scholarly journals The Effect of Social Media Exposure on the Mental Health of Individuals with Disabilities during the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Rasheed Khuwayshan Algethami ◽  
Turki Mahdi Alqarni ◽  
Fahmi Mustafa Albakour

The purpose of this study is to examine the mental health problems and social media exposure for individuals with disabilities, as well as explore whether this exposure could impact their mental health during the COVID-19 epidemic period. A hundred and twenty individuals with disabilities participated in this cross-sectional study, conducted in Taif, Saudi Arabia. We used an online questionnaire built through the translation of two scales, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 " GAD-7" and CES-D-10 scale assessing depression. The findings of this study underlined important messages for individuals with disabilities. First finding revealed that individuals with disabilities were almost half a day anxious, depressed, and frequently exposed to social media. Also, the information spread on social media had a significant effect on their anxiety level, but no significant effect was found on their depression level. Practical recommendations were highlighted to benefit these individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic period. We should use clear and accessible languages and health messages with individuals with disabilities. Health care providers should be exposed to an awareness program to reduce the racisms towards those individuals.     Received: 8 March 2021 / Accepted: 23 June 2021 / Published: 8 July 2021

Background: The recent spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) led to shortage of health care providers in all countries. House officers and medical students may have a role in solving this problem. Objective: The study aims to measure and discuss the readiness of Egyptian house to be part of the health system facing the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire was conducted on sample of house officers from different Egyptian universities through announcement on social media groups over a period of one month during May 2020. Results: Nine-hundred seventy four Egyptian house officers participated in this study. Only 38.8% of respondent agreed to be a member of COVID-19 management team, 70.4% of participants depend on social media as a source for their information. The analysis of the results shows that participants significantly need more information about the protective measures and how to report suspected cases. Conclusions: Egyptian house officers need more training before being involved in the health care system for facing COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Sathasivam Ponnan ◽  
N. Mareeswaran ◽  
Thalha . ◽  
T. Tamizhan

Background: Stress is one among the leading health problem throughout the world. Stress due to family problems and work related are often encountered. Among the various professionals, health care providers are found to be more depressed than others. This study was conducted with an objective to study the socio demographic characters of the study participants, to study the depression status of the study participants and to study the association between various factors and depression.Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study done among the doctors working in a tertiary teaching hospital. A total of 150 participants were included in this study. Simple random sampling method was used to identify the study participants.Results: Around 76% of the participants belongs to the age group of 20-30 years of age. 71.3% of the study population were junior residents. Nearly 64% were found to be depressed among which 8% were found to be on severely depressed. Statistical significant association was found between factors like designation and time spending with family with depression.Conclusions: Since stress and burnout became the leading mental health problems, and health care providers posing as a vulnerable group by virtue of their profession. Hence behavioral therapy sessions and stress management programs are to be conducted frequently to screen as well to relieve from the mental health issues. 


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad Aborajooh ◽  
Mohammed Qussay Al-Sabbagh ◽  
Baraa Mafrachi ◽  
Muhammad Yassin ◽  
Rami Dwairi ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED We aimed to measure levels of knowledge, awareness, and stress about COVID-19 among health care providers (HCP) in Jordan. This was a cross-sectional study on 397 HCPs that utilized an internet-based questionnaire to evaluate knowledge about COVID-19, availability of personal protective equipment (PEE), future perception, and psychological distress. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with knowledge and psychological stress. Overall, 24.4% and 21.2% of the participants showed excellent knowledge and poor knowledge, respectively. Social media (61.7%) was the most commonly used source of information. Being female (β= 0.521, 95% CI 0.049 to 0.992), physician (β=1.421, 95% CI 0.849 to 1.992), or using literature to gain knowledge (β= 1.161, 95% CI 0.657 to 1.664) were positive predictors of higher knowledge. While having higher stress (β= -0.854, 95% CI -1.488 to -0.221) and using social media (β= -0.434, 95% CI -0.865 to -0.003) or conventional media (β= -0.884, 95% CI -1.358 to -0.409) for information were negative predictors of knowledge levels. HCPs are advised to use the literature as a source of information about the virus, its transmission, and the best practice. PPEs should be secured for HCPs to the psychological stress associated with treating COVID-19 patients.


Author(s):  
Ruth D Neill ◽  
Carolyn Blair ◽  
Paul Best ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
Cherie Armour

Abstract Aim As individuals adjust to new ‘norms’ and ways of living during the COVID-19 lockdown, there is a continuing need for up-to-date information and guidance. Evidence suggests that frequent media exposure is related to a higher prevalence of mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether COVID-19 related media consumption is associated with changes in mental health outcomes. Methods This paper presents baseline data from the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study. The cross-sectional study data was collected using an online survey following the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with some other basic information collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influence of socio-demographic and media specific factors on anxiety and depression. Results The study suggested that media usage is statistically significantly associated with anxiety and depression on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales with excessive media exposure related to higher anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion This study indicated that higher media consumption was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Worldwide it should be acknowledged that excessive media consumption, particularly social media relating to COVID-19, can have an effect on mental health. However, as this was a cross-sectional study we cannot infer any directionality as we cannot infer cause and effect; therefore, future research involving longitudinal data collection and analyses of variables over time is warranted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Baranowska ◽  
Marta Malinowska ◽  
Ewelina Stanaszek ◽  
Dorota Sys ◽  
Grażyna Bączek ◽  
...  

Background: Extended breastfeeding is rare in Poland, and lack of acceptance and understanding is often evident in public opinion. The ability to provide reliable information about breastfeeding beyond infancy depends on health professionals’ levels of knowledge and attitudes. They are considered by most parents in Poland to be authorities in the field of child nutrition. Research aims: To determine (1) the level of knowledge and the attitudes of Polish health professionals towards extended breastfeeding; (2) the relationship between personal breastfeeding experience and attitudes towards extended breastfeeding; and (3) the relationship between knowledge about breastfeeding beyond twelve months and attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond infancy. Methods: A one-group prospective, cross-sectional, self-report style survey was used. The convenience sample ( N = 495) comprised gynaecologists, neonatologists and midwives. Data were collected via an online questionnaire and the results were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics, a chi-square independence test, Fisher’s exact test, post-hoc testing, and two-part tables using SPSS. Results: Most of the respondents (76.7%; n = 384) had a low level of knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding beyond twelve months and even emphasized that this nutritional choice could have negative impacts. There was a positive correlation ( F = 105.847; p = < .01) between levels of knowledge and respondents’ attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond infancy. Attitudes were also influenced by the length of time respondents had breastfed. Conclusion: Healthcare providers have an insufficient level of knowledge about extended breastfeeding and need further education in this area.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S157-S157
Author(s):  
Shabinabegam A M Sheth ◽  
Bhavya Bairy ◽  
Aurobind Ganesh ◽  
Sumi Jain ◽  
Prabhat Chand ◽  
...  

AimsAs per National Mental Health Survey-2015-16, 83 out of 100 people having mental health problems do not have access to care in India. Further, primary health care providers (PCPs) have not been adequately trained in the screening, diagnosis, and initial management of common mental health conditions. There is thus a need to train health care providers at the State level to incorporate mental health into primary health care. In this paper, we report the findings of a collaborative project between the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Bangalore India, and the state of Chhattisgarh incorporating mental health into primary care and addressing urban-rural disparities through tele-mentoring.MethodWe assessed the impact of the NIMHANS Extended Community Health Care Outcome (ECHO), an online, blended training program on participants' knowledge and competence (primary outcome) and commitment, satisfaction, and performance (Secondary outcomes) using Moore's evaluation framework. Primary and secondary outcomes were determined through a pre-post evaluation, assessment of trainee participation in the quarterly tele ECHO clinic as well as periodic assignments, respectively.ResultOver ten months of the NIMHANS ECHO program, there was a significant improvement in the participants' knowledge post-ECHO (p < 0.05, t = −3.52). Self-efficacy in diagnosis and management of mental health problems approached significance; p < 0.001. Increased engagement in tele-ECHO sessions was associated with better performance for declarative and procedural knowledge. The attrition rate was low (5 out of 30 dropped out), and satisfaction ratings of the course were high across all fields. The participants reported a 10- fold increase in the number of patients with mental health problems they had seen, following the training. A statistically significant increase in the number of psychotropic drugs prescribed post ECHO with t = −3.295, p = 0.01.ConclusionThe outcomes indicate that the NIMHANS ECHO with high participant commitment is a model with capacity building potential in mental health and addiction for remote and rural areas by leveraging technology. This model has the potential to be expanded to other states in the country in providing mental health care to persons in need of care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 351-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M. Smith ◽  
Joel Mader ◽  
Andrew C. H. Szeto ◽  
Amelia M. Arria ◽  
Ken C. Winters ◽  
...  

Objective: The study sought to describe a Canadian sample of university students’ medicinal use of cannabis, including prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and replacement of traditional treatments with cannabis. Method: A random sample of 4000 university students was asked to complete a cross-sectional web-based survey. The survey was completed by 2212 (average age 23.2 years, SD = 5.2 years), representing a 55.3% response rate. To be eligible, students had to be enrolled in a class on campus and were 18 years or older. Result: Half (52%) of respondents used cannabis at least once in their lifetime, with ∼11% reporting medicinal cannabis use. Recreational motives to use cannabis were common among medicinal users (85%), several (38%) replaced traditional medication with cannabis, and more than a third received authorization by a health care provider. Of the medicinal users, 13.6% met the criteria for CUD. Common ailments for medicinal cannabis use were anxiety, sleep problems, depression, and pain. When mental health–related categories are combined, 78.2% of medicinal users used for at least 1 mental health condition. Conclusions: Medicinal cannabis use occurs among university students. None of the ailments listed by medicinal users meet the Canadian Family Physicians prescribing guidelines, and most are not among those viewed by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine as having strong evidence for therapeutic value. The results raise concerns for health care providers who are authorizing or counselling patients’ considering medicinal cannabis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 361-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle D Sherman ◽  
Stephanie A Hooker

Over five million children in the United States have a parent living with a serious mental illness. These offspring are at higher risk for developing mental health problems themselves due to a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and psychosocial factors. Life with a parent with psychiatric symptoms can be scary, confusing, overwhelming, and sad; children often blame themselves for their parent’s problems, find their parent’s behavior embarrassing, and struggle to explain the illness to their friends. Unfortunately, these children’s needs and experiences are often ignored by overwhelmed parents, worried family members and relatives, separate mental health systems of care for adults and children that often fail to coordinate care, and even well-intentioned health-care providers. Family medicine teams have an opportunity to detect and support these families in unique ways. We offer four recommendations for family medicine teams to help families managing parental mental illness including assessing functioning, treatment needs, and impacts on each family member; educating all family members about mental illness; instilling hope, noting the range of effective treatments for mental illness; and encouraging the use of supports and referral options. Providers can leverage family members’ strengths, work with community-based resources, and offer continuity to these families, as they struggle with an oftentimes chronic, relapsing disease that has ripple effects throughout the family system.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esme Fuller-Thomson

Objective 1) To examine the relationship between migraine status and complete mental health (CMH) among a nationally representative sample of Canadians; 2) To identify significant correlates of CMH among those with migraine. Methods Secondary analysis of the nationally representative Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health (CCHS-MH) (N=21,108). Bivariate analyses and a series of logistic regression models were performed to identify the association between migraine status and CMH. Significant correlates of CMH were identified in the sample of those with migraine (N=2,186). Results Individuals without a history of migraine had 72% higher odds of being in CMH (OR=1.72; 95% CI=1.57, 1.89) when compared with those with a history of migraine. After accounting for physical health and mental health problems, the relationship between migraine status and CMH was reduced to non-significance, with both groups having an approximately equal likelihood of achieving CMH (OR=1.03; 05% CI=(0.92, 1.15). Among those with migraine, factors that were strongly associated with CMH were a lack of a history of depression, having a confidant, and having an income of $80,000 or more. Conclusion Clinicians and health care providers should also address co-occurring physical and mental health issues to support the overall well-being of migraineurs.


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1091
Author(s):  
Francesca Licata ◽  
Silvia Angelillo ◽  
Alessandra Oliverio ◽  
Aida Bianco

The study aims were to investigate knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antibiotic resistance (ABR), and to assess the extent of practices regarding antibiotic consumption and Internet use among university students in Southern Italy. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire from 1 April to 14 April 2021. The eligibility criteria for the study were: (i) age between 18 and 30 years and (ii) registered as an undergraduate student at the university. Among the 1051 sampled students, only 7.4% gave the correct answer to all 7 knowledge statements about antibiotics and ABR. The main determinants of knowledge were being younger and attending to medical or life sciences majors. Almost two-thirds took an antibiotic in the previous 12 months and 24.6% reported having self-medicated with antibiotics. More than half of the sample used the Internet to seek information about antibiotics and/or ABR, and it was the strongest predictor of self-medication with antibiotics. The study findings highlighted gaps in knowledge, considerable antibiotic consumption, sometimes without prescription, together with an extensive Internet use to seek health-related information. To facilitate the health-promoting use of the Internet in conjunction with health care providers, we could make young adults aware of the rational use of antibiotics.


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