1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee Y, Lee T. The economic and psychological impacts of covid-19: a exploratory study of the intersection of traditional and new vulnerable groups in South Korea. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:3085. [PMID: 39511524 PMCID: PMC11545496 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20424-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: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been extensive, disproportionately affecting various vulnerable populations. In addition to traditional vulnerable groups (TVGs) such as the elderly, women, people with lower education, disabled individuals, and low-income groups, new vulnerable groups (NVGs) have emerged, including essential workers, face-to-face workers, temporary workers, and the self-employed. This study focuses on exploring the economic and psychological effects of the pandemic on both traditional and newly recognized vulnerable groups within Korea. METHODS The study employed multiple logistic regression using micro-level social survey data from Statistics Korea to calculate the odds ratio relating to two categories of vulnerable groups and their economic and mental health impacts. Additionally, through interaction term analysis, we tried to uncover the complex interrelationship between these non-vulnerable groups and target vulnerable groups. RESULTS Both the newly identified and traditional vulnerable groups showed higher likelihood of facing economic and mental health challenges compared to non-vulnerable groups. The likelihood of encountering a decrease in income and work-related stress was 2.17 times higher (95% CI = 1.90-2.47) for NVGs, while those belonging to TVGs had a 1.75-fold increase (95% CI = 1.47-2.08). Moreover, female self-employed workers faced higher overall stress at 1.36 times greater risk (95% CI = 1.08-1.71), whereas elderly individuals who are self-employed exhibited lower odds of experiencing such stress at the intersection between TVGs and NVGs. CONCLUSION This research offers in-depth understanding of the diverse impacts of COVID-19 on at-risk groups. Furthermore, examinations that take into account interactions between NVGs and TVGs uncovered subtle effects within subgroup dynamics, suggesting that intersecting factors play a role in different levels of vulnerability. This provides valuable evidence for informing policy decisions and allocating resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoonkyoung Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taejin Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Blomqvist S, Westerlund H, Hanson LLM. Suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic among Swedish employees: a cohort study on the role of job instability and job insecurity. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:621. [PMID: 39497179 PMCID: PMC11536528 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-02131-8] [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: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal ideation may be a warning sign for suicide and previous work has indicated a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Job loss and job insecurity are potential risk factors for suicidal ideation, but their importance during the pandemic, and the role of organizational changes for suicidal ideation, is unclear. This study examined the association between various experiences associated with job loss and job insecurity during the pandemic and thoughts of suicide/self-harm in Sweden. METHODS The study sample was drawn from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH). Auxiliary data collections in February 2021 and 2022 assessed exposure to job loss/unemployment, furlough, workplace downsizing, or increased job insecurity versus stable employment and thoughts of suicide or self-harm (PHQ-9) during the pandemic. The analyses were based on 1558 individuals (2 349 observations) participating in either or both waves and who had been working before the pandemic. Logistic regression models with cluster-robust standard errors were fitted, including sociodemographic factors and prior mental health problems to control for potential confounding. Measures of personality based on a brief version of the Big-Five personality inventory were also added. RESULTS The results indicated an association between all experiences, except furlough, and thoughts of suicide/self-harm, when adjusting for sex, age, civil status, socioeconomic status and prior mental health (job loss odds ratio (OR) = 3.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.79-7.63, downsizing OR = 2.41, CI 1.24-4.70, job insecurity OR = 2.77, CI 1.15-6.67). The associations for job loss and insecurity were attenuated by adjustment for personality, although it remained statistically significant for downsizing. CONCLUSIONS The results suggested a higher risk of suicidal ideation connected with loss of employment and survival of a downsizing, but not a forced reduction in working times/pay during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association for subjective job insecurity was less robust and may be partly explained by personality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Blomqvist
- Stress Research Institute, Division of Psychobiology and Epidemiology, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Albanovägen 12, Stockholm, SE-106 91, Sweden.
| | - Hugo Westerlund
- Stress Research Institute, Division of Psychobiology and Epidemiology, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Albanovägen 12, Stockholm, SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Linda L Magnusson Hanson
- Stress Research Institute, Division of Psychobiology and Epidemiology, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Albanovägen 12, Stockholm, SE-106 91, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Z, Wang X, Mou X, Wang C, Sun Y, Wang J. Rehmannia glutinosa DC.-Lilium lancifolium Thunb. in the treatment of depression: a comprehensive review and perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1471307. [PMID: 39539631 PMCID: PMC11557470 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1471307] [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: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, the incidence of depression, recognized as a serious psychological disorder, has escalated rapidly. Rehmannia glutinosa DC. (Scrophulariaceae; Rehmanniae Radix, Crude drug) and Lilium lancifolium Thunb. (Liliaceae; Lilii bulbus, Crude drug) constitute a classic anti-depressant combination, exhibiting pharmacological effects that include anti-depressive, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties. Current clinical studies have demonstrated that Baihe Dihuang Decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal compound, is effective in treating depression. However, the majority of scholars have predominantly examined Rehmannia glutinosa and Lilium in isolation, and a comprehensive elucidation of their principal active metabolites and pharmacological mechanisms remains lacking. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted as of 29 September 2024, utilizing databases such as PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang Data, Baidu Scholar, and Google Scholar. Additionally, classical texts on Chinese herbal medicine, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, as well as doctoral and master's theses, were included in the collected materials. The search employed specific terms including "R. glutinosa," "Lilium," "Baihe Dihuang decoction," "application of Baihe Dihuang decoction," "pathogenesis of depression," and "pharmacological action and mechanism of depression. Results This paper reviewed the traditional applications and dosages of the R. glutinosa-Lilium as documented in Chinese medical classics, thereby establishing a foundation for the contemporary development and clinical application of the classical formula Baihe Dihuang Decoction. Additionally, recent years have seen a comprehensive review of the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of R. glutinosa-Lilium and its principal metabolites in the context of depression. Conclusion This paper has reviewed the active metabolites of R. glutinosa-Lilium and demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of depression, as well as its role in modulating the underlying mechanisms of the disorder. The findings aim to serve as a reference for further research into the mechanisms of depression, its clinical applications, and the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ZongHao Wang
- The College of Pharmacy Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- The College of Pharmacy Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangyu Mou
- The College of Chinese Medicine is Part of the Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - ChangLin Wang
- The College of Chinese Medicine is Part of the Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ya Sun
- Research Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - JieQiong Wang
- The College of Pharmacy Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mahikul W, Srichan P, Narkkul U, Soontarawirat I, Kitro A, Pumipuntu N, Saita S, Narayam P. Mental health status and quality of life among Thai people after the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:25896. [PMID: 39468297 PMCID: PMC11519509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-77077-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on individuals' mental health and well-being worldwide. This study investigated the prevalences of and association between mental health and quality of life (QOL) in Thailand after the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Thai individuals aged ≥ 20 years across all regions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between mental health and QOL. A total of 1,133 participants (mean age: 35.1 ± 17.2 years) completed the survey. The prevalence of depression with PHQ-9 instrument was 19.4%. Depression was significantly associated with those who have had family members die from COVID-19 infection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.13-4.52]). The percentages of depression, anxiety, and stress with DASS-21 instrument were 32.4%, 45.4%, and 24.1%, respectively. Smokers and alcohol consumption had approximately 1.5-time higher risk of stress compared with non-smokers and no alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI [1.01-2.24], AOR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.09-2.02], respectively). An association was observed between socioeconomic factors such as job and income loss and mental health outcomes. Depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly negatively associated with QOL. This study demonstrates a strong association between mental health and QOL among Thai people after the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings underscore the need for interventions targeting lifestyles, including those addressing alcohol consumption and smoking, especially among those who have had family members die from COVID-19 infection and mental health support services that can address depression, anxiety, and stress to improve the overall well-being of the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiriya Mahikul
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand.
| | - Peeradone Srichan
- School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Udomsak Narkkul
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | | | - Amornphat Kitro
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Excellent Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Natapol Pumipuntu
- One Health Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand
| | - Sayambhu Saita
- Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Lampang, 25190, Thailand
- Research Unit in One Health and Ecohealth, Thammasat University, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Pisinee Narayam
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Macedonia M, Mathias B, Rodella C, Andrä C, Sedaghatgoftar N, Repetto C. Reduction in physical activity during Covid-19 lockdowns predicts individual differences in cognitive performance several months after the end of the safety measures. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 250:104472. [PMID: 39306872 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104472] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 11/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Prior studies suggest that the reductions in physical activity during Covid-19-related lockdowns impacted physical and mental health. Whether reductions in physical activity that occurred during lockdowns also relate to cognitive functions such as memory and attention is less explored. Here, we investigated whether changes in physical activity (PA) that occurred during and following Covid-19-related lockdowns could predict a variety of measures of cognitive performance in 318 young adults. Participants were assessed on their engagement in PA before, during, and after lockdowns. They also completed tests of cognitive control, working memory, and short-term memory following lockdown(s). As expected, engagement in PA decreased during lockdown and returned to near baseline levels thereafter. Decreases in PA during lockdown predicted individual differences in cognitive performance following lockdown. Greater reductions in PA during lockdown were associated with lower scores on the go/no-go task, a measure of cognitive control ability, and the n-back task, a measure of working memory performance. Larger post-lockdown increases in PA were associated with higher scores on the same tasks. Individual differences in pandemic-related stress and insomnia also predicted cognitive outcomes. These findings suggest that reductions of PA can predict cognitive performance, and underscore the importance of maintaining PA for cognitive health, especially in situations such as lockdowns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Macedonia
- Department of Information Engineering, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria.
| | - Brian Mathias
- School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Rodella
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Andrä
- Department of Movement and Sport Pedagogy, University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Repetto
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Park Y, Oh J, Park H, Lee J, Yun B, Yoon JH. Association Between Organizational Downsizing and Depressive Symptoms Among Korean Workers: A Cross-sectional Analysis. Saf Health Work 2024; 15:352-359. [PMID: 39309291 PMCID: PMC11410490 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Organizational downsizing may be significantly linked to depressive symptoms, yet research on this impact in Asian contexts is limited. This study investigates the association between downsizing during the COVID-19 pandemic and depressive symptoms across diverse employment statuses. Methods This study used the data from 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. Depressive symptoms were measured using WHO-5 well-being index with a cut-off of 50. Downsizing was defined as decrease in the number of employees during last three years. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for socio-demographic and occupational factors was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for depressive symptoms associated with downsizing, including subgroup analyses. Results Among 26,247 Korean workers (mean age: 43.4, men: 47.5%), the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 29.5% (n = 7,751), and the proportion of downsizing was 15.2% (n = 3,978). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly higher among the downsizing group (36.7%, n = 1,460) than among the no-downsizing group (28.3%, n = 6,291). The result of logistic regression revealed a significant association between downsizing and depressive symptoms (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 1.39 [1.29-1.50]), particularly pronounced among high socioeconomic status workers. Conclusion This study underscores the significant association between depressive symptoms and organizational downsizing, especially high vulnerability of socioeconomically advantaged and stable workers. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted mental health support and further longitudinal research to clarify the relationship between employment changes and mental health within the Korean workforce.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youngsun Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Oh
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejoo Park
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jian Lee
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungyoon Yun
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Innovation in Digital Healthcare, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aikebaier S. COVID-19, new challenges to human safety: a global review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1371238. [PMID: 38550317 PMCID: PMC10972861 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1371238] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In the context of sustainable human development, human safety has gradually shifted from traditional state and political conflict to social conflict and horizontal inequality, and the pandemic has exacerbated this variation risk. This narrative review includes literature from 40 countries on five continents since 2020, explored and tidy up the impacts of pandemics on human safety based on three perspectives: personal safety, family safety and social safety, refined the macroscopic concept of human safety. The comprehensibility of the global review conclusions is enhanced by combining it with Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Finally, some novel and comparative results are included to broaden the understanding of the impact of the pandemic, and help policymaker better understand human safety changes from a new perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saierdaer Aikebaier
- Department of Public Administration, School of Public Affairs, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|