Anger and Aggression in Relation to Psychological Resilience and Alcohol Abuse among Health Professionals during the First Pandemic Wave

The Relationship Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Alcohol Use in First Responders: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Direct, Mediating and Moderating Role of Generalized Resistance Resources

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) refers to the disproportionate propensity to react negatively to uncertain events, and it has been associated with negative psychological outcomes such as depression and anxiety. The current study examined the role of resilience, hardiness, self-efficacy and self-compassion in the relationship between IU and alcohol use in a sample of South African first responders. These variables are examples of what is referred to as generalized resistance resources, which enable individuals to deal with the challenges of life. A sample of 429 first responders completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10, the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Short Hardiness Scale and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The results of PROCESS analyses found direct and mediating effects for resilience and self-efficacy, no effects for hardiness and moderating effects for self-compassion. In this regard, a graph of the interaction between intolerance of uncertainty and self-compassion showed that at low levels of self-compassion, the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and alcohol use was strong and significant, while at high levels of self-compassion the relationship was non-significant. In addition, the Johnson-Neyman plot showed that the exact value of self-compassion at which point the relationship between intolerance and uncertainty ceased to be significant was 36.37. These obtained results confirm the important role of generalized resistance resources in wellbeing and provide a basis for tailored interventions.

Exploring hazardous alcohol use and its determinants among health professionals in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia

Introduction

Alcohol consumption among health professionals can have serious and multifaceted impacts, affecting both the individual and their professional responsibilities. Despite its critical importance, there is limited research on the burden and contributing factors of hazardous alcohol use among health professionals in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the magnitude and determinants of hazardous alcohol use among health professionals in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Method

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1-30, 2020, involving 384 health professionals. Participants were selected through a simple random sampling method, stratified by profession. Data were collected using a structured and semi-structured self-administered questionnaire, and hazardous alcohol use was assessed using the 10-item Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Data entry was done using EpiData Version 4.6, and analysis was carried out with SPSS Version 23. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios, respectively, with a 95% confidence interval. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The burden of hazardous alcohol use among health professionals was 16.4% (95% CI: 13%-20.3%). Significant factors associated with hazardous alcohol use included having a family history of alcohol consumption (AOR=2.68, 95% CI: 1.27-5.66), mild psychological distress (AOR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.12-6.50), moderate/severe psychological distress (AOR=5.84, 95% CI: 2.08-16.37), lifetime Khat use (AOR=10.44, 95% CI: 3.96-27.53), and possessing a diploma-level education (AOR=3.56, 95% CI: 1.28-9.87).

Conclusion

The high prevalence of hazardous alcohol use among health professionals in Bahir Dar City underscores an urgent need for targeted intervention and prevention strategies. Significant risk factors, including family history of alcohol use, psychological distress, Khat use, and educational level. To reduce hazardous alcohol use, the study recommends mental health programs, workplace policies promoting well-being, and integrated prevention and treatment strategies for alcohol and khat use.

Occupational Burnout and Insomnia in Relation to Psychological Resilience Among Greek Nurses in the Post-Pandemic Era

Recent studies indicate that nurses experienced high levels of occupational burnout and insomnia during and after the pandemic and highlight resilience as a crucial competence for overcoming adversity. The aim of this study was to assess occupational burnout, insomnia, and psychological resilience and to explore their interrelations among Greek nurses 14 months after the official ending of the pandemic which was declared in May 2023. The study was conducted online in July 2024 and included 380 nurses currently working in Greek hospitals, who completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Overall, 56.1% of the nurses exhibited insomnia symptoms and 46.8% displayed signs of occupational burnout. Low resilience scores were observed in 26.3%. Multiple regression analysis indicated that CBI explained 34.4% of the variance in the AIS scores, while an additional 3% was explained by the BRS. Mediation analysis revealed that resilience operates protectively as a negative mediator in the relationship between burnout and insomnia. In conclusion, one year after the end of the pandemic the levels of occupational burnout and insomnia among nurses remain high, whereas psychological resilience seems to be retained at moderate levels. Consequently, there is an urgent need to regularly monitor for risk of burnout and insomnia and to implement resilience-building strategies for nurses to combat burnout and improve insomnia symptoms.

Resilience, Anger, and Insomnia in Nurses after the End of the Pandemic Crisis

INTRODUCTION

Nurses seem to be persistently experiencing intense psychological repercussions, even after the official conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study conducted after the end of the pandemic crisis, from 1 June 2023 to 30 June 2023, we evaluated the levels and explored the associations between anger, insomnia, and resilience among Greek nurses.

METHODS

A total of 441 nurses participated in an online survey and were invited to state their work experience, gender, and age and to complete the self-report measures of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5 (DAR-5), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS).

RESULTS

Overall, 62.1% of the participants presented with positive scores on the AIS, and 41.5% displayed positive values on the DAR-5 scale, whereas 24.9% demonstrated scores indicative of low resilience on the BRS. A regression analysis revealed that 23.5% of the variance in the AIS scores can be attributed to the DAR-5 scores and 3% to the BRS scores. A mediation analysis confirmed the protective role of resilience, contributing as a negative mediator in the DAR-5 and AIS relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening for insomnia symptoms and anger issues among nurses after the end of the pandemic and implementing appropriate interventions is considered imperative to avoid long-term health consequences.

Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Greek Version of the Attitudes toward Transgendered Individuals Scale

Numerous investigations have consistently underscored the impact of societal stigma on the well-being of transgender individuals. The primary objective of the current research is to translate and adapt the Attitudes Toward Transgendered Individuals Scale into the Greek language. This scale specifically assesses stigma, excluding components such as discreteness and violence, and is tailored to evaluate individuals within the general populace. Employing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and assessing gender metric equivalence, the analyses yielded highly favorable outcomes, demonstrating excellent scale fit, reliability, and construct validity, reflecting the robustness of the adapted tool for the Greek population.

Personality Traits, Burnout, and Psychopathology in Healthcare Professionals in Intensive Care Units-A Moderated Analysis

This study explored the associations between personality dimensions, burnout, and psychopathology in healthcare professionals in intensive care units (ICUs). This study further aimed to discern the differences in these relationships when considering the variables of critical care experience (less than 5 years, 5-10 years, and more than 10 years), profession (nurses versus intensivists), and the urban size of the city where the ICU is located (metropolitan cities versus smaller urban cities). This cross-sectional investigation's outcomes are based on data from 503 ICU personnel, including 155 intensivists and 348 nurses, in 31 ICU departments in Greece. Participants underwent a comprehensive assessment involving a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). To analyze the interplay among critical care experience, burnout status, and psychopathology, a moderation analysis was conducted with personality dimensions (i.e., psychoticism, extraversion, and neuroticism) serving as the mediator variable. Profession and the urban size of the ICU location were considered as moderators influencing these relationships. Male healthcare professionals showed higher psychoticism levels than females, aligning with prior research. Experienced nurses reported lower personal achievement, hinting at potential motivation challenges for professional growth. Psychoticism predicted high depersonalization and low personal achievement. Neuroticism and psychoticism negatively impacted ICU personnel's mental well-being, reflected in elevated psychopathology scores and burnout status. Psychoticism appears to be the primary factor influencing burnout among the three personality dimensions, particularly affecting intensivists. In contrast, nurses are more influenced by their critical care experience on their mental health status.

Nurses' perspectives on workplace environment needs associated to resilience: a qualitative descriptive study

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the demands of nurses on the workplace environment related to psychological resilience.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was employed for this study. Purposeful sampling was chosen from a tertiary hospital in Henan Province, China. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 nurses. The interview data was analyzed using the Colaizzi's method and results were reported following the COREQ standards.

Results

Analysis of the interview data revealed three main themes: (1) Career Support and Development, (2) Practical Support & Development, and (3) Personal Support and Development.

Conclusion

The perspectives of nurses for a workplace environment demands needs to be appreciated, and in addition, it is worth noting that the key role of building a good workplace environment in strengthening the resilience of nurses emphasizes the need for careful consideration. Nursing administrators should formulate policies and measures from multiple perspectives based on the real needs of nurses in terms of professional, practical, and personal dimensions.

Nightmare distress, insomnia and resilience of nursing staff in the post-pandemic era

Introduction

The pandemic has led to notable psychological challenges among healthcare professionals, including nurses.

Objective

Our aims of this study were to assess insomnia and nightmare distress levels in nurses and investigate their association with mental resilience.

Methods

Nurses participated in an online survey, which included the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Demographic information, such as age, professional experience and gender, was also collected.

Results

The study included 355 female and 78 male nurses. Findings revealed that 61.4% had abnormal AIS scores, 7% had abnormal NDQ scores and 25.4% had low BRS scores. Female nurses had higher AIS and NDQ scores but lower BRS scores compared to males. BRS demonstrated negative correlations with both AIS and NDQ. Multiple regression analysis indicated that NDQ accounted for 24% of the AIS variance, with an additional 6.5% explained by the BRS. BRS acted as a mediator, attenuating the impact of nightmares on insomnia, with gender moderating this relationship.

Conclusions

Nursing staff experienced heightened sleep disturbances during the pandemic, with nightmares and insomnia being prevalent. Nightmares significantly contributed to insomnia, but mental resilience played a vital role in mitigating this effect. Strategies are warranted to address the pandemic's psychological impact on nursing professionals.

A Moderated Mediation Model of the Influence of Cynical Distrust, Medical Mistrust, and Anger on Vaccination Hesitancy in Nursing Staff

During the pandemic, nurses experienced anger that stemmed from a sense of threat, frustration, or even a sense of injustice. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between vaccination hesitancy, anger, cynicism, and medical mistrust among nurses, as there are no relevant studies in the literature. This study was conducted online by completing self-report questionnaires. The Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5, the 8-item "Cynical Distrust" scale, and the Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale were used. For vaccination hesitancy, two questions with a 5-point scale were used: one question examining hesitancy to get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, and another question examining hesitancy to get vaccinated with the influenza vaccine. In total, 387 nurses (66 men and 321 women) participated in this study. Nurses showed statistically greater hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine compared to hesitancy toward the influenza vaccine. The variation in vaccine hesitancy was explained by the scores in the Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale, the Dimensions of Anger Reactions, and the Cynical Distrust Scale. The Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale mediated the relationship between the Cynical Distrust Scale and total vaccine hesitancy. The Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale significantly moderated the indirect effect of the Cynical Distrust Scale on total vaccine hesitancy through the Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale. In conclusion, it is highly likely that anger is involved in reported vaccine hesitancy both by activating schemas of distrust in others and by adopting anti-systemic views of mistrust in the medical system.