scholarly journals Mental Health Conditions of Italian Healthcare Professionals During the Covid-19 Disease Outbreak. PUBLISHED ARTICLE: https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12239

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Laura Bettinsoli ◽  
Daniela Di Riso ◽  
Jaime Napier ◽  
Lorenzo Moretti ◽  
Pierfrancesco Bettinsoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological States ◽  
Italian Regions ◽  
And Coping

Background–The pandemic of COVID-19 in Italy represents a unique threat in terms of psychological distress, especially among healthcare professionals. This study represents a first attempt to investigate both the psychological states and coping strategies of Italian healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak. Importantly, we assessed psychological distress and coping strategies regarding two phases, pre-COVID (asking participants to retrospectively recall their state in December 2019) and during the time of survey, which was in the midst of the COVID emergency outbreak (March-April 2020).Methods–Self-administered questionnaires were distributed online to healthcare professionals of different Italian regions from March 26 to April 9, 2020. The questionnaire included three main sections measuring changes in psychological states, coping strategies and demographic variables. Two linear regression models were run to analyze variations in both general health and infection-risk perception depending on changes in psychological states, coping strategies, personality trait, and demographic variables.Results– Altogether, the direct exposure to the virus and a negative impact of the COVID-19 emergency outbreak on contextual psychological functioning contribute to the deterioration of physical and mental health, which may lead to severe future consequences for Italian healthcare workers, if not provided immediately with an effective support program. Conclusions– Both immediate and long-term monitoring psychological assistance services for healthcare workers should be implemented by local and national institutions to reestablish psychological well-being and enhance self-confidence and resilience of Italian hospital personnel. These intervention programs should especially target women, and professionals at their first steps into the hospital job.

scholarly journals 204 - Psychological distress and support needs of community residing older adults in urban India – An exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 8-9
Author(s):  
Jayashree Dasgupta ◽  
Meenakshi Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Urban India ◽  
And Coping

Background:COVID pandemic in India, lockdowns and an unprepared health system has affected wellbeing of older adults. Low public awareness about mental health issues and stigma also contribute to low help seeking. Exploring impact of COVID on mental health of older adults and understanding support needs is essential.Research Objective:To examine mental wellbeing and coping strategies used by urban community residing older adults during the pandemic in India.Method:As part of an ongoing community engagement initiative with older adults and their families, an online survey was conducted during the first wave of the pandemic in April/May 2020. Sociodemographic details and information on coping strategies were gathered. The five-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to screen for psychological distress and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were contacted again in May 2021 during the second COVID wave for a telephonic interview to understand current levels of distress and coping strategies. Consent was taken for audio recording and interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Preliminary results of the ongoing study:Respondents (N=54) aged between 40-86 years (Mn = 60; SD = 18.9). Majority were male (61%), retired or homemakers (57%) and widowed/unmarried (52%). Of the sample 70% had one or more pre-existing medical conditions. A score of ≥ 2 on GHQ in 66% respondents indicates psychological distress. Stressors included health and well-being of family (62%), difficulty managing household work (42%) and increase in family conflicts (17%). Although 72% discussed their worries with family/friends, only 25% considered speaking with a mental health professional indicating low help seeking. Of respondents contacted again, 40% citied ill health or being busy as reasons for refusal to participate. Of those who agreed, 33% reported psychological distress. In-depth interviews, showed use of online mental wellness sessions and yoga/meditation to be beneficial coping strategies. Need for more online support groups was also highlighted.Conclusion:Psychological distress is present amongst community residing older adults in urban India. A change in attitude towards tele mental health must be leveraged to provide support for adults experiencing psychological distress.

scholarly journals Dealing With the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Portugal: On the Important Role of Positivity, Experiential Avoidance, and Coping Strategies

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria José Ferreira ◽  
Rui Sofia ◽  
David F. Carreno ◽  
Nikolett Eisenbeck ◽  
Inês Jongenelen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping With Stress ◽  
Self Blame ◽  
And Coping

The global COVID-19 pandemic crisis has caused an unprecedented impact on most areas of people’s lives. Thus, framed within the scope of Existential Positive Psychology (PP2.0), this study aimed at assessing the psychological distress of adults living in Portugal during the first national lockdown, how they are coping with stress, as well to contribute to a deeper understanding about the role that positivity, experiential avoidance, and coping strategies have in psychological distress and well-being. For this purpose, 586 Portuguese adults (73% females) ranging between 18 and 78 years old (M = 38.96, SD = 12.20) completed an online survey during the initial phase of the pandemic crisis in Portugal. Findings suggest that experiential avoidance was the strongest predictor of a negative response (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and negative emotions), whereas positivity was a better predictor of psychological well-being and lower levels of depression. Additionally, self-blame, behavioral disengagement, and emotional venting were strong risk factors for psychological distress, whereas positive reframing, planning, and acceptance were associated with more positive outcomes. These findings highlight the critical role of experiential avoidance on individuals’ psychological distress and the essential contribution of positive life orientation in promoting flourishing. By offering a better understanding of the complex navigation through the dialectics between positive and negative life features, this study provides important and useful cues for psychological interventions directed at promoting a more positive and adaptive human functioning even through such potential adverse and painful life events.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of healthcare workers in different regions of the world

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S258-S258
Author(s):  
Mahfuja Islam ◽  
Philip George ◽  
Sindhu Sankaran ◽  
Janet Leu Su Hui ◽  
Tzun Kit
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

AimsThe global health system is facing a serious challenge after the recent outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus infection which was first identified in Wuhan, China in November 2019 and declared as a pandemic in March 2020 by WHO. There is a wide consensus that this pandemic has negative psychosocial consequences as well as unforeseeable provision of mental health care services and just not on physical health alone. The aim of this research study is to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and to identify the sociodemographic variables with the main attributable factors associated with the psychological distress among healthcare workers and suggestions on how to reduce the impact on the mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in different regions of the world.MethodWe performed a cross-sectional study from September-November 2020. We used a self-administered survey tool which was distributed electronically to healthcare workers across the globe. The data were stored on an online database with password protected devices where survey responses were restricted to investigators exclusively.Data collected were: 1) Socio-demographic data (age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, religion, role in the healthcare, region of practice); 2) Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaire which contains 22 standardized items. This is a subjective assessment to score the degree of psychological well-being by focusing on 6 domains: depression; anxiety; positive-well-being; self-control; vitality and general health; 3) Subjective assessment from respondents of the main attributable factors causing psychological distress and suggested methods to help reduce the impact on mental health on health care workers.ResultMajority out of the 217 respondents were from a younger age group; females and married/domestic partnership, mainly from Western Pacific Region, South East Asian and the African Region. More than half the respondents were moderate-severely psychologically distressed and the three main attributable factors causing psychological distress were: fear of family/friends contracting COVID-19 followed by lack of PPE and discomfort caused by wearing PPE for long hours. Respondents suggested that the distress would be reduced if: more resources were provided in hospital; protocols and guidelines were implemented and counselling facilities with recreational activities were available to frontline workers.ConclusionThis study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of healthcare workers and more support or strategies need to come in place to protect frontline workers at the time of crises.

scholarly journals Impact of enhanced personal protective equipment on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19

2020 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-139150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramanathan Swaminathan ◽  
Bimantha Perera Mukundadura ◽  
Shashi Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the use of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare workers in patient-facing roles. We describe the impact on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE consistently.MethodsWe conducted a single-centre, cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE. A web-based questionnaire was disseminated to evaluate the effects on individuals’ physical and mental well-being. Physical and mental impact was assessed through a visual analogue scale.ResultsProspective analysis of the views of 72 respondents is reported. 63.9% were women and 36.1% were men. Physical impact included exhaustion, headache, skin changes, breathlessness and a negative impact on vision. Communication difficulties, somnolence, negative impact on overall performance and difficulties in using surgical instrumentation were reported.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the undeniable negative impact on the front-line healthcare workers using enhanced PPE and lays the ground for larger multicentric assessments given for it to potentially be the norm for the foreseeable future.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of healthcare workers in different regions of the world

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S258-S259
Author(s):  
Mahfuja Islam ◽  
Philip George ◽  
Sindhu Sankaran ◽  
Janet Leu Su Hui ◽  
Tzun Kit
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

AimsThe global health system is facing a serious challenge after the recent outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus infection which was first identified in Wuhan, China in November 2019 and declared as a pandemic in March 2020 by WHO. There is a wide consensus that this pandemic has negative psychosocial consequences as well as unforeseeable provision of mental health care services and just not on physical health alone. The aim of this research study is to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and to identify the sociodemographic variables with the main attributable factors associated with the psychological distress among healthcare workers and suggestions on how to reduce the impact on the mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in different regions of the world.MethodWe performed a cross-sectional study from September-November 2020. We used a self-administered survey tool which was distributed electronically to healthcare workers across the globe. The data were stored on an online database with password protected devices where survey responses were restricted to investigators exclusively.Data collected were: 1) Socio-demographic data (age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, religion, role in the healthcare, region of practice); 2) Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaire which contains 22 standardized items. This is a subjective assessment to score the degree of psychological well-being by focusing on 6 domains: depression; anxiety; positive-well-being; self-control; vitality and general health; 3) Subjective assessment from respondents of the main attributable factors causing psychological distress and suggested methods to help reduce the impact on mental health on health care workers.ResultMajority out of the 217 respondents were from a younger age group; females and married/domestic partnership, mainly from Western Pacific Region, South East Asian and the African Region. More than half the respondents were moderate-severely psychologically distressed and the three main attributable factors causing psychological distress were: fear of family/friends contracting COVID-19 followed by lack of PPE and discomfort caused by wearing PPE for long hours. Respondents suggested that the distress would be reduced if: more resources were provided in hospital; protocols and guidelines were implemented and counselling facilities with recreational activities were available to frontline workers.ConclusionThis study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of healthcare workers and more support or strategies need to come in place to protect frontline workers at the time of crises.

scholarly journals The Impact of Study Mode (Online vs. Hybrid) on Early Symptoms of Depression and Coping Strategies among University Students in Poland in Time of COVID-19 Pandemic—Preliminary Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1578
Author(s):  
Anna Drelich-Zbroja ◽  
Anna Jamroz-Wiśniewska ◽  
Maryla Kuczyńska ◽  
Monika Zbroja ◽  
Weronika Cyranka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Early Symptoms ◽  
Study Mode ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: mental health has been one of the most important issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic; mental disorders can be exacerbated by isolation during lockdowns or online learning. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between non-clinical (early) symptoms of depressed moods, personality traits, and coping strategies, as well as whether the learning mode (online versus hybrid) differentiates the experiences of these early symptoms and coping strategies. Methods: 114 university students aged 19 to 34, whose education model was changed from stationary to hybrid or online due to COVID-19 restrictions, participated in the study. The participants completed the online questionnaire, which consisted of two sections: (1) demographic questions to characterize the subjects and 44 questions based on the literature review. (2) Mini-COPE Inventory. Results: the study showed that the fully online study mode has a negative impact on the mental health of students; hybrid students are more likely to use active and positive coping strategies, which effectively help to control negative thoughts and/or reduce negative mental states. Conclusions: the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological effects that will extend to coming years; therefore, implementing systemic psychological care is of utmost importance.

scholarly journals Insights for Fostering Resilience in Young Adults With Multiple Sclerosis in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Emergency: An Italian Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria Donisi ◽  
Alberto Gajofatto ◽  
Maria Angela Mazzi ◽  
Francesca Gobbin ◽  
Isolde Martina Busch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Support ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Italian Regions

Objective: Recent evidence has demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on the mental health of the general population. The psychological consequences might be even more severe for patients with special healthcare needs and psychological vulnerabilities due to chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, we aimed to explore the psychological impact of this pandemic and of the subsequent healthcare service changes on young adults with MS living in Italy and to examine their coping strategies and preferences regarding psychological support in the aftermath of the pandemic.Methods: Data were collected using a cross-sectional, web-based survey advertised on social networks. We report both quantitative (descriptive statistics, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA) and qualitative data (inductive content analysis).Results: Two hundred and forty-seven respondents (mean age 32 ± 7 years), mainly with relapsing–remitting MS, from all Italian regions participated. Participants felt more worried, confused, sad, and vulnerable because of the disease “during” the pandemic in comparison to their self-evaluation of the period “before” the COVID-19 outbreak. Similarly, their perception of control over MS decreased “during” the pandemic in comparison to the retrospective evaluation of the period “before” the COVID-19 outbreak (p < 0.01). Canceled/postponed visits/exams were listed as the most frequent MS management changes, with modified/postponed pharmacological treatment representing the most stressful change. Psychological support in dealing with pandemic-related fears and improving MS acceptance and well-being was considered extremely important by almost 40% of the respondents. Different coping strategies were mentioned in the qualitative section of the survey, with social support, hobbies, and keeping busy being the most frequent ones.Conclusions: Considering the enormous impact of the pandemic on young adults with MS, we urge MS clinical centers to implement psychological support programs that address the potentially long-lasting psychological negative impact, thus fostering the therapeutic alliance that is being threatened by the infection prevention measures imposed during the pandemic, and promoting psychological resources for adaptively managing future waves of COVID-19.

scholarly journals The Effect of Occupational Stress and Coping Strategies on Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being Among University Academic Staff During the COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Panshuo Shen ◽  
Paul Slater
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stress Coping ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Health And Well Being

The level of stress among academics in higher education institutions has significantly increased over the past decade. Mental health and well-being of academics can be affected once they are exposed to stressful work conditions and use negative coping strategies. This study was set against the backdrop of the pandemic disease, COVID-19, which has challenged the daily work of academics and risen to the various new stressors. This study aims to investigate the current status of occupational stress, coping styles, mental health and emotional well-being of university academics during the COVID-19 outbreak in Northern Ireland, and examine the effect of stress and coping strategies on mental health and emotional well-being. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a sample size of 87 academic staff working in a university in Northern Ireland. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the collected data. The results showed academics experienced moderate stress levels, and distraction behaviours were the most common form of coping mechanism. Academics were in the moderate status of mental health and poor emotional well-being. Occupational stress has a significant effect on mental health and emotional well-being. Positive reframing and acceptance coping styles have an impact on emotional well-being. This study contributes to the understanding of occupational stress, coping strategies, mental health and emotional well-being of academics in higher education in Northern Ireland. The findings can help to develop reliable methods to inform policy on health and well-being for university academics, which in turn lead to increased productivity at work.

scholarly journals Culturally-tailored Peer Support for Doctors and Nurses of Indian Origin

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sunil Daga ◽  
Viju Varadarajan ◽  
Manasvi Dwaraknath ◽  
Saraswati Hosdurga ◽  
Rajeev Metri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Indian Origin ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

The mental health and well-being needs of healthcare workers have risen sharply, fuelled by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Migrant healthcare workers are affected not only by events in the country where they work but also by events in countries where their family and friends reside. Despite, increase in psychological distress, migrant HCWs don’t use the existing resources to support their needs.   This paper summarises discussions from the workshop focusing on reasons/barriers in uptake of mental health and well-being resources in the UK, the scope of peer support initiatives and its boundaries in supporting colleagues in the UK and India. Finally, it makes recommendations on the governance structure and checklist when organising peer support for healthcare workers. 

scholarly journals Psychological distress, fear and coping among Malaysians during the COVID-19 pandemic

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257304
Author(s):  
Ahmed Suparno Bahar Moni ◽  
Shalimar Abdullah ◽  
Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin Abdullah ◽  
Mohammed Shahjahan Kabir ◽  
Sheikh M. Alif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Impact

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously affected the psychological well-being, social and working life of millions of people across the world. This study aimed to investigate the psychological distress, fear and coping strategies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors among Malaysian residents. Methods Participants were invited to an online cross-sectional survey from Aug-Sep 2020. The study assessed psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, level of fear using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and coping strategies using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to adjust for potential confounders. Results The mean age (±SD) of the participants (N = 720) was 31.7 (±11.5) years, and most of them were females (67.1%). Half of the participants had an income source, while 216 (30%) identified themselves as frontline health or essential service workers. People whose financial situation was impacted due to COVID-19 (AOR 2.16, 95% CIs 1.54–3.03), people who drank alcohol in the last four weeks (3.43, 1.45–8.10), people who were a patient (2.02, 1.39–2.93), and had higher levels of fear of COVID-19 (2.55, 1.70–3.80) were more likely to have higher levels of psychological distress. Participants who self-isolated due to exposure to COVID-19 (3.12, 1.04–9.32) and who had moderate to very high levels of psychological distress (2.56, 1.71–3.83) had higher levels of fear. Participants who provided care to a family member/patient with a suspected case of COVID-19 were more likely to be moderately to highly resilient compared to those who did not. Conclusion Vulnerable groups of individuals such as patients and those impacted financially during COVID-19 should be supported for their mental wellbeing. Behavioural interventions should be targeted to reduce the impact of alcohol drinking during such crisis period.

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