Psychological distress among essential and non-essential service workers

2021 ◽  
pp. 19-36
Author(s):  
Archer Marc ◽  
Moey Chee Hoong
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Service Workers ◽  
Essential Service

scholarly journals Population-level changes in the mental health of UK workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study using Understanding Society

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theocharis Kromydas ◽  
Michael J Green ◽  
Peter Craig ◽  
Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi ◽  
Alastair H Leyland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Social Class ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Service Workers ◽  
Differential Effects ◽  
Small Employers

Objectives The COVID−19 pandemic has substantially affected workers mental health. We investigated changes in UK workers mental health by industry, social class, and occupation and differential effects by UK country of residence, gender and age. Methods We used representative Understanding Society data from 6,474 adults (41,207 observations) in paid employment who participated in pre−pandemic (2017−2020) and at least one COVID-19 survey. The outcome was psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12; score≥4). Exposures were industry, social class and occupation and are examined separately. Mixed−effects logistic regression was used to estimate relative (OR) and absolute (%) increases in distress before and during pandemic. Differential effects were investigated for UK countries of residence (Non−England/England), gender (Male/female), and age (Younger/Older) using 3−way interaction effects. Results Psychological distress increased in relative terms most for professional, scientific and technical (OR:3.15, 95% CI 2.17−4.59) industry in the pandemic versus pre−pandemic period. Absolute risk increased most in hospitality (+11.4%). For social class, small employers/self−employed were most affected in relative and absolute terms (OR:3.24, 95% CI 2.28− 4.63; +10.3%). Across occupations Sales and customer service (OR:3.01, 95% CI 1.61− 5.62; +10.7%) had the greatest increase. Analysis with 3−way interactions showed considerable gender differences, while for UK country of residence and age results are mixed. Conclusions Psychological distress increases during the COVID−19 pandemic were concentrated among professional and technical and hospitality industries, small employers/self−employed and sales and customers service workers. Female workers often exhibited greater differences in risk by industry and occupation. Policies supporting these industries and groups are needed.

scholarly journals Safe abortion services during the COVID -19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary center in Nepal

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 112
Author(s):  
Shreyashi Aryal ◽  
Samata Nepal ◽  
Sagun Ballav Pant
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Termination Of Pregnancy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safe Abortion ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Tertiary Healthcare ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Essential Service

Background: Abortion is an essential service, the need for which has increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Because of the lockdowns at several periods, these services were hampered. This study analyzed the pattern of Safe Abortion Services (SAS) at a tertiary healthcare center during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study. We compared the pattern of safe abortion services between the first three months of the pandemic when a lockdown was implemented and the second three months when the lockdown was eased. Demographic and obstetric profile of women, their abortion choices, method of termination, difficulty in accessibility, and level of psychological distress were studied. Results: A total of 52 women were provided SAS during the study period. The number of women coming for SAS during lockdown was 47.1% less than that after easing of the lockdown. During the lockdown, women came at a later period of gestation with a mean of 9.5 weeks compared to 7.5 weeks in the later three months. Because of fear of COVID-19, 19.2% (n=10) women opted for termination of pregnancy. Increased need of contraception was felt but 40% (n=12) had problems of accessibility. More women had probable serious mental illness during the lockdown period (p=0.008). Conclusion: Lockdown during the pandemic decreased the number of women coming for SAS due to barriers in accessibility. Contraceptive needs are also increased but access is difficult. The need for safe abortion services and contraception has increased during the pandemic but the lockdown caused inaccessibility. Psychological distress is prevalent, and fear of COVID-19 has become a common reason for termination of pregnancy. This pandemic can be taken as an opportunity to provide and improve contraception and abortion accessibility, and quality with integration of mental health support.

Stigma & dirty work: In-group and out-group perceptions of essential service workers during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 93 ◽  
pp. 102772
Author(s):  
Cynthia Mejia ◽  
Rebecca Pittman ◽  
Jenna M.D. Beltramo ◽  
Kristin Horan ◽  
Amanda Grinley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dirty Work ◽  
Service Workers ◽  
Group Perceptions ◽  
Essential Service

scholarly journals Concerns about the Coronavirus Outbreak among Health and Social Service Workers: The Mediating Role of Job Burnout

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlyn Khouri ◽  
Noga Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Social Service ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Job Burnout ◽  
Service Workers ◽  
Health And Social Services ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Social Service Workers

Background: The current worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has elicited widespread concerns and stress. The current research examined the links between tendency to worry, concerns related to COVID-19 and psychological distress (anxiety, depression, stress). We were specifically interested in the mediating role of job burnout. Methods: Ninety-eight health and social service workers participated in the study (including medical and paramedical staff members, therapists and more). Participants completed an online survey that included questionnaires related to COVID-19 concerns, tendency to worry (PSWQ), psychological distress (DASS) and job burnout (SMBM). Results: Significant correlations emerged between COVID-19-related concerns, tendency to worry and psychological distress. Our findings showed that individuals working in health and social services fields who reported a higher tendency to worry experienced more psychological distress and that job burnout mediated this link. Furthermore, the link between worry and concerns related to COVID-19 was mediated by psychological distress.Limitations: In comparison with other countries such as Italy, and China; the cases in Israel haven't exceeded the coping competencies of the health and social service staffs. Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of worry and job burnout in psychological distress among individuals who work in health and social services fields. The results provide further knowledge regarding the risk factors that make health and social service workers vulnerable at times of crisis and emphasize the need for novel interventions for preventing psychological distress and promoting well-being among populations whose ability to function is crucial at times of crisis.

Interpersonal Stress and Poor Health

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette M. Aanes ◽  
Maurice B. Mittelmark ◽  
Jørn Hetland
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Total Effect ◽  
Subjective Feeling ◽  
Interpersonal Stress ◽  
The Relationship

This paper investigated whether the lack of social connectedness, as measured by the subjective feeling of loneliness, mediates the well-known relationship between interpersonal stress and psychological distress. Furthermore, a relationship between interpersonal stress and somatic symptoms was hypothesized. The study sample included 3,268 women and 3,220 men in Western Norway. The main findings were that interpersonal stress was significantly related to psychological distress as well as to somatic symptoms, both directly and indirectly via paths mediated by loneliness. The size of the indirect effects varied, suggesting that the importance of loneliness as a possible mediator differs for depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and somatic symptoms. In the case of depressive symptoms, more than 75% of the total effect was mediated through loneliness, while in the case of somatic symptoms just over 40% of the total effect was mediated through loneliness. This study supports the hypotheses that social connectedness mediates a relationship between interpersonal stress and psychological distress. The study also provides the first link between interpersonal stress, as measured by the Bergen Social Relationships Scale, and somatic symptoms, extending earlier research on the relationship between interpersonal stress and psychological distress.

Associations Between Dutch LGBT Hate Crime Experience, Well-Being, Trust in the Police and Future Hate Crime Reporting

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-182
Author(s):  
Allard R. Feddes ◽  
Kai J. Jonas
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hate Crime ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Crime Victims ◽  
Crime Reporting ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Building Trust ◽  
Reporting Intentions

Abstract. LGBT-related hate crime is a conscious act of aggression against an LGBT citizen. The present research investigates associations between hate crime, psychological well-being, trust in the police and intentions to report future experiences of hate crime. A survey study was conducted among 391 LGBT respondents in the Netherlands. Sixteen percent experienced hate crime in the 12 months prior. Compared to non-victims, victims had significant lower psychological well-being, lower trust in the police and lower intentions to report future hate crime. Hate crime experience and lower psychological well-being were associated with lower reporting intentions through lower trust in the police. Helping hate crime victims cope with psychological distress in combination with building trust in the police could positively influence future reporting.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document