Usability Factors Associated With Physicians’ Distress and Information System–Related Stress: Cross-Sectional Survey

Background Constantly changing and difficult-to-use information systems have arisen as a significant source of stress in physicians’ work. Physicians have reported several usability problems, system failures, and a lack of integration between the systems and have experienced that systems poorly support the documentation and retrieval of patient data. This stress has kept rising in the 21st century, and it seems that it may also affect physicians’ well-being. Objective This study aimed to examine the associations of (1) usability variables (perceived benefits, technical problems, support for feedback, and user-friendliness), (2) the number of systems in daily use, (3) experience of using information systems, and (4) participation in information systems development work with physicians’ distress and levels of stress related to information systems (SRIS) levels. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 4018 Finnish physicians (64.82%, 2572 out of 3968 women) aged between 24 and 64 years (mean 46.8 years) in 2017. The analyses of covariance were used to examine the association of independent variables with SRIS and distress (using the General Health Questionnaire) adjusted for age, gender, employment sector, specialization status, and the electronic health record system in use. Results High levels of technical problems and a high number of systems in daily use were associated with high levels of SRIS, whereas high levels of user-friendliness, perceived benefits, and support for feedback were associated with low levels of SRIS. Moreover, high levels of technical problems were associated with high levels of psychological distress, whereas high levels of user-friendliness were associated with low distress levels. Those who considered themselves experienced users of information systems had low levels of both SRIS and distress. Conclusions It seems that by investing in user-friendly systems with better technical quality and good support for feedback that professionals perceive as being beneficial would improve the work-related well-being and overall well-being of physicians. Moreover, improving physicians’ skills related to information systems by giving them training could help to lessen the stress that results from poorly functioning information systems and improve physicians’ well-being.

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Usability Factors Associated With Physicians’ Distress and Information System–Related Stress: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.13466 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Tarja Heponiemi ◽

Sari Kujala ◽

Suvi Vainiomäki ◽

Tuulikki Vehko ◽

Tinja Lääveri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Information Systems ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Well Being ◽

Perceived Benefits ◽

User Friendliness ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Technical Problems ◽

Usability Problems ◽

Low Levels

BACKGROUND Constantly changing and difficult-to-use information systems have arisen as a significant source of stress in physicians’ work. Physicians have reported several usability problems, system failures, and a lack of integration between the systems and have experienced that systems poorly support the documentation and retrieval of patient data. This stress has kept rising in the 21st century, and it seems that it may also affect physicians’ well-being. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the associations of (1) usability variables (perceived benefits, technical problems, support for feedback, and user-friendliness), (2) the number of systems in daily use, (3) experience of using information systems, and (4) participation in information systems development work with physicians’ distress and levels of stress related to information systems (SRIS) levels. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 4018 Finnish physicians (64.82%, 2572 out of 3968 women) aged between 24 and 64 years (mean 46.8 years) in 2017. The analyses of covariance were used to examine the association of independent variables with SRIS and distress (using the General Health Questionnaire) adjusted for age, gender, employment sector, specialization status, and the electronic health record system in use. RESULTS High levels of technical problems and a high number of systems in daily use were associated with high levels of SRIS, whereas high levels of user-friendliness, perceived benefits, and support for feedback were associated with low levels of SRIS. Moreover, high levels of technical problems were associated with high levels of psychological distress, whereas high levels of user-friendliness were associated with low distress levels. Those who considered themselves experienced users of information systems had low levels of both SRIS and distress. CONCLUSIONS It seems that by investing in user-friendly systems with better technical quality and good support for feedback that professionals perceive as being beneficial would improve the work-related well-being and overall well-being of physicians. Moreover, improving physicians’ skills related to information systems by giving them training could help to lessen the stress that results from poorly functioning information systems and improve physicians’ well-being.

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

BMC Psychology ◽

10.1186/s40359-021-00706-3 ◽

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.

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A cross sectional, observational survey to assess levels and predictors of psychological wellbeing in adults with epidermolysis bullosa

Health Psychology Research ◽

10.4081/hpr.2013.649 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 4 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Emma Dures ◽

Nichola Rumsey ◽

Marianne Morris ◽

Kate Gleeson

Keyword(s):

Locus Of Control ◽

Epidermolysis Bullosa ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Wellbeing ◽

Clinical Group ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) describes a cluster of genetically determined skin disorders. Symptoms can be painful, disabling and disfiguring, yet there is little research on the psychological impact of the disease. The study aim was to measure psychological wellbeing in adults with EB; and to examine the association between psychological wellbeing and self efficacy, health <em>locus</em> of control and adjustment to appearance in an observational, cross sectional survey. Questionnaire packs comprising the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the General Self Efficacy Scale (GSE), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLOC), and the Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS-24), were sent to approximately 385 adults with EB. The data were analysed using SPSS. Eighty-seven participants responded. Scores on the GHQ-12 showed non-problematic psychological health in 36% of the sample; levels bordering on clinical disorder in 32.1% and severe psychological distress in 31.9%. No correlations were found between demographic factors (age and sex) or clinical factors (EB type and perceived severity) and psychological well-being. Scores on the GSE, the internal locus of control sub-scale of the MHLOC and the DAS-24 showed them to be statistically significant correlates of psychological wellbeing (P<0.001; P<0.018; and P<0.001 respectively). In a regression analysis, adjustment to appearance and self efficacy accounted for 24% of the variation in psychological wellbeing. Adults with EB might be at risk of experiencing poor psychological health. Interventions designed to enhance disease self management, self efficacy and improve body image are likely to be beneficial in this clinical group.

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Important Goals, Meanings, and Relationships in Flourishing and Languishing States: Towards Patterns of Well-being

Applied Research in Quality of Life ◽

10.1007/s11482-019-09771-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marié P. Wissing ◽

Lusilda Schutte ◽

Christelle Liversage ◽

Brenda Entwisle ◽

Marianne Gericke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Survey Design ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Positive Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Written Responses ◽

Greater Good ◽

Low Levels

Abstract Qualitative studies of lay people’s perspectives on facets of well-being are scarce, and it is not known how the perspectives of people with high and low levels of well-being dovetail or differ. This research explored the experiences of people with high/flourishing versus low/languishing levels of positive mental health in three cross-sectional survey design studies. Languishing and flourishing participants were selected in each study based on quantitative data from the Mental Health Continuum - Short Form as reported by Keyes et al. (Journal of Health and Social Behavior 43:207–222, 2002). Qualitative content analyses were conducted on written responses to semistructured open-ended questions on the what and why of important meaningful things (study 1, n = 42), goals (study 2, n = 30), and relationships (study 3, n = 50). Results indicated that well-being is not only a matter of degree—manifestations differ qualitatively in flourishing and languishing states. Similar categories emerged for what flourishing and languishing people found important with regard to meaning, goals, and relationships, but the reasons for the importance thereof differed prominently. Languishing people manifested a self-focus and often motivated responses in terms of own needs and hedonic values such as own happiness, whereas flourishers were more other-focused and motivated responses in terms of eudaimonic values focusing on a greater good. We propose that positive mental health can be conceptualized in terms of dynamic quantitative and qualitative patterns of well-being. Interventions to promote well-being may need to take into account the patterns of well-being reflecting what people on various levels of well-being experience and value.

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Burnout and psychological distress amongst Australian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1039856220965045 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 103985622096504 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hannah Dobson ◽

Charles B Malpas ◽

Aidan JC Burrell ◽

Caroline Gurvich ◽

Leo Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychiatric History ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Metropolitan Hospital ◽

Low Levels ◽

Mental Well Being

Objective: To examine psychological distress in healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in April–May 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional survey examining demographic, employment and mental health characteristics of HCWs in a large metropolitan hospital in Australia. Results: HCWs showed significant symptoms of moderate-severe level depression (21%), anxiety (20%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 29%), associated with burnout, prior psychiatric history, profession and resilience. Conclusion: Despite low levels of COVID contact, moderate to high levels of psychological distress were reported. Continued monitoring and support for HCWs’ mental well-being is warranted as the COVID-19 pandemic develops.

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Consequences of COVID19-pandemic lockdown on Italian occupational physicians’ psychosocial health

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0243194 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. e0243194

Author(s):

Simone De Sio ◽

Giuseppe La Torre ◽

Giuseppe Buomprisco ◽

Ekaterina Lapteva ◽

Roberto Perri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Female Gender ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychosocial Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Occupational Physicians

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 12, 2020. Italy has been the most affected country in the world, right after China. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were among the hardest hit by this event from both a working and psychological point of view. The aim of this web-based cross-sectional study is to assess the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian Occupational Physicians’ well-being and psychological distress, in relation to demographic and occupational characteristic, lifestyle and habits during the lockdown period. We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey questionnaire from April 1 to April 21st, 2020. To evaluate the level of psychological distress and the level of well-being, the general Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index were utilized. Since the statistical assumptions were respected, we proceeded with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to ascertain the differences between the averages of the scores of the GHQ-12. Doctors who live in the most affected regions have a prevalence of psychological distress higher than their colleagues from the rest of Italy. ANOVA shows significant differences relating to the female gender, and to the life changes provoked by the lockdown for example not feeling sheltered at home or suffering from loneliness. This study showed a high prevalence of psychological distress in occupational physicians. To prevent the occurrence of mental disorders among Occupational Physicians, it is urgent to put in place policies of psychological support and well-being preservation.

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Psychological Well-Being of Malaysian University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Religiosity and Religious Coping Matter?

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9111535 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1535

Author(s):

Aisyah Che Rahimi ◽

Raishan Shafini Bakar ◽

Mohd Azhar Mohd Yasin

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Religious Coping ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Disorder ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Well Being

The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed that changed the teaching and learning activities may add a psychological impact to the existing academic stress faced by university students. Past studies have associated low levels of psychological disorder with high religiosity and positive religious coping (RC). This study aimed to determine the level of psychological disorder among university students in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic and measure their association with religiosity and religious coping (RC). An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and June 2020 involving 450 students. The survey instruments consisted of sociodemographic proforma, Duke University Religious Index (DUREL) for religiosity, Brief RCOPE Scale for RC and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) for psychological disorder; 36% of the participants experienced psychological disorder. Younger age, being a Muslim, living in the Green/Yellow zone and higher negative RC were significantly associated with psychological disorder. Higher positive RC was found to be protective against psychological disorder. However, the level of religiosity had no significant association with psychological disorder. In conclusion, the level of psychological disorder among university students has been high during the pandemic. Measures and interventions focusing on positive RC and reducing negative RC are recommended to improve the psychological well-being.

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Spiritual well-being in psychiatric patients

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s079096670000598x ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 123-127 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Deborah Ann Mountain ◽

Walter J Muir

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Religious Beliefs ◽

Psychiatric Patients ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Well Being ◽

Religious Practice ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Spiritual Well Being ◽

Community Controls

AbstractObjectives: Some patients with mental illness have said that religion (whether institutional or private) provides them with resources to cope with their illness. The aim of the study was to examine the spiritual well-being and religious practices, beliefs and psychological morbidity of psychiatric patients (n = 41) compared to control groups of patients with chronic medical conditions (n = 40) and community controls attending their GP (n = 39).Method: The study was a cross sectional survey. The study group were identified in psychiatric rehabilitation and day unit settings, the medical controls from a physical rehabilitation hospital and rheumatology outpatient department and the community controls from a GPs surgery. General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (consisting of religious and existential well-being subscales) and an open-ended Religious Survey Questionnaire were personally administered to the groups and information supplemented by casenote data.Results: Although there were no differences between the groups on the measure of overall Spiritual Weil-Being or on the subscale of Religious Well-Being, the psychiatric group scored lower on the Existential Well-Being subscale (p < 0.001) and had higher scores on the GHQ-28 (p < 0.001). The psychiatric group had increased frequency of private religious behaviour (p < 0.05) (praying and reading the Bible) which were thought to be coping strategies. Existential Well-Being of the whole sample was positively correlated to religious beliefs (feeling close to God (F = 6,337, p < 0.001); believing everything is according to God's plan (F = 2,709, p < 0.05) and having a mission in life (F = 3,563, p < 0.05)) and to religious practice (attending church) (F = 3,489, p < 0.05). Regression analysis of the whole sample showed that 49.5% of the variance in Existential Well-Being could be predicted by the severe depression subscale of the GHQ, but an additional 9.6% of the variance in Existential Well-Being could be predicted by religious beliefs.Conclusions: The psychiatric group expressed lower life satisfaction and purpose, and were more likely to be single and unemployed. Religious belief does impact on life satisfaction and could be considered as an adjunct in the management of some psychiatric patients.

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PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF STREET HAWKING ON THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN IN ANYIGBA, DEKINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Pakistan Journal of Public Health ◽

10.32413/pjph.v8i1.138 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 01-07

Author(s):

Alfred Eboh

Keyword(s):

Local Government ◽

Survey Design ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Well Being ◽

Local Government Area ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Effects ◽

The Government

Background: The hawking of wares by children has been a serious issue confronting the Nigerian society. Children hawk in some of the most horrible conditions conceivable, where they face a serious risk of injury, chronic illness, kidnapping, rape or death. Objective: The focus of this study was to assess the perceived effects of street hawking on the well-being of children in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Methods: The population of this study consists of parents of the street hawkers in Anyigba while cross-sectional survey design was used through the purposive sampling technique to choose the sample size of one hundred and sixty-two (162) respondents. The validated structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) served as the instruments for the data collection respectively. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square at a predetermined 0.05 level of significance. The quantitative data were analysed with the aid of the SPSS (version 20). Results: The results indicated among others that street hawking had significant social implications and physical consequences on children's moral behaviour as well as health status in the study area. Conclusion: The study, therefore, concluded that the government of Kogi State should carry out an enlightenment campaign through the media and religious institutions on the negative consequences of street hawking are recommended as panacea. Also, the child right act instrument and its implementation should be strengthened in order to curb street hawking in the study area.

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