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Nehme A, Moussa S, Fekih-Romdhane F, Hallit S, Obeid S, Haddad G. The mediating role of depression in the association between perceived financial wellbeing and somatization: a study in the context of Lebanon's financial crisis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38598249 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2341132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to examine the association between financial wellbeing and somatization, in addition to the mediating effect of anxiety, depression and stress. To test such hypotheses, a cross-sectional study was carried out between September and October 2021; 403 participants (264 females; age = 32.76 ± 13.24 years) were recruited. Depression mediated the association between financial wellbeing and somatization. A worse financial wellbeing was significantly associated with more depression, which was associated with more somatization. Moreover, a worse financial wellbeing was significantly and directly associated with more somatization. Our study adds to the narrow body of research revolving around the relationship between financial wellbeing and somatization in Lebanese adults. Understanding that the effects of, depression are aggravated in a country such as Lebanon would help establish more preventative guidelines and mental health awareness campaigns. Identifying the correlates of somatization can also be translated into improved interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Nehme
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sara Moussa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Koura, Lebanon
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Georges Haddad
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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Moussa S, Malaeb D, Achkouty I, Hallit S, Ghosn A, Obeid S. Association between work fatigue and cognitive function among Lebanese health-care professionals: the moderating effect of emotional intelligence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:1487-1498. [PMID: 37293934 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2222270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the association between work-related fatigue and cognitive impairment among Lebanese health-care professionals with a closer look into the moderating role of emotional intelligence. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and January 2022; 406 Lebanese health-care professionals were recruited through convenience sampling. Moderate analysis showed that with low levels of emotional intelligence, more physical, mental, or emotional work fatigue was significantly associated with lower cognitive function scores. These scores get better in people with moderate and high emotional intelligence for the same levels of work fatigue. Health-care workers, especially in Lebanon, are subject to a decline in their cognitive function when faced to high work fatigue loads in all its types, physical, mental, and emotional, along with the country's stressors. Here comes the role of emotional intelligence, where for the same level of fatigue, professionals with high emotional intelligence tend to have better cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Moussa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Koura, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Iris Achkouty
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Anthony Ghosn
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
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El Morr C, Jammal M, Bou-Hamad I, Hijazi S, Ayna D, Romani M, Hoteit R. Predictive Machine Learning Models for Assessing Lebanese University Students' Depression, Anxiety, and Stress During COVID-19. J Prim Care Community Health 2024; 15:21501319241235588. [PMID: 38546161 PMCID: PMC10981228 DOI: 10.1177/21501319241235588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
University students are experiencing a mental health crisis. COVID-19 has exacerbated this situation. We have surveyed students in 2 universities in Lebanon to gauge their mental health challenges. We have constructed a machine learning (ML) approach to predict symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress based on demographics and self-rated health measures. Our approach involved developing 8 ML predictive models, including Logistic Regression (LR), multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network, support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and XGBoost, AdaBoost, Naïve Bayes (NB), and K-Nearest neighbors (KNN). Following their construction, we compared their respective performances. Our evaluation shows that RF (AUC = 78.27%), NB (AUC = 76.37%), and AdaBoost (AUC = 72.96%) have provided the highest-performing AUC scores for depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Self-rated health is found to be the top feature in predicting depression, while age was the top feature in predicting anxiety and stress, followed by self-rated health. Future work will focus on using data augmentation approaches and extending to multi-class anxiety predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dinah Ayna
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Romani
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Reem Hoteit
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Rachidi M, Hatem G, Hatem M, Zein S, Rachidi S, Awada S. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the consumption patterns of psychotropic drugs and predictors of limited access to medication. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE ACCESS 2023; 7:27550834231163706. [PMID: 37051188 PMCID: PMC10086612 DOI: 10.1177/27550834231163706] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite the efforts of the health system to improve access to medications during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, such as online consultations, encouraging generic prescriptions, and other measures to limit the storage of medication, psychotropic patients faced significant challenges in accessing their medications. Objectives This study aimed (1) to compare the consumption of psychotropics before and during the pandemic, (2) to assess the association between having difficulties finding the medications and the general characteristics of the patients, and (3) to assess the predictors of these difficulties. Design A case-control study was performed in which 128 patients (cases) were recruited during the pandemic (July-October 2021), and 256 patients (controls) using psychotropics before the pandemic were matched for age and sex. Methods Data were collected using a uniform survey given to patients using psychotropics and filled out at their time and place preferences. Results More patients used antipsychotics and anti-anxiety medications before the pandemic, while antidepressants were used more during the pandemic. Almost half of the patients reported facing difficulties finding their medications in both time frames. Before the pandemic, these difficulties were noted per increase in age and being employed and were less faced if patients had medical assistance or lived in the north of Lebanon. However, more patients reported having difficulties accessing their medication during the pandemic, with no significant differences. Conclusion The consumption of psychotropic drugs was higher among cases. All patients faced challenges in accessing their medication throughout the pandemic, while older and employed patients had more limitations before the pandemic. Further investigations exploring viable solutions are recommended in order to maintain sustainable access to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Rachidi
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Georges Hatem
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Georges Hatem, Faculty of medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Melissa Hatem
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, El-Koura, Lebanon
| | - Salam Zein
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Samar Rachidi
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Sanaa Awada
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
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Kesrouani A, Hatoum I, Yared G, Atallah D, Daou L, Finan R. Prenatal care in the era of economic collapse. J Perinat Med 2022:jpm-2022-0377. [PMID: 36420531 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the effect of economic collapse on prenatal care. METHODS This is an observational study aiming to depict the changes that occur in prenatal care in the case of an economic collapse. Biochemical screening and ultrasound examinations, as well as medical emigration and private-public sector activity, are discussed. RESULTS Starting October 2019, Lebanon experienced significant and unprecedented economic degradation leading to 81% degradation of the local currency, 85% inflation, and socio-economic suffering, and the situation is currently still deteriorating. The impact on the medical infrastructure has been global and hit all areas. The crisis is multifaceted, varied in the way it played out across public and private sectors, and did not affect them equally. Some were better prepared than others to cope with severe fiscal pressure mainly through the support of non-governmental organizations. All aspects of prenatal care are affected by the crisis. CONCLUSIONS Given the multiple strains on the Lebanese health care system today, the plight of antenatal care providers needs assistance to ensure adequate follow-up of pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaad Kesrouani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, St Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Inaam Hatoum
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Yared
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - David Atallah
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, St Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Linda Daou
- Pediatrics Department, St Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ramzi Finan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, St Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,President, Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beyrouth, Lebanon
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Rija A, Islam Z, Bilal W, Qamar K, Gangat SA, Abbas S, Mirha HT, Mohanan P, Rahmat ZS, Shaeen SK, Djedid SNK, Essar MY, Kashyap R. The impact of violence on healthcare workers' mental health in conflict based settings amidst COVID‐19 pandemic, and potential interventions: A narrative review. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e920. [PMCID: PMC9638051 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aiman Rija
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi Pakistan
| | - Zarmina Islam
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi Pakistan
| | - Wajeeha Bilal
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi Pakistan
| | - Khulud Qamar
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi Pakistan
| | - Shazil Ahmed Gangat
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi Pakistan
| | - Samina Abbas
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi Pakistan
| | - Hania Tul Mirha
- Department of Medicine CMH Lahore Medical College Lahore Pakistan
| | | | - Zainab Syyeda Rahmat
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi Pakistan
| | - Sean Kaisser Shaeen
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi Pakistan
| | | | | | - Rahul Kashyap
- Critical Care Medicine Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota USA
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Anandh U, Meena P, Karam S, Luyckx V. Social, political and legal determinants of kidney health: Perspectives from lower- and middle-income countries with a focus on India. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2022; 2:1024667. [PMID: 37745281 PMCID: PMC10513032 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2022.1024667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The social determinants of health (SDoH) are the non-medical factors that influence kidney health outcomes directly or indirectly in a substantial manner and include conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. Many such challenges in lower- and middle- income countries have an unfavourable impact on kidney health. These conditions potentially influence economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies, and political systems. In addition, many political and legal factors also determine and modify the ultimate outcome in patients with kidney disease. Legal factors that ensure universal health care, promote gender and racial equality, prevent malpractices and regulate strict laws in the field of kidney transplantation are the paramount determinants for the provision of necessary kidney care. Converging lines of evidence have supported the impact of social variables such as socioeconomic resources, social inclusion, housing conditions, educational attainment, and financial status on kidney health, particularly affect vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and result in challenges in kidney care delivery. Furthermore, the climate is an important SDoH that plays a crucial role in the occurrence, prevalence, and progression of kidney diseases as highlighted by the presence of higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease in hot tropical countries. The rising incidence of water and vector-borne diseases causing acute kidney injury is another consequence of disruptive environmental and climate change which is detrimental to kidney health. Political risk factors such as conflict also have a devastating influence on kidney health. The relationship between SDoH and kidney health outcomes requires more clarity. Gaps in the current knowledge need to be identified to inform the development of appropriate interventions to address upstream socio-economic risk factors for kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmila Anandh
- Department of Nephrology, Amrita Hospitals, Faridabad, Delhi NCR, India
| | - Priti Meena
- Department of Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneshwar, India
| | - Sabine Karam
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Yacoub L, Abou Ibrahim S, Achy E, Nicolas E. Mental health in the midst of economic turmoil: case study of Lebanese commercial bank employees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL ANALYSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ijoa-06-2022-3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the major job stressors that can affect employees’ mental health in the Lebanese commercial banks during the economic turmoil. This study also aims to identify the effects of the mental problems on the employees in addition to the role of human resources in promoting and preventing mental well-being at the workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors interviewed 28 bank employees and the semi-structured interviews last for around 50 min, starting by asking the employees a general question about the concept of mental health disorder. The authors used a purposive sampling in which the population sample is selected based on purpose and the characteristics of a specific category of individuals. Moreover, a thematic analysis is used to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings of this study indicate that most of the employees were suffering from many work-related stressors that have negatively affected their mental well-being. The stress and pressures have significantly increased during the economic crisis. However, most of the interviewees were not or rarely supported by their human resources department and their administration to help them get adapted for such a crisis or for the changes at the workplace.
Originality/value
Mental health disorders are present in the daily normal life and in the workplace as well. The banking industry is not an exceptional one.
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Islam Z, Mohanan P, Bilal W, Hashmi T, Rahmat Z, Abdi I, Riaz MMA, Essar MY. Dengue Virus Cases Surge Amidst COVID-19 in Pakistan: Challenges, Efforts and Recommendations. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:367-371. [PMID: 35140482 PMCID: PMC8819273 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s347571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pakistan is currently facing two outbreaks, dengue and COVID-19; both have strained its healthcare system resulting in multiple concerns including the co-diagnosis of two. Due to poor healthcare capacity, low vaccination rate, increasing COVID-19 variants, socioeconomic disparities, and misinformation, it is inevitable that implications will prove to be damaging to both healthcare workers and civilians. Among these challenges, it is important to note the need for stronger epidemiological surveillance for both COVID-19 and dengue and the implementation of public health measures without endangering sources of livelihood. To sustain this, cooperation between WHO and Pakistan’s government must continue through smart lockdowns, dengue awareness campaigns, and double laboratory procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarmina Islam
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Wajeeha Bilal
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Taleen Hashmi
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Rahmat
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ikran Abdi
- Faculty of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Mohammad Yasir Essar
- Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
- Correspondence: Mohammad Yasir Essar, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan, Tel +992 117118300, Email
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Gangat SA, Islam Z, Nchasi G, Ghazanfar S, Muzzamil M, Abbas S, Khan AR, Essar MY. Impact of ongoing conflict on the mental health of healthcare workers in Palestine. Int J Health Plann Manage 2022; 37:1855-1859. [PMID: 35034378 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shazil Ahmed Gangat
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zarmina Islam
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Goodluck Nchasi
- Department of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Science, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Shamas Ghazanfar
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Muzzamil
- Department of Public health, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Samina Abbas
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Rahman Khan
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Yasir Essar
- Department of Dentistry, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
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Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis and its impacts on the mental health of healthcare workers during COVID-19. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2022; 9:61-64. [PMID: 36567725 PMCID: PMC9767889 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2022.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis has severely impacted the mental health of frontline workers. With the introduction of the Taliban government, ongoing civil unrest, and other forms of violent attacks, healthcare workers (HCWs) continue to provide patient care despite minimal resources. A severe contraction in the economy, poor supply of medications, political turmoil, and insufficient humanitarian aid have added to pre-existing problems. High levels of insecurity and instability as well as decades of traumatic experiences have contributed to increasing mental health challenges amongst frontline workers. Despite the scarcity of mental health services, HCWs continue to persevere with their service to the community. However, inadequate interventions may have serious implications for HCWs bearing the brunt of multiple traumas. Thus, governmental and international involvement is needed to address both the economic and psychological needs of HCWs in Afghanistan.
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