scholarly journals Exploring the Complex Pathways between the Fear of COVID-19 and Preventive Health Behavior among Nigerians: Mediation and Moderation Analyses

Author(s):  
Olusola Ayandele ◽  
Cristian A. Ramos-Vera ◽  
Steven K. Iorfa ◽  
Catherine O. Chovwen ◽  
Peter O. Olapegba

Since COVID-19 currently has no proven cure but high morbidity and mortality; many people are living in fear of the virus along with other mental health challenges induced by the lockdowns and social distancing. Hence, this study aims to provide evidence on the co-occurrence and inter-relations between the fear of COVID-19, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and psychological distress in adherence to preventive health behavior among Nigerians. It also seeks to determine whether this process differs for men and women. The sample comprised 1,172 consenting young adults (mean age = 22.9 ± 6.6 years, 54.5% females) selected using a snowball sampling technique. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the mediation model of post-traumatic stress symptoms and psychological distress as parallel and serial mediators of the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and preventive health behavior. The indirect effect of the fear of COVID-19 on preventive health behavior across gender was tested using moderation analysis. Results showed that post-traumatic stress symptoms and psychological distress serially and fully, in causal order, mediated the association between the fear of COVID-19 and preventive health behavior, and gender moderated the mediation effects. The research provides evidence that the fear of COVID-19 could trigger preventive health behavior through post-traumatic stress symptoms but reduces it through psychological distress, whereas the fear of COVID-19 has a slightly more positive impact on preventive health behavior among men.

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janelle Monique Morhun ◽  
N.M. Racine ◽  
G.M.T. Guilcher ◽  
L.M. Tomfohr-Madsen ◽  
F.S.M. Schulte

Background: The unique psychosocial needs of parents and caregivers of young children with cancer are poorly understood.  The aims of this study were to examine: 1) the health-related quality of life (HRQL), stress, and psychological distress in parents of young children (0-4 years) diagnosed with cancer, and 2) the associations between parent psychosocial functioning and child treatment characteristics. Methods: Parents (N= 35) with a child (19 males, 54.3%) aged 0-48 months (M= 31.06 months) who were on active cancer therapy were recruited. Parents completed questionnaires related to demographics, parent HRQL, parenting stress, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and parent psychological distress. Results: Parents reported clinically elevated parenting stress (5.88%), post-traumatic stress symptoms (18.18%), and psychological distress (21.87%). Compared to population norms, parents reported lower HRQL in the vitality (t= 5.37, p< .001), mental health (t= 4.02, p< .001), role limitation/emotional (t= 3.52, p< .001), and general health (t= 2.25, p= .025) domains. Number of days since diagnosis (β= -.35, p= .030), child surgery (β= .360, p= .023), and parent social functioning (β= -.40, p= .009) predicted parent psychological distress F(3,24)= 9.11, p< .001, R2 =.53. Conclusions: A subset of parents of young children on active cancer treatment experience clinically-elevated psychosocial symptoms. Having a child who undergoes surgery and having poor social connections put parents at risk of experiencing higher psychological distress. Supports that focus on preventing the emergence of clinically significant distress should focus on parents of young children with cancer who are most at risk of poor outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Ostacoli ◽  
Stefano Cosma ◽  
Federica Bevilacqua ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Marialuisa Bovetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style. Methods Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores.Results The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during birth was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors. Conclusion This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who gave birth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Ostacoli ◽  
Stefano Cosma ◽  
Federica Bevilacqua ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Marialuisa Bovetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style. Methods Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores. Results The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥ 11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥ 24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during birth was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors. Conclusion This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who gave birth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thirsa Conijn ◽  
Lotte Haverman ◽  
Frits A Wijburg ◽  
Carlijn de Roos

Abstract Background Parents of children with severe inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) frequently face stressful events related to the disease of their child and are consequently at high risk for developing parental posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Assessment and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in these parents is however not yet common in clinical practice. PTSD can be effectively treated by Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mostly offered in multiple weekly sessions which may preclude participation as parents are generally overburdened by the ongoing and intensive care for their child. We offered time-limited EMDR therapy with a maximum of four sessions over two subsequent days to two parents (from different families) of mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III) patients to explore the potential effect of this approach in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms and comorbid psychological distress. Methods Both qualitative and quantitative outcomes were used. The case conceptualisation, EMDR sessions and the effects reported by parents are described. The change in the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms and comorbid psychological distress were evaluated with the Reliable Change Index (RCI). Results All traumatic memories and catastrophic fears of the future reported by parents were successfully processed and neutralized. Parents felt more competent to face future difficulties related to the disease of their child, and no adverse effects were reported. Quantitative outcomes showed a clinically significant decrease in post-traumatic stress symptoms and comorbid psychological distress from pre- to post treatment, and these beneficial effects were maintained at follow-up. Conclusion Time-limited EMDR might be a successful treatment for traumatized parents of children with mucopolysaccharidosis type III, and we suggest that this approach may have a wider application including parents of children with other severe IEMs. More awareness in clinical practice of the need for assessment and treatment of PTSD in parents of children with IEMs is essential to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of both parent and child.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 268-276
Author(s):  
Karen Emma Martin ◽  
Lisa Jane Wood

Background: This research examined the impact of a programme integrating therapeutic music and group discussions (Holyoake's DRUMBEAT programme) on disadvantaged adolescents’ mental wellbeing, psychological distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms and antisocial behaviour. Method: Students displaying antisocial behaviours in grades eight to ten at three socio-economically disadvantaged secondary schools in Perth, Western Australia were invited to participate in a 10-week DRUMBEAT programme (incorporating drumming with djembes, therapeutic discussions and a final performance). Eight DRUMBEAT programmes were held in 2014. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires measured mental wellbeing (Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), psychological distress (Kessler-5), post-traumatic stress symptoms (Abbreviated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist- Civilian Version) and antisocial behaviours (Adapted Self-Reported Delinquency Scale). Results: Of the 62 students completing DRUMBEAT, 41 completed pre- and post-questionnaires. Post-programme boys scored an average 7.6% higher mental wellbeing (WEMWBS) (p = .05), 19.3% lower post-traumatic stress symptoms (A PCL-C) (p = .05) and 23.9% lower antisocial behaviour (ARSDC) (p = .02). These changes were not evident for girls. No significant differences were detected for differences in psychological distress for either gender. Conclusion: This research highlights the potential of the DRUMBEAT programme as an effective, targeted strategy to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms and antisocial behaviour and increase mental wellbeing in socio-economically disadvantaged adolescent boys.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Ostacoli ◽  
Stefano Cosma ◽  
Federica Bevilacqua ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Marialuisa Bovetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style. Methods Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores.Results The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during birth was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors. Conclusion This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who gave birth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Shigemura ◽  
Takero Terayama ◽  
Mie Kurosawa ◽  
Yuki Kobayashi ◽  
Hiroyuki Toda ◽  
...  

Abstract To integrate scholastic literature regarding the prevalence and characteristics of the psychological consequences faced by survivors of the 2011 Fukushima earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster, we conducted a systematic review of survivor studies concerning the Fukushima disaster. In August 2019, four literature databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and ICHUSHI) were used in the literature search. Peer-reviewed manuscripts reporting psychological consequences, either in English or Japanese, were selected. A total of 79 studies were selected for the review. Twenty-four studies (30.4%) were conducted as part of the Fukushima Health Management Survey—large-scale cohort study recruiting the residents of the entire Fukushima prefecture. Study outcomes were primarily nonspecific psychological distress, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. The rates of high-risk individuals determined by the studies varied significantly owing to methodological differences. Nevertheless, these rates were mostly high (nonspecific psychological distress, 8.3%-65.1%; depressive symptoms, 12%-52.0%; and post-traumatic stress symptoms, 10.5%-62.6%). Many studies focused on vulnerable populations such as children, mothers of young children, evacuees, and nuclear power plant workers. However, few studies reported on the intervention methods used or their effect on the survivors. As a conclusion, high rates of individuals with psychological conditions, as well as a wide range of mental conditions, were reported among the Fukushima nuclear disaster survivors in the first 8 years after the disaster. These findings demonstrate the substantial impact of this compound disaster, especially in the context of a nuclear catastrophe.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3;17 (3;5) ◽  
pp. 264-274
Author(s):  
Ashley Smith

Background: Individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorder (WAD) demonstrate various psychological features. It has previously been demonstrated that cervical radiofrequency neurotomy (cRFN) resolves psychological distress and anxiety. It is unknown if cRFN also improves or reduces a broader spectrum of psychological substrates now commonly identified in chronic whiplash, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain catastrophizing. Objectives: To determine if reducing pain in the cervical spine (following cRFN) significantly reduces psychological features (distress, pain catastrophizing and post-traumatic stress symptoms) in individuals with chronic WAD. Setting: Tertiary spinal intervention centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Study Design: Prospective observational study of consecutive patients. Methods: Patients: Fifty-three individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorder symptoms (Grade 2). Intervention: Cervical RFN following successful response to cervical facet joint blockade. Measures were made at 4 time points: 2 prior to RFN, and 1-month and 3-months post-RFN. Psychological measures included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28); Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Post Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS). Self-reported pain (VAS) and disability (NDI) measures were also collected. Results: Pain, disability, psychological distress and pain catastrophization significantly decreased at both 1-month and 3 months following cervical RFN. There was no significant change in post-traumatic stress symptom severity (P = 0.39). Reducing pain via cRFN was associated with significant improvement in psychological distress and pain catastrophizing, but not posttraumatic stress symptoms. Limitations: Individual administering questionnaires was not blinded to aim(s) of the study. Other psychological features possibly present in WAD were not measured. Conclusion: Effective pain relief would seem a crucial element in the management of psychological features associated with chronic WAD. IRB Approval: University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board ID#: E-22082. Key words: Whiplash, radiofrequency neurotomy, cervical facet joints, psychology, psychological distress, pain catastrophizing, post traumatic stress disorder


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Ostacoli ◽  
Stefano Cosma ◽  
Federica Bevilacqua ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Marialuisa Bovetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style. Methods Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores.Results The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during delivery was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors. Conclusion This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.


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