Sleep and Mental Health Disturbances Due to Social Isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that broke out in China in December 2019 rapidly became a worldwide pandemic. In Mexico, the conditions requiring the declaration of a sanitary emergency were reached by the last week of March 2020, and health authorities’ limited mobility and imposed social isolation were the main strategies to keep the virus from spreading. Thus, daily living conditions changed drastically in a few days, generating a stressful situation characterized by an almost complete lack of mobility, social isolation, and forced full-time interactions with family members. Soon, complaints of sleep disturbances, anxiety, and symptoms of depression were reported. The present study reports the results of an online survey performed during the first two months of isolation. Questionnaires exploring sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression were sent to people who responded to an open invitation. A total of 1230 participants filled out the sleep questionnaire, 812 responded to the anxiety questionnaire, and 814 responded to the depression questionnaire. Both men and women reported poor sleep quality, but women showed a higher proportion (79%) than men (60%); young women were more likely to be affected by social isolation. Concerning anxiety and depression, both sexes reported high similar symptoms. These data suggest that stressful conditions related to social isolation and the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic may induce mental health disturbances, which may become worse with sleep restriction.

Download Full-text

Sleep Quality and Mental Health of Medical Students in Greece During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.775374 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Eleftheriou ◽

Aikaterini Rokou ◽

Aikaterini Arvaniti ◽

Evangelia Nena ◽

Paschalis Steiropoulos

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medical Students ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Online Survey ◽

Female Students ◽

Poor Sleep ◽

Special Focus ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Parameters

Background-Aim: Medical students have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to their educational program, which comprises theoretical knowledge and also clinical duties, making them vulnerable to viral exposures and possibly affecting their everyday life. The aim of this study was to explore changes in sleep and mental health parameters among medical students in Greece during the second year of the pandemic.Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised students of all medical schools in Greece (n = 7), using an anonymous online survey. Participants completed the following questionnaires: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Statistical analysis was conducted with the use of SPSS v.26 (IBM SPSS, Armonk NY, USA).Results: Out of the 562 received responses, 559 met the inclusion criteria. The largest proportion of the respondents came from 4th-year (27.8%) and the majority of the sample were females (69.8%). Only 5.9% of the participants reported having been infected by SARS-COV-2. Most of the respondents experienced insomnia (65.9%, mean AIS score: 7.59 ± 4.24), poor sleep quality (52.4%, mean PSQI score: 6.6 ± 3.25) and increased fatigue (48.5%, mean 35.82 ± 11.74). Moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety (mean 9.04 ± 5.66) and depression (mean 9.36 ± 6.15) were noted. Suicidal ideation was found in 16.7% of the sample, while use of sleeping pills in the previous month was reported by 8.8% (n = 47). Further analysis revealed independent associations between sleep and mental health parameters. Higher AIS score was associated with greater FSS score; higher PSQI scores with higher GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Additionally, female students were found to be significantly more affected than males by the COVID-19 pandemic, displaying higher levels of insomnia, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression. In addition, those with a history of COVID-19 infection or in close proximity with a positive case reported significantly more significant post-traumatic symptoms in IES-COVID-19 questionnaire.Conclusions: In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, prevalence of sleep and mental health disorders among Greek medical students is significant, highlighting the need for better surveillance of students' wellbeing and subsequent counseling, with special focus on female students and other affected groups.

Download Full-text

The impact of COVID-19 on teachers' mental health

Journal for Multicultural Education ◽

10.1108/jme-08-2021-0131 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Shoshana Cohen-Fraade ◽

Maura Donahue

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Public School ◽

Online Survey ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Full Time ◽

Public School Teachers ◽

School Teachers ◽

Content Type ◽

Teachers Experiences ◽

The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine teachers’ experiences with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The authors administered an online survey to full-time public school teachers simultaneously enrolled in a master’s degree program in education. Out of 455 teachers who were sent the survey, 96 completed it, resulting in a 21.1% survey completion rate. The survey was composed of both quantitative and qualitative items which assessed teachers’ self-perceptions about their mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their use of mental health resources. Most questions were drawn from the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), so focused primarily on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Findings The results of the survey indicated that overall, teachers felt an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression between March 2020 and February 2021. A noteworthy percentage of participants said they were seeking mental health supports. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted with teachers in an alternative certification program, so their experiences might not be widely generalizable to teachers enrolled in traditional pathways to certification. Originality/value While some research has been conducted on mental health, less has been conducted with public school teachers and even less has assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to add to the existing literature about teachers' experiences with anxiety and depression, as well as the specific impact of COVID-19.

Download Full-text

Examining changes in sleep duration associated with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic: Who is sleeping and who is not?

10.1101/2021.04.06.21254996 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Salma Batool-Anwar ◽

Rebecca Robbins ◽

Shahmir H Ali ◽

Ariadna Capasso ◽

Joshua Foreman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Occupational Information ◽

Time Zones

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social isolation and reports of insomnia. However, reports of changes in sleep duration and associated factors are few. Methods Data were from an online survey of adults recruited via social media that included a question asking whether the respondent slept less or more after the onset of the pandemic. Analyses determined the association between changes in sleep duration and self reported sociodemographic and occupational information; beliefs about COVID-19; changes in sleep patterns; and responses pertaining to loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Results There were 5,175 respondents; 53.9% had a change in sleep duration. 17.1% slept less and 36.7% slept more. Sleeping more was related to greater education, being single/divorced/separated, unemployed or a student. Being retired, divorced/separated or a homemaker, and living in the Mountain or Central time zones were associated with less sleep. Beliefs that COVID-19 would result in personal adverse consequences was associated with both more and less sleep. However, the strongest associations with both more and less sleep were seen with depression, anxiety, and loneliness with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.92 (95% CI 1.67-2.21) for sleeping more and loneliness to 5.29 (95% CI 4.1-6.7) for sleeping less and anxiety. Conclusions Changes in sleep duration since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were highly prevalent among social media users and were associated with several sociodemographic factors and beliefs that COVID-19 would have adverse personal impacts. However, the strongest associations occurred with worse mental health suggesting that improvements may occur with better sleep.

Download Full-text

Beyond the high: Mapping patterns of use and motives for use of cannabis as medicine

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs ◽

10.1177/1455072520985967 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 145507252098596

Author(s):

Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽

Michael M. Pedersen ◽

Sagi Alagem-Iversen ◽

Birgitte Thylstrup

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Side Effects ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Patient Organisations ◽

Patterns Of Use

Background: In Denmark the boundaries between cannabis as an illicit drug and licit medicine have shifted rapidly in recent years, affecting also policy. However, the vast majority of Danes, who use cannabis as medicine (CaM) continue to rely on the unregulated market for supply. This study explores patterns of use and motives for use of CaM in Denmark. Methods: An anonymous online survey was made available to a convenience sample of users of CaM from July 14, 2018 to November 1, 2018. Participants were recruited through patient organisations, social and public media, and the illegal open cannabis market. Results: Of the final sample ( n = 3,021), a majority were women (62.6%) and the mean age was 49 years. Most had no prescription for CaM (90.9%), a majority had no or limited previous experience with recreational cannabis use (63.9%), and had used CaM for two years or less (65.0%). The most common form of intake was oil (56.8%) followed by smoke (24.0%). CBD oil (65.0%) was used more than hash, pot or skunk (36.2%). Most frequent conditions treated were chronic pain (32.0%), sleep disturbances (27.5%), stress (23.7%), osteoarthritis (22.7%), anxiety (19.6%), and depression (19.6%). Overall, users experienced CaM to be effective in managing somatic and mental health conditions and reported relatively few side-effects. CBD oil only users were more likely to be women, older, have limited recreational experience and have initiated use recently. Conclusions: A new user group has emerged in Denmark that, for the most part, use illegally sourced CaM to treat a broad range of somatic and mental health conditions, often with experienced effect and relatively low level of side-effects. The prevalent use of low-potency CBD oil indicates an interest in effects beyond the high normally associated with cannabis use. More clinical research into the effects and side-effects of CaM is needed to draw the boundaries of the medical utility of cannabis.

Download Full-text

How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043397 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043397

Author(s):

Austen El-Osta ◽

Aos Alaa ◽

Iman Webber ◽

Eva Riboli Sasco ◽

Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

Download Full-text

Stress-related emotional and behavioural impact following the first COVID-19 outbreak peak

Molecular Psychiatry ◽

10.1038/s41380-021-01219-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Asaf Benjamin ◽

Yael Kuperman ◽

Noa Eren ◽

Ron Rotkopf ◽

Maya Amitai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Impact ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Distress Symptoms ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Physiological Symptoms ◽

Individual Ability ◽

And Coping

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic poses multiple psychologically stressful challenges and is associated with an increased risk for mental illness. Previous studies have focused on the psychopathological symptoms associated with the outbreak peak. Here, we examined the behavioural and mental-health impact of the pandemic in Israel using an online survey, during the six weeks encompassing the end of the first outbreak and the beginning of the second. We used clinically validated instruments to assess anxiety- and depression-related emotional distress, symptoms, and coping strategies, as well as questions designed to specifically assess COVID-19-related concerns. Higher emotional burden was associated with being female, younger, unemployed, living in high socioeconomic status localities, having prior medical conditions, encountering more people, and experiencing physiological symptoms. Our findings highlight the environmental context and its importance in understanding individual ability to cope with the long-term stressful challenges of the pandemic.

Download Full-text

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON MENTAL HEALTH AND CONCERNS REGARDING CURRICULUM IN FINAL YEAR MBBS STUDENTS

10.36106/ijsr/9200660 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 11-13

Author(s):

Mruthyunjaya N ◽

Vaibhavi PS ◽

Vinod Kulkarni G

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Online Survey ◽

Clinical Skills ◽

Psychiatric Morbidity ◽

P Value ◽

Medical Undergraduate ◽

Spss Software ◽

Study Participants

Background: The current SARS CoV-2 pandemic has affected the mental health of various sectors of the country while it has also jeopardised the education system. In this background the present study was done to explore the mental health of the nal year medical undergraduate students and their concerns regarding the curriculum. Materials and Methods:An online survey was conducted among the nal year MBBS students in India and psychiatric morbidity was measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. A total of 83 complete responses out of 130 were received and the data was assessed using SPSS software. Results: Out of the 83 study participants, about 34.9% were depressed, about 39.5% and 32.9% were having anxiety and stress, respectively. Sleep disturbances were signicantly associated with depressive symptoms (p value - 0.0001) and those with stress (p value - 0.01) while change in appetite was also signicantly associated with stress (p value - 0.01). Conclusion: The current pandemic has led to growing concerns in the educational sector especially medical education where MBBS students are facing psychological distress along with newer challenges in their academics like distant education as against traditional bedside teaching for acquiring clinical skills.

Download Full-text

Sleep Quality and Mental Disorder Symptoms among Canadian Public Safety Personnel

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17082708 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (8) ◽

pp. 2708

Author(s):

Andréanne Angehrn ◽

Michelle J. N. Teale Sapach ◽

Rosemary Ricciardelli ◽

Renée S. MacPhee ◽

Gregory S. Anderson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Public Safety ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Poor Sleep ◽

Public Safety Personnel ◽

Safety Personnel ◽

Screening Measures

Poor sleep quality is associated with numerous mental health concerns and poorer overall physical health. Sleep disturbances are commonly reported by public safety personnel (PSP) and may contribute to the risk of developing mental disorders or exacerbate mental disorder symptoms. The current investigation was designed to provide estimates of sleep disturbances among PSP and explore the relationship between sleep quality and mental health status. PSP completed screening measures for sleep quality and diverse mental disorders through an online survey. Respondents (5813) were grouped into six categories: communications officials, correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Many PSP in each category reported symptoms consistent with clinical insomnia (49–60%). Rates of sleep disturbances differed among PSP categories (p < 0.001, ω = 0.08). Sleep quality was correlated with screening measures for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder for all PSP categories (r = 0.18–0.70, p < 0.001). PSP who screened positive for insomnia were 3.43–6.96 times more likely to screen positive for a mental disorder. All PSP reported varying degrees of sleep quality, with the lowest disturbances found among firefighters and municipal/provincial police. Sleep appears to be a potentially important factor for PSP mental health.

Download Full-text

Perception of Health Conditions and Test Availability as Predictors of Adults’ Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Study of Adults in Malaysia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17155498 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (15) ◽

pp. 5498 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Huiyang Dai ◽

Stephen X. Zhang ◽

Kim Hoe Looi ◽

Rui Su ◽

Jizhen Li

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Condition ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Survey Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Curvilinear Relationships ◽

Perception Of Health ◽

Anxiety Depression

Research identifying adults’ mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic relies solely on demographic predictors without examining adults’ health condition as a potential predictor. This study aims to examine individuals’ perception of health conditions and test availability as potential predictors of mental health—insomnia, anxiety, depression, and distress—during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey of 669 adults in Malaysia was conducted during 2–8 May 2020, six weeks after the Movement Control Order (MCO) was issued. We found adults’ perception of health conditions had curvilinear relationships (horizontally reversed J-shaped) with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and distress. Perceived test availability for COVID-19 also had curvilinear relationships (horizontally reversed J-shaped) with anxiety and depression. Younger adults reported worse mental health, but people from various religions and ethnic groups did not differ significantly in reported mental health. The results indicated that adults with worse health conditions had more mental health problems, and the worse degree deepened for unhealthy people. Perceived test availability negatively predicted anxiety and depression, especially for adults perceiving COVID-19 test unavailability. The significant predictions of perceived health condition and perceived COVID-19 test availability suggest a new direction for the literature to identify the psychiatric risk factors directly from health-related variables during a pandemic.

Download Full-text

How prevalent is mental ill-health in the workplace – and how can employers help workers who are suffering?

Development in Learning Organizations An International Journal ◽

10.1108/dlo-02-2019-0046 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 4-7

Author(s):

Zain Sikafi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Common Knowledge ◽

Health Problems ◽

Significant Rise ◽

Full Time ◽

Content Type ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Uk

Purpose This research was commissioned by Mynurva in October 2018. The independent, nationally representative survey was conducted among more than 2,000 UK adults to uncover the number of full-time workers who suffer from mental health problems, how many of them seek help for their issues, and the main barriers that hold them back from doing so. Design/methodology/approach A nationally representative sample of 2,003 adults in employment were surveyed about their mental health. Via an online survey, employees responding that they had experienced mental health problems were asked to respond further to a series of statements. Contingency tables were then produced, revealing what percentage of respondents agreed or disagreed with each statement that was presented to them. Findings Almost a third (32 per cent) of full-time employees have suffered from mental health problems in the workplace. More than one in three workers suffering from mental health symptoms have never sought any professional help, and at 42 per cent, male workers were more likely than female workers (32 per cent) not to seek help. In total, 44 per cent have never disclosed their issues to a manager at work. Of those struggling with their mental health, the authors found that 55 per cent of workers fear admitting their problems to a manager would hinder their chances of a promotion. A majority (59 per cent) also believe that if their mental health problems became common knowledge in the office, then it would negatively affect their relationships with colleagues. This figure rises to 71 per cent among workers of age 18-34. Confidentiality was cited as a key obstacle for employees, with 58 per cent worrying that their mental health problems would not remain confidential if they were to discuss them in the workplace. There was a significant rise among millennials, 68 per cent of which shared these sentiments. Originality/value The authors commissioned Opinium to conduct independent research in the UK.

Download Full-text