Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.

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Is it Just About Physical Health? An Internet -Based Cross-Sectional Study Exploring The Pyschological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic On University Students in Jordan Using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

10.21203/rs.3.rs-29439/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽

Amal Akour ◽

Laith Alfalah

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Distance Learning ◽

University Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Abstract Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at the local, national, and international levels were directed primarily to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health were not thoroughly investigated yet, and studies that report the mental health risks of COVID-19 are still scarce.Objectives This study aimed to assess the level of psychological distress among university students in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire, The survey comprised of questions about (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iii) coping activities , and (iv) the students’ greatest concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). The total K10 distress scores had a mean of 34.2 (SD:9.4). However, the mean of total K10 distress scores had no significant association with gender (P=0.57). Age was negatively associated with total K10 distress score (P=0.0013). Concerning severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%), and females were found to have a statistically significant higher percentage in mild and severe psychological distress (P= 0.035), (P=0.016); respectively. 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between severe psychological distress and motivation for distance learning (P<0.0001). The most common coping strategy among students was spending more time on social media (n=269, 70.6%). Besides, 49 students (12.9%) reported the use of medications to cope with COVID-10 related distress, and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most serious concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 control measures resulted in a severe disruption of various human life activities, and this could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. A nationwide psychological support program should be incorporated into Jordan’s response strategy in combating the COVID-19, considering students and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.

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Prevalence and Factors Associated with Psychological Distress among Older Adults Admitted to Hospitals After Fall Injuries in Vietnam

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16224518 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (22) ◽

pp. 4518 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Long Hoang Nguyen ◽

Hai Minh Vu ◽

Giang Thu Vu ◽

Tung Hoang Tran ◽

Kiet Tuan Huy Pham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Older Patients ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Aging Populations ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Social Engagements ◽

Distress Scale

Although psychological distress is one of the major health issues among aging populations, little is known about how this challenge affects older patients after falls. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Thai Binh province, Vietnam, to explore the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among 405 older patients after falls. The 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) was used to measure psychological distress. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate Tobit and Logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with psychological distress. The prevalence of psychological distress among participants was 26.2%. Patients who were alone or older had a higher likelihood of psychological distress. Patients with a history of falls in the past 12 months were more likely to suffer from psychological distress (OR = 2.87, 95%CI = 1.74; 4.72). Having two and three comorbidities was significantly associated with greater K6 scores and a higher risk of psychological distress. This study underlined a significantly high prevalence of psychological distress among older patients after falls. Providing frequent mental health monitoring, screening, treatment, and facilitating social engagements are important implications to improve the mental health of this population.

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The mental health of Australian medical practitioners during Covid-19

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/10398562211010807 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 103985622110108

Author(s):

Michelle Anne Adams ◽

Matthew Brazel ◽

Richard Thomson ◽

Hannah Lake

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Junior Doctor ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Mental Health Diagnosis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Practitioners ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Health Diagnosis

Objectives: To ascertain whether doctors were experiencing higher rates of distress during Covid-19 and whether this was impacted by demographic factors. Our hypotheses were that being a junior doctor, having a previous mental health diagnosis and treating Covid-19 positive patients would predict higher rates of distress. Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted via Survey Monkey. Voluntary participants were recruited from the mailing list of a national-based referral service for doctors to psychiatrists. Distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Demographic factors were analysed for predictive value of a higher rating on the K10. Areas of concern in relation to Covid-19 and preference for support services were measured on a Likert scale and compared to levels of distress. Results: The rate of very high distress was 15%. Being a junior doctor and having a previous mental health diagnosis were predictive factors of a higher K10 score. K10 was not affected by likelihood of contact with Covid-19-positive patients. Social isolation had a larger impact on mental health in the context of a previous psychiatric diagnosis. Face-to-face assessments were preferred. Conclusions: Rates of distress in doctors have been higher than baseline during Covid-19. Some groups have been particularly vulnerable.

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App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18545 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dawson Church ◽

Peta Stapleton ◽

Debbie Sabot

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Emotional Intensity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Therapeutic Benefits ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Emotional Freedom Techniques ◽

Distress Scale

BACKGROUND The burgeoning area of mobile health (mHealth) has experienced rapid growth in mobile apps designed to address mental health issues. Although abundant apps offer strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety and stress, information regarding their efficacy is scarce. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the effect of an mHealth app on user self-ratings of psychological distress in a sample of 270,461 app users. The Tapping Solution App guides users through the therapeutic protocols of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based psychophysiological intervention that combines acupressure with elements of cognitive and exposure therapies. METHODS App users provided self-ratings of emotional intensity before and after app sessions (termed “tapping meditations”) using an 11-point Subjective Units of Distress scale. App user data for 23 tapping meditations, which addressed psychological symptoms of anxiety and stress, were gathered between October 2018 and October 2019, totaling 380,034 completed app sessions. RESULTS Across 12 anxiety-tapping meditations, the difference in emotional intensity ratings from presession (mean 6.66, SD 0.25) to postsession (mean 3.75, SD 0.30) was statistically significant (<i>P</i><.001; 95% CI −2.92 to −2.91). Across 11 stress-tapping meditations, a statistically significant difference was also found from presession (mean 6.91, SD 0.48) to postsession (mean 3.83, SD 0.54; <i>P</i><.001; 95% CI −3.08 to −3.07). The results are consistent with the literature on the efficacy of Clinical EFT for anxiety and stress when offered in conventional therapeutic formats. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the mHealth app in the immediate reduction of self-rated psychological distress. As an adjunct to professional mental health care, the app promises accessible and convenient therapeutic benefits.

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Life, lifestyle and location: examining the complexities of psychological distress in young adult Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians

Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease ◽

10.1017/s2040174417000162 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 541-549 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

B. Davison ◽

T. Nagel ◽

G. R. Singh

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Emotional Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Indigenous Australians ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Self Harm

Mental health is fundamental to an individual’s health and well-being. Mental health disorders affect a substantial portion of the Australian population, with the most vulnerable time in adolescence and young adulthood. Indigenous Australians fare worse than other Australians on almost every measure of physical and mental health. Cross-sectional data from young adults (21–27 years) participating in the Life Course Program, Northern Territory, Australia, is presented. Rates of psychological distress were high in remote and urban residing Indigenous and urban non-Indigenous young adults. This rate was more pronounced in young women, particularly in Indigenous remote and urban residing women. Young adults with high psychological distress also had lower levels of positive well-being, higher perceived stress levels, experienced a higher number of major life events and were at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and/or self-harm. This study supports the need for a continued focus on early screening and treatment at this vulnerable age. The significant association seen between psychological distress and other markers of emotional well-being, particularly risk of suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, highlights the need for a holistic approach to mental health assessment and treatment. A concerted focus on improving the environs of young adults by lowering levels of stress, improving access to adequate housing, educational and employment opportunity, will assist in improving the emotional health of young adults.

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Stress gradation of medical practitioners during the pandemic (covid-19) along with ways to de-stress; a cross sectional study at tertiary care hospitals using Kessler’s 10 psychological distress scale.

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2021.28.09.6238 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (09) ◽

pp. 1239-1244

Author(s):

Umair Toqueer ◽

Muhammad Usama Zardad ◽

Mahwish Toqueer ◽

Anila Riyaz ◽

Sana Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Junior Doctors ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Tertiary Care Hospitals ◽

Distress Scale ◽

The Impact

Objectives: To determine stress grades of doctors working in tertiary care hospitals by using a standard measuring tool i.e. Kessler 10 psychological distress scale along with finding out different coping methods adopted by doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Tertiary Care Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Period: 15 March 2020 to 20 June 2020. Material & Methods: A structured questionnaire was sent online to the junior and senior doctors working during the pandemic. The data was automatically collected with the help of Google docs and then analysed using SPSS 26. Results: Of the 219 doctors who completed the questionnaire 142 were males (64.8%) and 77 were females (35.2%). Interestingly, analysis of the score revealed that 38.8% of the doctors were found likely to be well, 16.4% of the doctors were likely to have mild disease and 20.5% were likely to have a moderate disorder while 24.2% were likely to have a severe disorder. Further analysis showed that the mean of Kessler’s score was greater for junior doctors as compared to Consultants which was found to be statistically significant (p=0.044). Conclusion: The impact of Corona virus disease (COVID-19) on the stress levels of health workers warrants considerable attention as it was declared a pandemic. Assessing the psychological impact and ways to tackle them will not only help the health care workers during this pandemic but will be beneficial in future pandemics as well.

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COVID-19: Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies among community members across 17 countries

Globalization and Health ◽

10.1186/s12992-021-00768-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Aziz Rahman ◽

Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽

Patraporn Tungpunkom ◽

Farhana Sultana ◽

Sheikh M. Alif ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Workers ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

And Coping ◽

Distress Scale

Abstract Background The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. Objectives We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. Results A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). Conclusions The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements.

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Psychological Distress in Caregivers for People With Dementia: A Population-Based Analysis of A National Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-140853/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Norio Sugawara ◽

Norio Yasui-Furukori ◽

Kazushi Maruo ◽

Kazutaka Shimoda ◽

Tomiki Sumiyoshi

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Population Based ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Serious Psychological Distress ◽

Forward Selection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Modifiable Factors ◽

Distress Scale

Abstract Background: Informal caregivers (CGs), also called family caregivers, play an important role in supporting the well-being of and providing care to older people with dementia. However, taking care of patients with dementia is often stressful and exhausting. To facilitate the sustainable provision of care to people with dementia at home, it is crucial to reduce the burden placed on CGs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological distress experienced by CGs for care recipients with dementia (CRDs) and identify the sociodemographic factors affecting that distress.Methods: We utilized the 2013 Comprehensive Survey of the Living Conditions for CRDs and CGs. Linked data from 643 pairs of CRDs and CGs were extracted. The psychological distress experienced by CGs was measured by Kessler’s Psychological Distress scale (K6) with a cutoff point of 13. Factors predictive of psychological distress were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis with the forward selection method.Results: Overall, the mean age of the CGs was 63.5 ± 11.6 years, and 5.3% (34/643) experienced serious psychological distress. Male sex of CRDs, knowing how to access consulting services, spending almost all day for nursing care, and having subjective symptoms within a few days were associated with having serious psychological distress, while older age, participating in shopping as part of the nursing, and having their own house were related to freedom from serious psychological distress.Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for psychological distress in CGs and consider providing support to reduce the burden imposed by modifiable factors. Further studies are warranted to examine whether such efforts would improve the mental health of CGs for CRDs.

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Evaluating How Mental Health Changed in Australia through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from the ‘Taking the Pulse of the Nation’ (TTPN) Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19010558 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 558

Author(s):

Ferdi Botha ◽

Peter Butterworth ◽

Roger Wilkins

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Single Item ◽

Unadjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Highly Correlated ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health at the level of the population. The current study adds to the evidence base by examining how the prevalence of psychological distress changed in Australia during the pandemic. The study also assesses the psychometric properties of a new single-item measure of mental distress included in a survey program conducted regularly throughout the pandemic. Data are from 1158 respondents in wave 13 (early July 2020) of the nationally representative Taking the Pulse of the Nation (TTPN) Survey. The questionnaire included the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and a new single-item measure of distress. Results show a significant increase in the prevalence of psychological distress in Australia, from 6.3% pre-pandemic to 17.7% in early July 2020 (unadjusted odds ratio = 3.19; 95% CI (confidence interval) = 2.51 to 4.05). The new single-item measure of distress is highly correlated with the K6. This study provides a snapshot at one point in time about how mental health worsened in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, by demonstrating the accuracy of the new single-item measure of distress, this analysis also provides a basis for further research examining the trajectories and correlates of distress in Australia across the pandemic.

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App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/18545 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. e18545

Author(s):

Dawson Church ◽

Peta Stapleton ◽

Debbie Sabot

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Emotional Intensity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Therapeutic Benefits ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Emotional Freedom Techniques ◽

Distress Scale

Background The burgeoning area of mobile health (mHealth) has experienced rapid growth in mobile apps designed to address mental health issues. Although abundant apps offer strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety and stress, information regarding their efficacy is scarce. Objective This study aimed to assess the effect of an mHealth app on user self-ratings of psychological distress in a sample of 270,461 app users. The Tapping Solution App guides users through the therapeutic protocols of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based psychophysiological intervention that combines acupressure with elements of cognitive and exposure therapies. Methods App users provided self-ratings of emotional intensity before and after app sessions (termed “tapping meditations”) using an 11-point Subjective Units of Distress scale. App user data for 23 tapping meditations, which addressed psychological symptoms of anxiety and stress, were gathered between October 2018 and October 2019, totaling 380,034 completed app sessions. Results Across 12 anxiety-tapping meditations, the difference in emotional intensity ratings from presession (mean 6.66, SD 0.25) to postsession (mean 3.75, SD 0.30) was statistically significant (P<.001; 95% CI −2.92 to −2.91). Across 11 stress-tapping meditations, a statistically significant difference was also found from presession (mean 6.91, SD 0.48) to postsession (mean 3.83, SD 0.54; P<.001; 95% CI −3.08 to −3.07). The results are consistent with the literature on the efficacy of Clinical EFT for anxiety and stress when offered in conventional therapeutic formats. Conclusions The findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the mHealth app in the immediate reduction of self-rated psychological distress. As an adjunct to professional mental health care, the app promises accessible and convenient therapeutic benefits.

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