scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Autistic Adults in the UK: A Mixed-Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Bundy ◽  
William Mandy ◽  
Laura Crane ◽  
Hannah Belcher ◽  
Laura Bourne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with mental health declines in the general population. Those with pre-existing vulnerabilities are known to be at particular risk. This may include autistic people, who have high levels of mental and physical health problems. Yet little is currently known about the impact of the pandemic on autistic people. Using an online survey, this mixed-methods study gathered data from 133 autistic adults in the United Kingdom (UK), about their experiences of the pandemic in relation to their mental health. Results indicated that the mental health impact of the pandemic on autistic adults was variable. A sizeable minority reported improvements in their mental health associated with COVID-19 restrictions. By contrast, most participants described an overall negative impact their levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Analysis of qualitative data using thematic analysis highlighted four themes that contributed to mental health changes in autistic adults: (i) adjusting to changes to the social world, (ii) living with uncertainty, (iii) disruptions to self-regulation, and (iv) barriers to fulfilling basic needs. Based on these findings, we discuss recommendations about how to support autistic people; both as the pandemic persists and once normality ensues.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic adults – a survey

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor James Davidson ◽  
Keri Lodge ◽  
Alwyn Kam
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Significant Deterioration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
The Impact

Purpose To date there has been limited research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic people. This study aims to present the results of a survey of autistic people (n = 51) conducted by a UK specialist autism team. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey. Findings A total of 72% respondents reported either some or significant deterioration in mental health during the pandemic. The issues that caused most negative impact were uncertainty over what will happen next and disruption of normal routine. Respondents reported a variety of coping strategies to help them through the pandemic. Originality/value To date there has been little research looking specifically at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic people. This paper adds weight to the evidence that the pandemic has had a particularly severe impact on autistic adults and includes useful information on potential coping strategies for this population.

scholarly journals Is social camouflaging associated with anxiety and depression in autistic adults?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Hull ◽  
Lily Levy ◽  
Meng-Chuan Lai ◽  
K. V. Petrides ◽  
Simon Baron-Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background There is inconsistent evidence for a clear pattern of association between ‘camouflaging’ (strategies used to mask and/or compensate for autism characteristics during social interactions) and mental health. Methods This study explored the relationship between self-reported camouflaging and generalised anxiety, depression, and social anxiety in a large sample of autistic adults and, for the first time, explored the moderating effect of gender, in an online survey. Results Overall, camouflaging was associated with greater symptoms of generalised anxiety, depression, and social anxiety, although only to a small extent beyond the contribution of autistic traits and age. Camouflaging more strongly predicted generalised and social anxiety than depression. No interaction between camouflaging and gender was found. Limitations These results cannot be generalised to autistic people with intellectual disability, or autistic children and young people. The sample did not include sufficient numbers of non-binary people to run separate analyses; therefore, it is possible that camouflaging impacts mental health differently in this population. Conclusions The findings suggest that camouflaging is a risk factor for mental health problems in autistic adults without intellectual disability, regardless of gender. We also identified levels of camouflaging at which risk of mental health problems is highest, suggesting clinicians should be particularly aware of mental health problems in those who score at or above these levels.

scholarly journals Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2349
Author(s):  
Heather Clements ◽  
Stephanie Valentin ◽  
Nicholas Jenkins ◽  
Jean Rankin ◽  
Nancy R. Gee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

scholarly journals The journey from infertility to uterus transplantation: A mixed-methods study of the perspectives of participants in the Dallas Uterus Transplant Study (DUETS)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anji Wall ◽  
Liza Johannesson ◽  
Monica Sok ◽  
Ann Marie Warren ◽  
Elisa Gordon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Graft Failure ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
The United States ◽  
Female Identity ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Reproductive Autonomy ◽  
Academic Medical Centre ◽  
Uterus Transplantation ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To study the impact of absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) and uterus transplantation (UTx) on women, and UTx recipients’ perceptions of Utx and reproductive autonomy Design: Convergent mixed-methods study. Setting: UTx program in a large academic medical centre in the United States. Population/Sample: 20 Utx recipients Methods: A medical chart review was conducted to collect patient demographic information, and clinical outcomes. Semi-structured interviews collected information regarding participants’ experience. Main Outcome Measure(s): The outcomes of interest were participants’ experience of infertility, experience with UTx, and general perceptions of UTx. Results: 7 participants were pregnant (one with a second child), 6 had experienced early graft failure and removal, 5 had delivered a healthy baby, and 4 had a viable graft and were awaiting embryo transfer. The primary themes identified were: the negative impact of AUFI diagnosis on psychological wellbeing, relationships, and female identity; the positive impact of UTx on healing the emotional scars of AUFI, female identity, and value of research trial participation; and the perception of UTx as an expansion of reproductive autonomy. All participants reported Utx was worthwhile, regardless of individual outcome. On bivariate analysis, disease aetiology, having a child after uterus transplantation, experiencing graft failure and current pregnancy were not significantly associated with the impact of AUFI or of UTx on participants’ identities. Conclusion: AUFI has a negative impact on women from a young age, affects multiple relationships, and challenges female identity. UTx helps reverse this impact, transforming women’s life narrative of infertility and enhancing female identity.

scholarly journals COPING STRATEGIES FOR COVID-19 IN THE MOROCCAN POPULATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (04) ◽  
pp. 166-173
Author(s):  
S. Benzahra ◽  
◽  
S. Belbachir ◽  
A. Ouanass ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Moroccan Population ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
Positive Reframing ◽  
Psychosocial Responses ◽  
The Impact

Background: The coronavirus infection is pandemic emerging infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This pandemic has had serious social and economic consequences due to the confinment and curfew applied in various countries around the world. The psychosocial responses to this pandemic are variable and depend on the coping strategies of each individual which can mitigate and moderate the impact of these psychosocial responses. Objective: To identify the different coping strategies implemented by the Moroccan population. Methods: We conducted an online survey from April 23 to May 23, 2020, through a questionnaire published on social networks using Google Forms. The assessment of coping strategies was carried out through the Brief Cope scale. Results: 404 individuals participated in the study. The mean age was 36.86 years, 65.6% were female, 14.1% had a psychiatric history, 28% had a medical-surgical history and 30.2% had a substance use disorder. Study participants showed a maximum level acceptance as a strategy of adaptation (6.22 ± 1.69) followed by positive reframing (5.72 ± 1.71) then religion (5.45 ± 1.8). The least used strategies were substance use (2.29 ± 0.91) and denial (3.05 ± 1.42). Problem-focused coping was more used in our sample (4.34 +/- 1.22) compared to emotion-focused coping (4.21 +/- 0.64). Conclusions: The pandemic of Covid-19 had a significant negative impact on the mental health of populations including the Moroccan. The most frequently adopted coping strategies are acceptance, positive reframing, and religion. Psychological support remains necessary in order to safeguard mental health in the face of stressful situations.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Related Factors of Depression, Anxiety, Acute Stress, and Insomnia Symptoms Among Medical Staffs Experiencing the Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Xinjiang, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongzhi Zhao ◽  
Junlong Guo ◽  
Shuai Liu ◽  
Muyeseer Aizezi ◽  
Qiong Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

The prevalence and related factors of mental health impact among medical staffs who experienced the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in China is unknown. Therefore, this survey was conducted to investigate the prevalence and related factors of depressive, anxiety, acute stress, and insomnia symptoms in medical staffs in Kashi, Xinjiang, China during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among medical staffs working in First People's Hospital of Kashi, Xinjiang. The questionnaire collected demographic data and self-design questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Impact of Events Scale-6, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory-15, and the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire were used to measure psychological symptoms or characteristics. Binary logistic regression was carried out to examine the associations between socio-demographic factors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. In total, data from 123 participants were finally included, among which the prevalence rate of depressive, anxiety, acute stress, and insomnia symptoms is 60.2, 49.6, 43.1, and 41.1%, respectively. The regression model revealed that minority ethnicity, being worried about infection, spending more time on following pandemic information, and neurotic personality were positively associated with the mental health symptoms, while extraversion personality, higher education level, and better social support were negatively associated. In our study, the prevalence of mental health impact was high among medical staffs in Kashi, China who experienced the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors were found to be associated with mental health conditions. These findings could help identify medical staffs at risk for mental health problems and be helpful for making precise mental health intervention policies during the resurgence. Our study may pave way for more research into Xinjiang during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Lockdown experiences and views on future research participation of autistic adults in the UK during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alba X Realpe Rojas ◽  
Nicola Mills ◽  
Lucy Beasant ◽  
Sarah Douglas ◽  
Lorcan Kenny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 lockdown was a set of nationwide public health restrictions in force on the UK from March 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Co-occurring anxiety and depression in autistic people placed them at heightened risk of potential adverse mental health due to the lockdown. Furthermore, the impact of current and future public health measures on autistic people’s willingness to take part in autism research was unknown. We carried out in-depth interviews with 31 autistic adults exploring their experiences of the COVID-19 lockdown and how the pandemic may affect future research participation. Transcripts were analysed thematically within a critical realism framework. Participants identified positive aspects of lockdown such as enjoying the lack of social pressures and using their well-developed skills for dealing with uncertainty. Autistic people also shared challenges of adjusting to lockdown, e.g., rapid change in daily routines. While hopeful about the freedom gained from easing restrictions, participants were concerned about the inconsistent communication and application of rules during the transition out of lockdown which may exacerbate already rising mental health issues among autistic people. The participants viewed research participation and engagement with increased relevance during the pandemic and welcomed efforts to conduct research using online methods of communication. The COVID-19 lockdown had a varied effect in the lives and routines of autistic people. However, healthcare providers and researchers need to be mindful of rising mental health issues during the pandemic, especially for people who were already vulnerable. The response to the pandemic may have offered opportunities for innovation in research processes enabling more autistic people to engage with research and making studies more inclusive.

scholarly journals Exploring the impact of shielding advice on the health and wellbeing of individuals identified as extremely vulnerable and advised to shield in Southwest England amid the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods evaluation

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Lasseter ◽  
Polly Compston ◽  
Charlotte Robin ◽  
Helen Lambert ◽  
Matthew Hickman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Supplementary Information ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact

Objective: Explore the impact and responses to public health advice on the health and wellbeing of individuals identified as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) and advised to shield (not leave home for 12 weeks at start of the pandemic) in Southwest England during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Design: Mixed-methods study; structured survey and follow-up semi-structured interviews. Setting: Communities served by Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group. Participants: 204 people (57% female, 54% >69 years, 94% White British, 64% retired) in Southwest England identified as CEV and were advised to shield completed the survey. Thirteen survey respondents participated in follow-up interviews (53% female, 40% >69years, 100% White British, 61% retired). Results: Receipt of official communication from NHS England or General Practitioner (GP) was considered by participants as the legitimate start of shielding. 80% of survey responders felt they received all relevant advice needed to shield, yet interviewees criticised the timing of advice and often sought supplementary information. Shielding behaviours were nuanced, adapted to suit personal circumstances, and waned over time. Few interviewees received community support, although food boxes and informal social support were obtained by some. Worrying about COVID-19 was common for survey responders (90%). Since shielding had begun, physical and mental health reportedly worsened for 35% and 42% of survey responders respectively. 21% of survey responders scored 10 or more on the PHQ-9 questionnaire indicating possible depression and 15% scored 10 or more on the GAD-7 questionnaire indicating possible anxiety. Conclusions: This research highlights the difficulties in providing generic messaging that is applicable and appropriate given the diversity of individuals identified as CEV and the importance of sharing tailored and timely advice to inform shielding decisions. Providing messages that reinforce self-determined action and assistance from support services could reduce the negative impact of shielding on mental health and feelings of social isolation.

scholarly journals ‘People like me don’t get support’: Autistic adults’ experiences of support and treatment for mental health difficulties, self-injury and suicidality

Autism ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1431-1441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Camm-Crosbie ◽  
Louise Bradley ◽  
Rebecca Shaw ◽  
Simon Baron-Cohen ◽  
Sarah Cassidy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Treatment Pathways ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Autistic Adults

Autistic people are at high risk of mental health problems, self-injury and suicidality. However, no studies have explored autistic peoples’ experiences of treatment and support for these difficulties. In partnership with a steering group of autistic adults, an online survey was developed to explore these individuals’ experiences of treatment and support for mental health problems, self-injury and suicidality for the first time. A total of 200 autistic adults (122 females, 77 males and 1 unreported) aged 18–67 (mean = 38.9 years, standard deviation = 11.5), without co-occurring intellectual disability, completed the online survey. Thematic analysis of open-ended questions resulted in an overarching theme that individually tailored treatment and support was both beneficial and desirable, which consisted of three underlying themes: (1) difficulties in accessing treatment and support; (2) lack of understanding and knowledge of autistic people with co-occurring mental health difficulties and (3) appropriate treatment and support, or lack of, impacted autistic people’s well-being and likelihood of seeing suicide as their future. Findings demonstrate an urgent need for autism treatment pathways in mental health services.

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