Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychosocial Coping Strategies in Health Sciences Students at the University of Seville: A Pilot Study

The new infection by coronavirus has supposed a challenge to all health systems worldwide, affecting our psychosocial health. Education as we knew it has changed, which is why university students, attending Health Sciences courses in this case, have been affected by the pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the preventative measures and restrictions associated with COVID-19 on multiple mental health and psychological well-being indicators in Health Sciences students at the University of Seville. A descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study in the University of Seville by means of an online questionnaire elaborated was conducted. Of the final sample (n = 68), more than 60% of the students acknowledged having received specific training by their university and/or health institution where they perform practices on COVID-19 measures; however, they negatively emphasized not having received psychosocial aid or support in most of the cases (94.12%). As the health situation imposed by COVID-19 is considered long-lasting, the proposal is to plan short- and long-term strategies for promotion and intervention in the mental health of students and future health care workers.

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Stress Perceived by University Health Sciences Students, 1 Year after COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105233 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5233

Author(s):

Yolanda Marcén-Román ◽

Angel Gasch-Gallen ◽

Irene Isabel Vela Martín de la Mota ◽

Estela Calatayud ◽

Isabel Gómez-Soria ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

University Students ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Occupational Therapy Students ◽

Health Sciences Students ◽

The Impact

Today’s COVID-19 situation can affect university Health Sciences students’ psychological health. This study aimed to analyze the stress caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Health Sciences students from the University of Zaragoza (Spain) almost 1 year after the pandemic began. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 252 university students who completed a self-administered online questionnaire. It evaluated the impact of perceived stress with a modified scale (PSS-10-C), and assessed anxiety and depression on the Goldberg scale. Students presented stress (13.1%), anxiety (71.4%) and depression (81%). Females (81.7%) and the third-year Occupational Therapy students (p = 0.010) reported perceived stress. Nursing students perceived less stress (OR: 0.148; 95% CI: 0.026 to 0.842). University students developed stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 almost 1 year after the pandemic began. Psychological support measures for these groups should be prioritized.

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Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) Lockdown on Mental Health and Well-Being in the United Arab Emirates

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.633230 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Leila Cheikh Ismail ◽

Maysm N. Mohamad ◽

Mo'ath F. Bataineh ◽

Abir Ajab ◽

Amina M. Al-Marzouqi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

United Arab Emirates ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

University Graduates ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken unprecedented precautionary measures including complete lockdowns against COVID-19 to control its spread and ensure the well-being of individuals. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 and societal lockdown measures on the mental health of adults in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an English and Arabic online questionnaire between May and June 2020. The psychological impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the social and family support impact was evaluated using questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). A total of 4,426 participants (3,325 females and 1,101 males) completed the questionnaire. The mean IES-R score was 28.0 ± 14.6, reflecting a mild stressful impact with 27.3% reporting severe psychological impact. Over 36% reported increased stress from work, home and financial matters. Also, 43–63% of the participants felt horrified, apprehensive or helpless due to COVID-19. Females, younger participants, part-timers, and college or University graduates were more likely to have a high IES-R score (p < 0.05). The majority of participants reported receiving increased support from family members, paying more attention to their mental health, and spending more time to rest and relax. The results of this study demonstrate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among the UAE residents and highlight the need to adopt culturally appropriate interventions for the general population and vulnerable groups, such as females and younger adults.

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Confinement by COVID-19 and Degree of Mental Health of a Sample of Students of Health Sciences

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9121756 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1756

Author(s):

Arantxa Rymer-Diez ◽

Elisabet Roca-Millan ◽

Albert Estrugo-Devesa ◽

Beatriz González-Navarro ◽

José López-López

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Observational Study ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Sciences Students ◽

The University ◽

Academic Year

Background: In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have taken important measures to control the spread of the virus, such as population confinement and the closure of universities. Objective: The main objective of this study is to evaluate how the situation resulting from COVID-19 has affected the mental health of a group of health sciences students. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study with a sample of 160 people, conducted through an online survey of final-year students of dentistry, nursing and medicine at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Barcelona. Results: A total of 82.4% of students reported having suffered stress, anxiety and distress due to the pandemic situation, and 83.10% of participants are worried about not knowing when the academic year will restart. Conclusions: Confinement has negatively affected the mental health of students.

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Perceptions of Study Conditions and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among University Students in Germany: Results of the International COVID-19 Student Well-Being Study

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.674665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Paula Mayara Matos Fialho ◽

Franca Spatafora ◽

Lisa Kühne ◽

Heide Busse ◽

Stefanie M. Helmer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Positive Association ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

German Student ◽

The University ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

Background: Results of previous studies examining the impact of the SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 on university students' mental well-being indicated severe mental health consequences. It is unclear how the current COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in study conditions due to federal regulations affected mental well-being in the German student population. We examined university students' perceptions of study conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated associations between study conditions and depressive symptoms.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Germany in May 2020 at four universities (N = 5,021, 69% female, mean age: 24 years, SD: 5.1). Perceived study conditions, as well as sociodemographic information, were assessed with self-generated items and the CES-D 8 scale was used to determine depressive symptoms. Associations between perceived study conditions (academic stress and academic satisfaction), in general, and confidence to complete the semester, in particular, and depressive symptoms were analyzed using generalized linear regressions.Results: Fifty-four percent of survey participants felt that the university workload had significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic; 48% were worried that they would not be able to successfully complete the academic year; 47% agreed that the change in teaching methods caused significant stress. Regarding depressive symptoms, the mean score of the CES-D 8 scale was 9.25. Further, a positive association between perceived study conditions and depressive symptoms was found (p < 0.001), indicating that better study conditions were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Results of the generalized linear regression suggest that better student mental well-being was related to higher confidence in completing the semester.Conclusions: This study provides first insights into perceived study conditions and associations with depressive symptoms among students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Findings underline the need for universities to provide intervention strategies targeting students' mental well-being during the course of the pandemic.

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Declining mental health among disadvantaged Americans

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.1722023115 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 115 (28) ◽

pp. 7290-7295 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Noreen Goldman ◽

Dana A. Glei ◽

Maxine Weinstein

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Positive Emotions ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Opioid Epidemic ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Modest Improvement ◽

The Us ◽

The Impact

Although there is little dispute about the impact of the US opioid epidemic on recent mortality, there is less consensus about whether trends reflect increasing despair among American adults. The issue is complicated by the absence of established scales or definitions of despair as well as a paucity of studies examining changes in psychological health, especially well-being, since the 1990s. We contribute evidence using two cross-sectional waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study to assess changes in measures of psychological distress and well-being. These measures capture negative emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, and positive emotions such as happiness, fulfillment, and life satisfaction. Most of the measures reveal increasing distress and decreasing well-being across the age span for those of low relative socioeconomic position, in contrast to little decline or modest improvement for persons of high relative position.

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Prevalence and association of discrimination and bullying and the impact on mental health in an occupational setting

International Journal of Workplace Health Management ◽

10.1108/ijwhm-02-2020-0018 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Elizabeth Stratton ◽

Michael J. Player ◽

Ariane Dahlheimer ◽

Isabella Choi ◽

Nicholas Glozier

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Occupational Setting ◽

Male Dominated ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Impact

PurposeDiscrimination and bullying contribute to mental ill-health in the workplace. At face value, they would seem linked but are often dealt with by different legislations. Workplace studies generally focus on bullying and population studies on discrimination. The authors aimed to evaluate the prevalence and relationship of discrimination and bullying in a male-dominated workforce, associated factors and relative impact on mental ill-health.Design/methodology/approachAn online cohort survey was conducted amongst employees of an Australian mining company, measuring discrimination, bullying, demographics and workplace and health factors over two months. Cross-sectional and prospective analyses assessed the prevalence of each, their association and their effects on depression and anxiety.FindingsA total of 580 employees (82% male) participated. There was no association between workplace bullying (n = 56, 9.7%) and discrimination (n = 160, 27.6%). Discrimination, but not bullying, was associated with higher depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation and lower well-being and resilience. After controlling for demographic, workplace and health and well-being factors, depression had the main effect on discrimination ß = 0.39, p = 0.003. Discrimination predicted an increase in depression scores at follow-up F (1, 129) = 4.88, p = 0.029.Originality/valueIn this male-dominated industry, discrimination was more prevalent than bullying. Discrimination, but not bullying, was associated with poorer mental health both cross sectionally and prospectively. Supporting the need to assess and manage discrimination and bullying in the workplace independently and the need for interventions to reduce a broader range of adverse interpersonal behaviours.

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Longitudinal access and exposure to green-blue spaces and individual-level mental health and well-being: protocol for a longitudinal, population-wide record-linked natural experiment

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027289 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. e027289 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amy Mizen ◽

Jiao Song ◽

Richard Fry ◽

Ashley Akbari ◽

Damon Berridge ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Natural Experiment ◽

Research Programme ◽

Well Being ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Academic Community ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Individual Level ◽

The Impact

IntroductionStudies suggest that access and exposure to green-blue spaces (GBS) have beneficial impacts on mental health. However, the evidence base is limited with respect to longitudinal studies. The main aim of this longitudinal, population-wide, record-linked natural experiment, is to model the daily lived experience by linking GBS accessibility indices, residential GBS exposure and health data; to enable quantification of the impact of GBS on well-being and common mental health disorders, for a national population.Methods and analysisThis research will estimate the impact of neighbourhood GBS access, GBS exposure and visits to GBS on the risk of common mental health conditions and the opportunity for promoting subjective well-being (SWB); both key priorities for public health. We will use a Geographic Information System (GIS) to create quarterly household GBS accessibility indices and GBS exposure using digital map and satellite data for 1.4 million homes in Wales, UK (2008–2018). We will link the GBS accessibility indices and GBS exposures to individual-level mental health outcomes for 1.7 million people with general practitioner (GP) data and data from the National Survey for Wales (n=~12 000) on well-being in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. We will examine if these associations are modified by multiple sociophysical variables, migration and socioeconomic disadvantage. Subgroup analyses will examine associations by different types of GBS. This longitudinal study will be augmented by cross-sectional research using survey data on self-reported visits to GBS and SWB.Ethics and disseminationAll data will be anonymised and linked within the privacy protecting SAIL Databank. We will be using anonymised data and therefore we are exempt from National Research Ethics Committee (NREC). An Information Governance Review Panel (IGRP) application (Project ID: 0562) to link these data has been approved.The research programme will be undertaken in close collaboration with public/patient involvement groups. A multistrategy programme of dissemination is planned with the academic community, policy-makers, practitioners and the public.

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Depressive symptoms among Peruvian adult residents amidst a National Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03107-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel A. Antiporta ◽

Yuri L. Cutipé ◽

Maria Mendoza ◽

David D. Celentano ◽

Elizabeth A. Stuart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Low Income ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Impact ◽

Control Measures ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Mental Health Diagnosis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Diagnosis

Abstract Background Population health and well-being in Latin America, the current epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been severely affected during the past semester. Despite the growing evidence about the link between the pandemic, its control measures, and mental health worldwide, there is still no regional evidence of the potential mental health impact. We describe the prevalence and distribution of depressive symptoms across demographic and socioeconomic risk factors in the Peruvian population amidst a national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted during the community transmission phase and national lockdown in Peru (May 4th–16th, 2020). We recorded 64,493 responses from adult Peruvian residents through an opt-in online questionnaire. All analyses were weighted using raking based on proportions of sociodemographic variables from the last Peruvian census in 2017. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was calculated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of 10 or more. We identified associated demographic and socioeconomic factors by prior mental health diagnosis. Sensitivity analysis considered an alternative cut-off point for depressive symptoms of PHQ-9 ≥ 14. Results A total of 57,446 participants were included in the analytical sample. A third of the participants (n = 23,526, unweighted) showed depressive symptoms in the 2 weeks prior to the study. Participants who reported a previous mental health diagnosis doubled the sample prevalence of depressive symptoms (59, 95%CI 56.7, 61.4%) of those without a prior diagnosis. Psychosocial and functioning reactions were largely more prevalent among females and young adults. A dose-response relationship was found between household income and depressive symptoms across previous mental health diagnosis strata, being as low as 32% less in the wealthiest than the most impoverished group (PR: 0.68, 95%CI 0.58,0.79). Other critical factors associated with a higher burden of depressive symptoms were lower education level, single, unemployed, and chronic comorbidity. Conclusions An increased burden of depressive symptoms and psychosocial reactions has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru compared to previous years. The mental health burden disproportionately affects women, the younger population, and those with low income and education. As the country eases the social distancing measures, it is crucial to use local evidence to adjust public health policies and mental health services to the renewed population needs.

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COVID-19 and mental health: Anxiety disorders among immigrants due to COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea

The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine ◽

10.1177/00912174211042695 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 009121742110426

Author(s):

Shiva Raj Acharya ◽

Deog Hwan Moon ◽

Jin Ho Chun ◽

Yong Chul Shin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

South Korea ◽

Low Income ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Government ◽

The Impact ◽

Severe Anxiety

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various facets of health. While mental health became a major concern during the COVID-19 outbreak, the impact on the migrants’ mental health has still been neglected. The purpose of this study was to examine the COVID-19 outbreak's impact on the mental health of immigrants in South Korea. Methods A total number of 386 immigrants in South Korea participated in this quantitative cross-sectional study. The standardized e-questionnaire, including the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, was used to measure the anxiety level. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the determinants of anxiety disorders among immigrants. Results The prevalence of severe anxiety among immigrants was found to be 47.2%. Female immigrants (28.6%) had a lower anxiety disorder than males (71.4%). Immigrants who were married, living alone, had a low income, had a history of health problems were suffered from moderate to severe anxiety. Immigrants who were unemployed (OR 2.302, 95% CI = 1.353–3.917) and lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak (OR 2.197, 95% CI = 1.312–3.678) have a higher anxiety disorder. Immigrants aged over 30 years were found to suffer from a high level of anxiety (OR 2.285, 95% CI = 1.184–4.410). Relief support from the government was significantly associated with anxiety disorder among immigrants (p < 0.01, OR = 3.151, 95% CI = 1.962–5.061). Conclusion With very limited studies on immigrants’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper provides scientific research evidence of the COVID-19 outbreak's impact on the mental health of migrants. Our study has consequences for implementing integrated psychological interventions and health promotion strategies for the well-being of immigrants’ mental health.

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COVID-19 lockdown and its impact on mental health in various population groups in Greece: A cross-sectional study

Integrative Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.15342/ijms.2021.447 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Konstantinos Argyropoulos ◽

Konstantinos Krikonis ◽

Eleni Jelastopulu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Sector ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protection Measures ◽

Tourism Sector ◽

On Line ◽

Socioeconomic Data ◽

The Impact

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has brought a serious impact on physical and mental health.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to estimate the impact of the first lockdown in Greece, on both quality of life and anxiety levels in different occupational groups.Methods: A cross-sectional on- line survey was conducted from 20th of April to 4th of May 2020. A 24-item anonymous questionnaire was administered to collect basic demographic and socioeconomic data. The 5-item WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5, 0-100%, cut-off 52%) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) tools were used to assess well-being and anxiety, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS for Windows v.24.0 Statistical Package.Results: A total of 575 participated in the study, 62.8% females, 48.5% aged between 40 to 59 years. 32.5% were employed in education sector, 32.5% in health sector and 20.3% as season workers in tourism sector. Males showed slightly higher levels of wellbeing (52.1 vs. 47.3, p=0.023) and lower levels of anxiety (7.1 vs. 8.2, p=0.023) compared to females. Factors associated with higher wellbeing and lower anxiety were higher education and income level, optimism, taking less protection measures, and being seasonal worker. Furthermore, participants with comorbidities and symptoms like headache, musculoskeletal pain, as well as feeling depressed or stressed revealed lower wellbeing and higher anxiety scores.Conclusion: Our study revealed an overall poor wellbeing and mild to moderate levels of anxiety during the lockdown. Actions should be taken to address and to prevent its serious impact on mental health.

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