scholarly journals Perceived Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress amongst Staff in a Malaysian Public University: A Workers Survey

Author(s):  
Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf ◽  
Muhammad Al-Amin Shaharuddin ◽  
Azmawati Mohammed Nawi ◽  
Noorlaili Mohd Tauhid ◽  
Hanita Othman ◽  
...  

Mental health conditions are a major part of workers’ health that predisposes to poor self-motivation for sustaining productivity. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among staff in a Malaysian public university and its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 459 staff from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) between April and June 2019. A questionnaire that consisted of items on socio-demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, employment description, lifestyle risk behaviors, personal medical history, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress was administered to participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS version 22.0. The prevalence of perceived symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among the respondents was 28.7%, 50.1%, and 14.8%, respectively. Over one-quarter (26.5%) of the participants presented symptoms of two or more mental disorders. Women, those aged less than 40 years old, and non-academic professionals were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms, while those with medical conditions that required hospitalizations sustained anxiety symptoms. Perceived stress was more likely to be prevalent among staff with secondary education or less and smokers. Proactive support for staff needs to be offered in sustaining their emotional well-being.

Author(s):  
Asma Ghonchepour ◽  
Mostafa Sohrabi ◽  
Zakiyeh Golestani ◽  
Fereshteh Biabanaki ◽  
Mahlagha Dehghan

Abstract Background The most common high-risk behaviors that have profound and adverse effects on the health of the community take place in the university environment. Nowadays, the necessity of exploring ways to correct and reduce the high-risk behaviors requires identification of its determinant factors. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the correlation between spiritual health and high-risk behaviors among university students in the southeast of Iran in 2017–2018. Method This survey was a cross-sectional study. The population was all students studying at three central Universities in Kerman. Eight hundred and four students participated in the survey using a quota sampling method. The research instrument was a demographic questionnaire and the 20-item spiritual well-being Palutzian and Ellison scale and the Iranian Adolescent Riskiness Scale (IARS), which includes 39 items for high-risk behaviors. Results The mean total score of high-risk behaviors was 79.16 ± 24.6 which was lower than the median (117). The spiritual health of the majority of subjects (66.7%) was moderate with an average of 90.65 ± 16.64. There was a significant negative correlation between the students’ spiritual health and their high-risk behaviors. Conclusion It is necessary and essential to plan and implement spiritual-based interventions to reduce the incidence of high-risk behaviors.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Lopez-Leon ◽  
Karen Rosales Mariscal ◽  
Cipatli Ayuzo Del Valle ◽  
Luz Odette Villegas-Pichardo ◽  
Alejandra Huante Salceda

Abstract OBJECTIVE : Common mental disorders are prevalent in medical doctors, especially in female. In Mexico, there are many studies showing that medical students and residents present a higher frequency of depression compared to the general population, however there are no studies in medical doctors at a later stage. A questionnaire was sent in an online forum for physicians that are mothers based in Mexico with the objective of estimating the point prevalence of depression among this group. The questionnaire included the Hospital and Anxiety Scale (HAD-S) which assess symptoms of depression. A cut-off score of ≥8 or use of antidepressants was used to define depression. RESULTS : A total of 1170 physicians that are mothers were included in this study. The point prevalence of depression was 10.9%. The group that had depression smoked more and took more sleeping pills that the group that did not present symptoms of depression. The point prevalence of symptoms of depression in this group of physician in Mexico was estimated to be of 10.9%, which is similar to what is seen in the general population but lower than the estimates for medical interns and residents.


Author(s):  
Jose Jom Thomas ◽  
B. Prakash ◽  
Praveen Kulkarni ◽  
M. R. Narayana Murthy

Background: The world is witnessing significant change in its climate leading to an increase in natural disasters. Kerala state of India recently witnessed its worst Monsoon rainfall in the century. Floods have significant effects on mental health. Screening of psychological problems is necessary in the background of recent floods in Kerala. So this study was done with the objectives to assess the prevalence of depression in the flood affected people of Kerala and to assess the severity of depression among people residing in flood affected areas of Kerala.Methods: Cross sectional study was done four weeks after flood. Individuals aged ≥15 years residing in flood affected areas were included and people not willing to participate were excluded. Purposive sampling was done and 306 participants were studied. Participants were assessed by interview technique using PHQ9 questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS-22. Descriptive statistics like percentage were applied. Inferential statistical tests like chi-square test were applied for association.Results: Among the participants 48% showed symptoms of depression. 28.10 % were mildly depressed, 12.74% were moderately depressed, 5.56% had moderately severe and 1.63% had severe depression. Maximum prevalence of depression was observed in geriatric age group.Conclusions: A significant amount of people residing in flood affected areas showed signs and symptoms of depression. An urgent intervention is therefore required to improve mental health status of the flood affected individuals. 


Author(s):  
Enrique Ramón-Arbués ◽  
Vicente Gea-Caballero ◽  
José Manuel Granada-López ◽  
Raúl Juárez-Vela ◽  
Begoña Pellicer-García ◽  
...  

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and associated factors in a population of college students. Method: Cross-sectional study of psychological distress measured through the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) in a sample of 1074 college students. Results: We found a moderate prevalence of depression (18.4%), anxiety (23.6%) and stress (34.5%) symptoms in our study population. Being <21, having problematic Internet use behavior, smoking, presenting insomnia and having a low self-esteem were independently associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Being a woman, living with their family, having a stable partner, consuming alcohol frequently and having poor nutritional habits were significantly associated with symptoms of stress; lacking a stable partner was significantly associated with depressive symptoms; and frequent consumption of alcohol was significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety. Conclusion: We found a moderate prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in our population. Interventions aimed at promoting mental health among college students should be implemented.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 871-885
Author(s):  
Marina Carvalho ◽  
Cátia Branquinho ◽  
Margarida Gaspar de Matos

Context: Cyberbullying is considered a public health problem with serious consequences on adolescents’ health and well-being. Objective: To analyze the relationships between emotional symptoms and risk behaviors with cyberbullying and understand the role of these factors as predictors of well-being. Design: This is a cross-sectional study based on the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children of the World Health Organization (HBSC/WHO) study. Results: More girls reported being involved in cyberbullying as cybervictims, whereas more boys reported being involved in cyberbullying as cyberbullies and cyberbully victims. Girls reported more emotional symptoms, especially fear and sadness; boys reported more risk behaviors, specifically drug use and involvement in fights, but a higher well-being when compared to girls. Cyberbullies and cyberbully victims reported higher alcohol consumption than cybervictims; cyberbullies also reported higher drugs consumption compared to cybervictims and cyberbully victims. Well-being was predicted by emotional symptoms and age, independently of gender; for girls, involvement in fights also predicted well-being. Conclusions: If boys and girls, as well as cybervictims, cyberbullies, and cyberbully victims, present different levels of well-being, emotional symptoms, and risk behaviors vary in function of cyberbullying, it is crucial to develop individual interventions focused on the specific needs of each group.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1271
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz A. Alodhayani ◽  
Khalid M. Almutairi ◽  
Fahda A. Alshobaili ◽  
Adel F. Alotaibi ◽  
Ghadah Alkhaldi ◽  
...  

Background: The negative psychological impact of COVID-19 in the general population has been well documented. Similar studies among those who were infected and who underwent quarantine remain scarce, particularly in the Arab region. The present study aims to fill this gap. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, suspected/confirmed COVID-19 individuals who were quarantined in the Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities were invited to participate in an online survey. All consenting participants answered a generalized questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, as well as a five-part questionnaire that assessed the symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress. Results: A total of 335 suspected/confirmed COVID-19 individuals (198 males and 137 females) participated. Being female is associated with increased risk of depression (odds ratio OR 1.8 (confidence interval, CI 1.1–3.1; p = 0.03)) as well as being employed by the government (OR 2.8 (CI 1.1–7.0; p = 0.03)). Level of education (OR 2.3 (CI 1.0–5.4; p = 0.049)) and employment in government (OR 3.0 (CI 1.2–7.8; p = 0.02)) were significantly associated with distress. Increasing age (45 years and above) appeared to be protective against distress (OR 0.2 (CI 0.02–0.69; p = 0.008)), as well anxiety and sleep pattern (OR 0.3 p < 0.05). Conclusion: Findings of the present study highlight that infected COVID-19 populations are at higher risk for acute and detrimental psychological well-being during quarantine and/or self-isolation. Identification of the coping mechanisms of older adults during periods of distress may prove beneficial in the pandemic preparedness of younger generations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Delgado Domìnguez ◽  
Adriana Rodríguez Barraza ◽  
Roberto Lagunes Còrdoba ◽  
Francisco Domingo Vázquez Martínez

Introduction: In Mexico there is a lack of knowledge about the importance of promotion of psychological well-being in Medical Education. Most of the research focuses on the pathologies developed during his journey as a student in relation to the adverse environments they face. Objective: To identify the level of psychological well-being in medical residents from first to fourth year of a public university in Mexico and the need for its inclusion in the formal curriculum in Medical Education. Method: Descriptive and cross sectional study. The Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Scale (SPWS) was used which was previously validated in the study population. 157 first to fourth year residents of the different specialties participated. Results: The scale was made up of four factors. It was found that 35.1% had low levels and 33.7% average levels of psychological well-being. Conclusions: Most of the residents showed levels of medium and low psychological well-being, which make reference to the relevant decision made by the corresponding authorities that include the promotion of psychological well-being within the formal curriculum of Medical Education.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 1310-1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Louise Möllerberg ◽  
Kristofer Årestedt ◽  
Katarina Swahnberg ◽  
Eva Benzein ◽  
Anna Sandgren

Background: There is evidence indicating that family sense of coherence predicts quality of family life and promotes family well-being. In families living with the palliative phase of cancer, low hope, anxiety and symptoms of depression are common in both persons with cancer and their family members. Aim: To determine whether family sense of coherence was associated with hope, anxiety and symptoms of depression, respectively, in persons with cancer in the palliative phase and their family members. Design: An observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted. Nested linear regression analyses were performed in two blocks to determine whether family sense of coherence was associated with hope, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Setting/participants: Persons with cancer ( n = 179) and their family members ( n = 165) were recruited from two oncology clinics and two palliative centres in three regions in Sweden. Results: The main findings showed that family sense of coherence was significantly and independently associated with hope, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Stronger family sense of coherence was associated with higher hope and lower anxiety and symptoms of depression levels in both persons with cancer and their family members. Conclusion: Health care providers should strive to identify families with weak family sense of coherence, because of its associations with hope, anxiety and symptoms of depression, in order to offer them professional support and thereby achieve increased well-being during the palliative phase of cancer. Future studies should expand our knowledge of family sense of coherence and how to identify families at risk of lower levels of well-being.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-179
Author(s):  
Zainab Ali Jaber ◽  
Raghad Awfeeq Salman ◽  
Dania Yasser Abid Al Wahab ◽  
Manal Adnan Habib ◽  
Israa Ali Hussein

Background: Depression, a state of low mood and aversion to activity, can affect people's thoughts, behavior, tendencies, feelings, and sense of well-being. It can either be short-term or long-term, depending on the severity of the person's condition. Risk factors include personal or family history of depression, major life changes, trauma, stress, certain physical illnesses, and medications. Objective: This study investigates the prevalence of depression among medical students at the University of Baghdad, college of medicine in Iraq, and the association between some variables and depression. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study design with a convenience sampling method was conducted. A sample of 323 medical students attending the University of Baghdad, college of medicine, were included in this study between July 2019 and September 2019, regardless of their age or gender. The study included five grades according to the year 2019-2020. An online survey was conducted using Google Forms which included two sections. Section 1 included questions about participants' demographics. The second section included the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) score. Results: A total of 323 students of different demographics participated in this study. The number of males was 108 (33.4%), and the number of females was 215 (66.6%). The frequency of participants who got mild depression was the highest, i.e., 127 (39.3%), whereas 85 (26.3%) were non-depressed. Therefore, this study sample had a high prevalence of depression. On the other hand, the frequency of mild-moderate depression was 57.9%. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among medical students at the University of Baghdad was high. Gender, having friends, having a medical condition or disease, having family issues, whether it's easy to communicate with others, encountering an event that affected them, and having a family member who suffers from a psychological condition are associated with depression among students. In contrast, age, marital status, college year, seeking help in the past, and having a part-time job have no association with depression


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e018023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blánaid Hayes ◽  
Lucia Prihodova ◽  
Gillian Walsh ◽  
Frank Doyle ◽  
Sally Doherty

ObjectivesTo measure levels of psychological distress, psychological wellbeing and self-stigma in hospital doctors in Ireland.DesignNational cross-sectional study of randomised sample of hospital doctors. Participants provided sociodemographic data (age, sex, marital status), work grade (consultant, higher/basic specialist trainee), specialty and work hours and completed well-being questionnaires (the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, WHO Well-being Index, General Health Questionnaire) and single-item scales on self-rated health and self-stigma.SettingIrish publicly funded hospitals and residential institutions.Participants1749 doctors (response rate of 55%). All hospital specialties were represented except radiology.ResultsHalf of participants were men (50.5%). Mean hours worked per week were 57 hours. Over half (52%) rated their health as very good/excellent, while 50.5% reported positive subjective well-being (WHO-5). Over a third (35%) experienced psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire 12). Severe/extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were evident in 7.2%, 6.1% and 9.5% of participants (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale 21). Symptoms of distress, depression, anxiety and stress were significantly higher and levels of well-being were significantly lower in trainees compared with consultants, and this was not accounted for by differences in sociodemographic variables. Self-stigma was present in 68.4%.ConclusionsThe work hours of doctors working in Irish hospitals were in excess of European Working Time Directive’s requirements. Just over half of hospital doctors in Ireland had positive well-being. Compared with international evidence, they had higher levels of psychological distress but slightly lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. Two-thirds of respondents reported self-stigma, which is likely to be a barrier to accessing care. These findings have implications for the design of support services for doctors, for discussions on quality of patient care and for future research.


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