STRATEGY TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE WELLBEING IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC TIME

The study used a random questionnaire that had been distributed to employees from various types of businesses, there were 157 respondents who filled in, and 134 data were processed by the author to analyze the company's strategy in maintaining employee well-being. Among them are: Demographics of respondents consisting of: Type of business entity, type of industry, size of company. In addition, we took data about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on companies. Strategies for maintaining employee well-being which include: a) implementation of strategies consisting of: types of wellbeing programs implemented by the company, description of the implementation of well-being programs before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. b) Dynamic implementation of strategies for maintaining employee wellbeing based on dimensions consisting of: application of wellbeing to improve physical health, psychological health, relationship, homework interface. Research result; an increase in the percentage of companies implementing well-being programs from 58% to 63%. The strategy applied by the company focuses more on the wellness program. Based on the dimensions of Employee well-being, companies implement more Physical Health programs by providing health care (masks, vitamins, hand sanitizers) and the lowest is Psychological Health.

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Life with chronic pain during COVID-19 lockdown: the case of patients with small fibre neuropathy and chronic migraine

Neurological Sciences ◽

10.1007/s10072-020-04890-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Monica Consonni ◽

Alessandra Telesca ◽

Licia Grazzi ◽

Daniele Cazzato ◽

Giuseppe Lauria

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Physical Health ◽

Chronic Migraine ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Public Health Care ◽

Small Fibre Neuropathy ◽

Small Fibre ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective We aimed at investigating the impact of COVID-19-related distress on patients with chronic pain, highlighting the effects of changes in individual habits and public health care reconfiguration on physical and psychological health. Methods During the pandemic, 80 participants (25 patients with small fibre neuropathy (SFN), 42 patients with chronic migraine (CM) and 13 patients’ healthy family members (HFM)) were asked to evaluate their COVID-19 complains, changes in habits and clinical management, behaviour, mood, loneliness, quality of life (QoL), physical and mental health and coping strategies. Data were analysed by Spearman rho correlations and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results Patients had lower QoL, lower physical health and higher catastrophizing attitude towards pain than HFM. During the pandemic, SFN patients referred greater decline in clinical symptoms, worries about contagion and discomfort for disease management changes than CM patients. In the SFN group, the higher levels of disability were associated with suffering from changes in neurologist-patient relationship. CM patients complained of agitation/anxiety that was related to feelings of loneliness, depressive mood and catastrophism. Discussion Despite similar complains of change in habits and worries about COVID-19 pandemic, SFN and CM patients had distinct reactions. In SFN patients, pandemic distress impacted on physical health with worsening of clinical conditions, especially suffering from changes in their care. In CM patients, pandemic distress affected behaviour, mainly with psychological frailty. This suggests the need to customize public health care for patients with distinct chronic pain conditions.

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Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Status and Factors Influencing Negative Mental Health among Health-Care Workers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Medical Journal ◽

10.1159/000518717 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Fatma AlGhufli ◽

Rayyan AlMulla ◽

Ola Alyedi ◽

Sham Zain AlAbdin ◽

Mohammed Moutaz Nakhal

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Care Workers ◽

The Impact

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychological health outcomes and associated factors among health-care workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 pandemic. Subject and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 550 HCWs at 4 different clinics (fever, clean, telemedicine, and mixed clinics) in Dubai Health Authority from July 2020 to September 2020. Severity of depression, anxiety, and stress was examined by calculating the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) for each subscale, while insomnia was determined by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score. Factors associated with psychological symptoms were identified by univariate (ANOVA and independent t test), and independent factors were detected by multivariate linear regression analysis after controlling other variables. p value of <0.05 was considered with significant results. Results: A total of 400 participants completed the survey. Majority of them were females (84.5%, n = 338) and aged between 18 and 31 (53.5%, n = 214). About 76.5% (n = 306) reported symptoms of depression, 315 (78.8%) anxiety, 254 (63.5%) stress-based, and 187 (46.8%) suffered from clinical insomnia. Frontline HCWs at fever clinic were at higher risk of developing burnout symptoms (p < 0.001). Furthermore, being younger, nonmarried, and nurse had no kids and changed accommodation during the crisis; all together were at higher risk of developing burnout symptoms (p < 0.05). Adjusted linear regression showed that age was the major independent factor affecting DASS-21 subscales without affecting the level of insomnia (<0.01). In addition, being worried about the family and loved ones independently influenced higher levels of depression and anxiety-based (<0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that COVID-19 outbreak has a significant psychological impact on frontline HCWs and the most vulnerable groups to psychological distress. Efficient support and interventions are needed to protect HCWs from being infected and promote their well-being.

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The contribution of cathedrals to psychological health and well-being: Assessing the impact of Cathedral Carol Services

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies ◽

10.4102/hts.v77i4.6820 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 77 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Leslie J. Francis ◽

Susan H. Jones ◽

Ursula McKenna

Keyword(s):

Psychological Health ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Repeated Measure ◽

Measure Design ◽

Before And After ◽

Service Data ◽

The Impact ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Oxford Happiness Questionnaire

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that events such as the Christmas Eve Carol Services at Liverpool Cathedral that include some regular churchgoers (people who attend services most weeks) and much larger numbers of occasional visitors (who may attend church only once or twice a year) make a significant impact on the psychological health and well-being of the participants. Using a repeat-measure design, participants were invited to complete a copy of the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire while they were waiting for the service to begin and then to complete a second copy during a five-minute organ improvisation just before the close of the service. Data provided by 802 participants who completed both copies of the instrument demonstrated a significantly higher score on the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire at time two than at time one, suggesting that attendance at the service had exerted a positive impact on psychological health and well-being.Contribution: Situated within the science of cathedral studies, this article demonstrates by means of a repeated-measure study that cathedrals can make a significant impact on the psychological health and well-being of the wider community served by them. The same well-being measure was completed by 802 participants at the Christmas Eve Carol Services before and after the event, with a significant increase in scores at time two.

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IMPACT OF COLOUR ON DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS LEVELS OF PHYSICALLY DISABLED PATIENTS IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

10.31705/faru.2021.6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

A .A. Hettiarachchi ◽

◽

D.R. Perera ◽

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Care Facilities ◽

Physically Disabled ◽

Green Colour ◽

Care Facilities ◽

Stress Levels ◽

Disabled Patients ◽

The Impact

Physically disabled community in Sri Lanka is not receiving sufficient attention with reference to the conduciveness of their living environments. The patients who are harrowed with mobility impairments should be supported to overcome challenges which hinder the smooth functioning of day today physical activities while maintaining their psychological health by incorporating disabled-friendly, optimum healing design interventions. In view of this, an attempt was made to determine the impact of interior colours to reduce depression, anxiety and stress levels of disabled individuals. The investigation was executed with reference to wall colour of patient’s (n=15) bedrooms of a selected rehabilitation centre, at Ragama. The impact of three selected hues (blue, yellow and green) were tested by installing colour panels on the sidewall of the beds, allowing the participants to be exposed to each colour for three consecutive days. Depression, anxiety and stress levels of participants were measured using DASS-21. Impact of green colour was found to be more favourable to reduce depression, anxiety and stress levels of participants over blue and yellow. It is recommended to extend this study further to test different hues, shades and intensities of green colour with long-term exposure, to enhance psychological health and well-being of disabled patients in health care facilities.

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Family Physicians’ Standpoint and Mental Health Assessment in the Light of COVID-19 Pandemic—A Nationwide Survey Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18042093 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 2093

Author(s):

Tina Vilovic ◽

Josko Bozic ◽

Marino Vilovic ◽

Doris Rusic ◽

Sanja Zuzic Furlan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Family Physicians ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Well Being ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, family physicians (FPs) are the backbone of the healthcare system with considerable impact on the general population, and their well-being is of great importance. The aim of this investigation was to assess FPs mental health, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) regarding the pandemic, and opinions on non-communicable disease (NCD) health care provided to patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 613 FPs. Anxiety and depression levels were estimated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subjective perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale, while trauma-related symptoms were assessed using the Impact on Event Scale-COVID19. KAPs toward the pandemic and opinions regarding NCD patients were evaluated with questionnaires accordingly. Results have shown that age (β = −0.02, p = 0.013) and personal risk of COVID‑19 (β = 1.05, p < 0.001) were significant independent correlates of the knowledge score. A total of 87.7% FPs expressed moderate/high perceived stress, 45.2% moderate/severe trauma-related symptoms, 60.4% borderline/abnormal anxiety levels, and 52.4% borderline/abnormal depression levels. Knowledge score was an independent predictor of perceived stress (β = −0.33, p = 0.023) and anxiety (β = −0.31, p = 0.006) levels. Limited accessibility to healthcare services and decreased number of newly-diagnosed NCD cases were mostly agreed on. The pandemic puts a considerable strain on FPs mental health, as well as on public health measures, due to the decreased overall quality of NCD patient health care. Educational programs may bridge the gaps between FPs’ knowledge. Thus lowering anxiety and improving patient care.

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The Science of Ageism: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2222 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 646-646

Author(s):

Jerin Lee ◽

Natalie Shook

Keyword(s):

Psychological Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Census Bureau ◽

Complex Nature ◽

The Past ◽

Growing Pains ◽

Research Findings ◽

One Step ◽

Prejudicial Attitudes ◽

The Impact

Abstract The past two decades have been marked by a rapidly aging population in the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2018), making prejudicial attitudes toward older adults (i.e., ageism) and the impact of such attitudes more relevant. As such, ageism researchers have worked tirelessly to not only understand this normalized and insidious form of bias, but also develop efforts to combat it. This symposium will feature four ageism researchers who will showcase both the growing pains and novel contributions of ageism research, ranging from the impact of ageism on psychological health to ageism interventions to issues related to the measurement of ageism. Specifically, Dr. Ayalon will present findings regarding difficulties with the assessment of exposure to ageism and the consequences of ageism for psychological well-being. Dr. Horhota will share research demonstrating challenges associated with confronting ageism. Dr. Levy will present a model showcasing factors associated with the reduction of ageism. Ms. Lee will discuss research findings examining the construct validity of several ageism measures. These talks highlight theoretical and real-world implications associated with the complex nature of ageism, providing important directions for enriching ageism research going forward.

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Alternative Friendships to Improve Men’s Health Status. The Impact of the New Alternative Masculinities’ Approach

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18042188 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 2188

Author(s):

Oriol Ríos-González ◽

Mimar Ramis-Salas ◽

Juan Carlos Peña-Axt ◽

Sandra Racionero-Plaza

Keyword(s):

Physical Health ◽

Traffic Accidents ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Problems ◽

Healthy Behaviors ◽

Physical Health Problems ◽

Alternative Masculinities ◽

The Impact

Background: Men who develop behaviors connected with the model of hegemonic masculinity present several health problems. Previous research has shown the types of problems that men commonly suffer in this regard such as chronic diseases, dietary disorders, and traffic accidents. To combat and overcome this situation, several campaigns, policies and recommendations have been undertaken, and consequently, their influence has been analyzed. However, there have been few investigations into the role of men’s friendship in the reduction of these physical health problems. The findings presented in this article are focused on this issue, illustrating the impact of male friendship on the shaping of healthy behaviors. Methods: Drawing upon a qualitative-based methodology articulated in a case study of the Men in Dialogue association, located in Spain, the study has followed the premises of the communicative approach, a total of 15 structured online open-ended questionnaires have been performed and analyzed. The median age of the participants is 37.5 years. Results: The findings show how men involved in Men in Dialogue are promoting a kind of masculine friendship that is improving men’s emotional well-being and, consequently, their physical health.

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Lively Social Space, Well-Being Activity, and Urban Design: Findings From a Low-Cost Community-Led Public Space Intervention

Environment and Behavior ◽

10.1177/0013916516659108 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 49 (6) ◽

pp. 685-716 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Jamie Anderson ◽

Kai Ruggeri ◽

Koen Steemers ◽

Felicia Huppert

Keyword(s):

Public Space ◽

Urban Design ◽

Design Research ◽

Local Community ◽

Social Space ◽

Low Cost ◽

Well Being ◽

Observation Data ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact

Empirical urban design research emphasizes the support in vitality of public space use. We examine the extent to which a public space intervention promoted liveliness and three key behaviors that enhance well-being (“connect,” “be active,” and “take notice”). The exploratory study combined directly observed behaviors with self-reported, before and after community-led physical improvements to a public space in central Manchester (the United Kingdom). Observation data ( n = 22,956) and surveys (subsample = 212) were collected over two 3-week periods. The intervention brought significant and substantial increases in liveliness of the space and well-being activities. None of these activities showed increases in a control space during the same periods. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of the research methods, and the impact of improved quality of outdoor neighborhood space on liveliness and well-being activities. The local community also played a key role in conceiving of and delivering an effective and affordable intervention. The findings have implications for researchers, policy makers, and communities alike.

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The impact of the 2006 Massachusetts health care reform law on spine surgery patient payer-mix status and age

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2017.4.spine161141 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 694-699 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nicolas W. Villelli ◽

Hong Yan ◽

Jian Zou ◽

Nicholas M. Barbaro

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

New York ◽

Health Care Reform ◽

Health Care System ◽

Spine Surgery ◽

Private Insurance ◽

New York State ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact ◽

Care System

OBJECTIVESeveral similarities exist between the Massachusetts health care reform law of 2006 and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The authors’ prior neurosurgical research showed a decrease in uninsured surgeries without a significant change in surgical volume after the Massachusetts reform. An analysis of the payer-mix status and the age of spine surgery patients, before and after the policy, should provide insight into the future impact of the ACA on spine surgery in the US.METHODSUsing the Massachusetts State Inpatient Database and spine ICD-9-CM procedure codes, the authors obtained demographic information on patients undergoing spine surgery between 2001 and 2012. Payer-mix status was assigned as Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, uninsured, or other, which included government-funded programs and workers’ compensation. A comparison of the payer-mix status and patient age, both before and after the policy, was performed. The New York State data were used as a control.RESULTSThe authors analyzed 81,821 spine surgeries performed in Massachusetts and 248,757 in New York. After 2008, there was a decrease in uninsured and private insurance spine surgeries, with a subsequent increase in the Medicare and “other” categories for Massachusetts. Medicaid case numbers did not change. This correlated to an increase in surgeries performed in the age group of patients 65–84 years old, with a decrease in surgeries for those 18–44 years old. New York showed an increase in all insurance categories and all adult age groups.CONCLUSIONSAfter the Massachusetts reform, spine surgery decreased in private insurance and uninsured categories, with the majority of these surgeries transitioning to Medicare. Moreover, individuals who were younger than 65 years did not show an increase in spine surgeries, despite having greater access to health insurance. In a health care system that requires insurance, the decrease in private insurance is primarily due to an increasing elderly population. The Massachusetts model continues to show that this type of policy is not causing extreme shifts in the payer mix, and suggests that spine surgery will continue to thrive in the current US health care system.

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“Mother’s Health and Well-Being Matters: Is a Mediated Social Cohesion Public Health Intervention Feasible?”

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/08901171211055317 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089011712110553

Author(s):

Cheryl Jones ◽

Marley Gibbons ◽

Kate Magsamen-Conrad ◽

Kathleen T. Ulanday ◽

Jessica Watterson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Public Health Intervention ◽

Well Being ◽

Careful Consideration ◽

Before And After ◽

Washington Heights ◽

Additional Support ◽

Risk Of Cancer ◽

The Impact

Purpose To test the feasibility of introducing ‘Free Time for Wellness’ (FT4W) an intervention to increase healthy behaviours and reduce the risk of cancer. Design Feasibility study; Setting: Washington Heights, New York, USA is a low socioeconomic status area. Subjects Mothers aged 18 and above with children under 12 years of age and living in Washington Heights were recruited. Intervention FT4W, a community-based intervention delivered through a neighbourhood-based app, offering weekly dance and yoga classes, food pantry visits and group playdates. Childcare professionals cared for participants' children during wellness activities. Measures A bespoke before and after survey was designed and tested for its ability to collect relevant data to assess the impact of FT4W. Outcomes included recruitment rates, participation, attrition, acceptability, and success of the community champion. Analysis Comparisons of proportions and means Results Twenty-one mothers participated in the study of which 90% attended ≥ 1 FT4W activity; 65% ≥ 2; 52% ≥ 3. The survey was completed by a 100% of participants indicating it was easy to understand and not too burdensome. All measures detected change in constructs from baseline to follow-up. Availability of childcare was the most commonly (66%) reported reason participants were able to engage in the offered wellness activities. Conclusion Conducting a larger-scale trial to assess the impact of FT4W is feasible considering 4 major lessons. (1) Recruitment, retention, and acceptability rates were high; however, moms need additional support to increase participation in wellness activities and improve tech literacy. (2) Research measures were sensitive enough to detect change, but the timing of assessments needs to be considered. (3) Participants greatly valued access to professional childcare. (4) The Community Champion is a necessary, but difficult role to fill that requires careful consideration by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

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