Psychological distress Management in Iranian emergency prehospital providers: A Qualitative study

Psychological distress among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a hybrid concept analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the concept of psychological distress among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding its dimensions and characteristics of this phenomenon can enhance preparedness for future pandemics. Psychological distress has emerged as a significant mental health concern during the pandemic, with nursing students experiencing high levels of psychological distress caused by substantial disruptions in their educational environment.

METHOD

This study employed the Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid concept analysis model, integrating a systematic literature review with qualitative research to examine psychological distress among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature review included a comprehensive search across multiple databases, resulting in the identification of 60 relevant articles for data extraction. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were carried out with nursing students from the Army Nursing Faculty, and the data were analyzed which were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. The findings from both phases were synthesized to provide a comprehensive definition of psychological distress in nursing students during the pandemic.

RESULTS

Psychological distress among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic was analyzed through three key dimensions: antecedents, characteristics, and consequences. Antecedents included factors such as personality traits, demographic factors, social influences, and health-related conditions, with demographics standing out as particularly impactful. The characteristics of distress were categorized into emotional-psychological, cognitive, and physical symptoms, with sleep disturbances being especially prominent. The consequences encompassed both negative outcomes-like academic setbacks, social withdrawal, and physical health problems-and positive outcomes, such as post-traumatic growth, improved coping skills, and professional advancement. The findings offer a thorough understanding of the multifaceted nature of psychological distress and its effects on nursing students.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study explore the antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of students' psychological distress, providing essential insights for health policymakers and educational planners during similar pandemics. This data can inform the development, planning, and implementation of treatment and training systems designed to prevent such conditions in future pandemics. In essence, by identifying and addressing the underlying factors or antecedents of this distress, its occurrence in future pandemics could be effectively reduced.

Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of the Disaster Resilience Measuring Tool for Health care Rescuers in Iran

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Disaster Resilience Measuring Tool (DRMT-C19).

METHODS

The research was a methodological, psychometric study. Standard translation processes were performed. Face validity and content validity were determined along with construct and convergent validity. To determine the final version of the questionnaire, 483 health care rescuers were selected using a consecutive sampling method. Other resilience-related questionnaires were used to assess concurrent validity. All quantitative data analyses were conducted using SPSS 22 and Jamovi 2.3.28 software.

RESULTS

The content validity and reliability were indicated using Scale's Content Validity Ratio (S-CVR) = 0.92 and Scale's Content Validity Index (S-CVI) = 0.93. The comprehensiveness of the measurement tool = 0.875%. Cronbach's α = 0.89 and the test re-test reliability using interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) = 0.68 to 0.92. Exploratory factor analysis determined 4 factors which accounted for more than 58.54% of the variance among the items. Confirmatory factor analysis determined 12 factors. The concurrent validity between the DRMT-C19 and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) was r = 0.604 (P ≤ 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The DRMT-C19 has satisfactory psychometric properties and is a valid, reliable, and valuable tool for assessing resilience against disasters in Iran's Persian-speaking health care rescuers.

Mental health preparedness and response to epidemics focusing on COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in Iran

BACKGROUND

During epidemics, the number of individuals whose mental health is affected is greater than those affected by the infection itself. This is because psychological factors have a direct relationship with the primary causes of the disease and mortality worldwide. Therefore, an increasing investment in research and strategic actions for mental health is essential globally, given the prevalence of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to elucidate and describe the strategies for mental health preparedness and response during epidemics, with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted in Iran from 2022 to 2023. Purposeful Sampling was employed, continuing until data saturation was achieved. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and observational notes with 20 managers and experts possessing expertise, experience, and knowledge in mental health. Ultimately, the participants' opinions, based on their experiences, were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method with a conventional approach, resulting in the categorization of data into codes, subcategories, and categories.

RESULTS

The study revealed participants' opinions and experiences, categorized into two overarching categories: Preparedness, Policy-Making, and Planning Strategies (with four subcategories), and Response Strategies (comprising thirteen subcategories).

CONCLUSION

The opinions and experiences of managers and experts in this study revealed that an appropriate mental health response during pandemics requires preparedness before the occurrence of such crises and the implementation of suitable response strategies after the occurrence. Managers, policymakers, and decision-makers in this field should pay attention to the solutions derived from the experiences of such crises to respond more preparedly in the future.

Psychological impacts of the COVID-19 on health care providers

BACKGROUND

Psychological distress, functional impairment, reduced quality of life, and subjective well-being were the most common negative psychological effects during the COVID-19 outbreak. The present study was to investigate the impact of job stress, hospital resources, and fear of infection on job burnout of medical staff in Iran during the Covid-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 223 hospital staff from several public and private hospitals in Tehran and Mazandaran provinces, selected through convenience sampling. The questionnaire included the validated "Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)", "job stress scale (Parker and DeCotiis, 1983)", and the questions about "hospital resources", and "fear of infection" developed by the researcher wereused to collect data. Data were analyzed by correlation and regression methods using SPSS software.

RESULTS

The results revealed that there was a significant difference in the scores on the burnout scale, in the dimension of emotional exhaustion, but the differences were not significant in the dimensions of depersonalization and self-accomplishment. Also, job stress and fear of infection significantly correlated with job burnout in the dimensions of emotional exhaustion and personal-accomplishment. However, the correlation between the adequacy of hospital resources and job burnout in these two dimensions was not significant. None of the three variables of the study showed a significant correlation with the dimension of depersonalization.

CONCLUSION

It is essential to consider the package of psychological interventions which, primarily includes finding the sources of stress to resolve them through stress management programs, based on education and training in stress coping and management strategies.

Predictors of problem-solving skills among emergency medical services staff in Iran: A cross-sectional correlational study

Background and aims

Pre-hospital emergency technicians face many problems in the workplace daily, so the ability to solve or overcome them in the workplace is essential. This article aimed to assess the predictors of problem-solving skills among emergency medical services staff in Iran.

Methods

This study was cross-sectional correlational research. Using convenience sampling methods, 140 emergency medical services (EMS) staff were enrolled in the study. Response time was assessed using ASAYAR software, problem-solving skills (PSS) were measured using the Hepner Petersen Problem Solving Questionnaire (PSI), and cognitive emotion regulation strategies were assessed using the Garnfsky Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's r correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied using SPSS 14.0.

Results

The results of our study showed that the total mean score for problem-solving skills was 136.84 (14.65) (range, 175–107 points). Multiple linear regression indicated that refocusing on planning, positive evaluation, stress management courses, delays and their causes, positive refocusing, catastrophizing, and acceptance were effective predictors of problem-solving skills in emergency personnel, accounting for 54% of the total variances.

Conclusion

This study is one of the first studies in this field. Based on our findings, individuals who consider their emotions and feelings when solving problems are better able to use the process of thinking and problem-solving skills. Therefore, by training people in the field of emotional regulation skills, the skills to solve problems technicians can be increased.