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Iwasaki S, Deguchi Y, Okura S, Maekubo K, Matsunaga A, Inoue K. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term sickness absences due to mental disorders in public servants: a retrospective observational study. BMC Public Health 2025; 25:1488. [PMID: 40264057 PMCID: PMC12013149 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-22718-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: 01/02/2025] [Accepted: 04/09/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly impacted lives worldwide, influencing the incidence and severity of health problems. This may have affected the occurrence of workers' sickness absences. This study aims to examine the incidence of long-term sickness absences due to mental disorders from 2009 to 2022 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic (2022). METHODS A retrospective observational design was employed. An anonymized record of public servants in City A with long-term sickness absences (≥ 90 days) from 2009 to 2022 was obtained. We defined 2009-2019 as the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period and 2020-2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic period. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on each disease category, classified using the ICD-10, was analyzed through interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) to evaluate changes in long-term sickness absences incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period and the Cochran‒Armitage test to estimate trends in incidence rates over time. RESULTS Mental and behavioural disorders consistently demonstrated the highest incidence rates among all disease categories, with mood disorders being the most prevalent. Trends for all diseases analyzed did not change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, both ITSA and the Cochran‒Armitage test revealed increasing trends for depressive states and adjustment disorders throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic did not influence the incidence of long-term sickness absences. However, depressive states and adjustment disorders exhibited an upward trend. This study underscores the need for tailored workplace mental health interventions to tackle the increasing stress-related illnesses, necessitating future research exploring the root causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiko Deguchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Shohei Okura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Kunio Maekubo
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Ayaka Matsunaga
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Koki Inoue
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
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Mosalanejad L, Karimian Z, Ayaz R, Maghsodzadeh S, Sefidfard M. Zoom dysmorphia in medical students: the role of dysmorphic concern and self-efficacy in online environments amidst COVID-19 pandemic. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:1330. [PMID: 39563282 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-06300-6] [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: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 11/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, students increasingly used online platforms with webcams, leading to a phenomenon known as Zoom dysmorphia, where users felt discomfort regarding their appearance. This study aimed to explore how students' self-efficacy and dysmorphic concern influence zoom dysmorphia. METHODS This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2021-2022 at Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, IRAN. The study employed three questionnaires: Zoom dysmorphia (31-items), Self-efficacy (17-items), and Dysmorphic Concern (7-items). Data collection was done using an online questionnaire, and the sample size was estimated at 250 based on Cochran's formula. Questionnaires were sent through students' emails and randomly stratified across different faculties. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 24), utilizing one-sample t-tests, independent groups t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression techniques. RESULTS Out of the 250 online questionnaires distributed, 179 participants completed them fully. The overall mean score for Zoom Dysmorphia was 65.93 ± 24.82, indicating a moderate level. Students exhibited a moderate level of self-efficacy (57.70 ± 11.75), while the dysmorphic concern score had a mean of 6.26 ± 9.74, lower than the cut-off point. The strongest correlations with the total score of zoom dysmorphia and its subscales were found with metacognitive control strategies (r = 0.95), Coalition of thought (r = 0.91), positive and negative metacognitive beliefs (r = 0.89), and Safety behaviors (r = 0.77). Self-efficacy had a reducing effect as a predictor on zoom dysmorphia (r = 0.26), while dysmorphic concern had a positive correlation and an increasing effect on zoom dysmorphia (r = 0.74). Gender and field of study did not show a relationship with zoom dysmorphia (p > 0.05). The moderating variable of self-efficacy had a diminishing effect on the impact of dysmorphic concern on zoom dysmorphia. CONCLUSION While it is important to improve technological proficiency and self-efficacy, addressing dysmorphic concern through cognitive interventions and psychological support is crucial in managing zoom dysmorphia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leili Mosalanejad
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Professor of Medical Education Department, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Zahra Karimian
- Department of E-learning in Medical Sciences, Virtual School and Center of Excellence in E-learning, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Reyhaneh Ayaz
- School of Medicine Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Sara Maghsodzadeh
- Research Center for Neuromodulator and Pain, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mina Sefidfard
- School of Medicine Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Aziz M, Chemnad K, Al-Harahsheh S, Abdelmoneium AO, Baghdady A, Ali R. Depression, stress, and anxiety versus internet addiction in early and middle adolescent groups: the mediating roles of family and school environments. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:184. [PMID: 38570890 PMCID: PMC10993579 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01659-z] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family and school environment play a crucial role across the different developmental stages of adolescence. This paper investigates the potential mediating role of family and school environments in the relationship between the three psychosocial predictors of depression, anxiety, stress, and Internet addiction (IA). Specifically, it focuses on the two stages of early and middle adolescence. METHODS The study involved a survey of 407 adolescents from Qatar, comprising 250 early adolescents and 157 middle adolescents. Inclusion criteria for the study included adolescents between the ages of 10 to 17 years old, residents of Qatar and studying in a Qatar-based school. To assess the constructs of the three psychosocial predictors, IA, family environment, the study utilized the Depression, Stress, and Anxiety Scale (DASS), the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (IADQ), and the Brief Family Relationship Scale, respectively. School environment was measured using questions from the "Health Behavior in School-aged Children: WHO Collaborative Cross-National survey/study (HBSC) 2013-2014. The study applied standard mediation analysis between the DASS components and IA with family and school environment as the mediators. RESULTS Results from the mediation analysis reveal insights into the relationships between psychosocial predictors and IA. The findings indicate that family and school environments partially mediated the relationship with regards to depression, stress, and anxiety in early adolescents. In middle adolescents, family environment partially mediated the relationship with depression and stress and fully mediating the relationship with anxiety. Meanwhile, school environment only exhibited partial mediation in the relationship with anxiety in middle adolescence. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the crucial role parents and schools play in addressing problematic technology usage that develops as a response to depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents. Moreover, the study reveals nuances in the mediating role of family and school environment in early and middle adolescence. This highlights the evolving nature of these influences across the different stages of development. Notably, this study contributes to the literature by moving beyond the conventional focus on the so-called WEIRD population, and offering valuable insights from a region that is underrepresented in current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Aziz
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Khansa Chemnad
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Ahmed Baghdady
- World Innovation Summit for Education, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Raian Ali
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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Nazzal H, Baccar M, Ziad T, Al-Musfir T, Al Emadi B, Matoug-Elwerfelli M, Narasimhan S, Khan Y, Reagu S. Prevalence of anxiety, sleep bruxism and temporomandibular disorders during COVID-19 in Qatari children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2023; 24:787-795. [PMID: 37848680 PMCID: PMC10657298 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-023-00847-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Understanding the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic social restrictions on the lives of children and adolescents is of utmost importance to enable timely diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of anxiety, sleep bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and change in dietary and brushing habits and their association with COVID-19 social restrictions. METHODS Parents of fit and healthy Qatari children and adolescents were recruited and interviewed by the research team, whereby validated questioners were used to assess the prevalence of children's/adolescents' anxiety, sleep bruxism and TMD. Furthermore, changes in dietary and brushing habits were also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 199 parents of children and adolescents (mean age = 9.3 ± 3.2 years old) were included. Overall anxiety symptoms, sleep bruxism and TMD were evident in 29.6%, 5.7% and 23.1%, respectively. An increased consumption of food, sweets and worsening of brushing habits were evident in 51.8%, 62.8% and 31.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, pandemic-related social restrictions could result in elevated levels of anxiety, specifically, social phobia, amongst children and adolescents, which could inevitably lead to unwanted dental consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Nazzal
- Hamad Dental Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Dental Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - M Baccar
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - T Ziad
- Hamad Dental Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- NYU Langone Dental Medicine, Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Pediatric Dental Services, Sun Life Health, Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
| | - T Al-Musfir
- Hamad Dental Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - B Al Emadi
- Hamad Dental Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - S Narasimhan
- Hamad Dental Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Y Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - S Reagu
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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Proulx K, Lenzi-Weisbecker R, Hatch R, Hackett K, Omoeva C, Cavallera V, Daelmans B, Dua T. Nurturing care during COVID-19: a rapid review of early evidence. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e050417. [PMID: 35680273 PMCID: PMC9184993 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to family life, society and essential health and other services. A rapid review of evidence was conducted to examine emerging evidence on the effects of the pandemic on three components of nurturing care, including responsive caregiving, early learning, and safety and security. DESIGN Two academic databases, organisational websites and reference lists were searched for original studies published between 1 January and 25 October 2020. A single reviewer completed the study selection and data extraction with verification by a second reviewer. INTERVENTIONS We included studies with a complete methodology and reporting on quantitative or qualitative evidence related to nurturing care during the pandemic. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Studies reporting on outcomes related to responsive caregiving, early learning, and safety and security were included. RESULTS The search yielded 4410 citations in total, and 112 studies from over 30 countries met our eligibility criteria. The early evidence base is weighted towards studies in high-income countries, studies related to caregiver mental health and those using quantitative survey designs. Studies reveal issues of concern related to increases in parent and caregiver stress and mental health difficulties during the pandemic, which was linked to harsher and less warm or responsive parenting in some studies. A relatively large number of studies examined child safety and security and indicate a reduction in maltreatment referrals. Lastly, studies suggest that fathers' engagement in caregiving increased during the early phase of the pandemic, children's outdoor play and physical activity decreased (while screen time increased), and emergency room visits for child injuries decreased. CONCLUSION The results highlight key evidence gaps (ie, breastfeeding support and opportunities for early learning) and suggest the need for increased support and evidence-based interventions to ensure young children and other caregivers are supported and protected during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie Proulx
- Research and Evaluation, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Alliance for Human Development, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Rachel Hatch
- Research and Evaluation, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristy Hackett
- Research and Evaluation, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Epidemiology Division, University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carina Omoeva
- Research and Evaluation, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vanessa Cavallera
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Use, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bernadette Daelmans
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tarun Dua
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Use, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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Kira IA, Shuwiekh HAM, Ahmed SAE, Ebada EE, Tantawy SF, Waheep NN, Ashby JS. Coping with COVID-19 Prolonged and Cumulative Stressors: the Case Example of Egypt. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-22. [PMID: 35035314 PMCID: PMC8741582 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to explore how COVID-19-traumatized populations cope using a coping model based on wills to exist, live, and survive (WTELS) that leads to positive coping and posttraumatic growth (PTG). We used data from 11 Arab countries (N = 2732), including Egypt (N = 831), and included measures for COVID-19 stressors (COVID-fear, economic, lockdown, and grief stressors), WTELS, resilience, religiosity, spirituality, social support, and PTG. We conducted ANOVA on the main sample to explore the differences between Arab countries, hierarchical regressions, and path analysis on the Egyptian subsample to test a model of the effects on WTELS. In the path model, WTELS was the independent variable. Other coping strategies were mediating variables, and COVID-19 stressor types were outcome variables. ANOVA on the main sample indicated that Egypt was the highest on COVID-19 stressors (infection fears, economic, lockdown, and grief stressors), actual infection, and WTELS. Hierarchical regression indicated that social support, resilience, and WTELS were positive predictors of PTG, with WTELS had the highest effect size (β = .41) and WTELS being a negative predictor of COVID-19 stressors, while resilience and social support were not. Path analysis indicated that WTELS predicted higher religiosity, spirituality, social support, resilience, and lower COVID-19 stressors. Religiosity predicted higher spirituality, social support, and resilience and lower COVID-19 stressors. Interfaith spirituality predicted higher resilience and lower COVID-19 grief stressors. The results validated the central role of WTELS. Results helped to identify potentially effective interventions with COVID-19 victims that focus on WTELS, spirituality, and religiosity. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11469-021-00712-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A. Kira
- Center for Cumulative Trauma Studies, 4906 Woodhurst Way, Stone Mountain, GA 30088 USA
- Affiliate of Center for Stress, Trauma and Resiliency, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey S. Ashby
- Stress, Trauma and Resiliency, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
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Rehman U, Shahnawaz MG, Kashyap D, Gupta K, Kharshiing KD, Khursheed M, Khan NH, Uniyal R. Risk perception, social distancing, and distress during COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring the role of online counseling and perceived social support. DEATH STUDIES 2021; 47:1-11. [PMID: 34842068 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.2006826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The study explored the relationship between social distancing and distress along with risk factors of social distancing. Further, online counseling/mental health services and perceived social support were tested as possible moderators between social distancing and distress. Valid and reliable measures were used to collect the data from 300 Indian respondents. Process use of social networking platforms was found to significantly explain social distancing. Online counseling/mental health services and perceived social support moderated the relationship between social distancing and distress. Only 16% of the respondents used online mental health services during the study period. Lack of awareness and acceptance of these services were major barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usama Rehman
- Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | | | - Drishti Kashyap
- Department of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Kaveri Gupta
- Department of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Masrat Khursheed
- Department of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Neda Haseeb Khan
- Department of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritika Uniyal
- Department of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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