Investigating the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: A Meta-Analysis

Previous meta-analyses were conducted during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, which utilized a smaller pool of data. The current meta-analysis aims to provide additional (and updated) evidence related to the psychological impact among healthcare workers. The search strategy was developed by a medical librarian and bibliographical databases, including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for studies examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological health of healthcare workers. Articles were screened by three reviewers. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by I2 statistic. The random-effects model was utilized to obtain the pooled prevalence. A subgroup analysis by region, gender, quality of study, assessment methods, healthcare profession, and exposure was performed. Publication bias was assessed by Funnel plot and Egger linear regression test. Sixty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and the total sample constituted 79,437 participants. The pooled prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress syndrome, insomnia, psychological distress, and burnout was 34.4%, 31.8%, 40.3%, 11.4%, 27.8%, 46.1%, and 37.4% respectively. The subgroup analysis indicated higher anxiety and depression prevalence among females, nurses, and frontline responders than males, doctors, and second-line healthcare workers. This study highlights the need for designing a targeted intervention to improve resilience and foster post-traumatic growth among frontline responders.

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health

Journal of Education, Health and Sport ◽

10.12775/jehs.2021.11.08.005 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 44-54

Author(s):

Julia Budzyńska ◽

Magdalena Leśniewska ◽

Ilona Kozioł ◽

Joanna Milanowska

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Economic Security ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Past Infection ◽

Global Epidemic ◽

Response To Stress ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of a coronavirus pandemic in 2019 posed a serious threat to the global population. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not only been a public health emergency, but has also affected mental health worldwide. Patients were exposed to a number of significant stressors during COVID-19 infection by which it appears that it may have had a major impact on mental health. Little is known about changes in levels of psychological affect, stress, anxiety and depression during this pandemic.AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to analyze the most recent available literature on the association of pandemic COVID-19 with psychiatric disorders occurring both as a result of past infection and in response to stress associated with the new situation of a global epidemic of Sars-CoV-2 virus.RESULTS: The psychological effects of the epidemic are clearly noticeable. The study identified groups particularly vulnerable to developing symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Risk factors were also identified in people working in health care as having direct contact with the effects of infection with the new virus.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Key elements of preventing psychological impact are the creation of a mental health organization. Another important task for governments is to create the conditions for economic security, as financial problems or job losses can also be the cause of mental crises.

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The Association between COMT Val158Met Polymorphism and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Neuropsychobiology ◽

10.1159/000514076 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

Mi Su ◽

Yongyan Song

Keyword(s):

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Large Scale ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Val158met Polymorphism ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

The Impact

Background: Genetic factors were suggested to have influence on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The possible association between catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism and PTSD has been evaluated in several studies. But the results were still controversial. Therefore, we conduct this meta-analysis to address these issues. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for eligible studies. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to estimate the association between COMT Val158Met polymorphism and PTSD. Results: Five articles including 6 studies with 893 cases and 968 controls were finally included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled analyses did not demonstrate a significant association between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and PTSD in any of the selected genetic models: allele model (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.97–1.31), dominant model (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.93–1.46), recessive model (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.78–2.66), and additive model (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 0.85–2.80). Subgroup analyses suggested that the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium status of genotype distributions could influence the relationship of COMT Val158Met polymorphism and PTSD. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggested that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism may not be associated with the PTSD risk. Further large-scale and population-representative studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism on the risk of PTSD.

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DINAMIKA PSIKOLOGIS KEKERASAN SEKSUAL: SEBUAH STUDI FENOMENOLOGI

Psikoislamika : Jurnal Psikologi dan Psikologi Islam ◽

10.18860/psi.v0i0.1553 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Muh Anwar Fu'ady

Keyword(s):

Sexual Violence ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Phenomenological Approach ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Analysis Process ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Psychological Dynamics ◽

Assault Victims ◽

The Impact

Purpose of this study was to find out how the sexual violence occurs, the psychological impact of sexual violence, and knowing how psychological dynamics of sexual assault victims. Subjects in this study were the two people taken purposively with the criteria had experienced sexual violence. Methodology in qualitative research is phenomenological. There are four processes in a phenomenological approach that is epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation and synthesis of meaning. Data analysis process involves bracketing, horizonalizing, and meaning units to get the textural description. The results of this study indicate that the psychological impact of the subjects who are victims of sexual violence is the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder. Besides having a psychological impact, psychological dynamics of the subjects in this study also have similarities, but there are some striking differences. The big difference in the impact and psychological dynamics is caused by several factors such as personality characteristics, how to solve problems, how to manipulate cognition, and social support.

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FAKTOR DETERMINAN SOSIAL DAN GAMBARAN KEJADIAN POST TRAUMATIC SYNDROME DISORDER (PTSD) PASCA BANJIR DI DKI JAKARTA DAN BEKASI TAHUN 2020

VISIKES: Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat ◽

10.33633/visikes.v20i1.4585 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

THRESYA FEBRIANTI ◽

Nurfadhillah Nurfadhillah ◽

Mitha Nurhjanah ◽

Tiara Kautsa Aliefya

Keyword(s):

Family Support ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Total Sample ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Religious Leaders ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Approach ◽

The Social ◽

Post Traumatic

Floods in the Greater Jakarta Area in February 2020 resulted in many losses such as casualties and damage to infrastructure. The psychological impact that often occurs after a disaster is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), if this problem is not addressed, it will have an impact on public health in the future. This study aims to look at the prevalence of Post-Flood PTSD and to analyze the Social Determinants of the Risk of Post-Flood PTSD. This research is able to answer the challenges in taking preventive measures for PTSD after the flood disaster. This research is an analytical study with a cross sectional study approach with a total sample of 100 people and selected by purposive sampling. The results will be analyzed bivariately. More than half the age of the respondents are in the adolescent age group (12-25 years) (65%), are female (69%), half of the respondents work 51%, more than half of the respondents received low family support (51%), received low peer support (50%), did not receive volunteer support ( 66%), did not receive the support of religious leaders (53%). There is no relationship between respondent characteristics, family support, friends, relative volunteers and religious leaders.

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Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adults and Their Children in Italy

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.572997 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chiara Davico ◽

Ada Ghiggia ◽

Daniele Marcotulli ◽

Federica Ricci ◽

Federico Amianto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Sex Education ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

The Impact

Aim: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has abruptly changed the life of millions as travel and social contacts have been severely restricted. We assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on adults and children, with special attention to health care workers (HCWs).Methods: A self-rated online survey, including the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) for adults and the Children Revised Impact of Event Scale-Revised-13 items (CRIES-13) for their 8–18-year-old offspring, was conducted in Italy on March 20–26, 2020. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to the data, accounting for age, sex, education, and other demographic characteristics.Results: Data were available from 2,419 adults (78.4% females, mean age 38.1 ± SD 13.1 years; 15.7% HCW) and 786 children (50.1% male, mean age 12.3 ± 3.2 years). Median (IQR) IES-R score was 30.0 (21.0–40.0), corresponding to mild psychological impact, with 33.2% reporting severe psychological impact. IES-R was lower in HCWs (29.0) than non-HCWs (31.0), but HCWs directly involved in COVID-19 care had higher scores [33.0 (26.0–43.2)] than uninvolved HCWs [28.0 (19.0–36.0)]. Median CRIES-13 score was [21.0 (11.0–32.0)], with 30.9% of the children at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Parent and child scores were correlated.Conclusions: Up to 30% of adult and children in the pandemic area are at high risk for post-traumatic stress disturbances. The risk is greater for HCWs directly involved in COVID-19 care and for their children.

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Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers in a highly burdened area of north-east Italy

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796020001158 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 ◽

Author(s):

A. Lasalvia ◽

C. Bonetto ◽

S. Porru ◽

A. Carta ◽

S. Tardivo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Hospital Staff ◽

Psychological Problems ◽

Administrative Staff ◽

Healthcare Staff ◽

North East ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Traumatic Distress ◽

The Impact

Abstract Aims Healthcare workers exposed to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) patients could be psychologically distressed. This study aims to assess the magnitude of psychological distress and associated factors among hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large tertiary hospital located in north-east Italy. Methods All healthcare and administrative staff working in the Verona University Hospital (Veneto, Italy) during the COVID-19 pandemic were asked to complete a web-based survey from 21 April to 6 May 2020. Symptoms of post-traumatic distress, anxiety and depression were assessed, respectively, using the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Personal socio-demographic information and job characteristics were also collected, including gender, age, living condition, having pre-existing psychological problems, occupation, length of working experience, hospital unit (ICUs and sub-intensive COVID-19 units vs. non-COVID-19 units). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with each of the three mental health outcomes. Results A total of 2195 healthcare workers (36.9% of the overall hospital staff) participated in the study. Of the participants, 35.7% were nurses, 24.3% other healthcare staff, 16.4% residents, 13.9% physicians and 9.7% administrative staff. Nine per cent of healthcare staff worked in ICUs, 8% in sub-intensive COVID-19 units and 7.6% in other front-line services, while the remaining staff worked in hospital units not directly engaged with COVID-19 patients. Overall, 63.2% of participants reported COVID-related traumatic experiences at work and 53.8% (95% CI 51.0%–56.6%) showed symptoms of post-traumatic distress; moreover, 50.1% (95% CI 47.9%–52.3%) showed symptoms of clinically relevant anxiety and 26.6% (95% CI 24.7%–28.5%) symptoms of at least moderate depression. Multivariable logistic regressions showed that women, nurses, healthcare workers directly engaged with COVID-19 patients and those with pre-existing psychological problems were at increased risk of psychopathological consequences of the pandemic. Conclusions The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare staff working in a highly burdened geographical of north-east Italy is relevant and to some extent greater than that reported in China. The study provides solid grounds to elaborate and implement interventions pertaining to psychology and occupational health.

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An E-Mental Health Solution to Prevent and Manage Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries among First Responders in Alberta: Protocol for the Implementation and Evaluation of Text4PTSI (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30680 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gloria Obuobi-Donkor ◽

Ejemai Eboreime ◽

Jennifer Bond ◽

Natalie Phung ◽

Scarlett Eyben ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

First Responders ◽

Text Messages ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Injuries ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND First responders are confronted with the traumatic event(s) in their work that has a significant toll on their psychological health and that may contribute to or result in post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) for many responders. Persons with a PTSI usually seek management therapies, which they hope will be effective. Evidence indicates that digital delivery of these therapies is an innovative, efficient and effective way to improve PTSI symptoms as in-person delivery. OBJECTIVE This project aims to implement and provide accessible, convenient and economical SMS text messaging services, known asText4PTSI, to first responders in Alberta, Canada, to prevent and improve the symptoms of PTSI among first responders and to improve their overall quality of life. We will evaluate post-traumatic symptoms and the impact of Text4PTSI on stress, anxiety and depression in relation to correspondent's demographic backgrounds. METHODS First Responders who subscribe to Text4PTSI receive daily supportive and psychoeducational text messages for six months. The text messages are pre-programmed into an online software program delivering messages to subscribers. Baseline and follow-up data are collected through online questionnaires using validated scales at enrollments of 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks (endpoint). In-depth interviews will be conducted to assess satisfaction with the text-based intervention. RESULTS We hypothesize that participants who enrol in this program will have improved PTSI symptoms, increased or improved quality of life and significant reduction of associated stress, depression and anxiety symptoms, among other psychological concerns. Improvement will be determined in comparison to established baseline parameters. CONCLUSIONS Text4PTSI is a practical, economic and easily accessible intervention, which provides supportive text messages and serves as an acceptable and evidence-informed way of preventing and managing symptoms associated with PTSI for first-responders. Results from this research will be beneficial for practitioners and will inform policy and decision making regarding psychological interventions for PTSI.

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Long-Term Psychiatric Morbidity in the Aftermath of CS Spray Trauma

Medicine Science and the Law ◽

10.1258/rsmmsl.43.2.98 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 98-104 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rajan Nathan ◽

Harry Wood ◽

Keith Rix ◽

Eric Wright ◽

Keyword(s):

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Psychiatric Morbidity ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Physical Effects ◽

The Impact ◽

Exposure To Trauma

The physical effects of CS spray are well documented. However, less is known about the impact of its use by the police on the psychological health of those exposed. In this study we explored the psychiatric morbidity of a group of 30 individuals who experienced the same trauma, a significant part of which was exposure to CS spray. Just over a quarter suffered post-traumatic stress disorder. It is proposed that more attention needs to be paid to the psychological effects of the use of CS spray by the police. Consistent with other studies, a past psychiatric history and a more external locus of control was associated with post-traumatic morbidity. The latter finding may have implications for psychological interventions after exposure to trauma.

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Psychological impact of managing COVID-19 patients among doctors: A pre- and post-survey study

Journal of Emergency Management ◽

10.5055/jem.0610 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (9) ◽

pp. 91-97

Author(s):

Amber Tahir, MBBS, FCPS-I (Psychiatry) ◽

Anaam Bugti, MBBS, FCPS-I (Psychiatry) ◽

Ayesha Sarwat, MBBS, MCPS (Psychiatry), FCPS (Psychiatry) ◽

Azizullah Khan Dhiloo, MBBS, FCPS (Medicine), FCPS (Infectious Diseases) ◽

Mahnoor Yousif Shaikh, MBBS

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Survey Study ◽

Care Providers ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact

Objective: In any struggling healthcare system, it is always the frontline workers—doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff – that are affected first. This study aimed to assess the psychological impact—anxiety, stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) —among doctors working in COVID-19 wards and the underlying triggers in a public hospital in Karachi. Methods: Pre- and post-survey methodologies were adopted. Post-graduate trainees working in COVID-19 isolation facilities from April till September 2020 were interviewed before starting their one-month rotation and after completing it. The psychological impact was assessed using two standard instruments—Depression Anxiety and Stress 21 (DASS-21) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Data were entered and analyzed through SPSS version 22.0. Results: For 100 doctors, the mean score for stress, anxiety, stress, and depression on DASS-21 and PTSD on IES-R significantly increased after the rotation (p 0.01). The mean score of depression and IES-R was higher in younger (28 years) doctors (p ≤ 0.05). Married doctors scored higher on anxiety and IES-R (p ≤ 0.05). Doctors who were not willfully performing their duties scored worse on all measures of DASS-21 and IES-R (p 0.01). Doctors facing family resistance scored significantly higher on stress, anxiety, and IES-R (p 0.01). Conclusion: Working in COVID-19 facilities is imparting a negative impact on the psychological health of doctors. Healthcare administration should be aware of this psychological distress and should introduce mental health aid at administrative levels to prevent a mental health epidemic among care providers.

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Prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among people influenced by coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak: A meta-analysis

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.24 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dan Qiu ◽

Yilu Li ◽

Ling Li ◽

Jun He ◽

Feiyun Ouyang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sample Size ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Symptoms ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Registration Number ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background As one of the most widely researched consequence of traumatic events, the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among people exposed to the trauma resulting from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak varies greatly across studies. This review aimed at examining the pooled prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among people exposed to the trauma resulting from COVID-19 outbreak. Methods Systematic searches of databases were conducted for literature published on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PsycArticle, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure until October 14, 2020. Statistical analyses were performed using R software (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020180309). Results A total of 106,713 people exposed to the trauma resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak were identified in the 76 articles, of which 33,810 were reported with post-traumatic stress symptoms. The pooled prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among people exposed to the trauma resulting from COVID-19 outbreak was 28.34%, with a 95% confidence interval of 23.03-34.32%. Subgroup analysis indicated that older age, male and bigger sample size were associated with higher prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms. After controlling for other factors, the results of meta-regression showed that the influence of gender and sample size on prevalence is no longer significant. Conclusions Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were very common among people exposed to the trauma resulting from COVID-19 outbreak. Further research is needed to explore more possible risk factors for post-traumatic stress symptoms and identify effective strategies for preventing PTSD-related symptoms among people exposed to the trauma resulting from COVID-19 outbreak.

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