scholarly journals Parenting in a Pandemic: Parental Stress During the Physical Distancing Intervention Following the onset of the COVID-19 Outbreak

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam S. Johnson ◽  
Nora Skjerdingstad ◽  
Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽  
Asle Hoffart ◽  
Sverre Urnes Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnosis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Child Outcomes ◽  
Parental Distress ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
The Government

Objective: The main aim of the study was to examine levels of parental stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the general parental population (N = 2868) during the strict government-initiated physical distancing protocols following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We further investigated specific predictors of parental distress, including burnout, anger aimed at children, worry, lack of social support, lower perceived self-efficacy, and difficulty to work from home.Method: In this cross-sectional, epidemiological study, we disseminate an online survey that was administered two weeks after the government-initiated physical distancing protocols were established. Data were collected from March 31 to April 7. Results: Female parents compared to male parents and parents living with more than one child per parent or child(ren) with special needs compared to those living with one or fewer children per parent reported higher levels of parental stress. Burnout and social support were further associated with parental stress. Specifically, nearly one-fourth of the parents reported that they have felt burned out or in the proximity of feeling burned out more than half the days during the social distancing interventions. Also, 29% of the parents reported that they were angrier at their child(ren) than usual during the physical distancing period.Parents with a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis had significantly higher parental stress compared to individuals with no psychiatric diagnosis. The reported prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms above standardized cutoff levels among the 2868 parents was 25.4% for depression and 24.1% for anxiety, with the highest prevalence score on both symptoms of anxiety (37.6%) and depression (38.5%) for the youngest parents (age group 21–30 years). Furthermore, the parents who were home with their children and predominantly followed distancing protocol by socially distancing from public activity and peers (i.e., at least 10 out of 14 days) had significantly higher symptoms of depression (29%) and anxiety (27%), compared to parents who did not isolate in the same manner (i.e., depression 13% and anxiety 15%). Conclusions: The present study reveals that home confinement during the restricted lockdown period is related to markedly high levels of parental stress, in addition to symptoms of depression and anxiety in parents. Given the detrimental effects of depression, anxiety, and parental stress on the quality of life, morbidity rates, as well as adverse child outcomes and the potential risk of child abuse and neglect, these results suggest that appropriate action should be taken to impede further development of these symptoms, as well as developing interventions aimed at vulnerable subgroups and other relevant factors associated with increased parental stress. Keywords: COVID-19 lockdown, parental stress, depression, anxiety

scholarly journals Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among People Under Quarantine During the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tong Yan ◽  
Wang Zhizhong ◽  
Zheng Jianzhong ◽  
Ying Yubo ◽  
Liu Jie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Middle School Education ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Effective Public Health

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, quarantine as an effective public health measure has been widely used in China and elsewhere to slow down the spread, while high-risk psychological response populations remain under-reported.Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the depressive and anxiety symptoms among the high-risk individuals quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.Methods: An online survey was conducted from February 29 to April 10, 2020, among individuals quarantined for at least 2 weeks due to the high-risk exposure. Chinese versions of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) with a seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) were applied to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Compliance with quarantine and knowledge of COVID-19 was also assessed. An unconditional logistic regression model was performed to identify the correlators.Results: Of the 1,260 participants completing the full survey, 14.0% (95% CI: 12.2–16.1%), 7.1% (95% CI: 5.9–8.7%), and 6.3% (95% CI: 5.1–7.8%) had at least moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and a combination of depression and anxiety (CDA), respectively; 14.8% (95% CI: 13.0–16.9%) had at least one condition. Multivariate analysis showed that participants with an undergraduate or above degree were more likely to report depressive (OR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.56–5.72) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.14–7.63) than those with middle school education. Those who were unemployed (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21–0.65 for depression; OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.14–0.73 for anxiety), students (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04–0.48 for depression; OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01–0.85 for anxiety), and more knowledgeable of COVID-19 (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.96 for depression, OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98 for anxiety) were less likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms. Higher quarantine compliance correlated with lower risks of depressive (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.96) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98).Conclusion: Individuals under quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic suffered prevalent depressive and anxiety symptoms. Consequently, comprehensive interventional measures, including knowledge dissemination, timely virus tests, and strengthened communication, may minimize quarantine's adverse effects.

scholarly journals The Impact of Social Support on Students’ Behavior in the Context of Iraqi Medical Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (E) ◽  
pp. 1553-1559
Author(s):  
I. D. Al-Hasani ◽  
H. S. Salih ◽  
A. T. Abdul Wahid ◽  
Mohammed Jabarah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are reflected and linked to human behavior in many aspects. Medical students are susceptible to a wide variety of events that compromise their mental well-being, social life as well as their academic achievements. AIM: This study aimed to find the impact of social support on medical students’ behavior in Iraq via assessing their depression, anxiety, and stress status. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey-based study targeted all medical students in Iraq. The employed questionnaires covered mental health status of participants by evaluating their perceptions of depression, anxiety, and stress using. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant influence of social support on students’ perceptions of depression and anxiety, but not of their perception of stress. CONCLUSION: Lending social support to medical student is crucial to improve their depression and anxiety with all the positive results that the support brings to their behavior and social life. However, they need more than the social support to keep them safe from academic and daily life stressors.

The Relation between Preserved Social Support, Resilience (Depression and Anxiety) and Psychiatric Disorders among a Sample of Egyptian Patients on Regular Hemodialysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-214
Author(s):  
Ayman Al-Hosainey Abd Al-Maksoud ◽  
Ahmed Salama Al-Adl ◽  
Amir Fathi Asla ◽  
Eshak I. Bahbah ◽  
Doaa Emad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnosis ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Mild Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
The Mean

Background: Patients on hemodialysis are at a high risk of psychiatric disorders as they face an emotional challenge in addition to physical impairment. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among a sample of patients with end-stage renal disease on regular dialysis, and the effect of resilience and social support on them. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 patients who had been on hemodialysis for the past three months. Anxiety and depression were assessed with a clinical interview. The severity of depression, perceived social support, and resilience were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Resilience Scale, respectively. Result: The mean age of enrolled patients was 49.2 ± 14.0 years, and the mean duration of hemodialysis was 4.5 ± 3.8 years. The prevalence of depression was 24.4% and that of anxiety was 20%. According to our analysis, 15 (33.3%) patients were diagnosed with minor depression, 6 (13.3%) with mild depression, 14 (31.1%) with moderate depression, and 10 (22.2%) with severe depression. Resilience correlated significantly with a psychiatric diagnosis (p=0.004). Perceived social support was also found to be significantly correlated with a psychiatric diagnosis (p=0.012). Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are common mental disorders in patients with CKD and are considered as the main determinants of quality of life and death rate. Increasing awareness, early evaluation, and management of depression and anxiety may improve the functional, social, and clinical outcomes of the patients with CKD.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khezar Hayat ◽  
Muhammad Arshed ◽  
Iqra Fiaz ◽  
Urooj Afreen ◽  
Faiz Ullah Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly increased the rate of mortality and morbidity worldwide due to its rapid transmission rate. The mental health status of individuals could have a negative impact attributed to this global situation. Therefore, this study was intended to explore the symptoms of depression and anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs) of Pakistan during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken by administering a web-based questionnaire between May and June 2020. Two tools, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), were employed to measure anxiety and depression symptoms among HCWs. The data analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics, Man Whitney, and Kruskal Wallis tests.Results: Of 1094 HCWs who participated in this online survey, 742 (67.8%) were physicians, followed by nurses (n = 277, 25.3%) and pharmacists (n = 75, 6.9%). The survey respondents had a median depression and anxiety score of 5.00 (7.00–3.00) and 8.00 (11.00–5.00), respectively. A considerable number of HCWs (82.2%) utilized online psychological resources to deal with their psychological distress. Female HCWs, nurses, frontline HCWs, and HCWs aged 30–49 years were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety (p < 0.05).Conclusion: During the recent ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, there is a mild level of symptoms of depression and anxiety among HCWs. Our findings call for urgent psychological interventions for vulnerable groups of Pakistani HCWs.

scholarly journals Predictors of Mental Health Status among Quarantined COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1271
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz A. Alodhayani ◽  
Khalid M. Almutairi ◽  
Fahda A. Alshobaili ◽  
Adel F. Alotaibi ◽  
Ghadah Alkhaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pandemic Preparedness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Arab Region ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Government

Background: The negative psychological impact of COVID-19 in the general population has been well documented. Similar studies among those who were infected and who underwent quarantine remain scarce, particularly in the Arab region. The present study aims to fill this gap. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, suspected/confirmed COVID-19 individuals who were quarantined in the Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities were invited to participate in an online survey. All consenting participants answered a generalized questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, as well as a five-part questionnaire that assessed the symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress. Results: A total of 335 suspected/confirmed COVID-19 individuals (198 males and 137 females) participated. Being female is associated with increased risk of depression (odds ratio OR 1.8 (confidence interval, CI 1.1–3.1; p = 0.03)) as well as being employed by the government (OR 2.8 (CI 1.1–7.0; p = 0.03)). Level of education (OR 2.3 (CI 1.0–5.4; p = 0.049)) and employment in government (OR 3.0 (CI 1.2–7.8; p = 0.02)) were significantly associated with distress. Increasing age (45 years and above) appeared to be protective against distress (OR 0.2 (CI 0.02–0.69; p = 0.008)), as well anxiety and sleep pattern (OR 0.3 p < 0.05). Conclusion: Findings of the present study highlight that infected COVID-19 populations are at higher risk for acute and detrimental psychological well-being during quarantine and/or self-isolation. Identification of the coping mechanisms of older adults during periods of distress may prove beneficial in the pandemic preparedness of younger generations.

scholarly journals Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabet Rondung ◽  
Anna Leiler ◽  
Jennifer Meurling ◽  
Anna Bjärtå
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Swedish Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
General Swedish Population

In this cross-sectional study we aimed to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore factors predictive of these mental health outcomes. A sample of 1,503 participants, recruited from the general Swedish population, completed an online survey distributed through social media. In this sample, 22.2% reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 10.9% indicated possible major depression using the PHQ-9 algorithm. Moreover, 28.3% reported clinically significant levels of anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 8) and 9.7% severe anxiety and possible GAD (GAD-7 ≥ 15). Multiple linear regression analyses identified some common predictors for both outcomes. Age, having a stable income, and sufficient social stimulation, sleep, and recovery showed negative associations, whereas worry about the economy and overall burden showed positive associations. These results suggest an impact on mental health already at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Social and emotional loneliness among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the predictive role of coping behaviours, social support, and personal resilience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leodoro J. Labrague ◽  
Janet Alexis A. De los Santos ◽  
Charlie Falguera
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
Personal Resilience ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Social Loneliness ◽  
Coping Behaviours

Abstract Background: The mandatory lockdown imposed by the government to curb the transmission of coronavirus disease or COVID-19 has significantly disrupted social activities among student nurses, making them vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. Objective: To determine the relative influence of coping behaviours, personal resilience, and social support on student nurses’ emotional and social loneliness during the pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional research design was utilised to gather data from 261 student nurses from the Central Philippines using the Loneliness Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Coping Behaviour Questionnaire, and the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire through an online survey. Results: The majority or 89.27% (n = 233) of student nurses experienced moderate to severe levels of loneliness during the lockdown. Age (younger age) (β = -0.168, p = 0.005) and social support (β = -0.176, p = 0.014) predicted emotional resilience, while gender (being female) (β = 0.109, p = 0.045), personal resilience (β = -0.214, p < 0.001), and coping behaviours (β = -0.455, p < 0.001) predicted social loneliness.Conclusions: Loneliness among student nurses was high during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal resilience, coping behaviours, and social support were identified as protective factors against loneliness. Empirically tested interventions and strategies directed towards increasing personal resilience, social support, and coping behaviours may help decrease emotional and social loneliness caused by the mandatory lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Mental Health Status of University Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Post-Movement Lockdown Assessment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Sy-Cherng Woon ◽  
Hatta Sidi ◽  
Nik Ruzyanei Nik Jaafar ◽  
Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
The Government

This study investigated the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress and determined the association between various factors, social support, and depression and anxiety among university healthcare workers in Malaysia after the government lifted the movement control order (MCO) put in place to curb the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This online, cross-sectional survey recruited 399 participants from two university hospitals, and they were administered a self-reported questionnaire on demographic, personal, and clinical characteristics; COVID-19-related stressors; and coping. In addition, they completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure perceived social support, as well as the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess depression, anxiety, and stress. We found that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress were 21.8%, 31.6%, and 29.1%, respectively. Participants with moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress made up 13.3%, 25.8%, and 8.1% of the sample, respectively. Being single or divorced, fear of frequent exposure to COVID-19 patients, those who agreed that their area of living had a high prevalence of COVID-19 cases, and uncertainty regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the area of living were associated with higher odds of depression and anxiety. Conversely, having more than three children and greater perceived friend support were associated with lower odds of depression and anxiety. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress remained elevated even after the MCO was lifted.

Testing the Strain Theory of Suicide – The Moderating Role of Social Support

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bob Lew ◽  
Ksenia Chistopolskaya ◽  
Yanzheng Liu ◽  
Mansor Abu Talib ◽  
Olga Mitina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Strain Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Strains ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract. Background: According to the strain theory of suicide, strains, resulting from conflicting and competing pressures in an individual's life, are hypothesized to precede suicide. But social support is an important factor that can mitigate strains and lessen their input in suicidal behavior. Aims: This study was designed to assess the moderating role of social support in the relation between strain and suicidality. Methods: A sample of 1,051 employees were recruited in Beijing, the capital of China, through an online survey. Moderation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS Macro. Social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and strains were assessed with the Psychological Strains Scale. Results: Psychological strains are a good predictor of suicidality, and social support, a basic need for each human being, moderates and decreases the effects of psychological strains on suicidality. Limitations: The cross-sectional survey limited the extent to which conclusions about causal relationships can be drawn. Furthermore, the results may not be generalized to the whole of China because of its diversity. Conclusion: Social support has a tendency to mitigate the effects of psychological strains on suicidality.

scholarly journals Moderating Roles of Resilience and Social Support on Psychiatric and Practice Outcomes in Nurses Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 237796082110242
Author(s):  
Anna E. Schierberl Scherr ◽  
Brian J. Ayotte ◽  
Marni B. Kellogg
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
The United States ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Behavioral Measure ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Research Reporting ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

Introduction Staff and equipment shortages and an easily transmissible virus make working in the COVID-19 pandemic demanding physically and psychologically. Nurses on the frontlines are particularly vulnerable to the adversity of working under these conditions, particularly with regard to mental health. Thus, understanding risk and protective factors for this vulnerable and essential group is critical for identifying potential targets of interventions. We had two aims for the current study: (a) to examine work functioning and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress (PTSD) among nurses who did and did not care for patients with COVID-19; and (b) to determine if resilience and social support moderate these relationships. Methods For three weeks in July 2020, nurses across the United States were invited to participate in an online survey collecting data on demographics, resilience, social support, and screening measures of depression, PTSD, anxiety, and distracted practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression for each outcome measure. Conclusions Our findings support a growing body of research reporting that nurses are experiencing mental health sequelae during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those providing direct care to patients with the virus. We found that compared to nurses who did not care for patients with COVID-19, those who did reported increased symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. A novel contribution is our finding that nurses providing direct COVID-19 care also experienced increased levels of distracted practice, a behavioral measure of distraction linking to a potential impact on patient care. We also found that resilience and social support acted as moderators of some of these relationships. Fostering resilience and social support may help buffer the effects of providing care to patients with COVID-19 and could potentially decrease nurse vulnerability to developing psychological symptoms and impairment on the job.

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