Public concerns during the COVID-19 lockdown – a multicultural cross-sectional study in three countries (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽  
Ilana Eli ◽  
Nir Uziel ◽  
Joanna Smardz ◽  
Anahat Khehra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Culturally Different ◽  
Patient Health

BACKGROUND In late December 2019, a new pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection, began to spread around the world. The new situation gave rise to severe health threats, economic uncertainty, and social isolation, causing potential deleterious effects on the physical and mental health of the people. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate worries, anxiety and depression in the public during the initial Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19; Coronavirus) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different communities: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland) and North American (Canada). METHODS A cross-sectional online anonymous survey was conducted simultaneously in Israel, Poland and Canada during the lockdown periods in these countries. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on original personal concerns regarding the Coronavirus pandemic and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) which is a brief screening tool used for assessing anxiety and depression. A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. The data obtained from the survey were statistically analysed. RESULTS The results of the survey showed that Poles were the most concerned about being infected by the virus, with higher scores found among women and elders. Canadians worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends and both physical and mental health, while Poles, despite being the most concerned about virus contamination, worried the least about their physical health and Israeli worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadians obtained the highest total score in PHQ-4, as well as in both the anxiety and depression subscales of the questionnaire, while the scores of Israelis were the lowest. All the findings were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of response strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

scholarly journals Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1577
Author(s):  
Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽  
Ilana Eli ◽  
Nir Uziel ◽  
Joanna Smardz ◽  
Anahat Khehra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Culturally Different ◽  
Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among Medical Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052199115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott J Halperin ◽  
Matthew N Henderson ◽  
Sofia Prenner ◽  
Jonathan N Grauer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Health

Purpose: The Covid-19 pandemic is a public health emergency with both physical and mental health risks. Medical students have baseline elevated rates of anxiety, depression and burnout. As such, they may be especially susceptible to the psychological stresses of Covid-19. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among United States medical students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional, survey-based study collected demographic data as well as the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. The survey was administered from April 13, 2020 to April 28, 2020 amidst the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 1,428 students from 40 US medical schools completed the survey. From those surveyed, 30.6% and 24.3% of respondents screened positive for anxiety and depression, respectively. Median GAD-7 scores were higher among females (7.0 vs 5.0, P < .00001), pre-clinical students (7.0 vs 6.0, P < .00004), and those with a friend or relative diagnosed with Covid-19 (7.0 vs 6.0, P=.001). Median PHQ-9 scores were higher among females (6.0 vs 4.0, P < .00001) and pre-clinical students (6.0 vs 4.0, P < .00001). Conclusion: When compared to previous medical student studies, these results are 61% higher for anxiety and 70% higher for depression during the Covid-19 era. The current study suggests that there should be a heightened awareness of and sensitivity to student’s mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic with certain cohorts at greater potential risk.

scholarly journals The Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and the Well-Being of Polish Students: The Risk Factors of the Emotional Distress during COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 944
Author(s):  
Dariusz Juchnowicz ◽  
Jacek Baj ◽  
Alicja Forma ◽  
Kaja Karakuła ◽  
Elżbieta Sitarz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Scale

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to (1) evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress levels among students from Polish universities during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) assess the risk factors of the higher intensity of emotional distress. We conducted an online survey using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to assess well-being. The study included 2172 respondents (73% female, 27% male) with a mean age of 22.1 ± 2.2. Moderate to extremely severe scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were reported by 43.4%, 27.3%, and 41.0% of the respondents, respectively. Higher scores of DASS-21 were related to female sex (odds ratio (OR) = 3.01), studying sciences (OR = 2.04), co-residence with the roommates (OR = 1.25), suffering from a mental disorder (OR = 5.88), loneliness (OR = 293.30), the usage of psychiatric support before pandemic (OR = 8.06), poor economic situation (OR = 13.49), and the lower scores were found for being currently employed (OR = 0.4). This study highlights an urgent need for (1) crisis-oriented psychological and psychiatric support for students during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) preparing appropriate psychological interventions to improve the mental health of students for a possible similar situation in the future.

scholarly journals 535 - Loneliness and social isolation in attendees of a Psychiatry of Old Age Service in the North West of Ireland: preliminary findings of a cross-sectional study during the COVID- 19 pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 79-80
Author(s):  
Clodagh Rushe ◽  
Kevin Bernadette ◽  
Ericka Maye ◽  
Sweeney Gavin ◽  
McLaughlin Kevin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
West Of Ireland

Aims and HypothesisThe primary aim is to establish the prevalence of loneliness and social isolation in older adults referred to a Psychiatry of Old-Age Service in the North-West of Ireland. Secondary aims include exploring associations between loneliness, social isolation and, well-being, depression, cognition and health- status. The overarching aim was to improve patient outcomes by tailoring mental health and social interventions appropriate to patient need.BackgroundLoneliness is a discrepancy between the social-relations one has and their desired level. It is estimated that one third of older adults will experience loneliness, which along with social isolation has links to poorer health-outcomes, reduced quality of life and cognitive decline. Government advice in Ireland to reduce social activity due to COVID-19 pandemic may compound social disconnection. We present preliminary findings of an ongoing study investigating loneliness, social isolation and related factors in older adults referred to a Mental-Health Service in the North-West of Ireland in 2020 - 2021.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, participants completed University of California, Los-Angeles(UCLA) Loneliness Scale (UCLA maximum score =10); and Berkman-Syme Social Network Index. Quality of life is measured using WHO-Well-being Index(WHO-5) with a number of relevant personal, clinical and social factors also captured.ResultsData from 98 questionnaires (January 2020- May 2021), 52% female, showed average participant age was 74.4 years. Average perceived loneliness score was 3.67 and 85.7%, (n=84) reported some loneliness (UCLA >0) with 2% (n=2) reporting high loneliness levels (UCLA =10). The majority, 77.5% (n=76) were socially isolated; 35.7% (n=35) ‘mostly isolated’, 41.8% (n=41) ‘moderately isolated’. Females were noted to be more isolated.ConclusionsPreliminary results illustrate majority of older adults referred to a mental-health service over a time- period spanning COVID-19 pandemic are lonely and socially isolated. This is likely compounded by changes to daily routines during COVID-19 pandemic. This is concerning given the adverse health implications. We hope final results will guide enhancement of clinical-care through linkage of mental- health services with community agencies, social-care supports and e-health technologies.

scholarly journals Exploring Perceived Stress among Students in Turkey during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (23) ◽  
pp. 8961
Author(s):  
Imran Aslan ◽  
Dominika Ochnik ◽  
Orhan Çınar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Health

Students have been highly vulnerable to mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, and researchers have shown that perceived stress and mental health problems have increased during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to reveal the prevalence of perceived stress and mental health among students during the pandemic and to explore predictors of stress levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 358 undergraduates from 14 universities in Turkey, including 200 female students (56%). The measurements used in the study were the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Perception of COVID Impact on Student Well-Being (CI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Physical Activity Scale (PA), and a sociodemographic survey. Students reported high perceived stress, mild generalized anxiety, and low satisfaction with life. More than half of the students met the diagnostic criteria of GAD (52%) and depression (63%). Female and physically inactive students had higher PSS-10 levels. A hierarchical linear regression model showed that after controlling for gender and negative CI, anxiety and physical inactivity significantly predicted high perceived stress. The study shows that students’ mental health during the pandemic is at high risk.

scholarly journals Psychological Stress among Students in Health-Related Fields during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study at Selected Munich Universities

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6611
Author(s):  
Kristina Schröpfer ◽  
Nicole Schmidt ◽  
Sandra Kus ◽  
Clemens Koob ◽  
Michaela Coenen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Health Related

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging period of upheaval for higher education students. This study aims to assess the factors associated with psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of students in health-related fields at Munich universities in Germany. Students (n = 623) from KSH Munich and LMU Munich completed an online cross-sectional survey. Information on demographics and academic and everyday difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as data on physical and mental health were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome. The prevalence for higher psychological stress was 44% among the study population. Factors associated with higher psychological stress were: lower overall life satisfaction (p < 0.0001), worsened health situation (p < 0.0001), lack of social support (p = 0.0301) and social interaction (p = 0.0115), worries about financial difficulties due to loss of income (p = 0.0134), stressful thoughts about a second wave (p < 0.0001), feeling unable to positively influence the situation (p = 0.0262) and study-related effects, such as perceived study burden (p = 0.0003) and likely delay in studies (p = 0.0178)). The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant negative impact on the mental health of students in health-related fields. Proactive efforts to support the mental health and well-being of students are needed.

scholarly journals Discrimination and Health: The Mediating Effect of Acculturative Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5312
Author(s):  
Alfonso Urzúa ◽  
Alejandra Caqueo-Urízar ◽  
Diego Henríquez ◽  
David R. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Racial Discrimination ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ethnic Discrimination ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional

There is not much evidence on the effects of south–south migration and its consequences on physical and mental health. Our objective was to examine the mediating role of Acculturative Stress in the association between ethnic discrimination and racial discrimination with physical and mental health. This research is a non-experimental, analytical, cross-sectional study. A total of 976 adult Colombian migrants living in Chile were interviewed. We used the Everyday Discrimination Scale, the acculturative stress scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-12) for health status; we found that racial and ethnic discrimination had a negative effect on physical and mental health. In the simultaneous presence of both types of discrimination, racial discrimination was completely absorbed by ethnic discrimination, the latter becoming a total mediator of the effect of racial discrimination on mental and physical health. Our findings are consistent with the literature, which suggests that there are various types of discrimination which, individually or in their intersectionality, can have negative effects on health.

scholarly journals Media consumption and mental health during COVID-19 lockdown: a UK cross-sectional study across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth D Neill ◽  
Carolyn Blair ◽  
Paul Best ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
Cherie Armour
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Longitudinal Data Collection

Abstract Aim As individuals adjust to new ‘norms’ and ways of living during the COVID-19 lockdown, there is a continuing need for up-to-date information and guidance. Evidence suggests that frequent media exposure is related to a higher prevalence of mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether COVID-19 related media consumption is associated with changes in mental health outcomes. Methods This paper presents baseline data from the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study. The cross-sectional study data was collected using an online survey following the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with some other basic information collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influence of socio-demographic and media specific factors on anxiety and depression. Results The study suggested that media usage is statistically significantly associated with anxiety and depression on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales with excessive media exposure related to higher anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion This study indicated that higher media consumption was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Worldwide it should be acknowledged that excessive media consumption, particularly social media relating to COVID-19, can have an effect on mental health. However, as this was a cross-sectional study we cannot infer any directionality as we cannot infer cause and effect; therefore, future research involving longitudinal data collection and analyses of variables over time is warranted.

scholarly journals Mental Health of COVID-19 Patients—A Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4758
Author(s):  
Hasan Saeed Alamri ◽  
Wesam F. Mousa ◽  
Abdullah Algarni ◽  
Shehata F. Megahid ◽  
Ali Al Bshabshe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Patients Experience ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: This study aims to investigate the mental health of COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out targeting confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Due to travel and time constraints as well as the accessibility of patients, cases were included from East Jeddah Hospital, King Abdulaziz Hospital, and the Oncology Center in Jeddah. The data were collected using a predesigned self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed COVID-19 cases, personal data, medical history, smoking, traveling abroad, and work-related conditions. Additionally, data regarding contact level with COVID-19 cases were considered. The mental health statuses of the patients were assessed using a validated Arabic version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. The study included 261 COVID-19 patients whose ages ranged from 18 to 65 years. Results: The survey findings revealed that 13% of COVID-19 patients had a borderline level of anxiety, 26.8% were considered anxiety cases, while 60.2% were normal. The findings also revealed that 29.9% had a borderline level of depression, 18.4% were considered depression cases, while 51.7% were normal. Conclusions: This study concluded that COVID-19 patients experience anxiety and depression, and as the COVID-19 epidemic continues to spread, the results of the study are particularly useful in developing a strategy to psychologically support COVID-19 patients.

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