Association between Socioeconomic Status and Psychological Distress among Rwandan Refugees in Zambia: a Gender Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 37-59
Author(s):  
Victor Mwanamwambwa ◽  
Basil Joseph Pillay
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Occupational Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gender Perspective ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Urban refugees face several challenges which affect their emotional, social, and psychological well-being. This study utilised a quantitative cross-sectional design. The study assessed the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and psychological distress from a gender perspective among Rwandan refugees in Lusaka, Zambia. Two hundred and sixty-seven refugees between 18 and 65(M=33.99 years) participated in the study. The sample comprised men (47.9%) and women (52.1%) who were selected from Lusaka townships using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. SES was measured by assessing participants’ educational attainment, occupational status or employment, income, and financial support, whereas subjective psychological distress was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Framed within the feminist and the ecological systems perspectives, the study established an association between SES and psychological distress. The proportions of female participants in the lower education and unemployment categories and lower-income bracket were considerably higher than males in the same category. Similarly, the study revealed that the proportion of females (27%) with severe depression was higher than males (19%). However, the gender difference was negligible with other subscales such as the somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, and social dysfunction. Bivariate associations revealed well-established gender differences, where women with low education and financial support reported higher levels of psychological distress. Multivariate analysis revealed that employment predicted a lower level of psychological distress in both men and women. The findings highlight that refugees’ access to employment is an essential factor in determining psychological well-being. Well-defined intervention strategies by government and humanitarian bodies are critical and should aim to empower refugees towards easy access to formal and informal labour market opportunities.

scholarly journals Risk perception and psychological state of healthcare workers in referral hospitals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Migisha ◽  
Alex Riolexus Ario ◽  
Benon Kwesiga ◽  
Lilian Bulage ◽  
Daniel Kadobera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Referral Hospitals

Abstract Background Safeguarding the psychological well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial to ensuring sustainability and quality of healthcare services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs may be subject to excessive mental stress. We assessed the risk perception and immediate psychological state of HCWs early in the pandemic in referral hospitals involved in the management of COVID-19 patients in Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in five referral hospitals from April 20–May 22, 2020. During this time, we distributed paper-based, self-administered questionnaires to all consenting HCWs on day shifts. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographics, occupational behaviors, potential perceived risks, and psychological distress. We assessed risk perception towards COVID-19 using 27 concern statements with a four-point Likert scale. We defined psychological distress as a total score > 12 from the 12-item Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We used modified Poisson regression to identify factors associated with psychological distress. Results Among 335 HCWs who received questionnaires, 328 (98%) responded. Respondents’ mean age was 36 (range 18–59) years; 172 (52%) were male. The median duration of professional experience was eight (range 1–35) years; 208 (63%) worked more than 40 h per week; 116 (35%) were nurses, 52 (14%) doctors, 30 (9%) clinical officers, and 86 (26%) support staff. One hundred and forty-four (44%) had a GHQ-12 score > 12. The most common concerns reported included fear of infection at the workplace (81%), stigma from colleagues (79%), lack of workplace support (63%), and inadequate availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (56%). In multivariable analysis, moderate (adjusted prevalence ratio, [aPR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.0) and high (aPR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.0–7.0) risk perception towards COVID-19 (compared with low-risk perception) were associated with psychological distress. Conclusions Forty-four percent of HCWs surveyed in hospitals treating COVID-19 patients during the early COVID-19 epidemic in Uganda reported psychological distress related to fear of infection, stigma, and inadequate PPE. Higher perceived personal risk towards COVID-19 was associated with increased psychological distress. To optimize patient care during the pandemic and future outbreaks, workplace management may consider identifying and addressing HCW concerns, ensuring sufficient PPE and training, and reducing infection-associated stigma.

scholarly journals Psycho-Emotional Approach to the Psychological Distress Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Domínguez-Salas ◽  
Juan Gómez-Salgado ◽  
Montserrat Andrés-Villas ◽  
Diego Díaz-Milanés ◽  
Macarena Romero-Martín ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Level Of Concern ◽  
High Level ◽  
Emotional Approach

Anxiety, depression, and stress are common and expected reactions to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this study is to analyze psychological distress in a sample of Spanish population, identifying the predictive nature of the information received, the preventive measures taken, level of concern, beliefs, and knowledge about the infection. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a sample of 4615 participants. Data were collected through a self-prepared questionnaire and the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Bivariate analyses and logistic regressions were performed. Of the total participants, 71.98% presented psychological distress. The study population actively sought information about coronavirus, expressed a high level of concern and knowledge, and the most frequent preventive behavior was hand washing. As predictive factors, the degree of concern for COVID-19 was identified (odds ratio (OR) = 1.244, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.179, 1.312]), the number of hours spent consulting information on COVID-19 (OR = 1.038, 95% CI = [1.009, 1.068]), or the need for psychological support (OR = 1.135, 95% CI = [1.094, 1.177]), among others. These results could help design more effective strategies towards a psycho-emotional approach for the population when in similar health crisis situations. There is a need for interventions aimed at the psychological well-being of the population that meet the needs of their reality.

scholarly journals The clinical utility of a comprehensive psychosomatic assessment in the program for colorectal cancer prevention: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Gostoli ◽  
Maria Montecchiarini ◽  
Alessia Urgese ◽  
Francesco Ferrara ◽  
Anna Maria Polifemo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Secondary Prevention ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Psychosocial Characteristics ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being

AbstractFew studies have investigated psychosocial characteristics and lifestyle behaviors of participants at programs for secondary prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed, through a comprehensive psychosomatic assessment based on clinimetric principles, to evaluate psychosocial characteristics and lifestyle behaviors in participants at CRC secondary prevention program, and to investigate the associations between these variables and endoscopic outcomes. In this cross-sectional study, the first 150 consecutive asymptomatic participants at the CRC prevention program who resulted positive to fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and were thus referred to colonoscopy, underwent a psychosomatic assessment including psychiatric diagnoses (DSM-5), psychosomatic syndromes (DCPR-R), psychological distress, psychological well-being and lifestyle behaviors. Whereas only 5.3% of the sample showed at least one DSM-5 diagnosis, 51.3% showed at least one DCPR syndrome, such as allostatic overload, alexithymia, Type A behavior, and demoralization. Patients affected by psychosomatic syndromes presented with significantly higher psychological distress, lower psychological well-being and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as tobacco smoking and unhealthy diet, in comparison with patients without DCPR syndromes. Among endoscopic outcomes, the presence of adenomas was significantly associated with DCPR irritable mood. In a clinical context of secondary prevention addressing asymptomatic patients with positive FOBT, a comprehensive psychosomatic assessment may provide relevant clinical information for those patients who present certain psychosomatic syndromes associated with high psychological distress, impaired psychological well-being, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and colorectal precancerous lesions. The results of the present study indicate a road to the practice of “preventive” medicine at CRC screening program.

scholarly journals Psychological well-being and substance abuse among adolescents (13 to 19 years) in Central Kerala

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 4283
Author(s):  
Rajalakshmy Aiyappan ◽  
Sherin Billy Abraham ◽  
Aneeta Veronica Mary ◽  
Amritalakshmy K. J. ◽  
An Rahael V. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Developmental Phase ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Background: Adolescence is a developmental phase between childhood and adulthood, a period where one gains a desire of intimacy and increased responsibilities. Based on their interaction with family and society, adolescents develop positive outcomes such as getting involved in healthy behaviour and negative outcomes such as depression and substance abuse. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of poor psychological well-being and substance abuse among adolescents (13 to 19 years) in Central Kerala, and to assess the role of substance abuse in psychological well-being in adolescents.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 300 secondary and higher secondary school students in three government aided institutions in Central Kerala. All students available in the school at the time of the study formed the inclusion criteria; however, 10th standard students were excluded. Data on basic demographic variables were collected. General Health Questionnaire and Adolescent Alcohol Drug Involvement Scale (AADIS) were used to collect information on psychological wellbeing and alcohol use. The data were entered and analysed using standard statistical package. For significance testing, Chi square test was carried out.Results: Mean age was 14.49 years with a standard deviation of 1.31. Males were 64.5% and 82.6% belonged to nuclear family. Psychological wellbeing was significantly better in males compared to females (p=0.025). Males (7.6%) and females (4.3%) were found to be using alcohol by AADIS questionnaire. Those who were not under the influence of alcohol had better well-being when compared to those who consumed alcohol (p=0.0016).Conclusions: Prevalence of poor psychological wellbeing and substance abuse among adolescents was 7.8% and 6.4% respectively. Females were more emotionally unstable than males. Substance abuse cause further deterioration of mental function in adolescents.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress and Well-Being among Students of Health Disciplines: The Importance of Academic Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2151
Author(s):  
Jessica Franzen ◽  
Françoise Jermann ◽  
Paolo Ghisletta ◽  
Serge Rudaz ◽  
Guido Bondolfi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Academic Satisfaction

Background: Research on the mental health of students in health disciplines mainly focuses on psychological distress and nursing and medical students. This study aimed to investigate the psychological well-being and distress and related factors among undergraduate students training in eight different health-related tracks in Geneva, Switzerland. Methods: This cross-sectional study used established self-filled scales for anxiety, depression, stress, psychological well-being, and study satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analyses were applied. Results: In October 2019, out of 2835 invited students, 915 (32%) completed the survey. Lower academic satisfaction scores were strongly associated with depression (β = −0.26, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = −0.27, p < 0.001), and stress (β = −0.70, p < 0.001), while higher scores were associated with psychological well-being (β = 0.70, p < 0.001). Being female was strongly associated with anxiety and stress but not with depression or psychological well-being. Increased age was associated with enhanced psychological well-being. The nature of the academic training had a lesser impact on mental health and the academic year had none. Conclusion: Academic satisfaction strongly predicts depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological well-being. Training institutions should address the underlying factors that can improve students’ satisfaction with their studies while ensuring that they have access to psychosocial services that help them cope with mental distress and enhance their psychological well-being.

scholarly journals Assessment of Psychological Distress among General Population during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Lockdown – An Indian Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lakshmi V Pandit ◽  
Neil M Salian ◽  
Aishwarya M Salian
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Institutional Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Distress Scale

Objective: In December 2019, the world experienced spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Measures to contain spread included movement restrictions (Lockdown), quarantine for contacts, and institutional care for those infected. Fear of contracting the infection, mortality rates, experience of a lockdown, and economic concerns exposed people to great stress. On this background, the present study was conducted to assess psychological distress in these times. Methods: Consenting individuals comfortable to respond to an online survey were included as subjects. The study is cross-sectional in design; descriptive analysis and Chi-square tests were done. Socio demographic details were collected. Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale was administered to assess psychological well-being. Results Psychological distress was seen in 68% of the sample, ranging from mild-to-severe, across all age group, except in those below 18 years. Those aged 30–59 years experienced psychological distress before lockdown as well. Females experienced more distress than males, as well as those of the group with lower income. Conclusions: Responsibility of maintaining psychological well-being rests with each of us. Healthcare workers and mental health professionals need to identify and address psychological issues in the population during this period. Governmental organizations must take on the responsibility to educate the public through newspapers, television, and social media about the importance of maintaining positive psychological health and contribute to the same by honest journalism.

scholarly journals Psychological well-being and burnout amongst medical students in India: a report from a nationally accessible survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharad Philip ◽  
Andrew Molodynski ◽  
Lauren Barklie ◽  
Dinesh Bhugra ◽  
Santosh K. Chaturvedi
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
Spearman’S Correlation

Abstract Background Medical students in India face multiple challenges and sources of stress during their training. No nationally representative survey has yet been undertaken. We undertook a cross-sectional national survey to assess substance use, psychological well-being, and burnout using CAGE, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and the short General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The survey was open to all medical students in India. Descriptive statistics along with chi square tests and Spearman’s correlation were performed. Results Burnout was reported by 86% of respondents for disengagement and 80% for exhaustion. Seventy percent had a score of more than 2 on the GHQ-12, indicating caseness. Conclusions This study reveals that medical students are going through exceptional stress when compared to their age-matched peers. More nationally representative studies must be conducted on a large scale to quantify the problem and to help design new interventions.

scholarly journals The Clinical Utility of A Comprehensive Psychosomatic Assessment in The Program for Colorectal Cancer Prevention: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Gostoli ◽  
Maria Montecchiarini ◽  
Alessia Urgese ◽  
Francesco Ferrara ◽  
Anna Maria Polifemo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Secondary Prevention ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Psychosocial Characteristics ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Abstract Background: Few studies have investigated psychosocial characteristics and lifestyle behaviors of participants at programs for secondary prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed, through a comprehensive psychosomatic assessment based on clinimetric principles, to evaluate psychosocial characteristics and lifestyle behaviors in participants at CRC secondary prevention program, and to investigate the associations between these variables and endoscopic outcomes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the first 150 consecutive asymptomatic participants at the CRC prevention program who resulted positive to fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and were thus referred to colonoscopy, underwent a psychosomatic assessment including psychiatric diagnoses (DSM-5), psychosomatic syndromes (DCPR-R), psychological distress (SQ), psychological well-being (PWB-I) and lifestyle behaviors. Results: Whereas only 5.3% of the sample showed at least one DSM-5 diagnosis, 51.3% showed at least one DCPR syndrome, such as allostatic overload, alexithymia, Type A behavior, and demoralization. Patients affected by psychosomatic syndromes presented with significantly higher psychological distress, lower psychological well-being and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as tobacco smoking and unhealthy diet, in comparison with patients without DCPR syndromes. Among endoscopic outcomes, the presence of adenomas was significantly associated with DCPR irritable mood. Conclusions: In a clinical context of secondary prevention addressing asymptomatic patients with a positive FOBT, a comprehensive psychosomatic assessment may provide relevant clinical information for those patients who present certain psychosomatic syndromes associated with high psychological distress, impaired psychological well-being, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and colorectal precancerous lesions. The results of the present study indicate a road to the practice of “preventive” medicine at CRC screening program.

scholarly journals Consequences of COVID19-pandemic lockdown on Italian occupational physicians’ psychosocial health

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0243194
Author(s):  
Simone De Sio ◽  
Giuseppe La Torre ◽  
Giuseppe Buomprisco ◽  
Ekaterina Lapteva ◽  
Roberto Perri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Occupational Physicians

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 12, 2020. Italy has been the most affected country in the world, right after China. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were among the hardest hit by this event from both a working and psychological point of view. The aim of this web-based cross-sectional study is to assess the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian Occupational Physicians’ well-being and psychological distress, in relation to demographic and occupational characteristic, lifestyle and habits during the lockdown period. We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey questionnaire from April 1 to April 21st, 2020. To evaluate the level of psychological distress and the level of well-being, the general Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index were utilized. Since the statistical assumptions were respected, we proceeded with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to ascertain the differences between the averages of the scores of the GHQ-12. Doctors who live in the most affected regions have a prevalence of psychological distress higher than their colleagues from the rest of Italy. ANOVA shows significant differences relating to the female gender, and to the life changes provoked by the lockdown for example not feeling sheltered at home or suffering from loneliness. This study showed a high prevalence of psychological distress in occupational physicians. To prevent the occurrence of mental disorders among Occupational Physicians, it is urgent to put in place policies of psychological support and well-being preservation.

scholarly journals Psychological Well-Being of Malaysian University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Religiosity and Religious Coping Matter?

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1535
Author(s):  
Aisyah Che Rahimi ◽  
Raishan Shafini Bakar ◽  
Mohd Azhar Mohd Yasin
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Religious Coping ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being

The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed that changed the teaching and learning activities may add a psychological impact to the existing academic stress faced by university students. Past studies have associated low levels of psychological disorder with high religiosity and positive religious coping (RC). This study aimed to determine the level of psychological disorder among university students in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic and measure their association with religiosity and religious coping (RC). An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and June 2020 involving 450 students. The survey instruments consisted of sociodemographic proforma, Duke University Religious Index (DUREL) for religiosity, Brief RCOPE Scale for RC and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) for psychological disorder; 36% of the participants experienced psychological disorder. Younger age, being a Muslim, living in the Green/Yellow zone and higher negative RC were significantly associated with psychological disorder. Higher positive RC was found to be protective against psychological disorder. However, the level of religiosity had no significant association with psychological disorder. In conclusion, the level of psychological disorder among university students has been high during the pandemic. Measures and interventions focusing on positive RC and reducing negative RC are recommended to improve the psychological well-being.

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