scholarly journals Cross-National Study of Worrying, Loneliness, and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison between Individuals with and without Infection in the Family

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 903
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
...  

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine differences in worry, loneliness, and mental health between those individuals infected by COVID-19 or having someone their family infected, and the rest of the population. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA, and Australia during April/May 2020. Participants (n = 3810) were recruited via social media postings by the researchers and the involved universities. Differences between those with and without infection in the family were investigated with chi-square tests and independent t-tests. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess associations between sociodemographic variables and psychological outcomes (worry, loneliness, and mental health) in both groups. Results: Compared to their counterparts, participants with infection in the family reported higher levels of worries about themselves (p < 0.05) and their family members (p < 0.001) and had poorer mental health (p < 0.05). However, the effect sizes related to the differences were small. The largest effect (d = 0.24) concerned worries about their immediate family. Poorer psychological outcomes were observed in those who were younger, female, unemployed, living alone and had lower levels of education, yet with small effect sizes. Conclusions: In view of the small differences between those with and without infection, we generally conclude that the mental health effects of the COVID-19 situation are not limited to those who have been infected or have had an infection within the family but extend to the wider population.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, strict national policies regarding public behavior were implemented in countries throughout the world, including Europe, America and Australia. Social distancing became the main policy for public behavior, in effect imposing radical changes in people’s everyday life. Thus, mental health may be affected at the general population level and not only among those who have been infected by the disease or have witnessed family members or close ones fall ill. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. Participants (n = 3810) were recruited via social media postings by the researchers and the involved universities. Differences between those with and without infection in the family were investigated with chi-square tests and independent t-tests. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess associations between sociodemographic variables and psychological outcomes (worry, loneliness and mental health) in both groups. Results: Compared to their counterparts, participants with infection in the family reported higher levels of worries about themselves (p < 0.05) and their family members (p < 0.001), and had poorer mental health (p < 0.05). However, the effect sizes related to the differences were small. The largest effect (d = 0.24) concerned worries about their immediate family. Poorer psychological outcomes were observed in those who were younger, female, unemployed, living alone and had lower levels of edcuation, yet with small effect sizes. Conclusions: In view of the small differences between those with and without infection, we generally conclude that the mental health effects of the COVID-19 situation are not limited to those who have been infected or have had infection within the family, but extend to the general population.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
...  

Abstract Background As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, strict national policies regarding public behavior were implemented in countries throughout the world, including Europe, America and Australia. Social distancing became the main policy for public behavior, in effect imposing radical changes in people’s everyday life. Thus, mental health may be affected at the general population level and not only among those who have been infected by the disease or have witnessed family members or close ones fall ill. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. Participants (n = 3810) were recruited via social media postings by the researchers and the involved universities. Differences between those with and without infection in the family were investigated with chi-square tests and independent t-tests. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess associations between sociodemographic variables and psychological outcomes (worry, loneliness and mental health) in both groups. Results Compared to their counterparts, participants with infection in the family reported higher levels of worries about themselves (p < 0.05) and their family members (p < 0.001), and had poorer mental health (p < 0.05). However, the effect sizes related to the differences were small. The largest effect (d = 0.24) concerned worries about their immediate family. Poorer psychological outcomes were observed in those who were younger, female, unemployed, living alone and had lower levels of edcuation, yet with small effect sizes. Conclusions In view of the small differences between those with and without infection, we generally conclude that the mental health effects of the COVID-19 situation are not limited to those who have been infected or have had infection within the family, but extend to the general population.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Schoultz Mariyana ◽  
Leung Janni ◽  
Bonsaksen Tore ◽  
Ruffolo Mary ◽  
Thygesen Hilde ◽  
...  

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muna Alshekaili ◽  
Walid Hassan ◽  
Nazik Al Said ◽  
Fatima Alsulaimani ◽  
Sathish Kumar Jayapal ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess and compare demographic and psychological factors and sleep status of frontline HCWs in relation to non-frontline HCWs DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey from the 8th to the 17th of April 2020 across varied health care settings in Oman accruing 1139 HCWS. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Mental health status was assessed using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21), and insomnia was evaluated by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Samples were categorized into the frontline and non-frontline groups. Chi-square, odds ratio, and independent t-tests were used to compare groups by demographic and mental health outcomes. Results This study included 1139 HCWs working in Oman. There was a total of 368 (32.3%), 388 (34.1%), 271 (23.8%), and 211 (18.5%) respondents reported to have depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia, respectively while working during the pandemic period. HCWs in the frontline group were 1.4 times more likely to have anxiety (OR=1.401, p=0.007) and stress (OR=1.404, p=0.015) as compared to those working in the non-frontline group. On indices of sleep-wake cycles, HCWs in the frontline group were 1.37 times more likely to report insomnia (OR=1.377, p=0.037) when compared to those working in the non-frontline group. No significant differences in depression status between workers in the frontline and non-frontline groups were found (p=0.181). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the differential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on different grades of HCWs. This study suggests that frontline HCWs are disproportionally affected compared to non-frontline HCWs. The problem with managing sleep-wake cycles and anxiety symptoms were highly endorsed among frontline HCWs. As psychosocial interventions are likely to be constrained owing to the pandemic, mental health care must first be directed to frontline HCWs.


Author(s):  
Kimberly Thomson ◽  
Emily Jenkins ◽  
Randip Gill ◽  
Chris Richardson ◽  
Monique Gagné Petteni ◽  
...  

Pandemic-related disruptions, including school, child care, and workplace closures, financial stressors, and relationship challenges, present unique risks to families’ mental health. We examined the mental health impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among parents with children <18 years old living at home over three study rounds in May 2020 (n = 618), September 2020 (n = 804), and January 2021 (n = 602). Data were collected using a cross-sectional online survey of adults living in Canada, nationally representative by age, gender, household income, and region. Chi-square tests and logistic regression compared outcomes between parents and the rest of the sample, among parent subgroups, and over time. Parents reported worsened mental health compared with before the pandemic, as well as not coping well, increased alcohol use, increased suicidal thoughts/feelings, worsened mental health among their children, and increases in both negative and positive parent–child interactions. Mental health challenges were more frequently reported among parents with pre-existing mental health conditions, disabilities, and financial/relationship stressors. Increased alcohol use was more frequently reported among younger parents and men. Sustained mental health challenges of parents throughout nearly a year of the pandemic suggest that intervention efforts to support family mental health may not be adequately meeting families’ needs. Addressing family stressors through financial benefit programs and virtual mental health supports should be further explored.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-77
Author(s):  
Eqia Arum Azzahro ◽  
Jayanti Dian Eka Sari

ABSTRACTThe psychosocial factor is one of the factors that caused depression in adolescents. The adolescent group is one group that has the potential for depression. The impact of depression caused psychosocial factor can affect mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychosocial factor with depression in 12th grade XY high school student Jember. This study is an observasional study with a cross – sectional approach. The sample of this research is 158 samples and the samples use simple random sampling. Data were collected by conducting an online survey using a questionnaire are BDI - II (Beck Depression Inventory - II) and Y PSC - 17 (Youth The Pediatric Symptom- 17) in the google form. The research data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The results showed that, there was a relationship between the psychosocial factor and the incidence of depression (p value = 0,000). The result of this research can be used as the basis for other research and can be used to make mental health regulations or programs appropriate to the problem.Keywords: Depression, Psychcosocial Factor, Adolescent. ABSTRAKFaktor psikososial merupakan salah satu faktor penyebab depresi pada remaja. Kelompok remaja merupakan salah satu kelompok yang berpotensi mengalami depresi. Dampak depresi yang ditimbulkan faktor psikososial dapat berpengaruh terhadap kesehatan mental. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan faktor psikososial dengan depresi pada siswa kelas 12 SMA XY Jember. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 158 sampel dan pengambilan sampel menggunakan simple random sampling. Data dikumpulkan dengan melakukan survei online menggunakan kuisioner BDI - II (Beck Depression Inventory - II) dan Y PSC - 17 (Youth The Pediatric Symptom-17) melalui google form. Data penelitian dianalisis menggunakan uji Chi-square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara faktor psikososial dengan kejadian depresi (p value = 0,000). Hasil penelitian ini dapat dijadikan dasar untuk penelitian lain dan dapat digunakan untuk membuat regulasi atau program kesehatan mental yang sesuai dengan permasalahannya.Kata Kunci: Depresi, Faktor Psikososial, Remaja.


Author(s):  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Mary Ruffolo ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
...  

Background Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter in place during the current pandemic. Methods This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The research question was to explore the experiences and challenges of social media users during the Covid-19 pandemic. 3810 people took part in the survey and 1991 responses were included in the analysis . Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions from which was difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning which was positive and stressful and the same time. Conclusion Using social media while in shelter in place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of the population. These findings give a clear insight into practical recommendations for policy and practice on the importance of strengthening mental health care in the community and investing in health workers to support the mental health needs of the public.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-164
Author(s):  
Rama Kumari Lamichhane ◽  
Bijaya Dhakal ◽  
Asha Thapa ◽  
Kalyan Sapkota

Introduction: COVID-19 poses a great challenge to the global health system. The nurses worked in COVID ward and fever clinic act as gatekeepers to the health care system in the public health response to COVID-19 epidemic. The consequences of lockdown, quarantine of COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused physical sufferings but also affected the mental health of the nurses around the globe. This study aimed to assess psychological impact and associated factors of COVID 19 pandemic among nurses working in different level of hospital at Bharatpur Municipality Chitwan, Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 150 nurses working in different hospitals of Bharatpur Municipality. Non-probability Purposive Sampling Technique was used and Data was collected via online survey using Google Form questionnaire. COVID-19 peritraumatic distress index (CPDI) questionnaire was used to find out psychological impact. Statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS version 20. Results: Total of 150 nurses were involved in the study where 99.3% were female, 45.3% in the age group of 26-35 years, mean age 27.22±6.612 years, 87.2% bachelor in nursing. Mild to moderate peritraumatic distress was found in 47.33% and 16% of respondents found to have severe distress level. Chi-square test showed that respondents level of knowledge (p=0.003) and presence of chronic disease (p=0.007) was statistically significant with level of distress. Conclusions: Majority of the nurses had some form of psychological distress. Study highlights the need for counseling for distress and mental health during COVID-19 pandemic. A focus on improving mental wellbeing of nurses should be immediately initiated.


Author(s):  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Mary Ruffolo ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
...  

Background Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter in place during the current pandemic. Methods This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the Covid-19 pandemic in UK, USA and Australia. 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions from which was difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning which was positive and stressful and the same time. Conclusion Using social media while in shelter in place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-114
Author(s):  
Ainul Mardhiah ◽  
Nova Hasbani Prima Dewi ◽  
Aminy Aminy

The family planning program also aims to improve the quality of the family in order to generate a sense of security, peace and hope of a better future in realizing the prosperity of birth and inner happiness. Allegedly the factor causing EFA participation in the family planning program is characteristic. The purpose of this research is to know the relationship of attitude and characteristic of Elderly Age Couple (PUS) with participation in family planning program at UPT Puskesmas Sungai Raya Sungai Raya District, East Aceh regency 2018. The research design used was analytic survey with cross sectional design. The population of this study is all Pairs Age of Fertile located in Work Area UPT Sungai Raya Public Health Service Center in January to December 2017 which amounted to 1897 people. Sampling using Slovin formula, obtained as many as 95 samples. The study was conducted from 7-17 July 2018 using questionnaires by interview. Statistical test using chi-square test. Result of research indicate that majority of fertile couple couples (PUS) participate in family planning program as much as 67 respondents (70,5%). Statistically there is relationship of attitude and characteristic of Elderly Age Couple (EFA) with non participation in family planning program in Working Area of UPT Puskesmas Sungai Raya Sungai Raya District of East Aceh Regency 2018 with p value <0,1. It is recommended that the family planning program holders in UPT Puskesmas Sungai Raya Sungai Raya District of East Aceh District to invite cross-sectoral figures to hold meetings to create mini workshop plans at least once a month to increase the participation of the Elderly Age Couple (PUS) in family planning programs. Keyword : Family Planning Program, Attitudes, CharacteristicsABSTRAKProgram KB juga bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kualitas keluarga agar dapat timbul rasa aman, tentram, dan harapan masa depan yang lebih baik dalam mewujudkan kesejahteraan lahir dan kebahagiaan batin. Diduga faktor yang menyebabkan ketidakikutsertaan PUS dalam program KB adalah karakteristik. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan sikap dan karakteristik Pasangan Usia Subur (PUS) dengan keikutsertaan dalam program KB di Wilayah Kerja UPT Puskesmas Sungai Raya Kecamatan Sungai Raya Kabupaten Aceh Timur tahun 2018. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah survei analitik dengan rancangan bedah lintang. Populasi dari penelitian ini adalah seluruh Pasangan Usia Subur yang berada di Wilayah Kerja UPT Puskesmas Sungai Raya pada bulan Januari sampai dengan Desember tahun 2017 yang berjumlah 1.897 orang. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan rumus Slovin, didapatkan sebanyak 95 sampel. Penelitian dilaksanakan dari tanggal 7-17 Juli tahun 2018 menggunakan kuesioner dengan cara wawancara. Uji statistik menggunakan uji chi-square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa mayoritas Pasangan Usia Subur (PUS) ikut serta dalam program KB yaitu sebanyak 67 responden (70,5%). Secara statistik ada hubungan sikap dan karakteristik Pasangan Usia Subur (PUS) dengan ketidakikutsertaan dalam program KB di Wilayah Kerja UPT Puskesmas Sungai Raya Kecamatan Sungai Raya Kabupaten Aceh Timur tahun 2018 dengan p value < 0,1. Sebaiknya pemegang program KB di UPT Puskesmas Sungai Raya Kecamatan Sungai Raya Kabupaten Aceh Timur agar mengajak tokoh lintas sektor agar mengadakan pertemuan untuk membuat rencana loka karya mini setidaknya satu bulan sekali untuk meningkatkan keikutsertaan Pasangan Usia Subur (PUS) dalam program KB.Kata Kunci : Program KB, Sikap, Karakteristik


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