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Bosma E, Feenstra V, van Oostrom SH. Anxiety among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1236931. [PMID: 38098835 PMCID: PMC10720981 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1236931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare workers faced extreme working conditions and were at higher risk of infection with the coronavirus. These circumstances may have led to mental health problems, such as anxiety, among healthcare workers. Most studies that examined anxiety among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic were cross-sectional and focused on the first months of the pandemic only. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between working in healthcare and anxiety during a long-term period (i.e., 18 months) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data were used from online questionnaires of the Lifelines COVID-19 prospective cohort with 22 included time-points (March 2020-November 2021). In total, 2,750 healthcare workers and 9,335 non-healthcare workers were included. Anxiety was assessed with questions from the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and an anxiety sum score (0-7) was calculated. Negative binomial generalized estimating equations (GEE), adjusted for demographic, work and health covariates, were used to examine the association between working in healthcare and anxiety. Results Anxiety sum scores over time during the COVID-19 pandemic were similar for healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers. No differences between the anxiety sum scores of healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers were found [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.91-1.04]. Conclusion This study did not find differences between healthcare workers and non-healthcare in perceived anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmee Bosma
- Center for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, Department Behavior and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Verena Feenstra
- Center for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, Department Behavior and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Sandra H. van Oostrom
- Center for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, Department Behavior and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
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Monti L, Marconi E, Bocci MG, Kotzalidis GD, Mazza M, Galliani C, Tranquilli S, Vento G, Conti G, Sani G, Antonelli M, Chieffo DPR. COVID-19 pandemic in the intensive care unit: Psychological implications and interventions, a systematic review. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:191-217. [PMID: 37123099 PMCID: PMC10130962 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i4.191] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic produced changes in intensive care units (ICUs) in patient care and health organizations. The pandemic event increased patients’ risk of developing psychological symptoms during and after hospitalisation. These consequences also affected those family members who could not access the hospital. In addition, the initial lack of knowledge about the virus and its management, the climate of fear and uncertainty, the increased workload and the risk of becoming infected and being contagious, had a strong impact on healthcare staff and organizations. This highlighted the importance of interventions aimed at providing psychological support to ICUs, involving patients, their relatives, and the staff; this might involve the reorganisation of the daily routine and rearrangement of ICU staff duties.
AIM To conduct a systematic review of psychological issues in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic involving patients, their relatives, and ICU staff.
METHODS We investigated the PubMed and the ClinicalTrials.gov databases and found 65 eligible articles, upon which we commented.
RESULTS Our results point to increased perceived stress and psychological distress in staff, patients and their relatives and increased worry for being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in patients and relatives. Furthermore, promising results were obtained for some psychological programmes aiming at improving psychological measures in all ICU categories.
CONCLUSION As the pandemic limited direct inter-individual interactions, the role of interventions using digital tools and virtual reality is becoming increasingly important. All considered, our results indicate an essential role for psychologists in ICUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monti
- UOS Psicologia Clinica, Governo Clinico, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Elisa Marconi
- UOS Psicologia Clinica, Governo Clinico, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bocci
- UOC Anestesia, Rianimazione, Terapia Intensiva e Tossicologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze Dell’Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Georgios Demetrios Kotzalidis
- UOC Psichiatria Clinica e d’Urgenza, Dipartimento di Scienze Dell’Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e Della Testa-collo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- NESMOS Department, Facoltà di Medicina e Psicologia, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome 00189, Italy
| | - Marianna Mazza
- UOC Psichiatria Clinica e d’Urgenza, Dipartimento di Scienze Dell’Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e Della Testa-collo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Carolina Galliani
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Sara Tranquilli
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vento
- UOC Neonatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Della Salute Della Donna, Del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- UOC Neonatologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- UOC Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica e Trauma Center Pediatrico, Dipartimento di Scienze Dell’Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- UOC Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica e Trauma Center Pediatrico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- UOC Psichiatria Clinica e d’Urgenza, Dipartimento di Scienze Dell’Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e Della Testa-collo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Massimo Antonelli
- UOC Anestesia, Rianimazione, Terapia Intensiva e Tossicologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze Dell’Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e Della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- UOS Psicologia Clinica, Governo Clinico, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
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3
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Castiglioni M, Caldiroli CL, Negri A, Manzoni GM, Procaccia R. Linguistic Predictors of Psychological Adjustment in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4482. [PMID: 36901490 PMCID: PMC10002307 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 broke out in China in December 2019 and rapidly became a worldwide pandemic that demanded an extraordinary response from healthcare workers (HCWs). Studies conducted during the pandemic observed severe depression and PTSD in HCWs. Identifying early predictors of mental health disorders in this population is key to informing effective treatment and prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the power of language-based variables to predict PTSD and depression symptoms in HCWs. One hundred thirty-five HCWs (mean age = 46.34; SD = 10.96) were randomly assigned to one of two writing conditions: expressive writing (EW n = 73) or neutral writing (NW n = 62) and completed three writing sessions. PTSD and depression symptoms were assessed both pre- and post-writing. LIWC was used to analyze linguistic markers of four trauma-related variables (cognitive elaboration, emotional elaboration, perceived threat to life, and self-immersed processing). Changes in PTSD and depression were regressed onto the linguistic markers in hierarchical multiple regression models. The EW group displayed greater changes on the psychological measures and in terms of narrative categories deployed than the NW group. Changes in PTSD symptoms were predicted by cognitive elaboration, emotional elaboration, and perceived threat to life; changes in depression symptoms were predicted by self-immersed processing and cognitive elaboration. Linguistic markers can facilitate the early identification of vulnerability to mental disorders in HCWs involved in public health emergencies. We discuss the clinical implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Castiglioni
- Department of Human Sciences “R. Massa”, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Attà Negri
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24129 Bergamo, Italy
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4
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Carmassi C, Pedrinelli V, Antonini C, Dell'Oste V, Gravina D, Nardi B, Bertelloni CA, Massimetti G, Nieto-Munuera J, Dell'Osso L. Validation of the Spanish Version of the Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR): A Study on Healthcare Workers Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:495-506. [PMID: 36896340 PMCID: PMC9990502 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s396540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The present study aimed at reporting about the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self Report (TALS-SR), an instrument based on a multidimensional approach to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), including a range of threatening or traumatic experiences and significant losses, besides the spectrum of peri-traumatic stress reactions and post-traumatic stress symptoms that may occur. Methods A sample of 87 Health Care Workers (HCWs) employed in the COVID-19 Emergency Department at the Virgen de la Arrixaca and Reina Sofia Hospitals (Murcia, Spain) during the pandemic, was consecutively recruited and fulfilled the TALS-SR. Assessments also included the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), to examine post-traumatic stress symptoms and probable PTSD. Nineteen HCWs fulfilled the TALS-SR again after three weeks from baseline for test-retest reliability. Results This study provides evidence of good internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Spanish version of the TALS-SR. Strong support for the internal validity structure was obtained, with positive and significant correlations between the five symptomatologic domains and the symptomatologic total score. Significant and good correlations between the TALS-SR symptomatologic domains and the IES-R total and single domains' scores were found. The Questionnaire also demonstrated to discriminate between subjects with and without PTSD, with subjects with PTSD showing significantly higher mean scores in each domain of the TALS-SR. Conclusion This study validates the Spanish version of TALS-SR, providing a useful instrument for a spectrum approach to PTSD and confirms the potential utility of this psychometric tool in both clinical practice and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Corinna Antonini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Dell'Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Gravina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Benedetta Nardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Pahrol MA, Ismail R, Mohamad N, Lim YC, Muhamad Robat R, Rajendiran S, Syed Abu Thahir S, Abdul Shakor AS, Ramly N, Shaharudin R. Concerns, perceived impact, practices, preventive measures, and stress among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1028443. [PMID: 36935685 PMCID: PMC10018122 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1028443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been continually exposed to patients with COVID-19 and are at higher risk of contracting the disease. Their psychological health is important for overall wellbeing and productivity, which could lead to a reduction in human errors during the pandemic crisis. This study aimed to measure the level of concerns, work practices, adequacy of preventive measures among HCWs, and the impacts on their life and work, including mental health status during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed randomly to 1,050 HCWs from the Ministry of Health facilities in the Klang Valley who were involved directly in managing or screening COVID-19 cases from May to August 2020. The questionnaire was divided into five domains, which were concerns, impact on life and work, practice, perceived adequacy of preventive measures, and Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R). Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic predictors of the five domains. Results A total of 907 respondents (86.4%) participated in this survey. Approximately half of the respondents had a low concern (50.5%), most of them had a good practice (85.1%), with 67.5% perceiving there were adequate preventive measures, and they perceived the outbreak had a low impact (92%) on their life and work. From the IES-R domain, 18.6% of respondents potentially suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conclusion During the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia, HCWs practiced high levels of precautions and preventive measures because they were aware of the risk of infection as an occupational hazard. With the adequate implementation of policy and control measures, the psychological wellbeing of the majority HCWs remained well and adequately supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Alfatih Pahrol
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Muhammad Alfatih Pahrol
| | - Rohaida Ismail
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nadia Mohamad
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Yin Cheng Lim
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rosnawati Muhamad Robat
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Sakshaleni Rajendiran
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Syahidiah Syed Abu Thahir
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Ameerah Su'ad Abdul Shakor
- Surveillance and Preparedness Unit, Public Health Division, Selangor State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nurfatehar Ramly
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rafiza Shaharudin
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health of Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
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6
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Ciuffini R, Marrelli A, Leuter C, Stratta P, Paladini A, Ciccozzi A, Marsili I, Marinangeli F, Piroli A. The stress response of intensive care unit medical doctors facing repeated severe emergencies. Front Psychol 2022; 13:895954. [PMID: 36506986 PMCID: PMC9730870 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.895954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study assesses the psychopathological distress experienced by doctors working in an Intensive care unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These doctors were the same who faced the consequences of a previous natural disaster, a severe 6.3 magnitude earthquake. A second objective is to evaluate their current mental attitude, professional performances and coping strategies adopted in the pandemic in relation to the conditioning effect of that first emergency, the earthquake. Methods Thirty-seven ICU medical doctors were recruited and assessed using Rapid Stress Assessment (RSA) rating scale, Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III. Comparison between exposure to the earthquake and COVID pandemic has been made in terms of professional role and psychological burden. Results Comparison between 2009 earthquake catastrophe and COVID pandemic conditions evidenced relevant changes in professional role, team, environment, shifts, and work organization. Conclusion The doctors, who already experienced the 2009 earthquake reported a feeling of greater insecurity facing this latter catastrophe, the COVID pandemic, as well as perception of greater concern for their family and the global situation. However, having participated in the medical management of another emergency (the 2009 earthquake) appears to have contributed to limiting demoralization and psychological distress. The feeling of having greater decision-making possibilities and participation in the organization of work, strengthen coping skills in the face of the emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ciuffini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Antonella Paladini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ciccozzi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Ida Marsili
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Franco Marinangeli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Alba Piroli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
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Zhan J, Chen C, Yan X, Wei X, Zhan L, Chen H, Lu L. Relationship between social support, anxiety, and depression among frontline healthcare workers in China during COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:947945. [PMID: 36186880 PMCID: PMC9516096 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.947945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social support is an important factor affecting individual mental health. However, the relationship between social support and mental health in frontline healthcare workers (FHW) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has garnered less attention. In this study, we aimed to investigate the level of social support and the prevalence of depression and anxiety in FHW during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors affecting the relationship between social support, depression, and anxiety. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to collect data from FHW between 15 February and 31 March 2020 in China. The data included demographic factors, Self-rated Depression Scale (SDS), Self-rated Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS). Spearman correlation test was performed to determine the correlation among SAS, SDS, and SSRS scores. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship among demographic factors, social support, depression, and anxiety in FHW. Results Of all 201 participants, 44 (21.9%) had depressive symptoms and 32 (15.9%) had anxiety symptoms. The average total SSRS scores among FHW were lower than that of the norms of the Chinese general population (37.17 ± 7.54 versus 44.38 ± 8.38, P < 0.001). Marital status positively affected the SSRS score (β = 7.395, P < 0.01). Age over 40 years old negatively affected the SSRS score (β = -5.349, P = 0.017). The total SSRS score, subjective social support score, objective social support score, and support utilization score among FHW negatively correlated with the SAS score and SDS score (P < 0.05). A lower support utilization score was significantly associated with high anxiety and depressive symptoms (β = -0.869, P = 0.024; β = -1.088, P = 0.035, respectively). Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, FHW experienced depression, anxiety, and inadequate social support. The marital status and age had a major impact on social support. Social support was inversely associated with depression and anxiety. Improving the mental health of FHW by strengthening social support is crucial. Future studies are needed to investigate how to improve the level of social support and mental health condition of FHW facing public health emergencies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhan
- Postdoctoral Research Station, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Research and Data Center, South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Clinical Research and Data Center, South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Yan
- Clinical Research and Data Center, South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Wei
- Clinical Research and Data Center, South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lechang Zhan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxia Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liming Lu
- Clinical Research and Data Center, South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Carmassi C, Dell’Oste V, Barberi FM, Bertelloni CA, Pedrinelli V, Dell’Osso L. Mental Health Symptoms among General Practitioners Facing the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Detecting Different Reaction Groups. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074007. [PMID: 35409690 PMCID: PMC8998411 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
During the 2020 first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, general practitioners (GPs) represented the first line of primary care and were highly exposed to the pandemic risks, with a consequent risk of developing a wide range of mental health symptoms. However, scant data are still available on factors associated with a worse outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate mental health symptoms in 139 GPs in the aftermath of the first COVID-19 national lockdown in Italy, detecting groups of subjects with different depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptom severity. The impact of the mental health symptoms on quality of life and individual functioning were also evaluated. A cluster analysis identified three groups with mild (44.6%), moderate (35.3%), and severe psychopathological burden (20.1%). Higher symptom severity was related to younger age, fewer years in service as GPs, working in a high incidence area for the pandemic, having a relative at risk of medical complications due to COVID-19, besides more severe global functioning impairment, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. The present findings showed that GPs, forced to perform their professional activity in extremely stressful conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, were at high risk of developing mental health problems and a worse quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.B.); (C.A.B.); (V.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Valerio Dell’Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.B.); (C.A.B.); (V.P.); (L.D.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-2219760; Fax: +39-050-2219787
| | - Filippo Maria Barberi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.B.); (C.A.B.); (V.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Carlo Antonio Bertelloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.B.); (C.A.B.); (V.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.B.); (C.A.B.); (V.P.); (L.D.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.B.); (C.A.B.); (V.P.); (L.D.)
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9
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Carmassi C, Pedrinelli V, Dell'Oste V, Bertelloni CA, Grossi C, Gesi C, Cerveri G, Dell'Osso L. PTSD and Depression in Healthcare Workers in the Italian Epicenter of the COVID-19 Outbreak. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2022; 17:242-252. [PMID: 35173794 PMCID: PMC8728562 DOI: 10.2174/1745017902117010242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence highlights the susceptibility of Healthcare Workers to develop psychopathological sequelae, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression, in the current COronaVIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, but little data have been reported in the acute phase of the pandemic. Objective: To explore Healthcare Workers’ mental health reactions in the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first European epicenter (Lodi/Codogno, Italy), with particular attention to post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms and their interplay with other psychological outcomes. Methods: 74 Healthcare Workers employed at the Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale of Lodi (Lombardy, Italy) were recruited and assessed by means of the Impact of Event Scale- Revised, the Professional Quality of Life Scale-5, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item, the Resilience Scale and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were compared across three subgroups of the sample (No PTSD, PTSD only, PTSD and depression). Results: A total of 31% of subjects endorsed a diagnosis of PTSD and 28.4% reported PTSD comorbid with major depression. Females were more prone to develop post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms. Subjects with PTSD and depression groups showed high levels of PTSD, depression, burnout and impairment in functioning. Anxiety symptoms were higher in both PTSD and depression and PTSD groups rather than in the No PTSD group. Conclusion: Our results showed high rates of PTSD and depression among Healthcare Workers and their comorbidity overall being associated with worse outcomes. Current findings suggest that interventions to prevent and treat psychological implications among Healthcare Workers facing infectious outbreaks are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Dell'Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Grossi
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASST Lodi, Lodi, Italy
| | - Camilla Gesi
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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10
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Grandinetti P, Gooney M, Scheibein F, Testa R, Ruggieri G, Tondo P, Corona A, Boi G, Floris L, Profeta VF, Wells JSG, De Berardis D. Stress and Maladaptive Coping of Italians Health Care Professionals during the First Wave of the Pandemic. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11121586. [PMID: 34942888 PMCID: PMC8699311 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress during the pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs). However, little is known about coping and “maladaptive” coping behaviours of this population. This study investigates “maladaptive” coping behaviours and their correlation with stress, anxiety and insomnia of Italian HCPs during the pandemic. It reports on a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study based on a survey of 1955 Italian HCPs. Overall participants reported increases in cigarette smoking, time spent online and video playing. Overall reported alcohol consumption decreased but increased in those reporting drinking more than once a week. Those reporting starting smoking during the pandemic were found to have higher SAS and PSS scores. Those reporting being online for 3 or more hours were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing video games were found to have higher PSS, ISS and SAS scores whilst nurses who reported playing video games were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing for longer than one hour had higher PSS scores. Online behaviours may be a coping behaviour of HCPs affected by the pandemic. However, this is an underexplored area for the wellbeing of HCPs. These deficits need to be addressed going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Grandinetti
- Department of Territorial Assistance, ASL Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (P.G.); (G.R.); (P.T.)
| | - Martina Gooney
- School of Health Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, X91 K0EK Waterford, Ireland; (M.G.); (F.S.); (J.S.G.W.)
| | - Florian Scheibein
- School of Health Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, X91 K0EK Waterford, Ireland; (M.G.); (F.S.); (J.S.G.W.)
| | - Roberta Testa
- Department of Mental Health, ASL Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (R.T.); (V.F.P.)
| | - Gaetano Ruggieri
- Department of Territorial Assistance, ASL Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (P.G.); (G.R.); (P.T.)
| | - Paolo Tondo
- Department of Territorial Assistance, ASL Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (P.G.); (G.R.); (P.T.)
| | - Anastasia Corona
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ATTS Sardegna-Zona Sud, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.B.); (L.F.)
| | - Graziella Boi
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ATTS Sardegna-Zona Sud, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.B.); (L.F.)
| | - Luca Floris
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ATTS Sardegna-Zona Sud, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (A.C.); (G.B.); (L.F.)
| | - Valerio F. Profeta
- Department of Mental Health, ASL Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (R.T.); (V.F.P.)
| | - John S. G. Wells
- School of Health Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, X91 K0EK Waterford, Ireland; (M.G.); (F.S.); (J.S.G.W.)
| | - Domenico De Berardis
- Department of Territorial Assistance, ASL Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (P.G.); (G.R.); (P.T.)
- Correspondence:
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