Recovery, restoration, and risk: a cross-sectional survey of the impact of COVID-19 on GPs in the first UK city to lock down

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has impacted GPs immensely. Work patterns have changed, risk stratification has been proposed, and the mental health of clinicians has been adversely affected. The COVID-19 prevalence among GPs is unknown. This study focuses on assessing the impact of COVID-19 on GPs in Leicestershire, the first UK city to lock down locally.AimThis survey assessed the prevalence of COVID-19 in GPs and explored GP work patterns in comparison with national guidance. It used a validated perceived stress tool to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on GP stress perception.Design & settingThe cross-sectional retrospective survey was sent to all the GPs in Leicestershire.MethodA total of 111 GPs in Leicestershire took part voluntarily in an anonymised questionnaire-based study. A 29-item survey using SmartSurvey software was designed with multiple choice and Likert response scale questions.ResultsCOVID-19 prevalence in GPs in Leicestershire was 8.1%; 70.3% of GPs were of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) origin; 91.9% of GPs had undergone risk stratification; and 79.3% of GPs felt supported by their practice, but only 59.5% felt supported with mental health. GPs described feeling more stressed during the COVID-19 pandemic than they had been previously.ConclusionThis is the first study evaluating COVID-19 prevalence among GPs in Leicestershire. Despite government interventions, GPs felt less supported with their mental health compared with pre-COVID-19 times. Thus, the NHS in England should focus on GP stress and wellbeing as they work towards the restoration and recovery of primary care while battling the second wave.

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Attitudes and experiences of nursing staff to the Mental Health Act 2001: lessons for future mental health legislation

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/ipm.2014.8 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 83-87 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

A. M. Doherty ◽

F. Jabbar ◽

B. D. Kelly

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Nursing Staff ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Act ◽

Clinical Nursing ◽

Mental Health Legislation ◽

Paper Work ◽

Health Legislation ◽

The Impact

ObjectivesThe Mental Health Act 2001 was implemented in 2006 to bring Ireland into line with international practice and United Nations Conventions on Human Rights. Previous studies have reported some practical difficulties for the professionals involved. We wished to examine the experiences of nursing staff and the impact of the Act on clinical nursing practice since its implementation.MethodThis cross-sectional survey was conducted by questionnaire. It contained questions examining training in and attitudes to the Act, and any resultant changes in nursing practise.ResultsA total of 317 questionnaires were returned. Of the nurses, 92% reported having received training in the Act, and 56% of nursing staff believed that their workload had increased as a result of the change in legislation. Of those who made a comment, 76.5% were negative, with increased paper work, lack of clarity and an excessive focus on legalities being the most common difficulties reported.ConclusionsNursing staff have shown mixed attitudes to the Mental Health Act 2001, but many of the difficulties encountered are similar to those experienced by other professionals.

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Task-shifting in Mental Health Services: Extent, Impact and Challenges in Ghana

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.988 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S618-S618

Author(s):

V. Agyapong

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Policy ◽

Health Workers ◽

Continuing Professional Development ◽

Task Shifting ◽

Mental Health Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

AimTo examine the role and scope of practice of community mental health workers (CMHWs) as well as the impact and challenges associated with of work of CMHWs within Ghana's mental health delivery system.MethodsA cross sectional survey of 11 psychiatrists, 29 health policy directors and 164 CMHWs as well as key informant interviews with 3 CMHWs, 5 psychiatrists and 2 health policy directors and three focus group discussions with 21 CMHWs. Results of quantitative data were analysed with SPSS version 20 whilst the results from qualitative data were analysed manually through thematic analysis.ResultsIn addition to duties prescribed in their job descriptions, all the CMHWs identified several jobs that they routinely perform including jobs reserved for higher level cadres such as medication prescribing for which most of the CMHWs have no training. Some CMHWs reported they had considered leaving the mental health profession because of the stigma, risk, lack of opportunities for continuing professional development and career progression as well as poor remuneration. Almost all the stakeholders believed CMHWs in Ghana receive adequate training for the role they are expected to play although many identify some gaps in the training of these mental health workers for the expanded roles they actually play. All the stakeholders expressed concerns about the quality of the care provided by CMHWs.ConclusionThe study highlights several important issues, which facilitate or hinder effective task-shifting arrangements from psychiatrists to CMHWs and impact on the quality of care provided by the latter.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

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The impact of COVID-19 on mental health outcomes among hospital fever clinic attendants across Nepal: A cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0248684 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0248684

Author(s):

Hridaya Raj Devkota ◽

Tula Ram Sijali ◽

Ramji Bogati ◽

Meraj Ahmad ◽

Karuna Laxmi Shakya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Programs ◽

The Impact

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been creating a panic and distressing situations among the entire population globally including Nepal. No study has been conducted assessing the psychological impact of this pandemic on the general public in Nepal. The objective of this study is to assess the mental health status during COVID-19 outbreak and explore the potential influencing factors among the population attending the hospital fever clinics with COVID–19 symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May—June, 2020 with a sample of 645 participants aged 18 and above in 26 hospitals across Nepal. Telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire along with a validated psychometric tool, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) scale. The metrics and scores of symptoms and their severity were created and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of potential covariates with outcome variables. Results The prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress were 14%, 7% and 5% respectively. In reference to Karnali, participants from Bagmati province reported higher level of anxiety (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.31–9.06), while stress (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.09–18.32) and depressive symptoms (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.05–9.23) observed higher among the participants in Province 1. Women were more at risk of anxiety (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.83–6.36) than men. Similarly, people currently living in rented houses reported more stress (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.05–8.43) and those living far from family reported higher rates of depressive symptoms (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.03–11.46). Conclusion The study identified increased prevalence of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms during the initial stage of COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Considering the findings, there is urgent need to develop and implement appropriate community-based mental health programs targeting individuals who have had COVID-19 symptoms and who are prone to develop adverse mental health outcomes.

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Residents' practice and perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.22541/au.160568748.89179799/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Miao Fang ◽

Shunju Xiang ◽

Yang Si

Keyword(s):

Internal Medicine ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Online Courses ◽

Medical Residents ◽

Basic Information ◽

Continuous Training ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

Second Wave

Rationale, aims and objectives: This study aimed to determine the residents’ perspectives on clinical practice during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out online among medical residents in our hospital. The survey covered basic information, condition of clinical practice, and perspectives related to the COVID-19. Results: total 174 (26.8%) residents responded and completed the survey. Nearly half of the residents (51.7%) expressed willingness of going to the frontline to fight against the virus and 62.3% of the residents showed good morale. Online courses were delivered to 87.9% of the residents with satisfaction at 89.7%. Approximate one third of the residents concerned the impact of the epidemic on graduation (34.0%) and taking up an occupation (32.8 %). Majorities (79.3%) determined to be a doctor after the pandemic. Notablely 40.2% of the residents thought they were underpaid. 21.8% of the residents reported to be unfairly treated in clinical practice. Overall no statistical differences were revealed between internal medicine and surgery residents, and between those married and singles, regarding the perceptions related to the COVID-19. Conclusion: Administrators should take cognizance of perspective of the residents and formulate corresponding strategies to reassure trainees’ safety and continuous training, address the residents’ concerns and get prepared for the second wave of COVID-19.

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Moral injury and peri- and post-military suicide attempts among post-9/11 veterans

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291721005274 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Shira Maguen ◽

Brandon J. Griffin ◽

Dawne Vogt ◽

Claire A. Hoffmire ◽

John R. Blosnich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicide Attempt ◽

Military Service ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Moral Injury ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Military Suicide ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Our goal was to examine the association between moral injury, mental health, and suicide attempts during military service and after separation by gender in post-9/11 veterans. Methods A nationally representative sample of 14057 veterans completed a cross-sectional survey. To examine associations of exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs; witnessing, perpetrating, and betrayal) and suicidal self-directed violence, we estimated two series of multivariable logistic regressions stratified by gender, with peri- and post-military suicide attempt as the dependent variables. Results PMIE exposure accounted for additional risk of suicide attempt during and after military service after controlling for demographic and military characteristics, current mental health status, and pre-military history of suicidal ideation and attempt. Men who endorsed PMIE exposure by perpetration were 50% more likely to attempt suicide during service and twice as likely to attempt suicide after separating from service. Men who endorsed betrayal were nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide during service; however, this association attenuated to non-significance after separation in the fully adjusted models. In contrast, women who endorsed betrayal were over 50% more likely to attempt suicide during service and after separation; PMIE exposure by perpetration did not significantly predict suicide attempts before or after service among women in the fully adjusted models. Conclusions Our findings indicate that suicide assessment and prevention programs should consider the impact of moral injury and attend to gender differences in this risk factor in order to provide the most comprehensive care.

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Mental health and stress among ICU healthcare professionals in France according to intensity of the COVID-19 epidemic

Annals of Intensive Care ◽

10.1186/s13613-021-00880-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alexandra Laurent ◽

Alicia Fournier ◽

Florent Lheureux ◽

Guillaume Louis ◽

Saad Nseir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Intensity ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Positive Thinking ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mediation Analyses ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on mental health of professionals working in the intensive care unit (ICU) according to the intensity of the epidemic in France. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 77 French hospitals from April 22 to May 13 2020. All ICU frontline healthcare workers were eligible. The primary endpoint was the mental health, assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Sources of stress during the crisis were assessed using the Perceived Stressors in Intensive Care Units (PS-ICU) scale. Epidemic intensity was defined as high or low for each region based on publicly available data from Santé Publique France. Effects were assessed using linear mixed models, moderation and mediation analyses. Results In total, 2643 health professionals participated; 64.36% in high-intensity zones. Professionals in areas with greater epidemic intensity were at higher risk of mental health issues (p < 0.001), and higher levels of overall perceived stress (p < 0.001), compared to low-intensity zones. Factors associated with higher overall perceived stress were female sex (B = 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08–0.17), having a relative at risk of COVID-19 (B = 0.14; 95%-CI = 0.09–0.18) and working in high-intensity zones (B = 0.11; 95%-CI = 0.02–0.20). Perceived stress mediated the impact of the crisis context on mental health (B = 0.23, 95%-CI = 0.05, 0.41) and the impact of stress on mental health was moderated by positive thinking, b = − 0.32, 95% CI = − 0.54, − 0.11. Conclusion COVID-19 negatively impacted the mental health of ICU professionals. Professionals working in zones where the epidemic was of high intensity were significantly more affected, with higher levels of perceived stress. This study is supported by a grant from the French Ministry of Health (PHRC-COVID 2020).

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Mental health and risk behaviors of children in rural China with different patterns of parental migration: a cross-sectional study

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health ◽

10.1186/s13034-019-0298-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Feng Wang ◽

Jingjing Lu ◽

Leesa Lin ◽

Xudong Zhou

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Future Research ◽

Emotional Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Full Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Left Behind ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background One in seven members of China’s population are migrants. There are an estimated 41 million children left behind in rural areas who are living without one or both of their parents. The impact of two- and single-parent migration on child mental health and risk behaviors is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the mental health and risk behaviors among children whose parents are either both migrating (B-LBC), have one parent migrating (O-LBC) or those whose parents do not migrate (N-LBC). Methods This study was a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire conducted in rural areas with high proportions of left behind children (LBC) in Anhui Province, southeast China. The tools used were the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaires, Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the Young’s Internet Addiction Test for Chinese. Results Full data were available for 699 B-LBC, 552 O-LBC and 741 N-LBC. After adjusting for gender, age, grade, number of siblings and self-rated socio-economic status, B-LBC were significantly more likely to have higher emotional symptoms scores (B(SE) = 0.36(0.11), p < 0.01), higher hyperactivity scores (B(SE) = 0.22(0.11), p < 0.01) and higher total difficulties scores (B(SE) = 0.79(0.29), p < 0.01) than N-LBC. B-LBC were also more likely to be an addicted internet user (OR(95%CI) = 1.91(1.33, 2.76), p < 0.01) compared to N-LBC. However, there were no identified differences between O-LBC and N-LBC or between O-LBC and B-LBC in any measures. Conclusions Our findings found that living with one parent or both parents was associated with better mental health and fewer risk behaviors than was being separated from both parents. Future research is needed to consider the implications of these findings for policies and programs to protect LBC, especially for those with two migrating parents.

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Differential Impact of Types of Social Support in the Mental Health of Formerly Incarcerated Latino Men

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988313508303 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 226-239 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Miguel Muñoz-Laboy ◽

Nicolette Severson ◽

Ashley Perry ◽

Vincent Guilamo-Ramos

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Latino Men ◽

Formerly Incarcerated ◽

The Impact

The role of social support in the mental health of formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM) is an issue overlooked in public health prevention efforts. The objectives of this analysis were to (a) describe the levels of social support perceived and received by FILM; (b) identify the associations, if any, between levels of social support and mental health indicators such as depression and anxiety; and (c) explore the impact of familism and hypermasculinity on the receptivity of social support and the potential role of these factors in mediating associations between social support and mental health indicators. To accomplish the objectives, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with FILM ( n = 259), ages 18 to 59, in New York City, and one nominated member of their social network ( n = 130 dyads). In this analysis, we examined four dimensions of social support (instrumental, informational, appraisal, and emotional) from two perspectives: provided (as reported by members of the social networks) and perceived (as reported by FILM). The major outcome variables for this analysis were the presence/absence of major anxiety and depressive symptoms. Our logistic regression analyses suggest that perceived emotional support was inversely associated with both anxiety and depression. Our findings suggest that familism mediated the association between perceived emotional support and anxiety/depression. Therefore, we must consider designing network enhancement interventions that focus on both FILM and their social support systems.

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Telephone Emergency Service 142 (TelefonSeelsorge) during the COVID-19 Pandemic–Cross-Sectional Survey among Counselors in Austria

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052228 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2228

Author(s):

Elke Humer ◽

Christoph Pieh ◽

Thomas Probst ◽

Ida-Maria Kisler ◽

Wolfgang Schimböck ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Stress Level ◽

Crisis Intervention ◽

Reference Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Second Wave

Telephone emergency services play an important role in providing low-threshold, anonymous crisis intervention free of cost. The current study aims to examine the mental well-being and perceived stress level of counselors as well as the main topics of helpline callers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria. In the current study, 374 counselors were recruited within the Austrian nationwide organization TelefonSeelsorge during the second wave of COVID-19 infection in Austria. The mental well-being (WHO-5) and perceived stress-level (PSS-10) were assessed and counselors were asked about the frequency of different topics thematized by callers and changes compared to pre-pandemic times. Compared to a reference group of the Austrian general population, counselors experienced less stress (13.22 vs. 16.42) and higher mental well-being (66.26 vs. 57.36; p < 0.001). The most frequent topics during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria were loneliness and mental health. More calls were registered in 2020 compared to 2019 and especially the topics loneliness, mental health, professional activities and relationships were reported to be thematized more often during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the time before (p < 0.001). The results contribute to an understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on telephone crisis intervention.

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Characterising the impact of COVID-19 environment on mental health, gender affirming services and socioeconomic loss in a global sample of transgender and non-binary people: a structural equation modelling

BMJ Global Health ◽

10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004424 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. e004424

Author(s):

Arjee Javellana Restar ◽

Harry Jin ◽

Brooke Jarrett ◽

Tyler Adamson ◽

Stefan David Baral ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Latent Variables ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Final Model ◽

Study Results ◽

Gender Affirmation ◽

The Impact

BackgroundWe characterised the impact of COVID-19 on the socioeconomic conditions, access to gender affirmation services and mental health outcomes in a sample of global transgender (trans) and non-binary populations.MethodsBetween 16 April 2020 and 3 August 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with a global sample of trans and non-binary people (n=849) through an online social networking app. We conducted structural equational modelling procedures to determine direct, indirect and overall effects between poor mental health (ie, depression and anxiety) and latent variables across socioecological levels: social (ie, reduction in gender affirming services, socioeconomic loss impact) and environmental factors (ie, COVID-19 pandemic environment).ResultsAnxiety (45.82%) and depression (50.88%) in this sample were prevalent and directly linked to COVID-19 pandemic environment. Adjusted for gender identity, age, migrant status, region, education and level of socioeconomic status, our final model showed significant positive associations between relationships of (1) COVID-19 pandemic environment and socioeconomic loss impact (β=0.62, p<0.001), (2) socioeconomic loss impact and reduction in gender affirming services (β=0.24, p<0.05) and (3) reduction in gender affirming services and poor mental health (β=0.19, p<0.05). Moreover, socioeconomic loss impact and reduction in gender affirming services were found to be partial mediators in this model.ConclusionThe study results supported the importance of bolstering access to gender affirming services and strengthening socioeconomic opportunities and programmatic support to buffer the impact of COVID-19 pandemic environment on poor mental health among trans and non-binary communities globally.

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