scholarly journals The Impact of Coping Skills in Post-traumatic Growth of Healthcare Providers: When Mental Health Is Deteriorating Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lulejete Prekazi ◽  
Vjosa Hajrullahu ◽  
Shegë Bahtiri ◽  
Blerta Kryeziu ◽  
Blertë Hyseni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Coping Skills ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Potentially Traumatic Events ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

Background: Frontline healthcare providers are consistently exposed to potentially traumatic events while assisting patients with COVID-19. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) happens when a person can transform trauma and use adversity in one’s advantage. In response to limited studies on positive outcomes that may occur from the pandemic; this study aimed to elucidate the positive impact of coping with COVID-19 outbreak on mental health, such as PTG.Methodology: The study comprised a sample of 691 healthcare providers 59% female, including physicians (n = 138) and nurses (n = 550), working in public health facilities in Kosovo, with an average age of 41.6 years (SD = 10.79). They were asked to complete a questionnaire with four parts: Socio-demographic, GHQ-28, COPE and PTGI. A deterioration of mental health with somatic symptoms leading to the escalation due to COVID-19 outbreak was found.Results: Female healthcare providers reported more clinical symptoms as well as higher coping skills scores than men. The domains in which positive changes were most frequently observed were Relating to Others, New Possibilities and Personal Strength. There was no significant direct effect of mental health on PTG in the mediation model, though a significant indirect effect was observed for coping skills.Conclusion: The results suggest that levels of mental health exacerbation do not play a conclusive role in determining levels of PTG, as long coping mechanisms are in place. The development and implementation of interventions to minimize COVID-19-related mental health consequences, by fostering PTG among healthcare providers could be highly beneficial in pandemic response work.

There’s Something Happening Here: The Positive Impact of Collaborative Songwriting on Veterans Suffering from PTSD

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Mary Judd
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Small Pilot Study ◽  
Writing Workshops ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Skilled Professional ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Creative Writing Workshops

SongwritingWith:Soldiers (SW:S) is a non profit, coaching-based program that uses collaborative songwriting to build creativity, connections and strengths in order to help improve people’s lives. The results have been positively life changing, even lifesaving, for many. The focus of a recent small pilot study by Harvard Mass General researchers on the impact of SW:S’s collaborative songwriting intervention (CSI) on veterans found the CSI sessions to reduce PTSD (-33%) and Depressive symptoms (-25%), potentially sparking further positive change and movement forward. In full SW:S weekend retreats, 8-12 veterans are paired with highly skilled professional songwriters to turn their military experiences into songs. When not writing songs, the participants attend creative writing workshops, meditation or yoga sessions and other activities to foster further connections and post traumatic growth. More than 400 veterans and family members have attended SW:S events; more than 400 songs have been written, countless lives changed. Feedback from retreat participants reveals post-retreat increases in feelings of hope and optimism (77%), increased creative pursuits (83%), connections with others (78%) and a 100% endorsement for other veterans to attend. Efforts are under wayto expand the study and eventually broaden it to include additional components of the positive psychology, coaching-based program.

scholarly journals Spatial clustering of people with memories and responses six years after an earthquake in Cauquenes, Chile

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Leiva-Bianchi ◽  
Carlos Mena ◽  
Yony Ormazábal ◽  
Carlos Serrano
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Spatial Clustering ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Geographic Clustering ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

The occurrence of earthquakes can cause psychiatric problems expressed as unpleasant and uncontrollable memories of the event termed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mapping the location of people and identifying their exposure and reactions to an earthquake can be extremely valuable from a public, mental health point of view. The main objective of this study was to examine people with respect to PTSD and healthy post-traumatic growth (PTG) after an earthquake searching for expression of geographic clustering that could be useful for a better understanding of mental health conditions. Geographic information systems analyses were performed to detect global and local geographic clustering. Investigating 171 randomly selected adults from Cauquenes, Chile, we demonstrated spatially clustered variables related to PTSD and PTG in Cauquenes six years after an earthquake. Urban and peri-urban areas had clear differences (hotspots/coldspots). The spatial identifications found should facilitate exploring the impact of mental health programmes in communities exposed to disasters like earthquakes, thereby improving their quality of life as well as reducing overall costs.

scholarly journals Psychological resilience and post-traumatic growth in disaster-exposed organisations: overview of the literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 166 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Brooks ◽  
R Amlôt ◽  
G J Rubin ◽  
N Greenberg
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Psychological Resilience ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Post Traumatic

As disasters become increasingly prevalent, and reported on, a wealth of literature on post-disaster mental health has been published. Most published evidence focuses on symptoms of mental health problems (such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety) and psychosocial factors increasing the risk of such symptoms. However, a recent shift in the literature has moved to exploring resilience and the absence of adverse lasting mental health effects following a disaster. This paper undertakes a qualitative review of the literature to explore factors affecting psychological resilience, as well as the potential positive impact of experiencing a disaster (post-traumatic growth) by examining the literature on employees in disaster-exposed organisations. We identify several protective factors: training, experience, and perceived (personal) competence; social support; and effective coping strategies. Post-traumatic growth frequently appeared to occur at both personal and professional levels for those rescue staff after a disaster, giving employees a greater appreciation of life and their relationships, enhancing their self-esteem and providing a sense of accomplishment and better understanding of their work. Implications, in terms of how to build a resilient workforce, are discussed.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Study of Psychological Status during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junko Okuyama ◽  
Shuji Seto ◽  
Yu Fukuda ◽  
Kanako Taku ◽  
Mayumi Willgerodt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
The Past ◽  
Disaster Experience ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Difficult Situations

Abstract Researchers believe that the impact of repeated trauma on mental health is incrementally more significant than the simple additive effect of one event. This study questioned whether this repetition only further worsens people's mental health. We found that they may report more positive changes than those who haven’t. Thus, we hypothesized that repeatedly experiencing difficult situations and suffering might increase post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG can be defined as "positive psychological changes experienced due to coping with very difficult life situations," leading to positive outcomes and feelings of well-being. We found that those who experienced a disaster in the past were more depressed, anxious, and stressed than those who had never experienced a disaster and now experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, past disaster experience led to a more psychological response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which, in turn, led to an increase PTG. Globally, we found that supportive social interactions, including those with family members, could develop PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve better well-being during the continuation of the pandemic in the future.

scholarly journals How communication technology helps mitigating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on individual and social wellbeing: Preliminary support for a compensatory social interaction model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natale Canale ◽  
Claudia Marino ◽  
Michela Lenzi ◽  
Alessio Vieno ◽  
Mark Griffiths ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Interaction Model ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Prosocial Behaviors ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

The present study preliminary tested the compensatory social interaction model for individuals experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic. This original model comprises two distinct processes: expression of online emotions leads to post-traumatic growth, which can favor positive mental health and prosocial behaviors; and receiving online social support leads to increases in positive mental health, which can also favor prosocial behaviors. Adults living in Italy (n=1412) completed an online survey during the lockdown period in March 2020. Results showed that being more involved in expression of online emotions was associated with higher post-traumatic growth that in turn was associated with prosocial behaviors. Moreover, participants who perceived higher online social support were more likely to report higher positive mental health that in turn was associated with prosocial behaviors. Collectively, these two social interaction processes suggest that communication technologies appear to be critical resources in helping individuals cope with difficulties raised by the Covid-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress and Post-Traumatic Symptomatology among Dental Healthcare Workers in Russia: Results of a Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sarapultseva ◽  
Alena Zolotareva ◽  
Igor Kritsky ◽  
Natal’ya Nasretdinova ◽  
Alexey Sarapultsev
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Stress Disorders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection has increased the risk of mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and healthcare workers (HCWs) are at greater risk than other occupational groups. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to explore the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among dental HCWs in Russia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The survey was carried out among 128 dental HCWs from three dental clinics of Ekaterinburg, Russia. The mean age of the sample was 38.6 years. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21); PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self-Report (PSS-SR); subjective distress was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The results indicated that 20.3–24.2% HCWs had mild to extremely severe symptoms of psychological distress, and 7.1–29.7% had clinical symptoms of PTSD. No differences between females and males were revealed. HCWs working directly with patients had significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms and the risk of PTSD development compared to those working indirectly, whereas older HCWs had significantly higher levels of both psychological distress and PTSD symptoms compared to younger HCWs. Thus, dental HCWs are at high risk for psychological distress and PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Experiences and impact of international medical volunteering: a multi-country mixed methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e041599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary McCauley ◽  
Joanna Raven ◽  
Nynke van den Broek
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Medical Volunteers ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo assess the experience and impact of medical volunteers who facilitated training workshops for healthcare providers in maternal and newborn emergency care in 13 countries.SettingsBangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, UK and Zimbabwe.ParticipantsMedical volunteers from the UK (n=162) and from low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) (n=138).Outcome measuresExpectations, experience, views, personal and professional impact of the experience of volunteering on medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC.ResultsUK-based medical volunteers (n=38) were interviewed using focus group discussions (n=12) and key informant interviews (n=26). 262 volunteers (UK-based n=124 (47.3%), and LMIC-based n=138 (52.7%)) responded to the online survey (62% response rate), covering 506 volunteering episodes. UK-based medical volunteers were motivated by altruism, and perceived volunteering as a valuable opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teaching and communication, skills reported to be transferable to their home workplace. Medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC (n=244) reported increased confidence (98%, n=239); improved teamwork (95%, n=232); strengthened leadership skills (90%, n=220); and reported that volunteering had a positive impact for the host country (96%, n=234) and healthcare providers trained (99%, n=241); formed sustainable partnerships (97%, n=237); promoted multidisciplinary team working (98%, n=239); and was a good use of resources (98%, n=239). Medical volunteers based in LMIC reported higher satisfaction scores than those from the UK with regards to impact on personal and professional development.ConclusionHealthcare providers from the UK and LMIC are highly motivated to volunteer to increase local healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills in low-resource settings. Further research is necessary to understand the experiences of local partners and communities regarding how the impact of international medical volunteering can be mutually beneficial and sustainable with measurable outcomes.

scholarly journals Exploring the impact of COVID-19 and restrictions to daily living as a result of social distancing within veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Murphy ◽  
C Williamson ◽  
J Baumann ◽  
W Busuttil ◽  
N T Fear
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionData are emerging showing the adverse consequences on mental health of the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the needs of veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsData were collected through a cross-sectional online survey from a randomly selected sample (n=1092) of military veterans who have sought help for mental health difficulties from a veteran-specific UK-based charity. The response rate was 25.2% (n=275). Participants were asked to complete a range of standardised mental health outcomes (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, common mental health difficulties (CMDs): 12-Item General Health Questionnaire, difficulties with anger: 5-Item Dimensions of Anger Reactions—Revised and alcohol misuse: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and endorse a list of potential stressors related to changes to daily life resulting from COVID-19. Regression analyses were fitted to explore predictors of mental health severity.ResultsIt was observed that symptoms of common mental disorder and PTSD (69.3% and 65.0%, respectively) were the most commonly reported to have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Lack of social support and reporting increasing numbers of stressors related to COVID-19 were consistently associated with increasing severity of a range of mental health difficulties.ConclusionsOur findings suggest veterans who had pre-existing mental health difficulties prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 may be at increased risk of experiencing CMDs as a result of the pandemic. Intervening to improve levels of social support and offering practical guidance to better manage any additional stressors relating to the pandemic may provide strategies to help reduce the burden of mental health symptoms.

scholarly journals Evaluating clinical outcomes of routinely delivered task-shared care for depression in rural Haiti

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra L. Rose ◽  
Ryan McBain ◽  
Jesse Wilson ◽  
Sarah F. Coleman ◽  
Emmanuel Mathieu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
International Health ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Care Organization ◽  
Depression Care ◽  
Resource Limited Settings ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There is a growing literature in support of the effectiveness of task-shared mental health interventions in resource-limited settings globally. However, despite evidence that effect sizes are greater in research studies than actual care, the literature is sparse on the impact of such interventions as delivered in routine care. In this paper, we examine the clinical outcomes of routine depression care in a task-shared mental health system established in rural Haiti by the international health care organization Partners In Health, in collaboration with the Haitian Ministry of Health, following the 2010 earthquake. Methods For patients seeking depression care betw|een January 2016 and December 2019, we conducted mixed-effects longitudinal regression to quantify the effect of depression visit dose on symptoms, incorporating interaction effects to examine the relationship between baseline severity and dose. Results 306 patients attended 2052 visits. Each visit was associated with an average reduction of 1.11 in depression score (range 0–39), controlling for sex, age, and days in treatment (95% CI −1.478 to −0.91; p < 0.001). Patients with more severe symptoms experienced greater improvement as a function of visits (p = 0.04). Psychotherapy was provided less frequently and medication more often than expected for patients with moderate symptoms. Conclusions Our findings support the potential positive impact of scaling up routine mental health services in low- and middle-income countries, despite greater than expected variability in service provision, as well as the importance of understanding potential barriers and facilitators to care as they occur in resource-limited settings.

scholarly journals The Influence of Human–Animal Interactions on Mental and Physical Health during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Phase in the U.K.: A Qualitative Exploration

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Dimitra Kale ◽  
Daniel S. Mills ◽  
Catherine Reeve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of animals as sources of emotional and physical support during a period when most of the population is experiencing social and environmental challenges. We investigated how companion animal owners perceived the influence of human–animal interaction on their physical and mental health during the first COVID-19 lockdown phase in the U.K., and what concerns they had regarding their animals at this time. We also explored the impact of participants’ interaction with non-companion animals during this phase. A cross-sectional online survey of U.K. residents aged over 18 was conducted between April and June 2020. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences and/or perceptions of their human–animal relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. A qualitative thematic analysis of responses was undertaken. Four main themes related to the following aspects of human–animal interactions during the COVID-19 lockdown phase were identified: the positive impact of animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., amelioration of wellbeing and mental health), concerns relating to animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., concerns over animals carrying the COVID-19 virus), grief and loss of an animal during the COVID-19 lockdown and the impact of engaging with non-companion animals during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings complement and extend previous insights into the impact of human–animal interaction with both companion and non-companion animals. They also highlight the challenges of caring for an animal during the lockdown phase and indicate the need to consider the development of further targeted support strategies, such as “day care” for the companion animals of key workers in this context.

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