Factors Associated With Psychological Disturbances During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Multicountry Online Study

Background Accumulating evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of individuals. However, the susceptibility of individuals to be impacted by the pandemic is variable, suggesting potential influences of specific factors related to participants’ demographics, attitudes, and practices. Objective We aimed to identify the factors associated with psychological symptoms related to the effects of the first wave of the pandemic in a multicountry cohort of internet users. Methods This study anonymously screened 13,332 internet users worldwide for acute psychological symptoms related to the COVID-19 pandemic from March 29 to April 14, 2020, during the first wave of the pandemic amidst strict lockdown conditions. A total of 12,817 responses were considered valid. Moreover, 1077 participants from Europe were screened a second time from May 15 to May 30, 2020, to ascertain the presence of psychological effects after the ease down of restrictions. Results Female gender, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, and prior exposure to trauma were identified as notable factors associated with increased psychological symptoms during the first wave of COVID-19 (P<.001). The same factors, in addition to being related to someone who died due to COVID-19 and using social media more than usual, were associated with persistence of psychological disturbances in the limited second assessment of European participants after the restrictions had relatively eased (P<.001). Optimism, ability to share concerns with family and friends like usual, positive prediction about COVID-19, and daily exercise were related to fewer psychological symptoms in both assessments (P<.001). Conclusions This study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at the worldwide level on the mental health of internet users and elucidates prominent associations with their demographics, history of psychiatric disease risk factors, household conditions, certain personality traits, and attitudes toward COVID-19.

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Factors Associated with Acute and Persistent Psychological Disturbances During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-56438/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Martyna Beata Płomecka ◽

Susanna Gobbi ◽

Rachael Neckels ◽

Piotr Radziński ◽

Beata Skórko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Virus Disease ◽

Psychiatric Patients ◽

Female Gender ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Online Study ◽

Corona Virus ◽

Psychological Disturbances ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Exposure To Trauma

Abstract Background: The emergence of Corona virus disease (COVID-19) and wide-spread counter-measures, such as quarantine and social distancing, can have a significant impact on mental health of individuals. Methods: This online study anonymously screened 13,332 individuals worldwide for acute psychological symptoms related to Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from March 29th to April 14th, 2020. A total of n=12,817 responses were considered valid. n=1077 participants from Europe were screened a second time during May 15th to May 30th to longitudinally ascertain the persistence of psychological effects. Results: Female gender, pre-existing psychiatric condition, and prior exposure to trauma were identified as notable factors associated with increased acute psychological symptoms during COVID-19. The same factors, in addition to, being related to someone who demised due to COVID-19 and using social media more than usual predicted persistence of psychological disturbances. Optimism, ability to share concerns with family and friends like usual, positive prediction about COVID-19, and daily exercise predicted fewer acute and persistent psychological symptoms. Conclusions: Females, psychiatric patients, and individuals with previous exposure to trauma are at increased risk of being persistently psychologically affected by COVID-19.

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Psychological Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients: Insights into Pathophysiology and Risk Factors of Long COVID-19

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology11010061 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 61

Author(s):

Angel Yun-Kuan Thye ◽

Jodi Woan-Fei Law ◽

Loh Teng-Hern Tan ◽

Priyia Pusparajah ◽

Hooi-Leng Ser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Female Gender ◽

Health Consequences ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

History Of ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Psychiatric Sequelae

There is growing evidence of studies associating COVID-19 survivors with increased mental health consequences. Mental health implications related to a COVID-19 infection include both acute and long-term consequences. Here we discuss COVID-19-associated psychiatric sequelae, particularly anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drawing parallels to past coronavirus outbreaks. A literature search was completed across three databases, using keywords to search for relevant articles. The cause may directly correlate to the infection through both direct and indirect mechanisms, but the underlying etiology appears more complex and multifactorial, involving environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Although most risk factors and prevalence rates vary across various studies, being of the female gender and having a history of psychiatric disorders seem consistent. Several studies will be presented, demonstrating COVID-19 survivors presenting higher rates of mental health consequences than the general population. The possible mechanisms by which the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the brain, affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and causing these psychiatric sequelae, will be discussed, particularly concerning the SARS-CoV-2 entry via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors and the implications of the immune inflammatory signaling on neuropsychiatric disorders. Some possible therapeutic options will also be considered.

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Mental Health of People in State Quarantine during COVID-19 Situation in Thailand

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v13n9p1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Sukjai Charoensuk ◽

Kanyawee Mokekhaow ◽

Duanphen Channarong ◽

Chariya Sonpugdee

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Female Gender ◽

Health Problems ◽

Health Condition ◽

Eastern Region ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated

When the COVID-19 outbreak spread across the globe, Thailand was the first country to report a COVID patient outside of China. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to examine the mental health condition and the risk factors associated with the mental health problems of people in state quarantine. Our study sample included 4,069 people who were in state quarantine in the eastern region of Thailand. We administered a stress assessment test, a depression screening questionnaire, a suicidal risks screening tool and a COVID-19 anxiety screening scale, which were developed by the Department of Mental Health, Thailand. We found that most people in state quarantine reported a moderate level of COVID-19 anxiety, a mild level of stress, and no current risk of suicide. The risk factors associated with stress were female gender (OR = 2.290, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.687, 3.109]) and having chronic diseases (OR = 2.443, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.720, 3.470]). The factor associated with depression was female gender (OR = 1.380, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.201, 1.586]). The factors associated with risks for suicide were female gender (OR = 2.059, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.553, 2.729]) and having chronic diseases (OR = 2.128, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.510, 2.998]). The factors associated with COVID-19 anxiety were female gender (OR = 1.469, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.294, 1.669]) and having chronic diseases (OR = 1.329, p = 0.011, 95%CI [1.066, 1.657]). A system to screen for mental health problems and rapid assistance offered to people in state quarantine who are at risk of mental health problems are recommended to reduce the severity of the problems.

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The Mental Health Consequences of Mass Shootings

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838015591572 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 62-82 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

Sarah R. Lowe ◽

Sandro Galea

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Media Coverage ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Female Gender ◽

Health Impact ◽

Psychological Outcomes ◽

Empirical Literature ◽

Mass Shootings ◽

Perceived Safety ◽

Mass Shooting

Mass shooting episodes have increased over recent decades and received substantial media coverage. Despite the potentially widespread and increasing mental health impact of mass shootings, no efforts to our knowledge have been made to review the empirical literature on this topic. We identified 49 peer-reviewed articles, comprised of 27 independent samples in the aftermath of 15 mass shooting incidents. Based on our review, we concluded that mass shootings are associated with a variety of adverse psychological outcomes in survivors and members of affected communities. Less is known about the psychological effects of mass shootings on indirectly exposed populations; however, there is evidence that such events lead to at least short-term increases in fears and declines in perceived safety. A variety of risk factors for adverse psychological outcomes have been identified, including demographic and pre-incident characteristics (e.g., female gender and pre-incident psychological symptoms), event exposure (e.g., greater proximity to the attack and acquaintance with the deceased), and fewer psychosocial resources (e.g., emotion regulation difficulties and lower social support). Further research that draws on pre-incident and longitudinal data will yield important insights into the processes that exacerbate or sustain post-incident psychological symptoms over time and provide important information for crisis preparedness and post-incident mental health interventions.

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Prevalence and predictors of psychopathology in the war-afflicted Syrian population

Transcultural Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1363461520937931 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 136346152093793

Author(s):

Pirko Selmo ◽

Christine Knaevelsrud ◽

Nabil Mohamad ◽

Jürgen Rehm

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Political Violence ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Female Gender ◽

Daily Stressors ◽

Potentially Traumatic Events ◽

High Level

Research on the psychological impact of war on affected populations is important for the planning and provision of interventions. However, most studies that address the effects of political violence have been restricted to Western countries, and even after six years of civil war in Syria, there has been no study addressing its psychological impact on the general population. The present study used an online survey to examine the level of psychological symptoms and correlates of distress in a sample of 387 subjects from different areas of Syria. We used t-tests to compare symptoms across zones with different levels of war activity, and multiple regression models to identify predictors of distress. Results indicate a high level of psychological distress indicative of psychopathology in all regions across the country. Rates were higher in areas with more intensive exposure (‘hot’ zones). Greater symptom severity was associated with living in a hot zone, female gender, older age, the number of potentially traumatic events, daily stressors, and (low) perceived feeling of safety; whereas social support, religiosity, and religious coping were associated with lower levels of symptoms. The elevated levels of mental health problems and direct relation between the level of exposure to violence and poorer mental health point to the need for mental health services. Reducing daily stressors and ensuring safety could contribute significantly to better mental health, although this does not replace the need for evidence-based psychotherapy. The planning and delivery of psychological interventions by NGOs should be informed by issues related to stigma, lack of understanding and acceptance of psychological care.

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Mental health of UK military personnel while on deployment in Iraq

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077263 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 197 (5) ◽

pp. 405-410 ◽

Cited By ~ 56

Author(s):

Kathleen Mulligan ◽

Norman Jones ◽

Charlotte Woodhead ◽

Mark Davies ◽

Simon Wessely ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Armed Forces ◽

Female Gender ◽

Psychological Problem ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Perceived Leadership ◽

Unit Cohesion

BackgroundMost research on the mental health of UK armed forces personnel has been conducted either before or after deployment; there is scant evidence concerning personnel while they are on deployment.AimsTo assess the mental health of UK armed forces personnel deployed in Iraq and identify gaps in the provision of support on operations.MethodPersonnel completed a questionnaire about their deployment experiences and health status. Primary outcomes were psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire–12, GHQ–12), symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-rating of overall health.ResultsOf 611 participants, 20.5% scored above the cut-off on the GHQ–12 and 3.4% scored as having probable PTSD. Higher risk of psychological distress was associated with younger age, female gender, weaker unit cohesion, poorer perceived leadership and non-receipt of a pre-deployment stress brief. Perceived threat to life, poorer perceived leadership and non-receipt of a stress brief were risk factors for symptoms of PTSD. Better self-rated overall health was associated with being a commissioned officer, stronger unit cohesion and having taken a period of rest and recuperation. Personnel who reported sick for any reason during deployment were more likely to report psychological symptoms. Around 11% reported currently being interested in receiving help for a psychological problem.ConclusionsIn an established operational theatre the prevalence of common psychopathology was similar to rates found in non-deployed military samples. However, there remains scope for further improving in-theatre support mechanisms, raising awareness of the link between reporting sick and mental health and ensuring implementation of current policy to deliver pre-deployment stress briefs.

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Mental Health Impact of COVID-19: A global study of risk and resilience factors

10.31234/osf.io/zj6b4 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Martyna Beata Plomecka ◽

Susanna Gobbi ◽

Rachael Neckels ◽

Piotr Radziński ◽

Beata Skórko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Virus Disease ◽

Female Gender ◽

Health Impact ◽

Risk And Resilience ◽

Psychiatric Condition ◽

Daily Exercise ◽

Resilience Factors ◽

Exposure To Trauma

This study anonymously screened 13,332 individuals worldwide for psychological symptoms related to Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from March 29th to April 14th, 2020. A total of n=12,817 responses were considered valid with responses from 12 featured countries and five WHO regions. Female gender, pre-existing psychiatric condition, and prior exposure to trauma were identified as notable risk factors, whereas optimism, ability to share concerns with family and friends like usual, positive prediction about COVID-19, and daily exercise predicted fewer psychological symptoms. These results could aid in dynamic optimization of mental health services during and following COVID-19 pandemic.

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Factors associated with carer psychological and physical health during end-of-life caregiving: an observational analysis of a population-based post-bereavement survey of carers of people with cancer

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047275 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. e047275

Author(s):

Gunn Grande ◽

Christine Rowland ◽

Sarah Cotterill ◽

Evridiki Batistatou ◽

Barbara Hanratty

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

End Of Life ◽

General Health ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Past Research ◽

Female Gender ◽

Population Based ◽

Least Square ◽

Cross Sectional

ObjectiveFamily caregivers play an essential role in end-of-life care but suffer considerable impact on their own health. A better understanding of main factors related to carers’ health is important to inform interventions. The purpose of the study was to test for the first time the potential impact of a comprehensive set of observable variables on carer health during end-of-life caregiving within a population-based carer sample.DesignNational retrospective, cross-sectional, 4-month post-bereavement postal census survey of family carers of people who died from cancer.Setting and participantsRelatives who registered a death from cancer during a 2-week period in England were identified from death certificates by the Office of National Statistics; response rate was 1504/5271 (28.5%).Outcome measuresCarers’ mental health was measured through General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12; general health was measured through EuroQoL EQ-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D VAS).MethodsSurvey questions to measure potential variables associated with carer health were based on past research and covered patients’ symptoms and functioning; caregiving activities and hours; informal and formal help received; work hours, other caregiving, volunteering; changes to work, income and expenditure; sleep and relaxation; and demographic variables. Bivariate analyses and ordinary least square regression were performed to investigate these variables’ relationship with outcomes.ResultsPatients’ psychological symptoms and functioning, caregiving hours, female gender and self-sought formal help related to worse mental health. General practitioner and social care input and relaxation related to better mental health. Patients’ psychological symptoms, caregiving hours and female gender were associated with worse general health, and older age, employment and relaxation were associated with better general health.ConclusionsImprovements in carers’ health overall may be made by focusing on potential impacts of patients’ psychological symptoms on carers, facilitating respite and relaxation, and paying particular attention to factors affecting female carers.

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KAP-COVIDGLOBAL: a multinational survey of the levels and determinants of public knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043971 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e043971

Author(s):

Ahmed Taher Masoud ◽

Mohamed Sayed Zaazouee ◽

Sarah Makram Elsayed ◽

Khaled Mohamed Ragab ◽

Esraa M Kamal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Female Gender ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Knowledge ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Mental Health Effects ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

ObjectiveThe adherence to public health recommendations to control COVID-19 spread is influenced by public knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). We performed this cross-sectional study to assess the levels and determinants of public KAP towards COVID-19 in a large, multinational sample.DesignCross-sectional study (survey).SettingThe questionnaire was distributed to potential respondents via online platforms.Participants71 890 individuals from 22 countries.MethodsWe formulated a four-section questionnaire in English, followed by validation and translation into seven languages. The questionnaire was distributed (May to June 2020) and each participant received a score for each KAP section.ResultsOverall, the participants had fair knowledge (mean score: 19.24±3.59) and attitudes (3.72±2.31) and good practices (12.12±1.83) regarding COVID-19. About 92% reported moderate to high compliance with national lockdown. However, significant gaps were observed: only 68.2% knew that infected individuals may be asymptomatic; 45.4% believed that antibiotics are an effective treatment; and 55.4% stated that a vaccine has been developed (at the time of data collection). 71.9% believed or were uncertain that COVID-19 is a global conspiracy; 36.8% and 51% were afraid of contacting doctors and Chinese people, respectively. Further, 66.4% reported the pandemic had moderate to high negative effects on their mental health. Female gender, higher education and urban residents had significantly (p≤0.001) higher knowledge and practice scores. Further, we observed significant correlations between all KAP scores.ConclusionsAlthough the public have fair/good knowledge and practices regarding COVID-19, significant gaps should be addressed. Future awareness efforts should target less advantaged groups and future studies should develop new strategies to tackle COVID-19 negative mental health effects.

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Mental Health Impact of COVID-19: A global study of risk and resilience factors

10.1101/2020.05.05.20092023 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Martyna Beata Płomecka ◽

Susanna Gobbi ◽

Rachael Neckels ◽

Piotr Radziński ◽

Beata Skórko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Virus Disease ◽

Female Gender ◽

Health Impact ◽

Risk And Resilience ◽

Psychiatric Condition ◽

Daily Exercise ◽

Resilience Factors ◽

Exposure To Trauma

AbstractThis study anonymously screened 13,332 individuals worldwide for psychological symptoms related to Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from March 29th to April 14th, 2020. A total of n=12,817 responses were considered valid with responses from 12 featured countries and five WHO regions. Female gender, pre-existing psychiatric condition, and prior exposure to trauma were identified as notable risk factors, whereas optimism, ability to share concerns with family and friends like usual, positive prediction about COVID-19, and daily exercise predicted fewer psychological symptoms. These results could aid in dynamic optimization of mental health services during and following COVID-19 pandemic.

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