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Li M, Rao W, Su Y, Sul Y, Caron G, D'Arcy C, Fleury MJ, Meng X. Psychological interventions for loneliness and social isolation among older adults during medical pandemics: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing 2023; 52:7192245. [PMID: 37290121 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is little research conducted to systematically synthesize the evidence on psychological interventions for social isolation and loneliness among older adults during medical pandemics. This systematic review aims to address this information gap and provides guidance for planning and implementing interventions to prevent and reduce loneliness and social isolation for older adults, especially during medical pandemics. METHODS Four electronic databases (EMBASE, PsychoInfo, Medline and Web of Science) and grey literature from 1 January 2000 to 13 September 2022 were searched for eligible studies on loneliness and social isolation. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment on key study characteristics were conducted independently by two researchers. Both qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were used. RESULTS The initial search yielded 3,116 titles. Of the 215 full texts reviewed, 12 intervention articles targeting loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic met the inclusion criteria. No studies were found concerning intervention with respect to social isolation. Overall, interventions targeting social skills and the elimination of negativities effectively alleviated the feelings of loneliness in the older population. However, they had only short-term effects. CONCLUSION This review systematically summarised the key characteristics and the effectiveness of existing interventions addressing loneliness in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future interventions should focus on social skills and eliminating negativities and be tailored to the needs and characteristics of older people. Repeated larger-scale randomized controlled trials and long-term effectiveness evaluations on this topic are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A1A1, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Wenwang Rao
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A1A1, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Yingying Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A1A1, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Youngjoo Sul
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A0G4, Canada
| | - Gabriel Caron
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Carl D'Arcy
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5E5, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5E5, Canada
| | - Marie-Josee Fleury
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A1A1, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Xiangfei Meng
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A1A1, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
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Kuljancic D, Cvjetkovic Bosnjak M, Siladji D, Hinic D, Veskovic D, Janjic N, Ratkovic D, Zivanovic O, Vasic V, Sakic B. The Role of COVID-19-Associated Fear, Stress and Level of Social Support in Development of Suicidality in Patients Diagnosed with Affective and Stress-Induced Psychiatric Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Comparative Analysis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050812. [PMID: 37239284 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a few studies seem to address suicidality as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in persons previously affected by psychiatric disorders. The relationship between fear and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of social support and suicidality in patients diagnosed with affective and stress-induced psychiatric disorders prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated. This study was observational and involved 100 participants. The examined period was from April 2020 to April 2022. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), the Oslo Social Support Scale 3 (OSSS-3) and general psychiatric interviews were used to obtain data. A statistically significant relationship between the impact of COVID-19-related distress on the occurrence of suicidality and the year of the pandemic χ2(2, N = 100) = 8.347, p = 0.015 was observed. No statistically significant correlation was found between suicidal behavior, stress intensity, fear and the score on the social support scale (p > 0.05). Fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic can only be seen as a contributor to suicidality. Overall, social support does not always act protectively. Previously stressful experiences such as wars, poverty and natural disasters seem to play a significant role in the resilience to each new public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusan Kuljancic
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Vejkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Psychiatry, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mina Cvjetkovic Bosnjak
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Vejkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Psychiatry, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Djendji Siladji
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Vejkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Psychiatry, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Darko Hinic
- Faculty of Science, Department of Psychology, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dunja Veskovic
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Vejkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nebojsa Janjic
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Vejkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dragana Ratkovic
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Vejkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Psychiatry, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Olga Zivanovic
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Vejkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Psychiatry, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vesna Vasic
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Vejkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Psychiatry, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Branislav Sakic
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Vejkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Psychiatry, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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53
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Dorélien AM, Venkateswaran N, Deng J, Searle K, Enns E, Alarcon Espinoza G, Kulasingam S. Quantifying social contact patterns in Minnesota during stay-at-home social distancing order. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:324. [PMID: 37189060 PMCID: PMC10184106 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07968-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted through person-to-person contacts. It is important to collect information on age-specific contact patterns because SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, transmission, and morbidity vary by age. To reduce the risk of infection, social distancing measures have been implemented. Social contact data, which identify who has contact with whom especially by age and place are needed to identify high-risk groups and serve to inform the design of non-pharmaceutical interventions. We estimated and used negative binomial regression to compare the number of daily contacts during the first round (April-May 2020) of the Minnesota Social Contact Study, based on respondent's age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, and other demographic characteristics. We used information on the age and location of contacts to generate age-structured contact matrices. Finally, we compared the age-structured contact matrices during the stay-at-home order to pre-pandemic matrices. During the state-wide stay-home order, the mean daily number of contacts was 5.7. We found significant variation in contacts by age, gender, race, and region. Adults between 40 and 50 years had the highest number of contacts. The way race/ethnicity was coded influenced patterns between groups. Respondents living in Black households (which includes many White respondents living in inter-racial households with black family members) had 2.7 more contacts than respondents in White households; we did not find this same pattern when we focused on individual's reported race/ethnicity. Asian or Pacific Islander respondents or in API households had approximately the same number of contacts as respondents in White households. Respondents in Hispanic households had approximately two fewer contacts compared to White households, likewise Hispanic respondents had three fewer contacts than White respondents. Most contacts were with other individuals in the same age group. Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the biggest declines occurred in contacts between children, and contacts between those over 60 with those below 60.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jiuchen Deng
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Kelly Searle
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Eva Enns
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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Trucco EM, Fava NM, Villar MG, Kumar M, Sutherland MT. Social Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts the Link between Child Abuse and Adolescent Internalizing Problems. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:1313-1324. [PMID: 37067640 PMCID: PMC10108819 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01775-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Collective traumas have a notable impact on adolescent well-being. While some youth face increased risk for mental health problems (e.g., those with maltreatment histories), many demonstrate resilience following traumatic events. One contributing factor to well-being following trauma is the degree to which one isolates from others. Accordingly, we examined the association between maltreatment and internalizing problems during the COVID-19 pandemic as moderated by social isolation. Among adolescents reporting pre-pandemic emotional abuse, those experiencing less isolation reported the lowest levels of anxiety symptoms. Among adolescents reporting pre-pandemic physical abuse, those experiencing less isolation reported the greatest levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The findings highlight a public health-oriented approach to youth well-being during collective trauma that extends beyond mitigating disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M Trucco
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-1 Rm. 140, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Nicole M Fava
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-1 Rm. 140, Miami, FL, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Michelle G Villar
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-1 Rm. 140, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mari Kumar
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-1 Rm. 140, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Matthew T Sutherland
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-1 Rm. 140, Miami, FL, USA
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55
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Meyer D, Sumner PJ, Tan EJ, Neill E, Hielscher E, Blake JA, Scott JG, Phillipou A, Toh WL, Van Rheenen TE, Rossell SL. Comparing the impact of high versus low lockdown severity on the mental health of young people in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatry Res 2023; 322:115121. [PMID: 36854222 PMCID: PMC9946783 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Young Australians have been differentially affected by lockdowns and social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compared the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions for young people in two Australian states, Victoria and Queensland, with Victoria experiencing more days in lockdown and greater infection rates. An online survey was completed between 01/04/2021 and 31/07/2021 by 687 young people, aged 16 to 24 years; 337 from Victoria and 350 from Queensland. Levels of negative emotion feelings (as measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale), and COVID-19 risk factors for negative emotions (such as financial hardship, education disruption, loneliness and household conflict), as well as protective factors (resilience and self-esteem) were compared between the Victorian and Queensland samples, also considering some early pandemic data and pre-pandemic norms. No significant differences in negative emotions were found between young people living in the two states, despite substantial differences in pandemic restrictions. The results indicated that young people in Queensland and Victoria had experienced similarly high levels of negative emotions, at levels also seen at the start of the pandemic in Victoria. This is of grave concern, requiring urgent attention as the pandemic continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denny Meyer
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Philip J Sumner
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric J Tan
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Memory Ageing & Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Erica Neill
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily Hielscher
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; Metro North Mental Health, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Julie A Blake
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; Metro North Mental Health, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; Metro North Mental Health, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR), The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrea Phillipou
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Mental Health, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei Lin Toh
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tamsyn E Van Rheenen
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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56
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Turner KM, Weiss JA, Howe SJ, Sanguino H, Kerns CM, Ames ME, McMorris CA. Autistic characteristics and mental health symptoms in autistic youth during the first COVID-19 wave in Canada. Autism Res 2023; 16:1009-1023. [PMID: 36916420 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Autistic youth are at heightened risk for mental health issues, and pandemic-related stressors may exacerbate this risk. This study (1) described caregiver-reported youth mental health prior to and during the pandemic; and (2) explored individual, caregiver, and environmental factors associated with changes in autistic characteristics, social-emotional symptoms, and overall mental health. 582 caregivers of autistic children (2-18 years old) completed an online survey between June and July 2020 in which they provided demographic information, their child's pre-COVID and current mental health, autistic characteristics, and social-emotional symptoms. Caregivers also rated their own perceived stress, and COVID-related household and service disruption. According to caregivers, youth experienced more autistic characteristics and social-emotional concerns during the pandemic. Autistic youth were also reported to experience poorer overall mental health during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Older youth whose caregiver's indicated higher perceived stress and greater household disruption were reported to experience more autistic traits during pandemic. Caregiver-reported increases in youth social-emotional symptoms (i.e., behavior problems, anxiety, and low mood) was associated with being older, the presence of a pre-existing mental health condition, higher caregiver stress, and greater household and service disruption. Finally, experiencing less household financial hardship prior to COVID-19, absence of a pre-existing psychiatric condition, less caregiver stress, and less service disruption were associated with better youth pandemic mental health. Strategies to support the autistic community during and following the pandemic need to be developed. The developmental-ecological factors identified in this study could help target support strategies to those autistic youth who are most vulnerable to mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailyn M Turner
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan A Weiss
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie J Howe
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hangsel Sanguino
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Connor M Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan E Ames
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carly A McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Promoting Positive Social Interactions: Recommendation for a Post-Pandemic School-Based Intervention for Social Anxiety. CHILDREN 2023; 10:children10030491. [PMID: 36980049 PMCID: PMC10047710 DOI: 10.3390/children10030491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this perspective article is to identify problematic behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommend a school-based intervention (e.g., self-reflection, motivational interview, and workbook) to address post-COVID social anxiety among children and adolescents. The recommendations involve comparing students’ social interaction behaviors pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and post-pandemic, and evaluating any behavioral changes in social relationships six months later. We also discuss the evaluation criteria and surveys used to assess the impact of the intervention on behavioral changes. Our evaluation criteria are based on students’ beliefs and abilities and aim to demonstrate that the intervention improves in-person social interactions and helps students adapt to the transition back to school. The proposed perspectives and strategies of the intervention can be modified to meet the needs of the researchers and professionals. By working together, global policymakers from the fields of education and public health can create school-based interventions that enhance students’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This program aims to mitigate the negative effects of school closures and social isolation and to broaden the role of schools in supporting students in the challenging post-pandemic world by addressing their holistic needs.
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Gordon-Rawlings T, Russo A. Exploring the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on people's relationships with gardens. EMOTION, SPACE AND SOCIETY 2023; 46:100936. [PMID: 36573221 PMCID: PMC9771757 DOI: 10.1016/j.emospa.2022.100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gardens are places where science and art combine to create environments that often offer restorative and therapeutic experience to those who encounter them. During the Covid-19 pandemic, in the UK and elsewhere there has been a surge of interest in gardening. Public appreciation of gardens and other green spaces has grown and inequality of access to gardens and outdoor spaces has been extensively documented. Gardens are prevalent and of cultural significance in the UK, where their salutary properties have been documented for centuries. Yet people's relationships with gardens during the pandemic have been relatively underexplored in academia and were already under-researched prior to the pandemic's inception. This qualitative study investigates the relationships between people and gardens during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, through thematic analysis based on in-depth interviews with 12 participants, it explores the effects that the pandemic had on people's relationships with gardens during an approximately 9-month period after the first national lockdown began in the UK. It places emphasis on health and wellbeing and garden design, using the concepts of agency and affordances as lenses through which to explore people's relationships with gardens. The results of this paper support others which have found people to be more supportive of nature-friendly garden design and to feel more connected with nature since the pandemic began.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Gordon-Rawlings
- School of Arts, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, GL50 4AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Russo
- School of Arts, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, GL50 4AZ, United Kingdom
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Albeyahi A, Abou Shaar B, Mohamed MS, Alghalyini B. The Impact of COVID-19 on Members of the Saudi Community: Perceptions and Expectations From the Pandemic. Cureus 2023; 15:e34638. [PMID: 36895549 PMCID: PMC9989902 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Community individuals and sectors worldwide, including health, security, economy, education, and occupation, are being challenged to confront the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The deadly virus originated in Wuhan city in China and spread globally to other countries on account of its rapid mode of transmission. Solidarity and cooperation were vital elements in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic all around the globe. Actions of solidarity among countries included gathering the world's leading experts to discuss the latest research and innovation while working to promote knowledge and empowerment across the communities. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on different aspects of the Saudi community, including health, education, finance, lifestyle, and others. We also wanted to identify the perceptions of the general Saudi population regarding the impact of the pandemic and its long-term effects. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to February 2021 among individuals across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The online self-developed survey was disseminated to thousands of individuals in the Saudi community and yielded 920 responses. Results Roughly 49% of the studied participants postponed their dental and cosmetic center appointments, and 31% reported delayed periodic health appointments in hospitals and primary healthcare centers. Around 64% reported missing hearing "Tarawih/Qiyam" Islamic prayers. Furthermore, 38% of the study respondents reported being anxious and stressed, 23% reported having sleeping disorders, and 16% wanted to be isolated from the community. On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic helped approximately 65% of the studied participants to abstain from ordering from restaurants and cafes. Additionally, 63% of them reported gaining new skills or behaviors during the pandemic. Many participants (54%) thought that after the curfew recession, they will face financial challenges while 44% assumed that life will not return to what it used to be. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had a multidimensional impact on Saudi society, which has affected both individuals and the community as a whole. Some of the short-term perceived impacts involved interruption in the provision of health care, poor mental well-being, financial hardship, challenges related to homeschooling and working from home, and the inability to fulfill spiritual needs. On the bright side, community individuals demonstrated the ability to learn and develop during the pandemic by striving to acquire knowledge and new skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Albeyahi
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, SAU.,Public Health, Saudi Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Bader Abou Shaar
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Baraa Alghalyini
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, SAU.,Emergency Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU.,Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, CAN
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60
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de Sá VR, Gulá PVSS, Prizon T, Falcoski RM, Ruggiero RN, Padovan-Neto FE. Anxiety and functional impairment affects undergraduate psychology students' learning in remote emergency teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1503. [PMID: 36707652 PMCID: PMC9880938 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27845-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the impact of anxiety and functional impairment measures on a sample of undergraduate psychology students. Learning performance was evaluated during the emergency remote teaching during the first wave and in the post-vaccination period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Data modeling revealed that psychometric indicators of severe anxiety and severe functional impairment predicted students with lower learning performance in pairs of pre- and post-test multiple-choice questions. This is the first study to highlight the association between measures of generalized anxiety and functional impairment having a deleterious impact on students' learning performance. This manuscript highlights that educational policies should be designed to deal with students' mental health under stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Rabelo de Sá
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Victoria Sozza Silva Gulá
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tamiris Prizon
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Messi Falcoski
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Naime Ruggiero
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Fernando E Padovan-Neto
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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61
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Lawston A, Lowsky L, Ross M, Hackman C. Navigating social and academic isolation: a qualitative exploration of American university students' perspectives and experiences early in the COVID-19 pandemic. J Child Adolesc Ment Health 2023; 35:76-99. [PMID: 38708740 DOI: 10.2989/17280583.2024.2313469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Objective: To qualitatively explore the multifaceted impacts of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of American university students.Method: Undergraduate students in general education courses at a mid-sized public Western U.S. university were recruited to complete a Qualtrics survey that evaluated their perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours towards COVID-19. Thematic analysis identified prevailing themes regarding the positive and negative changes to students' lives during the pandemic.Results: Participants included undergraduate students (N = 241) between the ages of 18 and 24 (74.7% women), with 49.4% identifying as White. Thematic analysis of the survey identified several codes encompassed by six key themes: (1) shifting social interactions; (2) wellness; (3) school; (4) financial changes; (5) loss of experiences; and (6) political turmoil.Conclusion: Some students identified positive consequences (e.g., more family time, more flexible schedule), while almost all students reported negative consequences (e.g., difficulty with time management and organisation, loss of job or income) of the COVID-19 pandemic. University communities should consider providing additional academic, financial, and mental health resources to students to further mitigate the lasting consequences of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlynn Lawston
- Kinesiology & Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
| | - Luna Lowsky
- Kinesiology & Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
| | - McKenna Ross
- Kinesiology & Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
| | - Christine Hackman
- Kinesiology & Public Health, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
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Renganathan L, Ramasubramaniam S, Arulappan J, Al Balushi SM, Al Ghassani A, Vijayalakshmi G, Al Balushi A, Dhanraj F. Efficacy of Virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on COVID-19 Pandemic Related Anxiety in a Middle Eastern Country: An Interventional Study. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231162060. [PMID: 36908329 PMCID: PMC9996730 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231162060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emotional stress and anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic has gained a lot of attention. The capacity to withstand from the manipulated thinking and COVID-19 related stress and anxiety depends on the resilience level of an individual. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has patronizing benefits for people affected with altered mental health. Relieving COVID-19 related anxiety using CBT has beneficial impact on health and improves quality of life of people. Objective Aimed to relieve the anxiety of Omani population during COVID-19 pandemic using CBT. Methods This research utilized a pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to select 96 Omani people who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The pre-anxiety level was assessed using CAS (Corona virus Anxiety Scale). The participants who scored above nine in the scale were given three sessions of CBT. Post-anxiety level was assessed using CAS after three CBT sessions. Results The study revealed that the level of anxiety reduced during post-test (6.35) after intervention when compared to pre-test (13.22). The CBT intervention was effective in reducing the anxiety in the post-test at p ≤ .000. Conclusion CBT is effective in reducing COVID-19 related anxiety among the Omani population. Therefore, this strategy is highly recommended in people having mental health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Renganathan
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, Oman College of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Shanthi Ramasubramaniam
- Adult Health Nursing Department, School of Health and Social Sciences, The University of West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Judie Arulappan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoudh, Muscat, Oman
| | - Siham Mahmood Al Balushi
- Community Mental Health Nursing Department, Oman College of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Amal Al Ghassani
- Community Mental Health Nursing Department, Oman College of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - G Vijayalakshmi
- Sardar Lal Singh Memorial Institute of Nursing, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, India
| | - Amal Al Balushi
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, Oman College of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fabiola Dhanraj
- Arulmigu Meenakshi College of Nursing, Kancheepuram (Deemed University), Enathur, Tamil Nadu, India
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Bös C, Gaiswinkler L, Fuchshuber J, Schwerdtfeger A, Unterrainer HF. Effect of Yoga involvement on mental health in times of crisis: A cross-sectional study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1096848. [PMID: 37034922 PMCID: PMC10074601 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1096848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Yoga involvement can be understood as a degree of immersion in the philosophical/spiritual teachings of Yoga. Previous research has shown a positive association between Yoga involvement and mental health. This study further investigates the effect of Yoga involvement on several parameters of psychological well-being and distress amidst a global crisis precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A total sample of 246 participants (216 females; 118 Yoga versus 128 age-matched Pilates practitioners) were included in the study. Via an online-survey the following questionnaires were completed: the WHO-Five Well-Being Index, the Multidimensional Inventory for Religious/Spiritual Well-Being short version, the Leipzig Short Scale of Sense of Coherence, the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Yoga Immersion Scale which was adapted for the control group to Pilates Immersion Scale. Results When controlling for occupation and psychiatric disorder, involvement in general was higher for Yoga practitioners than for Pilates controls. Furthermore, Yoga practice was associated with increased religious/spiritual well-being and decreased sense of coherence, but neither with psychological well-being nor with psychological distress. Involvement, in general, positively predicted psychological well-being, religious/spiritual well-being and sense of coherence, but there was no connection with psychological distress. Lastly, involvement mediated the positive relationship between Yoga practice and religious/spiritual well-being and suppressed the negative effect of Yoga practice on sense of coherence. Conclusion Our findings suggest that involvement in a certain relaxation practice has a positive impact and might be a key component in understanding Yoga's influence on mental health. Further randomized controlled research, including clinical groups, is necessary to explain how involvement changes and how it effects well-being more specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Bös
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lisza Gaiswinkler
- Center for Integrative Addiction Research (CIAR), Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Fuchshuber
- Center for Integrative Addiction Research (CIAR), Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Philosophy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Jürgen Fuchshuber,
| | | | - Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Center for Integrative Addiction Research (CIAR), Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Religious Studies, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
- Human-Friedrich Unterrainer,
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Dubey S, Das S, Ghosh R, Dubey MJ, Chakraborty AP, Roy D, Das G, Dutta A, Santra A, Sengupta S, Benito-León J. The Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Cognitive Functioning of Patients with Pre-Existing Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:119-128. [PMID: 36891252 PMCID: PMC9986710 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive postscripts of COVID-19, codenamed as 'cognitive COVID' or 'brain fog,' characterized by multidomain cognitive impairments, are now being reckoned as the most devastating sequelae of COVID-19. However, the impact on the already demented brain has not been studied. Objective We aimed to assess the cognitive functioning and neuroimaging following SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with pre-existing dementia. Methods Fourteen COVID-19 survivors with pre-existing dementia (four with Alzheimer's disease, five with vascular dementia, three with Parkinson's disease dementia, and two with the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia) were recruited. All these patients had detailed cognitive and neuroimaging evaluations within three months before suffering from COVID-19 and one year later. Results Of the 14 patients, ten required hospitalization. All developed or increased white matter hyperintensities that mimicked multiple sclerosis and small vessel disease. There was a significant increase in fatigue (p = 0.001) and depression (p = 0.016) scores following COVID-19. The mean Frontal Assessment Battery (p < 0.001) and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (p = 0.001) scores also significantly worsened. Conclusion The rapid progression of dementia, the addition of further impairments/deterioration of cognitive abilities, and the increase or new appearance of white matter lesion burden suggest that previously compromised brains have little defense to withstand a new insult (i.e., 'second hit' like infection/dysregulated immune response, and inflammation). 'Brain fog' is an ambiguous terminology without specific attribution to the spectrum of post-COVID-19 cognitive sequelae. We propose a new codename, i.e. 'FADE-IN MEMORY' (i.e., Fatigue, decreased Fluency, Attention deficit, Depression, Executive dysfunction, slowed INformation processing speed, and subcortical MEMORY impairment).
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Dubey
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shambaditya Das
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ritwik Ghosh
- Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College, and Hospital, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
| | - Mahua Jana Dubey
- Department of Psychiatry, Berhampur Mental Hospital, Berhampur, West Bengal, India
| | - Arka Prava Chakraborty
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dipayan Roy
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, Bihar, India.,Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, Tamil Nadu, India.,School of Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India
| | - Gautam Das
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ajitava Dutta
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Arindam Santra
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Samya Sengupta
- Department of General Medicine, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Julián Benito-León
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomódica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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Salisbury MR, Harmsen CRW, Muller RT. Help-Seeking Buffers the Impact of Grief on Quality of Life: A Study of Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221146337. [PMID: 36534615 PMCID: PMC9780555 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221146337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a global challenge for anticipating the support and treatment needs of bereaved individuals. However, no studies have examined how mourners have been coping with grief and which strategies may buffer negative mental health consequences. We examined the various coping strategies being used and which strategies best support quality of life. Participants completed self-report measures of demographic and loss-related characteristics, grief symptoms, quality of life (QOL), and coping strategies used. Despite help-seeking being one of the least endorsed coping strategies used, help-seeking was the only coping strategy that buffered the impact of grief on QOL for individuals with high grief severity. Results support predictions that grief may become a global mental health concern requiring increased accessibility and availability of grief therapies and professional supports for bereaved individuals during and in the aftermath of the pandemic.
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66
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ÇALIKUŞU M, ÖZÇELİKAY G. The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychology of the Pharmacy School Stakeholders in Türkiye. Turk J Pharm Sci 2022; 19:657-665. [PMID: 36544366 PMCID: PMC9780575 DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2021.68726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The state of anxiety seen during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic needs to be evaluated and controlled. Studies indicate that high anxiety reduces students' academic performance. The productivity and scientific studies of academicians have also been negatively affected during the pandemic. Psychological conditions of students and academicians need to be improved as high anxiety levels can affect academic achievement. In this study, the effects on psychological well-being (PWB) of COVID-19 anxiety levels of students and academicians in pharmacy schools in Türkiye have been determined. Materials and Methods This research was quantitative. As a data collection tool in the research, a questionnaire consisting of three parts was applied to the academic staff and students of pharmacy schools. After the first part of the questionnaire that aimed to determine general information, there were questions about the pandemic anxiety (PA) and the PWB scales. The universe of the study consists of 1.563 academic staff working in pharmacy schools and 17.101 students in these faculties. The level of significance (α) was determined as 0.05 in the analysis made in the study. Results Two hundred fortyseven academicians and 1.698 students participated in the research. Data was analyzed by SPSS ver. 25.0 program. 79% of the academic staff participating in the study were women, while 21% were men; for students, it was 77% and 23%, respectively. Female academicians found to have significantly higher (p=0.001) PA level than males. Female students had significantly higher levels of PA (p=0.000) and PWB (p=0.027) compared to male students. Conclusion In the study, PA of academicians was generally lower than students, while PWB was higher. When the relationship between PA and PWB was examined, the relationship between PA and PWB of the academicians was very low and positive; for the students, it was found to be very low and negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muammer ÇALIKUŞU
- Ankara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Management, Ankara, Türkiye,* Address for Correspondence: Phone: +90 312 203 31 29 E-mail:
| | - Gülbin ÖZÇELİKAY
- Ankara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Management, Ankara, Türkiye
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67
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Feldman DE, Nahin RL. Disability Among Persons With Chronic Severe Back Pain: Results From a Nationally Representative Population-based Sample. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:2144-2154. [PMID: 36096352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the association between the chronic severe back pain with disability and participation, in U.S. Adults using data from the US 2019 National Health Interview Survey. In our sample of 2,925 adults (weighted n: 20,468,134) who reported having chronic severe back pain, 60% reported mobility disability, 60% had work limitations, 34% were limited for social participation and 16% had self-care limitations. Older age (65+) was associated with mobility difficulties (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.28,6.09) and work limitation (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.61,3.05). Lower socioeconomic status was associated with increasing odds of disability across the 4 categories. Being obese was only associated with mobility difficulties (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.41,2.71), while not working in the past week was associated with difficulties in mobility (OR 3.55, 95% CI 2.64,4.75), self-care (OR 3.34, 95% CI 2.20,5.08), and social participation (OR 3.20, 95% CI 2.13,4.80). Comorbidities were highly associated with limitations in all 4 categories. Those deeming their ability to manage their pain ineffective were twice as likely to have limitations in self-care, social and work participation but not mobility. Identifying factors associated with disability and limitation may help target appropriate management for persons with chronic pain at high risk for disability. PERSPECTIVE: We evaluated the association between the chronic severe back pain with disability and participation, in a representative sample of Americans. Identifying factors associated with a likelihood of disability may help target appropriate pain management for persons at high risk for disability due to chronic severe back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Ehrmann Feldman
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Physiotherapy Program and School of Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Centre for interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation, CReSP: Center for Research in Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Richard L Nahin
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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68
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Park YJ, Jung YE, Kim MD, Bahk WM. COVID-19-Related Functional Impairment in a Community Sample of Korean Adults: Associations With Depression, COVID-19 Infection Fear, and Resilience. Psychiatry Investig 2022; 19:919-926. [PMID: 36444155 PMCID: PMC9708862 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2022.0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the effects of depression, COVID-19 infection fear, and resilience on COVID-19-related functional impairment. METHODS We obtained data from 476 community-dwelling adults aged 20-69 years living in Jeju, South Korea, and evaluated the relationships between COVID-19-related functional impairment (work/school, social, and home life) and sociodemographic and healthrelated characteristics, COVID-19-related life changes (financial difficulties since the pandemic, employment change, interpersonal conflict), and clinical characteristics, including depression, COVID-19 infection fear, and resilience. RESULTS Functional impairment in the home life domain was associated with marital status and monthly income. Greater work/school, social, and home life functional impairment was significantly associated with all COVID-19-related life changes. Regression analysis indicated that resilience modulated the positive associations of COVID-19-related functional impairment with symptoms of depression and COVID-19 infection fear when relevant factors were controlled for. CONCLUSION Our results suggest the importance of clinical characteristics, including depression, COVID-19 infection fear, and resilience for understanding functional impairment related to COVID-19. These results have important implications for interventions aimed at reducing depression and COVID-19 infection fear, and enhancing resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ju Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Eun Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Doo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Myong Bahk
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Jung W, Thompson HJ, Byun E. Social integration: A concept analysis. Nurs Forum 2022; 57:1551-1558. [PMID: 36403137 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, social isolation has been increasingly linked to serious health conditions. However, social integration (SI) is a complex concept that has not been systematically explored or defined in nursing. It is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to have a clearer concept of SI to better provide holistic care to support optimal health. PURPOSE This concept analysis aimed to clarify the concept of SI in health research and to identify attributes, antecedents, and consequences of the concept of SI to enhance understanding of the concept and its implications for human health. METHODS Walker and Avant's framework was used as the methodology for the concept analysis of SI. A literature search using PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases on SI was conducted with keywords: "integration," "social integration," "social relationships," "social participation," "community integration," "socialization." Studies included in the search were published from 2001 to 2021. RESULTS SI is affected by multidimensional individual, societal, and environmental factors. Defining attributes are productive activities, social relationships, community engagement, and leisure activities. SI is effective in promoting multiple aspects of health as well as healthy aging and overall well-being. CONCLUSION The analysis contributes to a comprehensive and fundamental understanding of SI and contributes to helping nurses better understand patients' circumstances that promote or inhibit SI. This knowledge will support the development of interventions that support optimal health and well-being, in assisting patients to remain integrated or reintegrate into society during and following an illness or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonkyung Jung
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hilaire J Thompson
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eeeseung Byun
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Khan MMUR, Arefin MR, Tanimoto J. Investigating the trade-off between self-quarantine and forced quarantine provisions to control an epidemic: An evolutionary approach. APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTATION 2022; 432:127365. [PMID: 35812766 PMCID: PMC9257552 DOI: 10.1016/j.amc.2022.127365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
During a pandemic event like the present COVID-19, self-quarantine, mask-wearing, hygiene maintenance, isolation, forced quarantine, and social distancing are the most effective nonpharmaceutical measures to control the epidemic when the vaccination and proper treatments are absent. In this study, we proposed an epidemiological model based on the SEIR dynamics along with the two interventions defined as self-quarantine and forced quarantine by human behavior dynamics. We consider a disease spreading through a population where some people can choose the self-quarantine option of paying some costs and be safer than the remaining ones. The remaining ones act normally and send to forced quarantine by the government if they get infected and symptomatic. The government pays the forced quarantine costs for individuals, and the government has a budget limit to treat the infected ones. Each intervention derived from the so-called behavior model has a dynamical equation that accounts for a proper balance between the costs for each case, the total budget, and the risk of infection. We show that the infection peak cannot be reduced if the authority does not enforce a proactive (quantified by a higher sensitivity parameter) intervention. While comparing the impact of both self- and forced quarantine provisions, our results demonstrate that the latter is more influential to reduce the disease prevalence and the social efficiency deficit (a gap between social optimum payoff and equilibrium payoff).
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mamun-Ur-Rashid Khan
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Kasuga-koen, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
- Department of Mathematics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rajib Arefin
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Kasuga-koen, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
- Department of Mathematics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Jun Tanimoto
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Kasuga-koen, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Kasuga-koen, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
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Park NS, Jang Y, Yoon JW, Chung S, Chiriboga DA. Relationship of social isolation with mental distress among older Korean Americans: The moderating role of social cohesion. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e4909-e4919. [PMID: 35770341 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation has been associated with poor mental health outcomes, particularly for older immigrants who do not have a protective social environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of social isolation (living alone, marginal family ties and marginal friend ties) with mental distress and to examine the moderating role of social cohesion (family cohesion and community cohesion). We hypothesised that social isolation and social cohesion would be directly associated with mental distress and that social cohesion would buffer the influence of social isolation on mental distress. Data were drawn from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA), which included 2150 older Korean Americans aged 60 or over in multiple areas, collected during 2017-2018. A series of hierarchical regression models of mental distress examined the direct and interactive role of social isolation and social cohesion. Approximately one-third of the sample lived alone, 20% had marginal family ties and 27% had marginal friend ties. All three indicators of social isolation had a significant direct effect on mental health; however, living alone lost its statistical significance with the inclusion of social cohesion variables. Both indicators of family and community cohesion were significantly associated with lower levels of mental distress. In addition, family cohesion buffered the negative effects of marginal ties to family and friends on mental distress. The significant role of a positive social environment must be considered when addressing the needs of older immigrants who are socially isolated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Sook Park
- School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Yuri Jang
- Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jung Won Yoon
- Department of Library and Information Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju-si, South Korea
| | - Soondool Chung
- Department of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - David A Chiriboga
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Al Awaji N, Zaidi U, Awad SS, Alroqaiba N, Aldhahi MI, Alsaleh H, Akil S, Mortada EM. Moderating Effects of Self-Esteem on the Relationship between Communication Anxiety and Academic Performance among Female Health College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13960. [PMID: 36360835 PMCID: PMC9658700 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Unprecedented quarantine due to COVID-19 exposes individuals to withdraw from face-to-face interactions, which may influence communication and self-esteem (SE). Therefore, the overarching aims of this study are to examine the communication apprehension levels among female college students, and thus to investigate the moderating role of self-esteem on the relationship between communication apprehension and academic achievement. In this cross-sectional study, 287 female college students completed the survey, which was circulated through email. The survey included the following questionnaires: General Health Characteristics, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and Personal Report of Communication Apprehension Scale. The results showed that 28.2% of participants were categorized as having a high level of communication apprehension, and only 9.8% had a low level of communication apprehension. The SE reported an overall score of 24.3 ± 2.14, indicating a high self-esteem level among students. The students' grade point average (GPA) was positively correlated with SE. However, self-esteem as a moderator variable had no significant effect on the relationships between all predictors and GPA. The finding of the study highlights the need to implement different strategies to enhance students' group discussions, meetings, and interpersonal communication to ensure the best learning outcomes. Future studies are required to investigate gender-based disparities in the relationship between communication apprehension and SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Al Awaji
- Department of Health Communication Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Uzma Zaidi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa S. Awad
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Alroqaiba
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monira I. Aldhahi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadel Alsaleh
- Department of Health Communication Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahnaz Akil
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eman M. Mortada
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
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Qin Y, Zhao Z, Teng Z, Xu B, Wang X, Guo J, Huang J, Wu H. COVID-19 vaccination coverage among patients with psychiatric disorders in China during the pandemic: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:659. [PMID: 36289487 PMCID: PMC9597954 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04271-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination coverage and the influential factors of vaccination among patients with mental disorders, we conducted a cross-sectional study in China. METHOD The anonymous questionnaires including demographic data, vaccination status, intention to be vaccinated and its reasons were collected in the Second Xiangya Hospital, one of the biggest four psychiatric centers in China. Mental health of these participants were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7). The influential factors associated with vaccination status were analyzed by Fisher exact tests and binary logistical analysis. RESULT 1328 patients and 922 family members completed the survey. The vaccination rate of patients included was 69.4%, whereas 85.5% patients were willing to be vaccinated. Being hospitalized (aOR 0.41, 95% CI:0.27-0.60), suffering from schizophrenia (aOR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.19-0.75) and secondary school educational background (aOR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.93) were significantly associated with less likelihood to get vaccinated. Uptaking vaccines could reduce depressive (aOR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41-0.98) or anxious symptoms (aOR 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25-0.63) in these patients for a short period. CONCLUSION Further COVID-19 immunization programme should prioritize hospitalized psychiatric patients and schizophrenic patients since their demands for vaccination had been partly ignored during the current inoculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ziru Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ziwei Teng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Baoyan Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianghe Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingyi Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Haishan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Sararat C, Wangkanai J, Wilasang C, Chantanasaro T, Modchang C. Individual-based modeling reveals that the COVID-19 isolation period can be shortened by community vaccination. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17543. [PMID: 36266440 PMCID: PMC9583066 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The isolation of infected individuals and quarantine of their contacts are usually employed to mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Although 14-day isolation of infected individuals could effectively reduce the risk of subsequent transmission, it also substantially impacts the patient's psychological and emotional well-being. It is, therefore, vital to investigate how the isolation duration could be shortened when effective vaccines are available. Here, an individual-based modeling approach was employed to estimate the likelihood of secondary infections and the likelihood of an outbreak following the isolation of a primary case for a range of isolation periods. Our individual-based model integrated the viral loads and infectiousness profiles of vaccinated and unvaccinated infected individuals. The effects of waning vaccine-induced immunity against infection were also considered. By simulating the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2) variant in a community, we found that in the baseline scenario in which all individuals were unvaccinated and nonpharmaceutical interventions were not used, there was an approximately 3% chance that an unvaccinated individual would lead to at least one secondary infection after being isolated for 14 days, and a sustained chain of transmission could occur with a less than 1% chance. With the outbreak risk equivalent to that of the 14-day isolation in the baseline scenario, we found that the isolation duration could be shortened to 7.33 days (95% CI 6.68-7.98) if 75% of people in the community were fully vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine within the last three months. In the best-case scenario in which all individuals in the community are fully vaccinated, isolation of Delta variant-infected individuals may no longer be necessary. However, to keep the outbreak risk lower than 1%, a booster vaccination may be necessary three months after full vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayanin Sararat
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center for Disease Modeling, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Jidchanok Wangkanai
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center for Disease Modeling, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Chaiwat Wilasang
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center for Disease Modeling, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Tanakorn Chantanasaro
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center for Disease Modeling, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Charin Modchang
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
- Center for Disease Modeling, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
- Centre of Excellence in Mathematics, MHESI, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
- Thailand Center of Excellence in Physics, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, 328 Si Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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International PRISMA scoping review to understand mental health interventions for depression in COVID-19 patients. Psychiatry Res 2022; 316:114748. [PMID: 35944370 PMCID: PMC9313534 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Preliminary research indicates that the COVID-19 illness affects the mental well-being of patients. This scoping review, thus, aims to examine the current state of research into mental health treatments for depression symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Select databases were searched on 7/1/2021. Full-text articles involved (1) mental health treatment (2) suicide and/or depression outcomes, (3) a quasi-experimental research trial, and (4) a primary analysis. 11 articles were included in this review. The studies spanned 5 countries, and demonstrated immediate positive effects of mental health treatments and tele-health as a treatment modality for depression in COVID-19 patients. 6 studies were randomized controlled trials. Various treatments were administered, including cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and muscle relaxation. Most interventions were conducted in in-patient units and focused on acute symptoms. There were limitations in the design and description of methodology in many studies, which affects the generalizability and replicability of positive findings. Only two studies included a post-intervention follow-up and one study assessed suicide risk. Thus, this review found there is a pressing need for more research in the area, with greater rigor in study methodology, and for treatments targeting long-term symptoms and suicidality, and outpatient services.
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76
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Morgan E, Caba AE, Eaton LA, Watson RJ. PrEP Access Affected by COVID-19 Is Associated With Increased Odds of HIV Seroconversion. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:138-143. [PMID: 36094479 PMCID: PMC10284373 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Black and Hispanic/Latino sexual minority men and gender diverse (SMMGD) individuals report lower uptake and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) compared with White SMMGD. For some, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in reduced access to PrEP prescriptions and related changes to PrEP use, yet little is known how pandemic-related changes to PrEP access and sexual activity might influence sexually transmitted infection (STI) status and HIV seroconversion among SMMGD of color. We used data from 4 waves of a national study of Black and Hispanic/Latino SMMGD's HIV, PrEP, and health experiences to assess whether self-reported changes to sexual activity were associated with STI status, and whether self-reported changes to PrEP access were associated with HIV seroconversion. Those who reported greater impact to their sexual activity during the pandemic [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10 to 1.40] and a greater number of sexual partners (aOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.38) were more likely to report a positive STI test. In addition, we found that compared with those who did not report pandemic-related changes to PrEP access, those who did report changes to PrEP access had significantly higher odds of HIV seroconversion during the study period (aOR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.02 to 7.68). These findings have implications for HIV and STI prevention and highlight the importance of novel interventions to improve PrEP access among Black and Hispanic/Latino SMMGD. Importantly, these findings also demonstrate the need to stay focused on key populations at risk of HIV infection during emerging public health crises to avoid an increase in rates of new diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Morgan
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Antonia E. Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
| | - Lisa A. Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
| | - Ryan J. Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
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Chen CY. Analysing the Quality of Life of Older Adults: Heterogeneity, COVID-19 Lockdown, and Residential Stability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12116. [PMID: 36231417 PMCID: PMC9566255 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to, first, investigate the quality of life (QOL) of older adults in Taiwan, from the perspective of heterogeneity and, second, clarify the social isolation affecting their QOL during the pandemic. Additionally, it explores the residential stability of older adults. Our empirical model, a Generalized Ordered Probit Model, uses secondary data from the 2019 Taiwan Social Change Survey for people aged 65 and above, with a total sampling size of 417. The results show that the self-assessed physical health of older adults is a significantly heterogeneous variable affecting their QOL, and has a varying impact on the probability of them being satisfied with their QOL. Results suggest that better financial plans and staying healthy are the main determinants of their QOL. Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly hampered their QOL, which was not compensated by the use of the internet. Furthermore, older adults' residential stability significantly influences their QOL. Family members and relevant social work units should contribute to in-person home care for older adults to reduce their social isolation, with a focus on improving their living environments and to ensure that they age in a safe and healthy place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yi Chen
- Department of Living Science, National Open University, New Taipei City 247, Taiwan
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78
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Bertuzzi V, Semonella M, Andersson G, Manzoni GM, Castelnuovo G, Molinari E, Pietrabissa G. Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an internet-based self-help intervention to cope with psychological distress due to COVID-19 in the Italian general population: the RinasciMENTE project. Trials 2022; 23:801. [PMID: 36153586 PMCID: PMC9509606 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06714-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the RinasciMENTE program, an Internet-based self-help intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and techniques in supporting individuals experiencing psychological impairments during the COVID-19 pandemic. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design with random allocation at the level of individual will be conducted to compare the impact of the RinasciMENTE program with a waiting list control in improving the psychological functioning of the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A minimum sample of 128 participants experiencing mild/subthreshold levels of psychological symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic will be recruited. After the initial screening, participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control condition. The program will last 2 months, during which participants will receive 8 weekly CBT treatment modules. The impact of the RinasciMENTE program on selected primary and secondary psychological outcomes will be tested at the end of the intervention (2 months) and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. DISCUSSION We expect people to show an increased level of psychological functioning and to acquire the skills and self-confidence necessary to deal with the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak and its related social isolation during and following the pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0497903 Registered on 28 May 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Bertuzzi
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Science and Learning, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Gian Mauro Manzoni
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Molinari
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Università Cattolica del DSacro Cuore, Via Largo Gemelli, 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
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Padilla-Coreano N, Tye KM, Zelikowsky M. Dynamic influences on the neural encoding of social valence. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:535-550. [PMID: 35831442 PMCID: PMC9997616 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00609-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Social signals can serve as potent emotional triggers with powerful impacts on processes from cognition to valence processing. How are social signals dynamically and flexibly associated with positive or negative valence? How do our past social experiences and present social standing shape our motivation to seek or avoid social contact? We discuss a model in which social attributes, social history, social memory, social rank and social isolation can flexibly influence valence assignment to social stimuli, termed here as 'social valence'. We emphasize how the brain encodes each of these four factors and highlight the neural circuits and mechanisms that play a part in the perception of social attributes, social memory and social rank, as well as how these factors affect valence systems associated with social stimuli. We highlight the impact of social isolation, dissecting the neural and behavioural mechanisms that mediate the effects of acute versus prolonged periods of social isolation. Importantly, we discuss conceptual models that may account for the potential shift in valence of social stimuli from positive to negative as the period of isolation extends in time. Collectively, this Review identifies factors that control the formation and attribution of social valence - integrating diverse areas of research and emphasizing their unique contributions to the categorization of social stimuli as positive or negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Padilla-Coreano
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kay M Tye
- HHMI-Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Moriel Zelikowsky
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Pai N, Vella SL. The physical and mental health consequences of social isolation and loneliness in the context of COVID-19. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2022; 35:305-310. [PMID: 35787541 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Social isolation and loneliness are known contributors to all-cause mortality as well as a range of physical and mental health conditions. Therefore, this article reviews current literature pertaining to the effects of social isolation and loneliness on physical and mental health during the current COVID-19 pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS Social isolation and loneliness contribute to a myriad of physical and mental health conditions. Specifically social isolation and loneliness contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. However, most research indicated that poor lifestyle factors explained most of the association. Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with cognitive problems including dementia, immune system problems, and mental health conditions. Further social isolation and loneliness also spur behavioral issues that significantly affect physical and mental health. SUMMARY Evidence suggests that social isolation and loneliness have significant consequences on the physical and mental health of the individual and that the move toward ending all protections against COVID-19 has significant implications for the vulnerable. Further the similarities between the effects of social isolation and loneliness are compared to some of the conditions evident in long-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagesh Pai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Shae-Leigh Vella
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong
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Wu O, Lu X, Yeo KJ, Xiao Y, Yip P. Assessing Prevalence and Unique Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation among First-Year University Students in China Using a Unique Multidimensional University Personality Inventor. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10786. [PMID: 36078501 PMCID: PMC9517881 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND University students with suicidal ideation are at high risk of suicide, which constitutes a significant social and public health problem in China. However, little is known about the prevalence and associated risk factors of suicidal ideation among first-year university students in China, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and its factors in first-year Chinese university students from a vocational college in Zhejiang during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Using a cluster sampling technique, a university-wide survey was conducted of 686 first-year university students from Hangzhou in March 2020 using University Personality Inventory (UPI). UPI includes an assessment for suicidal ideation and possible risk factors. Suicidal ideation prevalence was calculated for males and females. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted, adjusting for age and sex. Analyses were carried out using the SPSS version 22.0 software. RESULTS The prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation among first-year university students during March 2020 was 5.2%, and there was no significant difference between males and females (4.8% vs. 6.0%, x2 = 0.28, p = 0.597). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified social avoidance (B = 0.78, OR = 2.17, p < 0.001) and emotional vulnerability (B = 0.71, OR = 2.02, p < 0.001) as positively associated with suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS Social avoidance and emotional vulnerabilities are unique factors associated with greater suicidal ideation among first-year university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. UPI serves as a validated tool to screen suicide risks among Chinese university students. Encouraging social engagement and improving emotional regulation skills are promising targets to reduce suicidal ideation among first-year university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ou Wu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xi Lu
- Mental Health Education & Counseling Center, Hangzhou Vocational and Technical College, Hangzhou 314423, China
| | - Kee Jiar Yeo
- School of Education, University Teknologi, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| | - Yunyu Xiao
- Department of Population Health Science, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Paul Yip
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Vilca LW, Carbajal-León C, Reyes-Bossio M, Delgado-Campusano M, Gallegos M, Carranza Esteban R, Noe-Grijalva M. Psychometric evidence of a new short version in Spanish of the COVID-19 impact scale: A study based on confirmatory factor analysis, graded response model, multigroup analysis, and path analysis. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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83
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Aziz M, Erbad A, Almourad MB, Altuwairiqi M, McAlaney J, Ali R. Did Usage of Mental Health Apps Change during COVID-19? A Comparative Study Based on an Objective Recording of Usage Data and Demographics. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081266. [PMID: 36013444 PMCID: PMC9409797 DOI: 10.3390/life12081266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to objectively compare the use of mental health apps between the pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 periods and to study differences amongst the users of these apps based on age and gender. The study utilizes a dataset collected through a smartphone app that objectively records the users' sessions. The dataset was analyzed to identify users of mental health apps (38 users of mental health apps pre-COVID-19 and 81 users during COVID-19) and to calculate the following usage metrics; the daily average use time, the average session time, the average number of launches, and the number of usage days. The mental health apps were classified into two categories: guidance-based and tracking-based apps. The results include the increased number of users of mental health apps during the COVID-19 period as compared to pre-COVID-19. Adults (aged 24 and above), compared to emerging adults (aged 15-24 years), were found to have a higher usage of overall mental health apps and guidance-based mental health apps. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, males were found to be more likely to launch overall mental health apps and guidance-based mental health apps compared to females. The findings from this paper suggest that despite the increased usage of mental health apps amongst males and adults, user engagement with mental health apps remained minimal. This suggests the need for these apps to work towards improved user engagement and retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Aziz
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Aiman Erbad
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Basel Almourad
- College of Technological Innovation, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates
| | - Majid Altuwairiqi
- College of Computer and Information Technology, University of Taif, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - John McAlaney
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Raian Ali
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (R.A.)
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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. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND 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] [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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85
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Monahan EK, McCrae JS, Daferede S. Pre-Pandemic Adversity Buffers the Role of Social Loneliness in Caregiver Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604675. [PMID: 36032277 PMCID: PMC9402889 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study investigates how family profiles of risk and resilience established prior to COVID-19 are associated with changes in caregiver depression and stress 1 year after the pandemic onset, and how these associations are moderated by experiences of social loneliness. Methods: A sample of 243 caregivers in four risk and resilience profiles interviewed pre-COVID-19 were interviewed virtually in December 2020–February 2021 (during pandemic). Multi-level models were used to examine changes in mental health. Results: All caregivers reported increases in extreme stress during the pandemic. Caregivers with less relative adversity pre-pandemic showed significantly greater depression and loneliness in the pandemic compared to caregivers with higher pre-pandemic adversity. Social loneliness was a moderator of the association between pre-pandemic adversity and mental health. Conclusion: The study suggests families with more pre-pandemic adversity demonstrate coping that buffers the negative impact of social loneliness on mental health, emphasizing the strengths of these families that are assets to build upon in crisis. Families with more relative advantage pre-pandemic likely need assistance to reduce feelings of stress and depression in the face of increased social loneliness.
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86
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Social Environment as a Modulator of Immunosenescence. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e29. [PMID: 35912691 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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87
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Schluter PJ, Généreux M, Landaverde E, Chan EYY, Hung KKC, Law R, Mok CPY, Murray V, O'Sullivan T, Qadar Z, Roy M. An eight country cross-sectional study of the psychosocial effects of COVID-19 induced quarantine and/or isolation during the pandemic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13175. [PMID: 35915133 PMCID: PMC9341149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16254-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Forced quarantine and nationwide lockdowns have been a primary response by many jurisdictions in their attempt at COVID-19 elimination or containment, yet the associated mental health burden is not fully understood. Using an eight country cross-sectional design, this study investigates the association between COVID-19 induced quarantine and/or isolation on probable generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive episode (MDE) psychological outcomes approximately eight months after the pandemic was declared. Overall, 9027 adults participated, and 2937 (32.5%) were indicated with GAD and/or MDE. Reported quarantine and/or isolation was common, with 1199 (13.8%) confined for travel or health requirements, 566 (6.5%) for being close contact, 720 (8.3%) for having COVID-19 symptoms, and 457 (5.3%) for being COVID-19 positive. Compared to those not quarantining or isolating, the adjusted estimated relative risks of GAD and/or MDE associated with quarantine and/or isolation was significant (p < 0.001), ranging from 1.24 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 1.43) for travel/health to 1.37 (95% CI 1.19, 1.59) for COVID-19 symptom isolation reasons. While almost universally employed, quarantine and/or isolation is associated with a heavy mental health toll. Preventive strategies are needed, such as minimizing time-limits imposed and providing clear rationale and information, together with additional treatment and rehabilitation resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Schluter
- School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury-Te Whare Wananga O Waitaha, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand.
- School of Clinical Medicine - Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| | - Mélissa Généreux
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Elsa Landaverde
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Emily Y Y Chan
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin K C Hung
- Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ronald Law
- Department of Health, 2932, Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Catherine P Y Mok
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Tracey O'Sullivan
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Zeeshan Qadar
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mathieu Roy
- Department of Family Medicine & Emergency Medicine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
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88
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Mudenda S, Chomba M, Mukosha M, Daka V, Chileshe M, Okoro RN, Fadare J, Al-Fayyadh S, Munsaka S, Kampamba M, Chali J, Mfune RL, Hikaambo CN. Psychological impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on health professions students at the University of Zambia: a cross-sectional study. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 42:237. [PMID: 36845241 PMCID: PMC9949304 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.42.237.34041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has negatively impacted the mental health of students across the globe. In Zambia, little is known about the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare students. This study assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on health professions students at the University of Zambia. Methods this cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to October 2021. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with anxiety and depression among the participants. Data were analysed using Stata 16.1. Results of the 452 students, 57.5% were female, with the majority aged between 19 and 24 years. Overall, 65% (95% CI: 60.5-69.4) experienced anxiety, while 86% (95% CI: 82.7-89.3) experienced depression. Participants whose income was affected were more likely to experience anxiety (aOR; 2.09, 95% CI: 1.29-3.37) and depression (aOR; 2.87, 95% CI: 1.53-5.38). Anxiety was associated with difficulty in observing the COVID-19 preventive measures (aOR; 1.84, 95% CI: 1.21-2.81). Being depressed was associated with having a chronic condition (aOR; 3.98, 95% CI: 1.67-9.50) or a relative or friend who died from COVID-19 (aOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.06-3.70). Conclusion many students experienced anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 third wave of infections. This calls for mitigation measures because continued anxiety and depression can affect the academic performance of students. Fortunately, most of the associated factors are modifiable and can easily be targeted when formulating interventions to reduce anxiety and depression among students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mukuka Chomba
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moses Mukosha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Victor Daka
- Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Misheck Chileshe
- Mary Begg Health Services, 56 Chintu Avenue, Northrise, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Roland Nnaemeka Okoro
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Sadeq Al-Fayyadh
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Sody Munsaka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Martin Kampamba
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Josephine Chali
- Faculty of Paediatrics and Child Health, Lusaka College of Nursing, Lusaka, Zambia
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89
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Spain D, Stewart GR, Mason D, Milner V, Fairhurst B, Robinson J, Gillan N, Ensum I, Stark E, Happe F. Telehealth Autism Diagnostic Assessments With Children, Young People, and Adults: Qualitative Interview Study With England-Wide Multidisciplinary Health Professionals. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e37901. [PMID: 35857358 PMCID: PMC9302612 DOI: 10.2196/37901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (hereafter, autism) is a common neurodevelopmental condition. Core traits can range from subtle to severe and fluctuate depending on context. Individuals can present for diagnostic assessments during childhood or adulthood. However, waiting times for assessment are typically lengthy, and many individuals wait months or even years to be seen. Traditionally, there has been a lack of standardization between services regarding how many and which multidisciplinary health professionals are involved in the assessment and the methods (diagnostic tools) that are used. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected routine service provision because of stay-at-home mandates and social distancing guidelines. Autism diagnostic services have had to adapt, such as by switching from conducting assessments in person to doing these fully via telehealth (defined as the use of remote technologies for the provision of health care) or using blended in-person or telehealth methods. OBJECTIVE This study explored health professionals' experiences of and perspectives about conducting telehealth autism diagnostic assessments, including barriers and facilitators to this, during the COVID-19 pandemic; potential telehealth training and supervision needs of health professionals; how the quality and effectiveness of telehealth autism diagnostic services can be enhanced; and experiences of delivering postdiagnostic support remotely. METHODS A total of 45 health professionals, working in varied settings across England, participated in one-off, in-depth semistructured qualitative interviews. These were conducted via videoconferencing or telephone. Altogether, participants represented 7 professional disciplines (psychiatry, medicine, psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and social work). The data were then analyzed thematically. RESULTS Thematic analysis indicated the following 7 themes: practicalities of telehealth, telehealth autism diagnostic assessments, diagnostic conclusions, clinical considerations, postdiagnostic support, future ways of working, and health professionals' experiences and needs. Overall, telehealth autism diagnostic assessments were deemed by many participants to be convenient, flexible, and efficient for some patients, families, and health professionals. However, not all patients could be assessed in this way, for example, because of digital poverty, complex clinical presentation, or concerns about risk and safeguarding. Working remotely encouraged innovation, including the development of novel assessment measures. However, some participants expressed significant concerns about the validity and reliability of remotely assessing social communication conditions. CONCLUSIONS A shift to telehealth meant that autism diagnostic services remained operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this method of working has potentially affected the parity of service, with people presenting with clinical complexity having to potentially wait longer to be seen or given a diagnostic opinion. There is also a lack of standardization in the provision of services. Further research should identify evidence-based ways of enhancing the timeliness, accessibility, and robustness of the autism diagnostic pathway, as well as the validity and reliability of telehealth methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Spain
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- The National Psychology Clinic, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin R Stewart
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Mason
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Milner
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- The National Psychology Clinic, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bryony Fairhurst
- The National Psychology Clinic, London, United Kingdom
- Berrywood Hospital, Northampton Healthcare National Health Service Foundation Trust, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - Janine Robinson
- Cambridge Lifespan Autism Spectrum Service, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Gillan
- Bristol Autism Spectrum Service, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership National Health Service Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Ensum
- Bristol Autism Spectrum Service, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership National Health Service Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Francesca Happe
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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90
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Journault A, Beaumont E, Lupien SJ. Stress, anxiety, emotion regulation and social support in parent‐child dyads prior to and during the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Stress Health 2022; 39:285-298. [PMID: 35849114 PMCID: PMC9349815 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In March 2020, and in order to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress and mental health in parent-child dyads using pre-pandemic measures, we recontacted participants from a 2019 study. A total of 136 dyads of Canadian parents (77% mothers, mean age = 44.48 years/old) and children (63% girls, 77% aged 10-12 years/old and 23% aged 15-17 years/old) completed self-report measures of perceived stress, anxiety (state/sensitivity) and emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal/expressive suppression). Children additionally completed measures of co-rumination and perceived social support from friends, parents, and teachers. Results revealed a significant increase in parents' stress and state anxiety during the pandemic compared to before, but not in their children. Dyads' anxiety sensitivity remained unchanged, as well as parents' use of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Children showed similar use of cognitive reappraisal, but less expressive suppression and co-rumination during the pandemic compared to before. Children reported similar perceived social support from all sources over time. Finally, parental and children scores were not significantly correlated at either time. These results suggest that during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and children responded differently in terms of stress, anxiety, and emotion regulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey‐Ann Journault
- Centre for Studies on Human StressMontrealQuébecCanada,Research CenterInstitut universitaire en santé mentale de MontréalMontrealQuébecCanada,Department of PsychologyUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuébecCanada
| | - Emy Beaumont
- Centre for Studies on Human StressMontrealQuébecCanada,Research CenterInstitut universitaire en santé mentale de MontréalMontrealQuébecCanada,Department of PsychologyUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuébecCanada
| | - Sonia J. Lupien
- Centre for Studies on Human StressMontrealQuébecCanada,Research CenterInstitut universitaire en santé mentale de MontréalMontrealQuébecCanada,Department of PsychologyUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuébecCanada,Department of Psychiatry and AddictionUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuébecCanada
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91
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Coleman ME, Manchella MK, Roth AR, Peng S, Perry BL. What kinds of social networks protect older adults' health during a pandemic? The tradeoff between preventing infection and promoting mental health. SOCIAL NETWORKS 2022; 70:393-402. [PMID: 35665241 PMCID: PMC9140769 DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
When the coronavirus emerged in early 2020, older adults were at heightened risk of contracting the virus, and of suffering mental health consequences from the pandemic and from the precautions designed to mitigate it. In this paper, we examine how social networks prior to the pandemic helped to shape health beliefs, behaviors, and outcomes among older adults during its onset, focusing on (1) perceived risk of COVID-19, (2) preventative health behaviors, and (3) mental health, including loneliness, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety. Drawing on the longitudinal Social Networks in Alzheimer Disease study, we find that networks high in bridging social capital predict greater perceived risk and more precautions taken, but worse mental health. In contrast, networks high in bonding social capital predict less perceived risk and fewer precautions taken, but better mental health. We discuss this apparent tradeoff between physical and mental health.
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92
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Vallone F, Cattaneo Della Volta MF, Mayor Silva LI, Monroy AM, Galletta M, Curcio F, Zurlo MC. The COVID-19 Student Stress Questionnaire: Validation in Spanish university students from health sciences. Health Psychol Open 2022; 9:20551029221135293. [PMID: 36382140 PMCID: PMC9647230 DOI: 10.1177/20551029221135293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to validate the Spanish version of the COVID-19 Student Stress Questionnaire (CSSQ), a 7-item tool assessing COVID-19-related stressors among university students, namely, Relationships and Academic Life, Isolation, and Fear of Contagion. Participants were 331 Spanish university students. Factor analyses sustained the three factor solution of the original tool. Data also revealed satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity, suitable internal consistency, and significant associations with psychological symptoms, as measured by the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. The Spanish version of the CSSQ represents a valid tool to be used in clinical settings to timely identify students at high psychological risk and to develop evidence-based interventions during/after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Vallone
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico
II, Italy
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory,
Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico
II, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Cattaneo Della Volta
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico
II, Italy
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory,
Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico
II, Italy
| | | | | | - Maura Galletta
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Felice Curcio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and
Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Clelia Zurlo
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory,
Department of Political Sciences, University of Naples Federico
II, Italy
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93
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Wiwatkunupakarn N, Pateekhum C, Aramrat C, Jirapornchaoren W, Pinyopornpanish K, Angkurawaranon C. Social networking site usage: A systematic review of its relationship with social isolation, loneliness, and depression among older adults. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:1318-1326. [PMID: 34427132 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1966745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older adults, age ≥ 60 years, are at risk of depression, which is aggravated by loneliness and social isolation. The use of social networking sites (SNS) has been reported to be beneficial to help people stay in touch with their families and communities. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between SNS usage and social isolation, loneliness, and depression among older adults. METHODS The online electronic search for literature was conducted up to June 2020 using three databases and searching from reference lists to find potential studies. The inclusion criteria were based on three main study characteristics: (i) a study population of adults age ≥ 60 years, (ii) examine SNS usage, and (iii) report depression or loneliness or social isolation as outcomes. RESULTS Fifteen articles were included: ten observational and five experimental studies. Five studies focused on depression and five studies on loneliness/social isolation, while five studies reported on both outcomes. Among observational studies, there was some evidence that SNS usage was associated with lower levels of depression and loneliness scores, but a very limited number of experimental studies were able to obtain similar results. For social isolation, no study found significant associations between SNS usage and lower levels of social isolation. CONCLUSIONS This review found very limited evidence, especially from experimental studies, to support associations between SNS use with depression, loneliness, and social isolation among older adults. More studies are needed to enhance understanding to make valid conclusions. UNLABELLED The systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database on 10 April 2019 and updated in July 2020 (CRD42019125267).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutchar Wiwatkunupakarn
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
| | - Chanapat Pateekhum
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
| | - Chanchanok Aramrat
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
| | - Wichuda Jirapornchaoren
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
| | | | - Chaisiri Angkurawaranon
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
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94
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Nyashanu M, Lusota DA, Muddu M, Mbalinda SN. Effect of COVID-19 on older adults 50 years and above living with HIV in a less-developed country. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2022; 21:207-212. [PMID: 35901298 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2022.2091464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Globally, control measures have been communicated to reverse the COVID-19 pandemic. In Uganda, as soon as the first case of COVID-19 was identified, strict lockdown measures were enforced, including a ban on all public and private transport, night curfew, closure of schools, and suspension of religious and social gatherings and closure of non-essential shops and markets. These measures affected access to health services, which could have been worse for older people living with HIV (PLHIV). In this study, we explored how COVID-19 affected the health and social life of older PLHIV.Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in HIV clinics of two hospitals in Uganda. We completed 40 in-depth interviews with adults above 50 years who had lived with HIV for more than 10 years. The interviews explored the effect of COVID-19 on their health and social life during the lockdown. We analysed data thematically.Results: The overarching themes regarding the effects of COVID-19 on older adults living with HIV were fear and anxiety during the lockdown, lack of access to health care leading to missing HIV clinic appointments and not taking their ART medicines, financial burden, loss of loved ones, and effect on children's education. Some patients overcame health-related challenges by sending motorcycles to their health facilities with their identifying documents to get the medicines refilled. Some health care providers took the ART medicines to their patients' homes.Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown negatively affected the health and social well-being of older PLHIV. This calls for strategies to improve HIV care and treatment access during the lockdown to sustain the HIV program gains in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Nyashanu
- Department of Health & Allied Professions, School of Social Science, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
| | | | - Martin Muddu
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda
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95
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Xiong R, Xia Y, Tian B. Social Disconnectedness and Mental Health Problems During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: A Moderated Mediation Model. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604742. [PMID: 35755954 PMCID: PMC9218057 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of perceived isolation and the moderating effect of COVID-19 related concerns in the relationship between social disconnectedness and mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of 11,682 Chinese residents were conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak. Conditional process analysis was performed to test the mediating effect of perceived isolation and the moderating effect of COVID-19 related concerns. Results: Social disconnectedness was positively related to mental health problems, and perceived isolation significantly mediated their relationship. COVID-19 related concerns exacerbated the direct link between social disconnectedness and mental health problems as well as the indirect link via perceived isolation. Conclusion: Social disconnectedness was a key predictor of mental health problems during the COVID-19 outbreak. The direct and indirect effects of social disconnectedness on mental health problems were stronger for respondents who had more COVID-19 related concerns. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which social disconnectedness is related to mental health problems has important practical implications for the prevention of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoshan Xiong
- Department of Social Work, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwei Xia
- School of Law, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China
| | - Beihai Tian
- Department of Sociology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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96
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Lv F, Yu M, Li J, Tan J, Ye Z, Xiao M, Zhu Y, Guo S, Liu Y, Gao D. Young Adults' Loneliness and Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model. Front Psychol 2022; 13:842738. [PMID: 35756197 PMCID: PMC9218478 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.842738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, millions of people have been infected with the disease. The COVID-19 pandemic also produced severe mental health problems, such as loneliness and depression. The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of cognitive reappraisal and moderating role of resilience in the relationship between young adults’ loneliness and depression during the pandemic by adopting a cross-sectional research approach. In March 2020, 654 young adults (18–29 years old) were recruited to complete the measures for loneliness, depression, emotion regulation, and resilience. Results found that loneliness was positively and moderately associated with depression (r = 0.531, p < 0.001), and that both loneliness and depression were separately negatively associated with cognitive reappraisal (r = −0.348, p < 0.001; r = −0.424, p < 0.001) and resilience (r = −0.436, p < 0.001; r = −0.419, p < 0.001). The results indicated that both loneliness and depression were not associated with expressive suppression (r = 0.067, p = 0.087; r = −0.002, p = 0.961). The moderated mediation model results revealed that only cognitive reappraisal partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and depression (b = −0.301; Boot 95% CI = −0.388, −0.215). In addition, the results of the moderated mediation model indicated that resilience moderated the association between loneliness and depression (b = 0.035, p < 0.001, Boot 95% CI = 0.014, 0.055), while also moderated the impact of cognitive reappraisal on depression (b = −0.031, p < 0.001, Boot 95% CI = −0.058, −0.005). These findings have practical implications that broaden our understanding of depression in young adults and shed light on how to enhance cognitive reappraisal and resilience as a means of combating depression in this age group during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyan Lv
- Department of Psychology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Yu
- Department of Psychology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Psychology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingbin Tan
- Department of Psychology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhang Ye
- Department of Psychology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Computer Science and Technology, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Xiao
- Department of Psychology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Educational and Technology, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yalin Zhu
- Department of Psychology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Guo
- School of Cultural Tourism and Geography, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanping Liu
- Department of Psychology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingguo Gao
- Department of Psychology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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97
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Vrublevska J, Perepjolkina V, Martinsone K, Kolesnikova J, Krone I, Smirnova D, Fountoulakis KN, Rancans E. Determinants of Anxiety in the General Latvian Population During the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Front Public Health 2022; 10:854812. [PMID: 35769784 PMCID: PMC9236180 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.854812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictive public health measures have seriously affected mental health of society. Social, psychological, and health-related factors have been linked to anxiety in the general population. Aim We investigate the association of various sociopsychological and health-related determinants of anxiety and identify the predicting factors for anxiety in the general population during the COVID-19 state of emergency from in Latvia. Methods We conducted an online survey using a randomized stratified sample of the general adult population in July 2020 for 3 weeks. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S). Sociodemographic, health-related, sociopsychological characteristics and suicidality were identified using the structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis included Pearson's chi-square test, post hoc analysis, and binomial logistic regression. Results The weighted study sample included 2,608 participants. The mean STAY-S score of the total sample was 22.88 ± 12.25. In the total sample, 15.2% (n = 398) of participants were classified as having anxiety. The odds ratio (OR) of having anxiety was higher in females (OR = 2.44; 95% CI 1.75-3.33) and people who had experienced mental health problems in the past (OR = 1.45; 95% CI 1.03-2.04), had suicide attempt in the past (OR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.08-2.59), were worried about their health status due to COVID-19 (OR = 1.64; 95% CI 1.36-1.16), were worried about stigmatization from others if infected with COVID-19 (OR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.03-1.35), were worried about information regarding COVID-19 from the Internet (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.08-1.43), persons who were lonely (OR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.54-2.34), and persons with negative problem orientation (OR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.06-1.51). Protective factors were identified as having good self-rated general health (OR = 0.68, 95 % CI 0.58-0.81), maintaining a daily routine (OR = 0.74, 95 % CI 0.61-0.90), having financial stability (OR = 0.66, 95 % CI 0.55-0.79), and having good psychological resilience (OR = 0.90, 95 % CI 0.87-0.94). Conclusions This is the first study to report a prevalence of anxiety in the general population of Latvia. Certain factors that predict anxiety, as well as protective factors were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Vrublevska
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Kristine Martinsone
- Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jelena Kolesnikova
- Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilona Krone
- Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Daria Smirnova
- International Centre for Education and Research in Neuropsychiatry (ICERN), Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
- Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology, Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
| | | | - Elmars Rancans
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
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98
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Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lives of Women with Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds and Victimization Experiences in Portugal. SOCIAL SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11060258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The heavy economic, social, and psychological toll of pandemic lockdowns around the world and their disproportionate effect on women are widely acknowledged, but different socioeconomic backgrounds and contexts may influence the degree to which stay-at-home measures impact their lives. Additionally, knowing that violence against women tends to increase during times of crisis, we are testing if the additional burden of victimization represents an added load to the perceived social impacts of the lockdown. Using 2021 survey data from a random sample of 1541 Portuguese women, the paper explores, through logistic regression models, the social impact of the lockdown on the lives of women, its socioeconomic determinants, and the role played by violence against women during the pandemic. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown did not equally affect all facets of women’s social lives, and women with higher education status and that experienced income reductions due to the measures taken to control the pandemic are more prone to experience a more severe negative impact of the lockdown on the various facets of their lives. Additionally, having been a victim during the pandemic partially mediates the effect of education and income reduction on the social outcomes of the lockdown.
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99
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Synthesizing Stakeholders Perspectives on Online Psychological Interventions to Improve the Mental Health of the Italian Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Survey Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127008. [PMID: 35742257 PMCID: PMC9222987 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to significantly increase the prevalence of mental health problems, thus raising the need for psychological support interventions around the world. Online psychological interventions have already been shown to be an effective solution to promote psychological treatments. Nevertheless, planning and developing an online intervention, involving possible stakeholders, might facilitate the dissemination of, willingness to use, and success of the future intervention. This study aims to explore and compare the experiences that Italians living in Italy and abroad had with available support services during the COVID-19 pandemic, their needs, and attitudes, as well as possible barriers to online psychological interventions. A sample of 1024 Italians (F = 69.8%; mean age = 41.3; SD = 15.3) was recruited through social media platforms and personal contacts and they were asked to complete an online survey. Results showed that perceived psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic improved. In Europe, psychological support was delivered mainly in person (69.0%), while online interventions were primarily used in extra-European countries (57%). Then, only 44% of the total sample was interested in trying an online psychological intervention. Various advantages and disadvantages were defined by stakeholders: The main advantages were the reduction in geographical distances, economic reasons, and the reduction in the waiting list; The main disadvantages were problems with technology, low motivation of users, and privacy/safety reasons. These data made it possible to improve the knowledge regarding the views and attitudes that Italians have about online psychological interventions, and shed light on how to increase the uptake of digital health.
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100
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Kashash Y, Smarsh G, Zilkha N, Yovel Y, Kimchi T. Alone, in the dark: The extraordinary neuroethology of the solitary blind mole rat. eLife 2022; 11:78295. [PMID: 35674717 PMCID: PMC9177142 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On the social scale, the blind mole rat (BMR; Spalax ehrenbergi) is an extreme. It is exceedingly solitary, territorial, and aggressive. BMRs reside underground, in self-excavated tunnels that they rarely leave. They possess specialized sensory systems for social communication and navigation, which allow them to cope with the harsh environmental conditions underground. This review aims to present the blind mole rat as an ideal, novel neuroethological model for studying aggressive and solitary behaviors. We discuss the BMR's unique behavioral phenotype, particularly in the context of 'anti-social' behaviors, and review the available literature regarding its specialized sensory adaptations to the social and physical habitat. To date, the neurobiology of the blind mole rat remains mostly unknown and holds a promising avenue for scientific discovery. Unraveling the neural basis of the BMR's behavior, in comparison to that of social rodents, can shed important light on the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric disorders in humans, in which similar behaviors are displayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Kashash
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Grace Smarsh
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noga Zilkha
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yossi Yovel
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tali Kimchi
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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