Understanding the Disease Burden of Unemployed Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis. Results of the Spanish Atlas 2017

Objective To evaluate differences in sociodemographic factors and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between unemployed and employed axSpA patients and to explore work-related issues. Methods Data through online survey from 680 unselected patients of the Spanish Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis were analysed in 2017. Active workforce participants were divided into employed and unemployed according to International Labour Organization standards. Sociodemographic characteristics, PROs [BASDAI (0-10), spinal stiffness (3- 12), functional limitation (0-54), and psychological distress through General Health Questionnaire GHQ-12 (0-12)] were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association with unemployment status. Results 415 (63.6%) patients were categorised in the active population, of which 325 (78.3%) were employed and 90 (21.7%) unemployed. 62.8% (N = 54) of unemployed declared that their joblessness was due to axSpA. Of the employed, 170 (54.3%) reported work-related issues in the year prior to the survey, being the most frequent "difficulty fulfilling working hours" (44.1%), "missing work for doctor appointments" (42.9%), and "taking sick leave" (37.1%). Being unemployed was associated with lower educational level (OR= 2.92), disease activity (OR= 1.37), spinal stiffness (OR= 1.21), functional limitation (OR= 1.05), worse mental health (OR= 1.15), anxiety (OR= 2.02) and depression (OR= 2.69) in the univariable models; and only with lower educational level (OR= 2.76) and worse mental health (OR= 1.15) in the multivariable. Conclusion Results show significant differences between employed and unemployed axSpA patients. Employed axSpA patients endure many problems at work related to their condition, though unemployed patients present worse disease outcomes associated with greater psychological distress.

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Impact of axial spondyloarthritis on mental health in Europe: results from the EMAS study

RMD Open ◽

10.1136/rmdopen-2021-001769 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. e001769

Author(s):

Marco Garrido-Cumbrera ◽

David Gálvez-Ruiz ◽

Carlos J Delgado-Domínguez ◽

Denis Poddubnyy ◽

Victoria Navarro-Compán ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Sick Leave ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽

Activity Index ◽

Functional Limitation ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Patient Organisation

ObjectiveTo determine the presence of mental disorder risk and associated factors in European patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).MethodsData from 2,166 patients with axSpA in 12 European countries were collected from 2017 to 2018 through the European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis online survey. Risk of mental disorders was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Possible predictors included age, gender, relationship status, patient organisation membership, job status, educational level, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), functional limitation (0–54) and self-reported depression or anxiety. Bivariate analyses were conducted to determine predictors of risk of mental disorders (Mann-Whitney and χ2) and multivariable analysis identified factors associated with risk of mental disorders.Results60.7% of patients reported risk of mental disorders: they were younger (41.7 vs 46.0 years), more likely female (68.2% vs 57.9%), unemployed (7.5% vs 2.7%), on temporary (15.9% vs 5.4%) or permanent sick leave (13.2% vs 8.0%), reported depression (45.2% vs 14.2%) or anxiety (41.3% vs 12.5%), higher disease activity (BASDAI ≥4; 87.6% vs 62.3%) and functional limitation (16.5 vs 10.8). The factors most associated with risk of mental disorders were disease activity (OR=2.80), reported depression (OR=2.42), anxiety (OR=2.39), being unemployed or on sick leave (OR=1.98), functional limitation (OR=1.02) and younger age (OR=0.97).ConclusionsCompared with the general population, patients with axSpA show disproportionately worse mental health associated mainly with disease activity and employment status. Healthcare professionals should pay close attention to patients with high disease activity and address internally or refer to specialist services, where appropriate to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

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Socio-demographic correlates of depressive and anxiety symptoms among Jamaicans during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Rapid Online Survey

Caribbean Medical Journal ◽

10.48107/cmj.2021.05.002 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gabrielle Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Educational Level ◽

Online Survey ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lower Educational Level ◽

Younger Age ◽

Demographic Correlates ◽

The Government

Objectives This study sought to investigate the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of depressive and anxiety symptoms among Jamaicans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a cross-sectional, population-based online survey. Persons 18 years and older, who reside in Jamaica were targeted via the Facebook social media platform. Those interested in participating were routed to a separate survey platform. The questionnaire captured data related to socio-demographics, knowledge of COVID-19, and beliefs and attitudes about COVID-19. Mental health issues including depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed with questionnaire items from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2). Results There were 485 participants in the study (90.8% female and 9.2% male). Almost all (97.7%) of participants felt that COVID-19 had greatly affected their lives. The prevalence of notable depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms was 54.7% and 49.2% respectively. Binary logistic regression found significant associations between younger age, lower educational level, unemployment and significant depressive symptoms. While younger age and lower educational level were associated with significant anxiety symptoms. Conclusion The findings suggest the need for the government to develop targeted mental health initiatives for young adults, the under- or unemployed and those with lower levels of education.

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Workplace mental health: Current practice and support needs of Ontario occupational therapists

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0008417418822491 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 85 (5) ◽

pp. 408-417

Author(s):

Sandra E. Moll ◽

Caitlin M. Heino ◽

Alison H. LeBlanc ◽

Lydia B. Beck ◽

Laura M. Kalef

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Support Needs ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Services ◽

Work Related ◽

Workplace Mental Health

Background. Workplace mental health (WMH) is an important and expanding practice area for occupational therapists. Purpose. This cross-sectional study explores the current practices and support needs of Ontario-based occupational therapists in WMH. Method. Registrants from the provincial association who provide mental health and/or work-related services were invited to participate. Ninety-three therapists completed an online survey; 10 participated in follow-up focus groups. Analysis involved descriptive statistics of the survey data and content analysis of the focus group data. Findings. Return to work, reactivation, and functional cognitive assessment were the most commonly reported services. Key challenges were limited funding and training and lack of awareness of the occupational therapy role. Therapists emphasized the importance of raising the competence, credibility, and profile of occupational therapy in WMH. Implications. Defining the role of occupational therapy, developing training and resources, and advocacy are needed to advance occupational therapy practice within this rapidly changing field.

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Lifestyle Changes among Polish University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189571 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9571

Author(s):

Karolina Fila-Witecka ◽

Adrianna Senczyszyn ◽

Agata Kołodziejczyk ◽

Marta Ciułkowicz ◽

Julian Maciaszek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Psychiatric Treatment ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Behavioral Changes ◽

Daily Routine ◽

Eating Pattern

Students worldwide have been impacted by nationwide safety closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating an environment with loss of interaction with colleagues, social isolation, boredom, and economic uncertainty. Since university students were considered uniquely vulnerable to mental health problems even before the pandemic, this study aimed to investigate lifestyle and behavioral changes experienced by this population due to the epidemiological situation and their effect on their mental health. Data were collected via an online survey conducted among university students across Poland. The survey addressed recent lifestyle changes that were a result of the pandemic as well as psychological distress, symptoms of insomnia and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The results indicate that protective factors include maintaining a daily routine, staying physically active, following a usual eating pattern and taking care of sleep hygiene. Changes in behavior contributing to poorer mental health included giving up a daily routine, neglecting meals, tidiness, hygiene as well as social relationships, changes in food intake, sleeping schedule, a decrease in physical activity and the onset of sexual dysfunctions. A history of psychiatric treatment and an increase in self-harm as well as an increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption were also found to be associated with psychological distress. Experienced lifestyle and behavioral changes and their impact on mental health were apparent throughout the obtained data, highlighting the need for psychological support in the studied population. Based on the results we were able to establish a list of protective and risk factors influencing the everyday life and psychological wellbeing of students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which could also be translated into life skills.

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Psychological Distress Among the U.S. General Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.642918 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Christi J. Guerrini ◽

Sophie C. Schneider ◽

Andrew G. Guzick ◽

Gifty N. Amos Nwankwo ◽

Isabel Canfield ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Healthy Behaviors ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Amazon's Mechanical Turk

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a significant global toll on emotional well-being, but evidence of mental health impacts in the United States remains limited. In April 2020, we conducted an exploratory survey of U.S. residents to understand prevalence of and factors associated with psychological distress during the pandemic. Data collection was conducted using Qualtrics, an online survey platform, and U.S. adult respondents were recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform. Among 1,366 respondents, 42% (n = 571) reported clinically significant anxiety and 38% (n = 519) reported clinically significant depression. Factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms included Hispanic/Latino ethnicity; younger age; lower income; employment as or living with a health care worker-first responder; caregiver status; SARS-CoV-2 infection status; decreased frequency of engagement in healthy behaviors; and changed frequency of engagement in unhealthy behaviors. That some of these factors are associated with elevated distress during the pandemic is not yet widely appreciated and might be useful in informing management of mental health care resources.

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Self-reported psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal: findings from an online survey

BMC Psychology ◽

10.1186/s40359-020-00497-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kamal Gautam ◽

Ramesh P. Adhikari ◽

Aman Sen Gupta ◽

Rajan Kumar Shrestha ◽

Pitambar Koirala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Family Income ◽

Virus Disease ◽

Psychological Wellbeing ◽

The Past ◽

Psychological Impacts ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background A lower respiratory tract infection caused by novel coronavirus termed as Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) was first identified in China and subsequently took the form of pandemic. Studies on disease outbreak in the past and recent COVID-19 outbreak have demonstrated increased psychological distress and adverse impacts on mental health and psychological wellbeing of people. However, the impact of COVID-19 on psychological wellbeing of people in Nepal hasn't been studied adequately. So, this paper aims to report the findings from a social media survey on psychological impacts of COVID-19 in Nepal. Methods Data were collected through social media from 2082 Nepalese respondents between 23rd April, 2020 and 3rd May, 2020. A total of 2014 respondents who were currently residing in Nepal were included in the analysis. Results The study suggested that half of the respondents suffered from at least one symptom of psychological distress whereas 32% suffered from two or more symptoms of psychological distress such as restlessness, fearfulness, anxiety and worry and sadness in the past 2 weeks preceding the survey date. The findings further suggested that respondents having lower family income, residing in rented room, and participants from province 2 were more likely to suffer from both single and multiple symptoms of psychological distress. Conclusion The study has shown high prevalence of psychological distress amongst the Nepalese respondents following COVID-19 outbreak. Appropriate mental health and psychosocial support response needs to be instituted to adequately respond to psychological impacts of the epidemic.

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Distress and resilience of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic (DARVID): study protocol for a mixed-methods research project

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039832 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. e039832 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alexander Fuchs ◽

Sandra Abegglen ◽

Joana Berger-Estilita ◽

Robert Greif ◽

Helen Eigenmann

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Mixed Methods Research ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

A Priori ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Security Issues ◽

Work Related

IntroductionThe unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has exposed healthcare professionals (HCPs) to exceptional situations that can lead to increased anxiety (ie, infection anxiety and perceived vulnerability), traumatic stress and depression. We will investigate the development of these psychological disturbances in HCPs at the treatment front line and second line during the COVID-19 pandemic over a 12-month period in different countries. Additionally, we will explore whether personal resilience factors and a work-related sense of coherence influence the development of mental health problems in HCPs.Methods and analysisWe plan to carry out a sequential qualitative–quantitative mixed-methods design study. The quantitative phase consists of a longitudinal online survey based on six validated questionnaires, to be completed at three points in time. A qualitative analysis will follow at the end of the pandemic to comprise at least nine semistructured interviews. The a priori sample size for the survey will be a minimum of 160 participants, which we will extend to 400, to compensate for dropout. Recruitment into the study will be through personal invitations and the ‘snowballing’ sampling technique. Hierarchical linear regression combined with qualitative data analysis, will facilitate greater understanding of any associations between resilience and mental health issues in HCPs during pandemics.Ethics and disseminationThe study participants will provide electronic informed consent. All recorded data will be stored on a secured research server at the study site, which will only be accessible to the investigators. The Bern Cantonal Ethics Committee has waiv ed the need for ethical approval (Req-2020–00355, 1 April 2020). There are no ethical, legal or security issues regarding the data collection, processing, storage and dissemination in this project.Trial registration numberISRCTN13694948.

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Psychological distress and resilience in a sample of Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.1101/2021.03.29.21254529 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Clare Jacobson ◽

Rebecca Mulholland ◽

Nicola Miller ◽

Laura Baker ◽

Daniel Glazer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Self Report ◽

Patient Health ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

AbstractBACKGROUNDAdolescents and young people (AYA) with cancer are at greater risk of psychological distress which can impact treatment. COVID-19 has resulted in changes to cancer care delivery and AYA have been disproportionately affected by economic and educational effects of COVID-19, potentially impacting on mental health. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on AYA with cancer is important to inform care.METHODSOnline survey of 16-24 year olds receiving cancer treatment at 8 cancer centres in the UK in December 2020. We measured: self-perceived increased anxiety since COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on treatment, life and relationships and used the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-8), 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale(GAD) and the 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC).RESULTS112 AYA participated (17.8% of total eligible). 62.8% were female, 67.3% were 21-24 years. 83% were white. 59.8% had previously experienced mental health difficulties. 67.9% received cancer treatment during the pandemic and 33.9% were diagnosed during the pandemic. 78.6% reported COVID-19 having a significant impact on their life, 55.4% on their key relationship and 39.3% on their treatment. 79% reported experiencing some degree of increased anxiety since COVID-19.43.4% had moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores and 37.1% for GADS-7. Self-report of impact on life was associated with greater anxiety during COVID-19 and moderate-severe PHQ-8 score (OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.52 to 19.40, p <0.01; OR 5.23, 95%CI 1.65 to 16.56, p < 0.01). Impact on relationships was associated with greater anxiety and moderate-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 score (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.54, p = 0,03; OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.32 to 15.17, p<0.01; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.25, p =0.03). Greater CD-RISC score was associated with lower risk of anxiety and mod-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 scores (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.41 to 0.81, p <0.01; OR 0.55 95% CI 0.4 to 0.72, p <0.01; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.69, p <0.01)CONCLUSIONSWe found high levels of psychological distress in AYA with cancer, which is important knowledge for clinical teams working with this age group. Perceived impact of COVID-19 on relationships and life was predictive of poorer mental health, with resilience a potential protective factor.

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Personal And Work-Related Correlates Of Mental Health In Slovak Women In Higher Education

Journal of Diversity Management (JDM) ◽

10.19030/jdm.v5i3.814 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Rosemary Krawczyk ◽

Jon Kalinowski

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Higher Education ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Locus Of Control ◽

Role Conflict ◽

Women In Higher Education ◽

Work Related ◽

Two Samples ◽

Mental Health Symptomatology

Two samples of Slovak women in higher education were surveyed in order to determine the extent to which the personal attributes of locus of control and life satisfaction and work-related attributes of role conflict and ambiguity are related to mental health symptomatology. The personal attribute of external locus of control correlated positively with symptoms of psychological distress. Life satisfaction correlated negatively with mental health. Role conflict and ambiguity each correlated positively with all symptoms of psychological distress. Moderating effects of locus of control and life satisfaction were not found. Results are discussed in relation to findings from similar surveys of U.S. women in higher education and with respect to changes in higher education in post-communist Central and Eastern European countries.

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Psychological Distress in Nepalese Residents during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Community Level Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42469/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dhan Bahadur Shrestha ◽

Bikash Bikram Thapa ◽

Nagendra Katuwal ◽

Bikal Shrestha ◽

Chiranjibi Pant ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Secondary Education ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Health Centre ◽

Post Secondary Education ◽

Online Data ◽

Post Secondary

Abstract BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented health and economic impact. Psychological stress, anxiety and depression are affecting not only COVID-19 patients but also health professionals, and general population. Fear of contracting COVID-19, forced restrictive social measures, and economic hardship are causing mental trauma. Nepal is a developing country from South Asia where the COVID-19 pandemic is still evolving. This online survey has been carried out to understand impact of COVID- 19 on mental health of Nepalese community dwellers.MethodsThe COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) questionnaire adapted from the Shanghai Mental Health Centre was used for online data collection from 11 April-17 May 2020. Collected data were extracted to Microsoft excel-13 and imported and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version-22. An initial univariate analysis was conducted for all variables to assess the distribution. Logistic regression analyses were done to estimate the odds ratios of relevant predicting variables.ResultsA total of 410 participants completed the self-rated questionnaires. Mean age of study participants was 34.8 ±11.7 years with male preponderance. 88.5% of the respondents were not in distress (score less than 28) while, 11% had mild to moderate distress and 0.5% had severe distress. The prevalence of distress is higher among age group >45 years, female gender, and post-secondary education group. Health professional were more likely to get distressed. Respondents with post-secondary education had higher odds (OR= 3.32; p=0.020) of developing distress as compared to respondents with secondary education or lower.ConclusionThere is lower rate of psychological distress in city dwellers and people with low education. Adequate intervention and evaluation into mental health awareness, and psychosocial support focused primarily on health care workers, female and elderly individuals is necessary.

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