scholarly journals Importance of mental peace for physical well-being among medical and dental personnel during a pandemic - An awareness-based study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1183-1189
Author(s):  
Snehaa Baskaran ◽  
Abilasha R ◽  
Kavitha S

The connection between the body and the mind is an intangible one. The health of one affects the other, and so does the illness. Mental peace is intimately connected to physical health. Aim of the study is to address the mental health of the health workers and factors which influence them to improve their knowledge and maintain their physical well-being and thus improve the quality of work and successfully fulfilling their duties as medical personnel. Health workers should be provided with psychosocial support which will help them. Chronic levels of stress lead to unhealthy coping methods. Organisations and agencies that the medical personnel work under should provide relief efforts to obtain the effectiveness of the workforce. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical and dental personnel through a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions and is circulated among the target population. The sample size of the survey was 100 and obtained from medical personnel, including dentists, physicians and surgeons. 70.5% were aware that mental peace is important for physical well-being. According to the results, mental health has to be improved for 36.3% and for 63.7% it was good. More population of dentists suffered from panic and anxiety-related disorders due to the current crisis, and they strongly agreed that mental peace is essential for physical well-being. This study concludes that the medical personnel have poor mental health during this pandemic which is affecting their physical health also and vice versa.

2021 ◽  
pp. 097206342098311
Author(s):  
Sarita Sood ◽  
Ananya Sharma

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has created a crisis with a severe effect on the masses, particularly the young students across the world. Framed by the transactional theory of stress and coping, this study investigates the factors influencing psychological well-being (PWB) of the students in higher education during the peri-traumatic phase of COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire was employed. The study aimed at prediction and theory building and was carried out in India. Data were collected online from 173 higher education students. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesised relationships among the constructs. Results indicated resilience significantly predicts PWB both directly and indirectly. Further, the study revealed perceived distress and PWB are not on the same continuum. This study has a contribution to theory and health promotion. Furthermore, the findings have several practical implications for counselling psychologists, academicians, and mental health workers associated with the higher education sector. These findings will put them in a better position to design interventions to enhance resilience in students in the backdrop of the relevance of both positive and negative mental health during the outbreak of diseases. Based on the findings, future directions were discussed.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e018729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Solmi ◽  
Mariya Melnychuk ◽  
Stephen Morris

ObjectiveIn the UK, families of disabled children are entitled to receive disability benefits to help meet costs associated with caring for their child. Evidence of actual costs incurred is scant, especially for mental health disability. In this study, we aimed to quantify the cost of mental and physical health disability in childhood and adolescence to families in the UK using the concept of compensating variation (CV).DesignRepeated cross-sectional survey.SettingThe UK general populationParticipants85 212 children drawn from 8 waves of the Family Resources Survey.OutcomesUsing propensity score matching we matched families with a disabled child to similar families without a disabled child and calculated the extra income the former require to achieve the same living standards as the latter, that is, their CV. We calculated the additional costs specifically associated with several definitions of mental health and physical health disability.ResultsFamilies of a child with any mental health disability, regardless of the presence of physical health comorbidity, needed an additional £49.31 (95% CI: 21.95 to 76.67) and, for more severe disabilities, an additional £57.56 (95% CI: 17.69 to 97.44) per week to achieve the same living standards of families without a disabled child. This difference was greater for more deprived families, who needed between £59.28 (95% CI: 41.38 to 77.18) and £81.26 (95% CI: 53.35 to 109.38) more per week depending on the extent of mental health disability. Families of children with physical health disabilities, with or without mental health disabilities, required an additional £35.86 (95% CI: 13.77 to 57.96) per week, with economically deprived families requiring an extra £42.18 (95% CI: 26.38 to 57.97) per week.ConclusionsMental and physical health disabilities among children and adolescents were associated with high additional costs for the family, especially for those from deprived economic backgrounds. Means testing could help achieve a more equitable redistribution of disability benefit.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Syed Sheriff ◽  
Helen Adams ◽  
Evgenia Riga ◽  
Andrew K. Przybylski ◽  
Laura Bonsaver ◽  
...  

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika McGivern ◽  
Stephen Shannon ◽  
Gavin Breslin

Purpose This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being. Findings In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores. Practical implications Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport. Social implications Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being. Originality/value This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 486-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arumugam Moorthy ◽  
Thangasamy K Sankar

Abstract Background Coronavirus infection Disease 19 impacted every part of the world and routine life. Recent report from the Office of national statistics in UK reported disproportionate death among Black Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) population. NHS is heavily relied on the BAME work force both in front line and in the community. We attempted to explore the beliefs and perception about reported worrying issue among BAME health work force in a Diverse city of Leicester. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey using 20 questions in an electronic format. The target population was identified through Leicester Asian Doctors Society and Leicester Asian Nurses Society. The questionnaire was then distributed electronically to the members. Survey questionnaire was accessed by 372, incomplete response (172) were excluded and 200 completed responses were analysed. Results Majority of BAME workforce are routinely involved in front line duties. More than 70% were anxious about their role during this pandemic. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supply was adequate, and the support received from the local healthcare providers was more than satisfactory. The work force perceived co-morbidity, lack of PPE and testing were one of the few reasons for increased death in BAME. BAME group felt adequate provision of PPE, increased testing and improving mental health well-being is required to alleviate concerns and improve BAME working life in NHS. Conclusion BAME workforce are routinely involved in front line work and current anxiety level is very high. Adequate provision of mental health support with clear risk stratification for return to work is required urgently.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Barnett ◽  
Ellen A. Anderson

ABSTRACTObjectives:Optimism and pessimism are distinct constructs that have demonstrated independent relationships with aspects of health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether optimism or pessimism is more closely linked with physical and mental health among older adults.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Participants:Community-dwelling older adults (N = 272) ages 59–95 in the southern United States.Measurements:The Life Orientation Test—Revised and the Short Form 8.Results:At the bivariate level, optimism was associated with higher physical health and mental health, while pessimism was associated with lower physical health and mental health. Multiple-regression analyses as well as comparison of correlation coefficients found that pessimism was more closely associated with physical health and mental health than optimism.Conclusions:These results add to the literature suggesting that, in terms of older adults’ health and well-being, avoiding pessimism may be more important than being optimistic.


Author(s):  
Emeka Nwefoh ◽  
Chinyere M. Aguocha ◽  
Grace Ryan ◽  
Philip Ode ◽  
Festus O. Ighagbon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Human rights watchdogs have described conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and detention centers as damaging to the physical and mental health of inmates. While the prevalence of mental disorders is high, access to appropriate healthcare is grossly inadequate. Understanding the current state of prison inmates’ mental health and well-being is an essential first step to addressing this important issue. This study aims to document the mental health and experiences of incarceration of inmates of the largest medium security prison in Nigeria’s Benue State. Methods A cross-sectional survey and descriptive analysis was carried out with a random sample of 381 prison inmates of Benue State Makurdi Medium Security Prison. Survey tools included: (1) a structured questionnaire on participants’ experiences in prison, and (2) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool for depression. Results Most participants were young men (95.5%, mean age 27.95) and had completed secondary school (63.5%). While prison authorities had identified only 27 participants as having a mental disorder, 144 (37.8%) screened positive for depression. Twenty six had received professional counseling while in prison. Of the six participants who were already taking a psychotropic medication at the time of imprisonment, four received medication after being imprisoned. Approximately half, (52%) of participants were dissatisfied with prison health care. Conclusions Despite the high prevalence of depression among prison inmates, few cases are detected and treated. Prison staff may not recognize depression as a mental disorder, and the mental health care available is generally poor. Inadequate mental health and social care not only affects prison inmates’ well-being, but may also impact recidivism and health outcomes upon release. Prison inmates should be screened routinely for depression and other less-commonly recognized mental health conditions, and appropriate treatment made available.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S618-S618
Author(s):  
V. Agyapong

AimTo examine the role and scope of practice of community mental health workers (CMHWs) as well as the impact and challenges associated with of work of CMHWs within Ghana's mental health delivery system.MethodsA cross sectional survey of 11 psychiatrists, 29 health policy directors and 164 CMHWs as well as key informant interviews with 3 CMHWs, 5 psychiatrists and 2 health policy directors and three focus group discussions with 21 CMHWs. Results of quantitative data were analysed with SPSS version 20 whilst the results from qualitative data were analysed manually through thematic analysis.ResultsIn addition to duties prescribed in their job descriptions, all the CMHWs identified several jobs that they routinely perform including jobs reserved for higher level cadres such as medication prescribing for which most of the CMHWs have no training. Some CMHWs reported they had considered leaving the mental health profession because of the stigma, risk, lack of opportunities for continuing professional development and career progression as well as poor remuneration. Almost all the stakeholders believed CMHWs in Ghana receive adequate training for the role they are expected to play although many identify some gaps in the training of these mental health workers for the expanded roles they actually play. All the stakeholders expressed concerns about the quality of the care provided by CMHWs.ConclusionThe study highlights several important issues, which facilitate or hinder effective task-shifting arrangements from psychiatrists to CMHWs and impact on the quality of care provided by the latter.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolin Liu ◽  
Hongjin Zhu

Abstract Background Mental health workers may face more obstacles in humanistic care during the COVID-19 pandemic, we aimed to explore the humanistic care ability of mental health workers and its potential influencing factors.Method(s) An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 262 mental health workers working in Chongqing, China from December 1 to 31, 2020. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. Results Mental health workers’ humanistic care ability score was 186.47 ± 21.34, and most of the them (79.8%) were at a low level. Psychological capital and personality traits were significant influencing factors of humanistic care ability and its sub-dimensions.Conclusion(s) Research has found that the humanistic care ability of mental health workers is at a low level, and psychological capital and personality traits are significant factors influencing the humanistic care ability and its sub-dimensions. Interventions to improve psychological capital of mental health workers or to promote the change of personality traits that they want are recommended, thereby promoting humanistic practice.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anteo Di Napoli ◽  
Alessandra Rossi ◽  
Francesca Baralla ◽  
Martna Ventura ◽  
Rosaria Gatta ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Immigration process is associated with poor mental and physical health. The workplace represents an important context of social integration, and previous studies, that evaluated the effect of discrimination experienced at workplace, found worse mental health status among immigrants. The aim of this study investigated the association between self-perceived workplace discrimination and other personal experiences, like self-perceived loneliness, level of life satisfaction, and physical health and mental well-being among immigrants in Italy.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 12,408 immigrants (aged 15-64) living and working in Italy. Data derived from the first national survey on immigrants carried out by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat). Mental health status was measured through the mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-12 questionnaire. A linear multivariate regression was carried out to evaluate the association between mental health status, self-perceived workplace discrimination, and sociodemographic factors; a structural equation model was used to test hypothesized relationships shown in a conceptual path analysis model.Results: Worse mental health status was independently (p<0.001) associated with self-perceived workplace discrimination (β:-1.873), self-perceived loneliness (β:-3.021), level of life satisfaction (β:-2.775), and physical health status (β:-0.088). As confirmed by structural equation model, the self-perceived workplace discrimination effect on MCS was mediated by the other factors considered: self-perceived loneliness (13.6%), level of life satisfaction (13.6%), and physical health status (3.9%).Conclusions: Our study suggest that self-perceived workplace discrimination is associated with worse mental health status in immigrant workers. These results support the hypothesis that self-perceived workplace discrimination may affect mental health status through personal experiences in the workplace and explain the effect of the exposure to workplace discrimination on immigrants’ psychological well-being. Our findings suggest that an overall public health response to facilitate the social integration of immigrants and their access to health services, in particular those dedicated to addressing mental health issues.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document