CI = 1.010–1.054, P=0.004). Conclusion. Results of this study found a significant association between diabetes and prediabetes and chronic pain symptoms. Prospective studies are needed to explore temporality of such association.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 956-956
Author(s):  
Yanfeng Xu ◽  
Merav Jedwab ◽  
Qi Wu ◽  
Sue Levkoff ◽  
Ling Xu

Abstract The fear and anxiety of COVID-19 and its related policy measures have increased individuals’ psychological distress. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between material hardship, parenting stress, social support, and resilience and custodial grandparents’ psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and further investigate the moderating role of kinship license status. A cross-sectional survey was administered to collect data from custodial grandparents (N = 362) in the United States. T-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models were conducted using STATA 15.0. Results indicated that material hardship (OR = 1.77, p &lt; 0.001) was associated with higher odds of psychological distress, whereas custodial grandparents’ resilience (OR = 0.08, p &lt; 0.001) and social support (OR = 0.39, p &lt; 0.001) were associated with lower odds of experiencing psychological distress. Increased parenting stress in COVID-19 was not significantly associated with psychological distress. Kinship license status moderated the relationships between social support (OR = 0.23, p &lt; 0.05), resilience (OR = 5.06, p &lt; 0.05) and psychological distress. To address custodial grandparents’ psychological distress, more allocated emergency funds and tailored financial services should be provided to meet material needs, and interventions with a focus on resilience and social support are particularly needed. Although licensed custodial grandparents were more likely to experience psychological distress due to their pre-existing vulnerability than unlicensed counterparts, parallel services should be provided to all kinship caregivers.


ملخص: هدفت الدراسة للتعرف على العلاقة بين المساندة الاجتماعية والضغوط النفسية لدى الأطفال الفلسطينيين في محافظة غزة, وعلاقته ببعض المتغيرات (النوع، مكان السكن), ولتحقيق هذا الهدف استخدم المنهج الوصفي، وأعد الباحث مقياسين طبقهما على عينة عشوائية بسيطة مكونة من (380) طالب وطالبة تراوحت أعمارهم بين (15-18) من المرحلة الأساسية والعليا بمداس محافظة غزة (شرق غزة ،غرب غزة)، وتوصلت الى النتائج الآتية: 1. وجود علاقة ارتباط سالبة ذات دلالة إحصائية بين المساندة الاجتماعية والضغوط النفسية لدى الأطفال الفلسطينيين في محافظة غزة. 2. عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في المساندة الاجتماعية لدى الأطفال الفلسطينيين في محافظة غزة تعزى لمتغير النوع ( ذكر، أنثى) في المساندة النفسية الاجتماعية والمساندة الاجتماعية من قبل الأصدقاء ومساندة المؤسسات الأهلية. 3. عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية تعزى لمتغير النوع في الضغوط الانفعالية والشخصية والصحية والسياسية والأمنية, ووجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية تعزى لمتغير النوع(ذكور، إناث) ولقد كانت الفروق لصالح الذكور. 4. عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في المساندة الاجتماعية لدى الأطفال الفلسطينيين في محافظة غزة تعزى لمتغير مكان السكن ( شرق غزة ، غرب غزة) . الكلمات المفتاحية: الدعم الاجتماعي, الأزمة. Abstract he study aimed to identify the relationship between social support and psychological stress in Palestinian children in Gaza governorate and its relation to some variables (type, place of residence). To achieve this goal, the descriptive approach was used. The researcher prepared two random sample measures, consisting of (380) (15-18) of the primary and upper stage of the district of Gaza governorate (east of Gaza, west of Gaza), Reached the following conclusions: 1. There is a statistically significant negative correlation between social support and psychological stress among Palestinian children in Gaza governorate. 2. There are no statistically significant differences in the social support of Palestinian children in Gaza Governorate due to gender variable (male, female) in psychosocial support, social support by friends and support of NGOs. 3. There were no statistically significant differences due to the gender variable in the emotional, personal, health, political and security pressures, and there were differences of statistical significance due to gender variable (males, females). 4. No statistically significant differences in social support among Palestinian children in Gaza Governorate due to the variable of residence (East Gaza, West Gaza) Keywords: social support ,Crisis


Author(s):  
Stephen Lawoko ◽  
Gloria Seruwagi ◽  
Denis Muhangi ◽  
Eric A. Ochen ◽  
Betty Okot ◽  
...  

Background: Worldwide, behavioral change interventions are at the core of prevention efforts to contain the novel Corona Virus (COVID-19). While the evidence base to inform such interventions in the general population is growing, equivocal research in humanitarian populations is lacking. The current study describes the nature, extent and predictors of COVID-19 risk behaviors among conflict refugees in Uganda in a bid to inform prevention strategies for humanitarian settings.Methods: Cross-sectional survey data on COVID-19 risk-behaviors, demographic, socio-economic, behavioral and clinical variables was gathered from 1014 adult refugees drawn from 3 refugee settlements in Uganda, using two-staged cluster sampling. Data was analyzed using t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multivariable Linear Regression.Results: Many refugees (25-70%) were involved in hygiene, congestion and nutritional/physical activity related risk behaviors likely to contribute to community transmission of COVID-19. Refugees living in rural settlements, of male sex, young age and low socio-economic status were at heightened risk of exposure to COVID-19 risk behaviors. Physical activity and healthy nutritional practices reduced the likelihood of COVID-19 risk behavior. Indulgence in COVID-19 risk behaviors increased the risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusions: COVID-19 risk behaviors among conflict refugees in Uganda are multifaceted in nature, widespread in extent and associated with symptom development, signaling for high risk for COVID-19 transmission in humanitarian settings. The data on predictors of COVID-19 risk behaviors have unmasked underlying inequalities, holding promise for development of evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of most vulnerable clusters in the refugee community.


1970 ◽  
Vol 9 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 34-40
Author(s):  
U.M. Badaru ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
J. Mohammed ◽  
M.A. Abba ◽  
O.O. Ogwumike ◽  
...  

The aim of stroke rehabilitation is to ensure successful reintegration of stroke survivors (SSV) into their communities to enable them effectively discharge their physical, economic and social roles. This study assessed factors related to satisfaction with community reintegration (CR) of SSV in Kano metropolis. It was a cross sectional survey that recruited 68 consenting SSV using the purposive sampling technique. Assessments of CR, physical function, social support and depression were done with Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MPSS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) respectively. Spearman Rank Order Correlation and Wilcoxon Sign Rank tests were used to analyze the data at a level of statistical significance of 0.05 using SPSS version 16.0. A total of 36(52.9%) males and 32(47.1%) females with mean age of 59.69±13.568 years took part in the study. About 50 (73.6%) are modified dependent and 46 (67.6%) enjoyed moderate social support. The majority 87% (N=59) experienced severe restrictions to CR. There were significant correlations between RNLI and each of MSPSS (rho=0.249, p=0.041) and FIM (rho =0.406, p=0.001) scores. Occupational status (Z=-6.693, p=0.000), income (Z=-3.910, p=0.000) and driving status (Z=-5.292, p=0.000) changed significantly. It was concluded that the level of CR of most SSV in Kano metropolis was not satisfactory with significant loss of employment and earnings and ability to drive post stroke. Increased levels of social support and adequate recovery of physical functions are likely to improve satisfaction with CR.KEY WORDS: stroke, satisfaction, community reintegration, social support, driving, return to work


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