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Primasari I, Hoeboer CM, Bakker A, Olff M. Adaptation and validation study of the Indonesian version of the Global Psychotrauma Screen in an undergraduate student population. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 132:152485. [PMID: 38653061 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high incidence of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) in Indonesia warrants early identification of those with probable trauma-related disorders in order to tailor prevention and intervention for trauma-related symptoms. OBJECTIVES This study aims to adapt and validate a novel brief transdiagnostic screener, the Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS), in Indonesian undergraduate students. METHODS An online survey was administered among Indonesian undergraduate students (N = 322). Exploratory factor analysis, reliability analyses, clinical validity analyses, and correlational analyses were performed to evaluate the construct validity, reliability, clinical validity, and convergent-divergent validity of the Indonesian GPS. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to assess the relationship between risk factors and trauma-related symptoms. The relationship between four categories of trauma-related symptom severity and social/work functioning was measured using Analysis of Covariance. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis yielded a single-factor solution. The Indonesian GPS demonstrated good internal consistency, test-retest correlation, and absolute agreement, indicating good reliability. The Indonesian GPS also had an acceptable area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for a probable diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex-PTSD (CPTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). We also established evidence for the convergent and divergent validity of GPS. The GPS risk factors (low psychological resilience, other stressful events, history of mental illness, and low social support) contributed to predicting trauma-related symptoms after controlling for gender, age, employment status, and faculty background. Additionally, in comparison to participants from the mild and low categories of GPS symptoms scores, participants from the severe and moderate category reported impaired lowered social/work functioning. CONCLUSION The current findings indicate that the Indonesian GPS is a valid and reliable transdiagnostic trauma screener for Indonesian undergraduate students. This first comprehensive validation of the GPS in Indonesia calls for more research in Lower-middle Income Countries (LMICs) as a way towards prevention and early intervention for trauma-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira Primasari
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia.
| | - Chris M Hoeboer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Bakker
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Trauma Care, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Miranda Olff
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, the Netherlands
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Yu Q, Huang C, Tian Y, Yang J, Li X, Ning M, Chen Z, Du J, He J, Li Y. Factors associated with clinical nurse's mental health: a qualitative study applying the social ecological model. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:330. [PMID: 38755588 PMCID: PMC11097552 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of burnout, depression, and anxiety among Chinese nurses was 34%, 55.5%, and 41.8% respectively. Mental health problems have significant impacts on their personal well-being, work performance, patient care quality, and the overall healthcare system. Mental health is influenced by factors at multiple levels and their interactions. METHODS This was a descriptive qualitative study using phenomenological approach. We recruited a total of 48 nurses from a tertiary hospital in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Data were collected through focus group interviews. Audio-recorded data were transcribed and inductively analysed. RESULTS Four major themes with 13 subthemes were identified according to the social ecological model: (1) individual-level factors, including personality traits, sleep quality, workplace adaptability, and years of work experience; (2) interpersonal-level factors, encompassing interpersonal support and role conflict; (3) organization-level factors, such as organizational climate, organizational support, career plateau, and job control; and (4) social-level factors, which included compensation packages, social status, and legislative provision and policy. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing nurses' mental health. Recognizing the interconnectedness of individual, interpersonal, organizational, and social elements is essential for developing targeted interventions and comprehensive strategies to promote and safeguard the mental well-being of nurses in clinical settings. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION The larger study was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2300072142 (05/06/2023) https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=192676 . REPORTING METHOD This study is reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chongmei Huang
- School of Nursing, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- School of Nursing, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Yusheng Tian
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuting Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meng Ning
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zengyu Chen
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Du
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqing He
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yamin Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Janoušková M, Pekara J, Kučera M, Kearns PB, Šeblová J, Wolfová K, Kuklová M, Šeblová D. Experiences of stigma, discrimination and violence and their impact on the mental health of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10534. [PMID: 38720009 PMCID: PMC11078939 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59700-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Health care workers have been exposed to COVID-19 more than people in other professions, which may have led to stigmatization, discrimination, and violence toward them, possibly impacting their mental health. We investigated (1) factors associated with stigma, discrimination, and violence, (2) the association of stigma, discrimination, and violence with mental health, (3) everyday experiences of stigmatization, discrimination, and violence. We chose a combination of a quantitative approach and qualitative content analysis to analyze data collected at three time points: in 2020, 2021 and 2022. A higher age was associated with lower odds of experiencing stigma, discrimination, and violence, whereas female gender was related to more negative experiences. The intensity of exposure to COVID-19 was associated with greater experience with stigmatization, discrimination, and violence across all three years (for example in 2022: odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.74, 1.18-2.55 for mild exposure; 2.82, 1.95-4.09 for moderate exposure; and 5.74, 3.55-9.26 for severe exposure, when compared to no exposure). Stigma, discrimination, and violence were most strongly associated with psychological distress in 2020 (odds ratio = 2.97, 95% confidence interval 2.27-3.88) and with depressive symptoms in 2021 (odds ratio = 2.78, 95% confidence interval 2.12-3.64). Attention should be given to the destigmatization of contagious diseases and the prevention of discrimination, violence, and mental health problems, both within workplaces and among the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Janoušková
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.
- Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.
| | - Jaroslav Pekara
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.
- Medical College, Prague, Czechia.
| | - Matěj Kučera
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pavla Brennan Kearns
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Šeblová
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Paediatric Emergency Department, Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katrin Wolfová
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marie Kuklová
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Dominika Šeblová
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Hirten RP, Danieletto M, Landell K, Zweig M, Golden E, Pyzik R, Kaur S, Chang H, Helmus D, Sands BE, Charney D, Nadkarni G, Bagiella E, Keefer L, Fayad ZA. Remote Short Sessions of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Monitored With Wearable Technology: Open-Label Prospective Feasibility Study. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e55552. [PMID: 38663011 PMCID: PMC11082734 DOI: 10.2196/55552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback is often performed with structured education, laboratory-based assessments, and practice sessions. It has been shown to improve psychological and physiological function across populations. However, a means to remotely use and monitor this approach would allow for wider use of this technique. Advancements in wearable and digital technology present an opportunity for the widespread application of this approach. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of fully remote, self-administered short sessions of HRV-directed biofeedback in a diverse population of health care workers (HCWs). The secondary aim was to determine whether a fully remote, HRV-directed biofeedback intervention significantly alters longitudinal HRV over the intervention period, as monitored by wearable devices. The tertiary aim was to estimate the impact of this intervention on metrics of psychological well-being. METHODS To determine whether remotely implemented short sessions of HRV biofeedback can improve autonomic metrics and psychological well-being, we enrolled HCWs across 7 hospitals in New York City in the United States. They downloaded our study app, watched brief educational videos about HRV biofeedback, and used a well-studied HRV biofeedback program remotely through their smartphone. HRV biofeedback sessions were used for 5 minutes per day for 5 weeks. HCWs were then followed for 12 weeks after the intervention period. Psychological measures were obtained over the study period, and they wore an Apple Watch for at least 7 weeks to monitor the circadian features of HRV. RESULTS In total, 127 HCWs were enrolled in the study. Overall, only 21 (16.5%) were at least 50% compliant with the HRV biofeedback intervention, representing a small portion of the total sample. This demonstrates that this study design does not feasibly result in adequate rates of compliance with the intervention. Numerical improvement in psychological metrics was observed over the 17-week study period, although it did not reach statistical significance (all P>.05). Using a mixed effect cosinor model, the mean midline-estimating statistic of rhythm (MESOR) of the circadian pattern of the SD of the interbeat interval of normal sinus beats (SDNN), an HRV metric, was observed to increase over the first 4 weeks of the biofeedback intervention in HCWs who were at least 50% compliant. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we found that using brief remote HRV biofeedback sessions and monitoring its physiological effect using wearable devices, in the manner that the study was conducted, was not feasible. This is considering the low compliance rates with the study intervention. We found that remote short sessions of HRV biofeedback demonstrate potential promise in improving autonomic nervous function and warrant further study. Wearable devices can monitor the physiological effects of psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Hirten
- The Dr Henry D Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Matteo Danieletto
- Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at the Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kyle Landell
- Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at the Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Micol Zweig
- Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at the Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eddye Golden
- The Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at the Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Renata Pyzik
- The BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sparshdeep Kaur
- Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at the Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Helena Chang
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Drew Helmus
- The Dr Henry D Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bruce E Sands
- The Dr Henry D Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dennis Charney
- Office of the Dean, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Girish Nadkarni
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emilia Bagiella
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Laurie Keefer
- The Dr Henry D Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zahi A Fayad
- The BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Pszczółkowska D, Bojarczuk S, Duszczyk M, Matuszczyk K, Szyszkowska E. Did Covid-19 make things worse? The pandemic as a push factor stimulating the emigration intentions of junior doctors from Poland: A mixed methods study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301757. [PMID: 38626047 PMCID: PMC11020858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Covid-19 has challenged health systems around the world and increased the global competition for medical professionals. This article investigates if the pandemic and its management became an important push factor influencing the migration intentions of medical students and junior doctors and how this factor compared in importance to others. A mixed methods study-a survey and in-depth interviews-was conducted with final-year students at public medical universities in Poland, a country already suffering from a significant emigration of medical staff. The research demonstrated that the difficulties of the Polish healthcare system in dealing with Covid-19 were a factor that slightly positively influenced the emigration intentions of medical students and junior doctors. Nevertheless, the pandemic's influence was not decisive. Factors such as the socio-political situation in Poland (.440**) (including hate speech directed at doctors by politicians and patients), the participants' family situation (.397**), healthcare system organization (.376**), or the opportunity of pursuing a planned career path (.368**) proved more influential. Salary is still important but did not turn out to be among the decisive factors. This allows us to conclude that migration decisions of medical students have a very well-established basis that does not fundamentally change even under the influence of such dramatic situations as the pandemic. This conclusion has important implications for healthcare management and the ongoing discussion in migration studies on the evolution of push and pull factors in place and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Pszczółkowska
- Centre of Migration Research, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
- Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Sara Bojarczuk
- Centre of Migration Research, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Maciej Duszczyk
- Centre of Migration Research, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
- Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Kamil Matuszczyk
- Centre of Migration Research, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
- Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Emilia Szyszkowska
- Centre of Migration Research, University of Warsaw and Warsaw School of Economics, Warszawa, Poland
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Ruttmann K, Albaladejo-Fuertes S, Lindenberg N, Kunst C, Mehrl A, Kindl V, Gülow K, Schlosser-Hupf S, Schmid S, Müller M. Relationship between interprofessional collaboration and psychological distress experienced by healthcare professionals during COVID-19: a monocentric cross-sectional study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1292608. [PMID: 38660424 PMCID: PMC11039835 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1292608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global healthcare systems have faced unprecedented challenges, leading to significant psychological distress among healthcare professionals. Recognizing the importance of enhanced interprofessional collaboration in alleviating this burden, as emphasized by the World Health Organization in 2020, we investigated whether such collaboration could mitigate staff psychological distress during crises. To our knowledge, no study has yet explored the role of interprofessional collaboration as a resilience factor in crises. Methods For this monocentric cross-sectional study at a German university hospital, we examined the relationship between the quality of interprofessional collaboration and the psychological distress of healthcare professionals during the initial pandemic wave. We employed validated mental health instruments, such as the GAD-7 and PHQ-2, to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms. Additionally, custom-designed questionnaires evaluated "Pandemic-Associated Burden and Anxiety (PAB; PAA)" and interprofessional crisis management experiences. A novel "Interprofessional collaboration and communication (IPC)" assessment tool was developed based on international competency frameworks, demonstrating strong reliability. Results The study involved 299 healthcare professionals (78.6% in direct contact with COVID-19 patients). Moderate levels of PAB/PAA were reported. However, a significant proportion experienced clinically relevant anxiety, as indicated by GAD-7. Negative IPC perceptions correlated with higher levels of psychological distress. Linear regression analysis showed associations between interprofessional collaboration and anxious and depressive symptoms, and pandemic-related burden. Conclusion Our findings highlight the vital role of enhanced interprofessional collaboration in strengthening the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals during crises. The study underscores the need to foster a collaborative environment and integrate interprofessional education for resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Ruttmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Nursing Development Department of the Care Management Head Office, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sheila Albaladejo-Fuertes
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Lindenberg
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Kunst
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Mehrl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Vera Kindl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Gülow
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Schlosser-Hupf
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Schmid
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martina Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Tingsvik C, Bergman L, Falk AC, Larsson IM. Long-term impact of COVID-19 on nursing and care delivery: A national survey among anaesthetic and critical care nurses. Aust Crit Care 2024:S1036-7314(24)00055-9. [PMID: 38600008 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put an exceptional strain on intensive care delivery and has significantly impacted nursing practice in the intensive care unit, consequently affecting nurses' working environment and health. Little is known about the long-term impact on the nursing workforce and care delivery in intensive care and anaesthetic departments. AIM/OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nursing profession and nursing care from the perspectives of anaesthetic and critical care nurses. METHODS In this study, an online questionnaire with open- and close-ended questions was distributed to registered nurses working in anaesthesia and intensive care between February 8 and March 7, 2022. The data were analysed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. RESULTS Of the 514 registered nurses who responded to the questionnaire, 256 (50%) worked in anaesthesia care and 215 (42%) in intensive care. The long-term impact of COVID-19 was expressed in three categories: nursing care on hold, insights and experiences forming a new professional identity, and the impact of organisational conditions on the profession. Critical care nurses considered nursing care comparable to that before the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurse anaesthetics experienced changes in nursing tasks and activities compared to that before the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Nursing care is still influenced by the pandemic due to the lack of resources and persistent high workload and needs to be reclaimed and prioritised. Re-establishing high-quality nursing care is a shared responsibility of the organisation and nursing profession, and the organisation needs to create prerequisites for this. Furthermore, nurses' views and insights into their profession developed both positively and negatively during the pandemic, which must be further considered, including the profession's values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Tingsvik
- Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, SE-551 11 Jönköping, Sweden; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Ryhov County Hospital, SE-55185 Jönköping, Sweden.
| | - Lina Bergman
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
| | - Ann-Charlotte Falk
- Department for Health Promoting Science Sophiahemmet University, Sweden.
| | - Ing-Marie Larsson
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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8
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Zhang M, Chi C, Liu Q, Zhou N, Zhou Z, Tao X, Xuan B, Liu H. Prevalence and associated factors of insomnia symptoms after ending China's dynamic zero-COVID policy: a cross-sectional survey of frontline nursing staff in Chinese hospitals. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1363048. [PMID: 38628853 PMCID: PMC11018895 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1363048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background After the Chinese government announced the end of the dynamic zero-COVID policy on January 8, 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic peaked. Frontline nursing staff are at high risk of infection transmission due to their frequent contact with COVID-19 patients. In addition, due to the ending of China's dynamic zero-COVID policy, frontline nursing staff have grappled with increased workload, fatigue, and more. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in frontline nursing staff and its influencing factors following the end of the policy. Methods Between January and February 2023, this study was conducted by the Wenjuanxing platform to survey frontline nursing staff in a hospital in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. All the nursing staff included in this study had a COVID-19 infection. The questionnaires included the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), PC-PTSD-5 Chinese Version Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, The 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-2) Scale, and the burden of COVID-19 Scale. Binary logistic regression methods were used to identify variables associated with insomnia symptoms. Results Among the 694 frontline nursing staff, 74.5% (517/694) exhibited insomnia symptoms. Fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.001), the burden of COVID-19 (p < 0.05), PTSD (p < 0.001), and higher technical titles (p < 0.008) were highly correlated with insomnia symptoms in frontline nursing staff. Psychological resilience (p < 0.001) was a protective factor for insomnia symptoms among frontline nursing staff. Conclusion After ending China's dynamic zero-COVID policy, the prevalence of insomnia symptoms among frontline nursing staff is generally higher. This study highlights the association between insomnia symptoms and PTSD, fear of COVID-19, COVID-19 burden, and resilience. Psychological assistance is needed for frontline nursing staff to prevent insomnia symptoms and protect the mental health of frontline nursing staff after the end of China's dynamic zero-COVID policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
- School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Chenru Chi
- Graduate School of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Qingwei Liu
- School of Nursing, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ningying Zhou
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhou
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiubin Tao
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Bin Xuan
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Hemodialysis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
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9
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Eichenberg C, Schneider R, Auvera P, Aranyi G, Huber K. Risk and protection factors of mental stress among medical staff in the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1334552. [PMID: 38585477 PMCID: PMC10995372 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1334552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic placed an extraordinary burden on health care workers (HCW), who are reported to suffer from great mental stress. The current study investigates the mental health of HCW in the later phases of the pandemic. Methods HCW completed the following questionnaires online (06/2021-02/2022, N=159): demographics (age, gender, profession, ward), Impact of Event Scale (IES-R, posttraumatic stress), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S, state anxiety), stress-coping questionnaire (SVF-78), and bespoke corona-specific stress and protective-factor questions (5 items each). We used factor analysis to test scale properties and regression-type methods (t-tests, ANOVA, multiple regression) for hypothesis tests and effect-size estimation. Results/discussion Mental stress in HCW is influenced by similar factors as described for earlier phases. However, differences to earlier phases were found in ward affiliation which is no longer a variable of concern for explaining differences in mental health of HCW. Further, even if nurses are the occupational group with the highest mental stress as in prior research, detailed analysis shows that medical specialists with close proximity to patients with a high-level of responsibility are the most burdened sub-group. Unlike nurses, they suffer from high levels of anxiety in addition to high levels of post-traumatic and COVID-specific stress. Analyses showed further that COVID-specific stress is the strongest predictor of mental stress, wherein COVID-specific stress factors remain the same as reported in literature on the early pandemic phases. HCW showed to use still more positive than negative coping strategies. Negative strategies increased as expected mental stress, whereas positive strategies alleviated only anxiety. Additionally, we found that doctors benefited from many protective factors while nurses had access to fewer protective factors like earlier waves. Conclusion Data show that HCW still suffer from mental stress in the third year of the pandemic. HCW of all hospital wards may be affected by mental stress and need attention and protective measures. Medical specialists are the most burdened subgroup. Detailed analyses show that properties other than occupation, gender, or ward affiliation are more appropriate to evaluate mental stress of HCW. The findings have implications for developing specialized protection strategies for the post-pandemic phase and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Eichenberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Psychosomatics, Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raphaela Schneider
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Psychosomatics, Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Phillip Auvera
- Sigmund Freud Private University, Medical Faculty, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabor Aranyi
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Education and Psychology at Szombathely, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kurt Huber
- Sigmund Freud Private University, Medical Faculty, Vienna, Austria
- 3rd Dept. of Medicine, Cardiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Clinic Ottakring (former Wilhelminenhospital), Vienna, Austria
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10
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Lee J, Wilson J, Oosterhoff B, Shook NJ. Self-quarantining, social distancing, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi wave, longitudinal investigation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298461. [PMID: 38408111 PMCID: PMC10896532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Social isolation and disconnectedness increase the risk of worse mental health, which might suggest that preventive health measures (i.e., self-quarantining, social distancing) negatively affect mental health. This longitudinal study examined relations of self-quarantining and social distancing with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A U.S. national sample (N = 1,011) completed eight weekly online surveys from March 20, 2020 to May 17, 2020. Surveys assessed self-quarantining, social distancing, anxiety, and depression. Fixed-effect autoregressive cross-lagged models provided a good fit to the data, allowing for disaggregation of between-person and within-person effects. Significant between-person effects suggested those who engaged in more self-quarantining and social distancing had higher anxiety and depression compared to those who engaged in less social distancing and quarantining. Significant within-person effects indicated those who engaged in greater social distancing for a given week experienced higher anxiety and depression that week. However, there was no support for self-quarantining or social distancing as prospective predictors of mental health, or vice versa. Findings suggest a relationship between mental health and both self-quarantining and social distancing, but further longitudinal research is required to understand the prospective nature of this relationship and identify third variables that may explain these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerin Lee
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Jenna Wilson
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Oosterhoff
- Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Natalie J Shook
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
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11
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Guido A, Marconi E, Peruzzi L, Dinapoli N, Tamburrini G, Attinà G, Romano A, Maurizi P, Mastrangelo S, Chiesa S, Gambacorta MA, Ruggiero A, Chieffo DPR. Psychological Experiences of Parents of Pediatric Cancer Patients during and after COVID-19 Pandemic. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:891. [PMID: 38473253 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family members dealing with the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis are now facing even greater vulnerability due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside the already overwhelming trauma, they must also bear the distressing burden of the infection risks. The purpose of this study was to examine and explore the effects in parents of pediatric cancer patients two years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to compare these data with the previous data. METHODS We conducted a single-center prospective observational study, enrolling 75 parents of 42 pediatric oncology patients. Four questionnaires (IES-R; PSS; STAI-Y and PedsQL) were given to the parents 2 years after the first evaluation. RESULTS The bivariate matrix of correlation found a strong significant positive correlation between IES-R and PSS scores (r = 0.526, p < 0.001) as in T1. Stress symptoms (t = 0.00, p < 0.001) and levels of anxiety (trait) (t = 0.32, p < 0.001) remained unchanged; anxiety state levels appeared to have increased (t = 0.425, p < 0.001); there was a significant decrease in the PedsQL tot (t = 5.25, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the levels of stress and anxiety of parents and the quality of life of patients, also correlating with the traumatic impact of the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Guido
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Marconi
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Peruzzi
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Dinapoli
- Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Tamburrini
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Attinà
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Palma Maurizi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Chiesa
- Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Gambacorta
- Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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12
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Ripoll J, Chela-Alvarez X, Briones-Vozmediano E, Fiol de-Roque MA, Zamanillo-Campos R, Ricci-Cabello I, Llobera J, Calafat-Villalonga C, Serrano-Ripoll MJ. Impact of COVID-19 on mental health of health care workers in Spain: a mix-methods study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:463. [PMID: 38355471 PMCID: PMC10865523 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17979-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spain's lockdown measures couldn't prevent the severe impact of the COVID-19 first wave, leading to high infections, deaths, and strain on healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to explore the mental health impact on HCWs in the Balearic Islands during the initial months of the pandemic, the influencing factors, and the experiences of those in a COVID-19 environment. METHODS Using a mixed-methods approach, the study encompassed quantitative and qualitative elements. Cross-sectional survey data from April to June 2020 comprised HCWs who were emailed invitations. The survey covered demographics, work, clinical and COVID-19 variables, along with psychological distress and PTSD symptoms, using validated measures. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with HCWs offered qualitative insights. RESULTS Three hundred thirty-six HCWs averaging 46.8 years, mainly women (79.2%), primarily nurses in primary care with over 10 years of experience. Anxiety symptoms were reported by 28.8%, 65.1% noted worsened sleep quality, and 27.7% increased psychoactive drug usage. Psychological distress affected 55.2%, while 27.9% exhibited PTSD symptoms. Gender, age, experience, COVID-19 patient contact, and workload correlated with distress, PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, and psychoactive drug usage. Interviews uncovered discomfort sources, such as fear of infection and lack of control, leading to coping strategies like information avoidance and seeking support. LIMITATIONS Static cross-sectional design, non-probabilistic sample, and telephone interviews affecting non-verbal cues, with interviews conducted during early pandemic lockdown. CONCLUSIONS HCWs faced significant psychological distress during the pandemic's first wave, underscoring the necessity for robust support and resources to counteract its impact on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ripoll
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Palma, 07002, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Atenció Primària i Promoció (GRAPP-caIB) Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa, Hospital Universitari Son Espases 79, Palma, 07120, Spain
- Research Network On Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - X Chela-Alvarez
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Palma, 07002, Spain.
- Grup de Recerca Atenció Primària i Promoció (GRAPP-caIB) Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa, Hospital Universitari Son Espases 79, Palma, 07120, Spain.
- Research Network On Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Palma, 07120, Spain.
| | - E Briones-Vozmediano
- Departamento de Enfermería y Fisioterapia Grupo de estudios en sociedad, salud, educación y cultura (GESEC), Universidad de Lleida.Grup de Recerca en Cures en Salut (GRECS), Institut de Recerca Biomèdica (IRB) de Lleida, Lleida, 25001, Spain
| | - M A Fiol de-Roque
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Palma, 07002, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Atenció Primària i Promoció (GRAPP-caIB) Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa, Hospital Universitari Son Espases 79, Palma, 07120, Spain
- Research Network On Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - R Zamanillo-Campos
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Palma, 07002, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Atenció Primària i Promoció (GRAPP-caIB) Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa, Hospital Universitari Son Espases 79, Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - I Ricci-Cabello
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Palma, 07002, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Atenció Primària i Promoció (GRAPP-caIB) Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa, Hospital Universitari Son Espases 79, Palma, 07120, Spain
- Research Network On Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - J Llobera
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Palma, 07002, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Atenció Primària i Promoció (GRAPP-caIB) Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa, Hospital Universitari Son Espases 79, Palma, 07120, Spain
- Research Network On Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - C Calafat-Villalonga
- Department of Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, 07122, Spain
| | - M J Serrano-Ripoll
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Palma, 07002, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Atenció Primària i Promoció (GRAPP-caIB) Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa, Hospital Universitari Son Espases 79, Palma, 07120, Spain
- Research Network On Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Palma, 07120, Spain
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Schwartz SE, Ross SG, Bryant JA, Duncan JD. Mental and physical health among students at a private university that held in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:587-597. [PMID: 35298366 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2052074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have serious negative consequences on mental and physical health, which may disproportionally affect young adults. The aim of this study was to understand short-term impacts on a population of students at a college that held in-person classes during the pandemic. PARTICIPANTS This study was conducted at a moderately-sized private university in the southeastern United States where approximately 75% of students were enrolled in undergraduate degree programs and 25% in graduate degree programs. METHODS A survey was created to assess anxiety and depression symptoms, psychotherapeutic medication use, healthy living, and coping skills. Links to the electronic form were distributed to students via email in Spring 2020 and Fall 2020. Participation was completely voluntary and responses were collected anonymously. RESULTS The rate of anxiety symptoms in the study cohort was higher than the national average (31%) and increased between Spring 2020 (39%) and Fall 2020 (50%). Rates of psychotherapeutic medication use also rose, with benzodiazepine use increasing from 6% to 11% and antidepressant use increasing from 16% to 20%. Compared to the national average, fewer students in the study cohort rated their overall health as "good" or better (72-76% vs. 82%). Physical exercise, nutrition, and alcohol use worsened between Spring and Fall 2020. Problem-focused engagement was associated with significantly fewer anxiety and depression symptoms. Demographic factors such as gender, race, and sexual orientation interacted with several outcomes studied. CONCLUSIONS Students at a private university that held in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic reported high rates of anxiety that increased between Spring and Fall 2020. Self-reported physical health was below average in Spring 2020 but improved in Fall 2020. Appropriate identification and management of the effects of pandemic-related stressors is critical during this uncertain time. Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2052074 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaina E Schwartz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, High Point University Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, One University Parkway, High Point, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah G Ross
- Department of Psychology, High Point University David R. Hayworth College of Arts and Sciences, One University Parkway, High Point, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph A Bryant
- Department of Clinical Sciences, High Point University Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, One University Parkway, High Point, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jenna D Duncan
- Department of Psychology, High Point University David R. Hayworth College of Arts and Sciences, One University Parkway, High Point, North Carolina, USA
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Gelkopf M, Berger R, Dicker-Oren SD, Lapid Pickman L, Greene T. Trauma history predicts depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms better than a psychiatric diagnosis: Comparing wartime, routine time, and early COVID-19 in Israel. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3254. [PMID: 37165573 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis and those with a history of trauma are at high risk for depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) following exposure to new traumatic events. Nevertheless, research is scarce on how having both a psychiatric diagnosis and a trauma history affect reactions to new traumatic events, and how different trauma types may affect individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis. We thus examined whether different stressful contexts (War and COVID-19) affected individuals with and without a psychiatric diagnosis differentially and whether results might be explained by prior trauma exposure. In the same cohort, we assessed depression and PTSS during wartime (2014), routine time (2016), and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) in a sample with (n = 89) and without (n = 104) a self-reported psychiatric diagnosis. This cohort was recruited during the 2014 Israel-Gaza War using social media, snowballing and outreach to mental health rehabilitation centres. We used a linear mixed modelling approach on data from the entire sample, as well as on the two study groups separately. We found that trauma history predicted PTSS and depression whereas a history of psychiatric diagnosis did not. Regarding trauma types, we found that individuals in the psychiatric diagnosis group relative to themselves had more symptoms during COVID-19 compared to war and routine time, while those without diagnosis had more PTSS and depression symptoms during wartime compared to routine time and COVID-19. In conclusion, a traumatic past may have an important influence on reactions to different types of traumatic events. Distinct traumatic events may affect individuals with or without a psychiatric diagnosis differentially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Gelkopf
- Department of Community Mental Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rony Berger
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- Center for Compassionate and Mindful Education, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Sheila Daniela Dicker-Oren
- Department of Community Mental Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Liron Lapid Pickman
- Department of Community Mental Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Talya Greene
- Department of Community Mental Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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Huang J, Huang ZT, Sun XC, Chen TT, Wu XT. Mental health status and related factors influencing healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289454. [PMID: 38241316 PMCID: PMC10798549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mental health of healthcare workers during the coronavirus-2019 pandemic was seriously affected, and the risk of mental health problems was high. The present study sought to systematically evaluate the mental health problems of healthcare workers worldwide during the pandemic and to determine the latest global frequency of COVID-19 associated mental health problems. METHODS Data in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Elsevier, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and the Web of Science before November 11, 2022, were systematically searched. Cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies were included. The meta-analysis used a random effects model to synthesize the comprehensive prevalence rate of mental health problems. Subgroup analyses were performed based on time of data collection; whether the country was or was not developed; continent; doctors and nurses; doctors/nurses vs. other healthcare workers; and psychological evaluation scale. RESULTS A total of 161 studies were included, including 341,014 healthcare workers worldwide, with women accounting for 82.8%. Occupationally, 16.2% of the healthcare workers were doctors, 63.6% were nurses and 13.3% were other medical staff. During the pandemic, 47% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35-60%) of healthcare workers reported job burnout, 38% (95% CI, 35-41%) experienced anxiety, 34% (95% CI 30-38%) reported depression, 30% (95% CI, 29-31%) had acute stress disorder, and 26% (95% CI, 21-31%) had post-traumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSIONS The study found that there were common mental health problems among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common was job burnout, followed by anxiety, depression, acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the global pandemic has been brought under control, its long-term impact on the mental health of healthcare workers cannot be ignored. Additional research is required to develop measures to prevent, monitor and treat psychological disorders among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhu-Tang Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xin-Ce Sun
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ting-Ting Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiao-Tian Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Galliker S, Igic I, Semmer NK, Elfering A. Stress at Work and Well-being Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study in Switzerland. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:56-70. [PMID: 37853654 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to analyze the development of conditions at work and health-related variables (notably exhaustion) in Switzerland longitudinally before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Questionnaire data were collected from a population-based sample of 1,553 employees in February 2020 and 1 year later. Health and well-being associated with ( a ) working conditions in general and ( b ) COVID-19-specific predictors such as worries about being infected and conditions for working at home were analyzed using analysis of (co)variance and multiple regression. RESULTS Conditions at work and well-being were stable overall, even indicating slight improvements, notably for men compared with women. Both an index representing stressors and resources at work in general (Job Stress Index) and a COVID-19-related demand index showed consistent effects on health and the effect of COVID-19-related demands was stronger if the Job Stress Index deteriorated than when it improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Galliker
- From the Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland (S.G., I.I., N.K.S., A.E.); Leadership and Communication Study, Military Academy, ETH Zurich, Switzerland (I.I.); and National Centre of Competence in Research, Affective Sciences, CISA, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (N.K.S., A.E.)
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Kasidouli A, Matziou V, Zyga S, Kasimis I, Boutopoulou V, Vlachioti E, Deli C, Perdikaris P. Occupational Stress of Pediatric Emergency Nurses in Greece During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Adv Emerg Nurs J 2024; 46:82-89. [PMID: 38285426 DOI: 10.1097/tme.0000000000000499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous studies have shown the high prevalence of occupational stress (OS) of health workers, affecting the quality of health care provided. To date, there is no study regarding OS of emergency care pediatric nurses working in Greece. This study aimed to examine the pediatric nurses' OS working in tertiary public hospitals in Greece. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 104 pediatric nurses were recruited randomly from summer 2020 to summer 2021. The Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS), which consists of 59 items grouped into nine categories, was used to assess nurses OS. The overall OS mean score was 141.04 (SD = 33.48), indicating mild stress. Among nine categories, pediatric nurses were more stressed about patients and families (mean = 22.83, SD = 5.71), as well as death and dying (mean = 19.33, SD = 5.22), whereas they were less stressed about discrimination (mean = 4.21, SD = 4.09) and problems with peer support (mean = 12.11, SD = 4.58). Sex, age, and shifts did not correlate with OS. Borderline correlation was present between age and inadequate emotional preparation for less experienced nurses (p = 0.047), while higher educated pediatric nurses were more stressed because of workload than lower educated pediatric nurses (p = 0.044). Greek pediatric nurses suffered mild OS during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a great need for further research and implementation of supportive sustainable programs aimed to the minimization of OS and the optimization of health care provided during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areti Kasidouli
- General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece (Ms Kasidouli); Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece (Drs Matziou and Boutopoulou); Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Tripolis, Greece (Drs Zyga and Perdikaris); General Hospital of Ioannina "G. Hatzikosta," Ioannina, Greece (Dr Kasimis); Children's General Hospital "Agia Sophia," Athens, Greece (Dr Vlachioti); and Children's General Hospital "P & A Kyriakou," Athens, Greece (Dr Deli)
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Luo W, Mohammed J. Mental health status and coping strategies of Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A rapid review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296309. [PMID: 38134210 PMCID: PMC10745188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in December 2019, students have been under unparalleled psychological stress worldwide. As part of its prevention and control strategies, the Chinese Ministry of Education proposed online teaching activities for universities. For the first time, teaching and learning shifted completely online, significantly impacting university students used to classroom learning. This research addresses the knowledge gap about the mental health and coping strategies employed by Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic databases (PsycINFO, Scopus, Medline, Cochranes and CNKI) were searched systematically from 2019 to 2023, as part of this literature review. From the 349 articles found, 25 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Thematic analysis was used to identify six sub-themes, organized under two main themes: Mental health issues of Chinese university students and their coping mechanisms. Heightened stress, anxiety, and depression appeared in Chinese university students during the pandemic, which may have been compounded by their isolation and the disruptions to their studies. Although the impact of COVID-19 on Chinese university students is waning, this study emphasizes the potential long-lasting impact on their mental health, which requires further investigation, particularly regarding gender differences. Moreover, positive and negative coping strategies were found in this review. Strategies for seeking social and family support and participating in sports activities had significant alleviating effects, while negative coping strategies such as alcohol-use and smoking did not. This rapid review informs the development of policies and interventions to enhance the mental health of university students during crisis events. The findings serve to inform health policymakers, university psychologists, and educators in improving the well-being of this student population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jalal Mohammed
- Faculty of Health, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Chen P, Zhang L, Feng Y, An FR, Su Z, Cheung T, Lok KI, Ungvari GS, Jackson T, Xiang YT, Zhang Q. Prevalence and network structure of post-traumatic stress symptoms and their association with suicidality among Chinese mental health professionals immediately following the end of China's Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy: a national survey. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:395. [PMID: 38102131 PMCID: PMC10724192 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02680-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among mental health professionals (MHPs) are limited, particularly since restrictions due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been lifted such as the recent termination of China's Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy. The current study filled this gap by exploring the prevalence, correlates, and network structure of PTSS as well as its association with suicidality from a network analysis perspective. A cross-sectional, national survey was conducted using a convenience sampling method on MHPs between January 22 and February 10, 2023. PTSS were assessed using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian version, while suicidality was assessed using standardized questions related to ideation, plans, and attempts. Univariate and multivariate analyses examined correlates of PTSS. Network analysis explored the structure of PTSS and suicidality. The centrality index of "Expected influence" was used to identify the most central symptoms in the network, reflecting the relative importance of each node in the network. The "flow" function was adopted to identify specific symptoms that were directly associated with suicidality. A total of 10,647 MHPs were included. The overall rates of PTSS and suicidality were 6.7% (n = 715; 95% CI = 6.2-7.2%) and 7.7% (n = 821; 95% CI = 7.2-8.2%), respectively. Being married (OR = 1.523; P < 0.001), quarantine experience (OR = 1.288; P < 0.001), suicidality (OR = 3.750; P < 0.001) and more severe depressive symptoms (OR = 1.229; P < 0.001) were correlates of more PTSS. Additionally, higher economic status (e.g., good vs. poor: OR = 0.324; P = 0.001) and health status (e.g., good vs. poor: OR = 0.456; P < 0.001) were correlates of reduced PTSS. PCL6 ("Avoiding thoughts"; EI = 1.189), PCL7 ("Avoiding reminders"; EI = 1.157), and PCL11 ("Feeling emotionally numb"; EI = 1.074) had the highest centrality, while PCL12 ("Negative belief"), PCL 16 ("Hypervigilance") and PCL 14 ("Irritability") had the strongest direct, positive associations with suicidality. A high prevalence of lingering PTSS was found among MHPs immediately after China's "Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy" was terminated. Avoidance and hyper-arousal symptoms should be monitored among at-risk MHPs after the COVID-19 pandemic and serve as potential targets for the prevention and treatment of PTSS in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Chen
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, & Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Rong An
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Teris Cheung
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka-In Lok
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao SAR, China
| | - Gabor S Ungvari
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia/Graylands Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Todd Jackson
- Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, & Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
| | - Qinge Zhang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital & the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Yao Y, Zeng Q, Wang Y, Shi H, Zeng Y. Experiences and perspectives of nurses infected with COVID-19: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. Nurs Health Sci 2023; 25:530-542. [PMID: 37941525 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative systematic review aims to comprehensively understand the experiences and perspectives of nurses infected with COVID-19, addressing a significant gap in the current literature. Following the JBI meta-synthesis approach, a rigorous search was conducted across nine electronic databases and references until January 16, 2023. Seventeen eligible studies underwent quality assessment using the JBI critical checklist. Data were synthesized using standardized tools, and the ConQual tool evaluated confidence in the findings. Seven key findings emerged, providing valuable insights into emotional experiences, adaptation to COVID-19 challenges, influence of support systems, coping strategies, posttraumatic growth perceptions, and effects on professional identity and career advancement. The findings highlight emotional toll, adaptive strategies, and professional implications for nurses. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of support systems, coping mechanisms, and posttraumatic growth in promoting nurses' well-being and resilience. These insights have practical implications for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to enhance infected nurses' well-being and improve healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yao
- College of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinglin Zeng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mianyang, China
| | - Yuqiang Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Huijing Shi
- College of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanli Zeng
- College of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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21
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Emiral E, Bulut YE, Öztürk-Emiral G, Sarıca-Çevik H, Aksungur A. Psychosocial Status of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. INFECTIOUS DISEASES & CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:300-310. [PMID: 38633855 PMCID: PMC10986714 DOI: 10.36519/idcm.2023.282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine the depression, anxiety, and stress levels of healthcare workers (HCWs) working actively in different health services during the pandemic. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ankara at the Provincial Health Directorate Numune Campus between January and April 2022. The depression, anxiety, and stress levels of HCWs working actively in different health services during the pandemic were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. Results The study included 381 healthcare workers, 272 (71.4%) of whom were female. The mean age was 40.0±9.9 (21-63) years, and 44.9% (n=171) of the HCWs had a COVID-19 infection at some point. While 28.6% of HCWs needed psychological support before the pandemic, the rate increased to 36.2% during the pandemic (p<0.001). DASS-21 results showed that the frequency of depression was 31.0%, anxiety 47.2%, and stress 22.8% among participants during the pandemic. Conclusion One out of three HCWs reported experiencing mental health problems. It is essential to improve the working conditions of HCWs to help them cope with the effects of the pandemic on their mental health and to provide psychosocial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emrah Emiral
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Yunus Emre Bulut
- Department of Public Health, University of Health Sciences Gülhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
| | | | - Hüsna Sarıca-Çevik
- Department of Family Medicine, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
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22
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Engelmann P, Toussaint A, Addo MM, Brehm TT, Lohse AW, Weigel A, Thompson M, Löwe B. Predictors of somatic symptom burden in healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: an 8-week follow-up study. J Ment Health 2023; 32:1111-1121. [PMID: 35549625 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2022.2069709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature investigating the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare professionals barely addresses predictors of somatic symptom burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIMS As biopsychosocial models propose that not only the disease but also sociodemographic and psychosocial factors contribute to the development and maintenance of symptoms, this study investigates the predictive value of these factors for bothersome somatic symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 negative healthcare professionals. METHODS German healthcare professionals were assessed with self-rating questionnaires and underwent SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody tests at baseline and 8 weeks later between April and August 2020. Differences in psychosocial variables between the time points were analyzed and regression analyses were performed to predict somatic symptoms at follow-up. RESULTS 1185 seronegative healthcare professionals completed both assessments. Previous somatic symptom burden, higher levels of anxiety, being a nurse, younger age, higher psychological symptom burden, lower efficiency, and higher fatigability at baseline predicted somatic symptom burden at follow-up. Comparisons between baseline and follow-up showed a significant improvement in psychological impairment and deterioration of physical exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS Our study applies a biopsychosocial perspective to bothersome somatic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and contributes to the identification of potential risk factors as a starting point for future interventions that could support the handling of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Engelmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Toussaint
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marylyn M Addo
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems
| | - Thomas Theo Brehm
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems
| | - Angelika Weigel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michelle Thompson
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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23
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Rabiee Khan F, Abdelraheim Titi M, Frankowska N, Kowalczyk K, Alziedan R, Yin-Kei Lau C, Biernat K, Brown KG. The Impact of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on University Staff Dietary Behaviours, Sleeping Patterns, and Well-Being: An International Comparison Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6941. [PMID: 37887679 PMCID: PMC10606338 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being by measuring the changes to food security, dietary behaviour, and sleeping patterns of university staff in England, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and China. Using a cross-sectional study design, participants in four universities in the respective countries were surveyed between June and July 2020. The mean age of the 902 participants was 42 years old and 67% were female. The findings indicate a reduction in emotionally driven food behaviour [t (901.00) = -20.87, p < 0.001], food acquisition location [t (901.00) = -51.55, p < 0.001], skipping meals [t (901.00) = -24, p < 0.001], and consumption of canned fruit and vegetables [t (901.00) = -10.18, p < 0.001]. However, home cooking [t (901.00) = 36.61, p < 0.001] and the food shopping experience [t (901.00) = 4.53, p < 0.001] markedly increased during lockdown. The participants had higher levels of well-being during the pandemic and experienced a significant increase in sleeping hours (p < 0.001). Increased age and sleeping hours were positively associated with overall well-being. Conversely, emotionally driven food behaviour (i.e., buying and eating more food out of boredom/fear or anxiety) and skipping meals decreased the overall well-being. Lockdown had beneficial effects on dietary behaviours, sleeping patterns, and well-being, but there were variations between countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rabiee Khan
- College of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
| | - Maher Abdelraheim Titi
- Quality Management Department, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh P.O. Box 7805, Saudi Arabia
- Research Chair for Evidence-Based Health Care and Knowledge Translation, Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University, Riyadh P.O. Box 7805, Saudi Arabia
| | - Natalia Frankowska
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland;
| | | | - Rasmieh Alziedan
- Cardiology Department, Medical College, King Fuad University, Riyadh P.O. Box 7805, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Christine Yin-Kei Lau
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Karolina Biernat
- Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Public Health Department, Council House, Solihull B91 9QS, UK;
| | - Kyle Gavin Brown
- College of Psychology, Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B4 7BD, UK;
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24
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Goldstein Ferber S, Weller A, Hayes AM, Vannorsdall TD, Ajlouni Y, Qudah M, Zalsman G, Shoval G, Jannini TB, Fiedler R, Chen LX, Shayani DR, Kachuki Dory E, Stolowicz-Melman D, Evans C, Trow M, Di Lorenzo G, Rossi R. International study of the Complex Stress Reaction Syndrome: Implications for transdiagnostic clinical practice. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:803-815. [PMID: 38058684 PMCID: PMC10696285 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i10.803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The debate regarding diagnostic classification systems in psychiatry (categorial vs dimensional systems) has essential implications for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of stress reactions. We previously found a unique pattern of stress reaction in a study executed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic using large representative samples in two countries, and termed it the Complex Stress Reaction Syndrome (CSRS). AIM To investigate CSRS, Type A (psychiatric symptoms, spanning anxiety, depression, stress symptoms, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), with or without long-coronavirus disease (COVID) residuals (CSRS, Type B, neuropsychiatric symptoms spanning cognitive deficits and fatigue, excluding systemic symptoms). Our two-tailed hypothesis was that CSRS is a condition related to an unrecognized type of stress reaction in daily life in the general population (Type A) or that it is related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and its long-COVID residuals (Type B). METHODS 977 individuals in four continents (North America, Europe, Australia and the Middle East) completed the online study questionnaire in six languages using the Qualtrics platform. The study was managed by six teams in six countries that promoted the study on social media. The questionnaire assessed anxiety, depression, stress symptoms and PTSD (CSRS, Type A), cognitive deficits and fatigue (CSRS, Type B). The data were analyzed using Proportion Analyses, Multivariate Analysis of Co-Variance (MANCOVA), linear regression analyses and validated clinical cutoff points. RESULTS The results of the Proportion Analyses showed that the prevalence of 4 symptoms spanning anxiety, depression, stress symptoms, and PTSD was significantly higher than the most prevalent combinations of fewer symptoms across 4 continents, age groups, and gender. This supports the transdiagnostic argument embedded in the CSRS (Type A). The same pattern of results was found in infected/recovered individuals. The prevalence of the 4 psychiatric symptoms combination was significantly greater than that of 5 and 6 symptoms, when adding cognitive deficits and fatigue, respectively. MANCOVA showed a significant three-way interaction (age × gender × continent). Further analyses showed that the sources of this three-way interaction were threefold relating to two sub-populations at-risk: (1) Individuals that self-identified as non-binary gender scored significantly higher on all 4 psychiatric symptoms of the CSRS, Type A at young age groups (< 50 years old) in North America compared to (self-identified) women and men located in the 4 continents studied, and to other ages across the adult life span; and (2) This pattern of results (CSRS, Type A) was found also in women at young ages (< 40 years old) in North America who scored higher compared to men and women in other continents and other ages. Linear regression analyses confirmed the MANCOVA results. CONCLUSION These results show a combined mental health risk factor related to stress reactivity, suggesting that the CSRS is sensitive to populations at risk and may be applied to future identification of other vulnerable sub-populations. It also supports the transdiagnostic approach for more accurate prevention and treatment. Time will tell if such transdiagnostic syndromes will be part of the discussions on the next revisions of the traditional classification systems or whether the crisis in psychiatry further evolves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari Goldstein Ferber
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
- Department of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Aron Weller
- Department of Psychology and The Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Adele M Hayes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Tracy D Vannorsdall
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | | | - Mo'nes Qudah
- Jordan Health Aid-International, Amman 1234, Jordan
| | - Gil Zalsman
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel and Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Gal Shoval
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel and Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Neuroscience, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States
| | | | - Racquel Fiedler
- Department of Psychology and The Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Lily X Chen
- UNSW School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Danielle R Shayani
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Elin Kachuki Dory
- Department of Psychology and The Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Dana Stolowicz-Melman
- Department of Psychology and The Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Connor Evans
- Department of Biology, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR 97116, United States
| | - Megan Trow
- Oregon Chapter of Fulbright Association, Oregon, OR 97045, United States
| | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome 00179, Italy
- IRCCS, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome 00133, Italy
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25
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Al Houri HN, Alhouri A, Arrouk DMN, Al Houri AN, Jomaa S, Sharabi A, Kannout H, Latifeh Y. Stress, depression, anxiety, and quality of life among the healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Syria: a multi-center study. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2023; 22:41. [PMID: 37845685 PMCID: PMC10577895 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-023-00470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as an expected source of stress and anxiety as the healthcare workers had to work for long hours in close contact with infected patients, thus increasing the probability of medical errors and threatening the patients' safety. This study aims to measure the levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress among Syrian healthcare workers and their quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in six central hospitals in Damascus, Syria. Data were collected from 1 to 30 June-2021. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress among healthcare workers. Quality of life was assessed using the EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index. RESULTS A total of 700 participants were included in this study. 61.6% (n = 431) were males and 38.4% (n = 269) were females. Younger ages (18-29 years old) were significantly associated with higher levels of depression and stress (p < 0.0083). Female healthcare workers had higher significant levels of anxiety (p < 0.05). Significant anxiety and stress levels were reported when healthcare workers had contact with COVID-19 patients, even if they had protective equipment (p < 0.05). Half of the participants (50%; n = 349) reported a good quality of life. CONCLUSION Stress levels and depressive symptoms were remarkably higher in healthcare workers of ages 18 and 29 years old, whereas anxiety levels were significantly higher and more severe in female healthcare workers. Moreover, direct interaction with COVID-19 patients was associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdullah Alhouri
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Nevill Hall Hospital, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Wales, UK
| | | | | | - Sami Jomaa
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Hussein Kannout
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Youssef Latifeh
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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26
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Negri L, Bassi M, Accardi R, Delle Fave A. Post-traumatic stress symptoms and benefit finding: a longitudinal study among Italian health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1549-1559. [PMID: 37029827 PMCID: PMC10082687 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02475-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Research has highlighted that the exposure of healthcare professionals to the COVID-19 pandemic for over two years can lead to the development and persistence of symptoms characteristic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with serious consequences on both the individual well-being and the quality of care provided. The present study was aimed at investigating the role of benefit finding in moderating post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) over time. METHODS The longitudinal study, conducted between April and October 2020, involved 226 Italian health workers (44.7% nurses and midwives, 35% doctors, 20.3% technical and rehabilitation professionals), who filled out an online survey at the beginning of the study (T1), after three months (T2), and after six months (T3). Participants (77.4% women; mean age = 41.93, SD = 12.06) completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Benefit Finding, a 17-item questionnaire measuring the perceived level of positive consequences derived from stressful experiences. A hierarchical regression analysis highlighted the moderating effect of benefit finding (T2) on the association between PTSS values at T1 and T3. RESULTS A buffering effect was observed, with higher benefit finding levels reducing the magnitude of the bivariate association between PTSS assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. CONCLUSION Findings suggest the potential mental health related benefits of interventions allowing health professionals to identify positive aspects in the experience of working under prolonged emergency circumstances, such as the pandemic ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Negri
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marta Bassi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Accardi
- Health Professions Directorate, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Delle Fave
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
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27
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Marczewski KP, Piegza M, Gospodarczyk NJ, Gospodarczyk AZ, Marcinek M, Tkocz M, Sosada K. Evaluation of selected factors influencing sleep disorders in paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arch Med Sci 2023; 20:86-93. [PMID: 38414468 PMCID: PMC10895942 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/169909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sleep disorders can develop as a result of exposure to stressors. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic was an additional source of stress for paramedics, due to the fear of the unknown nature of the new pathogen. The main aim of this study was to identify factors influencing the development of sleep disorders among paramedics working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods This was a cross-sectional, anonymous, voluntary, online survey conducted on social networks among paramedics working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland from 10/11/2020 to 14/01/2021. The survey included 387 participants, the majority of whom were men (72.35%). A proprietary questionnaire and standardized scales were used to identify risk factors: Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results Among all participants, there were 107 (27.65%) women and 280 (72.35%) men. Significantly higher scores of the analyzed scales were observed in the female gender. Based on the AIS scale, mild sleep disorders were found in 3.6% of women and 2.9% of men. Excessive sleepiness on the Epworth scale was assessed in more than 70% of women and 58.8% of men working in Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs). Conclusions The main factors influencing the development of sleep disorders were female gender, use of sleep aids and not having a life partner. In contrast, older age and longer job tenure, being married, and having good relationships with family members had a protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Piotr Marczewski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Piegza
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Natalia Justyna Gospodarczyk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Alicja Zofia Gospodarczyk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Mateusz Marcinek
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, Poland
| | - Michał Tkocz
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, Poland
| | - Krystyn Sosada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Thu Pham H, Viet Cao T, Bich Le N, T-T Nguyen N, Thi Ngoc Vuong B, Vu Dieu Pham L, Thu Hoang T, Thi Hanh Pham T, Ngoc Nguyen T, Thi Thu Bui H, Van Tran T, Thuy Vu L, Thi Le P. Depression, anxiety and stress among healthcare workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Northern Vietnam. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1231326. [PMID: 37794894 PMCID: PMC10546943 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1231326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The outbreak of coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) had significant effects on the mental well-being in general, particularly for healthcare professionals. This study examined the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, and identified the associated risk factors amongst healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak in a tertiary hospital located in Vietnam. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at a tertiary-level hospital, where the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) web-based questionnaire was employed. We analyzed the determinant factors by employing multivariate logistic models. Results The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were 19.2%, 24.7%, and 13.9%, respectively. Factors such as engaging in shift work during the pandemic, taking care of patients with COVID-19, and staff's health status were associated with mental health issues among health professionals. In addition, having alternate rest periods was likely to reduce the risk of stress. Conclusion The prevalence of mental health problems in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic was relatively high. Having resting periods could potentially mitigate the development of stress among health professionals. Our findings could be taken into account for improving mental health of the health professional population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hien Thu Pham
- Department of Human Resources, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tung Viet Cao
- Heart Center, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Bich Le
- Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nhung T-T Nguyen
- Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bich Thi Ngoc Vuong
- Department of Human Resources, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Linh Vu Dieu Pham
- Department of Human Resources, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trang Thu Hoang
- Department of Human Resources, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trang Thi Hanh Pham
- Department of Human Resources, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thuy Ngoc Nguyen
- Department of Human Resources, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huong Thi Thu Bui
- Department of Human Resources, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tho Van Tran
- Department of Biochemistry, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Linh Thuy Vu
- International medical Center, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Phuong Thi Le
- Department of Human Resources, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Khazaee-Pool M, Moradi M, Pashaei T, Ponnet K. Psychosocial status and risk perception among Iranian healthcare workers during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2023; 21:76. [PMID: 37723512 PMCID: PMC10506218 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00862-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) are essential resources, and their health and wellbeing are key not only for offering constant and useful care facilities to clients, but also for maintaining the safety of the workforce and patients. The risk of severe mental health problems among HCWs may have increased during large outbreaks of COVID-19. To evaluate the psychosocial status and risk perception of HCWs who participated in treating COVID-19 patients in Northern Iran, we performed a web-based cross-sectional study. METHODS The web-based cross-sectional design was applied between June 27 and September 2, 2021. Using convenience sampling, 637 HCWs were recruited from hospitals in Northern Iran (Mazandaran). The HCWs completed self-report questionnaires that included a sociodemographic information form, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, Impact of the Event Scale-Revised, Risk Perception Questionnaire, and Anxiety Stress Scale-21. The data were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics and univariate/multivariate logistic regression to assess the risk factors linked to each psychosocial consequence. RESULTS The results reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse psychosocial influence on HCWs, which was already apparent 1.5 years after the crisis began. Based on the results, 71.6%, 55.6%, and 32.3% of HCWs reported having anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, respectively, since the outbreak of this disease. The logistic regression models displayed that marital status, having children, and working hours with patients were all risk factors of psychosocial impairment. CONCLUSIONS The outbreak of COVID-19 can be considered an important experience of a bio-disaster resulting in a significant rate of psychiatric problems in HCWs. There is a need for designing and promoting supportive programs to help HCWs cope and to improve their psychosocial state, and the present study has detected for whom psychosocial support may be effective and practical 1.5 years after the primary outbreak. Moreover, detecting and managing concerns and reducing infection-related embarrassment/stigma are essential for improving HCWs' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khazaee-Pool
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health, Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Masoud Moradi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Tahereh Pashaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Department of Communication Sciences, imec-mict-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Chen H, Ma Q, Du B, Huang Y, Zhu SG. Two-year follow-up of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in healthcare workers after the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2023; 36:324-332. [PMID: 37681422 PMCID: PMC10664000 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to conduct a 2-year follow-up of mental disorders in healthcare workers (HCWs) in a region of China outside the epidemic's core zone who happened to be directly or possibly exposed to persons with COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cognitive analysis scale was utilized in the evaluation the mental or emotional state of HCWs at Xuzhou Medical University's affiliated hospital in the city of Xuzhou, China (a non-core epidemic area) 2 years after the first assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 165 HCWs were selected as the study subjects. In accordance to the exposure risk of COVID-19 patients, the subjects were separated into 2 categories: a group with a high risk HCW (HHCW) (HCWs working in COVID-19-positive wards; N = 91) and a group with a minimal risk HCW (LHCW) (HCWs who worked in wards without COVID-19 patients at the same hospital; N = 75). The clinical as well as demographic information of every HCWs were collected. RESULTS The demographic data revealed significant differences in terms of occupation, remuneration, and selfless concerns amidst both categories (p < 0.05). There lacked a statistically notable difference in the occurrence of PTSD between the 2 groups. Data was analyzed for factors associated with PTSD, and the results showed that psychological resilience, job risk, and stress in the workplace were risk factors for PTSD. Additionally, the results of the logistic regression analysis showed that psychological resilience was a significant shared risk factor for PTSD in HCWs after the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The 2-year follow-up showed no statistical difference in the incidence of PTSD between the HHCW group and the LHCW group. Workplace stress, occupational hazards, and psychological resilience were the major contributing risk factors for PTSD in HCWs. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):324-32.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Department of Neurology, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Ma
- The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Du
- The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Department of Neurology, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Huang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Department of Neurology, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Guang Zhu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Department of Neurology, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
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Mitchell NA, McCauley M, O’Brien D, Wilson CE. Mental health and resilience in the Irish defense forces during the COVID-19 global pandemic. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 35:383-393. [PMID: 37615557 PMCID: PMC10453996 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2021.2007728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Irish Defense Forces (DF) responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and national public health crisis by deploying personnel to aid domestic civil authorities in medical and care settings, contact tracing, logistics, and operations. Current research on COVID-19 reveals increased psychological distress among frontline workers and the general public. Resilience has previously been associated with lower levels of psychological distress. This study sets out to test these associations, and to examine mental health differences between DF personnel deployed in Ireland on pandemic-related duties (DIPD) and non-DIPD. Participants were 231 DF members who completed the: Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Perceived Coronavirus Threat Questionnaire, Brief Trauma Questionnaire, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5, and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Independent t-tests revealed no differences between DIPD and non-DIPD on measures of psychological distress or on self-rated mental health prior to COVID-19 (PC19) and during COVID-19 (DC19). Results of multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed that depression predicted lower levels of resilience, while multiple traumatic events predicted higher levels of resilience. The total adjusted variance explained by the model was 25%. Clinical and policy implications for improving access to psychological support within the DF and military populations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola A. Mitchell
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Mathew McCauley
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Military Clinical Psychology, Office of the DMB, Defence Forces Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dorota O’Brien
- Military Clinical Psychology, Office of the DMB, Defence Forces Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Charlotte E. Wilson
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Del Casale A, Modesti MN, Lai C, Carola V, Mimun S, Bruzzese A, Speranza AM, Drakes DH, Asmundson GJG, Nicolais G. Anxiety Symptoms, COVID-19-Related Stress Reactions in the Italian General Population, and Validation of the Italian COVID Stress Scales (CSS-I). J Clin Med 2023; 12:5680. [PMID: 37685747 PMCID: PMC10488780 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. The COVID Stress Scales (CSS) assess COVID-related stress experienced in the past week related to danger and contamination fears, socioeconomic consequences, xenophobia, compulsive checking, and reassurance seeking, and traumatic stress symptoms. Our objective was to provide a translation into Italian, replication, and psychometric validation of the CSS in the general population. Moreover, we aimed to test the convergent and discriminant validity of the Italian CSS (CSS-I) with respect to anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms in the general Italian population. Method. Adult participants (n = 935) over the age of 18 years were recruited from the general population in Italy. Psychological status was assessed using multiple validated measures, including the CSS, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), and the Prejudice Against Immigrants Scale (PAIS). Results. Our confirmatory factor analysis supported a 6-factor model, including danger fears (DAN), socioeconomic consequences (SEC), xenophobia (XEN), compulsive checking and reassurance seeking (CHE), contamination fears (CON), and traumatic stress symptoms (TSS). Strong reliability of the CSS-I (Cronbach's α = 0.863-0.936) and convergent validity with the DASS-21 and PAI were established with positive correlations between total and scale scores across measures. Conclusions. The CSS-I is a valid and reliable instrument to measure COVID-19-related distress in the Italian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy (V.C.)
| | - Martina Nicole Modesti
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Lai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy (V.C.)
| | - Valeria Carola
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy (V.C.)
| | - Simone Mimun
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Alba Bruzzese
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy (V.C.)
| | - Dalainey H. Drakes
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Gordon J. G. Asmundson
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Giampaolo Nicolais
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy (V.C.)
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Stewart RE, Wislocki K, Wolk CB, Bellini L, Livesey C, Kugler K, Kwon N, Cardamone NC, Becker-Haimes EM. Implementing a resilience coach program to support first year housestaff during the COVID-19 pandemic: early pilot results and comparison with non-housestaff sessions. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:915. [PMID: 37644597 PMCID: PMC10463571 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched the Penn Medicine Coping First Aid program to provide psychosocial supports to our health system community. Our approach leveraged lay health worker volunteers trained in principles of Psychological First Aid to deliver coaching services through a centralized virtual platform. METHODS We emailed all (n = 408) first year housestaff (i.e., residents and fellows) with an invitation to schedule a session with a resilience coach. We compared the mental health concerns, symptoms, and Psychological First Aid techniques recorded in (n = 67) first year housestaff sessions with (n = 91) sessions of other employees in the health system. RESULTS Between June and November 2020, forty-six first year housestaff attended at least one resilience coaching session. First year housestaff most commonly presented with feelings of anxiety and sadness and shared concerns related to the availability of social support. Resilience coaches most frequently provided practical assistance and ensured safety and comfort to first year housestaff. First year housestaff reported fewer physical or mental health symptoms and held shorter sessions with resilience coaches than non-housestaff. CONCLUSIONS This work offers insights on how to address psychosocial functioning through low-intensity interventions delivered by lay personnel. More research is needed to understand the efficacy of this program and how best to engage housestaff in wellness and resilience programs throughout training, both during and beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Room 3103, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Katherine Wislocki
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Room 3103, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Courtney B Wolk
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Room 3103, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa Bellini
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cecilia Livesey
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Room 3103, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kelley Kugler
- The Acceleration Lab, Center for Health Care Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nayoung Kwon
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Room 3103, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas C Cardamone
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Room 3103, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Emily M Becker-Haimes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Room 3103, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Cheng Z, Tao Y, Liu T, He S, Chen Y, Sun L, Chen Z. Psychology, stress, insomnia, and resilience of medical staff in China during the COVID-19 policy opening: a cross-sectional survey. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1249255. [PMID: 37693701 PMCID: PMC10485264 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1249255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since 8 January 2023 China has liberalized its control of COVID-19. In a short period of time, the infection rate of COVID-19 in China has risen rapidly, which has brought a heavy burden to medical staff. This study aimed to investigate the psychological status, stress, insomnia, effort-reward imbalance, resilience, and influencing factors of medical staff in China during the period of epidemic policy liberalization. Methods This survey was conducted from 6 February to 27 March 2023 with non-random sampling. An online questionnaire survey was conducted using HADS, PSS-14, ISI, ERI, and the resilience assessment scale for medical staff. The levels of psychological, stress, insomnia, effort-reward imbalance, and resilience of medical staff during the pandemic policy opening period were measured. Results A total of 2,038 valid questionnaires were collected. 68.5% and 53.9% of medical staff had different degrees of anxiety and depression, respectively. Excessive stress, insomnia, and high effort and low reward were 40.2%, 43.2%, and 14.2%, respectively. Gender, Profession, education level, and age are important factors that lead to anxiety and depression. Women, nurses, higher education, longer working years and hours, high effort, and low reward are risk factors for the above conditions. There was a certain correlation among the five scales, among which anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, effort-reward imbalance, and other factors were positively correlated, while resilience was negatively correlated with these factors. Conclusion This study found that anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and other psychological problems of medical staff in China during the policy opening period of COVID-19 were more serious than before. At the individual and organizational levels, it is necessary to improve the well-being of medical staff, optimize the allocation of human resources, and promote the mental health of medical staff with a focus on prevention and mitigation, with the entry point of improving resilience and preventing the effort-reward imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Li Sun
- Health Management Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zongtao Chen
- Health Management Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Cameron-Blake E, Annan H, Marro L, Michaud D, Sawatzky J, Tatlow H. Variation in the stringency of COVID-19 public health measures on self-reported health, stress, and overall wellbeing in Canada. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13094. [PMID: 37567870 PMCID: PMC10421886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39004-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence is building regarding the association between government implemented public health measures aimed at combating COVID-19 and their impacts on health. This study investigated the relationship between the stringency of public health measures implemented in Canada and self-reported mental health, physical health, stress, and wellbeing among a random sample of 6647 Canadians 18 years of age and older. The analysis was based on self-reported health data from the Canadian Perspectives on Environmental Noise Survey. This data was combined with the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker database, which included overall stringency index (SI), and four of its sub-components, i.e., school and business closures, restrictions on gatherings, and stay at home policies. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression models indicated that the magnitude of the overall SI was associated with higher or lower odds of reporting worse physical health, mental health, stress and/or overall wellbeing, depending on the measure evaluated. Similarly, policy directed at the four sub-components had varying impacts on the odds of reporting worse health, depending on the sub-component, the strength of the policy restriction, and the health outcome evaluated. The association between the strength of the public health measures and self-reported health, and how this may inform future policy, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Cameron-Blake
- Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, 15a George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LD, UK.
| | - Henry Annan
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- IWK Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Leonora Marro
- Health Canada, Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Biostatistics Section, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A0K9, Canada
| | - David Michaud
- Health Canada, Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate, Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, 775 Brookfield Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 1C1, Canada
| | - Julia Sawatzky
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Helen Tatlow
- Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
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Diehl E, Mülder LM, Imm C, Kegel P, Tolksdorf M, Wiegand HF, Röthke N, Tüscher O, Lieb K, Walter H, Liebe S, Maicher B, Hellwig S, Adorjan K, Unterecker S, Beutel M, Rose DM. Counseling and support services for healthcare workers in German university hospitals during the pandemic-descriptive results of a Germany-wide cross-sectional survey. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1186929. [PMID: 37637807 PMCID: PMC10447889 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1186929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) are experiencing tremendous levels of emotional and physical stress. Hospitals are trying to help personnel cope with work-related pressure. The aim of this study was to assess HCWs' awareness and utilization of counseling and support services during the pandemic, HCWs' unmet counseling and support needs, and the type and content of these services. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to June 2021 through the German national research organization Network University Medicine (NUM). All participating hospitals (6 in total) were asked to inform their employees about the study. Results A total of 1,495 HCWs were included in the analysis. Of these, 42.8% (n = 637) were frontline HCWs (who had contact with COVID-19 patients), 23.1% (n = 344) were second-line HCWs (who only had contact with non-COVID-19 patients) and 34.1% (n = 508) had no contact with any patients. Participating hospitals offer various counseling and support services for their staff. The percentage of respondents who were unaware of available counseling and support services ranged from 5.0 to 42.0%. Depending on the type of counseling and support services, 23.0-53.6% of the respondents indicated that counseling and support services were provided but not used, while 1.7-11.6% indicated that, despite the need for them, such services were not available. HCWs' overall satisfaction with the provided counseling and support services and their unmet support needs differed by patient contact: Frontline HCWs reported more unmet needs for counseling and support than second-line HCWs, while second-line HCWs reported more unmet needs than HCWs without patient contact. Conclusion The results indicate that hospitals should make more efforts to inform HCWs about available counseling and support services. Hospitals could also create networks where HCWs could share information about the type and content of services and their experiences with various counseling and support services. These steps would enable hospitals to respond more quickly and effectively to the problems facing HCWs during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Diehl
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lina Marie Mülder
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Work, Organizational and Business Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carolin Imm
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Kegel
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marian Tolksdorf
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hauke Felix Wiegand
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Röthke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Resilience (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Klaus Lieb
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Resilience (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Liebe
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Dresden, Germany
| | - Birgit Maicher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sabine Hellwig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Centre Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Adorjan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Unterecker
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Beutel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dirk-Matthias Rose
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Cardile D, Corallo F, Ielo A, Cappadona I, Pagano M, Bramanti P, D’Aleo G, Ciurleo R, De Cola MC. Coping and Quality of Life Differences between Emergency and Rehabilitation Healthcare Workers. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2235. [PMID: 37628433 PMCID: PMC10454017 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Audit and Feedback (A&F) is a systematic process involving the collection of data, which are subsequently compared with the established reference standards and then subsequently disseminated to healthcare providers through feedback meetings. This allows continuous improvement to be ensured in the quality of care processes. Often, the parameters taken into account concern only the patient and the treatment processes, neglecting other variables. Quality of life in the workplace and coping skills are determining variables for the clinical performance of all healthcare professionals. For this reason, in this study, these variables were investigated and differences were highlighted in two different role categories and context: cardiovascular emergency and neurological rehabilitation. A psychological screening was carried out by sending the computerized Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced-Nuova Versione Italiana (COPE-NVI) and Professional Quality of Life Scale-5 (ProQoL) questionnaires to all healthcare workers involved. Ninety-five healthcare providers (mean ± SD age: 47 ± 10.4 years; 37.9% male) answered the questionnaire and were assigned into two groups (G1 and G2) based on the ward in which they worked. These were further divided into two subgroups (R1 and R2) based on their role. The obtained results show that avoidance strategies are used more by health professionals working in rehabilitation (G2) wards than in intensive-care units (G1). Moreover, in G1 nurses, physical therapists and speech therapists (R2) obtained higher scores in terms of turning to religion (TR) and compassion satisfaction (CS), while physicians and psychologists (R1) obtained higher scores on the burnout scale (BO). The TR score for R2 was found to be higher, even in G2. The response trend of the two groups in the different departments was analyzed and commented on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Cardile
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.C.); (A.I.); (I.C.); (M.P.); (P.B.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (M.C.D.C.)
| | - Francesco Corallo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.C.); (A.I.); (I.C.); (M.P.); (P.B.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (M.C.D.C.)
| | - Augusto Ielo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.C.); (A.I.); (I.C.); (M.P.); (P.B.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (M.C.D.C.)
| | - Irene Cappadona
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.C.); (A.I.); (I.C.); (M.P.); (P.B.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (M.C.D.C.)
| | - Maria Pagano
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.C.); (A.I.); (I.C.); (M.P.); (P.B.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (M.C.D.C.)
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.C.); (A.I.); (I.C.); (M.P.); (P.B.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (M.C.D.C.)
- Faculty of Psychology, Università degli Studi eCampus, Via Isimbardi 10, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Giangaetano D’Aleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.C.); (A.I.); (I.C.); (M.P.); (P.B.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (M.C.D.C.)
| | - Rosella Ciurleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.C.); (A.I.); (I.C.); (M.P.); (P.B.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (M.C.D.C.)
| | - Maria Cristina De Cola
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (D.C.); (A.I.); (I.C.); (M.P.); (P.B.); (G.D.); (R.C.); (M.C.D.C.)
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Solomonov N, Green J, Quintana A, Lin J, Ognyanova K, Santillana M, Druckman JN, Baum MA, Lazer D, Gunning FM, Perlis RH. A 50-state survey study of thoughts of suicide and social isolation among older adults in the United States. J Affect Disord 2023; 334:43-49. [PMID: 37086804 PMCID: PMC10751855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to characterize the prevalence of social disconnection and thoughts of suicide among older adults in the United States, and examine the association between them in a large naturalistic study. METHODS We analyzed data from 6 waves of a fifty-state non-probability survey among US adults conducted between February and December 2021. The internet-based survey collected the PHQ-9, as well as multiple measures of social connectedness. We applied multiple logistic regression to analyze the association between presence of thoughts of suicide and social disconnection. Exploratory analysis, using generalized random forests, examined heterogeneity of effects across sociodemographic groups. RESULTS Of 16,164 survey respondents age 65 and older, mean age was 70.9 (SD 5.0); the cohort was 61.4 % female and 29.6 % male; 2.0 % Asian, 6.7 % Black, 2.2 % Hispanic, and 86.8 % White. A total of 1144 (7.1 %) reported thoughts of suicide at least several days in the prior 2 week period. In models adjusted for sociodemographic features, households with 3 or more additional members (adjusted OR 1.73, 95 % CI 1.28-2.33) and lack of social supports, particularly emotional supports (adjusted OR 2.60, 95 % CI 2.09-3.23), were independently associated with greater likelihood of reporting such thoughts, as was greater reported loneliness (adjusted OR 1.75, 95 % CI 1.64-1.87). The effects of emotional support varied significantly across sociodemographic groups. CONCLUSIONS Thoughts of suicide are common among older adults in the US, and associated with lack of social support, but not with living alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Solomonov
- Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Jon Green
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Alexi Quintana
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Lin
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
| | | | - Mauricio Santillana
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Matthew A Baum
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David Lazer
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
| | - Faith M Gunning
- Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America.
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Ara T, Ferdous Z, Mahi M, Amin E, Chowdhury SB, Shafiur Rahman M, Rahman L, Rahman MM. Assessment of COVID-19 management and its consequences on healthcare professionals: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068633. [PMID: 37524557 PMCID: PMC10391835 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This explorative study aims to identify the gaps in COVID-19 management and their consequences on physicians in terms of contracting infection and psychological well-being during the early phase of the pandemic. DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional online study to collect information from 420 intern doctors who were at their internship in government medical colleges from February to August 2020. METHODS We performed univariate and bivariate analyses to assess COVID-19 management. We investigated the consequences of COVID-19 management on infection risk, experiencing stress, developing anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance using five sets of multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Findings indicate a delay in first-case detection and identify people's tendency to hide COVID-19 symptoms as one of the possible causes of that delay. About 56% of the intern doctors experienced that patients were trying to hide COVID-19 symptoms in the earlier phase of the pandemic. More than half of the respondents did not get any training on COVID-19 from their working institutions. About 30% and 20% of the respondents did not use personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks while treating patients. Respondents who treated patients without PPE, masks, face shields and gloves were almost two times as likely to be infected by COVID-19. The odds of experiencing COVID-19-related stress was almost twofold among respondents who treated patients without wearing PPE and masks. Experiencing COVID-19-related stress was further associated with an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression that led to sleep disturbance. CONCLUSION Ensuring the maximum utilization of limited resources during any public health crisis such as COVID-19 needs developing coping mechanisms by projecting future demand. Ensuring proper training and safety measures can reduce physical and psychological hazards among physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim Ara
- Institute of Statistical Research and Training, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zannatul Ferdous
- Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahfuza Mahi
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Emama Amin
- Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Shafiur Rahman
- National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Lutfor Rahman
- Institute of Statistical Research and Training, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mahabubur Rahman
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Härkänen M, Pineda AL, Tella S, Mahat S, Panella M, Ratti M, Vanhaecht K, Strametz R, Carrillo I, Rafferty AM, Wu AW, Anttila VJ, Mira JJ. The impact of emotional support on healthcare workers and students coping with COVID-19, and other SARS-CoV pandemics - a mixed-methods systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:751. [PMID: 37443003 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pandemics such as COVID-19 pose threats to the physical safety of healthcare workers and students. They can have traumatic experiences affecting their personal and professional life. Increasing rates of burnout, substance abuse, depression, and suicide among healthcare workers have already been identified, thus making mental health and psychological wellbeing of the healthcare workers a major issue. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the characteristics of emotional support programs and interventions targeted to healthcare workers and students since the onset of COVID-19 and other SARS-CoV pandemics and to describe the effectiveness and experiences of these programs. METHOD This was a mixed method systematic review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the review was registered on PROSPERO [CRD42021262837]. Searches were conducted using Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. The COVIDENCE systematic review management system was used for data selection and extraction by two independent reviewers. The JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of selected studies by two additional reviewers. Finally, data extraction and narrative analysis were conducted. RESULTS The search retrieved 3161 results including 1061 duplicates. After screening, a total of 19 articles were included in this review. Participants in studies were nurses, physicians, other hospital staff, and undergraduate medical students mostly working on the front-line with COVID-19 patients. Publications included RCTs (n = 4), quasi-experimental studies (n = 2), cross-sectional studies (n = 6), qualitative interview studies (n = 3), and systematic reviews (n = 4). Most (63.4%) of the interventions used online or digital solutions. Interventions mostly showed good effectiveness (support-seeking, positive emotions, reduction of distress symptoms etc.) and acceptance and were experienced as helpful, but there were some conflicting results. CONCLUSION Healthcare organizations have developed support strategies focusing on providing emotional support for these healthcare workers and students, but it is difficult to conclude whether one program offers distinct benefit compared to the others. More research is needed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of emotional support interventions for health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja Härkänen
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistoranta 1c, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Adriana López Pineda
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Miguel Hernandez University, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- The Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Alicante, Spain
| | - Susanna Tella
- LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Sanu Mahat
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistoranta 1c, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Massimiliano Panella
- Department of Translational Medicine (DIMET), Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Matteo Ratti
- Department of Translational Medicine (DIMET), Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Kris Vanhaecht
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Quality Management, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Reinhard Strametz
- Wiesbaden Business School of RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Irene Carrillo
- Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Anne Marie Rafferty
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College, London, UK
| | - Albert W Wu
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - José Joaquín Mira
- The Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Alicante, Spain.
- Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain.
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Cataldo I, Novotny D, Carollo A, Esposito G. Mental Health in the Post-Lockdown Scenario: A Scientometric Investigation of the Main Thematic Trends of Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6310. [PMID: 37444157 PMCID: PMC10341738 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, researchers and clinicians have published scientific articles on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its medical, organizational, financial, and psychological implications. However, many effects have been observed in the post-lockdown scenario. In this study, we adopted a scientometric-bibliometric approach to drawing the state of the art regarding the emotional and psychological effects of the pandemic after the lockdown. In Scopus, we found 791 papers that were subsequently analyzed using CiteSpace. The document co-citation analysis (DCA) computation generated a network of eight major clusters, each representing a central area of investigation. Specifically, one major cluster-cluster no. 1-focuses on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and individuals' ability to develop adaptive coping mechanisms and resilience. The results allow us to frame the fields covered by researchers more precisely and the areas that still need more investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
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Kumar R, Jha SK, Roy S, Dayal VM. Effect of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures: Experience of a Tertiary Care Center From Eastern India. Cureus 2023; 15:e41315. [PMID: 37539429 PMCID: PMC10395553 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To contain the spread of infection and reduce the burden on healthcare infrastructure, many countries globally adopted a lockdown strategy during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Hospitals were converted to dedicated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) centers, and non-COVID-19 patients were intervened on a triage basis. During this time, only emergency procedures were performed. The impact of this lockdown strategy during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on various gastrointestinal endoscopy interventions remains unknown. Methodology In this retrospective, observational study conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar from March 25 to September 30, 2020, data related to clinical profile, indication, and endoscopic interventions performed in reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-negative patients with the use of personal protective kits were analyzed and compared with the historical controls. Results A total of 2,282 patients were admitted and 422 endoscopic procedures were performed during the six-month study period with an intervention rate of 18.49%. The most common procedure was upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (228, 58.13%), followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (88, 22.50%). Chronic liver disease (CLD) (144 patients) followed by malignancy (111 patients) were the most common diagnosis. During the first phase of the lockdown (March to May), only 52 procedures were performed (52 vs. 506). None of the patients underwent endoscopic ultrasound. In 2019, 4,501 patients were admitted and 1,224 procedures were performed with an intervention rate of 27.19 (p < 0.0001). None of the staff of the Department of Gastroenterology developed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during this period. Conclusions There was a significant drop in endoscopic procedures during the lockdown and most of the esophagoduodenoscopy procedures were done for CLD and ERCP for biliary tract malignancy. Endoscopic procedures done on RT-PCR for COVID-19-negative patients were safe using personal protective kits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikant Kumar
- Gastroenterology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Sanjeev K Jha
- Gastroenterology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Saumyaleen Roy
- Gastroenterology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Vishwa M Dayal
- Gastroenterology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
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Luca RD, Rifici C, Terranova A, Orecchio L, Castorina MV, Torrisi M, Cannavò A, Bramanti A, Bonanno M, Calabrò RS, Cola MCD. Healthcare worker burnout during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: experiences from an intensive neurological rehabilitation unit. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231182664. [PMID: 37486238 PMCID: PMC10369104 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231182664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aim was to investigate the prevalence of behavioral symptoms and burnout in healthcare workers in an intensive neurological rehabilitation unit in Messina, Italy, during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. METHODS Forty-seven healthcare workers (including neurologists, physiatrists, nurses and rehabilitation therapists) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from February 2020 to June 2020. Participants were administered the following psychometric tests to investigate burnout and related symptoms: the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which measures emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment; the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS); the Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS); the Dyadic Adjustment Scale; and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). RESULTS We found several correlations between test scores and burnout subdimensions. Emotional exhaustion was correlated with SDS (r = 0.67), PSAS-Cognitive (r = 0.67) and PSAS-Somatic (r = 0.70) scores, and moderately correlated with all BPAQ dimensions (r = 0.42). Depersonalization was moderately correlated with SDS (r = 0.54), PSAS-Cognitive (r = 0.53) and PSAS-Somatic (r = 0.50) scores. CONCLUSION During the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy, healthcare workers were more exposed to physical and mental exhaustion and burnout. Research evaluating organizational and system-level interventions to promote psychological well-being at work for healthcare workers are needed.
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Namikawa H, Tochino Y, Okada A, Ota K, Okada Y, Yamada K, Watanabe T, Mizobata Y, Kakeya H, Kuwatsuru Y, Shibata T, Shuto T. Mental health complaints among healthcare workers engaged in the care of COVID-19 patients: A prospective cohort study from Japan. J Gen Fam Med 2023; 24:240-246. [PMID: 37484128 PMCID: PMC10357096 DOI: 10.1002/jgf2.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) can experience physical and mental health burdens. It is imperative that hospitals reduce such burdens on frontline HCWs, protect them, and support their healthcare. This study aimed to investigate the association between occupation and the manifestation of physical or psychological symptoms among HCWs during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A twice-weekly survey using questionnaires targeting HCWs who care for COVID-19 patients was performed at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital (tertiary hospital). The demographic characteristics of the participants, exposure level, and physical and psychological complaints were evaluated. Results Seventy-one HCWs participated in this study, of whom 27 (38.0%) were doctors, 25 (35.2%) were nurses, and 19 (26.8%) were technicians. Among the HCWs, the proportions of those who experienced any physical or psychological symptoms were 28.2% and 31.0%, respectively. The frequency of depression and anxiety was obviously higher among the nurses than that among the doctors (both p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that being a nurse (odds ratio 4.90; p = 0.04) and having physical complaints (odds ratio 4.66; p = 0.02) might be independent predictors of the manifestation of psychological symptoms. Conclusion Our results indicate that the follow-up of HCWs experiencing physical symptoms, especially nurses engaged in the care of COVID-19 patients, may require more careful management to improve the psychological outcomes. We believe that this study is the first step toward establishing a psychological health management strategy for HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Namikawa
- Department of Medical Education and General PracticeOsaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Tochino
- Department of Medical Education and General PracticeOsaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
- Office of Institutional ResearchOsaka Metropolitan University, Faculty of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Akiko Okada
- Office of Institutional ResearchOsaka Metropolitan University, Faculty of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Keiko Ota
- Center for Clinical Research and InnovationOsaka Metropolitan University HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Yasuyo Okada
- Department of Infection Control and PreventionOsaka Metropolitan University HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Koichi Yamada
- Department of Infection Control and PreventionOsaka Metropolitan University HospitalOsakaJapan
- Department of Infection Control ScienceOsaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Tetsuya Watanabe
- Department of Respiratory MedicineOsaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yasumitsu Mizobata
- Department of Traumatology and Critical Care MedicineOsaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Hiroshi Kakeya
- Department of Infection Control and PreventionOsaka Metropolitan University HospitalOsakaJapan
- Department of Infection Control ScienceOsaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yumiko Kuwatsuru
- Department of NursingOsaka Metropolitan University HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Toshihiko Shibata
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryOsaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Taichi Shuto
- Department of Medical Education and General PracticeOsaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
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Song HI, Yun JA, Ahn YS, Choi KS. Validating a Korean Version of the Single-Item Burnout Measure for Evaluating Burnout Among Doctors. Psychiatry Investig 2023; 20:681-688. [PMID: 37525618 PMCID: PMC10397769 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2022.0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is essential to measure the effect of burnout on doctors because burnout can affect doctors' mental health as well as the functioning of medical practice. This study aims to validate a Korean version of the single-item burnout measure (SIBM), which was developed to quickly measure the level of burnout among doctors. METHODS Through an online survey, a self-report questionnaire was administered to 324 public health doctors in Korea. The Korean version of the SIBM was validated against the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screening tool, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) scale. Pearson correlation coefficients and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine the association between the SIBM and other scales. ANOVA was additionally used to determine the associations between the subscales of the MBI-GS and those of the SIBM. RESULTS The correlation coefficient between the SIBM and the MBI-GS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PSS was positive (p<0.01), and the correlation coefficient between the SIBM and the VAX scale was not significant. Therefore, convergent and discriminant validity was verified. Exhaustion and cynicism, which were correlated with the SIBM, with r2=0.43 (p<0.01) and 0.48 (p<0.01), yielded R2 scores of 0.27 (p<0.01) and 0.20 (p<0.01) in ANOVA. CONCLUSION The Korean version of the SIBM is an appropriate screening tool for burnout. It can be evaluated in a short time, thereby enhancing continuous follow-up observations and response rates to burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-in Song
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Yun
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Soon Ahn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong-Sook Choi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Byrne JP, Humphries N, McMurray R, Scotter C. COVID-19 and healthcare worker mental well-being: Comparative case studies on interventions in six countries. Health Policy 2023; 135:104863. [PMID: 37399678 PMCID: PMC10292916 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare worker (HCW) mental well-being has become a global public health priority as health systems seek to strengthen their resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysing data from the Health System Response Monitor, we present six case studies (Denmark, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Romania, and the United Kingdom) as a comparative review of policy interventions supporting HCW mental health during the pandemic. The results illustrate a wide range of interventions. While Denmark and the United Kingdom built on pre-existing structures to support HCW mental wellbeing during the pandemic, the other countries required new interventions. Across all cases, there was a reliance on self-care resources, online training tools, and remote professional support. Based on our analysis, we develop four policy recommendations for the future of HCW mental health supports. First, HCW mental health should be seen as a core facet of health workforce capacity. Second, effective mental health supports requires an integrated psychosocial approach that acknowledges the importance of harm prevention strategies and organisational resources (psychological first aid) alongside targeted professional interventions. Third, personal, professional and practical obstacles to take-up of mental health supports should be addressed. Fourth, any specific support or intervention targeting HCW's mental health is connected to, and dependent on, wider structural and employment factors (e.g. system resourcing and organisation) that determine the working conditions of HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John-Paul Byrne
- Graduate School of Healthcare Management (GSM), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI, Ballymoss Road, Sandyford Industrial Est. Dublin 18, Ireland.
| | - Niamh Humphries
- Graduate School of Healthcare Management (GSM), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI, Ballymoss Road, Sandyford Industrial Est. Dublin 18, Ireland
| | - Robert McMurray
- Graduate School of Healthcare Management (GSM), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI, Ballymoss Road, Sandyford Industrial Est. Dublin 18, Ireland
| | - Cris Scotter
- Graduate School of Healthcare Management (GSM), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI, Ballymoss Road, Sandyford Industrial Est. Dublin 18, Ireland
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Lami A, Giacomelli G, Lenzi J, Alvisi S, Seracchioli R, Meriggiola MC. The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on the Psychophysical Health of Post-Menopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1154. [PMID: 37374358 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate lifestyle, menopausal symptoms, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disorders in post-menopausal women throughout the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of menopause hormonal therapy (HT). Materials and Methods: Post-menopausal women were given the following questionnaires: socio-demographic characteristics; lifestyle; history of COVID-19; menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL), the first part of which refers to the pre-pandemic period ("pre COVID-19") and the second refers to the current period ("during COVID-19"); Beck's depression inventory (BDI); the impact of event scale-revised (IES-R); and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Results: One hundred and twenty-six women completed all questionnaires, with a mean age of 55.5 ± 6.0 years. The mean menopause duration was 5.7 ± 5.6 years. Twenty-four women were taking HT. A significant mean weight gain, a reduction in physical activity (respectively p < 0.001) and worsened quality of romantic relationships (p = 0.001) were reported during the pandemic. Menopausal symptoms did not vary significantly throughout the pandemic; however, women taking menopausal HT had lower physical (p = 0.003) and sexual (p = 0.049) MENQOL domain scores, lower depressive symptoms (p = 0.039) and better romantic relationships (p = 0.008). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic caused reduced physical activity, worsened food habits and weight gain in post-menopausal women. They also reported a high rate of severe-moderate PTSD and a negative influence on their romantic relationships. Menopausal HT seems to be a potential protective factor for sexual and physical status and for symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Lami
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Giacomelli
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lenzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Alvisi
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Seracchioli
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Meriggiola
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Jackson-Triche M, Vetal D, Turner EM, Dahiya P, Mangurian C. Meeting the Behavioral Health Needs of Health Care Workers During COVID-19 by Leveraging Chatbot Technology: Development and Usability Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40635. [PMID: 37146178 PMCID: PMC10263106 DOI: 10.2196/40635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care systems were faced with the urgent need to implement strategies to address the behavioral health needs of health care workers. A primary concern of any large health care system is developing an easy-to-access, streamlined system of triage and support despite limited behavioral health resources. OBJECTIVE This study provides a detailed description of the design and implementation of a chatbot program designed to triage and facilitate access to behavioral health assessment and treatment for the workforce of a large academic medical center. The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Faculty, Staff, and Trainee Coping and Resiliency Program (UCSF Cope) aimed to provide timely access to a live telehealth navigator for triage and live telehealth assessment and treatment, curated web-based self-management tools, and nontreatment support groups for those experiencing stress related to their unique roles. METHODS In a public-private partnership, the UCSF Cope team built a chatbot to triage employees based on behavioral health needs. The chatbot is an algorithm-based, automated, and interactive artificial intelligence conversational tool that uses natural language understanding to engage users by presenting a series of questions with simple multiple-choice answers. The goal of each chatbot session was to guide users to services that were appropriate for their needs. Designers developed a chatbot data dashboard to identify and follow trends directly through the chatbot. Regarding other program elements, website user data were collected monthly and participant satisfaction was gathered for each nontreatment support group. RESULTS The UCSF Cope chatbot was rapidly developed and launched on April 20, 2020. As of May 31, 2022, a total of 10.88% (3785/34,790) of employees accessed the technology. Among those reporting any form of psychological distress, 39.7% (708/1783) of employees requested in-person services, including those who had an existing provider. UCSF employees responded positively to all program elements. As of May 31, 2022, the UCSF Cope website had 615,334 unique users, with 66,585 unique views of webinars and 601,471 unique views of video shorts. All units across UCSF were reached by UCSF Cope staff for special interventions, with >40 units requesting these services. Town halls were particularly well received, with >80% of attendees reporting the experience as helpful. CONCLUSIONS UCSF Cope used chatbot technology to incorporate individualized behavioral health triage, assessment, treatment, and general emotional support for an entire employee base (N=34,790). This level of triage for a population of this size would not have been possible without the use of chatbot technology. The UCSF Cope model has the potential to be scaled, adapted, and implemented across both academically and nonacademically affiliated medical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maga Jackson-Triche
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Eva-Marie Turner
- UCSF Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Priya Dahiya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Christina Mangurian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Irfan M, Shaf A, Ali T, Zafar M, Rahman S, I. Hendi MA, M. Baeshen SA, Maghfouri MMM, Alahmari HSM, Shahhar FAI, Shahhar NAI, Halawi AS, Mahnashi FH, Alqhtani SM, Ali M. BT. An intelligent framework to measure the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of medical staff. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286155. [PMID: 37289778 PMCID: PMC10249891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The mental and physical well-being of healthcare workers is being affected by global COVID-19. The pandemic has impacted the mental health of medical staff in numerous ways. However, most studies have examined sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic problems in healthcare workers during and after the outbreak. The study's objective is to evaluate COVID-19's psychological effects on healthcare professionals of Saudi Arabia. Healthcare professionals from tertiary teaching hospitals were invited to participate in the survey. Almost 610 people participated in the survey, of whom 74.3% were female, and 25.7% were male. The survey included the ratio of Saudi and non-Saudi participants. The study has utilized multiple machine learning algorithms and techniques such as Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Gradient Boosting (GB), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM). The machine learning models offer 99% accuracy for the credentials added to the dataset. The dataset covers several aspects of medical workers, such as profession, working area, years of experience, nationalities, and sleeping patterns. The study concluded that most of the participants who belonged to the medical department faced varying degrees of anxiety and depression. The results reveal considerable rates of anxiety and depression in Saudi frontline workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Shaf
- Department of Computer Science, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus, Sahiwal, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Ali
- Department of Computer Science, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus, Sahiwal, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Zafar
- Department of Computer Science, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus, Sahiwal, Pakistan
| | - Saifur Rahman
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Samar M. Alqhtani
- Department of Information Systems, College of Computer Science and Information Systems, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
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50
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Candido G, Tortù C, Seghieri C, Tartaglia R, Baglioni C, Citti P, Raciti IM, La Regina M, Simonini S, Urbani M, Parretti C, Barach P. Physical and stressful psychological impacts of prolonged personal protective equipment use during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey study. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1281-1289. [PMID: 37329608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for COVID-19 infected patients are exposed to stressful and traumatic events with potential for severe and sustained adverse mental and physical health consequences. Our aim was to assess the magnitude of physical and mental health outcomes of HCWs due to the prolonged use of personal protective equipment (PPE) treating COVID-19 patients. METHODS This cross-sectional study assessed the symptoms of stress, anxiety, insomnia, and psychological resilience using the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics (SAVE) scale, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Resilience Scale (RS), respectively, in Italy between 1st February and 31st March 2022. The physical outcomes reported included vertigo, dyspnea, nausea, micturition desire, retroauricular pain, thirst, discomfort at work, physical fatigue, and thermal stress. The relationships between prolonged PPE use and psychological outcomes and physical discomforts were analyzed using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs). We calculated the factor mean scores and a binary outcome to measure study outcomes. FINDINGS We found that 23% of the respondents reported stress related symptoms, 33% anxiety, 43% moderate to severe insomnia, and 67% reported moderate to very low resilience. The GLMs suggested that older people (>55 years old) are less likely to suffer from stress compared to younger people (<35 y.o); conversely, HCW aged more than 35 years are more inclined to suffer from insomnia than younger people (<35 y.o). Female HCW reported a lower probability of resilience than males. University employed HCWs were less likely to report anxiety than those who worked in a community hospital. The odds of suffering from insomnia for social workers was significantly higher than for other HCWs. Female HCW>3 years old, enrolled in training programs for nursing, social work, technical training and other healthcare professionals increased the probability of reported physical discomforts. HCW that worked on non COVID-19 wards and used PPE for low-medium exposure level, were at lower risks for lasting physical side effects as compared to the HCW who worked in high-risk PPE intense, COVID-19 environments. INTERPRETATION The study suggests that frontline HCWs who had extensive PPE exposure while directly engaged in the diagnosis, treatment, and care for patients with COVID-19 are at significant risks for lasting physical and psychological harm and distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Candido
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Tortù
- Institute of Management, Department EMbeDS, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Seghieri
- Institute of Management, Department EMbeDS, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Tartaglia
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Baglioni
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Clinic for Sleep Psychotherapy, School of Cognitive Psychotherapy, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Citti
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Chiara Parretti
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Barach
- Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Children's Hospital, Detroit, United States; Jefferson College of Population Health, Philadelphia, United States; University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia.
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