Mental Health Burden in Different Professions During the Final Stage of the COVID-19 Lockdown in China: Cross-sectional Survey Study

Background COVID-19 resulted in considerable mental health burden in the Chinese general population and among health care workers at the beginning and peak of the pandemic. However, little is known about potentially vulnerable groups during the final stage of the lockdown. Objective The aim of this survey study was to assess the mental health burden of different professions in China in order to find vulnerable groups, possible influencing factors, and successful ways of coping during the last 4 weeks of the lockdown in Hubei Province. Methods A cross-sectional online survey asked participants about current residence, daily working hours, exposure to COVID-19 at work, and media preferences. We used a shortened version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess mental health. Further assessments included perceived stress (Simplified Chinese version of the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale), coping strategies for all participants, and specific stressors for health care workers. We followed the reporting guidelines of the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) statement for observational studies. Results The sample (N=687) consisted of 158 doctors, 221 nurses, 24 other medical staff, 43 students, 60 teachers/government staff, 135 economy staff, 26 workers/farmers, and 20 professions designated under the “other” category. We found increased depression (n=123, 17.9%), anxiety (n=208, 30.3%), and stress (n=94, 13.7%) in our sample. Professions that were vulnerable to depression were other medical staff and students. Doctors, nurses, and students were vulnerable to anxiety; and other medical staff, students, and economy staff were vulnerable to stress. Coping strategies were reduced to three factors: active, mental, and emotional. Being female and emotional coping were independently associated with depression, anxiety, or stress. Applying active coping strategies showed lower odds for anxiety while mental coping strategies showed lower odds for depression, anxiety, and stress. Age, being inside a lockdown area, exposure to COVID-19 at work, and having a high workload (8-12 hours per day) were not associated with depression, anxiety, or stress. WeChat was the preferred way of staying informed across all groups. Conclusions By the end of the lockdown, a considerable part of the Chinese population showed increased levels of depression and anxiety. Students and other medical staff were the most affected, while economy staff were highly stressed. Doctors and nurses need support regarding potential anxiety disorders. Future work should focus on longitudinal results of the pandemic and develop targeted preventive measures.

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Mental Health Burden in Different Professions During the Final Stage of the COVID-19 Lockdown in China: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24240 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Junfeng Du ◽

Gwendolyn Mayer ◽

Svenja Hummel ◽

Neele Oetjen ◽

Nadine Gronewold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Medical Staff ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Survey Study ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Scale ◽

Health Burden ◽

Care Workers

BACKGROUND COVID-19 resulted in considerable mental health burden in the Chinese general population and among health care workers at the beginning and peak of the pandemic. However, little is known about potentially vulnerable groups during the final stage of the lockdown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this survey study was to assess the mental health burden of different professions in China in order to find vulnerable groups, possible influencing factors, and successful ways of coping during the last 4 weeks of the lockdown in Hubei Province. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey asked participants about current residence, daily working hours, exposure to COVID-19 at work, and media preferences. We used a shortened version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess mental health. Further assessments included perceived stress (Simplified Chinese version of the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale), coping strategies for all participants, and specific stressors for health care workers. We followed the reporting guidelines of the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) statement for observational studies. RESULTS The sample (N=687) consisted of 158 doctors, 221 nurses, 24 other medical staff, 43 students, 60 teachers/government staff, 135 economy staff, 26 workers/farmers, and 20 professions designated under the “other” category. We found increased depression (n=123, 17.9%), anxiety (n=208, 30.3%), and stress (n=94, 13.7%) in our sample. Professions that were vulnerable to depression were other medical staff and students. Doctors, nurses, and students were vulnerable to anxiety; and other medical staff, students, and economy staff were vulnerable to stress. Coping strategies were reduced to three factors: active, mental, and emotional. Being female and emotional coping were independently associated with depression, anxiety, or stress. Applying active coping strategies showed lower odds for anxiety while mental coping strategies showed lower odds for depression, anxiety, and stress. Age, being inside a lockdown area, exposure to COVID-19 at work, and having a high workload (8-12 hours per day) were not associated with depression, anxiety, or stress. WeChat was the preferred way of staying informed across all groups. CONCLUSIONS By the end of the lockdown, a considerable part of the Chinese population showed increased levels of depression and anxiety. Students and other medical staff were the most affected, while economy staff were highly stressed. Doctors and nurses need support regarding potential anxiety disorders. Future work should focus on longitudinal results of the pandemic and develop targeted preventive measures. CLINICALTRIAL

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Two-stage mental health survey of first-line medical staff after ending COVID-19 epidemic assistance and isolation

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience ◽

10.1007/s00406-021-01239-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Li Xu ◽

Dingyun You ◽

Chengyu Li ◽

Xiyu Zhang ◽

Runxu Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Medical Staff ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Psychological Status ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Two Stage ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractFacing with COVID-19 epidemic such a catastrophic health emergency, the mental health status of medical staff deserves attention. We conducted a two-stage of psychological status monitoring after the end of the assistance and 14 days of isolation, further targeted the vulnerable groups in need of intervention. The study is a cross-sectional survey on 1156 Yunnan medical staff aid to Hubei. Used Cluster sampling method to collect data at 2 time points (at the end of returning from Wuhan and the 14th day of isolation), from March 18, 2020 to April 6, 2020. Female and nurse had higher rates of depressive symptoms than male and doctors and other occupations. The proportion of female with mild and above moderate anxiety levels (22.91%, 2.61%) was higher than male (17.35%, 1.03%) (p < 0.05). Female had a better impaired sleep quality (45.06%, 17.49%) more than male (28.57%, 7.94%). Medical staff supported in Wuhan and with junior professional titles reported a higher proportion of sleep quality impairment. At the 14th isolation day stage, the proportion of nurses changed from depression to health (9.15%) and from health to depression (6.1%) better than doctors. The front-line medical staffs had suffered greater psychological pressure in the treatment process of major public health emergency. Researches on the dynamic monitor for the change of psychological status after aiding epidemic areas were still in relatively blank stage. Targeting the vulnerable characteristics of aiding medical staff is significant for effective psychological intervention and sustainable operation of health system.

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Mental health and its association with coping strategies and intolerance of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03370-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ahmad N. AlHadi ◽

Mohammed A. Alarabi ◽

Khulood M. AlMansoor

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Intolerance Of Uncertainty ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Symptoms

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s lives globally. The outbreak in Saudi Arabia worsened when the number of cases and deaths rose in March and April of 2020, leading to a national lockdown. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with mental health symptoms in a sample of people residing in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional study using an online survey distributed via social media, completed by 3032 respondents from all Saudi regions. We collected demographic data, illness history, and scores of validated self-report scales to assess mental health symptoms, intolerance of uncertainty, and coping strategies. Results In total, respondents indicated moderate to very severe symptoms during the pandemic as follows: 20.9% for depression, 17.5% for anxiety, and 12.6% for stress. Younger age, female gender, and history of mental illness were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Intolerance of uncertainty and certain coping strategies (such as denial or self-blame) were associated with more severe symptoms. Conclusions Mental health is a key concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for the identified vulnerable groups. Agencies concerned with mental health during crises may use the studied associated factors of mental health symptoms to generate targeted policies or interventions.

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Correction to: Mental health status among family members of health care workers in Ningbo, China, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak: a cross-sectional study

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03048-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuchen Ying ◽

Liemin Ruan ◽

Fanqian Kong ◽

Binbin Zhu ◽

Yunxin Ji ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Health Status ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Family Members ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Workers

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

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Use of online cultural content for mental health and well-being during COVID-19 restrictions: cross-sectional survey

BJPsych Bulletin ◽

10.1192/bjb.2021.103 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Rebecca J. Syed Sheriff ◽

Helen Adams ◽

Evgenia Riga ◽

Andrew K. Przybylski ◽

Laura Bonsaver ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Online Culture ◽

Reported Data ◽

June July ◽

The Uk ◽

Health And Well Being

Aims and method To gain a deeper understanding of the use of online culture and its potential benefits to mental health and well-being, sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported data on usage, perceived mental health benefits and health status were collected in an online cross-sectional survey during COVID-19 restrictions in the UK in June–July 2020. Results In total, 1056 people completed the survey. A high proportion of participants reported finding online culture helpful for mental health; all but one of the benefits were associated with regular use and some with age. Reported benefits were wide-ranging and interconnected. Those aged under 25 years were less likely to be regular users of online culture or to have increased their use during lockdown. Clinical implications There may be benefits in targeting cultural resources for mental health to vulnerable groups such as young adults.

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Health Care Workers’ Mental Health During the First Weeks of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Switzerland – A Cross-Sectional Study

10.1101/2020.05.04.20088625 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sonja Weilenmann ◽

Jutta Ernst ◽

Heidi Petry ◽

Monique C. Pfaltz ◽

Onur Sazpinar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Well Being ◽

Perceived Support ◽

Independent Effect ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Workers ◽

Anxiety Depression

AbstractBackgroundThe current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic poses various challenges for health care workers (HCWs), which may impair their mental health. First evidence from China suggests that HCWs are at risk for anxiety and depression. However, generalizability to western countries is limited. The current study aimed at exploring HCWs’ mental health during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Switzerland. In addition, we conducted a network analysis to investigate the independent effect of risk and protective factors on HCWs’ mental health and their interplay.MethodsIn an exploratory, cross-sectional, nation-wide online survey, we assessed demographics, work characteristics, COVID-19 exposure, and anxiety, depression, and burnout in 857 physicians and 553 nurses during the pandemic in Switzerland. At the time of data collection, Switzerland had among the highest per capita rate of COVID-19 cases in the world.ResultsOverall symptom levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout were elevated. Women, nurses, frontline staff and HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients reported more symptoms than their peers. However, these effects were all small and, in the network analysis, most of them did not remain significant after controlling for the other factors. Whereas COVID-19 exposure was only partially associated with mental health, perceived support by the employer independently predicted anxiety and burnout.ConclusionsOur finding that HCWs had elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout underscores the importance to systematically monitor HCWs’ mental health during this ongoing pandemic. Because perceived support and mental health impairments were negatively related, we encourage the implementation of supportive measures for HCWs’ well-being during this crisis.

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychological Distress of Medical Students in Japan: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25232 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yoshito Nishimura ◽

Kanako Ochi ◽

Kazuki Tokumasu ◽

Mikako Obika ◽

Hideharu Hagiya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medical Students ◽

Online Education ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

State Of Emergency ◽

Web Based ◽

Subjective Mental Health

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected medical education. However, little data are available about medical students’ distress during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide details on how medical students have been affected by the pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 717 medical students participated in the web-based survey. The survey included questions about how the participants’ mental status had changed from before to after the Japanese nationwide state of emergency (SOE). RESULTS Out of 717 medical students, 473 (66.0%) participated in the study. In total, 29.8% (141/473) of the students reported concerns about the shift toward online education, mostly because they thought online education would be ineffective compared with in-person learning. The participants’ subjective mental health status significantly worsened after the SOE was lifted (<i>P</i><.001). Those who had concerns about a shift toward online education had higher odds of having generalized anxiety and being depressed (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% CI 1.19-3.28) as did those who said they would request food aid (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.16-3.44) and mental health care resources (OR 3.56, 95% CI 2.07-6.15). CONCLUSIONS Given our findings, the sudden shift to online education might have overwhelmed medical students. Thus, we recommend that educators inform learners that online learning is not inferior to in-person learning, which could attenuate potential depression and anxiety.

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Depression, Anxiety, and Acculturative Stress Among Resettled Bhutanese Refugees in Australia

Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology ◽

10.1177/0022022118786458 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 49 (8) ◽

pp. 1269-1282 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mia Lumley ◽

Mary Katsikitis ◽

Dixie Statham

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Language Proficiency ◽

Acculturative Stress ◽

English Language ◽

Coping Styles ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bhutanese Refugees ◽

Stress Scale ◽

Brief Cope

Despite awareness of the difficulties faced by refugees in flight, little is known about their mental health following resettlement. This article investigated rates, predictors, and moderators of anxiety, depression, and acculturative stress among members of the resettled Bhutanese refugee community in northern Queensland. A total of 148 participants (51% male), 18 to 83 years of age, participated in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was comprised of bilingual (English–Nepali) versions of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21; anxiety and depression), the Multidimensional Acculturative Stress Scale (MASS; acculturative stress), Brief-COPE (coping style), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS; social support), and socio-demographics. Participants reported severe levels of anxiety and moderate levels of depression, and moderate to high levels of acculturative stress. Acculturative stress was a substantive contributor to both depression and anxiety scores. Additional risk factors included the use of maladaptive/avoidant coping styles, age, and education. English language proficiency was strongly protective, as was education to Year 12 and current employment. This research is the first of its kind with this refugee group in Australia, and highlights the longevity and severity of mental health issues that affect Bhutanese refugees resettled in Australia.

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Psychological Impairment and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Students in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2020.397 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-22

Author(s):

Muhammad Salman ◽

Noman Asif ◽

Zia Ul Mustafa ◽

Tahir Mehmood Khan ◽

Naureen Shehzadi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Depression Score ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Brief Cope ◽

Significant Impairment ◽

Psychological Impairment ◽

And Coping

Abstract High levels of stress are expected when crises affect people’s lives. Therefore, this web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among university students from Pakistan to investigate the psychological impairment and coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic. Google forms were used to disseminate the online questionnaire to assess anxiety (Generalized Anxiety disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and the coping strategies (Brief-COPE). A total of 1134 responses (age 21.7±3.5 years) were included. The frequency of students having moderate-severe anxiety and depression (score ≥ 10) were ≍ 34% and 45%, respectively. The respondents’ aged ≥ 31 years had significantly lower depression score than those ≤ 20 years (p = 0.047). Males had significantly less anxiety (6.62 ± 5.70 vs 7.84 ± 5.60, p = 0.001) and depression (8.73 ± 6.84 vs 9.71 ± 7.06, p = 0.031) scores. Those having family member, friend or acquaintances infected with disease had significantly higher anxiety score (8.89 ± 5.74 vs 7.09 ± 5.56, p < 0.001). Regarding coping strategies, majority of respondents were found to have adopted religious/spiritual coping (6.45 ± 1.68) followed by acceptance (5.58 ± 1.65), self-distraction (4.97 ± 1.61) and active coping (4.81 ± 1.57). In conclusion, COVID-19 cause significant impairment on mental health of the students. The most frequent coping strategy adopted by students were religious/spiritual and acceptance coping. During epidemics mental health of students should not be neglected.

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