scholarly journals Psychosocial Effects and Use of Communication Technologies during Home Confinement in the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy and The Netherlands

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2619
Author(s):  
Sofia Bastoni ◽  
Christian Wrede ◽  
Achraf Ammar ◽  
Annemarie Braakman-Jansen ◽  
Robbert Sanderman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Digital Communication ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Psychosocial Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced people from all around the globe to strongly modify their daily routines, putting a significant strain on the social aspects of daily lives. While the first wave of the pandemic was a very challenging time in all countries, it is still uncertain whether various lockdown intensities and infection rates differed regarding their psychosocial impact. This work therefore aimed to investigate (i) the psychosocial effects of home confinement in two European countries that underwent different lockdown intensities: Italy and the Netherlands and (ii) the role of communication technology in relation to feelings of loneliness. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional online survey inquiring about different psychosocial variables and the use of and satisfaction towards communication technology was circulated among the general public during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 629 participants (66% female, 68% from the Netherlands) answered each question twice, referring to “before” and “during” the pandemic. (3) Results: We found significant negative effects of COVID-19 home confinement on depressive feelings (p < 0.001, %∆ = +54%), loneliness (p < 0.001, %∆ = +37.3%), life satisfaction (p < 0.001, %∆ = −19.8%) and mental wellbeing (p < 0.001, %∆ = −10.6%) which were accompanied with a significantly increased need for psychosocial support (p < 0.001, %∆ = +17.3%). However, the magnitude of psychosocial impact did not significantly differ between residents undergoing a more intense (Italy) versus a less intense (Netherlands) lockdown, although the decrease in social participation was found to be significantly different for both countries (z = −7.714, p < 0.001). Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that the increase in loneliness was associated with the adoption of new digital communication tools (r = 0.21, p < 0.001), and significantly higher for individuals who started to adopt at least one new digital communication tool during confinement than for those who did not (z = −4.252, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: This study highlights that, although COVID-19 home confinement significantly impacted psychosocial wellbeing during the first wave of the pandemic, this impact did not differ based on lockdown intensity. Recognizing the increasing adoption of digital communication technology in an attempt to reduce lockdown loneliness, future studies should investigate what is needed from the technology to achieve this effect.

Quantifying empathy levels among UK undergraduate medical students: an online survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711293
Author(s):  
Sarah Garnett ◽  
Hajira Dambha-Miller ◽  
Beth Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Reactivity Index ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

BackgroundEmpathy is a key health care concept and refers to care that incorporates understanding of patient perspective’s, shared decision making, and consideration of the broader context in which illness is experience. Evidence suggests experiences of doctor empathy correlate with improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction. It has also been linked to job satisfaction, and mental wellbeing for doctors. To date, there is a paucity of evidence on empathy levels among medical students. This is critical to understand given that it is a key point at which perceptions and practices of empathy in the longer term might be formed.AimTo quantify the level of empathy among UK undergraduate medical studentsMethodAn anonymised cross-sectional online survey was distributed to medical students across three universities. The previously validated Davis’s Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used to quantify empathy. The survey also collected information on age, sex, ethnicity, year of medical school training and included a free-text box for ‘any other comments’.ResultsData analysis is currently underway with high response rates. Mean empathy scores by age, sex, year of study and ethnic group are presented. A correlation analysis will examine associations between age and year of study, and mean empathy sores.ConclusionThese data will help to provide a better understanding of empathy levels to inform the provision of future empathy training and medical school curriculum design. Given previous evidence linking experiences of empathy to better health outcomes, the findings may also be significant to future patient care

Resilience, pessimism, and depression in undergraduates in Hong Kong during Covid-19: A cross-sectional online survey study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Yi Sum ◽  
Sherry Kit Wa Chan ◽  
Gloria Hoi Yan Wong
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Family Conflict ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Adolescence and young adulthood is a period of heightened risk of mental disorders onset. The Covid-19 pandemic may have impacted the daily lives and learning of students, exposing them to risks of emotional distress. Understanding factors associated with individual differences in distress can inform remedial strategies for schools. OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of Covid-19 on undergraduate students’ lifestyle and learning, and explore relationship between depressive symptoms, resilience, and optimism/pessimism bias in undergraduate students in Hong Kong. METHODS Cross-sectional online survey of undergraduate students in a university (n=1020) before and during the third wave of Covid-19 outbreak in Hong Kong between May and August 2020. Changes in habits and family conflicts, depressive symptoms (measured using Patient Health Questionnaire-9), resilience (measured using Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), optimism/pessimism towards Covid-19 risks, and knowledge about Covid-19 were recorded. Multivariable linear regression and mediation analyses were used to explore relationships with depressive symptoms. RESULTS 61.7% of respondents have mild to severe depressive symptoms. The regression model found that 18.5% of the variance in depressive symptoms was explained by resilience, pessimism bias, changes in sleep, decrease in study at home, and increase in family conflict. Mediation analysis showed that resilience is indirectly related to depressive symptoms through its relationship with pessimism (ab = -0.042, CI = -0.057 to -0.013). Higher resilience was associated with lower depressive symptoms even after accounting for resilience’s indirect effect through pessimism (c’ = 0.311, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the mental health vulnerability of undergraduate students. Measures to reduce family conflict, maintain healthy daily habits, adjust optimism/pessimism bias, and enhance resilience may be useful for improving the mental wellbeing of undergraduate students during the pandemic.

Are Dutch Hospitals Prepared for Chemical, Biological, or Radionuclear Incidents? A Survey Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 483-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc J.M. Mortelmans ◽  
Menno I. Gaakeer ◽  
Greet Dieltiens ◽  
Kurt Anseeuw ◽  
Marc B. Sabbe
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Radiation Detection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Preparedness ◽  
High Doses

AbstractIntroductionBeing one of Europe’s most densely populated countries, and having multiple nuclear installations, a heavy petrochemical industry, and terrorist targets, the Netherlands is at-risk for chemical, biological, or radionuclear (CBRN) incidents. Recent world and continental events show that this threat is real and that authorities may be underprepared.HypothesisThe hypothesis of this study is that Dutch hospitals are underprepared to deal with these incidents.MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed. All 93 Dutch hospitals with an emergency department (ED) were sent a link to an online survey on different aspects of CBRN preparedness. Besides specific hospital information, information was obtained on the hospital’s disaster planning; risk perception; and availability of decontamination units, personal protective equipment (PPE), antidotes, radiation detection, infectiologists, isolation measures, and staff training.ResultsResponse rate was 67%. Sixty-two percent of participating hospitals were estimated to be at-risk for CBRN incidents. Only 40% had decontamination facilities and 32% had appropriate PPE available for triage and decontamination teams. Atropine was available in high doses in all hospitals, but specific antidotes that could be used for treating victims of CBRN incidents, such as hydroxycobolamine, thiosulphate, Prussian blue, Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), or pralidoxime, were less frequently available (74%, 65%, 18%, 14%, and 42%, respectively). Six percent of hospitals had radioactive detection equipment with an alarm function and 22.5% had a nuclear specialist available 24/7 in case of disasters. Infectiologists were continuously available in 60% of the hospitals. Collective isolation facilities were present in 15% of the hospitals.Conclusion:There is a serious lack of hospital preparedness for CBRN incidents in The Netherlands.MortelmansLJM, GaakeerMI, DieltiensG, AnseeuwK, SabbeMB. Are Dutch hospitals prepared for chemical, biological, or radionuclear incidents? A survey study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(5):483–491.

Frustration and distress during treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 47-47
Author(s):  
Cristiane Decat Bergerot ◽  
Dena Battle ◽  
Paulo Gustavo Bergerot ◽  
Daniel J. George ◽  
Hans J. Hammers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Renal Cell ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clear Cell ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Common Diagnosis

47 Background: Treatment strategies for advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) have improved over the past 15 years. Durable responses are now achievable, giving rise to the possibility of cure in a small proportion of this population. However, it is not clear how patients are coping with more protracted courses of treatment. We sought to determine sources of frustration among patients diagnosed with aRCC. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data derived from an online survey distributed via social media from April to June, 2017. We assessed source of frustration using an open-ended question: “In your own words, what has frustrated you most about your medical care related to your diagnosis?”. We assessed distress using the Distress Thermometer. Qualitative content analysis was performed to characterize responses related to frustration. Descriptive statistics was generated and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to explore the relationship between clinical characteristics and sources of frustration. Results: We enrolled 217 patients with aRCC. The majority were male (52.3%), and white (93.5%). Clear cell histology (84.2%) was the most common diagnosis. Patients reported high levels of distress (M = 6.4; SD = 2.8). Sources of frustration were documented in 71.9% of patients, and were most commonly related to distrust of the cancer care system (12.4%), fear of progression (11.5%), lack of information (11.1%), financial concerns (9.7%), communication between patient and physician (7.8%), treatment side effects (4.6%), lack of available research (4.1%), mistrust of physician’s knowledge (4.1%), and access to supportive care (2.8%). Higher levels of frustration were associated with higher levels of distress (P = 0.01). Patients with non-clear cell RCC more commonly reported an emotional source of frustration (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Patients with aRCC report high levels of distress and frustration with their diagnosis and treatment. The most frequent drivers of frustration can suggest opportunities to maximize support to patients and their families. A better understanding of their disease and prognosis, addressing financial concerns and offering psychosocial support may alleviate frustration amongst patients with aRCC.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on medical students’ mental wellbeing in Jordan

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253295
Author(s):  
Khaled Seetan ◽  
Mohammad Al-Zubi ◽  
Yousef Rubbai ◽  
Mohammad Athamneh ◽  
Almu’atasim Khamees ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Assessment ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and has resulted in significant morbidity, mortality, and negative psychological impact. This prospective cross-sectional study is exploring the effect of the pandemic on mental health of medical students. The study was conducted at six Jordanian medical schools using an online survey to collect students’ socio-demographic and academic data. Assessment of mental wellbeing status was done using Kessler’s psychological stress scale (K10); the impact of COVID-19 on life activities and strategies followed to manage the situation were also examined. A total of 553 medical students were recruited for the study. Men constituted 40.1%, and women were 59.9%. Students reported that COVID-19 has affected the aspects of physical fitness (73.1%), study (68.4%), and social relationships (65.6%) the most. Sixty-six percent of the students were concerned about family members’ affection, and more than half (58.4%) explained their concerns about the inability to get clinical sessions and labs. Cooking, baking, and hobby practicing were the most popular methods to improve their mental wellbeing. About half of the participants had a severe mental disorder, and only 13.2% were likely to be well. The study indicates that half of our medical students suffer severe mental disorders, with physical fitness, exercise, and studying being among the most affected aspects during the COVID 19 pandemic. It is recommended that measures need be taken to alleviate students’ stress, which might have deleterious effects in many aspects.

scholarly journals Burden of illness in patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism not adequately controlled with conventional therapy: a Belgium and the Netherlands survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. T. Hamdy ◽  
B. Decallonne ◽  
P. Evenepoel ◽  
D. Gruson ◽  
L. van Vlokhoven-Verhaegh
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Conventional Therapy ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Burden Of Illness ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Management ◽  
Chronic Hypoparathyroidism

Abstract Purpose To determine the burden of illness in patients with not adequately controlled chronic hypoparathyroidism receiving conventional therapy in Belgium and the Netherlands. Methods Data were generated from a cross-sectional, two-part online survey where endocrinologists from both countries and nephrologists from Belgium were invited by phone to participate. Part 1 included collecting data on general management of patients with hypoparathyroidism. In Part 2, physicians were requested to provide data on one or two current cases of patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism not adequately controlled on conventional therapy. Data collected included aetiology of hypoparathyroidism, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, results of laboratory and other investigations used for diagnosis and screening for complications, therapy received, and physician’s perception of impaired quality of life (QoL). Results Thirty-six endocrinologists and 29 nephrologists from Belgium and 28 endocrinologists from the Netherlands participated in the survey. Data included clinical symptoms, biochemical parameters, and QoL for 97 current patients with not adequately controlled chronic hypoparathyroidism on conventional therapy. Median duration of not adequately controlled hypoparathyroidism was 2.2 years, range 0.17–20.0. Most patients had neuromuscular (85%) and/or neurological (67%) symptoms, 71% had abnormal biochemical parameters, 10% were overweight, and physicians perceived that 71% had impaired QoL. Most frequently reported comorbidities included hypertension (25%), renal comorbidity (20%), diabetes mellitus (12%), and dyslipidaemia (11%). Conclusion Patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism not adequately controlled on conventional therapy experience a substantial burden of illness, mainly due to persistence of symptoms and presence of multiple comorbidities.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Psychosocial Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Health-Science Students of Lithuania–A National Cross-Sectional Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 12870
Author(s):  
Jonas Montvidas ◽  
Milda Basevičiūtė ◽  
Kamilė Burokaitė ◽  
Virginija Adomaitienė ◽  
Sigita Lesinskienė
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Psychosocial Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Science Students ◽  
The Future ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Mean Differences

(1) Background: the relationship between the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is understudied. Moreover, health science students are the future leaders and advocates of vaccination efforts. Therefore, it is essential to understand the origins of vaccine hesitancy and evaluate if the adverse psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic influence it. (2) Methods: we shared an anonymous questionnaire among health-science students via institutional emails of two Lithuanian universities. Results were summarized with odds ratios and mean differences. (3) Results: a total of 1545 health sciences students answered the questionnaire. Almost a fifth of the respondents claimed that they were unsure about getting vaccinated, and nearly one out of ten claimed that they would not get vaccinated. Medicine students, non-infected students, and students who volunteered in a COVID-19 ward were significantly more willing to get vaccinated compared to other health science students. Vaccine hesitant respondents reported a more significant negative effect of COVID-19 on their income and belief in the future. (4) Conclusions: the results of this study showed that negative psychosocial impact on income and ‘belief in future’ were positively associated with vaccine hesitancy. Having been diagnosed with COVID-19 was significantly associated with being doubtful towards vaccination.

scholarly journals HIV testing behaviour and associated factors in men who have sex with men by level of urbanisation: a cross-sectional study in the Netherlands

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e049175
Author(s):  
Jeanine Leenen ◽  
Juliën N A P Wijers ◽  
Chantal Den Daas ◽  
John de Wit ◽  
Christian J P A Hoebe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesRegular HIV testing in men who have sex with men (MSM) enables timely entry into care and reduces the likelihood of HIV transmission. We aimed to assess HIV-testing behaviour and associated factors in MSM by urbanisation of place of residence.DesignData were derived from online survey (‘Men & Sexuality’) in the Netherlands, which was mainly advertised on social media (Facebook and Instagram), dating websites, apps for MSM (Grindr and PlanetRomeo) and gay media.Primary and secondary outcome measuresHIV testing was defined as recent (<1 year), not recent (≥1 year) or never. Using multinominal regression analyses, factors associated with not recent testing and never testing, compared with recent testing, were assessed among MSM living in highly (>2500 residences/km2) or non-highly (≤2500 residences/km2) urbanised areas.ParticipantsThe study sample included 3815 MSM, currently living in the Netherlands. The mean age was 36 years (SD 14.7), and 67.6% were highly educated.ResultsIn highly urbanised areas, 11.8% was never and 19.8% was not recently HIV-tested. In non-highly urbanised areas, this was 25.2% and 19.6%. Among MSM living in highly urbanised areas, independently associated with never and not recent testing were younger age, self-identification as bisexual, fewer sex partners, never notified of HIV and no recent condomless anal intercourse. Among MSM living in non-highly urbanised areas, lower perceived HIV severity, higher perceived HIV risk and a lower proportion gay friends were associated with never and not recent testing. Among never tested MSM, those in non-highly urbanised areas preferred self-sampling/self-testing over facility-based testing; those in highly urbanised areas preferred testing at healthcare facilities.ConclusionsThe proportion of never tested MSM was high (25%) in non-highly urbanised areas in the Netherlands. MSM living in non-highly urbanised areas may possibly be reached with targeted approaches to increase HIV testing uptake such as self-testing/self-sampling strategies.

scholarly journals Participation in physical activity decreased more in people with rheumatoid arthritis than the general population during the COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Balchin ◽  
Ai Lyn Tan ◽  
Oliver J. Wilson ◽  
Jim McKenna ◽  
Antonios Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Exercise Equipment

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions have significantly reduced population-wide physical activity (PA) levels. However, the impact of the pandemic and relevant restrictions on PA participation, and any potential barriers to it, in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not clear. Furthermore, we are unsure if any such PA changes have affected their body weight, mental wellbeing, and/or quality of life (QoL). Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of the lockdown on PA participation in people with RA, versus people without RA. Participants (n = 128; RA = 27, non-RA = 101) completed a self-administered online survey, which included questions on PA, body weight, mental wellbeing and QoL. PA participation during lockdown was significantly lower among RA versus non-RA participants (p < 0.001). Additionally, a similar profile of results was found where more RA participants vs non-RA participants reported reduced habitual PA (59% vs 33%) and increased body weight (59% vs 35%). Mental wellbeing scores were similarly low in both groups during lockdown (RA: 20.8 ± 4.2; non-RA: 22.2 ± 3.4, p = 0.080). Matched group comparisons identified similar trends to full sample analyses. In the first months of the lockdown, more people with RA reported decreased PA participation and increased body weight than their non-RA counterparts. Access to exercise equipment and facilities appears to be the main cause for these results. Looking beyond COVID-19, specific PA promotion for people with RA will be required to prevent a pandemic of inactivity.

scholarly journals Interpersonal Violence during the COVID-19 Lockdown Period in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (230) ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvin Ghimire ◽  
Sajan Acharya ◽  
Carmina Shrestha ◽  
Prabhat KC ◽  
Swarndeep Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Disease Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government

Introduction: The government issued a country-wide lockdown in Nepal as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in various difficult experiences which includes financial loss, separation from loved ones, grief, uncertainty over disease status and loss of freedom. During these stressful situations, interpersonal violence is likely to be aggravated. To avoid the occurrence of adverse events such as impulsive acts, homicide, or suicide, it is important to identify high-risk individuals. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey by convenience sampling. The prevalence of different types of interpersonal violence with socio-demographic factors, substance use, and overall mental wellbeing was assessed by using descriptive statistical tests. Results: Out of total 556 participants included in the analysis, 50.9% (283) were male and 48.7% (271) were female. There were 100 (18.0%) participants who reported being a victim of interpersonal violence and 101 (18.2%) participants who reported being a perpetrator during the lockdown. The victims of violence were more likely to be living with their spouse alone. The victims and perpetrators were also more likely to have increased alcohol and tobacco use. More number of victims and perpetrators had lower mental wellbeing scores on the WHO wellbeing index. Conclusions: There was prevalence of interpersonal violence during the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition to the fear regarding pandemic, victims have to face domestic violence placing them at a double injustice. Identification of vulnerable groups and proper management of survivors must be prioritized given the unanimous consensus on the rise of interpersonal violence during periods of heightened stress.

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