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Urich TJ, Lee W, Po J, Bookstein A, Barahona R, Baezconde-Garbanati L. From art to health action: lessons from a community-based, culturally tailored arts-meets-health educational campaign in Hispanic communities. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1385916. [PMID: 38680937 PMCID: PMC11045963 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1385916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Robust digital and community-led approaches are needed to combat health misinformation, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Such gaps in public health outreach, compounded by systemic health barriers, contributed to higher rates of COVID-19 infection, mortality, and mental health effects among Hispanics during the peak of the pandemic. Thus, we conducted a community-based art-meets-health intervention [Stay Connected Los Angeles (SCLA)] to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hispanic communities. Methods Led by local artists in collaboration with public health specialists and community members, SCLA used multimedia to promote infection mitigation behaviors and psychological well-being among the 120,000 residents of Eastern Los Angeles. Campaign materials were designed with input from community representatives and included digital media, large-scale murals, and comic-book style pieces. Two semi-structured focus groups (one in English and another in Spanish) were conducted to solicit participants' views on attributes of the campaign. Independent coders analyzed transcripts and applied thematic analysis to summarize key learnings regarding central health and mitigation messages, media modalities, how health information would be communicated, and the ideal spokespersons for delivering health-related messages. Results Focus group participants emphasized the effectiveness of social media, GIFs, and references to popular media. Further, youth involvement in the creative process was deemed to be important. Participants highlighted the need for clarity in public health messaging and adaptation of visual campaigns to the preferences of diverse age groups through different art styles. Finally, community leaders were found to be critical health information sources. Discussion As a model of a culturally tailored arts-meets health public education campaign, SCLA yielded valuable information on how to structure future public health messaging and media to create a meaningful improvement in health knowledge, mental well-being, and compliance with mitigation behaviors in communities that are often overlooked. Contributions from local artists can heighten appeal and acceptability of messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Urich
- Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Woori Lee
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Justine Po
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Arthur Bookstein
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rosa Barahona
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Eligulashvili A, Darrell M, Gordon M, Jerome W, Fiori KP, Congdon S, Duong TQ. Patients with unmet social needs are at higher risks of developing severe long COVID-19 symptoms and neuropsychiatric sequela. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7743. [PMID: 38565574 PMCID: PMC10987523 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58430-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated long COVID of patients in the Montefiore Health System COVID-19 (CORE) Clinics in the Bronx with an emphasis on identifying health related social needs (HRSNs). We analyzed a cohort of 643 CORE patients (6/26/2020-2/24/2023) and 52,089 non-CORE COVID-19 patients. Outcomes included symptoms, physical, emotional, and cognitive function test scores obtained at least three months post-infection. Socioeconomic variables included median incomes, insurance status, and HRSNs. The CORE cohort was older age (53.38 ± 14.50 vs. 45.91 ± 23.79 years old, p < 0.001), more female (72.47% vs. 56.86%, p < 0.001), had higher prevalence of hypertension (45.88% vs. 23.28%, p < 0.001), diabetes (22.86% vs. 13.83%, p < 0.001), COPD (7.15% vs. 2.28%, p < 0.001), asthma (25.51% vs. 12.66%, p < 0.001), lower incomes (53.81% vs. 43.67%, 1st quintile, p < 0.001), and more unmet social needs (29.81% vs. 18.49%, p < 0.001) compared to non-CORE COVID-19 survivors. CORE patients reported a wide range of severe long-COVID symptoms. CORE patients with unmet HRSNs experienced more severe symptoms, worse ESAS-r scores (tiredness, wellbeing, shortness of breath, and pain), PHQ-9 scores (12.5 (6, 17.75) vs. 7 (2, 12), p < 0.001), and GAD-7 scores (8.5 (3, 15) vs. 4 (0, 9), p < 0.001) compared to CORE patients without. Patients with unmet HRSNs experienced worse long-COVID outcomes compared to those without.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Eligulashvili
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Megan Darrell
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Moshe Gordon
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - William Jerome
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Kevin P Fiori
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Seth Congdon
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Tim Q Duong
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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Shapiro E, Mekonent S, Tanami N. Mental Health and Care Utilization Among Ethiopian-Israeli Immigrants During the Period of COVID-19. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:739-754. [PMID: 36930452 PMCID: PMC10022572 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01557-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
As well as affecting physical health, COVID-19 can impact mental health. Despite this, Israelis may not be getting needed mental health care because of culture-related barriers such as stigma and lack of knowledge about mental health and appropriate care. This is especially likely among vulnerable populations, such as Ethiopian immigrants, yet the topic has been understudied. This study aimed to examine to what extent COVID-19-related mental health stressors and issues are found among Ethiopian-Israelis and the extent of stigma and mental health literacy among Ethiopian-Israelis during the COVID-19 period. It also examined differences between the 1.5th and 2nd generations and potential interventions to improve their mental health. Online surveys were filled out by a convenience sample of 225 Ethiopian-Israelis recruited from a variety of sources in the fall of 2020. Over 40% expressed greater mental distress since COVID-19 started. Stigma and lack of mental health-related knowledge were found among many in this population, serving as potentially important barriers to getting appropriate mental health care. For example, only 52% disagreed with the statement that people with mental illness should not be given any responsibility and only 66% felt confident they could identify having a mental health problem requiring treatment. Variations were found by types of stressors, stigma, and lack of knowledge, as well as by immigration generation, for at least some measures. COVID-19 can negatively impact mental health and appropriate mental health care utilization, especially for a racial/ethnic minority group of immigrants such as Ethiopian-Israelis. Interventions are needed, such as increased education about mental health from a variety of sources, which can help decrease stigma and improve mental health care utilization among this group, especially when appropriately tailored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephraim Shapiro
- Department of Health Systems Management, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Shimrit Mekonent
- Department of Health Systems Management, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Noi Tanami
- Department of Health Systems Management, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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Elhabashy M, Chiangong J, Villalobos K, Montiel Ishino FA, Adzrago D, Williams F. Prevalence of depressive symptoms among Hispanic/Latino ethnic subgroups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6727. [PMID: 38509221 PMCID: PMC10954677 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hispanic/Latino populations experienced disproportionate exposure to depression risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. While aggregated data confirm the risks of depressive symptoms among Hispanic/Latino individuals, little research uses disaggregated data to investigate these risks based on ethnic subgroups. Using the "Understanding the Impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Social Distancing on Physical and Psychosocial (Mental) Health and Chronic Diseases" survey, which was distributed nationally between May 13, 2021, and January 9, 2022 (N = 5413), we estimated the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Hispanic/Latino ethnic subgroups during the pandemic. We performed descriptive analysis on a 116-item survey, which collected disaggregated data from Hispanic/Latino individuals aged ≥ 18 years (n = 1181). About one-third of the participants reported depressive symptoms (31.3%), with those who self-identified as other Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin (40.2%) reporting the highest depressive symptom prevalence. Among participants who reported depression treatment before the pandemic, the highest reports of treatment were among Puerto Rican (81.8%) participants. More than one-third of participants receiving prior depression treatment (38.7%) reported treatment interference by the pandemic, mostly among Central American individuals (50.0%). This study highlights the need for integrating more disaggregated data into public health approaches which seek to target population subgroups and reduce racial/ethnic mental health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Elhabashy
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 11545 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jolyna Chiangong
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 11545 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Villalobos
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 11545 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Francisco A Montiel Ishino
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David Adzrago
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 11545 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Faustine Williams
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 11545 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Wu K, Doe E, Roude GD, Wallace J, Francois S, Richardson L, Theall KP. Social capital and changes of psychologic distress during early stage of COVID-19 in New orleans. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5773. [PMID: 38459081 PMCID: PMC10924086 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56249-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Here we report on the relationship between measures of social capital, and their association with changes in self-reported measures of psychological distress during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyze data from an existing cluster randomized control trial (the Healthy Neighborhoods Project) with 244 participants from New Orleans, Louisiana. Changes in self-reported scores between baseline (January 2019-March 2020) and participant's second survey (March 20, 2020, and onwards) are calculated. Logistic regression is employed to examine the association between social capital indicators and measures of psychological distress adjusting for key covariates and controlling for residential clustering effects. Participants reporting higher than average scores for social capital indicators are significantly less likely to report increases in psychosocial distress between pre and during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who report higher than average sense of community were approximately 1.2 times less likely than those who report lower than average sense of community scores to experience increases in psychological distress before and during the global pandemic (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.70,0.88, p ≤ 0.001), even after controlling for key covariates. Findings highlight the potentially important role that community social capital and related factors may play in the health of underrepresented populations during times of major stress. Specifically, the results suggest an important role of cognitive social capital and perceptions of community membership, belonging, and influence in buffering changes of mental health distress experienced during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Wu
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA.
| | - Erica Doe
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA
| | | | - Jasmine Wallace
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA
| | | | | | - Katherine P Theall
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA
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Lara-Cinisomo S, Melesse B, Mendy ME. Demographic and COVID-19-Related Factors Associated with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among African American and Latina Women in a Midwestern State. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:36-44. [PMID: 36622569 PMCID: PMC9838266 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01495-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated racial and ethnic disparities among Latina and African American (AA) women, including risk factors for depression and anxiety. This study sought to identify demographic- and pandemic-related factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in adult AA and Latina women living in a Midwestern state. METHODS Data for this secondary analysis of 1037 AA and Latina women were collected in May 2020 and June/July 2020. Participants completed an online survey about their demographic characteristics, job changes due to COVID-19, general concern about COVID-19, concern about the effects COVID-19 on their mental health, and whether they prayed to cope with COVID-19. Linear regressions with bootstrapping were conducted to determine associations. RESULTS Latinas had significantly higher depressive and anxiety symptoms than AA women. Older age was a buffer against depressive and anxiety symptoms. Women who anticipated a reduction in work hours or job loss had significantly higher depressive and anxiety symptoms than those with no job changes. A reduction in work hours was also a risk for higher depressive symptoms. General and specific concerns about the impact of COVID-19 were positively associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms. Race/ethnicity moderated the effect of praying to cope with COVID-19 on depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS As the pandemic continues, mental health resources should be allocated to help AA and Latina women who experienced or anticipate reductions in paid hours and those concerned about its effects. Research is needed to identify how praying increased depressive symptoms in adult Latina women early in the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1206 S. Fourth Street, 2015 Khan Annex, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
| | - Biniyam Melesse
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1206 S. Fourth Street, 2015 Khan Annex, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Mendy
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1206 S. Fourth Street, 2015 Khan Annex, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
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Seehuus M, Fertig M, Handy AB, Clifton J, Stanton AM. The impact of COVID-19 and long COVID on sexual function in cisgender women. J Sex Med 2024; 21:129-144. [PMID: 38055615 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests that COVID-19 impairs sexual function in men, but little is known about the impact of COVID-19 (or long COVID) on sexual function in women. AIM We sought to compare the sexual function of cisgender women who had never had COVID-19, who had COVID-19 but not long COVID, and who had long COVID, and assessed whether long COVID symptoms and/or emotional distress mediate the relationship between COVID-19 history and sexual function. METHODS In total, 2329 adult cisgender women were recruited online as study participants. Half of these women reported having had COVID-19, and the other half reported never having had COVID-19. Of those who had COVID-19, 25% (n = 170) reported having long COVID. We compared the mean Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores by using t-tests for each of the primary comparison categories (never COVID vs COVID and only COVID vs long COVID). Four path models were used to test the hypotheses that (1) long COVID symptoms or (2) depression, anxiety, and/or stress assessed with the subscales of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) mediated the relationship between COVID-19 and sexual function. OUTCOMES Sexual function was measured with the FSFI, long COVID symptoms were assessed using the Centers for Disease Control working symptom set, and emotional distress was measured with the DASS-21. RESULTS In total, 1313 participants provided data suitable for analysis. The never-COVID group (n = 645, 49.1%) had higher scores on the Desire, Arousal, Lubrication, and Satisfaction subscales of the FSFI (mean [M] [SD] FSFI total Mnever COVID = 27.98 [4.84] vs MCOVID = 27.05 [5.21]) than the combined only-COVID (n = 498, 37.9%) and long-COVID (n = 170, 12.9%) groups. The FSFI subscale scores were significantly higher in the only-COVID group than in the long-COVID group for the Arousal, Lubrication, and Orgasm and lower for the Pain subscales and higher for overall sexual function (FSFI total Monly COVID = 27.49 [5.00] vs Mlong COVID = 25.77 [5.61]. None of the proposed mediation models had adequate model fit. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinicians treating cisgender women who have COVID-19 should consider proactively discussing sexual function with their patients and offering available resources. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS In this study we used a large and diverse sample, but this sample did not include transgender or gender-diverse persons. This study was also correlational; as such, causal conclusions cannot be drawn. Further, the mechanism of action remains unexplained. CONCLUSIONS The study findings suggest the following: (1) COVID-19 infection is associated with impaired sexual function in cisgender women, and (2) that women with long COVID experienced incrementally more impaired sexual function than women with COVID-19 who did not develop long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Seehuus
- Department of Psychology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, United States
- Vermont Psychological Services, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Madison Fertig
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Jessica Clifton
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
- Parhelia Wellness, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
| | - Amelia M Stanton
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Tanious R, Gérain P, Jacquet W, Van Hoof E. A scoping review of life skills development and transfer in emerging adults. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1275094. [PMID: 38046121 PMCID: PMC10690614 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1275094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is a unique and sensitive life period during which most psychiatric conditions emerge. Development of life skills and transfer of these skills between contexts may be considered essential for transitioning from emerging adulthood to young adulthood. In the present scoping review of 83 articles published between 2010 and 2022, we address the state of research on life skills development and transfer in emerging adults aged 18-30. Specifically, we were interested in how life skills are defined, which specific life skills are proposed and how life skills transfer is conceptualized for this age group, with an emphasis on cognitive, personal, and interpersonal components. The results show that only a small minority of the reviewed studies defined the term life skills and an even smaller number mentioned the concept of life skills transfer, with only one study actually mentioning transfer components. Life skills research for emerging adults strongly focuses on vulnerable populations (e.g., developmental and contextual vulnerabilities, and sexually transmittable infections treatment and prevention) with the five most frequently mentioned life skills being budgeting/ finances, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional regulation. We discuss these results in light of future research directions and the lessons learned for life skills development and transfer research in emerging adults. Systematic review registration All analyzed articles are available at: https://osf.io/gmk8w/.
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Bakhsh LS, AlHazmi A, BaMohammed A, Binishaq E, Abdullah G, Bajal R, Al Ramamneh I. Emotions, Perceived Stressors, and Coping Strategies Among Nursing Staff in Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2023; 15:e48284. [PMID: 38058321 PMCID: PMC10696279 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in heightened stress for nurses and other healthcare workers, particularly during the initial phase of the crisis. Despite the adoption of various coping strategies, psychological distress persisted, affecting nurses' well-being and jeopardizing the overall resilience of the healthcare system. This study assessed the emotional response, perceived stressors, and coping strategies among nurses' staff who worked during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out among nurses who worked during the initial phase of the COVID-19 crisis (June - August 2020), at a tertiary care center in Western Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire explored five main sections. The first section (15 items) assessed emotions experienced during the initial wave of COVID-19, capturing both positive and negative sentiments, such as "joy" or "fear." The second section (20 items) examined the presence of stressors, like "lack of protective equipment" or "fear of infection." The third section (14 items) evaluated the perceived effectiveness of certain stress-reducing factors, including "peer support" or "training." In the fourth section (13 items), participants rated their usage frequency of various coping strategies, such as "meditation" or "seeking advice." Lastly, the fifth section assessed the hypothetical impact of 10 incentives, like "financial bonuses" or "additional training," in motivating nurses' involvement in future epidemic responses. The questionnaire was completed with demographic and professional data. A convenience sampling method was employed, and 315 nurses participated in the study. Descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS version 24 for Windows (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Result The most commonly experienced emotion was a feeling of responsibility and ethical duty, reported by 97.5% of the participants, followed by nervousness and fear (83.8%), anger (73.3%), and stigma (70.2%). On the other hand, 86.7% were expecting a financial compensation. The most common stressors were related to the nurses' own safety, or the safety of their families and colleagues, reported by 92.4-95.2% of the participants. The perceived uncontrollability of COVID-19 was also a significant stressor. The improvement of the health status of infected colleagues (98.1%) or patients (97.5%) were the most common factors associated with the reduction in nurses' stress. Among the coping strategies, five were almost systematically deployed by the nurses (>95%), all consisting of cognitive and behavioral mechanisms to enhance own knowledge and safety and avoid being infected. The most crucial determinants for commitment in future pandemics are the availability of a cure or vaccine (93.3%), family support (91.4%), adequate personal protective equipment from the hospital (90.8%), and exemption from overtime (90.2%). Conclusion The first wave of COVID-19 exerted a tremendous psychological stress on nurses, due to concerns about safety, disease uncertainties, and social isolation. Analyzing these impacts offers insights for enhancing institutional and national crisis strategies, emphasizing staff safety and psychological well-being, especially for first responders like nurses. Policy implications include prioritizing mental health support and preparedness in future crisis plans. Additionally, ensuring continuous training and strategic workload management is crucial for maintaining frontline commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamees S Bakhsh
- Department of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Abeer AlHazmi
- Department of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Alla BaMohammed
- Department of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Eiman Binishaq
- Department of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ghadah Abdullah
- Department of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Razaz Bajal
- Department of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ibrahim Al Ramamneh
- Department of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
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Trub L, Stewart JL, Oberndorf M, Parker V, Starks TJ. The compounding effects of income loss and change in living arrangement on emerging adult women's mental health during COVID's onset. Women Health 2023; 63:713-726. [PMID: 37794625 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2023.2262620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that young adult women were among those more susceptible to mental health declines in the initial months of COVID-19. Unfortunately, longitudinal data examining mental health before and after the pandemic's onset are extremely limited. In a sample of 240 women ages 18-29 who were surveyed online first in November-December 2019 and then again between May and July 2020, this study aimed to examine how major life changes associated with the pandemic (i.e. loss of income, loss of employment, change in relationship status, and change in living arrangement) impacted mental health (i.e. depression, anxiety, stress). Multivariate regression analyses were conducted on three models predicting stress, anxiety, and depression from the four life changes, controlling for the effects of mental health before the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that a change in living arrangement was uniformly associated with increased mental health problems among women who also experienced a decrease in income. Likewise, loss of income was uniformly related to increased mental health problems among women who also experienced a change in living arrangement. In contrast, job loss was associated with a decrease in stress, and changes in relationship status were not associated with mental health outcomes. These findings highlight the potential for COVID-19 to produce co-occurring and synergistic stressors. Meanwhile, the impact of job loss on mental health may have been attenuated by enhanced unemployment benefits. Mental health interventions that aim to support young women as the pandemic abates should be tailored to address the impact of multiple psychosocial stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leora Trub
- Psychology, Pace University, New York, New York, USA
| | - J L Stewart
- Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - M Oberndorf
- Psychology, Pace University, New York, New York, USA
| | - V Parker
- Psychology, Pace University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tyrel J Starks
- Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
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Grieb SM, Platt R, Vazquez MG, Alvarez K, Polk S. Mental Health Stigma Among Spanish-Speaking Latinos in Baltimore, Maryland. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:999-1007. [PMID: 37213041 PMCID: PMC10201042 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
To assess mental health-related stigma in an emerging Latino immigrant community and explore demographic characteristics associated with stigma. We surveyed 367 Spanish-speaking Latino adults recruited at community-based venues in Baltimore, Maryland. The survey included sociodemographic questions, the Depression Knowledge Measure, Personal Stigma Scale, and the Stigma Concerns about Mental Health Care (SCMHC) assessment. Multiple regression models examining associations between personal stigma and stigma concerns about mental health care, respectively, were constructed using variables that were statistically significant in bivariate analyses. Being male, having less than high school education, reporting high importance of religion, and having lower depression knowledge contributed to higher personal stigma. When controlling for other variables, only depression knowledge contributed unique variance to the prediction of higher SCMHC. Efforts to improve access to and quality of mental health care must be paralleled by ongoing efforts to reduce depression stigma within emergent immigrant Latino communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Grieb
- Department of Pediatrics Center for Child and Community Health Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord Building - Center Tower Suite 4200, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Rheanna Platt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Monica Guerrero Vazquez
- Department of Pediatrics Center for Child and Community Health Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord Building - Center Tower Suite 4200, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for Salud/Health and Opportunities for Latinos, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kiara Alvarez
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Polk
- Department of Pediatrics Center for Child and Community Health Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord Building - Center Tower Suite 4200, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for Salud/Health and Opportunities for Latinos, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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Tsai WL, Nash MS, Rosenbaum DJ, Prince SE, D’Aloisio AA, Mehaffey MH, Sandler DP, Buckley TJ, Neale AC. Association of Redlining and Natural Environment with Depressive Symptoms in Women in the Sister Study. Environ Health Perspect 2023; 131:107009. [PMID: 37851582 PMCID: PMC10584058 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving mental health is recognized as an important factor for achieving global development goals. Despite strong evidence that neighborhood greenery promotes better mental health, there are environmental justice concerns over the distribution of neighborhood greenery. Underlying these concerns are present-day consequences of historical discriminatory financial investment practices, such as redlining which was established by the U.S. Federal Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the 1930s. The impacts of redlining on environmental and health disparities have been researched extensively. However, the influences of redlining on the associations between neighborhood environment and health outcomes have not been fully assessed. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine whether associations between residential tree cover and depressive symptoms vary across areas subject to HOLC practices. METHODS Depressive symptoms were defined by the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale collected during the period 2008-2012 for 3,555 women in the Sister Study cohort residing in cities subject to HOLC practices across the United States. HOLC rating maps were obtained from the Mapping Inequality Project, University of Richmond, with neighborhoods graded as A (best for financial investment, green), B (still desirable, blue), C (declining, yellow), and D (hazardous, red-known as redlined). Tree cover within 500 m and 2,000 m from residences was estimated using 2011 U.S. Forest Service Percent Tree Canopy Cover. Mixed model using climate zone as the random effect was applied to evaluate the associations with adjustments for potential covariates. Analyses were stratified by HOLC grade. RESULTS Tree cover was significantly higher in neighborhoods with better HOLC grades. A 10% increase in tree cover was associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms for the full study population, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88, 0.99], and 0.91 (0.85, 0.97) for 500 -m and 2,000 -m buffer, respectively. Across HOLC grades, the strongest associations were observed in redlined neighborhoods, with respective AORs of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.99) and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.45, 0.90) for 500 -m and 2,000 -m buffer. DISCUSSION Findings support a remediation strategy focused on neighborhood greenery that would address multiple public health priorities, including mental health and environmental justice. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12212.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Tsai
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maliha S. Nash
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA, Newport, Oregon, USA
| | - Daniel J. Rosenbaum
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven E. Prince
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aimee A. D’Aloisio
- Social & Scientific Systems, DLH Holdings Corporation, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Megan H. Mehaffey
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Timothy J. Buckley
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anne C. Neale
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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13
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Timmons AC, Duong JB, Fiallo NS, Lee T, Vo HPQ, Ahle MW, Comer JS, Brewer LC, Frazier SL, Chaspari T. A Call to Action on Assessing and Mitigating Bias in Artificial Intelligence Applications for Mental Health. Perspect Psychol Sci 2023; 18:1062-1096. [PMID: 36490369 PMCID: PMC10250563 DOI: 10.1177/17456916221134490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Advances in computer science and data-analytic methods are driving a new era in mental health research and application. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies hold the potential to enhance the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of people experiencing mental health problems and to increase the reach and impact of mental health care. However, AI applications will not mitigate mental health disparities if they are built from historical data that reflect underlying social biases and inequities. AI models biased against sensitive classes could reinforce and even perpetuate existing inequities if these models create legacies that differentially impact who is diagnosed and treated, and how effectively. The current article reviews the health-equity implications of applying AI to mental health problems, outlines state-of-the-art methods for assessing and mitigating algorithmic bias, and presents a call to action to guide the development of fair-aware AI in psychological science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela C. Timmons
- University of Texas at Austin Institute for Mental Health Research
- Colliga Apps Corporation
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - LaPrincess C. Brewer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, May Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
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14
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Chavez-Lindell TL, Cahill KA, Kintziger KW, Odoi A. Perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 in Tennessee, USA: a retrospective study. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15473. [PMID: 37456880 PMCID: PMC10340107 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite high incidence and mortality risks associated with COVID-19 during the pandemic, stay-at-home orders and vaccination recommendations were met with varying levels of acceptance in Tennessee. Understanding perceptions of individuals regarding the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 is necessary to address public concerns while ensuring appropriate public health response. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (a) investigate differences in opinions among residents of Tennessee regarding the impacts of COVID-19; and (b) identify socioeconomic and demographic predictors/determinants of these opinions. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using survey data collected in nine waves during 2020. Distributions of survey-weighted sociodemographic characteristics and respondent perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 were computed. Weighted logistic models were used to investigate predictors of a number of perceptions: whether the health or economic impact was greater, concern for respondent's health, concern for family's health, and willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine. Results The study included a total of 9,754 survey respondents. Approximately equal percentages considered COVID-19 to have a greater economic (48.4%) versus health impact (51.6%). Just 40.1% of the respondents reported that they would definitely accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Age group, race, educational attainment, and household composition were significant (p < 0.05) predictors of all investigated perceptions regarding COVID-19. Lack of prior infection was the strongest predictor of the perception of COVID-19 having a greater impact on health (OR = 2.40, p < 0.001), concern for respondent's health (OR = 1.86, p = 0.002), and concern for family members' health (OR = 1.90, p = 0.001). Compared to males, females had higher odds of identifying the health impact of COVID-19 as greater (OR = 1.09, p = 0.041) and reporting concern for family health (OR = 1.14, p = 0.003). However, they had lower odds (OR = 0.63, p < 0.001) of willingness to accept vaccine than males. Conclusion These findings improve our understanding of the drivers of health behaviors, including vaccine hesitancy, and are useful for guiding public health outreach/education programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L. Chavez-Lindell
- Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States of America
| | - Katie A. Cahill
- Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States of America
| | - Kristina W. Kintziger
- Department of Public Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States of America
| | - Agricola Odoi
- Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States of America
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15
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Welton-Mitchell C, Dally M, Dickinson KL, Morris-Neuberger L, Roberts JD, Blanch-Hartigan D. Influence of mental health on information seeking, risk perception and mask wearing self-efficacy during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal panel study across 6 U.S. States. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:203. [PMID: 37430351 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01241-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding factors that influence information seeking, assessment of risk and mitigation behaviors is critical during a public health crises. This longitudinal study examined the influence of self-reported mental health during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic on information seeking, risk perception and perceived mask wearing ability. Mental health screener items included fear, anger, and hopelessness in addition to avoidance, diminished functional ability and global distress. Theoretical models inform hypotheses linking mental health items and outcomes. METHODS The research employed a longitudinal 6-state 3-wave online panel survey, with an initial sample of 3,059 participants (2,232 included in longitudinal analyses). Participants roughly represented the states' age, race, ethnicity, and income demographics. RESULTS Women, those who identified as Hispanic/Latinx, Black Americans and lower income participants reported higher overall rates of distress than others. Information seeking was more common among older persons, Democrats, retirees, those with higher education, and those who knew people who had died of COVID-19. Controlling for such demographic variables, in multivariable longitudinal models that included baseline mental health measures, distress and fear were associated with increased information seeking. Distress and fear were also associated with increased risk perception, and feelings of hopelessness were associated with lower reported mask-wearing ability. CONCLUSIONS Results advance understanding of the role mental health can play in information seeking, risk perception and mask wearing with implications for clinicians, public health practitioners and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Welton-Mitchell
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Mail Stop, 13001 E 17th Pl B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Miranda Dally
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Mail Stop, 13001 E 17th Pl B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Katherine L Dickinson
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Mail Stop, 13001 E 17th Pl B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Lindsay Morris-Neuberger
- Communication Studies, West Virginia University, Armstrong Hall, 94 Beechurst Ave STE 108, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Jennifer D Roberts
- School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Dr, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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16
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Lourie A, Kennedy S, Henshaw EJ, James D. College transition Fall 2020 and 2021: Understanding the relationship of COVID-19 experiences and psychosocial correlates with anxiety and depression. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287792. [PMID: 37410788 PMCID: PMC10325039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rates of mental health symptoms, particularly anxiety and depression, have increased significantly in college students in the past decade along with utilization of mental health resources. The COVID-19 pandemic created an additional source of stressors to an already challenging landscape of college transition. COVID-19 has been associated with an increase of anxiety among college students, particularly first year students, entering college in Fall 2020. The shifts in policy (e.g., federal, state, and college) accruing medical data, and vaccine availability between Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 provide an opportunity to examine the role of COVID-19 experiences in the transition to college for these two first-year student cohorts. This study examined two cohorts of first-year students, Fall 2020 and 2021, to better understand the relationship between COVID-19 experiences, psychosocial correlates, and mental health symptoms. Results suggest that for students in our Fall 2020 cohort COVID-19 experiences played a distinct role in the prediction of mental health symptoms while in Fall 2021 COVID-19 experiences did not uniquely contribute to prediction of mental health symptoms. These findings have implications for mental health interventions for first-year students transitioning to college.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lourie
- Department of Psychology, Denison University, Granville, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Susan Kennedy
- Department of Psychology, Denison University, Granville, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Erin J. Henshaw
- Department of Psychology, Denison University, Granville, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Drexler James
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
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17
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Deardorff J, Rauch S, Kogut K, Eskenazi B. Changes in Young Latino Adults' Depressive and Anxious Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Related Stressors. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:201-204. [PMID: 37032207 PMCID: PMC9974362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Youth are vulnerable to poor mental health outcomes during emerging adulthood. This study examined COVID-19 pandemic effects among young Latino adults and changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms. METHODS Using data from 309 individuals, predominantly of Mexican origin, we examined anxiety and depressive symptoms (before and during COVID) to determine whether mental health worsened during this period. We also examined associations between specific pandemic-related stressors and mental health. Analyses used paired T-tests and linear regressions. Participant sex was included as a moderator. We corrected for multiple comparisons using the Benjamini-Hochberg method. RESULTS During the 2-year time period, depressive symptoms increased while anxiety symptoms decreased. There were no significant stressor by sex interactions; however, exploratory analyses signaled that pandemic-related stressors had stronger mental health effects for young women. DISCUSSION Young adults' depressive and anxiety symptoms changed during the pandemic, and pandemic-related stressors were associated with increases in mental health symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Deardorff
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California.
| | - Stephen Rauch
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Katherine Kogut
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California
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18
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Castelin S, Jaquez F, Burlew AK, Cunningham SR. Dual Pandemics: Race-Related COVID Stress and Mental Health Outcomes in Black Individuals. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01683-6. [PMID: 37378805 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01683-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Black individuals have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due in part to historically rooted stressors that lie at the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and racism. We used secondary data from The Association of Black Psychologists' multi-state needs assessment of 2480 Black adults to examine the link between race-related COVID stress (RRCS) and mental health outcomes. We also examined the moderating roles of everyday discrimination, cultural mistrust, Black activism, Black identity, and spirituality/religiosity in these associations. T-tests revealed that several demographic and cultural factors are associated with RRCS endorsement. A series of regression analyses showed that endorsement of RRCS is associated with higher psychological distress and lower well-being, above and beyond several sociodemographic characteristics. While traditional cultural protective factors did not buffer against the effects of RRCS on mental health, cultural mistrust strengthened the positive association between RRCS and psychological distress; nonetheless, the association of cultural mistrusts with psychological distress was only seen in those who endorsed RRCS. We provide recommendations for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to consider the impact of RRCS when addressing Black mental health and well-being in the age of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Castelin
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Farrah Jaquez
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - A Kathleen Burlew
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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19
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Paat YF, Orezzoli MCE, Ngan CK, Olimpo JT. Racial Health Disparities and Black Heterogeneity in COVID-19: A Case Study of Miami Gardens. J Appl Soc Sci (Boulder) 2023; 17:190-208. [PMID: 38603238 PMCID: PMC9868486 DOI: 10.1177/19367244221142565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a critical public health concern that has disproportionately affected the Black community in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk and protective factors faced by residents in the City of Miami Gardens during the COVID-19 pandemic, with emphases placed on racial health disparities and Black heterogeneity. Using convenience and snowball sampling, quantitative and qualitative data for this study were collected via an anonymous online questionnaire using QuestionPro. Survey links were distributed by e-mail invitations with assistance from city officials to the residents of this predominantly Black city in Florida (n = 83). Descriptive statistics and relevant qualitative responses are presented. Furthermore, a machine learning (ML) approach was used to select the most critical variables that characterized the two racial groups (Black versus non-Black participants) based on four ML feature selectors. Study findings offered important and interesting insights. Specifically, despite the greater prevalence of adopting measures to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, Black participants were more susceptible to activities that increased their COVID-19 risk levels. In addition, their rate of infection, particularly among the Afro-Caribbean ethnic group, was reported to be higher, indicating the need to further investigate the underlying conditions and root causes (including vaccine hesitancy and refusal) that contribute to their greater health disparities.
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20
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Lemke MK, Hege A, Crizzle AM. An Agenda for Advancing Research and Prevention at the Nexus of Work Organization, Occupational Stress, and Mental Health and Well-Being. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6010. [PMID: 37297614 PMCID: PMC10252625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20116010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Work characteristics and worker well-being are inextricably connected. In particular, the characteristics of work organization shape and perpetuate occupational stress, which contributes to worker mental health and well-being outcomes. Consequently, the importance of understanding and addressing connections between work organization, occupational stress, and mental health and well-being-the focus of this Special Issue-increasingly demand attention from those affected by these issues. Thus, focusing on these issues in the long-haul truck driver (LHTD) sector as an illustrative example, the purpose of this commentary is as follows: (1) to outline current research approaches and the extant knowledge base regarding the connections between work organization, occupational stress, and mental health; (2) to provide an overview of current intervention strategies and public policy solutions associated with the current knowledge base to protect and promote worker mental health and well-being; and (3) to propose a two-pronged agenda for advancing research and prevention for workers during the 21st century. It is anticipated that this commentary, and this Special Issue more broadly, will both echo numerous other calls for building knowledge and engaging in this area and motivate further research within complementary current and novel research frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Lemke
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX 77002, USA
| | - Adam Hege
- Department of Public Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA;
| | - Alexander M. Crizzle
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada;
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21
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Wen M, Shi L, Zhang D, Li Y, Chen Z, Chen B, Chen L, Zhang L, Li H, Li J, Han X, Su D. Racial-ethnic disparities in psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States: the role of experienced discrimination and perceived racial bias. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:957. [PMID: 37231401 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15912-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on mental health disparities by race-ethnicity in the United States (US) during COVID-19 is limited and has generated mixed results. Few studies have included Asian Americans as a whole or by subgroups in the analysis. METHODS Data came from the 2020 Health, Ethnicity, and Pandemic Study, based on a nationally representative sample of 2,709 community-dwelling adults in the US with minorities oversampled. The outcome was psychological distress. The exposure variable was race-ethnicity, including four major racial-ethnic groups and several Asian ethnic subgroups in the US. The mediators included experienced discrimination and perceived racial bias toward one's racial-ethnic group. Weighted linear regressions and mediation analyses were performed. RESULTS Among the four major racial-ethnic groups, Hispanics (22%) had the highest prevalence of severe distress, followed by Asians (18%) and Blacks (16%), with Whites (14%) having the lowest prevalence. Hispanics' poorer mental health was largely due to their socioeconomic disadvantages. Within Asians, Southeast Asians (29%), Koreans (27%), and South Asians (22%) exhibited the highest prevalence of severe distress. Their worse mental health was mainly mediated by experienced discrimination and perceived racial bias. CONCLUSIONS Purposefully tackling racial prejudice and discrimination is necessary to alleviate the disproportionate psychological distress burden in racial-ethnic minority groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Lu Shi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Donglan Zhang
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Baojiang Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1616 Guadalupe, Suite 6.300, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
| | - Liwei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Media, Journalism and Film, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Dejun Su
- Department of Health Promotion, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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Abstract
Background: Parents may be at greater risk to experience parental burnout after experiencing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the unique experiences of parents with young children during the first two years of the pandemic, this study explored the relationship between parental burnout, quality of life (QOL), and perceived threat of COVID-19 among a sample of adults who parented at least one child under the age of five. Method: A brief survey was conducted through convenience sampling (N = 48) and included the Brief Parental Burnout Scale, The QOL Scale, and a perceived COVID threat scale. Results: Logistic regression analysis found that pregnancy was a significant predictor of burnout risk even after controlling other effects on burnout risk. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the pandemic negatively impacted parental burnout and pregnancy during the first 2 years of the pandemic increased risk for burnout. Awareness is important for appropriate assessment and intervention by clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Holmes
- Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kanako Iwanaga
- Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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23
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Deng Y, Xie L, Wang L, Chen Y. Psychoanalysis of COVID-19 Patient Narratives: A Descriptive Study. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:medicina59040712. [PMID: 37109670 PMCID: PMC10145710 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: COVID-19 patients are a psychologically vulnerable patient group who suffer from both physical symptoms and psychological problems. The present study is a psychoanalytic investigation of COVID-19 patients utilizing Lacan's desire theory. We aimed to explore the manner in which patients' desire is presented in their lived experience narratives and sought to discover factors which directly impacted on this process. Materials and Methods: In-depth semi-structural interviews were conducted with 36 COVID-19 patients in China. During each interview, participants narrated their lived experiences of COVID-19 infection. Emotions, metaphors, and behaviors in patient narratives were collated as the main points for psychoanalysis. Results: Our findings demonstrated that the desire for being a healthy person made patients emotionally sensitive to the social environment. Anxiety and obsessive behaviors emerged in the process, which reveals their desire for that which they lack. Furthermore, public fear with respect to COVID-19 was somehow converted to psychological pressure on COVID-19 patients. Thus, these patients attempted to "de-identify" their identity as "patients". Positive responses of COVID-19 patients to the external world included admiring medical personnel, government, and country, while negative responses included interpersonal conflicts or complaints about discrimination. Following the rules of the Other, COVID-19 patients were influenced by the Other's desire in constructing their own image of a healthy person. Conclusions: This study revealed COVID-19 patients' psychological need to rid themselves of the identity of "patient" at the individual and social level. Our findings have clinical implications in helping COVID-19 patients to reshape their identity and to live a normal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Deng
- College of Language Intelligence, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing 400031, China
| | - Luxue Xie
- School of English Studies, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing 400031, China
| | - Li Wang
- Science and Education Department, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
| | - Yaokai Chen
- Department of Infection Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
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Uebelacker LA, Wolff JC, Guo J, Conte K, Tremont G, Kraines M, O'Keeffe B, Fristad MA, Yen S. Assessing feasibility and acceptability of yoga and group CBT for adolescents with depression: A pilot randomized clinical trial. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 28:525-540. [PMID: 35608457 DOI: 10.1177/13591045221092885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Given increasing rates of depression in adolescents, there is a clear need for innovative treatments. In this pilot randomized clinical trial, we assessed acceptability and feasibility of two group-based interventions: yoga and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of this work is to prepare for a future fully powered randomized trial to test the hypothesis that yoga is not inferior to an established adolescent depression treatment, namely, group CBT. METHODS We enrolled 42 adolescents with elevated depression symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned to a 12-week group-based intervention, yoga or CBT. We had a priori feasibility and acceptability targets, including for recruitment rate, retention rate, expectancy, credibility, program satisfaction, class attendance, engagement in home practice, and instructor/leader manual adherence. We assessed adverse events, and within-subject changes in outcomes (depression, anxiety, impairment, sleep disturbance) and possible mediators (mindfulness, self-compassion). RESULTS Both interventions met most acceptability and feasibility targets. The only target not met related to low engagement in home practice. Participants within each study arm showed decreased depression symptoms over time and increased self-compassion. CONCLUSIONS A yoga intervention appears to be acceptable and feasible to adolescents with depression. However, it may be challenging for this group to engage in unstructured home practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Uebelacker
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jennifer C Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jenny Guo
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Geoffrey Tremont
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Morganne Kraines
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Mary A Fristad
- Nationwide Children's Hospital/The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shirley Yen
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Massachusetts Mental Health Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Rahman R, Azhar S, Wernick LJ, Huang D, Maschi T, Rosenblatt C, Patel R. COVID-19 stigma and depression across race, ethnicity and residence. Soc Work Health Care 2023; 62:121-142. [PMID: 36934345 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2023.2193263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Our cross-sectional study seeks to understand how COVID-19 stigma, race/ethnicity [Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, white] and residency [New York City (NYC) resident vs. non-NYC resident] associated with depression. Our sample includes 568 participants: 260 (45.77%) were NYC residents and 308 (54.3%) were non-NYC residents. A series of multiple linear regression were run to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity, COVID-19 stigma, and depressive symptoms. Irrespective of residency, older age and ever being diagnosed with COVID-19 were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Stigma and thinking less of oneself significantly associates with depressive symptoms across residency. Our study expects to benefit mental health care providers and public health professionals in designing best practices to mitigate stigma in ongoing or future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahbel Rahman
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Sameena Azhar
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Laura J Wernick
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Debbie Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Tina Maschi
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Cassidy Rosenblatt
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Rupal Patel
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, New York, United States
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Ramos MS, Corona R, Dempster KW, Morton SCM, Everhart RS. The COVID-19 pandemic: asthma control, tobacco use, and mental health among African American and Latinx college students. J Asthma 2023; 60:496-507. [PMID: 35385676 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2022.2062673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on tobacco use and mental health in US African American and Latinx college students with asthma. Associations among asthma control, tobacco use, and mental health were also examined. METHODS 105 African American and Latinx college students with asthma (18-23 years) completed two online questionnaires (June 2019-March 2020 for Time 1; August 2020-October 2020 for Time 2). Participants completed the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (measure of COVID-19 impact), Asthma Control Test, Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (measure of depression), Perceived Stress Scale, and items related to tobacco use. RESULTS Asthma control improved (t = -3.326, p = 0.001) from Time 1 to 2, and e-vapor product use decreased (χ2104 = 6.572, p = 0.010). COVID-19 impact was positively associated with students' symptoms of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress (B = 0.201, p < 0.001; B = 0.179, p < 0.001; and B = 0.199, p = 0.001, respectively) at Time 2. These results remained significant with the Benjamini-Hochberg correction. Asthma control at Time 1 was negatively associated with anxiety symptoms at Time 2 (B = -0.418, p = 0.023); however, associations with perceived stress (B = -0.514, p = 0.019) and all other tobacco product use (B = -0.233, p = 0.030) did not remain significant with the Benjamini-Hochberg correction. CONCLUSIONS As hypothesized, a higher COVID-19 impact score was associated with students endorsing more mental health symptoms. Better control of asthma symptoms before the pandemic predicted fewer anxiety symptoms during the pandemic.
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Rice T, Reliford A, Calov C, Rodriguez J. The Behavioral Health Needs of Youth With Preexisting Psychiatric Disorders in the Aftermath of COVID-19. J Pediatr Health Care 2023; 37:137-141. [PMID: 36347759 PMCID: PMC9579186 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders are a sizable population of children and youth with special health care needs. While the capabilities of behavioral health resources to meet these youth's needs were already strained, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic extended resource limitations just as this subgroup of children and youth with special health care needs faced new stressors and potential exacerbations of their underlying psychiatric illnesses. In this article, we provide a brief narrative review of the factors' manifestations with an emphasis upon their disproportionate impact upon children of color and their families and particularly those from disadvantaged communities. We proceed to provide policy proposals for addressing these disparities. These include raising reimbursement for behavioral health services, increasing telehealth care delivery, reducing inter-state licensing requirements, increasing community-based services, and addressing social determinants of health. Conclusions and directions for strengthening behavioral health service delivery capabilities and addressing systemic injustices are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Rice
- Timothy Rice, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Aaron Reliford
- Aaron Reliford, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Chiara Calov
- Chiara Calov, Program Coordinator, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - James Rodriguez
- James Rodriguez, Senior Director, Clinical Initiatives, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
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Iyengar V, Azar M, Gallagher-Thompson D. Examining Brain and Mental Health Inequities from a Global Lens: Insights and Opportunities. Clin Gerontol 2023; 46:123-127. [PMID: 36774963 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2158269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vijeth Iyengar
- Office of International Affairs, AARP, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Martina Azar
- Psychology Department, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dolores Gallagher-Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Paz DC, Bains MS, Zueger ML, Bandi VR, Kuo VY, Payton M, Ryznar RJ. Impact of COVID-19 on Rocky Vista University medical students' mental health: A cross-sectional survey. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1076841. [PMID: 36814663 PMCID: PMC9939690 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1076841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic brought immense changes to medical school curriculums world-wide, such as the widespread adoption of virtual learning. We sought to better understand the impact on medical students' mental health at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO, United States. This study assessed the impact the pandemic had on anxiety and depression levels of medical students. It also assessed the impact of several domains on student mental health during the pandemic and how various sub-groups within the studied population were affected. Methods A cross-sectional survey was sent to students through an online anonymous google survey in May to June 2021, centered around the 7-item questionnaire used to screen for Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD-7, 9-item questionnaire used to screen for depression PHQ-9, and self-designed questions to assess the personal impact of the pandemic. Data obtained were screened for error and analyzed with significance value of p < 0.05. Results A total of 152 responses were received (25.5% response rate). Of these, 64.1% identified as female, 75.8% were white, 50.3% were between ages 21-25, and 77.8% were first year medical students. During the pandemic, 79.6% of respondents felt more anxious and 65.1% felt more depressed. 67.8% of students reported feeling social isolation amidst the pandemic. Students living with friends were more likely to see a therapist for depression during the pandemic (p = 0.0169) and prescribed an antidepressant (p = 0.0394). Females and students in relationships were more likely to score higher on GAD-7 (p = 0.0194) and (p = 0.0244), respectively. Conclusion This study investigated the effect of the pandemic on medical students' mental health and the need to address this issue. Results suggest that the pandemic had a negative impact on medical student's mental health and that anxiety and depression levels worsened for pre-clinical medical students at Rocky Vista University. As such, it is imperative to incorporate additional resources to protect the well-being of medical students as they progress through their medical careers.
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Yang C, Gao H, Li Y, Wang E, Wang N, Wang Q. Analyzing the role of family support, coping strategies and social support in improving the mental health of students: Evidence from post COVID-19. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1064898. [PMID: 36619015 PMCID: PMC9822709 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1064898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic and the multifaceted response strategies to curb its spread both have devastating effects on mental and emotional health. Social distancing, and self-isolation have impacted the lives of students. These impacts need to be identified, studied, and handled to ensure the well-being of the individuals, particularly the students. Aim This study aims to analyze the role of coping strategies, family support, and social support in improving the mental health of the students by collecting evidence from post COVID-19. Methods Data was collected from deaf students studying in Chinese universities of Henan Province, China. A survey questionnaire was designed to collect data from 210 students. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS 21 while hypothesis testing was carried out using Mplus 7. Results The results demonstrated that family support was strongly positively linked to mental health and predicted coping strategies. The direct relationship analysis showed that coping strategy strongly predicted mental health. Furthermore, coping strategies significantly mediated the relationship between family support and mental health. Additionally, the results highlighted that PSS significantly moderated the path of family support and coping strategies only. Conclusion Family support and coping strategies positively predicted mental health, whereas, family support was also found to be positively associated with coping strategies. Coping strategies mediated the positive association between family support and mental health. However, perceived family and other support only moderated the relationship between family support and coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunying Yang
- School of Special Education, Zhengzhou Normal University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hong Gao
- School of Special Education, Zhengzhou Normal University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- School of Special Education, Zhengzhou Normal University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Enguo Wang
- Faculty of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Nina Wang
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Nina Wang, ✉
| | - Qinglei Wang
- Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Qinglei Wang, ✉
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Sun Y, Wang P, Tang J. Impact of mental health, job insecurity, and COVID-19 symptoms on protective behavior changes among White, Black, and other minorities in the US. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1040413. [PMID: 36478929 PMCID: PMC9720273 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1040413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Job insecurity such as loss of jobs or reduced wages has become a serious social problem in the US since COVID-19 started. Combined with psychological distress and experience of COVID-19 symptoms, the changes of people's protective behaviors vary across states in the US. METHODS This research investigated racial differences in the COVID-19 related factors among White, Black, and other minorities in the US, and examined how mental health mediated the impact of job insecurity on protective behaviors, and how the COVID-19 symptoms moderated the mediation effect of mental health. The 731 valid responses in a cross-sectional survey from May 23 to 27, 2020, in the US were analyzed with independent sample t-tests, Pearson's chi-square tests, and path analysis. RESULTS The findings showed that there were significant differences in job insecurity and Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) practice among White, Black, and other minorities. Job insecurity was significantly negatively associated with NPIs practice and was significantly positively associated with mental health. Mental health significantly partially mediated the effect of job insecurity on NPIs practice, in that job insecurity is a better predictor of NPIs practice for individuals with worse mental health than that for individuals with better mental health. Experience of COVID-19 symptoms moderates the mediation effect of mental health on the relationship between job insecurity and NPIs practice, in that mental health is a better predictor of NPIs practice for individuals with a higher experience of COVID-19 symptoms than for individuals with a lower experience of COVID-19 symptoms. DISCUSSION The findings in this study shed lights on psychological and behavioral studies of people's behavior changes during a pandemic. The study indicates the importance of treating mental health to promote protective behaviors during a pandemic, as well as advocating for employees by identifying the needs for those whose jobs were negatively impacted the most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Sun
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Business, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
| | - Jun Tang
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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Comtois KA, Mata-Greve F, Johnson M, Pullmann MD, Mosser B, Arean P. Effectiveness of Mental Health Apps for Distress During COVID-19 in US Unemployed and Essential Workers: Remote Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e41689. [PMID: 36191176 PMCID: PMC9642829 DOI: 10.2196/41689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, the general public was concerned about the mental health impacts of unemployment due to COVID-19 and the stress essential workers experienced during this time. Several reports indicated that people in distress were turning to digital technology, but there was little evidence about the impact of these tools on mitigating distress. OBJECTIVE This study seeks to determine the acceptability, feasibility, usability, and effectiveness of mobile mental health apps for decreasing mental health symptoms in essential workers and unemployed individuals with suicide risk. METHODS We recruited participants who indicated that they were unemployed because of COVID-19 or were COVID-19-designated essential workers. Participants were randomized to 1 of 4 free commercial mobile apps for managing distress that were (1) highly rated by PsyberGuide and (2) met the criteria for intervention features these participants indicated were desirable in a previous survey. Participants used the apps for 4 weeks and completed baseline and 4-week self-assessments of depression, anxiety emotional regulation, and suicide risk. RESULTS We found no differences between the apps in any outcome but did find significant changes in depression and anxiety over time (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-9: estimate=-1.5, SE 0.2, 95% CI -1.1 to -1.8, P<.001; Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale [GAD]-7: estimate=-1.3, SE 0.2, 95% CI -1.0 to -1.6, P<.001). We found no significant changes in suicidal behavior (Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised [SBQ-R]) or emotional regulation (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - Short Form [DERS-SF]) for the 4 weeks. We did find a significant dose-response pattern for changes in depression and anxiety. Using the app at least once a week resulted in greater improvements in treatment conditions over time on depression (estimate=-0.6, SE 0.2, 95% CI 1.0-0.2, P=.003) and anxiety (estimate=0.1, SE 0.2, 95% CI 0.4-0.6, P=.78). There was no association between app frequency and changes in suicidal behavior (SBQ-R) or emotional regulation (DERS-SF). We further found a significant difference between the conditions with regard to app usability, with the control app being the most usable (meanBeautiful Mood 72.9, SD 16.7; meanCOVID Coach 71.2, SD 15.4; meanCalm 66.8, SD 17.3; mean7 Cups 65.2, SD 17.7). We found no significant differences for app acceptability or appropriateness. CONCLUSIONS Few studies have evaluated prospectively the utility and usability of commercial apps for mood. This study found that free, self-guided commercial mobile mental health apps are seen as usable, but no one app is superior to the other. Although we found that regular use is indicated for effects on depression and anxiety to occur in those who are more symptomatic, regression to the mean cannot be ruled out. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04536935; https://tinyurl.com/mr36zx3s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Anne Comtois
- Advanced Laboratories for Accelerating the Reach and Impact of Treatments for Youth and Adults with Mental Illness, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Felicia Mata-Greve
- Advanced Laboratories for Accelerating the Reach and Impact of Treatments for Youth and Adults with Mental Illness, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Morgan Johnson
- Advanced Laboratories for Accelerating the Reach and Impact of Treatments for Youth and Adults with Mental Illness, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michael D Pullmann
- Advanced Laboratories for Accelerating the Reach and Impact of Treatments for Youth and Adults with Mental Illness, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brittany Mosser
- Advanced Laboratories for Accelerating the Reach and Impact of Treatments for Youth and Adults with Mental Illness, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Conducting Research to Enhance Assessment and Treatment Through Innovation in Mental Health Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Patricia Arean
- Advanced Laboratories for Accelerating the Reach and Impact of Treatments for Youth and Adults with Mental Illness, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Conducting Research to Enhance Assessment and Treatment Through Innovation in Mental Health Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Tsuzaki K, Taira D. Forgone Health Care for Non-COVID-19-Related Needs Among Medicare Beneficiaries During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Summer 2020-Winter 2021. Prev Chronic Dis 2022; 19:E64. [PMID: 36227851 DOI: 10.5888/pcd19.220110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Forgone health care, defined as not using health care despite perceiving a need for it, is associated with poor health outcomes, especially among people with chronic conditions. The objective of our study was to examine how the pandemic affected forgone health care during 3 stages of the pandemic. METHODS We used the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey COVID-19 Rapid Response Questionnaire administered in summer 2020, fall 2020, and winter 2021 to examine sociodemographic characteristics, chronic diseases, COVID-19 vaccination status, and telehealth availability in relation to beneficiary reports of forgone health care. RESULTS Of the 3 periods studied, the overall rate of forgone health care was highest in summer 2020 (20.8%), followed by fall 2020 (7.8%) and winter 2021 (6.5%). COVID-19 vaccination status, age, sex, race and ethnicity, US region, availability of primary care telehealth appointments, and chronic conditions (heart disease, arthritis, depression, osteoporosis or a broken hip, and diabetes or high blood glucose) were significantly related to forgone care. CONCLUSION High rates of forgone care among Medicare participants varied over time and were significantly related to beneficiary characteristics. Our findings highlight the need for health care reform and changes in policy to address the issue of access to care for people with chronic conditions during a pandemic or other public health emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Tsuzaki
- The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, 200 W Kawili St, Hilo, HI 96720. .,Now with Cynosure Consulting, LLC, Seattle, Washington
| | - Deborah Taira
- The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, Honolulu, Hawaii
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Ekwonye AU, Malek A, Chonyi T, Nguyen S, Ponce-Diaz V, Lau Haller L, Farah I, Hearst M. "Pandemic Fatigue! It's Been Going On since March 2020": A Photovoice Study of the Experiences of BIPOC Older Adults and Frontline Healthcare Workers during the Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10. [PMID: 36292413 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic intensified the stressful and already difficult circumstances of communities of color. Yet, there is no current photovoice research highlighting the lived experiences of these communities from two perspectives-the older adults (OAs) and the frontline healthcare workers (FLHWs). This qualitative study used photovoice to visually portray the struggles of Black, Indigenous, and persons of color (BIPOC) OAs (n = 7) and younger FLHWs (n = 5) who worked with older adults during the pandemic and how they coped and recovered from the challenges of the pandemic. The investigators conducted a three-day training of ten research assistants (RAs) who were paired with either an OA or an FLHW for the photovoice sessions conducted in four stages. Upon examination of the narratives, focus group transcriptions, and photo stories, it became clear that participants faced different challenges during the pandemic, such as the fear of COVID-19 exposure, struggles to adopt COVID-19 mitigation strategies, workplace challenges, and social isolation. Amid this crisis of suffering, isolation, and sadness, participants employed two major strategies to deal with the challenges of the pandemic: positive reappraisal and self-care practices. The findings have implications for clinical social workers, mental health counselors, faith communities, nurse managers and administrators, and policymakers.
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Pineros-Leano M, Pérez-Flores NJ, Damian K, Rodrigues K, Ortiz G, Simonovich SD. Mental health disparities in Latinx immigrant communities residing in the United States during COVID-19: Implications for policy and practice. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1000233. [PMID: 36249205 PMCID: PMC9558270 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1000233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Studies have demonstrated that Latinx populations face significant health disparities in access to mental health care. The objective of this study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health needs of Latinx families, from the perspectives of direct service providers working with Latinx communities. Methods Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually with direct service providers to the Latinx community from August to October 2020. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Two-thirds of providers were female, with a median age of 33 years, and provided direct services to Latinx clients and had extensive experience working with immigrant families, particularly in Massachusetts. Key themes identified describing the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health needs of Latinx families included: (1) exacerbation of mental health symptoms, (2) financial stressors, (3) preoccupation regarding transnational lives, (4) secondary needs becoming more salient, and (5) immigration status as a main driver of inequality. Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance of focusing on the mental health needs of Latinx immigrants and ensuring their access to mental health services. Telehealth seems to be a potential tool that promotes mental health access among Latinx clients. Future research needs to continue investigating the role of telehealth in decreasing mental health access disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pineros-Leano
- MACONDO Research Team, School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States,School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States,*Correspondence: María Pineros-Leano
| | - Nancy Jacquelyn Pérez-Flores
- MACONDO Research Team, School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States,Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Katherine Damian
- MACONDO Research Team, School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Kelli Rodrigues
- MACONDO Research Team, School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States,Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Gabi Ortiz
- MACONDO Research Team, School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States,School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Shannon D. Simonovich
- MACONDO Research Team, School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States,The Maternal Child Health Initiative, School of Nursing, College of Science and Health, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Layug A, Krishnamurthy S, McKenzie R, Feng B. The Impacts of Social Media Use and Online Racial Discrimination on Asian American Mental Health: Cross-sectional Survey in the United States During COVID-19. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e38589. [PMID: 36121698 PMCID: PMC9488547 DOI: 10.2196/38589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased social media usage has led to worsened mental health outcomes for many people. Moreover, due to the sociopolitical climate during the pandemic, the prevalence of online racial discrimination has contributed to worsening psychological well-being. With increases in anti-Asian hate, Asian and Asian American social media users may experience the negative effects of online racial discrimination in addition to the reduced psychological well-being resulting from exposure to online COVID-19 content.
Objective
This study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19–related social media use and exposure to online racial discrimination during the pandemic on the mental health outcomes (ie, anxiety, depression, and secondary traumatic stress [STS]) of Asian Americans compared with those of non-Asian Americans. In addition, this study explores the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating role of racial/ethnic identification.
Methods
An online survey was conducted through Amazon Mechanical Turk and a university-wide research portal from March 3 to March 15, 2021. A total of 1147 participants took the survey. Participants’ social media usage related to COVID-19 and exposure to 2 online forms of racial discrimination (individual and vicarious), mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and STS), racial/ethnic identification, negative affect, and demographics were assessed.
Results
Our results showed that COVID-19–related social media use, individual discrimination, and vicarious discrimination were predictors of negative mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and STS). Asian Americans reported higher vicarious discrimination than Latinx and White Americans, but Asian Americans’ mental health outcomes did not differ substantially from those of the other racial/ethnic groups. Racial/ethnic identification moderated the relationship between both types of discrimination and STS, and negative affect served as a mediator between both types of discrimination and all 3 mental health outcomes.
Conclusions
These results suggest that social media exposure continues to have a dire effect on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study helps to contextualize the rise of anti-Asian American hate and its impact on mental health outcomes in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyan Layug
- Department of Asian American Studies, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Rachel McKenzie
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Bo Feng
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Burke-Garcia A, Berktold J, Rabinowitz L, Wagstaff L, W. Thomas C, Crick C, Walsh MS, Mitchell EW, Verlenden JMV, Puddy R, Mercado MC, Xia K, Aina T, Caicedo L, Nelson, BA P. Assessment of Mental Health and Coping Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Groups Amid COVID-19 From the “How Right Now” Campaign. Public Health Rep 2022; 138:174-182. [PMID: 36113112 PMCID: PMC9482876 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221121667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: How Right Now (HRN) is an evidence-based, culturally responsive communication campaign developed to facilitate coping and resilience among US groups disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To inform the development of this campaign, we examined patterns in emotional health, stress, and coping strategies among HRN’s audiences, focusing on differences among racial and ethnic groups. Methods: We used a national probability panel, AmeriSpeak, to collect survey data from HRN’s priority audience members in English and Spanish at 2 time points (May 2020 and May 2021). We conducted statistical testing to examine differences between time points for each subgroup (Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White) and differences among subgroups at each time point. Results: We found disparities in COVID-19–related mental health challenges and differences in coping strategies. Non-Hispanic Black respondents were more likely than non-Hispanic White respondents to report challenges related to the social determinants of health, such as affording food and housing (26.4% vs 9.4% in May 2020) and experiencing personal financial loss (46.6% vs 29.2% in May 2020). In May 2021, 30.6% of Hispanic respondents reported being unable to meet basic food or housing needs versus 8.2% of non-Hispanic White respondents, and 51.6% reported personal financial loss versus 26.5% of non-Hispanic White respondents. Conclusions: Our study further illuminates what is needed to build emotional well-being pathways for people who historically have been economically and socially marginalized. Our findings underscore the need for public health interventions to provide culturally responsive mental health support to populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19 during the pandemic and into the future, with a focus on racial and ethnic disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Craig W. Thomas
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cynthia Crick
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Richard Puddy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kanru Xia
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tola Aina
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Perez-Brumer A, Balasa R, Doshi A, Brogdon J, Doan T, Oldenburg CE. COVID-19 Related Shifts in Social Interaction, Connection, and Cohesion Impact Psychosocial Health: Longitudinal Qualitative Findings from COVID-19 Treatment Trial Engaged Participants. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:10264. [PMID: 36011898 PMCID: PMC9407900 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
While effective for slowing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, public health measures, such as physical distancing and stay-at-home orders, have significantly shifted the way people interact and maintain social connections. To better understand how people sought social and psychological support amid the pandemic, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative evaluation of participants enrolled in a COVID-19 treatment trial (N = 30). All participants from the parent trial who consented to being contacted for future research studies were recruited electronically via email, and first-round virtual interviews were conducted between December 2020 and March 2021. Participants who participated in first-round interviews were contacted again, and follow-up interviews were conducted in January-February 2022. The results reported significant shifts in how participants connected to social support, including changes from physical to virtual modalities, and using different social networks for distinct purposes (i.e., Reddit/Facebook for information, WhatsApp for community connection). While having COVID-19, profound loneliness during isolation was described; yet, to mitigate effects, virtual support (i.e., emotional, knowledge-seeking) as well as in-person material support (e.g., groceries, snow-shoveling), were key. Public health efforts are needed to develop interventions that will improve the narratives about mental health challenges related to COVID-19 isolation, and to provide opportunities to share challenges in a supportive manner among social networks. Supporting social cohesion, despite the everchanging nature of COVID-19, will necessitate innovative multimodal strategies that learn from lived experiences across various stages of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Dalla School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Rebecca Balasa
- Dalla School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 5B2, Canada
| | - Aarti Doshi
- Dalla School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Jessica Brogdon
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Thuy Doan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Catherine E. Oldenburg
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Morgan BL, Stern MC, Pérez-Stable EJ, Hooper MW, Fejerman L. Adding a One Health approach to a research framework for minority health and health disparities. eLife 2022; 11:76461. [PMID: 35796544 PMCID: PMC9262385 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has developed a framework to guide and orient research into health disparities and minority health. The framework depicts different domains of influence (such as biological and behavioral) and different levels of influence (such as individual and interpersonal). Here, influenced by the “One Health” approach, we propose adding two new levels of influence – interspecies and planetary – to this framework to reflect the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health. Extending the framework in this way will help researchers to create new avenues of inquiry and encourage multidisciplinary collaborations. We then use the One Health approach to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health disparities, and show how the expanded framework can be applied to research into health disparities related to antimicrobial resistance and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Morgan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States.,Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance (CADMS), Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
| | - Mariana C Stern
- Departments of Preventive Medicine and Urology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, United States.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Eliseo J Pérez-Stable
- Office of the Director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Monica Webb Hooper
- Office of the Director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Laura Fejerman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States
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Grodberg D, Bridgewater J, Loo T, Bravata D. Examining the Relationship Between Pediatric Behavioral Health and Parent Productivity through a Parent-Reported Survey in the time of COVID-19: An Exploratory Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e37285. [PMID: 35616439 PMCID: PMC9390832 DOI: 10.2196/37285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric behavioral health needs skyrocketed during the COVID-19-pandemic. Parents and caregivers lacked access to well-established tools to identify risk and protective factors while also experiencing decreased access to treatment options to meet their families' behavioral health needs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of known pediatric behavioral health risk factors and parents' reports of workplace productivity. METHODS A clinical research team at Brightline-a virtual, pediatric behavioral health solution-drew on standardized instruments to create a survey designed to understand pediatric behavioral health conditions, child stress, and family resilience and connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariable linear regression was used to characterize the relationship between these variables and parents' reports of workplace productivity. RESULTS Participants (n=361) completed the survey between October 2020 and November 2021. In the multivariable model, higher pediatric stress and time spent managing children's behavioral health needs were associated with greater productivity loss among working parents, whereas higher family connection was associated with lower productivity loss. COVID-19 diagnoses among parents and dependents, financial impact of COVID-19 on households, and family resilience were not associated with parents' workplace productivity. CONCLUSIONS This survey captured child stress, family connection, and productivity as reported by parents and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exploratory studies are the first-step in understanding the relationship between these variables. Results from this study can empower parents by providing insights to help manage their child's behavioral health concerns and identify pediatric behavioral health services to aid working parents who are caregivers. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
- David Grodberg
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S Frontage Rd, New Haven, US
| | | | | | - Dena Bravata
- Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, US
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Yang X, Yelton B, Chen S, Zhang J, Olatosi BA, Qiao S, Li X, Friedman DB. Examining Social Determinants of Health During a Pandemic: Clinical Application of Z Codes Before and During COVID-19. Front Public Health 2022; 10:888459. [PMID: 35570965 PMCID: PMC9098923 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.888459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition of the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on healthcare outcomes, healthcare service utilization, and population health has prompted a global shift in focus to patient social needs and lived experiences in assessment and treatment. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) provides a list of non-billable “Z codes” specific to SDoH for use in electronic health records. Using population-level analysis, this study aims to examine clinical application of Z codes in South Carolina before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study population consists of South Carolina residents who had a healthcare visit and had their COVID-19 test result reported to the state's Department of Health and Environmental Control before January 14, 2021. Of the 1,190,531 individuals in the overall sample, Z codes were used only for 14,665 (1.23%) of the patients, including 2,536 (0.97%) COVID-positive patients and 12,129 (1.30%) COVID-negative patients. Compared with hospitals that did not use Z codes, those that did were significantly more likely to have higher bed capacity (p = 0.017) and to be teaching hospitals (p = 0.03), although this was significant only among COVID-19 positive individuals. Those at inpatient visits were most likely to receive Z codes (OR: 5.26; 95% CI: 5.14, 5.38; p < 0.0001) compared to those at outpatient visits (OR: 0.07; 95%CI: 0.06, 0.07; p < 0.0001). There was a slight increase of Z code use from 2019 to 2020 (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.30, 1.36; p < 0.0001), which was still significant when stratified by facility type across time. As one of the first studies to examine Z code use among a large patient population, findings clearly indicate underutilization by providers. Additional study is needed to understand the potentially long-lasting health effects related to SDoH among underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Yang
- Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Brooks Yelton
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Shujie Chen
- Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Bankole A. Olatosi
- Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Shan Qiao
- Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Daniela B. Friedman
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Office for the Study of Aging, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- *Correspondence: Daniela B. Friedman
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Zhang Y, Janda KM, Ranjit N, Salvo D, Nielsen A, van den Berg A. Change in Depression and Its Determinants during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Examination among Racially/Ethnically Diverse US Adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:1194. [PMID: 35162214 PMCID: PMC8835174 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study examined longitudinal data to identify changes in the occurrence of depressive symptoms, and to explore if such changes were associated with socio-demographic, movement behaviors, and health variables during the COVID-19 pandemic, among a diverse sample of central Texas residents. Participants who completed two online surveys in 2020 (in June and November) from an on-going longitudinal study were included. Depressive symptoms were measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-2. Change in depressive symptoms' occurrence status between the two time points was categorized into (1) stable/improved, and (2) consistent depressive symptoms/declined. Sociodemographic factors, movement behaviors and health data were self-reported. Statistical analyses utilized descriptive statistics and logistical regression. Among a total of 290 individuals (84.1% female; 71.0% racial/ethnic minorities), 13.5% were categorized as consistent depressive symptoms/declined. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that racial/ethnic minorities, older age, and increased physical activity were associated with a lower likelihood, while greater sedentary time was associated with higher likelihood of consistent depressive symptoms/declined status. Between 3 months and 8 months into the pandemic, various socio-demographic and behavioral variables were associated with changes in depressive symptoms' occurrence status. Future research should explore the longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on depression among a diverse population and identify risk factors for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzi Zhang
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA; (K.M.J.); (N.R.); (A.N.); (A.v.d.B.)
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Janda
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA; (K.M.J.); (N.R.); (A.N.); (A.v.d.B.)
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Nalini Ranjit
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA; (K.M.J.); (N.R.); (A.N.); (A.v.d.B.)
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Deborah Salvo
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA;
| | - Aida Nielsen
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA; (K.M.J.); (N.R.); (A.N.); (A.v.d.B.)
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Alexandra van den Berg
- UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA; (K.M.J.); (N.R.); (A.N.); (A.v.d.B.)
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, Austin, TX 78701, USA
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Timmins L, Schneider JA, Chen YT, Pagkas-Bather J, Kim B, Moody RL, Al-Ajlouni YA, Lee F, Koli K, Durrell M, Eavou R, Hanson H, Park SH, Duncan DT. COVID-19 stressors and symptoms of depression and anxiety among Black cisgender sexual minority men and Black transgender women during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1999-2011. [PMID: 35460059 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine associations between COVID-19-related stressors and symptoms of depression and anxiety in Black cisgender sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Participants from the N2 Cohort Study comprised Black cisgender SMM and Black transgender women in Chicago, IL, completed a face-to-face video or phone interview between April 20 and July 31, 2020. The survey included 18 measures of individual, network, and structural COVID-19 stressors such as income loss, network COVID-19 diagnoses, and housing loss, as well as 5 outcome measures: anxiety, depression, loneliness, worry and hope. RESULTS Of 226 participants, 56.6% experienced anxiety on at least 1 of the last 14 days, 48.7% experienced depression, 48.7% experienced loneliness, 42.0% experienced worry, and 51.8% did not experience hope. Completing the study during a later phase of reopening was associated with hopefulness, RR = 1.37 95% CI [1.02, 1.85]. Fifteen of the 18 multi-level COVID-19 stressors were associated with 1 or more symptoms of depression and anxiety, for example, physical stress reactions, income loss, food loss, medication loss, network COVID-19 diagnoses, partner violence, housing loss, and neighborhood pandemic concerns (aRRs = 0.61-2.78, ps < 0.05). CONCLUSION COVID-19-related stressors were associated with depression and anxiety symptoms in Black cisgender SMM and transgender women. Mitigation strategies to reduce virus transmission should be supplemented with measures to prevent depression and anxiety among marginalized populations, such as targeted economic relief and eHealth/mHealth interventions.
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Kumar R, Singh A, Mishra R, Saraswati U, Bhalla J, Pagali S. A Review Study on the Trends of Psychological Challenges, Coping Ways, and Public Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Vulnerable Populations in the United States. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:920581. [PMID: 35873246 PMCID: PMC9300847 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.920581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant mortality and morbidity in the United States. The mental health impact during the pandemic was huge and affected all age groups and population types. We reviewed the existing literature to understand the present trends of psychological challenges and different coping strategies documented across different vulnerable sections of the United States population. This rapid review was carried out to investigate the trends in psychological impacts, coping ways, and public support during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS We undertook a rapid review of the literature following the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. We searched PubMed as it is a widely available database for observational and experimental studies that reported the psychological effects, coping ways, and public support on different age groups and healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS We included thirty-five studies in our review and reported data predominantly from the vulnerable United States population. Our review findings indicate that COVID-19 has a considerable impact on the psychological wellbeing of various age groups differently, especially in the elderly population and HCWs. Review findings suggest that factors like children, elderly population, female gender, overconcern about family, fear of getting an infection, personality, low spirituality, and lower resilience levels were at a higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes during this pandemic. Systemic support, higher resilience levels, and adequate knowledge were identified as protecting and preventing factors. There is a paucity of similar studies among the general population, and we restricted our review specifically to vulnerable subgroups of the population. All the included studies in our review investigated and surveyed the psychological impacts, coping skills, and public support system during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION The evidence to date suggests that female gender, child and elderly population, and racial factors have been affected by a lack of support for psychological wellbeing. Further, research using our hypothesized framework might help any population group to deal with a pandemic-associated mental health crisis, and in that regard, analysis of wider societal structural factors is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anand Singh
- Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Rahul Mishra
- Maulana Azad Medical College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Williams TS, Deotto A, Roberts SD, Ford MK, Désiré N, Cunningham S. COVID-19 mental health impact among children with early brain injury and associated conditions. Child Neuropsychol 2021; 28:627-648. [PMID: 34779687 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2021.1998407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the impact of COVID-19 among a clinical research sample of children with early brain injury and associated conditions. Between March 2020 and March 2021, 64 children and their parents participated. Children ranged in age between 3 and 14 years (M = 6 years, 3 months; SD = 2 years, 4 months) with a range of diagnoses (i.e., neonatal stroke, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), congenital heart disease (CHD) and preterm birth (<32 weeks)). The abbreviated CoRonavIrus Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) was completed by parents as part of their child's routine intake for neuropsychological services. Questions included COVID-19 specific ratings of child mental health impact, child, and parent stressors, with open-ended questions regarding negative and positive COVID-19 related changes. Over 40% of parents described moderate to extreme influence of COVID-19 on their child's mental health. Common child stressors reported included restrictions on leaving the home and social isolation. Among parents, the most common stress reported was caring for their child's education and daily activities. Children's mental health impact was associated with social isolation, parent mental health, COVID-19 economic concern, and number of siblings in the home. Child's age, sex, brain injury severity, or intellectual functioning were not associated with reported COVID-19 mental health impact. Some COVID-19 positives were identified, namely increased quality family time. Findings reflect the significant pandemic mental health impact among neurologically at-risk children and their families. Implications to future clinical needs and considerations for neuropsychological practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tricia S Williams
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Psychiatry, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela Deotto
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samantha D Roberts
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan K Ford
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naddley Désiré
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Cunningham
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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