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Matsuda Y, Hamada S. Impacts of demographic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic on job stress in Japanese childcare workers. Work 2024:WOR230658. [PMID: 38848156 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Japan has a shortage of childcare personnel, and the high levels of stress causing turnover in childcare workers must be urgently resolved. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the characteristics and influencing factors of job stress in Japanese childcare workers. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the job stress of childcare workers and explore the influence of demographic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic on such stress. METHODS The data were collected through an Internet survey from 2,472 respondents. A 23-item version of the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire was used to measure occupational stress in childcare workers. The instrument is recommended in the stress-check program implemented as a mental health measure in workplaces in Japan. RESULTS The percentage of childcare workers with high stress exceeded that of general workers. Multiple regression analyses showed that the only factor affecting all job stressors and social support was the fear of contracting COVID-19. Job stressors and the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant large effect on stress responses. Additionally, being married and having children moderated childcare workers' stress. CONCLUSIONS This study provided basic data regarding job stress in Japanese childcare workers and compared them with those of other professionals. In the future, it will be necessary to clarify how stress is related to turnover intention and turnover in Japanese childcare workers to promote their career continuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Matsuda
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Shoko Hamada
- Faculty of Contemporary Culture, Hijiyama University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Sugawara N, Tabuchi T, Tokumitsu K, Yasui-Furukori N. Predictors of somatic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national longitudinal survey in Japan. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082439. [PMID: 38719316 PMCID: PMC11086443 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, termed long COVID. However, in the absence of comparative groups, the differentiation of disease progression remains difficult, as COVID-19 symptoms become indistinguishable from symptoms originating from alternative etiologies. This study aimed to longitudinally investigate the association between COVID-19 exposure and the somatic symptoms in the Japanese general population. DESIGN This was a longitudinal cohort study with 1-year follow-up. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Longitudinal data from 19 545 individuals who participated in the Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey (JASTIS) 2022 and 2023 were included. In this study, we used data from the 2022 JASTIS as baseline data and the 2023 JASTIS as follow-up data. Based on questionnaire responses, respondents were classified into three categories of exposure to COVID-19. OUTCOME MEASURES The somatic symptoms were assessed by the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8). Using generalised linear models adjusted for baseline covariates, we calculated the ORs of having very high somatic symptoms assessed by SSS-8, attributable to COVID-19 exposure (no COVID-19 cases as the reference group). RESULTS Follow-up completers were divided into three groups according to COVID-19 exposure (no COVID-19, n=16 012; COVID-19 without O2 therapy, n=3201; COVID-19 with O2 therapy, n=332). After adjusting for all covariates, COVID-19 cases with O2 therapy had a significant positive association (OR 7.60, 95% CI 5.47 to 10.58) with a very high somatic symptoms burden while other COVID-19 exposure groups did not. Pre-existing physical and psychological conditions were also associated with increased risk of somatic symptoms. CONCLUSION The findings of our study suggest that the severity of COVID-19 symptoms requiring O2 therapy in the acute phase led to high somatic symptoms. Pre-existing conditions were also associated with a subsequent risk of somatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norio Sugawara
- Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, Japan
| | | | - Keita Tokumitsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Norio Yasui-Furukori
- Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, Japan
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Kunitake Y, Imamura Y, Kunitake H, Ohishi-Fukuchi J, Matsushima J, Tateishi H, Murakawa-Hirachi T, Kojima R, Sakemura Y, Kikuchi J, Shiraishi T, Takamori A, Morisaki T, Yamada S, Monji A, Mizoguchi Y. Association depressive symptoms with memory function and social capital before and during COVID-19 in community-dwelling older adults in rural Japan: A retrospective study with a longitudinal data. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 39:e6100. [PMID: 38757879 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the impact of memory function and social capital on depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults in rural Japan. METHODS A retrospective study with longitudinal data was conducted during COVID-19 from May 2021 to November 2021 (T2) in Kurogawa, Japan. The candidate population for this study was 145 with the following requirements: (1) older individuals aged 65 years or above who were registered in the Kurogawa study, and (2) those with previous data (from November 2016 to February 2020; T1 as pre-pandemic). Memory function was assessed using the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised Logical Memory II delayed recall part A (LM II-DR). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Japanese version of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Social capital was evaluated through civic participation, social cohesion, and reciprocity. Fear of the COVID-19 infection (FCV-19S) was evaluated. RESULTS The final analysis included 96 participants (mean age = 81.0 years, SD = 4.8) Multivariate analysis for GDS-15 score by Mixed Model Repeated Measures (MMRM) revealed significant associations between LM II-DR (β = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.21-0.05, p = 0.002) and FCV-19S during COVID-19 (β = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.15, p = 0.02) with GDS-15 score. However, civic participation, social cohesion and reciprocity were not associated with GDS-15 score. CONCLUSIONS Among older adults in rural Japan, memory function and fear of the COVID-19 infection were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in MMRM analysis. However, social capital was not associated with depressive symptoms. This highlights the need to address memory function and fear of the COVID-19 infection in interventions for older adults during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Kunitake
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Yoshiomi Imamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kunitake
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Jun Matsushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tateishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Ryohei Kojima
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Ureshino Onsen Hospital, Ureshino, Saga, Japan
| | - Yuta Sakemura
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Jun Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Takumi Shiraishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Ayako Takamori
- Clinical Research Center, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | | | | | - Akira Monji
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
- Wakahisa Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
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Chen C, Okawa S, Okubo R, Hagiwara K, Mizumoto T, Higuchi N, Nakagawa S, Tabuchi T. Mother-to-infant bonding difficulties are associated with future maternal depression and child-maltreatment behaviors: A Japanese nationwide longitudinal study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 334:115814. [PMID: 38412713 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115814] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mother-to-infant bonding difficulties (MIBD) are considered risk factors for postpartum depression and child-maltreatment behaviors. However, few longitudinal studies have examined this hypothesis. This study aims to explore the relationship between MIBD and subsequent maternal depression and child-maltreatment behaviors using longitudinal data from a 2021 Japanese nationwide survey. METHODS We studied 658 first-time mothers who had given birth within the past year and had not reported postpartum depression or child-maltreatment behaviors at baseline. The Japanese version of Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) was used to measure MIBD. Subjects were monitored for six months and subsequently completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and responded to inquiries about child-maltreatment behaviors. RESULTS After adjusting for covariates, MIBD was associated with higher odds of maternal depression (OR=1.737, 95 % CI [1.078, 2.797]) and child-maltreatment behaviors (OR=2.040, 95 % CI [1.401, 2.970]) six months later. Further analysis indicated that MIBD was particularly associated with a heightened risk of emotional abuse (OR=2.172, 95 % CI [1.486, 3.176]). Sensitivity analysis confirmed these findings through multiple approaches, such as applying inverse probability weighting to mitigate selection bias, using an alternative MIBS cutoff score of 5, and adopting a time-varying model to account for the dynamic nature of depressive symptoms and child-maltreatment behaviors. CONCLUSION Proactive screening for MIBD could serve as a valuable tool in the early detection of maternal depression and potential child-maltreatment behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Chen
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.
| | - Sumiyo Okawa
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Okubo
- Department of Psychiatry, National Hospital Organization Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Kosuke Hagiwara
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Mizumoto
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Naoko Higuchi
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Shin Nakagawa
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Ishii S, Jung H, Akishita M, Kawamura A. Prevalence and associated factors of work impairment among geriatricians during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24 Suppl 1:215-220. [PMID: 38131637 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study investigated work impairment and its associated factors among geriatricians during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out using an anonymous online survey questionnaire administered to members of the Japanese Geriatric Society between October and December 2022. The questionnaire included questions regarding psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale) and work impairment (Work Functioning Impairment Scale). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the factors associated with work impairment. Causal mediation analyses were performed to delineate the relationship between work impairment, psychological distress and fear of COVID-19. RESULTS The analytic sample included 386 geriatricians, and work impairment was observed in 24.8% of them. Work impairment was associated with age, prefecture where the institution was located and fear of COVID-19. Mediation analysis showed that the effect of fear of COVID-19 on work impairment was almost completely mediated by psychological distress. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, work impairment was commonly observed among geriatricians. We found that fear of COVID-19 might cause work impairment; however, this effect was exerted entirely through psychological distress. This implies that interventions to prevent or reduce work impairment among doctors should mainly target psychological distress; however, the fear of COVID-19, if it causes psychological distress, should also be addressed. Managers of hospitals and long-term care facilities must take steps to protect healthcare workers' mental well-being and maintain work productivity. Therefore, understanding the factors related to work impairment might help them devise effective measures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 215-220.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Ishii
- Department of Medicine for Integrated Approach to Social Inclusion, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Japan
| | - Hungu Jung
- Department of Medicine for Integrated Approach to Social Inclusion, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Japan
| | - Masahiro Akishita
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kawamura
- Department of Medicine for Integrated Approach to Social Inclusion, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Japan
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Akagawa K, Watai I. [Association between mental health, fear of COVID-19, and job insecurity among bus service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic]. SANGYO EISEIGAKU ZASSHI = JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2024; 66:15-25. [PMID: 37599083 DOI: 10.1539/sangyoeisei.2023-013-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to examine the association between mental health, fear of COVID-19, and job insecurity among bus service workers during the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan. METHODS In September 2020, 1,889 employees of three private railway bus companies in the Tokai region were administered an anonymous self-questionnaire to be filled out at their workplace. The survey items were depression, anxiety, fear of COVID-19, job insecurity, demographics, and work characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS Overall, 1,316 valid responses, excluding those from workers with a history of mental illness and others, were included in the analysis (valid response rate: 69.7%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of depression and anxiety were significantly higher in groups with medium and high levels of fear of COVID-19 or job insecurity than in the group with a low level of fear of COVID-19 or job insecurity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Fear of COVID-19 and job insecurity were found to be risk factors for depression and anxiety among bus service workers during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the latter being the stronger risk factor. Hence, comprehensive COVID-19 prevention measures as well as mental health-related measures to reduce job insecurity should be implemented in the bus service industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Izumi Watai
- Community Health Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
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Midorikawa H, Tachikawa H, Kushibiki N, Wataya K, Takahashi S, Shiratori Y, Nemoto K, Sasahara S, Doki S, Hori D, Matsuzaki I, Arai T, Yamagata K. Association of fear of COVID-19 and resilience with psychological distress among health care workers in hospitals responding to COVID-19: analysis of a cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1150374. [PMID: 37181870 PMCID: PMC10172588 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1150374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It remains unclear how fear of COVID-19 and resilience are related to psychological distress based on occupations among healthcare workers (HCWs) in hospitals treating patients with COVID-19. We conducted a survey on the mental health of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the relationship between factors such as fear of COVID-19 and resilience as well as mental distress in each occupation of HCWs. Methods We conducted a web-based survey among HCWs at seven hospitals treating COVID-19 patients in Japan from December 24, 2020 to March 31, 2021. A total of 634 participants were analyzed, and information regarding their socio-demographic characteristics and employment status was collected. Several psychometric measures were used, including the Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale (K6), the fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the Resilience Scale (RS14). Factors related to psychological distress were identified by logistic regression analysis. The association between job title and psychological scales was examined by one-way ANOVA, and t-tests were conducted to examine the association between the FCV-19S and hospital initiatives. Results It was found that nurses and clerical workers were associated with psychological distress without considering FCV-19S or RS14; in a model that included FCV-19S, FCV-19S was associated with psychological distress, but job title was not; when RS14 was considered, resilience was protective. In terms of occupation, FCV-19S was lower among physicians and higher among nurses and clerical workers, while RS14 was higher among physicians and lower among other occupations. Having access to in-hospital consultation regarding infection control as well as to psychological and emotional support was associated with lower FCV-19S. Conclusion Based on our findings, we can conclude that the level of mental distress differed by occupation and the differences in the fear of COVID-19 and resilience were important factors. In order to provide mental healthcare for HCWs during a pandemic, it is important to create consultation services that enable employees to discuss their concerns. In addition, it is important to take steps to strengthen the resilience of HCWs in preparation for future disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hirokazu Tachikawa
- Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hirokazu Tachikawa,
| | - Natsuho Kushibiki
- Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Keiko Wataya
- Majors of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Sho Takahashi
- Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yuki Shiratori
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nemoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Sasahara
- Occupational and Aerospace Psychiatry Group, Division of Biomedical Science, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shotaro Doki
- Occupational and Aerospace Psychiatry Group, Division of Biomedical Science, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Daisuke Hori
- Occupational and Aerospace Psychiatry Group, Division of Biomedical Science, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ichiyo Matsuzaki
- Occupational and Aerospace Psychiatry Group, Division of Biomedical Science, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Testuaki Arai
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Testuaki Arai,
| | - Kunihiro Yamagata
- Department of Nephrology, Division of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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