scholarly journals Critical Issues of Working during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Italian Healthcare Workers’ Experience

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 927
Author(s):  
Silvia Vicentini ◽  
Arianna Mercurio ◽  
Carolina Romascu ◽  
Martina Battaglia ◽  
Noemi Tribbia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
The Impact

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted on healthcare services’ organization and healthcare workers’ mental health, increasing the risk of psychological symptoms and burnout. Italy has been one of the most affected countries, especially the northern regions, even with exceptions in some rural provinces. Aim: We chose to investigate the mental health conditions of healthcare workers operating in the rural province of Rovigo (a small town in Veneto, northern Italy), where relatively few deaths and contagions were reported during the pandemic, even if Veneto—globally—was one of the most affected regions of Italy. We wanted to verify the psychological outcomes of health workers operating in a context where the impact of the pandemic appeared to be relatively mild. Methods: Through an online survey, we investigated perceived difficulties at work and in daily life, perceived loneliness and social support, coping strategies, and level of psychological distress (sample size: 749; mean age = 48.04 years, SD = 10.66). The questionnaire had both open- (2) and close-ended questions (5 single-choice and 13 multiple-choice). We verified possible associations between sex, age group, work department and percentage of responses with chi-square tests of independence on each question. Data cleaning excluded all contradictory answers from the multiple-choice questions from the analyses (final sample size: 640). Results: Frontliners and non-frontliners reported a similar experience of the COVID-19 pandemic (without significant differences in perceived difficulties, coping strategies and sources of support). Nevertheless, they still reported various forms of negative emotions (e.g., helplessness—40.94%; sadness—36.56%; frustration—32.66%) and lack of support from the health organization (especially frontliners—28.72%). However, psychological help was scarcely requested. Conclusions: Despite the province not being massively affected by the pandemic, healthcare workers felt the need for clearer and more supportive guidance. They seem to perceive collective opportunities to share needs and difficulties as more useful than individual interventions (as those provided by the ad hoc created listening service).

scholarly journals COPING STRATEGIES FOR COVID-19 IN THE MOROCCAN POPULATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (04) ◽  
pp. 166-173
Author(s):  
S. Benzahra ◽  
◽  
S. Belbachir ◽  
A. Ouanass ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Moroccan Population ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
Positive Reframing ◽  
Psychosocial Responses ◽  
The Impact

Background: The coronavirus infection is pandemic emerging infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This pandemic has had serious social and economic consequences due to the confinment and curfew applied in various countries around the world. The psychosocial responses to this pandemic are variable and depend on the coping strategies of each individual which can mitigate and moderate the impact of these psychosocial responses. Objective: To identify the different coping strategies implemented by the Moroccan population. Methods: We conducted an online survey from April 23 to May 23, 2020, through a questionnaire published on social networks using Google Forms. The assessment of coping strategies was carried out through the Brief Cope scale. Results: 404 individuals participated in the study. The mean age was 36.86 years, 65.6% were female, 14.1% had a psychiatric history, 28% had a medical-surgical history and 30.2% had a substance use disorder. Study participants showed a maximum level acceptance as a strategy of adaptation (6.22 ± 1.69) followed by positive reframing (5.72 ± 1.71) then religion (5.45 ± 1.8). The least used strategies were substance use (2.29 ± 0.91) and denial (3.05 ± 1.42). Problem-focused coping was more used in our sample (4.34 +/- 1.22) compared to emotion-focused coping (4.21 +/- 0.64). Conclusions: The pandemic of Covid-19 had a significant negative impact on the mental health of populations including the Moroccan. The most frequently adopted coping strategies are acceptance, positive reframing, and religion. Psychological support remains necessary in order to safeguard mental health in the face of stressful situations.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 Global Pandemic and Its Impact on the Mental Health of Nurses in Malaysia

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1259
Author(s):  
Ping Lei Chui ◽  
Mei Chan Chong ◽  
Khatijah Lim Abdullah ◽  
Vimala Ramoo ◽  
Li Yoong Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Outpatient Departments ◽  
High Stress Level ◽  
The Impact

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic since its onset has had a dramatic and often devastating impact, both physical and psychological, on all healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess the impact of psychological distress that COVID-19 has on nurses, as well as the coping strategies that they employed. This is a cross-sectional national online survey. A total of 859 nurses actively involved in caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in Malaysia participated in the study. More than three-quarters of the nurses experienced stress (77.2%). A total of 88.7% and 7.2% of nurses revealed a moderate and high stress level, respectively. Approximately one in eight (12.1%) nurses reported feeling depressed. Nurses working in the outpatient departments reported significantly higher stress levels than nurses working in inpatient care departments. Nurses having chronic health problems reported significantly higher depression levels than nurses with no chronic health problem. Highly stressed or depressed nurses tend to adopt avoidance coping strategies while religion and emotional support were used regardless of the stress or depression levels experienced. The findings of the study provide insight into the mental health and coping strategies of nurses actively involved in caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in Malaysia. This would be of tremendous help to nursing administrators in implementing mental health services for nurses during and following the COVID-19 global pandemic.

scholarly journals Covid-19 effects on the workload of Iranian healthcare workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmail Shoja ◽  
Vahideh Aghamohammadi ◽  
Hadi Bazyar ◽  
Hamed Rezakhani Moghaddam ◽  
Khadijeh Nasiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Other ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the workload and mental health of Iranian medical staff using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and NASA -Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) Questionnaire between March and April 2020, respectively.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5th to April 5th, 2020. To evaluate the workload and mental health of participants NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 online questionnaires were distributed. Data were entered into software SPSS (Version 23) and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis.Results: Health workers who encountered COVID- 19 patients, were subjected to more task load compared to those who had no contact with COVID- 19 patients at the workplace (p<0.001). In terms of the subscale score of NASA-TLX, nurses had more scores in mental pressure, physical pressure, time pressure(temporal), and frustration compared to the other jobs (p<0.05). Moreover, nurses had significantly more workload compared to the other jobs.Conclusions: Type of job, the shift of work, educational level, and facing COVID-19 affected the score of NASA-TLX. NASA-TLX scores were higher in nursing compared to the scores of other health staff groups. The results of this study indicate that the scores of NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 among staff who had contact with COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than those who did not face COVID-19 patients. We suggested that a comprehensive assistance should be provided to support the well-being of healthcare workers especially nurses and healthcare workers who treated COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Covid-19 effects on the workload of Iranian healthcare workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmail Shoja ◽  
Vahideh Aghamohammadi ◽  
Hadi Bazyar ◽  
Hamed Rezakhani Moghaddam ◽  
Khadijeh Nasiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Other ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the workload and mental health of Iranian medical staff using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and NASA -Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) Questionnaire between March and April 2020, respectively. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5th to April 5th, 2020. To evaluate the workload and mental health of participants NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 online questionnaires were distributed. Data were entered into software SPSS (Version 23) and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis. Results Health workers who encountered COVID- 19 patients, were subjected to more task load compared to those who had no contact with COVID- 19 patients at the workplace (p <  0.001). In terms of the subscale score of NASA-TLX, nurses had more scores in mental pressure, physical pressure, time pressure (temporal), and frustration compared to the other jobs (p <  0.05). Moreover, nurses had significantly more workload compared to the other jobs. Conclusions Type of job, the shift of work, educational level, and facing COVID-19 affected the score of NASA-TLX. NASA-TLX scores were higher in nursing compared to the scores of other health staff groups. The results of this study indicate that the scores of NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 among staff who had contact with COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than those who did not face COVID-19 patients. We suggested that a comprehensive assistance should be provided to support the well-being of healthcare workers especially nurses and healthcare workers who treated COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals The Mental Health Impact of 2019-nCOVID on Healthcare Workers From North-Eastern Piedmont, Italy. Focus on Burnout

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Gramaglia ◽  
Debora Marangon ◽  
Danila Azzolina ◽  
Chiara Guerriero ◽  
Luca Lorenzini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Post Traumatic

The 2019-nCOVID pandemic as a public health emergency has faced healthcare systems with unprecedented challenges. Our study aimed to focus on the mental health impact of the 2019-nCOVID pandemic on healthcare workers (HCWs) from North-Eastern Piedmont, Italy. For this purpose, we performed an online survey which was e-mailed to HCWs at the end of the first peak of the pandemic. We involved both frontline and not-frontline HCWs, employed in the hospital or in healthcare services outside the hospital. The primary outcome of our research was the assessment of burnout, while secondary outcomes included the investigation of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. We observed higher levels of burnout (especially in the Depersonalization and Personal Accomplishment dimensions), in females, in HCWs aged &lt;30 years, in those exposed to changes in their daily and family habits, in those who had to change their duties at work and in residents in training. In our HCWs sample we found lower levels of anxiety and depression than those reported in the literature. The problematic levels of burnout and adverse psychological outcomes observed during the pandemic cannot be underestimated. Given the recurrence in autumn 2020 of a new pandemic peak, which has once again put a strain on the health system and HCWs, it is supported the importance of a careful assessment of HCWs' mental health, and of the possible risk and protective factors both in the work environment and in the extra-work one.

scholarly journals Female entrepreneurs in a time of crisis: evidence from Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Stephens ◽  
Isobel Cunningham ◽  
Yousra Kabir
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Based Organizations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Willingness To Contribute

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the impact that a crisis such as that created by COVID-19 has on entrepreneurs. The authors focus on female entrepreneurs and their ability and propensity to continue their entrepreneurial journey. Design/methodology/approach For each respondent (n = 113), data was collected using an online survey. The survey was distributed in April 2020 during a nationwide lockdown and again in September 2020 as the economy reopened. In completing the survey, respondents were asked a series of multiple-choice questions and a series of open-ended questions. Findings The authors present data characterizing the female entrepreneurs, their experience during a time of crisis and the enablers and disablers to the continuation of their entrepreneurial journey. The key findings that emerge from this study include the resilience of the female entrepreneurs, their willingness to contribute to community-based organizations during a crisis and their desire to seek and receive support from their peers. Originality/value The findings from this study provide novel insights with regard to the resources and strategies used by female entrepreneurs during a time of crisis. The data was collected during two periods of great uncertainty for the entrepreneurs and at times when their availability was extremely limited.

Positive and negative mental health outcomes and internal resources among the general population in Greece: A nation-wide survey amid COVID-19 lockdown

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Argyroula Kalaitzaki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Nation Wide Survey ◽  
The Impact

Scarce and inconclusive evidence exists on the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown. This study examined the impact (positive and negative) of the lockdown, levels of resilience and use of coping strategies, and identified high-risk groups during the lockdown in Greece (05/04/2020 - 30/04/2020). A sample of 1661 participants (mean age of 39.5±12.2 years; 75.5% females) completed a google-forms questionnaire, which was distributed through social networking sites, webpages, and personal contacts. It was found that different population subgroups suffer disproportionately the impact of the lockdown. Healthcare workers, females, younger, less educated, and those living alone reported higher rates of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Females achieved more posttraumatic growth and were using more coping strategies than men. Men, older, healthcare workers, and those with a partner were more resilient. Interventions need to be developed to target personal resources, protect vulnerable populations, facilitate posttraumatic growth, and ameliorate wellbeing and quality of life.

scholarly journals COVID-19 impact on doctors and health workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 2-5
Author(s):  
Rabindra Man Shrestha ◽  
Arun Raj Kunwar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

The present article probes the current situation of doctors and health workers in Nepal as the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. It mainly discusses the social, occupational and psychological effects on the professionals. The article also documents the global occurrences and data related to COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, it enlists the key recommendations to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and mental health measures to protect the health of the healthcare workers.

scholarly journals “Hang in There!”: Mental Health in a Sample of the Italian Civil Protection Volunteers during the COVID-19 Health Emergency

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8587
Author(s):  
Rita Roncone ◽  
Laura Giusti ◽  
Silvia Mammarella ◽  
Anna Salza ◽  
Valeria Bianchini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Civil Protection ◽  
Positive Coping ◽  
Good Mental Health ◽  
Depression Level ◽  
Traumatic Distress ◽  
The Impact

Few studies have been conducted on civil volunteers and their emotional conditions concerning the current COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 emergency on the mental health (general well-being, depression level, and post-traumatic distress), coping strategies, and training needs in an Italian sample of 331 Civil Protection volunteers of the L’Aquila province, during the first nationwide “lockdown” (8 March–3 June 2020). The rate of respondents to the online survey was limited (11.5%), presumably because displaying distress would be considered a sign of “weakness”, making volunteers unable to do their jobs. More than 90% of the volunteers showed good mental health conditions and a wide utilization of positive coping strategies, with the less experienced displaying better emotional conditions compared to colleagues with 10 or more years of experience. The type of emergency, the relatively few cases of contagion and mortality in the territory compared to the rest of Italy, and the sense of helping the community, together with the awareness of their group identity, could have contributed to the reported well-being. These results may help to identify the needs of volunteers related to this new “urban” emergency to improve both their technical and emotional skills.

scholarly journals 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 ◽  
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.

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