scholarly journals Amid Armed Conflict: Perceptions and the Psychological Impact of Covid-19 in Western Libya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Tresh
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Additive Effect ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Global Data

Global data on the perceptions and psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic suggests the outbreak and restriction measures have had significant negative welfare effects. However, negative psychological symptoms do not emerge with the same intensity for all countries. In western Libya, citizens live under the dual threat of armed conflict and Covid -19. The situation there, merits investigation of citizens’ sensitivity to the pandemic under a pre-existing crisis. The current research aims to contribute to global data on the beliefs, perceptions and psychological impact of the pandemic. It aims also to extend current understanding by examining how coping strategies namely, perceived coping self-efficacy and perceived social support, moderate the effects of the two crises. Furthermore, it intends to explore the additive effect, if any, the outbreak has on the psychological impact of armed conflict. An online survey targeting people in the region during the first surge in Covid-19 cases was completed by a final sample of 717 respondents. Results show the negative psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is not globally consistent. While citizens of western Libya share the normative belief that their government’s response to the outbreak is insufficient, their support for preventative measures to curb the pandemic diverges negatively from global trends. The ongoing civil war has compounded the already dire social and economic conditions, resulting in Covid-19 having little additive effect on citizens’ psychological wellbeing. Moreover, it was found that citizens do not have adequate personal coping mechanisms to deal with the impact of armed conflict. However, drawing on social capital, in the form of perceived social support, is thought to buffer the impact of conflict, though the socio-political and economic circumstances may limit this. The findings are discussed in relation to strategy implications for the government and the international Covid-19 response in Libya.

scholarly journals Early Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil: A National Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos ◽  
Bianca Gonzalez Martins ◽  
Lucas Arrais Campos ◽  
João Marôco ◽  
Rayya Ahmed Saadiq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Population Demographic ◽  
The Impact

Background: Isolation measures used to contain epidemics generate social interaction restrictions and impose changes in routines of the public that increase negative psychological outcomes. Anxiety and depression are the most common symptoms. Objective: To evaluate the mental health of the Brazilian population during the SARs-CoV-2 pandemic and its relationship with demographic and health characteristics. Methods: Adults from all Brazilian States participated (n = 12,196; women: 69.8%, mean age = 35.2 years). The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale–revised were used (online survey). Data validity and reliability were verified by confirmatory factor analysis and ordinal alpha coefficient. The probability of presenting psychological symptoms was calculated by multiple logistic regression and odds ratio (OR) (0 = without symptoms, 1 = with mild, moderate, and severe levels of symptoms). Results: High prevalence of depression (61.3%), anxiety (44.2%), stress (50.8%), and psychological impact (54.9%) due to the isolation experienced from the pandemic was found. Younger individuals (OR = 1.58–3.58), those that felt unsafe (OR = 1.75–2.92), with a previous diagnosis of mental health (OR = 1.72–2.64) and/or had general health problems before the pandemic (OR = 1.17–1.51), who noticed changes in their mental state due to the pandemic context (OR = 2.53–9.07), and excessively exposed to the news (OR = 1.19–2.18) were at increased risk of developing symptoms. Women (OR = 1.35–1.65) and those with lower economic status (OR = 1.38–2.69) were more likely to develop psychological symptoms. Lower educational levels increased the likelihood of depressive (OR = 1.03–1.34) and intrusive symptoms (OR = 1.09–1.51). Conclusions: The pandemic and related factors can have a high impact on the mental health of the population. Demographic characteristics can influence the occurrence of psychological symptoms.

scholarly journals Loneliness, Wellbeing, and Social Activity in Scottish Older Adults Resulting from Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4517
Author(s):  
Simone A. Tomaz ◽  
Pete Coffee ◽  
Gemma C. Ryde ◽  
Bridgitte Swales ◽  
Kacey C. Neely ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Positive Coping ◽  
The Impact

This study examined the impact of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness, wellbeing, and social activity, including social support, in Scottish older adults. A mixed methods online survey was used to examine these factors during social distancing mid-lockdown, July 2020. Participants were asked to state whether loneliness, wellbeing, social activity, and social support had changed since pre-social distancing, and to provide details of strategies used to keep socially active. A total of 1429 adults (84% aged 60+ years) living in Scotland took part. The majority reported that social distancing regulations made them experience more loneliness and less social contact and support. Loneliness during lockdown was higher than reported norms for this age group before the pandemic. A larger social network, more social contact, and better perceived social support seemed to be protective against loneliness and poor wellbeing. Positive coping strategies reported included increasing online social contact with both existing social networks and reconnecting with previous networks, as well as increasing contact with neighbours and people in the community. This underlines the importance of addressing loneliness and social support in older adults but particularly during situations where risk of isolation is high.

scholarly journals The Impact of Covid-19 on Saudi Arabian Female Students: An Application of the CES-D Depression Scale

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Siddiqua Aamir ◽  
Carmen Winkel
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Private University ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Female Undergraduate ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) is a new beta coronavirus that was identified as the trigger of COVID-19 disease in early 2020. Our study designed to survey the female undergraduate students at a private university in Saudi Arabia to assess the degree of psychological impact during the initial stages of the lockdown. During the first weeks of the outbreak in Saudi Arabia and the government-initiated lockdown, we conducted an online survey with 400 female undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia. The psychological impact was assessed by using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Our study shows that over the four weeks students showed clearly a change in the overall mental health and mood of our students.   Received: 24 September 2020 / Accepted: 23 December 2020 / Published: 17 January 2021

scholarly journals Psychological Impact and Associated Factors During the Containment Stage of Covid-19 Epidemic Among College Students in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyu Si ◽  
Xiao-You Su ◽  
Yu Jiang ◽  
Wen-Jun Wang ◽  
Xiao-Fen Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
College Students ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background College students are a uniquely vulnerable group and may experience high stress levels due to COVID-19. This study aims to identify the the psychological state and related factors on Chinese college students during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods From February 23 to March 5, 2020, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 3606 college students from seven provinces in China using standard questionnaires measuring adverse psychological outcomes and related factors including Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to determine underlying constructs of the perceived threat items. Multivariate regression was used to explore the determinants of adverse psychological impact. Results Posttraumatic stress (PTS) were prevalent in this sample of college students, and 34.22% met the cut-off for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The proportion of having mild to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were 15.70%, 13.31% and 7.10%, respectively. The impact of closed-off management on life, perceived threat and passive coping strategies were positively correlated to PTS and DASS scores, while knowledge score, perceived social support and active coping strategies were negatively correlated to DASS scores. Conclusions In summary, adverse psychological symptoms were prevalent among college students in China during the COVID-19 epidemic. Identifying vulnerable populations and formulating correspondingly psychological interventions would be beneficial to improve the mental health during the COVID-19 epidemic.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 among University Students in Bangladesh: An Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anira Mohiuddin ◽  
Md. Abdul Kader Miah ◽  
Mahmuda Akter
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
University Education ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 pandemic has influenced all levels of the instruction framework, especially in University education. Since March 26, 2020, public holidays was pronounced by the Government of Bangladesh in all educational institutions which hamper the students’ everyday schedules and affect their both physical and mental wellbeing. This study aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 among the university students in Bangladesh by identifying their socio-demographic condition, changes in livelihood, and distinctly measuring the social, economic, educational, technological, and psychological impact. Quantitative research design is followed in this study where participants were selected using convenience sampling (135 respondents) through an online survey (Google Forms). The time period of data collection was from August to October 2020. From this study, university students have experienced both social stigmatization and economic crisis due to the pandemic. Furthermore, the maximum has experienced anxiety, loneliness, emotional breakdown, sleeping disorder, keep checking the news in the little time interval, difficulty to connect with daily normal life, tensed about re-infected by COVID-19. Besides, due to the inadequate availability of internet in remote and rural areas, the speed and cost of internet, the availability of electronic devices to access the internet, and the lack of interaction between students and teachers. Indeed, it is high time that the government and associated educational institutions should make a proper plan about how to overcome the challenges of ongoing university students’ condition to improve the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as early as possible.

scholarly journals Effects of Fear of COVID-19 on Mental Well-Being and Quality of Life: A path analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Alyami ◽  
Julia Vajda De Albuquerque ◽  
Christian U. Krägeloh ◽  
Hussain Alyami ◽  
Marcus A Henning
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Path Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has been very disruptive and thus likely to result in substantial challenges to mental health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fear of COVID-19 on mental well-being and quality of life among Saudi adult population, and to evaluate the impact of perceived social support. A total of 1029 Saudi adults with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD 11.5) took part in an anonymous online survey. Path analysis indicated that fear of COVID-19 was directly associated with mental well-being, which in turn was associated with lower quality of life. Perceived social support had more influence on quality of life than mental well-being. No direct link between fear of COVID-19 and quality of life was found. These findings emphasize the importance of having effective systems, in addition to social support, in place in order to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental well-being and quality of life.

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.

scholarly journals Impact of hemodialysis on the wellbeing of chronic kidney diseases patients: a pre-post analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Um-e-Kalsoom ◽  
Sabiha Khan ◽  
Israr Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Chronic Kidney Diseases ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Hemodialysis may have serious psychological impact upon patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of hemodialysis on the wellbeing of individuals with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Result A sample consists of (N = 100) CKD patients referred from neurology ward of Leady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Data was collected from both male (50%) and female (50%) in 2017. Participants were divided into two groups on the basis of pre-set criteria. In group I, individuals with 4–5 stage of CKD referred first time for dialysis treatment were recruited. Group II comprised of CKD patients with 1–3 stage. Demographic data sheet, Pakistan Anxiety and Depression, WHO Quality of Life scale, and Perceived Social support scale (PSS) were used to test the hypotheses. Paired sample t test was use to see the difference between pre- and post-analysis of depression, anxiety, QOL, and PSS in group I (experimental group). Results suggests significant difference on depression (p > .001), anxiety (p > .001), and QOL (p > .001), while no significant difference was reported on perceived social support (p <.673). Findings also indicate no significant difference between group I and group II on QOL depression, anxiety, and PSS. Conclusion The findings concluded that patients under hemodialysis treatment suffered from depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life.

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