Gender perspective of psychological discomfort during COVID-19 confinement among Spanish adult population: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveCOVID-19 disease has affected more than a hundred countries worldwide and has exposed the population to an increase in mental health problems. The objective of this study was to assess the emotional impact of the pandemic from a gender perspective, as well as to study the modulating variables of that impact.DesignA descriptive and cross-sectional study through the General Health Questionnaire scale and the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale is developed.SettingGeneral population of Spain was the target of this studyParticipantsThe sample consisted of 3801 adult subjects living in Spain, without diagnosis for Sars-Cov-2 virus infection during confinement.InterventionData collection was carried out using an online questionnaire, from 26 March 2020 to 26 April 2020.Primary and secondary outcomes measuresA sample profile description was obtained, regarding to the study variables. Later, a regression model was implemented in order to test the relationship between these variables, and to achieve a predictive model of psychological discomfort controlling the gender variable.ResultsThe results showed that women, as compared with men, had increased psychological discomfort during confinement (t=−12.877; p<0.001; d=0.470). In contrast, significantly higher scores were observed on the SOC scale (t=6.336; p<0.001; d=0.231) in men, as compared with those obtained by women.ConclusionsWomen have higher levels of psychological discomfort, increased concern about getting infected with COVID-19 and infecting others, as well as a lower level of SOC and perceived health. In addition, low levels of SOC predict greater concern about contagion and increased psychological discomfort.

P.091 Consensus Guidelines for Utilization and Monitoring of Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Central Nervous System Disorders in British Columbia

Background: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may benefit many inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorders based on multiple immunomodulatory effects. IVIG is being used in inflammatory CNS conditions however robust evidence and guidelines are lacking in many disorders. Over the last 5 years, the percentage of IVIG used for CNS indications within neurology almost doubled in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Clear local guidelines may guide rational use. Methods: Consensus guidelines for IVIG use for CNS indications were developed by a panel of subspecialty neurologists and the Provincial Blood Coordinating Office, informed by focused literature review. Guidelines were structured similarly to existing BC peripheral nervous system guidelines and Australian Consensus Guidelines. Utilization and efficacy will be monitored provincewide on an ongoing basis. Results: Categories of conditions for Possible Indication (N=11) and Exceptional Circumstance Use (N=4) were created based on level of evidence for efficacy. Dosing and monitoring recommendations were made and outcomes measures defined. Rationale for Not Indicated conditions (N=3) was included. Guidelines will be distributed to BC neurologists for feedback and re-evaluated after 1 year. Conclusions: IVIG use in CNS inflammatory conditions has an emerging role. Guidelines for use and monitoring of outcomes will help improve resource utilization and provide further evidence regarding effectiveness.

Resilience in 2021: Descriptive analysis of individuals accessing virtual mental health services (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Although resilience has been extensively studied by developmental researchers, it has received less attention in the psychiatry and psychopathology research and practice, which is more focused on disease and pathology, and associated symptom-based measures like PHQ-9 and GAD-7. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe resilience levels in individuals accessing Ginger, a virtual mental health system in addition to its association with demographic characteristics, baseline depression and anxiety symptoms. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study of 9,165 members who accessed Ginger, an on-demand mental health system, and completed a baseline survey between January 1, 2021 to August 5, 2021. We used multivariate regression models to test for associations between baseline resilience and other member characteristics. RESULTS Baseline scores centered on a mean and median of 24 (out of 40), with 81% of the sample having low resilience at baseline. Despite having relatively higher resilience scores, members with no or mild depression or anxiety still had low resilience scores on average. CONCLUSIONS Overall, members had low baseline resilience, in line with prior studies of trauma survivors. Findings suggest a need for mental health support among individuals who might not typically be recommended for treatment based on traditional clinical assessments like PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Future research could focus on the interaction between resilience levels and symptom-based outcomes measures like PHQ-9 and GAD-7.