scholarly journals Assessing COVID-19-related anxiety and functional impairment amongst nurses in Malawi

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Genesis Chorwe-Sungani
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Receiver Operating Curve ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Psychological well-being of nurses is crucial for them to effectively discharge their duties. However, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related anxiety can interfere with nurses’ performance and reduce their self-efficacy.Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess COVID-19-related anxiety and functional impairment amongst nurses in Malawi. The secondary aim of the study was to determine reliability and validity of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale.Setting: The study was conducted in Malawi.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that collected quantitative data from 102 nurses in Malawi online. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and receiver operating curve analysis.Results: This study found that 25.5% (26) of respondents had COVID-19-related anxiety and 48% (49) functional impairment. There were significant differences in the numbers of respondents who had functional impairment in relation to workplace (Χ2 = 8.7, p = 0.03), with many of those working in hospitals (58.6%, n = 34) having highest levels (mean = 20.6 ± 10.4). The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale proved to be an effective instrument (Sensitivity = 73.1%; Specificity = 60.5%; area under the curve = 0.73) for assessing COVID-19-related anxiety amongst nurses.Conclusion: It is necessary to screen nurses for COVID-19-related anxiety and functional impairment and provide them effective psychosocial interventions. Policymakers should place more emphasis on allocation of financial resources to mental health services and staff support programmes targeting nurses during pandemics. There is a need to conduct future research on mental health interventions that might be used to assist nurses with COVID-19-related anxiety and functional impairment.

scholarly journals Assessing COVID-19 related anxiety among nurses in Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genesis Chorwe-Sungani
Keyword(s):  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Receiver Operating Curve ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Receiver Operating Curve Analysis ◽  
Valid Instrument ◽  
Effective Instrument ◽  
Instrument Sensitivity

Abstract Introduction: Psychological wellbeing of nurses is crucial for them to effectively discharge their duties. However, COVID-19 related anxiety can interfere with nurses’ performance in their duties and reduce their self-efficacy levels.Aim: This study aimed at assessing COVID-19 related anxiety among nurses in Malawi.Method: This was a cross-sectional study that collected data from 102 nurses online. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and receiver operating curve analysis.Results: This study found that 25.5% (n=26) of respondents had COVID-19 related anxiety and 48% (n=49) functional impairment. There were significant differences in the numbers of respondents who had functional impairment in relation to workplace (χ2=8.7, p= 0.03) with many of those working in hospitals (58.6%, n=34) having highest levels (Mean =20.6±10.4). The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale proved to be an effective instrument (Sensitivity=73.1%; Specificity=60.5%; AUC=0.73) for assessing COVID-19 related anxiety among nurses.Discussion: Prevalence of COVID-19 related anxiety is high among nurses and many of them experience functional impairment. The CAS should be used in clinical practice for detecting COVID-19 related anxiety among nurses.Implications for practiceNurses should be screened of COVID-19 related anxiety using valid instrument. Psychosocial interventions should be part of preparedness to reduce COVID-19 impact on nurses.

scholarly journals Preprint

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Schlosser
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Meditation Practice ◽  
Repetitive Negative Thinking ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Thinking

So far, the large and expanding body of research on meditation has mostly focussed on the putative benefits of meditation on health and well-being. However, a growing number of reports indicate that psychologically distressing and difficult experiences can occur in the context of meditation practice. Very little is known about the prevalence and potential causes of these experiences. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of distressing meditation-related experiences in a large international sample of regular meditators, and to explore the association of distressing meditation-related experiences with demographic characteristics, meditation practice, and mental health variables (here measured by repetitive negative thinking, mindfulness, and self-compassion). Using a cross-sectional online survey, 1,264 regular meditators (mean age = 44.7 years, SD = 13.9, 53.8% female) responded to one question about distressing meditation-related experiences (98.7% of the total sample). A total of 321 participants (25.4%, 95% CI: 23.0 to 27.8) reported distressing meditation-related experiences. Logistic regression models indicated a positive association between distressing meditation-related experiences and having meditation retreat experience (odds ratio = 1.65, p < 0.001) and higher levels of repetitive negative thinking (OR = 1.17, p = 0.015). A negative association was found between distressing meditation-related experiences and identifying as religious (OR = 0.64, p = 0.001) and being female (OR) = 0.77, p = 0.045). The high prevalence of distressing meditation-related experiences reported here points to the importance of expanding the scientific conception of meditation beyond that of a (mental) health-promoting and self-regulating technique. We conclude with an overview of methodological and conceptual considerations that could be used to inform future research on distressing meditation-related experiences.

scholarly journals Technical-Vocational Students’ Emotional Functioning within the Bidimensional Mental Health Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 20-29
Author(s):  
Myreen P. Cleofe ◽  
Carmelo M. Callueng ◽  
Lucila O. Bance
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emotional Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Model ◽  
Comprehensive Framework

There has been an increasing interest in understanding emotionality within the bidimensional mental health model (BMHM). Considered as a comprehensive framework, BMHM underscores psychological well-being and distress as related but distinct constructs contributing to an individual's overall emotionality. Following its global empirical appeal, this study was an attempt to apply the BMHM to examine the emotional functioning of 213 adolescents from a technical-vocational institution in the Philippines. Employing a cross-sectional research design, data were collected through multiple self-report measures and subsequently analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Salient findings indicated that the majority of the participants were assessed with a healthy emotionality, while a small but comparable proportion reported unhealthy, diminished, and mixed emotionality. Variations in emotional functioning by gender and educational levels were significant. Additionally, participants’ quality of life and academic functioning were influenced by their emotional functioning. Implications for addressing the emotional needs of students and future research were discussed.

Experiential Avoidance and Meaning in Life as Predictors of Valued Living: A Daily Diary Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 263207702199826
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Pavlacic ◽  
Stefan E. Schulenberg ◽  
Erin M. Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Daily Diary Study ◽  
Valued Living

Values-based interventions encourage engagement in valued living as a means to promote psychological well-being. Valued living is best operationalized as ongoing, reinforcing behavioral patterns consistent with idiographic values that facilitate psychological well-being and improved mental health. Cross-sectional research illustrates positive associations between valued living and well-being and negative associations between valued living and psychopathology. However, it is important to have an understanding of different daily-level factors that predict fluctuations in valued living. Consistent with cognitive and behavioral models, meaning may positively relate to engagement in valued living, while experiential avoidance negatively relates to valued living. To address these relationships at the daily level, we systematically examined valued living, meaning, and experiential avoidance using ecological momentary assessment across 14 days with 73 college students. Multilevel modeling supported a positive relationship between meaning (i.e., at both the within- and between-person level) and daily valued living, above and beyond the within-person effects of experiential avoidance. The results elucidate a daily link between valued living and aspects of well-being. Further, these results show that constructs commonly assessed cross-sectionally fluctuate at the daily level, which sets the stage for future research programs that examine factors promoting and inhibiting fluctuations in meaning, experiential avoidance, and valued living. These results have important implications for prevention of mental health problems and promotion of psychological well-being.

Computer-Mediated Communication and Mental Health

2020 ◽  
pp. 78-110
Author(s):  
Adrian Meier ◽  
Emese Domahidi ◽  
Elisabeth Günther
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Disciplinary Boundaries ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Systematic Database

The relationship between computer-mediated communication (e.g., Internet or social media use) and mental health has been a long-standing issue of debate. Various disciplines (e.g., communication, psychology, sociology, medicine) investigate computer-mediated communication in relation to a great variety of negative (i.e., psychopathology) and positive (i.e., well-being) markers of mental health. We aim at charting this vast, highly fragmented, and fast growing literature by means of a scoping review. Using methods of computational content analysis in conjunction with qualitative analyses, we map 20 years of research based on 1,780 study abstracts retrieved through a systematic database search. Results reveal the most common topics investigated in the field, as well as its disciplinary boundaries. Our review further highlights emerging trends in the literature and points to unique implications for how future research should address the various relationships between computer-mediated communication and mental health.

scholarly journals Performers of the night: Examining the mental health of electronic music artists

2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562097698
Author(s):  
Jolan Kegelaers ◽  
Lewie Jessen ◽  
Eline Van Audenaerde ◽  
Raôul RD Oudejans
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Electronic Music ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Music Performance Anxiety ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Levels Of Functioning

Despite growing popular interest for the mental health of electronic music artists, scientific research addressing this topic has remained largely absent. As such, the aim of the current study was to examine the mental health of electronic music artists, as well as a number of determinants. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, a total of 163 electronic music artists participated in this study. In line with the two-continua model of mental health, both symptoms of depression/anxiety and well-being were adopted as indicators for mental health. Furthermore, standardized measures were used to assess potential determinants of mental health, including sleep disturbance, music performance anxiety, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, occupational stress, resilience, and social support. Results highlighted that around 30% of participants experienced symptoms of depression/anxiety. Nevertheless, the majority of these participants still demonstrated at least moderate levels of functioning and well-being. Sleep disturbance formed a significant predictor for both symptoms of depression/anxiety and well-being. Furthermore, resilience and social support were significant predictors for well-being. The results provide a first glimpse into the mental health challenges experienced by electronic music artists and support the need for increased research as well as applied initiatives directed at safeguarding their mental health.

scholarly journals Media consumption and mental health during COVID-19 lockdown: a UK cross-sectional study across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth D Neill ◽  
Carolyn Blair ◽  
Paul Best ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
Cherie Armour
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Longitudinal Data Collection

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.

scholarly journals Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1577
Author(s):  
Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽  
Ilana Eli ◽  
Nir Uziel ◽  
Joanna Smardz ◽  
Anahat Khehra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Culturally Different ◽  
Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

scholarly journals Family Variables and Quality of Life in Children with Down Syndrome: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 419
Author(s):  
Anna Lee ◽  
Kathleen Knafl ◽  
Marcia Van Riper
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Down Syndrome ◽  
Family Variables

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the family and child quality of life variables that have been studied in relation to one another in children with Down syndrome, the frequency with which different relationships have been studied, and the extent to which family variables were the focus of the research aims. A literature search was conducted to find studies published between January 2007 and June 2018. The initial search yielded 2314 studies; of these, 43 were selected for a final review. Researchers most often addressed family resources and family problem-solving and coping concerning child personal development and physical well-being. Little attention to child emotional well-being was observed, with none considering family appraisal of child emotional well-being. The relationship between family variables and child QoL rarely was the primary focus of the study. Methodologically, most reviewed studies used cross-sectional designs, were conducted in North America and based on maternal report. From future research considering the issues found in this review, healthcare providers can obtain an in-depth understanding of relationships between children and family variables.

scholarly journals Mental Health in Women Living With HIV: The Unique and Unmet Needs

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 232595822098566
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Waldron ◽  
Inger Burnett-Zeigler ◽  
Victoria Wee ◽  
Yiukee Warren Ng ◽  
Linda J. Koenig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Hiv Management ◽  
Living With Hiv

Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms at higher rates than their male counterparts and more often than HIV-unaffected women. These mental health issues affect not only the well-being and quality of life of WLWH, but have implications for HIV management and transmission prevention. Despite these ramifications, WLWH are under-treated for mental health concerns and they are underrepresented in the mental health treatment literature. In this review, we illustrate the unique mental health issues faced by WLWH such as a high prevalence of physical and sexual abuse histories, caregiving stress, and elevated internalized stigma as well as myriad barriers to care. We examine the feasibility and outcomes of mental health interventions that have been tested in WLWH including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and supportive counseling. Future research is required to address individual and systemic barriers to mental health care for WLWH.

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