COVID-19 - The invisible enemy: impacts on students' mental health and coping strategies

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unexpected historical event with an impact on all aspects of life - especially those of an occupational and mental nature. In a few months, it has altered daily life and social relations and, in addition to social distancing, isolation or quarantine, the world's population has to live with fear, insecurity and human and economic losses. Young people, particularly young women with a psychiatric history and no social support, are more vulnerable to the psycho-emotional consequences of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to observe the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of students and their coping strategies. This was an observational study with a quantitative and cross-sectional method. The sample consisted of health students from a public university in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Participants were recruited from the digital platforms in June 2020, a period of social isolation. The link to the Google forms questionnaire was made available on Instagram and WhatsApp. A total of 56 students, most of them women, answered the questionnaire. The most prevalent symptoms during social isolation were anxiety (76.8%), concern (71.4%), fear (62.5%), insomnia (60.7%) and sadness (55.4%). Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness symptoms were more prevalent in younger female students with negative health perception. Complementary therapies and conversations with friends and family stand out as coping strategies. Mental health demands a convergence of efforts and institutional actions are needed to manage the psycho-emotional and neurobiological impact of COVID-19 in an integrated and integral way.

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How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043397 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043397

Author(s):

Austen El-Osta ◽

Aos Alaa ◽

Iman Webber ◽

Eva Riboli Sasco ◽

Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

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The COVID-19 Global Pandemic and Its Impact on the Mental Health of Nurses in Malaysia

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9101259 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1259

Author(s):

Ping Lei Chui ◽

Mei Chan Chong ◽

Khatijah Lim Abdullah ◽

Vimala Ramoo ◽

Li Yoong Tang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Online Survey ◽

High Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chronic Health ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Outpatient Departments ◽

High Stress Level ◽

The Impact

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic since its onset has had a dramatic and often devastating impact, both physical and psychological, on all healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess the impact of psychological distress that COVID-19 has on nurses, as well as the coping strategies that they employed. This is a cross-sectional national online survey. A total of 859 nurses actively involved in caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in Malaysia participated in the study. More than three-quarters of the nurses experienced stress (77.2%). A total of 88.7% and 7.2% of nurses revealed a moderate and high stress level, respectively. Approximately one in eight (12.1%) nurses reported feeling depressed. Nurses working in the outpatient departments reported significantly higher stress levels than nurses working in inpatient care departments. Nurses having chronic health problems reported significantly higher depression levels than nurses with no chronic health problem. Highly stressed or depressed nurses tend to adopt avoidance coping strategies while religion and emotional support were used regardless of the stress or depression levels experienced. The findings of the study provide insight into the mental health and coping strategies of nurses actively involved in caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in Malaysia. This would be of tremendous help to nursing administrators in implementing mental health services for nurses during and following the COVID-19 global pandemic.

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Mental health and coping strategies in graduate students in the COVID-19 pandemic

Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/1518-8345.5012.3491 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 29 ◽

Author(s):

Fabio Scorsolini-Comin ◽

Naiana Dapieve Patias ◽

Alisson Junior Cozzer ◽

Pedro Augusto Warken Flores ◽

Jean Von Hohendorff

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Graduate Students ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Religious Practice ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Symptoms ◽

And Coping ◽

The Impact ◽

Spearman’S Correlation

Objective: to verify the relation of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms with coping strategies in graduate students in the context of the new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Method: an electronic cross-sectional and correlational survey was conducted with 331 Brazilian graduate students, aged 20-64 years old, who answered an online form containing a sociodemographic data questionnaire, a coping strategies scale, and the DASS-21 scale. Descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman’s correlation were performed. Results: the main results indicated that maintaining work and study routines, as well as a religious practice, is correlated with lower scores of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, as well as with coping strategies that can act as protective factors. Conclusion: the new coronavirus pandemic has strained public health and increased the need for studies aimed at understanding the impact of the event on the mental health of the population. It is suggested that employment and religiousness should be considered in interventions with graduate students.

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Impact of Social Isolation on Mental Health Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-442918/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Md Ashrafur Rahman ◽

Richa Tambi ◽

Tarif Mahmud ◽

Atiqur Rahman ◽

Mehedi Hasan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Old Age ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Mental Stress ◽

Middle Age ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Negative Perception ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Although social isolation is known to limit the spread of a pandemic, the impact of mental health for such measures is yet unknown. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the impact on mental health among different age groups due to social isolation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted a carefully designed cross sectional survey on mental health that was disseminated widely by way of email, personal contact and social media to subjects aged between 11 and >70 years. For our analysis we stratified data into three distinct groups: children/young adults (11-40), middle age (40-60) and older adult age (> 60) groups. 3214 respondents answered the survey. Bonferroni corrected Chi-square tests were used to find significant relationships between the demographic groups and mental health related variables. Results: We observed a high percentage of insomnia (79%) in old age respondants compared to children/young adults (61%) and middle age (66%) groups, suggesting that ‘age’ is significantly associated (p= 3.8 X 10-06; odds ratio (OR) = 2.34) with ‘insomnia’. Respondents who were retired also reported a higher prevalence (73%) of insomnia (p = 2.79 X 10-8) compare to employed individuals. A higher level of mental stress (84%) was observed in middle aged respondents followed by old adult (71%) respondents (p=0.001). Significantly higher rates (p = 5.08 X 10-27; OR = 2.06) of mental stress were detected in people with preexisting comorbidities compared with the healthy group. The old age participants were less familiar with the concept of social isolation and 54% of old age participants had a negative perception towards social isolation compared to children/young adults (12%) and middle-aged (7%) respondents. Conclusion: Our results indicate an association between age and mental stress concomitant on the COVID-19 social isolation policy in Bangladesh. Social isolation increased insomnia and mental stress, particularly in old age and middle age group. Moreover, these older age groups also tended to have a negative perception of the COVID-19 isolation policy. Therefore, providing mental healthcare services and policy related education in developing countries should target these older age groups to ensure maintenance of their mental wellbeing and adherence to safe practice.

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Perceived Stress in Dentists and Dental Students of Latin America and the Caribbean during the Mandatory Social Isolation Measures for the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115889 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5889

Author(s):

Roberto A. León-Manco ◽

Andrés A. Agudelo-Suárez ◽

Ana Armas-Vega ◽

Márcia Cançado Figueiredo ◽

Francisca Verdugo-Paiva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Latin America ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Dental Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

General Terms ◽

Dental Staff ◽

The Caribbean ◽

The Impact

This study aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically considering the mandatory social isolation measures implemented, on the perceived stress of a sample of dentists and dental students from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the associated sociodemographic and pandemic-related variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 2036 dentists and dental students (1433 women). For the main outcome, the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was used. The survey also questioned sociodemographic aspects, questions on the COVID-19 pandemic, health variables, and habits. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses (linear regression) were applied to observe the factors associated with perceived stress. The PSS-14 mean score was 24.76 (±11.76). Hierarchical regression models showed significant variables associated with the PSS-14 scores: income level during mandatory social isolation, having older adults under care during mandatory social isolation, self-perceived level of concern regarding COVID-19, self-perceived health, Coffee consumption during mandatory social isolation. In general terms, the pandemic has influenced the personal, social, labor, and everyday life of dental staff and affected the mental health of this population specifically when perceived stress is considered. Public policies, strategies, and mental health surveillance systems are required for this population.

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The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on training and mental health of residents: a cross-sectional study

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-02655-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Eman Alshdaifat ◽

Amer Sindiani ◽

Wasim Khasawneh ◽

Omar Abu-Azzam ◽

Aref Qarqash ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Residency Training ◽

Training Programs ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Surgical Residents ◽

Tertiary Center ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Residency programs have been impacted by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study we aim to investigate and evaluate the impact of the pandemic on residents as well as residency training programs. Methods This was a cross-sectional study including a survey of 43 questions prepared on Google forms and electronically distributed among a convenience sample of residents training at a tertiary center in North Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected in the period between October 30th and November 8th of 2020. The survey included questions that addressed the impact of the pandemic on residents’ health as well as training programs. The study participants included residents in training at KAUH in 2020 and were stratified according to the type of residency program (surgical residents (SRs) and non-surgical residents (NSRs)). Statistical methods included descriptive analysis, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, Mann Whitney U test, and Cramer’s V and r statistics as measures of effect sizes. Results Of all 430 residents, 255 (59%) responded to the survey. A total of 17 (7%) of residents reported being infected with COVID-19 and a significant difference was reported between SRs and NSRs (10% vs 4%, V = .124 “small effect” (95% CI; .017–.229), p = 0.048). Approximately, 106 (42%) reported a decrease in the number of staff working at the clinic and 164 (64%) reported limited access to personal protective equipment during the pandemic. On a 4-point Likert scale for the feeling of anxiety, the median was 2 (2–3 IQR) in the NSRs group, vs 2 (1–2 IQR) in the SRs groups, with the NSRs being more likely to feel anxious (r = 0.13 “small effect” (95% CI; 0.007–0.249), p = .044). Similarly, the proportion of residents who reported feeling anxious about an inadequacy of protective equipment in the work area was significantly greater in the NSRs group (90.3% vs 75.2%; V = .201 “small effect” (95% CI; .078–.313), p = .001), as well as the proportion of residents who reported feeling increased stress and anxiety between colleagues being also significantly higher in the NSRs group (88.1% vs 76%; V = .158 “small effect” (95% CI; .032–.279), p = .012). Conclusion The burden of the ongoing pandemic on the mental health status of residents is very alarming and so providing residents with psychological counseling and support is needed. Also, critical implications on the flow of residency training programs have been noticed. This necessitates adapting and adopting smart educational techniques to compensate for such limitations.

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Mental health and its association with coping strategies and intolerance of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03370-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ahmad N. AlHadi ◽

Mohammed A. Alarabi ◽

Khulood M. AlMansoor

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Intolerance Of Uncertainty ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Symptoms

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s lives globally. The outbreak in Saudi Arabia worsened when the number of cases and deaths rose in March and April of 2020, leading to a national lockdown. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with mental health symptoms in a sample of people residing in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional study using an online survey distributed via social media, completed by 3032 respondents from all Saudi regions. We collected demographic data, illness history, and scores of validated self-report scales to assess mental health symptoms, intolerance of uncertainty, and coping strategies. Results In total, respondents indicated moderate to very severe symptoms during the pandemic as follows: 20.9% for depression, 17.5% for anxiety, and 12.6% for stress. Younger age, female gender, and history of mental illness were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Intolerance of uncertainty and certain coping strategies (such as denial or self-blame) were associated with more severe symptoms. Conclusions Mental health is a key concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for the identified vulnerable groups. Agencies concerned with mental health during crises may use the studied associated factors of mental health symptoms to generate targeted policies or interventions.

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The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa238 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Erwin Stolz ◽

Hannes Mayerl ◽

Wolfgang Freidl

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Positive Association ◽

Health Issues ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Contacts ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

The Impact ◽

Opening Phase

Abstract Background To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week ’lockdown’ in March/April 2020. We assess whether the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods Three analyses were conducted: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an assessment of the cross-sectional correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness (May 2020), and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes (March-June 2020) in loneliness (Corona panel). Results We found (1) increased loneliness in 2020 compared with previous years, (2) a moderate positive association between the number of restriction measures older adults were affected from and their loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during ’lockdown’ compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Conclusion We provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus no strong negative consequences for older adults’ mental health are expected. Nonetheless, the effects on loneliness, and subsequent mental health issues, might be both more long-lasting and severe if future restriction measures are enacted repeatedly and/or over longer time periods.

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

Advances in Autism ◽

10.1108/aia-10-2020-0057 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Conor James Davidson ◽

Keri Lodge ◽

Alwyn Kam

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Significant Deterioration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Autistic People ◽

Autistic Adults ◽

The Impact

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

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Impact of perceived social support and parental bonding in predicting suicidal intent among self-harm patients

Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ◽

10.47391/jpma.1299 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Naila Yaqoob ◽

Sadaf Ahsan

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Demographic Variable ◽

Parental Bonding ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Suicidal Intent ◽

Suicide Intent ◽

Self Harm ◽

The Impact

Objective: The present study investigated the impact of perceived social-support and parental-bonding in predicting suicidal intent among self-harm patients.Methods: Cross-sectional research design was used in current study. Study was conducted at Foundation University, Rawalpindi from February, 2019 to September, 2019. A purposive sample of 50 self-harm patients was collected from different mental health departments of hospitals of Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Peshawar. Participants were administered Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Parental-Bonding Instrument (PBI) and Beck Suicide Intention Scale (BSIS). Data was analyzed through SPSS using correlation, t test and regression. Differences on the basis of demographic variable were also studied.Results: The main results of the study specified that social support and parental bonding’ factor ‘care’ had significant negative correlation with suicide intent. Moreover, it negatively predicted suicide intent. Whereas, parental boding’ factor ‘overprotectiveness’ had significant positive correlation with suicide intent and significantly positively predicted suicide intent. Conclusion: The outcomes of present study emphasized that social-support and parental bonding both can play substantial roles in saving lives. Researchers and mental health experts will be able to start examine about the factors that distinguish deliberate self-harm from attempted suicide as well as the characteristics common to both conducts. Continuous...

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