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Cheng P, Wang L, Zhou Y, Ma W, Zhao G, Li W. Trajectories and comorbid symptom networks of posttraumatic stress symptoms in frontline rescuers: A longitudinal study. J Affect Disord 2024; 355:73-81. [PMID: 38548201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.125] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has largely lacked studies that explore the trajectories of Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and the structure of comorbid psychiatric symptom networks following traumatic event, while controlling for the severity of traumatic exposure. The present study aims to explore the characteristic trajectories of PTSS, in the context of ensuring controlled levels of traumatic exposure. Furthermore, the PTSS, depressive, and anxiety comorbid symptom networks of different PTSS trajectory subgroups are also investigated. METHODS A total of 296 frontline rescue personnel were enrolled into our study. In an effort to control for variations in traumatic exposure severity, this study ensured that all participants had same responsibilities and cumulative operational duration at the post-disaster rescue circumstance. Growth mixture models (GMMs) were employed to scrutinize the trajectories of PTSS. Additionally, network analysis was used to examine the comorbid symptom network of PTSS, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS Four distinct PTSS trajectories were identified, namely Persisting Symptom, Gradual Recovery, Gradual Aggravation, and Asymptomatic. Although both the Persisting Symptom and Gradual Aggravation groups belong to the high-risk subgroups for persistent PTSS, they exhibit differences in core symptoms within their respective networks. The core symptom for the Persisting Symptom Network is flashbacks, while for the Gradual Aggravation Network, it is sleep disturbances. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, the present study represents the first research endeavor to integrate longitudinal trajectory analysis of PTSS with longitudinal symptom network analysis, clarifying the evolving features of PTSS but also offering valuable insights for early screening and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Lirong Wang
- The Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjing Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Guangju Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Weihui Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Helmy M, Alhuwailah A, Shuwiekh HAM, Naser AY, Maalej E, Obeid S, Cheour M, Hallit S. Mediating effect of depression and acute stress between exposure to Israel-Gaza war media coverage and insomnia: a multinational study from five arab countries. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1498. [PMID: 38835005 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18996-8] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of persistent wars and conflicts worldwide, the impact of acute, excessive and constant exposure to media coverage of such events on mental health outcomes becomes a serious problem for public health, and requires therefore urgent investigation to inform an effective prevention and management response. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that war-related media exposure is directly and indirectly associated with insomnia through depression and perceived stress among adults from the general population of different Arab countries. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried-out two weeks after the beginning of Israel-Gaza war on the 7th of October 2023. An anonymous online survey and a snowball sampling method were adopted to collect data. A sample of 2635 general population adults (mean age of 23.98 ± 7.55 years, 73.1% females) took part of this study. RESULTS The results of the mediation analysis showed that, after adjusting over potential confounders, depression and perceived stress fully mediated the association between war media exposure and insomnia; higher war media exposure was significantly associated with higher depression (Beta = 0.13; p < .001) and perceived stress (Beta = 0.07; p < .001), whereas higher depression (Beta = 0.43; p < .001) and perceived stress (Beta = 0.31; p < .001) were significantly associated with higher insomnia. It is of note that war media exposure was not significantly and directly associated with insomnia (Beta = - 0.01; p = .178 and Beta = 0.02; p = .098 respectively). CONCLUSION The present study is the first to provide evidence that more time spent viewing the horrors of war is significantly associated with insomnia. In addition, symptoms of stress and depression were present as early as two weeks following the beginning of the war, and played a significant role in mediating the association between war media coverage and insomnia. These findings suggest that timely screening for, and management of depression and stress symptoms in clinical and preventive programs might be beneficial for community adults who have been heavily and indirectly exposed to war through media, and present with insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis Al Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Mai Helmy
- Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
- Psychology department, College of education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | | | - Abdallah Y Naser
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, faculty of pharmacy, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Emna Maalej
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis Al Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Majda Cheour
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis Al Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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Bitar Z, Fekih-Romdhane F, Mahfoud D, Fawaz M, Hallit S, Obeid S. The mediating effect of post-traumatic growth on the relationship between personality traits and resilience among a sample of Lebanese adults. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298043. [PMID: 38758926 PMCID: PMC11101076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298043] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience plays a crucial role in mental health promotion and prevention, and was shown to be more represented in individuals who exhibit high levels of extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. However, there is a lack of studies that comprehensively investigate the association between personality traits and resilience in Lebanon and Arab countries more broadly. The purpose of the present study was to complement the literature by investigating the direct and indirect effects between the five personality traits and resilience among a sample of Lebanese adults through the intermediary role of posttraumatic growth. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was carried out between May and July 2022, and enrolled 387 participants, all aged above 18 years old and recruited from all Lebanon governorates. The questionnaire used included socio-demographic questions, and the following scales: Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) to assess resilience, post traumatic growth (PTG), and Big Five Inventory (BFI-2). The SPSS software v.25 was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS Post-traumatic growth mediated the association between extraversion / agreeableness / conscientiousness and resilience. Higher extraversion / agreeableness / conscientiousness was significantly associated with more post-traumatic growth. Higher post-traumatic growth was significantly associated with more resilience. Extraversion, but not agreeableness and conscientiousness, was significantly and directly associated with more resilience. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that fostering PTG in individuals who experience adversity can help promote their resilience. Hence, it could be beneficial to design and apply programs aiming at supporting PTG among people who experience stressful and traumatizing situations, to consequently help them increase their sense of resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Bitar
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), Rennes, UMR_S 1085, F-35000, France
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Razi hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Daniella Mahfoud
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye N’ Brain Research Group, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mirna Fawaz
- College of Health Sciences, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
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Nehme A, Moussa S, Fekih-Romdhane F, Hallit S, Obeid S, Haddad G. The mediating role of depression in the association between perceived financial wellbeing and somatization: a study in the context of Lebanon's financial crisis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38598249 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2341132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to examine the association between financial wellbeing and somatization, in addition to the mediating effect of anxiety, depression and stress. To test such hypotheses, a cross-sectional study was carried out between September and October 2021; 403 participants (264 females; age = 32.76 ± 13.24 years) were recruited. Depression mediated the association between financial wellbeing and somatization. A worse financial wellbeing was significantly associated with more depression, which was associated with more somatization. Moreover, a worse financial wellbeing was significantly and directly associated with more somatization. Our study adds to the narrow body of research revolving around the relationship between financial wellbeing and somatization in Lebanese adults. Understanding that the effects of, depression are aggravated in a country such as Lebanon would help establish more preventative guidelines and mental health awareness campaigns. Identifying the correlates of somatization can also be translated into improved interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Nehme
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sara Moussa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Koura, Lebanon
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Georges Haddad
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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Najem C, Wijma AJ, Meeus M, Cagnie B, Ayoubi F, Van Oosterwijck J, De Meulemeester K, Van Wilgen CP. Facilitators and barriers to the implementation of pain neuroscience education in the current Lebanese physical therapist health care approach: a qualitative study. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:524-532. [PMID: 36655277 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2168076] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this paper was first to gain an in-depth understanding of the barriers and facilitators to implementing the BPS model and pain neuroscience education in the current Lebanese physical therapy health care approach and explore its acceptability. METHOD A qualitative semi-structured interview using purposive sampling was conducted with eight Lebanese physical therapists practising in different governorates. The transcribed text from the interviews was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Two topics were generated and constructed by the researchers: (1) "barriers to the implementation of pain neuroscience education, with subthemes including (a) "current health care approach," (b) "basic curriculum and continuing education," (c) "patients' barriers"; (2) "facilitators to the implementation of pain neuroscience education," with subthemes containing (a) "interest in the BPS model, (b) "therapeutic alliance," and (c) "motivation for future training on BPS approach." CONCLUSION The analysis of the results showed that Lebanese physical therapists currently hold a strong biomedical view of chronic pain, assessment, and treatment. However, despite the presence of barriers and challenges, they are aware and open to consider the implementation and future training about the BPS model and pain neuroscience education in their approach.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe exploration of potential barriers and facilitators to the bio-psychosocial model and pain neuroscience education implementation may provide an opportunity for better development and design of a culturally sensitive pain neuroscience education material for Arab-speaking and Lebanese physical therapists.The exploration of barriers and facilitators to the implementation of pain neuroscience education will help to improve pain education and ensure better clinical pain management.The most important barriers were the dominant characteristic of the Lebanese physical therapist's health approach, which is focused on a biomechanically oriented model, and their lack of knowledge to approach chronic pain from a biopsychosocial perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Najem
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
- Department of physiotherapy, Faculty of Public Health, Antonine University, Hadath Baabda, Lebanon
- Pain in Motion International Research Group www. paininmotion.be
| | - A J Wijma
- Pain in Motion International Research Group www. paininmotion.be
- Transcare Transdisciplinary Pain Management Center, Groningen, the Netherlands
- PAIN - VUB Pain in Motion Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - M Meeus
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group www. paininmotion.be
- MOVANT Research group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B Cagnie
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - F Ayoubi
- Department of physiotherapy, Faculty of Public Health, Antonine University, Hadath Baabda, Lebanon
- Department of physiotherapy, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Lebanon
| | - J Van Oosterwijck
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group www. paininmotion.be
- MOVANT Research group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Belgium
| | - K De Meulemeester
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group www. paininmotion.be
| | - C P Van Wilgen
- Pain in Motion International Research Group www. paininmotion.be
- Transcare Transdisciplinary Pain Management Center, Groningen, the Netherlands
- PAIN - VUB Pain in Motion Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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Nehme A, Moussa S, Fekih-Romdhane F, Yakın E, Hallit S, Obeid S, Haddad G. Expressive suppression moderates the relationship between PTSD from COVID-19 and somatization and validation of the Arabic version of Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293081. [PMID: 38271356 PMCID: PMC10810523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293081] [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: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lebanese adults have been crippled for years by several crises, including the lately COVID-19 pandemic. These massive civilian traumas have increased the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population. Extensive literature pointed to the association between PTSD and somatization; however, the nature of this relationship remains unknown. We sought to contribute further to work in this area by testing the moderating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between COVID-19- related PTSD and somatization. As a secondary objective, we aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the somatization measure Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) in terms of factorial validity and internal consistency before its use in the present study. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2021. A total of 403 Lebanese adults residing in Lebanon were recruited. Eligible participants received an online link to the survey. The Patient Health Questionnaire-15 was used to assess somatization, PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version for PTSD and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for emotion regulation. RESULTS The results of the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a three-factor solution explaining 48.79% of the common variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis results of the three-factor model obtained in the EFA indicated a good fit with a significant CFI of 0.98, TLI 0.98 and a GFI of .97, a RMSEA of .04 [90% CI .01, .06]. Higher PTSD symptoms were associated with somatization. In addition, we found that one specific ER component, i.e. expressive suppression, significantly moderated the relationship between PTSD from the COVID pandemic and somatization. In particular, the interaction PTSD from the COVID-19 pandemic by expressive suppression was significantly associated with somatization; at low, medium and high levels of expressive suppression, higher PTSD from the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with higher somatization scores. As for our secondary objective, findings revealed that the Arabic version of the PHQ-15 exhibited good psychometric properties. In particular, the scale yielded a three-factor structure, and good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87). CONCLUSION The moderating role of expressive suppression on the link between PTSD and somatization presents a novel finding in the field of trauma. Additionally, making a psychometrically sound Arabic version of the PHQ-15 available is a valuable addition to the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Nehme
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sara Moussa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Koura, Lebanon
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ecem Yakın
- Centre d’Études et de Recherches en Psychopathologie et Psychologie de la Santé, Université de Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, UT2J, Toulouse, France
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Georges Haddad
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Fawaz M, Hallit R, Sawma T, Obeid S, Hallit S. Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the 10-item Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC-10), the 8- and 10-item post-traumatic growth inventory-short form (PTGI-SF) scales. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293079. [PMID: 38166051 PMCID: PMC10760825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293079] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given their clinical significance and impact on stress response and their potential malleability, resilience and posttraumatic growth (PTG) should receive greater attention as relevant constructs in clinical and research practice in the Arab context. We aimed through the present study to test the psychometric properties of Arabic translations of the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC-10), the 10-item and the 8-item Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGI-SF) in a sample of Lebanese adults from the general population. METHODS Three hundred eighty-seven Arabic-speaking participants (mean age = 26.17; 58.4% females) responded to a self-report web-based questionnaire. The forward and backward translation method was applied with the approval of the original developers of the scales. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that fit of the one-factor model was acceptable, and all indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across gender for all the three scales. The CD-RISC-10, the 10-item and the 8-item PTGI-SF yielded a good internal consistency, with a McDonald's ω of .89, .95, and .93, respectively. Higher resilience and higher PTG were significantly and positively associated with greater cognitive reappraisal and lower emotion suppression, supporting convergent validity. CONCLUSION We preliminarily suggest that these Arabic instruments are appropriate for use in Lebanese community adults to assess different positive responses after life crises, identify people with lack or low levels of resilience and growth who might need intervention, and monitor their response to therapy. Further cross-cultural validations should seek to extend their use in broader Arabic-speaking populations and settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
- Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mirna Fawaz
- Faculty of Health Sciences Beirut Arab University, Tareek Al Jadida, Afeef Al Tiba, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rabih Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Toni Sawma
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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Chahine A, El Zouki CJ, Mhanna M, Hallit S, Obeid S. Association between time perspective and metacognition among Lebanese adults: the mediating role of mindfulness. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:906. [PMID: 38053111 PMCID: PMC10696690 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05356-w] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness may serve as a component of metacognitive beliefs and can also be viewed as a form of time perspective. The interplay between time perspective and metacognitive beliefs remains understudied. Both aspects, however, display considerable stability over time and significantly influence an individual's life and well-being. Lebanon, marked by its diverse and complex history, struggles with various political, social, and economic challenges. This study offers a valuable and unprecedented opportunity to examine these connections within a distinct cultural context, shedding light on the unique experiences of the Lebanese population. Therefore, our research aims to investigate the connection between time perspective and metacognition, with a focus on the role of mindfulness as a mediator. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2022 and involved participants from various regions of Lebanon. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data and scales such as the Arabic versions of the 15-item Short Form of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the Metacognitions Questionnaire, the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-2). RESULTS Our investigation recruited 423 participants. The analysis showed that individuals with a positive stance on their past, a hedonistic present, or a future-oriented outlook exhibited heightened levels of mindfulness. This elevated state of mindfulness, in turn, demonstrated a significant link to augmented cognitive self-consciousness (An increased introspection into one's own thoughts). We also observed a direct association between a future-focused time perspective and high scores of cognitive self-consciousness. Furthermore, mindfulness emerged as a crucial mediator in the relationships between time perspectives and negative beliefs about the danger of worry. Similarly, individuals with a positive view on their past, a hedonistic present orientation, or a future-focused mindset demonstrated elevated levels of mindfulness, which was correlated with less negative beliefs about the danger of worry. Notably, a positive past perspective was directly associated with less negative views on worry and the subsequent loss of control, whereas higher future focused time perspective scores was significantly and directly associated with more negative beliefs about worry, whereas more future focused time perspective was significantly and directly associated with more negative beliefs about worry. CONCLUSION Our findings found several meaningful associations between our variables, but it primarily underscored the significance of considering distinct subcomponents within mindfulness and psychopathological metacognition that may overlap, shedding light on their differential impacts on psychological well-being. We were also able to mirror the dual pathway theory of time perspective suggested in previous studies. These insights carry notable implications for the development and refinement of mindfulness-based and metacognitive interventions, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches that consider varying time perspectives. Continued investigation in this area promises to advance our understanding of these constructs and refine their practical applications in mental health interventions and well-being enhancement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Chahine
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Christian-Joseph El Zouki
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- UFR de Médecine, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 1 Rue des Louvels, Amiens, 80037, France
- Faculté d'Ingénierie et de Management de la Santé, 42 rue Ambroise Paré, 59120, LOOS, France
| | - Mariam Mhanna
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
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Bachir Y, El-Hachem C, Richa S, Bou Khalil R. The risk of eating disorders following the August 4th, 2020 explosion in Beirut and its relationship with trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 89:103749. [PMID: 37639769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103749] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To date, no study has demonstrated the link between the diagnosis of provisional PTSD and ED in people exposed to the explosion of August 4th, 2020. METHODS Online participants were classified into 4 categories according to the degree of exposure to the explosion (unexposed, slightly exposed, moderately exposed, and severely exposed). The screening for ED was done using the standardized SCOFF questionnaire and the screening for provisional PTSD using the standardized IES-R questionnaire. RESULTS Our sample included 703 participants. In the bivariate analysis, there was a trend for an association between degree of exposure to the explosion and the risk of development of an ED (p = 0.055). The independent variables included in the multivariate analysis that were statistically associated with a risk of developing eating disorders are secondary school as the highest level of education (p = 0.029; OR = 2.15) and the risk of PTSD (p = 0.041; OR = 2.05) according to IES-R, specifically hyperarousal (p = 0.028; OR = 1.07) as a symptom cluster. Provisional PTSD played a mediating role, creating a partial and indirect relationship between the degree of exposure to the explosion and the risk of developing ED with a β coefficient of 0.075 (p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: The risk of PTSD according to IES-R was found to be a determinant of a higher risk of developing ED among participants exposed to the explosion in addition to mediating between the effect of exposure severity and the risk of ED. It is essential to fully assess and manage PTSD symptoms and ED patients exposed to such a psychological trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bachir
- Department of Psychiatry at Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Charline El-Hachem
- Department of Psychiatry at Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Psychiatry at Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sami Richa
- Department of Psychiatry at Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Psychiatry at Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rami Bou Khalil
- Department of Psychiatry at Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Psychiatry at Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
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10
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Jaber Chehayeb R, Kala S, Abou Ghannam H, Hasan G, Salloum J. The evolving Lebanese drug crisis: Trends in drug availability and affordability for common outpatient diseases from 2019 to 2023. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002538. [PMID: 37910463 PMCID: PMC10619845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Since 2019, Lebanon has been suffering from an enduring economic crisis, that in conjunction with the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Beirut Port Explosion, has had catastrophic consequences on many facets of the Lebanese healthcare system. However, few studies have operationalized the impact of the crisis on drug availability and affordability. This is particularly relevant given that Lebanon imports approximately 95% of pharmaceutical products. Toward this end, we evaluated trends in outpatient drug availability and affordability in the context of monthly mean income at three time points throughout the evolving economic crisis (pre-crisis-August 2019, early crisis- August 2021, most recent-April 2023). Drugs used to treat the most common causes of mortality in Lebanon were selected from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)'s List of Essential Medications. Drug pricing was obtained from the Lebanese MOPH National Drug Database. We found large increases in drug prices, as a percentage of mean monthly income, after subsidies on chronic disease medications were removed. Diabetes and COPD drugs were the least affordable in 2023, amounting to 21.03% and 15.43% of mean monthly income, respectively. We also highlight great shortages in drugs across classes, particularly in mood-stabilizing psychiatric drugs and basal and bolus insulin. Our findings highlight the growing financial burden of chronic disease treatment in Lebanon and the importance of implementing both short- and long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of the crisis on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shashwat Kala
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | | | - Ghassan Hasan
- Independent Researcher, Community Pharmacist, Al Ikha Pharmacy, Kabr Shmoun, Lebanon
| | - Joe Salloum
- Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese Order of Pharmacists, Beirut, Lebanon
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11
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Chamoun K, Mouawad J, Salameh P, Sacre H, Haddad R, Khabbaz LR, Megarbane B, Hajj A. Opioid use disorder in two samples of the Lebanese population: scale validation and correlation with sleep and mood disorders. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:797. [PMID: 37914993 PMCID: PMC10619223 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05304-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The revised Opioid Risk Tool (ORT-OUD) is a brief, self-report scale designed to provide clinicians with a simple, validated method to screen for the risk of developing an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in patients without a prior history of substance abuse. This study aimed to translate and validate the Arabic version of ORT-OUD in the Lebanese population and assess its clinical validity in a sample of patients with OUD. METHODS This cross-sectional study in the Lebanese population used several validated scales to assess the risk of OUD, including the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Other tools evaluated chronotype and sleep and mood disturbances. Principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was applied to assess ORT-OUD construct validity. Convergent validity with the Arabic version of ASSIST was evaluated. The ORT-OUD criterion validity was then assessed in a clinical sample of patients with OUD. RESULTS This study included 581 participants. The prevalence of the OUD risk in the Lebanese population using the ORT-OUD scale and the ASSIST-opioids scale was estimated at 14.5% and 6.54%, respectively. No items of the ORT-OUD were removed; all items converged over a solution of four factors with an eigenvalue > 1, explaining a total of 68.2% of the variance (Cronbach's alpha = 0.648). The correlation coefficients between the ORT-OUD total score and ASSIST subscales were as follows: ASSIST-opioids (r = 0.174; p = < 0.001), ASSIST-sedatives (r = 0.249; p < 0.001), and ASSIST-alcohol (r = 0.161; p = < 0.001). ORT-OUD clinical validation showed a correlation with ASSIST-opioids (r = 0.251; p = 0.093) and ASSIST-sedatives (r = 0.598; p < 0.001). Higher ORT-OUD scores were associated with a family and personal history of alcohol and substance consumption and higher insomnia and anxiety scores. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to validate the Arabic version of ORT-OUD in the Lebanese population, an essential step towards improving the detection and management of OUD in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam Chamoun
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicaments, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Inserm, UMR-S1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Joseph Mouawad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicaments, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie- Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Egkomi, Nicosia, 2417, Cyprus
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie- Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ramzi Haddad
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lydia Rabbaa Khabbaz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicaments, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bruno Megarbane
- Inserm, UMR-S1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Federation of Toxicology, Lariboisière-Fernand Widal Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Aline Hajj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacie Clinique et Contrôle de Qualité des Médicaments, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec city, Québec, Canada.
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec- Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
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12
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Ching BCF, Badaoui A, Abou Seif N, Al Hallal R, Bundies GL, Campbell A, Rafie A, Song-Chase A, Hahn JS, Billings J. 'The phoenix that always rises from the ashes': an exploratory qualitative study of the experiences of an initiative informed by principles of psychological first aid following the Beirut blast. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2263146. [PMID: 37796664 PMCID: PMC10557531 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2263146] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: On 4 August 2020, an explosion occurred in Beirut, Lebanon. Hundreds of people were killed, thousands injured and displaced. An initiative was rapidly initiated to provide remote support informed by psychological first aid for the mental health of Lebanese young adults affected by the blast. However, little is known about recipients' experiences of such initiatives.Objective: This study aimed to qualitatively explore the experiences of supporters and recipients in the community-led initiative following the blast.Method: We recruited a diverse sample of four supporters and four Lebanese recipients who took part in the Beirut initiative. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data.Results: We developed five themes from the qualitative interviews, which highlighted ideas around accessibility, alienation, the relationship, elements of the safe space created by the initiative, and unmet needs and areas for improvement. Recipients described the detrimental impact of the blast on their mental health within the Lebanese context and beyond. Recipients and supporters elucidated complex experiences of the support and its impact.Conclusions: Our findings suggest remote support has the potential to be acceptable for young adults in Lebanon. Further research into support informed by psychological first aid after similar crisis events is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Chi Fung Ching
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Beirut Initiative, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Badaoui
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Beirut Initiative, London, UK
| | - Nada Abou Seif
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Beirut Initiative, London, UK
| | | | - Gabriel Luiz Bundies
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Beirut Initiative, London, UK
| | - Amy Campbell
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Beirut Initiative, London, UK
| | | | - Angela Song-Chase
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Beirut Initiative, London, UK
| | - Jane Sungmin Hahn
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Beirut Initiative, London, UK
| | - Jo Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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13
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Sfeir M, Rahme C, Obeid S, Hallit S. The mediating role of anxiety and depression between problematic social media use and bulimia nervosa among Lebanese university students. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:52. [PMID: 36991483 PMCID: PMC10052263 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00776-1] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder that is characterized by binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behavior to control weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mediating role of anxiety and depression between problematic social media use (PSMU) and BN among a sample of Lebanese university students. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out between July and September 2021; a total of 363 university students was recruited through convenience sampling. The PROCESS SPSS Macro version 3.4, model four was used to test the indirect effect and calculate three pathways. Pathway A determined the regression coefficient for the effect of PSMU on mental health issues (depression/anxiety); Pathway B examined the association between mental health issues on BN, and Pathway C’ estimated the direct effect of PSMU on BN. Pathway AB was used to calculate the indirect effect of PSMU on BN via depression/anxiety. Results Results showed that depression and anxiety partially mediated the association between PSMU and BN. Higher levels of PSMU were associated with more depression and anxiety; higher depression and anxiety were associated with more BN. PSMU was directly and significantly associated with more BN. When entering anxiety (M1) then depression (M2) as consecutive mediators in a first model, the results showed that only depression mediated the association between PSMU and bulimia. When taking depression (M1) then anxiety (M2) as consecutive mediators in a second model, the results showed that the mediation PSMU → Depression → Anxiety → Bulimia was significant. Higher PSMU was significantly associated with more depression, which was significantly associated with more anxiety, which was significantly associated with more bulimia. Finally, higher PSMU was directly and significantly associated with more bulimia Conclusion The current paper highlights the relationship that social media use has on BN and other aspects of mental health such as anxiety and depression in Lebanon. Future studies should replicate the mediation analysis conducted in the current study while taking into account other eating disorders. Additional investigations of BN and its correlates must strive to improve the comprehension of these associations’ pathways through designs that allow to draw temporal frameworks, in order to efficiently treat this eating disorder and prevent its negative outcomes. Bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder, is characterized by an impulsive consumption of food in a short period of time, followed by behaviors that compensate the eating such as vomiting or excessive exercise in order to avoid weight gain. Individuals with problematic social media use were found to have higher levels of bulimia symptoms. Symptoms of bulimia can also be associated with both depression and anxiety. The aim of the current study was to examine the mediating role of anxiety and depression between problematic social media use and bulimia nervosa. The results of our study found that problematic social media use was directly associated with more bulimia nervosa and also associated with higher depression and anxiety, both of which were associated with bulimia nervosa. Tackling associated disorders may help reduce symptoms of bulimia nervosa. Clinicians should carefully examine these associations while assessing and implementing treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Sfeir
- grid.8364.90000 0001 2184 581XDepartment of Clinical Psychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
- grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204Institute of Psychology (IP), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Clara Rahme
- grid.512933.f0000 0004 0451 7867Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- grid.512933.f0000 0004 0451 7867Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- grid.411423.10000 0004 0622 534XApplied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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El Khoury-Malhame M, Sfeir M, Hallit S, Sawma T. Factors associated with posttraumatic growth: gratitude, PTSD and distress; one year into the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-10. [PMID: 36684466 PMCID: PMC9838499 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04159-8] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Almost one year since the COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, mental distress remains elevated with high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet studies suggest these challenging circumstances might be conducive of post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study aims to investigate the factors associated with growth after the original trauma. A sample of 252 Lebanese adults filled an online survey to determine levels of PTG, PTSD and gratitude using validated self-rating scales. Participants also subjectively evaluated the sources of their distress such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut port explosion and/or their deteriorating financials. The PTGi-SF evaluated dimensions of growth while the IES-R_22 measured the degree of distress post-trauma. The GQ-6 was used to measure the proneness to experience gratitude daily. Results indicated 41% of participants scored above the cutoff for PTSD symptomatology. Yet, PTSD was positively correlated, alongside gratitude and accumulated subjective distress, with higher levels of PTG. A forward linear regression taking PTG scores as the dependent variable further showed that more gratitude (Beta = 0.57), a higher impact of events (Beta = 0.16), and knowing anyone who died from COVID-19 (Beta = 3.93) were significantly associated with more growth. The study highlights elevated levels of PTSD symptoms in a context of a global pandemic worsened by financial and socio-political instabilities. It mostly identifies personal factors, including high initial symptomatology post-trauma and gratitude, related to the capacity for growth in spite of these accumulating hardships. As such, it advocates the need to investigate and bolster silver linings amidst unprecedented traumas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam El Khoury-Malhame
- Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Michel Sfeir
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Toni Sawma
- Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Dissociative experiences among Lebanese university students: Association with mental health issues, the economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut port explosion. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277883. [PMID: 36399459 PMCID: PMC9674130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dissociative experiences are psychological manifestations characterized by a loss of connection and continuity between thoughts, emotions, environment, behavior, and identity. Lebanon has been facing indescribable events in the last few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion, a crushing economic crisis with the highest inflation rate the country has known in over three decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between dissociative experiences and post-traumatic stress symptoms from the economic crisis, the Beirut blast, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other mental health issues in a sample of Lebanese university students. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 419 active university students (18-35 years) from all over Lebanon (May and August 2021). The respondents received the online soft copy of a survey by a snowball sampling technique through social media and messaging apps. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES-II), the PTSD Checklist Specific Version (PCL-S), the Financial Wellbeing Scale, the Beirut Distress Scale, the Lebanese Anxiety Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire. RESULTS The two-factor model of the DES fitted best according to CFI, RMSEA and χ2/df values, but modestly according to TLI. The two factors were absorption and amnesia/depersonalization. Higher stress (Beta = 0.95) and more PTSD from the Beirut blast (Beta = 0.29) and from the economic crisis (Beta = 0.23) were significantly associated with more absorption. A personal history of depression (Beta = 6.03), higher stress (Beta = 0.36) and more PTSD from the Beirut blast (Beta = 0.27) and from the COVID-19 pandemic (Beta = 0.16) were significantly associated with more amnesia/depersonalization. CONCLUSION Significant rates of dissociative experiences and their sub-manifestations (amnesia/depersonalization and absorption) were found among Lebanese university students, with remarkable co-occurrence of a traumatic/stressful pattern, whether on an individual (history of PTSD) or a collective level (Post-traumatic manifestations from Beirut blast, COVID-19 pandemic and/or economic crisis), or whether correlated to an acute single event or to certain chronic stressors, or even to a personal history of depression. Such findings must raise the attention to serious mental and psychosocial alteration in the Lebanese national identity.
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