1
|
Léveillé N, Provost H, Keutcha Kamani C, Chen M, Deghan Manshadi S, Ades M, Shanahan K, Nauche B, Drudi LM. Exploring Prognostic Implications of Race and Ethnicity in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease. J Surg Res 2024; 302:739-754. [PMID: 39216457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.07.120] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Significant health inequalities in major adverse limb events exist. Ethnically minoritized groups are more prone to have a major adverse event following peripheral vascular interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe the postoperative implications of racial and ethnic status on clinical outcomes following vascular interventions for claudication and chronic limb-threatening ischemia. METHODS Searches were conducted across seven databases from inception to June 2021 and were updated in October 2022 to identify studies reporting claudication or chronic limb-threatening ischemia in patients who underwent open, endovascular, or hybrid procedures. Studies with documented racial and ethnic status and associated clinical outcomes were selected. Extracted data included demographic and clinical characteristics, vascular interventions, and measured outcomes associated with race or ethnicity. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effect models to report pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Seventeen studies evaluating the impact of Black versus White patients undergoing amputation as a primary intervention were combined in a meta-analysis, revealing that Black patients had a higher incidence of amputations as a primary intervention than White patients (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.61-2.27). Another meta-analysis demonstrated that Black patients had significantly higher rates of amputation after revascularization (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.28-1.89). Furthermore, multiple trends were demonstrated in the secondary outcomes evaluated. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that Black patients undergo primary major amputation at a significantly higher rate than White patients, with similar trends seen among Hispanic and First Nations patients. Black patients are also significantly more likely to be subjected to amputation following attempts at revascularization when compared to White patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayla Léveillé
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hubert Provost
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cedric Keutcha Kamani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mia Chen
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shaidah Deghan Manshadi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Ades
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kristina Shanahan
- Innovation Hub, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bénédicte Nauche
- Bibliothèque du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura M Drudi
- Innovation Hub, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Division of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mira JJ, Torres D, Gil V, Carratalá C. Loneliness impact on healthcare utilization in primary care: A retrospective study. J Healthc Qual Res 2024; 39:224-232. [PMID: 38670900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhqr.2024.04.001] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increased number of patients seek help for loneliness in primary care. OBJECTIVE To analyze whether loneliness was associated with a higher utilization of healthcare facilities. METHODS Observational, retrospective study based on the review of routinely coded data in the digital medical record system in a random sample of patients aged 65 or older, stratified by population size of their residence area. A minimum sample size was estimated at 892 medical records. Loneliness was defined as the negative feeling that arises when there is a mismatch between the quantity and quality of a person's social relationships and those, they desire. Thirty-three primary care nurses (30 females and 3 males) were reviewing the data. RESULTS A total of 932 medical records of patients were reviewed (72% belonged to female patients). Of these, 657 individuals were living alone (71.9%). DeJong Scale average scores was 8.9 points (SD 3.1, 95CI 8.6-9.1). The average annual attendance to primary care ranged from 12.2 visits per year in the case of family practice, 10.7 nurse, 0.7 social workers. The average number of home visits was 3.2, and the urgent consultations attended at health centers were 1.5 per year. Higher feelings of loneliness were associated with extreme values in the frequency of healthcare resource usage. Compared to their peers of the same age, the additional healthcare resource consumption amounted to €802.18 per patient per year. CONCLUSION Loneliness is linked to higher healthcare resource usage in primary care, with individuals experiencing poorer physical and mental health utilizing these resources up to twice as much as their peers of the same age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J J Mira
- Healthcare District Alicante-Sant Joan, Fisabio, Alicante, Spain; Health Psychology Department, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain; RICAPPS (Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Prevention and Health Promotion), Spain.
| | - D Torres
- Healthcare District Alicante-Sant Joan, Fisabio, Alicante, Spain
| | - V Gil
- RICAPPS (Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Prevention and Health Promotion), Spain; Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Sant Joan, Spain
| | - C Carratalá
- RICAPPS (Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Prevention and Health Promotion), Spain; Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Sant Joan, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Irshad C, Govil D, Sahoo H. Social frailty among older adults in India: Findings from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) - Wave 1. Exp Aging Res 2024; 50:331-347. [PMID: 36974668 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2023.2195291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From an individual's perspective, social frailty may act as a key determinant of social capital, which is essential for meeting social needs and improvement of overall wellbeing. The present study aimed to understand the social frailty and its determining factors among Indian older adults. METHODS Data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)-wave 1 was used. For the assessment of social frailty the study proposed a multidimensional Social Frailty Index (SFI) score ranging between 0 and 100 using 17 indicators. Bivariate analysis and quantile regression models were applied. RESULTS The study results indicated that on average female older adults (mean SFI = 63.7) are relatively more socially frail than male older adults (mean SFI = 59.0). Further, the quantile regression analysis revealed that at the 10th, 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, female older adults were significantly more likely to be socially frail than male older adults (β = 3.80, p < .01; β = 2.82, p < .01; β = 1.72, p < .01; and β = 2.62, p < .01, respectively). Educational attainment and better economic condition showed a protective effect against social frailty. CONCLUSIONS Investment to improve geriatric health status and socioeconomic conditions shall be a key focus to reduce social frailty prevalence among the older adults. A specific consideration is needed for addressing social frailty among female older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cv Irshad
- School of Social Sciences and Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Dipti Govil
- Department of Family and Generations, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Harihar Sahoo
- Department of Family and Generations, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen H, Zhang Y, Cao K. Housing debt and depressive symptoms: evidence from the China family panel studies. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:186. [PMID: 38581029 PMCID: PMC10996272 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01667-z] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence on the association between housing debt and depressive symptoms in China. This study aimed to examine the impact of housing debt on depressive symptoms and explore the heterogeneous impacts arising from two sources of housing debt and two types of housing demands. METHODS Using data from the 2016 and 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study included 25,232 Chinese individuals. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the eight-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D8). Housing debt was measured by dummy variables, indicating whether an individual had housing debt, and continuous variables, which were the logarithm of the total amount of housing debt. The two-way fixed effects model was used to examine the relationship. RESULTS Housing debt had a significant positive impact on depressive symptoms in China. Individuals with housing debt had a 0.176-point higher depressive symptom score than those without housing debt. A 10% increase in the total amount of housing debt led to a 0.16-point increase in depressive symptoms. Non-bank housing loans significantly increased the level of depressive symptoms with a larger coefficient (coef = 0.289), while the impact of bank housing loans was small and not statistically significant. In terms of the types of housing demands, a positive impact was observed only among individuals who had only one property meeting their housing consumption demands. CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant positive impact of housing debt on depressive symptoms, primarily driven by non-bank housing loans. Furthermore, housing debt increased the depressive symptoms among individuals with consumption demands, while those with investment demands did not show a significant impact. Government interventions should prioritize easing formal financial constraints and providing support for individuals with housing consumption demands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Chen
- School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuehua Zhang
- School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, 314100, Jiaxing, China
| | - Kang Cao
- Department of Regional and Urban Planning, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ng IKS. The 'loneliness' epidemic: a new social determinant of health? Intern Med J 2024; 54:365-367. [PMID: 38385582 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac K S Ng
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao IY, Leung AYM, Deng SY, Ho MH, Saravanakumar P, Montayre J, Molassiotis A. Intergenerational reciprocity and WHO function ability domains predict loneliness in older Chinese adults. Australas J Ageing 2024; 43:112-122. [PMID: 37845812 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13250] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine loneliness in old age and whether intergenerational reciprocity and WHO functional ability predicted loneliness. METHODS Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Wave 4 (2018) database (CHARLS), logistic regression models were adopted to investigate the relationships. RESULTS The prevalence of loneliness was 28% in older people in China. Corresponding to the five domains of functional abilities, providing financial support to adult children (adj. OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70-0.99), self-perceived health (adj. OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.19-1.41), having a retirement pension (adj. OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57-0.93), the ability to decide on taking medications (adj. OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.10-1.58), as well as being able to get up from a chair (adj. OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.3), and having paid work (adj. OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54-0.95) were associated with less loneliness. On the contrary, infrequent contact (once a month) with adult children (adj. OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.38), troubling body pain (adj. OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10-1.23) and falling since the last interview (adj. OR .23, 95% CI 1.04-1.45) were positively associated with loneliness. CONCLUSIONS In this study, functional abilities of meeting basic needs, making decisions, being mobile and contributing to the support of adult children and society were protective factors for experiencing loneliness in late life. We need to rethink interventions for addressing loneliness in the context of healthy ageing and specific cultural values, taking into account not only providing services to older adults but also supporting them to gain values by contributing to society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Yan Zhao
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Angela Y M Leung
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sasha Yuanjie Deng
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mu-Hsing Ho
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Priya Saravanakumar
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jed Montayre
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alex Molassiotis
- College of Arts, Humanities and Education, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
De Sarro C, Papadopoli R, Morgante MC, Pileggi C. A new emergency during the latest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: access to healthcare services by patients with non-communicable diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1261063. [PMID: 37901416 PMCID: PMC10602673 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1261063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare and the disease management of patients affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), by exploring, specifically, the obstacles encountered in the access to healthcare services during the latest phase of the pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among subjects attending the anti-SARS-CoV2 vaccination clinic in a Teaching Hospital of Southern Italy. To be included in the study, subjects had to be affected by at least one NCD, such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and heart diseases, renal and liver chronic conditions, immunodeficiency disorders due to cancer, or being kidney or liver transplant recipients. Results Among the 553 subjects who completed the questionnaire, the 39.4% (95% IC = 35.3-43.6) experienced obstacles in the access to healthcare services in the six months prior to the enrollment. The most frequent canceled/postponed healthcare services were the visits for routine checks for NCDs (60.6, 95% IC = 53.9-67), control visits of more complex diseases as cancer or transplantation (17.3, 95% IC = 12.6-22.8), and scheduled surgery (11.5, 95% IC = 7.7-16.4). The patients who experienced canceled/postponed healthcare services were significantly more likely to suffer from 3 or more NCDs (p = 0.042), to be diabetics (p = 0.038), to have immunodeficiency disorders (p = 0.028) and to have consulted GP at least once (p = 0.004). Conclusion Our results appear to be fundamental for guiding the choices of providers in order to concentrate organizational efforts to recover and reschedule missed appointments, where applicable, of the most fragile patients by virtue of age and chronic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina De Sarro
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Papadopoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Pileggi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Catanzaro, Italy
- FAS@UMG Research Center, Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Im JHB, Bronskill SE, Strauss R, Gruneir A, Guan J, Boblitz A, Lu M, Rochon PA, Savage RD. Sex-based differences in the association between loneliness and polypharmacy among older adults in Ontario, Canada. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:3099-3109. [PMID: 37338145 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence shows loneliness is associated with polypharmacy and high-risk medications in older adults. Despite notable sex-based differences in the prevalence in each of loneliness and polypharmacy, the role of sex in the relationship between loneliness and polypharmacy is unclear. We explored the relationship between loneliness and polypharmacy in older female and male respondents and described sex-related variations in prescribed medication subclasses. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of representative data from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Healthy Aging cycle (2008/2009) linked to health administrative databases in Ontario respondents aged 66 years and older. Loneliness was measured using the Three-Item Loneliness Scale, with respondents classified as not lonely, moderately lonely, or severely lonely. Polypharmacy was defined as five or more concurrently-prescribed medications. Sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression models with survey weights were used to assess the relationship between loneliness and polypharmacy. Among those with polypharmacy, we examined the distribution of prescribed medication subclasses and potentially inappropriate medications. RESULTS Of the 2348 individuals included in this study, 54.6% were female respondents. The prevalence of polypharmacy was highest in those with severe loneliness both in female (no loneliness, 32.4%; moderate loneliness, 36.5%; severe loneliness, 44.1%) and male respondents (32.5%, 32.2%, and 42.5%). Severe loneliness was significantly associated with greater adjusted odds of polypharmacy in female respondents (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.01-2.50) but this association was attenuated after adjustment in male respondents (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.56-1.80). Among those with polypharmacy, antidepressants were more commonly prescribed in female respondents with severe loneliness (38.7% [95% CI: 27.3-50.0]) compared to those who were moderately lonely (17.7% [95% CI: 9.3-26.2]). CONCLUSIONS Severe loneliness was independently associated with polypharmacy in older female but not male respondents. Clinicians should consider loneliness as an important risk factor in medication reviews and deprescribing efforts to minimize medication-related harms, particularly in older women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James H B Im
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan E Bronskill
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Andrea Gruneir
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Mindy Lu
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula A Rochon
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's Age Lab, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel D Savage
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's Age Lab, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Murry LT, Flood M, Holton A, Kenny RA, Moriarty F. Use of pharmacy services in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults; findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 10:100265. [PMID: 37181502 PMCID: PMC10173775 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100265] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The role of community pharmacists has evolved in recent years with expansion in pharmacy services offered. The extent to which patients utilise such services in community pharmacies in Ireland is unclear. Objective To assess pharmacy services use among adults aged ≥56 years in Ireland, and determine the demographic and clinical factors associated with pharmacy services use. Methods This cross-sectional study included community-dwelling participants in wave 4 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), aged ≥56 years who were self-respondents. TILDA is a nationally representative cohort study, with wave 4 data collected during 2016. TILDA collects participant demographics and health data, in addition to information on the use of several services when visiting the pharmacy in the last 12 months. Characteristics and pharmacy services use were summarised. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association of demographic and health factors with reporting (i) any pharmacy service use and (ii) requesting medicines advice. Results Among 5782 participants (55.5% female, mean age 68 years), 96.6% (5587) reported visiting a pharmacy in the previous 12 months, and almost one fifth of these (1094) utilised at least one non-dispensing pharmacy service. The most common non-dispensing services reported were requesting advice about medications (786, 13.6%), blood pressure monitoring (184, 3.2%), and vaccination (166, 2.9%). Controlling for other factors, female sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% CI 1.14-1.52), third-level education (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.51-2.27), higher rates of GP visits, private health insurance (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07-1.56), higher number of medications, loneliness, and respiratory condition diagnosis (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14-1.74) were associated with higher likelihood of utilising pharmacy services. The relationship between these factors and requesting medicines advice was similar. Conclusion A high proportion of middle-aged and older adults visit community pharmacy and a fifth utilise specified pharmacy services. Despite advances in the services offered in pharmacies, medicines advice remains at the core of pharmacists' practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Logan T. Murry
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michelle Flood
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alice Holton
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin., Ireland
| | - Frank Moriarty
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin., Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hajek A, König HH. Frequency and Correlates of Online Consultations With Doctors or Therapists in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e29781. [PMID: 35389360 PMCID: PMC9030975 DOI: 10.2196/29781] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A few studies have identified the frequency and correlates of online consultations with doctors or therapists. However, there is a lack of studies using nationally representative data from middle-aged and older adults in Germany. Objective This study aims to determine the frequency and correlates of online consultations with doctors or therapists in Germany. Methods For this study, cross-sectional data were taken from the nationally representative German Ageing Survey (DEAS; n=3067 in the analytical sample; age range 46-98 years). As part of the DEAS, a short survey was conducted between June 8 and July 22, 2020, examining the everyday life and living conditions among these middle-aged and older individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The frequency of online consultations with doctors or therapists served as the dependent variable (daily, several times a week, once a week, 1-3 times a month, less often, and never). Multiple logistic regressions were performed. Results In sum, 10.02% (381/3806) of individuals with access to the internet had online consultations with doctors or therapists. Multiple logistic regressions showed that the likelihood of using online consultations with doctors or therapists (compared with those never using such services) was positively associated with higher education (compared with medium education; odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70), living with a partner in the same household (compared with single; OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.05-2.22), poorer self-rated health (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.16-1.74), increased loneliness (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.10-1.90), and increased satisfaction with life (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.03-1.64). Conclusions Study findings suggest that a non-negligible proportion of about 1 out of 10 individuals aged 46 years and over had online consultations with doctors or therapists. However, compared with other countries, this proportion remains small. Knowledge about the correlates of (non)use may assist in identifying corresponding individuals. In times of reshaping the health care system, these efforts in online consultations with doctors or therapists may contribute to addressing patient needs. Moreover, increased use of such services may reduce the risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 by reducing social contact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhou Y, Draghici A, Abbas J, Mubeen R, Boatca ME, Salam MA. Social Media Efficacy in Crisis Management: Effectiveness of Non-pharmaceutical Interventions to Manage COVID-19 Challenges. Front Psychiatry 2022; 12:626134. [PMID: 35197870 PMCID: PMC8859332 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.626134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The new identified virus COVID-19 has become one of the most contagious diseases in human history. The ongoing coronavirus has created severe threats to global mental health, which have resulted in crisis management challenges and international concerns related to health issues. As of September 9, 2021, there were over 223.4 million patients with COVID-19, including 4.6 million deaths and over 200 million recovered patients reported worldwide, which has made the COVID-19 outbreak one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. The aggressive public health implementations endorsed various precautionary safety and preventive strategies to suppress and minimize COVID-19 disease transmission. The second, third, and fourth waves of COVID-19 continue to pose global challenges to crisis management, as its evolution and implications are still unfolding. This study posits that examining the strategic ripostes and pandemic experiences sheds light on combatting this global emergency. This study recommends two model strategies that help reduce the adverse effects of the pandemic on the immune systems of the general population. This present paper recommends NPI interventions (non-pharmaceutical intervention) to combine various measures, such as the suppression strategy (lockdown and restrictions) and mitigation model to decrease the burden on health systems. The current COVID-19 health crisis has influenced all vital economic sectors and developed crisis management problems. The global supply of vaccines is still not sufficient to manage this global health emergency. In this crisis, NPIs are helpful to manage the spillover impacts of the pandemic. It articulates the prominence of resilience and economic and strategic agility to resume economic activities and resolve healthcare issues. This study primarily focuses on the role of social media to tackle challenges and crises posed by COVID-19 on economies, business activities, healthcare burdens, and government support for societies to resume businesses, and implications for global economic and healthcare provision disruptions. This study suggests that intervention strategies can control the rapid spread of COVID-19 with hands-on crisis management measures, and the healthcare system will resume normal conditions quickly. Global economies will revitalize scientific contributions and collaborations, including social science and business industries, through government support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunye Zhou
- Law School, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Anca Draghici
- Faculty of Management in Production and Transportation, Politehnica University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Jaffar Abbas
- School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Riaqa Mubeen
- School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Maria Elena Boatca
- Faculty of Management in Production and Transportation, Politehnica University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mohammad Asif Salam
- Faculty of Economics and Administration, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chamberlain SA, Savage R, Bronskill SE, Griffith LE, Rochon P, Batara J, Gruneir A. Examining the association between loneliness and emergency department visits using Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA) data: a retrospective cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:69. [PMID: 35065598 PMCID: PMC8783523 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02763-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Loneliness is a public health concern and its influence on morbidity and mortality are well documented. The association between loneliness and emergency department visits is less clear. Further, while sex and gender-related factors are known to be associated with loneliness and health services use, little research looks at the relationship by gender. Our study aimed to estimate the association between loneliness and emergency department use in the previous 12 months. We aimed to determine if this association differed based on gender identity and gender-related characteristics. Methods We used a retrospective cohort study design to analyze population-based survey data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). We analysed data from the baseline and follow-up 1 survey respondents (2015-2018) from both the tracking (telephone interviews) and comprehensive (in-home data collection) cohorts (n=44816). Loneliness was assessed using a dichotomous measure (lonely/not lonely) from a validated scale. Emergency department visits were dichotomous (yes/no) by self-reported emergency department use in the 12 months prior to the survey date. Multivariable logistic regression analyses using analytic weights examined the association between loneliness and emergency department visit, controlling for other demographic, social, and health related factors. Results We identified 44,413 respondents to the baseline and follow-up 1 survey. The prevalence of loneliness in our sample was 23.1% (n=10263). Of those who had been to the emergency department in the previous year, 27.2% (n=2793) were lonely. Lonely respondents had higher odds of an emergency department visit (aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05-1.21), adjusted for various demographic and health factors. Loneliness was associated with emergency department visits more so in women (aOR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05-1.25) than in men (aOR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.99-1.22). Conclusions In our study, loneliness was associated with emergency department visits in the previous 12 months. When our analysis was disaggregated by gender, we found differences in the odds of emergency department visit for men, women, and gender-diverse respondents. The odds of ED visit were higher in women than men. These findings highlight the general importance of identifying loneliness in both primary care and hospital. Care providers in ED need resources to refer patients who present in this setting with health issues complicated by social conditions such as loneliness. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-02763-8.
Collapse
|
13
|
McDowell CP, Meyer JD, Russell DW, Sue Brower C, Lansing J, Herring MP. Bidirectional Associations Between Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Dynamic Panel Models With Fixed Effects. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:738892. [PMID: 34955910 PMCID: PMC8695764 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.738892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Understanding the direction and magnitude of mental health-loneliness associations across time is important to understand how best to prevent and treat mental health and loneliness. This study used weekly data collected over 8 weeks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to expand previous findings and using dynamic panel models with fixed effects which account for all time-invariant confounding and reverse causation. Methods: Prospective data on a convenience and snowball sample from all 50 US states and the District of Colombia (n = 2,361 with ≥2 responses, 63.8% female; 76% retention rate) were collected weekly via online survey at nine consecutive timepoints (April 3-June 3, 2020). Anxiety and depressive symptoms and loneliness were assessed at each timepoint and participants reported the COVID-19 containment strategies they were following. Dynamic panel models with fixed effects examined bidirectional associations between anxiety and depressive symptoms and loneliness, and associations of COVID-19 containment strategies with these outcomes. Results: Depressive symptoms were associated with small increases in both anxiety symptoms (β = 0.065, 95% CI = 0.022-0.109; p = 0.004) and loneliness (β = 0.019, 0.008-0.030; p = 0.001) at the subsequent timepoint. Anxiety symptoms were associated with a small subsequent increase in loneliness (β = 0.014, 0.003-0.025; p = 0.015) but not depressive symptoms (β = 0.025, -0.020-0.070; p = 0.281). Loneliness was strongly associated with subsequent increases in both depressive (β = 0.309, 0.159-0.459; p < 0.001) and anxiety (β = 0.301, 0.165-0.436; p < 0.001) symptoms. Compared to social distancing, adhering to stay-at-home orders or quarantining were not associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms or loneliness (both p ≥ 0.095). Conclusions: High loneliness may be a key risk factor for the development of future anxiety or depressive symptoms, underscoring the need to combat or prevent loneliness both throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 containment strategies were not associated with mental health, indicating that other factors may explain previous reports of mental health deterioration throughout the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cillian P. McDowell
- The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jacob D. Meyer
- Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Daniel W. Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | | | - Jeni Lansing
- Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Matthew P. Herring
- The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
O’Sullivan R, Burns A, Leavey G, Leroi I, Burholt V, Lubben J, Holt-Lunstad J, Victor C, Lawlor B, Vilar-Compte M, Perissinotto CM, Tully MA, Sullivan MP, Rosato M, Power JM, Tiilikainen E, Prohaska TR. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Loneliness and Social Isolation: A Multi-Country Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9982. [PMID: 34639283 PMCID: PMC8508181 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18199982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic and subsequent public health social measures have challenged our social and economic life, with increasing concerns around potentially rising levels of social isolation and loneliness. This paper is based on cross-sectional online survey data (available in 10 languages, from 2 June to 16 November 2020) with 20,398 respondents from 101 different countries. It aims to help increase our understanding of the global risk factors that are associated with social isolation and loneliness, irrespective of culture or country, to support evidence-based policy, services and public health interventions. We found the prevalence of severe loneliness was 21% during COVID-19 with 6% retrospectively reporting severe loneliness prior to the pandemic. A fifth were defined as isolated based on their usual connections, with 13% reporting a substantial increase in isolation during COVID-19. Personal finances and mental health were overarching and consistently cross-cutting predictors of loneliness and social isolation, both before and during the pandemic. With the likelihood of future waves of COVID-19 and related restrictions, it must be a public health priority to address the root causes of loneliness and social isolation and, in particular, address the needs of specific groups such as carers or those living alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger O’Sullivan
- Institute of Public Health, D08 NH90 Dublin, Ireland;
- The Bamford Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (G.L.); (M.R.)
| | - Annette Burns
- Institute of Public Health, D08 NH90 Dublin, Ireland;
- The Bamford Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (G.L.); (M.R.)
| | - Gerard Leavey
- The Bamford Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (G.L.); (M.R.)
| | - Iracema Leroi
- The Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (I.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Vanessa Burholt
- School of Nursing/School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
- Centre for Innovative Ageing, School of Health and Social Care, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - James Lubben
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA;
| | | | - Christina Victor
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK;
| | - Brian Lawlor
- The Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (I.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Mireya Vilar-Compte
- Research Center for Equitable Development (EQUIDE), Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City 01219, Mexico;
| | - Carla M. Perissinotto
- Division of Geriatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Mark A. Tully
- Institute of Mental Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, UK;
| | - Mary Pat Sullivan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Education and Professional Studies, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B 8L7, Canada;
| | - Michael Rosato
- The Bamford Centre, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (G.L.); (M.R.)
| | | | - Elisa Tiilikainen
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Thomas R. Prohaska
- College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Burns A, Leavey G, O'Sullivan R. Loneliness and Healthcare Use in Older Adults: Evidence From a Nationally Representative Cohort in Northern Ireland-A Cross-Sectional Replication Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:620264. [PMID: 34026705 PMCID: PMC8131653 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.620264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Few have explored associations between loneliness and healthcare use independent of health and health behaviors. Recent indication of gender effects also requires validation across health service and cultural settings. We investigated the associations among loneliness, health and healthcare use (HCU) in older adults including stratification to investigate whether associations differed by gender. Methods: Secondary analysis of a nationally representative sample of 8,309 community-dwelling adults aged 50 and over from the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Aging. Primary outcomes were: self-reported General Practice (GP) and emergency department (ED) visits in past year. Negative binomial and logistic regression analysis were used to investigate associations between loneliness and HCU, later adjusting for potential confounders (health and health behaviors). Results: Loneliness was consistently positively associated with both GP and ED visits (with IRRs ranging from 1.10 to 1.49 for GP visits, 1.16 to 1.98 for ED visits and ORs ranging from 1.13 to 1.51 for reporting at least one ED visit). With addition of health and health behaviors, all associations between loneliness and HCU became non-significant, excepting a small independent association between UCLA score and GP visits [IRR 1.03 (95% CI 1.01-1.05)]. Stratification of models revealed no gender effects. Conclusion: All but one association between loneliness and HCU became non-significant when health and health behaviors were included. The remaining association was small but implications remain for health service resources at population level. No gender effects were present in contrast to recent findings in the Republic of Ireland. Further studies on gender, loneliness and healthcare use needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Burns
- Ageing Research and Development Division, The Institute of Public Health in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine, Ireland
| | - Gerard Leavey
- Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine, Ireland
| | - Roger O'Sullivan
- Ageing Research and Development Division, The Institute of Public Health in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hajek A, Bertram F, Heinrich F, van Rüth V, Ondruschka B, Kretzler B, Schüler C, Püschel K, König HH. Determinants of health care use among homeless individuals: evidence from the Hamburg survey of homeless individuals. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:317. [PMID: 33827570 PMCID: PMC8026095 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify the determinants of health care use among homeless individuals. METHODS Data were taken from the Hamburg survey of homeless individuals (n = 100 individuals in the here used model, mean age 44.8 years, SD 12.5) focusing on homeless individuals in Hamburg, Germany. The number of physician visits in the past 3 months and hospitalization in the preceding 12 months were used as outcome measures. Drawing on the Andersen model of health care use as a conceptual framework, predisposing characteristics, enabling resources and need factors as well as psychosocial variables were included as correlates. RESULTS Negative binomial regressions showed that increased physician visits were associated with being female (IRR: 4.02 [95% CI: 1.60-10.11]), absence of chronic alcohol consume (IRR: 0.26 [95% CI: 0.12-0.57]) and lower health-related quality of life (IRR: 0.97 [95% CI: 0.96-0.98]). Furthermore, logistic regressions showed that the likelihood of hospitalization was positively associated with lower age (OR: 0.93 [95% CI: 0.89-0.98]), having health insurance (OR: 8.11 [2.11-30.80]) and lower health-related quality of life (OR: 0.97 [95% CI: 0.94-0.99]). CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that predisposing characteristics (both age and sex), enabling resources (i.e., health insurance) and need factors in terms of health-related quality of life are main drivers of health care use among homeless individuals. This knowledge may assist in managing health care use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Bertram
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Heinrich
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Victoria van Rüth
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kretzler
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Schüler
- Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Kreisverband Hamburg Altona und Mitte e.V, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Püschel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bergman YS, Shrira A, Palgi Y, Shmotkin D. The Moderating Role of the Hostile-World Scenario in the Connections Between COVID-19 Worries, Loneliness, and Anxiety. Front Psychol 2021; 12:645655. [PMID: 33796056 PMCID: PMC8008141 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had pronounced effects on individuals' psychological well-being around the world. Concerns regarding the consequences of infection, as well as the general uncertainty and governmental regulations have resulted in increased psychological distress among many populations and cultures. In this regard, research has shown that the manner by which individuals perceive such large-scale threats and appraise them significantly contributes to the psychological consequences of such events. According to the Hostile-World Scenario (HWS) model, negative engagement (NE) with such threats weakens one's competence and coping abilities, whereas positive engagement (PE) facilitates resilience and enhances psychological adjustment. Accordingly, the current study examines the moderating role of both NE and PE in the connections of two main features of the current pandemic, COVID-19-related worries and loneliness, with anxiety. Data were collected between March 16 and April 14, 2020, from 1,112 Israelis (age range 17-92, M = 46.90, SD = 16.46), who provided information regarding COVID-19 health worries, loneliness, and anxiety. A special measure assembled items pertinent to the HWS-NE and HWS-PE throughout the survey. Results demonstrated that both HWS-NE and HWS-PE were significant moderators. COVID-19-related health worries/loneliness were linked with anxiety only among individuals with high HWS-NE, and were non-significant among those with low HWS-NE. Moreover, the positive association between loneliness and anxiety was significantly mitigated by high HWS-PE. The discussion highlights the importance of the HWS for understanding the psychological consequences of COVID-19 and offers practical suggestions, which may aid mental health practitioners in providing assistance and support to the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoav S. Bergman
- Faculty of Social Work, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Amit Shrira
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dov Shmotkin
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Herczeg Institute on Aging, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|