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Gallinella F, Trotta F, Fortinguerra F. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on prescription of psychotropic medications in the Italian paediatric population during 2020. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:102. [PMID: 38764095 PMCID: PMC11103882 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01670-5] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a global perception that psychotropic utilization in children and adolescents is increasing, especially with the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Available literature data on paediatric psychotropic medication prescriptions in Italy are limited to one or few regions and not updated. The aim of this study was to provide updated data on psychotropic prescriptions referred to the whole Italian paediatric population, as overall and by subgroups of medications and to evaluate if the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 had an impact on prescription rates. METHODS A descriptive study on psychotropic drug utilization in children and adolescents (< 18 years) resident in all Italian regions during 2020 was performed. Patients registered in the Pharmaceutical Prescriptions database with at least one prescription/dispensing of a psychotropic medication (antipsychotics-N05A), (antidepressants-N06A) and (psychostimulants-N06BA) during the study period were considered. The indicators used were the prescription rate (number of prescriptions per 1000 children) and prevalence of use (proportion of the paediatric population with at least one prescription in the relevant year). RESULTS During the 2020 the prevalence of psychotropic drug use in the paediatric population was 0.3%, increased of 7.8% if compared to 2019. The same trend was observed for the prescription rate, which recorded an average of 28.2 per 1000 children with an increase of 11.6% if compared to previous year, representing the 0.6% of the overall drug use in this age group. The data showed a growing trend prescription by age, reaching the peak in adolescents aged 12-17 years old, with a prescription rate of 65 per 1000 children and a prevalence of 0.71%. Considering the subgroups of psychotropic medications, the highest prevalence of use was found for antipsychotic drugs, received by the 0.19% of the paediatric population during 2020. CONCLUSIONS Psychotropic drug utilization in children and adolescents has grown during 2020 in Italy and worldwide, raising alarms from health care clinicians and patient advocates about the increase of burden of mental diseases in paediatric population during the COVID-19 pandemic. A more systematic monitoring of the use of psychotropic medications should be implemented in all countries for collecting relevant information about children and adolescents taking psychotropic drugs, in order to address the present and the future of the mental health of the paediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Trotta
- Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), Via del Tritone, 181, Rome, 00187, Italy
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Henning G, de Oliveira RR, de Andrade MTP, Gallo RV, Benevides RR, Gomes RAF, Fukue LEK, Lima AV, de Oliveira MBBZN, de Oliveira DAM, Werpp M, Moraes L, Neto FL. Social skills training with a tabletop role-playing game, before and during the pandemic of 2020: in-person and online group sessions. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1276757. [PMID: 38250272 PMCID: PMC10796767 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1276757] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The area of social skills is broad, in theory and in practice. For social skills training, various clinical practices have been applied in group sessions, as have motivational resources such as role-playing games (RPGs). In recent years, the need arose to assess the clinical impact of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the impact that the pandemic has had on in-person and online social skills training. Methods We evaluated six subjects with autism spectrum disorder, with or without another, similar disorder, each of whom attended a total of 12 two-hour RPG sessions over a 12-month period. The original (Portuguese-language) version of the Social Skills Inventory for Adolescents was applied at three different time points (pre-, mid-, and post-intervention). Results After six in-person tabletop RPG sessions, there was an increase in the mean frequency scores and a decrease in the mean difficulty scores. However, during the pandemic, the remaining six sessions were conducted online and the effect was the opposite. Conclusion Our data indicate that there is a need for further studies assessing social skills training in online contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Henning
- Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Raissa Roberti Benevides
- Department of General Psychology and Behavior Analysis, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | - Arthur Vaciloto Lima
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Morgana Werpp
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Moraes
- Department of Psychology, Nove de Julho University, São Paulo, Brazil
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Yu X, Du H, Li D, Sun P, Pi S. The Influence of Social Exclusion on High School Students' Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:4725-4735. [PMID: 38024658 PMCID: PMC10676663 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s431622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose High school students face various pressures such as academic and interpersonal relationships, which can easily lead to depression. Social exclusion is one of the important influencing factors for adolescent depression, but there is still limited research on the mechanisms of the impact that social exclusion has on depression. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of social exclusion on depression among high school students, as well as the mediating role of thwarted belongingness and the moderating role of cognitive reappraisal. Methods Researchers assessed 1041 high school students using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Adolescent Social Exclusion Scale, Interpersonal Needs Scale, and Emotion Regulation Scale. Results (1) Social exclusion was negatively associated with cognitive reappraisal (r = -0.224, p < 0.001), and positively associated with thwarted belongingness and depression (r = 0.657, 0.490, p <0.001). Thwarted belongingness was positively associated with depression (r = 0.617, p <0.001), and negatively associated with cognitive reappraisal (r = -0.325, p <0.001). Cognitive reappraisal was negatively associated with depression (r = -0.280, p < 0.01). (2) Social exclusion could directly predict depression, 95% CI [0.08, 0.21]. Thwarted belongingness played a partial mediating role between social exclusion and depression, 95% CI [0.30, 0.40]. (3) Cognitive reappraisal moderated the predictive effect of thwarted belongingness on depression. Conclusion Social exclusion can influence depression through thwarted belongingness and cognitive reappraisal, and educators can reduce depression by decreasing thwarted belongingness and promoting the use of cognitive reappraisal strategies by high school students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Yu
- Department of Psychology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haixin Du
- Department of Psychology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Li
- Department of Psychology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peizhen Sun
- Department of Psychology, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiyi Pi
- Department of Psychology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, People’s Republic of China
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Ryan RE, Silke C, Parkhill A, Virgona A, Merner B, Hurley S, Walsh L, de Moel-Mandel C, Schonfeld L, Edwards AG, Kaufman J, Cooper A, Chung RKY, Solo K, Hellard M, Di Tanna GL, Pedrana A, Saich F, Hill S. Communication to promote and support physical distancing for COVID-19 prevention and control. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD015144. [PMID: 37811673 PMCID: PMC10561351 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review is an update of a rapid review undertaken in 2020 to identify relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control. The rapid review was published when little was known about transmission, treatment or future vaccination, and when physical distancing measures (isolation, quarantine, contact tracing, crowd avoidance, work and school measures) were the cornerstone of public health responses globally. This updated review includes more recent evidence to extend what we know about effective pandemic public health communication. This includes considerations of changes needed over time to maintain responsiveness to pandemic transmission waves, the (in)equities and variable needs of groups within communities due to the pandemic, and highlights again the critical role of effective communication as integral to the public health response. OBJECTIVES To update the evidence on the question 'What are relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control?', our primary focus was communication approaches to promote and support acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE to explore and identify key elements of effective communication for physical distancing measures for different (diverse) populations and groups. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception, with searches for this update including the period 1 January 2020 to 18 August 2021. Systematic review and study repositories and grey literature sources were searched in August 2021 and guidelines identified for the eCOVID19 Recommendations Map were screened (November 2021). SELECTION CRITERIA Guidelines or reviews focusing on communication (information, education, reminders, facilitating decision-making, skills acquisition, supporting behaviour change, support, involvement in decision-making) related to physical distancing measures for prevention and/or control of COVID-19 or selected other diseases (sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), influenza, Ebola virus disease (EVD) or tuberculosis (TB)) were included. New evidence was added to guidelines, reviews and primary studies included in the 2020 review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Methods were based on the original rapid review, using methods developed by McMaster University and informed by Cochrane rapid review guidance. Screening, data extraction, quality assessment and synthesis were conducted by one author and checked by a second author. Synthesis of results was conducted using modified framework analysis, with themes from the original review used as an initial framework. MAIN RESULTS This review update includes 68 studies, with 17 guidelines and 20 reviews added to the original 31 studies. Synthesis identified six major themes, which can be used to inform policy and decision-making related to planning and implementing communication about a public health emergency and measures to protect the community. Theme 1: Strengthening public trust and countering misinformation: essential foundations for effective public health communication Recognising the key role of public trust is essential. Working to build and maintain trust over time underpins the success of public health communications and, therefore, the effectiveness of public health prevention measures. Theme 2: Two-way communication: involving communities to improve the dissemination, accessibility and acceptability of information Two-way communication (engagement) with the public is needed over the course of a public health emergency: at first, recognition of a health threat (despite uncertainties), and regularly as public health measures are introduced or adjusted. Engagement needs to be embedded at all stages of the response and inform tailoring of communications and implementation of public health measures over time. Theme 3: Development of and preparation for public communication: target audience, equity and tailoring Communication and information must be tailored to reach all groups within populations, and explicitly consider existing inequities and the needs of disadvantaged groups, including those who are underserved, vulnerable, from diverse cultural or language groups, or who have lower educational attainment. Awareness that implementing public health measures may magnify existing or emerging inequities is also needed in response planning, enactment and adjustment over time. Theme 4: Public communication features: content, timing and duration, delivery Public communication needs to be based on clear, consistent, actionable and timely (up-to-date) information about preventive measures, including the benefits (whether for individual, social groupings or wider society), harms (likewise) and rationale for use, and include information about supports available to help follow recommended measures. Communication needs to occur through multiple channels and/or formats to build public trust and reach more of the community. Theme 5: Supporting behaviour change at individual and population levels Supporting implementation of public health measures with practical supports and services (e.g. essential supplies, financial support) is critical. Information about available supports must be widely disseminated and well understood. Supports and communication related to them require flexibility and tailoring to explicitly consider community needs, including those of vulnerable groups. Proactively monitoring and countering stigma related to preventive measures (e.g. quarantine) is also necessary to support adherence. Theme 6: Fostering and sustaining receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication Efforts to foster and sustain public receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication are needed throughout a public health emergency. Trust, acceptance and behaviours change over time, and communication needs to be adaptive and responsive to these changing needs. Ongoing community engagement efforts should inform communication and public health response measures. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Implications for practice Evidence highlights the critical role of communication throughout a public health emergency. Like any intervention, communication can be done well or poorly, but the consequences of poor communication during a pandemic may mean the difference between life and death. The approaches to effective communication identified in this review can be used by policymakers and decision-makers, working closely with communication teams, to plan, implement and adjust public communications over the course of a public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for research Despite massive growth in research during the COVID-19 period, gaps in the evidence persist and require high-quality, meaningful research. This includes investigating the experiences of people at heightened COVID-19 risk, and identifying barriers to implementing public communication and protective health measures particular to lower- and middle-income countries, and how to overcome these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Ryan
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Charlotte Silke
- UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Anne Parkhill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Ariane Virgona
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Bronwen Merner
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Shauna Hurley
- Cochrane Australia, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louisa Walsh
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lina Schonfeld
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Adrian Gk Edwards
- Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN , UK
- PRIME Centre Wales, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jessica Kaufman
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Vaccine Uptake Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute , The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alison Cooper
- Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN , UK
- PRIME Centre Wales, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | | | - Karla Solo
- GRADE McMaster & Cochrane Canada, Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University , Hamilton, Ontario , Canada
| | | | - Gian Luca Di Tanna
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Sophie Hill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
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Benzi IMA, Compare A, Tona AL, Di Nuovo S, Lazzari D, Lingiardi V, Coco GL, Parolin L. PsyCARE study: assessing impact, cost-effectiveness, and transdiagnostic factors of the Italian ministry of health's "psychological bonus" policy. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:306. [PMID: 37798802 PMCID: PMC10557166 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01345-6] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders is surging worldwide, prompting a pressing demand for psychological interventions, especially in less severe cases. Responding to this need, the Italian government implemented the "Psychological Bonus" (PB) policy, allotting 25 million euros for mental health support. This policy entitles individuals to a minimum of four to twelve psychological sessions. In collaboration with the National Board of Italian Psychologists, our study assesses this policy's effectiveness. Indeed, the PsyCARE study aims to examine the utilization of the Psychological Bonus, evaluate its impact on adult and adolescent participants' psychological well-being through pre- and post-intervention assessments and six-month follow-up, and conduct a longitudinal cost-effectiveness analysis of this policy. A secondary aim is to investigate the influence of these interventions on transdiagnostic factors, including emotion regulation and epistemic trust. METHODS The study involves licensed psychotherapists and their patients, both adults and adolescents, benefiting from the Psychological Bonus. Data collection is underway and set to conclude in December 2023. Psychotherapists will provide diagnostic information and assess patient functioning. In addition, patients will be evaluated on mental health aspects such as clinical symptoms, emotion regulation, epistemic trust, and quality of life. We will employ linear mixed-effects models to analyze the outcomes, accounting for both fixed and random effects to capture the hierarchical structure of the data. DISCUSSION We anticipate the study's findings will highlight reduced psychological distress and improved quality of life for participants and demonstrate the Psychological Bonus policy's cost-effectiveness. The study will gather data on the role of specific versus nonspecific therapeutic factors in psychotherapy while adopting a patient-tailored approach to identify effective therapeutic elements and examine transdiagnostic factors. Overall, this study's findings will guide future measures within the Italian healthcare system, fostering a psychological health culture and providing valuable insights to the broader public. STUDY REGISTRATION https://osf.io/6zk2j.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria M A Benzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelo Compare
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Antonino La Tona
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Science of Education, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - David Lazzari
- National Board of Italian Psychologists (CNOP), Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Parolin
- National Board of Italian Psychologists (CNOP), Rome, Italy.
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, Milan, 20126, Italy.
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Hong JS, Choi MJ, Wade RM, O'Donnell LA, Johns S. Racial/ethnic differences in parenting behaviors as protective factors in adolescent internalizing problems. THE JOURNAL OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 150:467-484. [PMID: 36576224 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2022.2152414] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The current study explores variations among racially/ethnically diverse adolescents regarding parents' role in mitigating internalizing problems. Adolescents with a higher level of parental awareness, ease of talking to parents, and parental support were less likely to show internalizing problems. Parental awareness was negatively associated with internalizing problems among Whites and Hispanics. The ease of talking to parents was significant for all groups except for American Indians/Alaska Natives. These findings can inform culturally relevant treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sung Hong
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mi Jin Choi
- School of Social Work, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Ryan M Wade
- School of Social Work, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Shantalea Johns
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Raudenská J, Gumančík J, Raudenský M, Pasqualucci A, Narvaez Tamayo MA, Varrassi G, Javůrková A. Play as a Stress-Coping Method Among Children in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e43550. [PMID: 37719538 PMCID: PMC10502394 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43550] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which started in early 2020, has been a great source of stress for almost every person all around the world. However, this is particularly true for children. It is necessary to fully address the stress-related psychosocial issues connected with the pandemic, solely in children. Play is important for children's development, as it is a natural activity for every child. Through play and play-based interventions, children can communicate non-verbally, symbolically, and in an action-oriented manner. Therefore, play-based interventions may have the potential to be one of the coping strategies used by children who experience stress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this narrative review was to show how play-based activities could help children deal with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the non-clinical population. A systematic search of the literature in various databases was performed. The initial search provided 5,004 potentially eligible studies in various databases, and 42,201 records identified from Google Scholar. After excluding studies not meeting the inclusive criteria, nine papers were selected for this narrative review. This narrative review showed findings that play-based activities can have a positive effect during the COVID-19 pandemic on different stress levels in the children population. Additionally, the findings of this review highlight the importance of further research and implementation of play into many aspects of children's life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslava Raudenská
- Nursing, Second Faculty of Medicine, Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, CZE
| | - Jiří Gumančík
- Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Northumbria in Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, GBR
| | | | | | | | | | - Alena Javůrková
- Clinical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Charles University, Prague, CZE
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Carter DS, Andersen C, Abawi LA. In Sync: Inclusive school communities supporting students with anxiety. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16447. [PMID: 37426798 PMCID: PMC10329113 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the experiences of educators (working in inclusive schools) supporting students with anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Method A qualitative refractive phenomenological case study was used to collect data from 44 participants (educators in various roles) in six Australian primary and secondary schools, which previous research identified as using inclusive practices to support a diverse range of students. Results Educators shared that they supported what they saw as learning needs using intrinsic, intuitive, and inclusive (3I's) ways of working. Interestingly, all educators reported that students felt supported despite a lack of explicit strategies focused on reducing anxiety. The 3I's were a way of working educators used to support all students, even though they experienced difficulties in recognising anxiety as behaviours were often internalised. This was particularly the case where disability and anxiety disorders co-occurred. Furthermore, educators did not identify evidence to support any one type of intervention being effective in mitigating anxiety. Conclusions The data suggests that there is a culture of inclusion reducing student anxiety, even though teachers and support staff may not have recognise the student's anxiety. Parents were mostly the first identifier of anxiety in their child. This research highlights the need for educators to engage in professional development around recognising anxiety and, secondly, in the implementation of specific strategies to support students with anxiety or anxiety-related disorders.
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Pastorino GMG, Marino M, Aiello S, D’Auria R, Meccariello R, Santoro A, Viggiano A, Operto FF. COVID-19 Pandemic: 1-Year Follow-Up in Children and Adolescents with Neuropsychiatric Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3924. [PMID: 36900934 PMCID: PMC10001828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies have focused on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. The objective of our work was to evaluate the changes in emotional and behavioral symptoms in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders and the impact on parenting stress 1 year after the first national lockdown. METHODS We enrolled 369 patients aged 1.5-18 years of age referred to the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno (Italy) by their parents. We asked their parents to complete two standardized questionnaires for the assessment of emotional/behavioral symptoms (Child Behavior CheckList, CBCL) and parental stress (Parenting Stress Index, PSI) prior to the pandemic (Time 0), during the first national lockdown (Time 1) and after 1 year (Time 2), and we monitored the changes in symptoms over time. RESULTS After 1 year from the start of the first national lockdown, we found a significant increase of internalizing problems, anxiety, depression, somatization, and social and oppositional-defiant problems in older children (6-18 years), and a significant increase of somatization, anxiety problems, and sleep problems in younger children (1.5-5 years). We also observed a significant relationship between emotional/behavioral symptoms and parental stress. CONCLUSION Our study showed that parental stress levels increased compared to the pre-pandemic months and continues to persist over time, while internalizing symptoms of children and adolescents showed a significant worsening during 1 year follow-up from the first COVID-19 lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianna Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Salvatore Aiello
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
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Zhang Y, Jia X. When fate hands you lemons: A moderated moderation model of bullying victimization and psychological distress among Chinese adolescents during floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1010408. [PMID: 36935965 PMCID: PMC10020194 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1010408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bullying is a major problem worldwide and has numerous detrimental effects on the mental health of victims. The link between bullying and psychological distress in adolescents is well known. However, few studies have analyzed the impact of combined interpersonal, peer, and cultural factors on psychological distress using a social-ecological system framework in Eastern countries. Negotiable fate is a cultural belief common in Eastern societies that suggests that people can negotiate with fate for more control by exercising personal agency within the limits of what fate has determined. This study examined the moderating effects of neuroticism and negotiable fate on the relationship between bullying victimization and psychological distress among Chinese adolescents. Moreover, human society commonly suffers from multiple disasters that lead to severe mental health problems. There are few empirical studies on the effects of bullying among adolescents in multiple disaster contexts. This study included participants who experienced floods and COVID-19 simultaneously in 2021. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional cluster sampling study from August 6 to 9, 2021, approximately 2 weeks after the start of the Zhengzhou City flooding and 7 days after the new wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Zhengzhou City. The study included 1,207 participants (52.4% men, n = 633; M age = 14.36, SD = 0.94) from a middle school in Zhengzhou City, China. Results The results revealed that bullying was positively linked to psychological distress (β = 0.5.34, p < 0.001, [0.73, 9.95]). Neuroticism and negotiable fate significantly moderated the relationship between the effects of bullying and psychological distress (β = -3.58, p < 0.05, 95% CI [-6.12, -1.04]). Specifically, high neuroticism increased the risk of psychological distress in adolescents bullied before a disaster. High or low neuroticism and high negotiable fate buffered the link between bullying and psychological distress. Conclusion This study showed that neuroticism and negotiable fate moderated the relationship between bullying victimization and psychological distress in Chinese students with COVID-19 and flood disasters. High negotiable fate and high or low neuroticism could help adolescents bullied in school to be immune from psychological distress in catastrophe. The results highlight the importance of considering the interplay between bullying, neuroticism, and a sense of controllable destiny when examining adolescents' psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchi Zhang
- Department of Educational Technology, School of Smart Education, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jia
- College of Teacher Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyu Jia,
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11
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Renzi A, Conte G, Tambelli R. Somatic, Emotional and Behavioral Symptomatology in Children during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Children's and Parents' Alexithymia. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:2171. [PMID: 36360512 PMCID: PMC9691013 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected the psychophysical wellbeing of children worldwide. Alexithymia, a personality trait involving difficulties in identifying and expressing feelings represents a vulnerability factor for stress-related disorders. Under pandemic stress exposure, we aimed to investigate the role of parents' and children's alexithymia in the psychophysical symptomatology shown by children and to evaluate possible differences according to age, gender and history of COVID-19 infections. The perception of parents and children about the impact of the pandemic on children's emotional, social and physiological wellbeing was also explored. Sixty-five familial triads were surveyed in the period from March to May 2022: children (n = 33 males; mean age = 9.53, sd = 1.55), mothers (mean age = 44.12; sd = 6.10) and fathers (mean age = 47.10; sd = 7.8). Both parental and children's alexithymia scores were significantly associated with somatic and externalizing symptomatology in children. Self-reported anger and externally oriented thinking scores were higher in younger children (age 8-9.9 years) than in older ones (10-12 years). Girls scored higher than boys in somatic complaints, as reported by parents. No difference emerged between children affected/not affected by COVID-19. Notably, children reported a greater negative impact of the pandemic on their emotional and psychosocial well-being than their parents. The findings emphasize the role of alexithymia in the occurrence of psychophysical symptoms in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduced parental awareness of the emotional burden imposed by the pandemic on children indicates the need to better consider how epidemics affect children's mental health and to develop adequate preventive strategies to support them in these exceptional times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Institute of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Institute of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
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12
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Alcántara-López M, Castro M, Martínez-Pérez A, Fernández V, Negrón-Medina K, López-Soler C. Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence During Confinement: Characteristics by Age and Sex. Front Psychol 2022; 13:889697. [PMID: 35795449 PMCID: PMC9251406 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.889697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions imposed to stop its advance have affected the entire population. Children living with difficulties or in vulnerable situations prior to the pandemic might have suffered an even greater impact. This present study examines the psychological impact of quarantine on children and adolescents exposed to intimate partner violence against their mothers. Participants were 185 mothers who reported 269 children, as well as 108 children who self-reported. An emotional and behavioral checklist was administered to both mothers and children throughout confinement. Results show mothers observed changes in their children's psychological state. Children, in turn, reported an increase in different variables. Mothers reported a higher percentage of overall increase for both general and severe symptoms than their children. Differences were found by sex and age. Future research with similar population groups is necessary to establish the support and intervention children require in similar contexts, as well as to clarify possible causes of differences found by age and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mavi Alcántara-López
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Spanish Association for the Development of Mental Health in Childhood and Youth, “I Want to Grow”, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maravillas Castro
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Spanish Association for the Development of Mental Health in Childhood and Youth, “I Want to Grow”, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonia Martínez-Pérez
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Spanish Association for the Development of Mental Health in Childhood and Youth, “I Want to Grow”, Murcia, Spain
| | - Visitación Fernández
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Spanish Association for the Development of Mental Health in Childhood and Youth, “I Want to Grow”, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Concepción López-Soler
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Spanish Association for the Development of Mental Health in Childhood and Youth, “I Want to Grow”, Murcia, Spain
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13
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Bundscherer-Meierhofer K, Rauch M, Loew TH, Leinberger B. RESET-APP: ein App-basiertes Angebot zur Selbstregulation für Schüler*innen der Sekundarstufe I – Akzeptanz und Nutzungsverhalten. PRÄVENTION UND GESUNDHEITSFÖRDERUNG 2022. [PMCID: PMC9120805 DOI: 10.1007/s11553-022-00952-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Die COVID-19-Pandemie („coronavirus disease 2019“) hat immense Auswirkungen auf die psychische Gesundheit. Kinder und Jugendliche gelten hierbei als besonders vulnerabel. Deshalb sind gerade für sie Angebote zur Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention wichtig. Gesundheitsförderung sollte motivierend gestaltet werden, um für diese Altersgruppe attraktiv zu sein. Ziel dieser Arbeit war zu untersuchen, ob Jugendliche mithilfe von innovativen digitalen Formaten erreicht werden können. Methodik Es wurde ein App-basiertes Training zur Förderung der Selbstregulation für die Sekundarstufe I konzipiert und Jugendlichen der Sekundarstufe I im Herbst 2020 angeboten. Hier wurde u. a. die Art der Motivation zur Teilnahme am Training abgefragt. Zudem konnten die Schüler*innen die Attraktivität des Trainings abschließend bewerten. Ergebnis Von den registrierten Schüler*innen (n = 91) absolvierten 39,56 % das komplette Training. 40,91 % der Schüler*innen, die das Training vollständig absolviert haben, gaben an, dass das Training „sehr“ hilfreich war, 36,36 % bewerteten es als „ziemlich“ hilfreich. 50 % der Befragten fand das App-basierte Training „modern und motivierend“, die andere Hälfte hätte sich jedoch mehr persönliche Betreuung gewünscht. Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse decken sich mit den Ergebnissen bereits veröffentlichter Studien: Heranwachsende sind zwar prinzipiell offen für digitale Formate, jene werden aber kaum verbindlich und kontinuierlich genutzt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bundscherer-Meierhofer
- Abteilung für Psychosomatische Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Margarete Rauch
- Abteilung für Psychosomatische Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Thomas H. Loew
- Abteilung für Psychosomatische Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Beate Leinberger
- Abteilung für Psychosomatische Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Deutschland
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14
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Gilligan C, Sresthaporn N, Mulligan A. COVID-19 and mental health of primary school children: Comparison of 2019 and 2020. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:891-894. [PMID: 35297078 PMCID: PMC9111544 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is believed that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated global school closures may have an adverse effect on children's mental health. METHODS We performed repeated measures of the mental health of children attending one primary school in Ireland before and during the quarantine phase of the first wave of the pandemic. We used the 'My Feelings Form', which is a 14-item colourful self-report measure which was completed in the classroom in 2019 and via postal survey in 2020. RESULTS We had an 87% response rate in 2019 and a 35% response rate via postal return in 2020. We found no evidence of a change in mean measures of mental health between 2019 and 2020, in the 35% who responded in 2020. CONCLUSION There is a cohort of children who were not adversely affected by the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic and associated school closures in Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Gilligan
- School of MedicineUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | | | - Aisling Mulligan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Catherine McAuley Education and Research CentreUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
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15
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle behaviors in children and adolescents: an international overview. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:22. [PMID: 35120570 PMCID: PMC8815717 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01211-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The adverse effects of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are not limited to the related infectious disease. In children and adolescents, serious risks due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are also related to its indirect effects. These include an unbalanced diet with an increased risk of weight excess or nutritional deficiencies, increased sedentary lifestyle, lack of schooling, social isolation, and impaired mental health. Pediatricians should be aware of the side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s diet, physical mental health and advise the families according to their nutritional needs and financial resources. Moreover, the lack of a targeted therapy able to offer protection against the deleterious effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection should require a greater effort by scientific societies to find a more effective prevention strategy. In this context, much interest should be given to nutritional support, able to contrast malnutrition and to stimulate the immune system.
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Amorós-Reche V, Belzunegui-Pastor À, Hurtado G, Espada JP. Emotional Problems in Spanish Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. CLÍNICA Y SALUD 2022. [DOI: 10.5093/clysa2022a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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17
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Povero M, Turco P, Dal Negro RW. The Emotional Response to Pandemic of Middle- and High-School Students of an Italian Northern Province: The ERP Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9010059. [PMID: 35053684 PMCID: PMC8774327 DOI: 10.3390/children9010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak variably affected people’s mental reactions worldwide but was only episodically investigated in healthy Italian teenagers. Our aim was to investigate the emotional responses of Italian middle and high school students to the pandemic. An anonymous 10-item questionnaire was distributed in pre-selected school samples. Responders had to score their perceived extent for each reaction from 0 (lowest perception) to 10 (highest perception). A group of adults was selected as control. Generalized linear models were used to estimate differences among adults and students, high school (HS) and middle school (MS) students, and urban (U) and rural (R) MS students. Comparisons were presented as mean difference (Δ) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 1512 questionnaires (635 adults, 744 HS, 67 UMS, and 66 RMS) were analyzed. Students appeared more indifferent (Δ = 1.97, 1.52–2.41), anxious (Δ = 0.56, 0.07–1.04), aggressive (Δ = 2.21, 1.72–2.70), and depressed (Δ = 1.87, 1.40–2.34) than adults did, and claimed a higher loss of interest in their activities (Δ = 1.21, 0.72–1.70). Students were less disbelieving (Δ = −0.93, −1.50–0.35) and feared for their loved ones (Δ = −0.89, −1.40–0.39). MS students were less affected by the outbreak than HS students were. Furthermore, R-MS students were significantly less aggressive and depressed, but more indifferent and disbelieving than U-MS. Female sex was an independent factor associated to almost all the questionnaire domains. The pattern of the psychological responses to the pandemic in Italian students proved multifaceted. In addition to anxiety, loss of interest in activities, and depression, aggressiveness emerged as the most characterizing mental attitude in response to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Povero
- AdRes Health Economics and Outcome Research, 10121 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Paola Turco
- Research & Clinical Governance, 37100 Verona, Italy; (P.T.); (R.W.D.N.)
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18
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Hollmann K, Hohnecker CS, Haigis A, Alt AK, Kühnhausen J, Pascher A, Wörz U, App R, Lautenbacher H, Renner TJ, Conzelmann A. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:989550. [PMID: 36329915 PMCID: PMC9624471 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.989550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in childhood and adolescence often leads to significant impairment in various areas of life and has a high risk of becoming chronic. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recommended first-line treatment, but it is too rarely implemented in accordance with guidelines and is often not available close to the patient's home. Importantly, internet-based CBT could help to reduce this gap in care. Having previously successfully demonstrated the feasibility of an internet-based CBT approach, we aimed to assess its effectiveness in a waiting list controlled randomized trial. METHODS Children and adolescents aged 6-18 years with a principal diagnosis of OCD received 14 sessions of therapist-delivered CBT via videoconference distributed over 16 weeks. After inclusion, participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment or waiting list group. Participants in the treatment group began treatment immediately after baseline diagnostics, and participants in the waiting list group began treatment after a 16-week waiting period. The primary outcome was a pre-post comparison of OCD symptoms as measured with the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS). Additionally, remission was an important outcome measure. Follow-up assessments were conducted for all measures 16 and 32 weeks after completion of treatment. RESULTS A total of 60 children and adolescents were included into the analyses. Over the course of the treatment, OCD symptoms according to the CY-BOCS significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to the waiting-list control group. Cohen's d between groups was 1.63. After the patients in the waiting list group also received the treatment, the OCD symptoms decreased significantly in this group as well. This improvement of symptoms increased over the course of the follow-up assessments. Remission rate peaked at the 32-week follow-up, with 68% in the treatment group and 79% in the waiting list group. Importantly, patient satisfaction with treatment was high to very high. CONCLUSION In our study, OCD symptoms decreased significantly and remission rate was high after internet-based CBT. Those effects were comparable to those found in studies of face-to-face treatment. Although further evidence is needed, these are early indications that our approach may be a viable way to provide access to adequate treatment for children and adolescents affected by OCD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT05037344].
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Hollmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carolin S Hohnecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna Haigis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika K Alt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Kühnhausen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anja Pascher
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ursula Wörz
- Section for Information Technology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rehan App
- Section for Information Technology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Tobias J Renner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annette Conzelmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Psychology (Clinical Psychology II), Private University of Applied Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
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Ramsammy CW, Galvin L, Joyce C, Leshabane G, Buckley J, Otwombe K, Liberty A, Violari A. Children's Positive and Negative Emotional Responses to an HIV Disclosure Study in South Africa. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:857336. [PMID: 35712628 PMCID: PMC9192950 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.857336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefits of HIV status disclosure to children is widely cited. However, few studies have reported how children respond to the process in a longitudinal fashion. This paper describes children's responses, as documented by healthcare providers (HCPs), during a longitudinal disclosure study conducted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, South Africa. Two HCPs facilitating disclosure recorded observations of 30 participating children (60% female), aged 7-13 years. Participants attended an average of six disclosure counseling sessions over 78 weeks. Observations documented by HCPs included the child's behavior and expressed emotions during the disclosure counseling sessions. The data was analyzed using content analysis. Mixed responses were observed in children who received full disclosure (27/30), with more children responding with strong negative emotions (16/27). However, 10 of those responded well to reassurance, and emotionally improved over subsequent sessions. Improvements were also observed in the communication and relationship between caregivers and children (17/30). Although most children understood the disclosure content (17/30), many were avoidant of the topic of HIV (16/30). With the understanding of the complex range of emotions elicited by HIV disclosure, we can better prepare HCPs on what to anticipate and train caregivers to further manage negative responses post-disclosure. This in turn may lead to more positive experiences of disclosure and the child's healthy acceptance of their HIV status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice W Ramsammy
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lisa Galvin
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Celeste Joyce
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Given Leshabane
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janice Buckley
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Afaaf Liberty
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Avy Violari
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Menculini G, Pomili G, Brufani F, Minuti A, Mancini N, D'Angelo M, Biscontini S, Mancini E, Savini A, Orsolini L, Volpe U, Tortorella A, Steardo L. COVID-19 and Youth Psychopathological Distress in Umbria, Central Italy: A 2-Year Observational Study in a Real-World Setting. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:869326. [PMID: 35664479 PMCID: PMC9160367 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.869326] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents and young adults represent a vulnerable population in the context of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present retrospective study aims to investigate the pandemic's psychological impact on adolescents and young adults by analyzing data from an outpatient mental health service dedicated to youths in Umbria, central Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical charts of subjects aged 14-24 who first accessed the service in the timeframe between March 1st, 2019, and February 28th, 2021, were reviewed. Subjects were divided into two subgroups according to the period of time when they accessed the service (pre-COVID-19 vs. during- COVID-19 outbreak). Bivariate analyses were performed using the Chi-square test and the Welch's t-test. A secondary analysis was performed considering only subjects suffering from psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, data concerning individuals who were already followed by the service before the pandemic were analyzed by the McNemar's test and the t-paired test to assess changes in treatment features. RESULTS The number of new accesses during the pandemic period remained stable. After the emergency onset, youths accessing the service showed a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders (p = 0.022). During the COVID-19 period, services were more frequently delivered by using a digital mental health approach (p = 0.001). Psychopharmacological treatment was more frequently prescribed among subjects that were referred to the service after the pandemic onset (p = 0.033). As for substance use, a highly significant reduction in opioid use was observed (p = 0.003). Family therapy was delivered less frequently in the during-COVID-19 subgroup, especially in the subpopulation of subjects suffering from psychiatric disorders (p = 0.013). When considering subjects referred to the service in the pre-COVID-19 period, the number of interventions provided to this population increased after the pandemic outbreak (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION In the context of the COVID-19-related public health crisis, youths represent an at-risk population for which pathways to care should be reinforced, and targeted interventions, including psychosocial treatments, should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Menculini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pomili
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Brufani
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Agnese Minuti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Niccolò Mancini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina D'Angelo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sonia Biscontini
- Mental Heath Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale (AUSL) Umbria 2, Terni, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Savini
- Comunità "La Tenda" Cooperativa Sociale, Foligno, Italy
| | - Laura Orsolini
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Umberto Volpe
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alfonso Tortorella
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Wang S, Chen L, Ran H, Che Y, Fang D, Sun H, Peng J, Liang X, Xiao Y. Depression and anxiety among children and adolescents pre and post COVID-19: A comparative meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:917552. [PMID: 35990058 PMCID: PMC9381924 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.917552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published studies in comparing pre and post the COVID-19 pandemic depression and anxiety levels among children and adolescents yielded incongruent results. Therefore, there is a necessity to perform a timely meta-analysis to synthesize existing evidence. METHODS A total of 10 digital databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, CNKI, WanFang, CQVIP) were fully searched for eligible studies published before November 6, 2021. Based on quality assessment results, relevant data were extracted for eligible studies of higher quality. We combined standardized mean difference (SMD) or prevalence ratio (RR) for anxiety and depression pre and post the COVID-19 pandemic by using random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis was further performed to evaluate heterogeneity of included studies. RESULTS 14,508 articles were preliminarily identified, and after stepwise screening process, 8 articles were included eventually. The results showed that the SMD for post COVID-19 anxiety score measured by GAD-7 was 0.12 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.17), an significant increase compared with pre COVID-19 period; the SMDs and 95% CIs for post COVID-18 depression scores measured by PHQ-9, PHQ-8, and MFQ were 0.17 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.24), 0.23 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.38), and 0.11 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.17), respectively, also significantly increased compared with pre COVID-19 period. The RR for depression was 2.54 (95% CI: 2.48, 2.60) in post COVID-19 period when compared with pre-pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Children and adolescents reported deteriorated anxiety and depression levels after the COVID-19 pandemic. More attention should be paid to this vulnerable group. Effective, expedient, and practical intervention measures which are compatible with COVID-19 prevention and control policies should be developed and implemented to maintain mental health wellbeing of the youths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hailiang Ran
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yusan Che
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Die Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Junwei Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xuemeng Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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22
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Lebrun-Harris LA, Sappenfield OR, Warren MD. Missed and Delayed Preventive Health Care Visits Among US Children Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Public Health Rep 2021; 137:336-343. [PMID: 34969335 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211061322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial drop in US children's preventive care, which had not fully rebounded by the end of 2020. We sought to estimate the overall prevalence of missed, skipped, or delayed preventive checkups among households with children in the last 12 months because of the pandemic. METHODS We used data from the US Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, Phase 3.1 (collected April-May 2021). The analytic sample included 48 824 households with ≥1 child or adolescent aged <18 years. We estimated both national and state-level prevalences, examined associations with sociodemographic and household characteristics, and described reasons for missed or delayed preventive visits. RESULTS Overall, 26.4% (95% CI, 25.5%-27.2%) of households reported that ≥1 child or adolescent had missed or delayed a preventive visit because of COVID-19; percentages varied by state, from 17.9% in Wyoming to 37.0% in Vermont. The prevalence of missed or delayed preventive visits was significantly higher among respondents who reported material hardships (ie, not caught up on rent/mortgage, difficulty paying usual household expenses, children not eating enough because of lack of affordability) than among respondents who did not report material hardships. The most common reasons for missing or delaying preventive visits were concern about visiting a health care provider, limited appointment availability, and the provider's location being closed. CONCLUSIONS Programs and policies could reduce gaps in children's preventive care caused by the pandemic, with a particular focus on addressing social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydie A Lebrun-Harris
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Olivia R Sappenfield
- US Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Michael D Warren
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD, USA
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23
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Cekic S, Karali Z, Cicek F, Canitez Y, Sapan N. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adolescents with Asthma. J Korean Med Sci 2021; 36:e339. [PMID: 34931499 PMCID: PMC8688346 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting people at any age and there is limited information about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with asthma. In the present study, it was aimed to assess the attitudes of adolescents with asthma toward the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the effects of the pandemic on their QoL. METHODS In total, 125 adolescents with asthma and 98 healthy adolescents participated in the present study. The questionnaire form consisted of three parts. In the first part, all the participants were asked whether they complied with the protective measures against COVID-19. The second part included questions for measuring the participants' level of concern about COVID-19, while the third part consisted of EUROHIS-QOL 8. RESULTS The patient and control groups were similar in terms of the female/male ratio (55/70 and 48/50, respectively) and mean participant age (14.6 ± 2 and 15.1 ± 1.65 years, respectively) (P = 0.459 and P = 0.062, respectively). The prevalence of COVID-19 in the patients (n = 2, 1.6%) was lower than that in the controls (n = 6, 6.1%); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.142). The total EUROHIS-QOL score was significantly lower in the patients (31.2 ± 6.7) than in the controls (33.7 ± 4.4) (P < 0.001). The total QoL scores of asthmatic adolescents without other allergic disease (31.4 ± 6.7) was also lower than those of the controls (33.7 ± 4.4) (P = 0.009). Treatment disruption was significantly more common in patients who received subcutaneous immunotherapy (n = 20, 48.8%) than in those who did not (n = 8, 9.5%) (P < 0.001). Moreover, the patients had lower EUROHIS-QOL scores in the overall QoL, general health, finance, and home domains. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that the mean QoL score of asthmatic adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic is lower than in the healthy population. Disruption in their treatment was most common in patients with asthma who were receiving subcutaneous immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukru Cekic
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Karali
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Fatih Cicek
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Yakup Canitez
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Nihat Sapan
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey.
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24
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Psychological Distress and Adolescents' Cyberbullying under Floods and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Parent-Child Relationships and Negotiable Fate as Moderators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312279. [PMID: 34886005 PMCID: PMC8656516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), adolescents in 70 countries have suffered the COVID-19 pandemic and flood disasters simultaneously. Although antecedent cyberbullying variables have attracted significant research attention, the effects of psychological distress and the potential mechanisms of cyberbullying among adolescents under multiple disasters remains unclear. Based on social-ecological system theory, this study examines the moderating effects of parent-child relationships and the negotiable fate on the relationship between psychological distress and cyberbullying. A total of 1204 middle school students (52.4% boys) who suffered from floods and the COVID-19 pandemic from Zhengzhou City, China, are the participants. The results reveal that psychological distress was positively related to adolescent cyberbullying during a disaster. Parent-child relationships and negotiable fate significantly moderate the relationship between psychological distress and cyberbullying. Specifically, high parent-child relationships and a high negotiable fate could protect adolescents from the negative effects of psychological distress of cyberbullying. For adolescents with low or high parent-child relationships and low negotiable fate, the links between psychological distress and cyberbullying are stronger. These findings underline the significance of considering the interaction of psychological distress, parent-child relationships, and negotiable fate when examining adolescents' cyberbullying during disasters.
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25
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Lanza K, Durand CP, Alcazar M, Ehlers S, Zhang K, Kohl HW. School Parks as a Community Health Resource: Use of Joint-Use Parks by Children before and during COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179237. [PMID: 34501821 PMCID: PMC8430500 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Parks are settings for physical activity that can support the physical and mental health of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We determined the impact of the pandemic on the use of joint-use parks outside of school hours by children in Austin, TX, United States. In autumn of 2019 and autumn of 2020 (i.e., before and during the COVID-19 pandemic), we used an adapted version of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities to observe whether children aged 1-12 participated in physical activity (i.e., sedentary, light and moderate, vigorous) at three parks located at schools serving mostly economically disadvantaged Latinx families. In 2020, we also observed whether children maintained social distance and wore face coverings. Results of negative binomial regression modeling revealed the pandemic was associated with a 46% [95% CI: 20-63%] and 62% [95% CI: 39-76%] decrease in the number of girls and boys at parks, respectively, and a 42% [95% CI: 16-59%] and 60% [95% CI: 36-75%] decrease in the number of girls and boys engaging in physical activity, respectively (p < 0.01). In total, 60.6% of girls and 73.6% of boys were not social distancing, and 91.8% of the time no children wore masks. Interventions should be considered to safely reintroduce children to parks for health benefits during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lanza
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, School of Public Health in Austin, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Austin, TX 77030, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Casey P. Durand
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health in Houston, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Melody Alcazar
- Parks and Recreation Department, Austin, Austin, TX 78704, USA; (M.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Sierra Ehlers
- Parks and Recreation Department, Austin, Austin, TX 78704, USA; (M.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA;
| | - Harold W. Kohl
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, School of Public Health in Austin, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Austin, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health in Austin, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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26
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Qiu X, Lan Y, Miao J, Wang H, Wang H, Wu J, Li G, Zhao X, Cao Z, Mei J, Sun W, Zhu Z, Zhu S, Wang W. A Comparative Study on the Psychological Health of Frontline Health Workers in Wuhan Under and After the Lockdown. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:701032. [PMID: 34234703 PMCID: PMC8255471 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.701032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and a 3-month lockdown of Wuhan may have had a long-term impact on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers (HWs). However, there is still a lack of comparative studies on the mental health of front-line HWs in the initial phase of the lockdown and 1 month after the lifting of the lockdown. Methods: We recruited 1717 HWs during the initial phase of the lockdown and 2214 HWs 1 month after the lifting of the lockdown, and their baseline characteristics and psychiatric health in these two phases were compared. Furthermore, Pearson's Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the possible risk factors associated with depressive symptoms in the front-line HWs. Results: Compared with the initial phase of the lockdown, the proportion of HWs with anxiety symptoms and stress decreased, while the proportion of HWs with depressive symptoms increased a month after the lifting of the lockdown. Male sex, exercise habit, comorbidities, and having family members or relatives with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection were significantly related to the increased incidence of depressive symptoms during the initial phase of the lockdown. Comorbidities, negative effect of media coverage, working >4 days a week, lower annual household income, and deteriorating relationships with family members were associated with depressive symptoms a month after the lifting of the lockdown. Conclusion: The increased proportion of HWs with depressive symptoms 1 month after the lifting of the lockdown suggested that mental health of front-line HWs should be a top-priority issue, not only during, but also after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Lan
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinfeng Miao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Nursing Department, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - He Wang
- Department of Medical Affair, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guo Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziqin Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Junhua Mei
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenzhe Sun
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Suiqiang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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