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Speers SJ, Lau LL, Neufeld HT, Servano D, Go DJ, Kipp A, Brubacher LJ, Dodd W. Caring in crisis: The experiences of local religious leaders meeting community food needs in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. WELLBEING, SPACE AND SOCIETY 2023; 5:100154. [PMID: 37360611 PMCID: PMC10278461 DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2023.100154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
To respond to the unintended consequences of prevention measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission, individuals and groups, including religious leaders, have collaborated to provide care to those negatively impacted by these measures. Amid these various efforts and interventions, there is a need to deepen our understanding of diverse expressions of care across various geographical and social contexts. To address this need, the objective of this study was to investigate how religious leaders in the Philippines practiced care for their communities by meeting emergency food needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by an ethics of care theoretical orientation, we conducted 25 remote semi-structured interviews with Filipino religious leaders who partnered with a Philippines-based non-governmental organization (NGO) to mobilize essential food aid to their local communities. Through defining the efforts and activities of these religious leaders as care work, we found that religious leader experiences revolved around navigating care responsibilities, caring alongside others, and engaging holistically with the care work. Additionally, we observed how contextual factors such as the humanitarian settings where religious leaders worked, the partnership with an NGO, and the positionality of local religious leaders within their communities, fundamentally shaped the care work. This study expands our understanding of how care is practiced and experienced and also brings greater visibility to the experiences and efforts of local religious leaders in responding to humanitarian emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshannah Joanna Speers
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Lincoln Leehang Lau
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
- International Care Ministries, Unit 1701, 17th Floor, West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1605
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 3M7
| | - Hannah Tait Neufeld
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Danilo Servano
- International Care Ministries, Unit 1701, 17th Floor, West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1605
| | - Daryn Joy Go
- International Care Ministries, Unit 1701, 17th Floor, West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1605
| | - Amy Kipp
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Laura Jane Brubacher
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Warren Dodd
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
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2
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Lei Q, He Z, Koenig HG, Hu X, Xiong M, Shi X, Liu J, Wang Z. Light Personality Style and Moral Injury Among Chinese Health Professionals. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3942-3956. [PMID: 37777659 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Moral injury has attracted attention widely in various occupations, particularly health professionals. Personality traits involve the professional values in clinical decision-making associated with mental outcomes. The current study examines the relationship between "light personality" style and moral injury. Scores on three subscales of the Light Triad Scale were negatively correlated with the Moral Injury Symptoms Scale-Health Professional. Health professionals more likely to have light personality styles may be less likely to suffer from moral injury under high-stake situations. The findings provide evidence to better understand the inner core of the moral injury, suggesting a potential pathway to improve the moral well-being of health professionals by strengthening key elements of light personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhui Lei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhehao He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China
| | - Harold G Koenig
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xue Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyun Xiong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuquan Shi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health at Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 56006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 56006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhizhong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health at Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 560001, People's Republic of China.
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, #1 Xincheng Road, Songshanhu, Dongguan, 523808, People's Republic of China.
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Ayub S, Anugwom GO, Basiru T, Sachdeva V, Muhammad N, Bachu A, Trudeau M, Gulati G, Sullivan A, Ahmed S, Jain L. Bridging science and spirituality: the intersection of religion and public health in the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1183234. [PMID: 37275970 PMCID: PMC10236196 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1183234] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had global impacts on social interactions and religious activities, leading to a complex relationship between religion and public health policies. This article reviews impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religious activities and beliefs in relation to the spread of the virus, as well as the potential of religious leaders and faith communities in mitigating the impact of the pandemic through public health measures and community engagement. Methods A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, with search terms including "religion," "COVID-19," "pandemic," "coronavirus," and "spirituality." We included English articles published between January 2020 and September 2022, focusing on intersection of religion and COVID-19. Results We identified two main themes emerging, with the selected 32 studies divided in 15 studies focused on the relationship between religious practices, beliefs, and the spread of COVID-19, while 17 studies explored the role of religious leaders and faith communities in coping with and mitigating the impact of COVID-19. Religious activities were found to correlate with virus spread, particularly in early days of the pandemic. The relationship between religiosity and adherence to government guidelines was mixed, with some studies suggesting increased religiosity contributed to misconceptions about the virus and resistance to restrictions. Religious beliefs were also associated with vaccine hesitancy, particularly conservative religious beliefs. On the other hand, religious leaders and communities played a crucial role in adapting to COVID-19 measures, maintaining a sense of belonging, fostering emotional resilience, and upholding compliance with public health measures. The importance of collaboration between religious leaders, institutions, and public health officials in addressing the pandemic was emphasized. Conclusions This review highlights the essential role of religious leaders, faith-based organizations, and faith communities in promoting education, preparedness, and response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaging with religious leaders and communities can improve pandemic control and prevention efforts. Collaboration between religious leaders, governments, and healthcare professionals is necessary to combat vaccine hesitancy and ensure successful COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. The insights from this review can guide future research, policy development, and public health interventions to minimize the impact of the pandemic and improve outcomes for individuals and communities affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahana Ayub
- Department of Psychiatry, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, Newburgh, NY, United States
| | - Gibson O. Anugwom
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tajudeen Basiru
- Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Vishi Sachdeva
- Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Nazar Muhammad
- Department of Psychiatry, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, Newburgh, NY, United States
| | - Anil Bachu
- Baptist Health – UAMS Psychiatry Residency Education Program, North Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Maxwell Trudeau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Gazal Gulati
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
| | | | - Saeed Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland, VT, United States
| | - Lakshit Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
- Quinnipaic University, Hamden, CT, United States
- Connecticut Valley Hospital, Middletown, CT, United States
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Cahill JM, Kinghorn W, Dugdale L. Repairing moral injury takes a team: what clinicians can learn from combat veterans. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 49:361-366. [PMID: 35705446 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2022-108163] [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: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Moral injury results from the violation of deeply held moral commitments leading to emotional and existential distress. The phenomenon was initially described by psychologists and psychiatrists associated with the US Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs but has since been applied more broadly. Although its application to healthcare preceded COVID-19, healthcare professionals have taken greater interest in moral injury since the pandemic's advent. They have much to learn from combat veterans, who have substantial experience in identifying and addressing moral injury-particularly its social dimensions. Veterans recognise that complex social factors lead to moral injury, and therefore a community approach is necessary for healing. We argue that similar attention must be given in healthcare, where a team-oriented and multidimensional approach is essential both for ameliorating the suffering faced by health professionals and for addressing the underlying causes that give rise to moral injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Cahill
- Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Warren Kinghorn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lydia Dugdale
- Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
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Sklar RP, Goldman RE. "The First Person They Call is Their Pastor": The Role of New York City Faith Leaders in Supporting Their Congregation's Health and Well-Being During COVID-19. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023:1-20. [PMID: 36917363 PMCID: PMC10011784 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01789-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This article reports findings from a qualitative study of New York City faith leaders' efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their communities during the first two years of the pandemic. Faith leaders were recruited via reputational case sampling to participate in individual, key informant interviews. This study used a social-contextual approach to health promotion by exploring the influence of faith leaders and religious communities on health behaviors. Results suggest that engaged faith leaders worked individually and collaboratively to support the changing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their religious communities and those in the surrounding area. This study highlights the importance of faith leaders as supporters, communicators, and advocates, and provides directions for future research on the impact of faith leaders on individuals' experiences and health behaviors during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel P Sklar
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Dryden‐Mead T, Nelson B, Bendall S. "They may be confronting but they are good questions to be asking" young people's experiences of completing a trauma and PTSD screening tool in an early psychosis program. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:1090-1107. [PMID: 35942544 PMCID: PMC9804455 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12420] [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: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a history of inadequate enquiry about, and assessment of, trauma in young people within Early Psychosis services and even when screening does occur there is little known about how young people experience this process. AIMS This study aimed to explore young people's experiences of completing a trauma and PTSD screening tool when receiving a service in an Early Psychosis Program. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young people, aged 18-24 years, to explore their subjective experience of this process. Transcripts were analysed via interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS Four super-ordinate themes were identified: (i) an emotional experience, (ii) the importance of the relationship with the clinician, (iii) an opportunity to reflect on past experiences, and (iv) the ability to be able to provide honest responses. Results from this study indicated that young people expected to be asked about their trauma experiences, acknowledged that this was challenging for them but found that this was made easier due to the relationship they had built with the clinician, the timing of the screening and also, possibly, by the written style format of the questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS Young people in this study accepted the need for screening for traumatic histories, and expected to be asked about their traumatic experiences, despite the possibility of a short-term increase in distress. The support offered by a trusted clinician, whom the young person had built a relationship with, appeared to be an important component to the willingness and the ability of the young person to complete the questionnaires. This reinforces the fact that screening for trauma in an early psychosis service can be conducted in a way that is safe and acceptable to young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Dryden‐Mead
- Centre for Youth Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Barnaby Nelson
- Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and Centre for Youth Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Sarah Bendall
- Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and Centre for Youth Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
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Lee M, Lim H, Xavier MS, Lee EY. "A Divine Infection": A Systematic Review on the Roles of Religious Communities During the Early Stage of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:866-919. [PMID: 34405313 PMCID: PMC8370454 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01364-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the roles that religious communities played during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic. Seven databases were searched and a total of 58 articles in English published between February 2020 and July 2020 were included in evidence synthesis. The findings of the literature showed diverse influences of religion as a double-edged sword in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Religious communities have played detrimental and/or beneficial roles as a response to COVID-19 pandemic. A collaborative approach among religious communities, health science, and government is critical to combat COVID-19 crisis and future pandemics/epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikyung Lee
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, KHS 307, 28 Division St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Heejun Lim
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, KHS 307, 28 Division St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Merin Shobhana Xavier
- School of Religion, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Gender Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Eun-Young Lee
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, KHS 307, 28 Division St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Department of Gender Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Kwak J, Rajagopal S, Handzo G, Hughes BP, Lee M. Perspectives of board-certified healthcare chaplains on challenges and adaptations in delivery of spiritual care in the COVID-19 era: Findings from an online survey. Palliat Med 2022; 36:105-113. [PMID: 34479451 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211043373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for healthcare systems to meet patients' and families' complex care needs, including spiritual care needs. Little data are available about spiritual care delivery in light of the pandemic. AIM This study examined the impact of COVID-19 on spiritual care by healthcare chaplains in the United States. DESIGN An online survey of 563 board-certified chaplains was conducted from March to July 2020. The survey, designed to identify chaplains' roles in facilitating conversations about goals of care, included an open-ended question asking how COVID-19 affected chaplaincy practices; 236 chaplains responded. Quantitative data and written qualitative responses were analyzed using descriptive analysis and content analysis, respectively. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Majority of participants were white (88%), female (59%), Protestant (53%), and employed full time (86%). Almost half were working in community hospitals (45%) and designated to one or more special units (48%) including ICU, palliative care, and oncology. RESULTS Three major themes emerged from chaplains' qualitative responses: (1) COVID-19-related risk mitigation and operational changes; (2) impact of social distancing guidelines; and (3) increased need for and provision of psychosocial and spiritual support. CONCLUSIONS Chaplains reported that COVID-19 challenges contributed to greater social isolation, and mental health concerns for patients, families, and healthcare staff, and substantially changed the way healthcare chaplains provided spiritual care. With evolving healthcare contexts, developing safer, more creative modes of spiritual care delivery while offering systematic support for chaplains can help meet the increasing psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients, families, and healthcare team members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Kwak
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Shilpa Rajagopal
- College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Moon Lee
- College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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COVID-19 related moral injury: Associations with pandemic-related perceived threat and risky and protective behaviors. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 142:80-88. [PMID: 34330024 PMCID: PMC9749911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with increased potential for morally injurious events, during which individuals may experience, witness, or learn about situations that violate deeply held moral beliefs. However, it is unknown how pandemic risk and resilience factors are associated with COVID-related moral injury. METHODS Individuals residing in the U.S. (N = 839; Mage = 37.09, SD = 11.06; 78% women; 63% White; 33% PTSD) participating in an online survey reported on COVID-19 related moral injury (modified Moral Injury Events Scale), perceived current and future threat of pandemic on life domains (social, financial, health), and COVID-19 risky and protective behaviors. Multivariate linear regressions examined associations of perceived threat and risky and protective behaviors on type of COVID-19 related moral injury (betrayal, transgression by others, self). RESULTS Participants endorsed MI betrayal (57%, N = 482), transgression by other (59%, N = 497), and by self 17% (N = 145). Adjusting for sociodemographics, only future threat of COVID-19 to health was significantly associated with betrayal (B = 0.21, p = .001) and transgression by other (B = 0.16, p = .01), but not by self. In contrast, high frequency of risky behaviors was associated with transgressions by self (B = 0.23, p < .001). Sensitivity analyses showed PTSD did not moderate the observed effects. CONCLUSIONS Betrayal and transgression by others was associated with greater perceived future threat of COVID-19 to health, but not financial or social domains. Stronger endorsement of transgression by self was associated with more frequently engaging in risky behaviors for contracting COVID-19. These findings may suggest the need for individual, community, and system level interventions to address COVID-19 related moral injury.
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Koenig HG, Al Zaben F. Moral Injury: An Increasingly Recognized and Widespread Syndrome. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:2989-3011. [PMID: 34245433 PMCID: PMC8270769 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01328-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Moral injury (MI), originally discussed in relationship to transgressing moral beliefs and values during wartime among military personnel, has expanded beyond this context to include similar emotions experienced by healthcare professionals, first responders, and others experiencing moral emotions resulting from actions taken or observations made during traumatic events or circumstances. In this article, we review the history, definition, measurement, prevalence, distinctiveness, psychological consequences, manifestations (in and outside of military settings), and correlates of MI in different settings. We also review secular psychological treatments, spiritually integrated therapies, and pastoral care approaches (specific for clergy and chaplains) used to treat MI and the evidence documenting their efficacy. Finally, we examine directions for future research needed to fill the many gaps in our knowledge about MI, how it develops, and how to help those suffering from it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold G Koenig
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3400, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Faten Al Zaben
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Goel R, Sharma R. Studying leaders & their concerns using online social media during the times of crisis - A COVID case study. SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AND MINING 2021; 11:46. [PMID: 34025817 PMCID: PMC8124097 DOI: 10.1007/s13278-021-00756-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Online social media (OSM) has emerged as a prominent platform for debate on a wide range of issues. Even celebrities and public figures often share their opinions on a variety of topics through OSM platforms. One such subject that has gained a lot of coverage on Twitter is the Novel Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, which has become a pandemic and has sparked a crisis in human history. In this study, we examine 29 million tweets over three months to study highly influential users, whom we refer to as leaders. We recognize these leaders through social network techniques and analyse their tweets using text analysis. Using a community detection algorithm, we categorize these leaders into four clusters: research, news, health, and politics, with each cluster containing Twitter handles (accounts) of individual users or organizations. e.g., the health cluster includes the World Health Organization (@WHO), the Director-General of WHO (@DrTedros), and so on. The emotion analysis reveals that (i) all clusters show an equal amount of fear in their tweets, (ii) research and news clusters display more sadness than others, and (iii) health and politics clusters are attempting to win public trust. According to the text analysis, the (i) research cluster is more concerned with recognizing symptoms and the development of vaccination; (ii) news and politics clusters are mostly concerned with travel. We then show that we can use our findings to classify tweets into clusters with a score of 96% AUC ROC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Goel
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu,
Tartu, Estonia
| | - Rajesh Sharma
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu,
Tartu, Estonia
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Osei-Tutu A, Kenin A, Affram AA, Kusi AA, Adams G, Dzokoto VA. Ban of Religious Gatherings during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Christian Church Leaders' Well-Being in Ghana. PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 70:335-347. [PMID: 34002100 PMCID: PMC8117120 DOI: 10.1007/s11089-021-00954-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted during a period of lockdown and ban on social gatherings, including religious gatherings, in Ghana. The restrictions were instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study was to understand how the well-being of Christian church leaders was impacted during the prohibition in terms of aspects of their vocation and religious practices. Fourteen Christian church leaders located in urban and rural settings in Ghana, with 5 to 32 years of experience, discussed how they and their families were impacted by the ban on religious gatherings in Ghana. Findings revealed negative impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions, including spiritual slacking, loss of fellowship, disruption of normal routine, pandemic anxiety, and financial stress. Positive impacts included increased faith, relief/reduced stress, and increased family time. These findings are discussed from psychological trauma and disaster response perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabella Osei-Tutu
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship-Programme, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG84, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abraham Kenin
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG84, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Akua Amponsah Kusi
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG84, Accra, Ghana
| | - Glenn Adams
- Department of Psychology, The University of Kansas, 418 Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Vivian A. Dzokoto
- Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 816 W Franklin Street, P.O. Box 842509, Richmond, VA 23284-2509 USA
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Ripon RK, Mim SS, Puente AE, Hossain S, Babor MMH, Sohan SA, Islam N. COVID-19: psychological effects on a COVID-19 quarantined population in Bangladesh. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05481. [PMID: 33200105 PMCID: PMC7654365 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It had been seven months since the first confirmed case (8th March, 2020) of COVID-19 in Bangladesh and people have now got a more complete picture of the extent of the pandemic. Therefore, it is time to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on mental health. The current population-based study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and PTSD of the quarantined people in Bangladesh during COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS A total of 5792 individuals comprised the population of this study. Subjects were respondents to an online questionnaire that was administered through social media. The questionnaire included questions on personal information, quarantine related knowledge, items of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Data were collected and analyzed by regression utilizing a using IBM SPSS-22 (Statistical Package for Social Science, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS The most post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms had on the male (n = 1392, 75.7%) who had institutional quarantine. The most depression symptoms were on the female (n = 920, 72.8%) whose income was more than 75000 takas in Bangladeshi currency. 81.8% of respondents had PTSD and their scores ≥24 in the IES-R scale. On the other hand, the respondent's income was 40000-74999 takas in Bangladesh currency had more PTSD symptoms and the odd ratio 19.3 (95% CI: 12.5-27.3), adjusted odds ratio 22.9 (95% CI: 15.6-32.4), after adjusting all personal variables. 85.9% respondents scored 16 ≤ in the CES-D scale, meaning they were depressed. The respondents whose education level grade 10 were most depressed and the odd ratio of 3.8 (95% CI: 3.1-4.65), adjusted odds ratio of 13.19 (95% CI: 9.88-17.62) after adjusting all personal variables. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of depression and PTSD of the quarantined people higher than that of the affected group during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Bangladesh. If the administration and health care workers become conscious of such results, actions and policies can be taken to improve the consequential sufferings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezaul K. Ripon
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sadia S. Mim
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Antonio E. Puente
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, USA
| | - Sahadat Hossain
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Naeem Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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