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Gessner J, Schulz JO, Melzig CA, Benke C. Role of interoceptive fear and maladaptive attention and behaviors in the escalation of psychopathology-a network analysis. Cogn Behav Ther 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38593025 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2336036] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The complex interplay of fear, attention, and behavior toward bodily sensations with psychopathological symptoms and how they mutually influence and potentially reinforce one another remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we used a network analytical approach to unravel these complex interactions. Specifically, we aimed to identify central symptoms and etiologically relevant factors that might be associated with anxiety and depressive core symptoms. To this end, the following clusters were assessed in 791 adults: interoceptive fear, interoceptive attention, maladaptive behaviors related to bodily sensations, and core symptoms of anxiety and depression. This network was modeled using a Gaussian Graphical Model. Central variables (nodes) were identified using centrality indices and bridge analysis. Self-examination and attention to bodily sensations emerged as central nodes. Moreover, time spent paying attention to bodily sensations, fear of anxiety-related sensations, and self-examination were identified as central bridge nodes, that is, central nodes connecting psychopathologically relevant symptom clusters. The present study indicates that fear of bodily sensations, the amount of attention and time spent focusing on somatic sensations, and self-examination are central factors. The findings suggest potential targets for future longitudinal studies on the impact of these factors for the escalation of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Gessner
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Ole Schulz
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christiane A Melzig
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, CMBB, Philipps University Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Christoph Benke
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Ilyas U, Aslam F, Fatima M, Tariq Z, Hotiana U. Health Anxiety, Fear of COVID-19, Nosophobia, and Health-protective Behaviors Among Healthcare Professionals. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 21:31-35. [PMID: 38495611 PMCID: PMC10941862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective This study examined fear of COVID-19, nosophobia, health anxiety, and health-protective behaviors among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional, correlational research design was used in this study. The data of healthcare professionals (N=300) from three disciplines of medicine (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery [MBBS], Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS], Doctor of Physiotherapy [DPT]) were collected using a purposive sampling technique. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Medical Student Disease Perception and Distress Scale (MSD), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), and Health Protective Behavior Scale (HBPS) were used as assessment measures. Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyze the data obtained. Results Of the 300 participants, 132 (44%) were male and 168 (56%) were female. A total of 199 participants (63.3%) had a MBBS degree, 59 (19.7%) had a BDS degree, and 41 (14%) had a DPT degree. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between nosophobia, health anxiety, and fear of COVID-19, whereas health-protective behavior showed a negative association with health anxiety. Sex, health anxiety, and nosophobia were significant predictors of health-protective behaviors among medical professionals. Conclusion The fear related to COVID-19 is associated with nosophobia and health anxiety among medical professionals, which has a substantial impact on health, work performance, and vulnerability to developing psychological distress if left unmonitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Ilyas
- Ms. Ilyas is Principal Lecturer, Psychology Department, University of Central Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Farwa Aslam
- Ms. Aslam is with Iqra University in Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muqadas Fatima
- Ms. Fatima is with University of Central Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zarmin Tariq
- Ms. Tariq is with University of Management and Technology in Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Usman Hotiana
- Prof. Dr. Hotiana is Head of Behavioral Sciences & Psychiatry Department, Rashid Latif Medical & Dental College in Lahore, Pakistan
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Lasso-Olayo L, Pasierb D, Berdejo V, Gasch-Gallén Á. Psychological response of pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2023; 57:e20230088. [PMID: 38131440 PMCID: PMC10740368 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2023-0088en] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study we explore anxiety and fear of COVID-19 in women in the process of pregnancy during lockdown due to the SARS CoV-2 pandemic and their relationship with sociodemographic and clinical factors in a tertiary referral level hospital. METHOD A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in pregnant women at the Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital in Zaragoza (Spain), from April 15, 2020 to May 15, 2020. A total of 168 women was recruited when they went to the hospital for a routine blood test for pregnancy. They answered a sociodemographic and clinical data questionnaire, the Spielberg state-trait anxiety questionnaire for anxiety, and a visual analog scale for fear of COVID. RESULTS Frequency of Trait anxiety was 50.7% (95% CI: 42.7-58.7) and 52.7% (95% CI: 44.7-60.7) for State anxiety. The mean visual analog scale for fear of COVID-19 in relation to pregnancy was 57.2 (95% CI: 52.4-61.8). A positive correlation was found between the scales. Statistically significant differences were found between rural and urban areas. CONCLUSION The emotional impact of the COVID-19 is high among pregnant women and the levels of anxiety are higher than usual in these groups of women during the pandemic lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lasso-Olayo
- Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Fisiatría y Enfermería, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Dominika Pasierb
- University of Rzeszow, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Víctor Berdejo
- Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Física Aplicada, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ángel Gasch-Gallén
- Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Fisiatría y Enfermería, Zaragoza, Spain
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Shivak SM, Caissie DM, Power HA, Asmundson AJN, Wright KD. The relationship between maladaptive health beliefs, pandemic-related stress, and health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2023; 12:69-78. [PMID: 38425889 PMCID: PMC10900977 DOI: 10.5114/hpr/169169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has demonstrated that people experience specific distress and anxiety regarding COVID-19. This distress may consist of interconnected symptom categories corresponding to a COVID stress syndrome. Susceptibility to COVID stress syndrome may be related to one's maladaptive health beliefs; however, no research has investigated the association between maladaptive health beliefs and COVID stress. The present study explored the impact of health beliefs on COVID stress, health anxiety, and associated psychological constructs. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE This cross-sectional survey study included 221 adults (M age = 20.59, SD = 2.28). Participants completed an online survey including demographic questionnaires and self-report measures of health beliefs, COVID stress, health anxiety, and related psychological constructs. RESULTS Health anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, state/trait anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and depression accounted for significant variance in COVID stress (F(6, 214) = 11.18, R2 = .24, p < .001). Health beliefs (i.e., perceived likelihood of illness, medical service inadequacy, and difficulty coping) were associated with greater COVID stress, although health beliefs were not found to mediate the relationship between health anxiety and COVID stress. CONCLUSIONS Health beliefs were associated with greater COVID stress, although health beliefs did not mediate the relationship between health anxiety and COVID stress. The relationship between health anxiety and COVID stress may be better explained by other COVID-related cognitions (e.g., vaccine efficacy, dangerousness of COVID-19). The findings highlight the importance of peoples' health beliefs during the pandemic. Given anxiety's influence on peoples' behavioural responses to the pandemic, further research should identify COVID-specific cognitions for prevention of COVID stress and health anxiety.
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Mahmood QK, Jalil A, Farooq M, Akbar MS, Fischer F. Development and validation of the Post-Pandemic Fear of Viral Disease scale and its relationship with general anxiety disorder: a cross-sectional survey from Pakistan. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1739. [PMID: 37674186 PMCID: PMC10483759 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16667-8] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the worldwide reach of COVID-19, media coverage has amplified the psychological and social effects of this pandemic causing a widespread fear. Despite substantial research on the short-term psychological impact of COVID-19, its long-term consequences on mental health remain relatively unexplored. This research aims to develop and validate a Post-Pandemic Fear of Viral Disease (PPFVD) scale and to see its relationship with general anxiety disorder among the Pakistani population. METHODS A cross-sectional online-based survey was conducted with 457 respondents in August and September 2022. We adopted the modified fear of coronavirus scale (FCV-19 S) consisting of seven items and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) questionnaire to measure anxiety disorder. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied using the maximum likelihood estimation method. Scale dimensions and item reliability were tested for their validity and goodness of fit. SPSS and AMOS were used for data management and analyses. RESULTS All inter-item correlations were found to be significant and ranged between 0.30 and 0.70. The value of Cronbach's alpha was 0.887, indicating good reliability. Corrected item-total correlations ranged between 0.632 and 0.754. Factor loadings ranged from 0.664 to 0.810, indicating a good internal consistency. Overall, these results clearly demonstrate that the one-factor solution model for PPFVD presents a good fit to the data. The composite reliability (CR = 0.747) was also good. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of people globally. This measurement scale can be trusted and used to test the PPFVD in the post-pandemic situation. Prospective research might validate this instrument in newly emerging scenarios and test it with diverse ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aisha Jalil
- School of Integrated Social Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Florian Fischer
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Ghodrati Torbati A, Shirinzadeh Feizabadi A, Askari MR, Zandi A, Sarmadi M. Thought Believability and Anxious Feelings about COVID-19: A Case-Control Study in Northeastern Iran. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2023; 37:93. [PMID: 38021393 PMCID: PMC10657258 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.37.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Believability and thoughts are considered as the pillars of behaviors over time, and anxious feelings are a risk factor for mental disorders, especially during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to explore the thought believability and anxious feelings of COVID-19 among infected and healthy families. Methods In this hospital-based matched case-control study, health surveillance files of COVID-19 patients were collected from January to June 2021 and were analyzed statistically. In this study, two questionnaires of demographic characteristics and the Believability of Anxious Feelings and Thoughts (BAFT) were used. Data were analyzed using the One-way ANOVA. Results Of 600 participants, 300 (50%) were PCR-confirmed and 300 (50%) were non-infected. Overall, 163 (54.33%) of infected people were male, 146 (48.67%) single, and 156 (52.00%) government employees. The results showed that the mean scores of physical anxiety (PA) and negative evaluation (NE) in the case group is significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.001); while emotional regulation (ER) in the control group was significantly higher than the case group (P = 0.001). Conclusion Having high believability to the risks of COVID-19 may be a predictor of preventive behaviors in individuals. Worrying about COVID-19 can increase the perceived risk of a pandemic in societies and consequence, increase the general public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Ghodrati Torbati
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Atefeh Shirinzadeh Feizabadi
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Askari
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Anahita Zandi
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sarmadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
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Dixon LJ, Witcraft SM, Schadegg MJ. COVID-19 anxiety and mental health among university students during the early phases of the U.S. pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:1152-1160. [PMID: 34398707 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1923504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the impact of COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic on university students in the U.S. by: (1) characterizing COVID-19-related disruptions; (2) evaluating health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive (OC), depression, and stress symptoms; and (3) analyzing the unique role of COVID-19 anxiety on mental health outcomes, after accounting for relevant variables. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 263 students (63.9% female). METHODS Data were collected online between March 19, 2020 and May 1, 2020. RESULTS Participants screened positive for health anxiety (6.5%), OC symptoms (48.7%), or depression (29.7%). COVID-19 anxiety was positively associated with mental health symptoms. After controlling for demographics and COVID-19 impact, COVID-19 anxiety accounted for significant variance in health anxiety, OC symptoms, and stress. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate the vast impact of COVID-19 on mental health among university students and provide guidance for identifying mental health priorities in the context of public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Dixon
- Departmentof Psychology, Universityof Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Sara M Witcraft
- Departmentof Psychology, Universityof Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Mary J Schadegg
- Departmentof Psychology, Universityof Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
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Anxiety sensitivity elevates the risk of mental health problems in employees with higher probability of contacting COVID-19 at work. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2023; 12:100491. [PMID: 36718156 PMCID: PMC9877319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100491] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with increased risk of being in contact with COVID-19 cases at work have been reported to suffer from higher fear of infection and associated mental health problems. The present study examines whether this risk is further increased by higher anxiety sensitivity (AS, i.e., fear of bodily symptoms such as breathlessness, which also are core symptoms of COVID-19) that is also known to be associated with an increased risk of psychopathology. In spring 2020, 783 German health care and social workers participated in a cross-sectional online-survey, in which anxiety sensitivity, depression, anxiety, health anxiety, fear of a COVID-19 infection as well as panic symptoms were assessed. Of these participants, 28.7% affirmed contact with COVID-19 cases, which was associated with greater fear of the virus. Individuals with high AS reported more severe anxiety, health anxiety, depressive symptoms, as well as incident and recurrent panic symptoms. Moreover, the risk association of exposure to COVID-19 cases at work with health anxiety, general anxiety, and panic symptoms was further increased by higher levels of AS. These findings suggest that especially employees with contact to COVID-19 cases who also are high in AS might profit from targeted interventions to prevent excessive fear and associated mental health problems.
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Sorid SD, Yap DL, Bravo AJ, Behar E. The Moderating Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty in the Relationship Between Health Anxiety and Pandemic-Related Stress. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2023; 47:340-349. [PMID: 37168694 PMCID: PMC10025784 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-023-10365-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] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Global pandemics, including COVID-19, have a significant effect on mental health, and this may be especially true for individuals with health anxiety. Although health anxiety is related to both pandemic-related fears and perceptions of health risks, there is a paucity of research on individual difference variables that might exert an influence on these relationships. The present study examined intolerance of uncertainty (IU) as a potential moderator of the relationship between health anxiety and COVID-related stress, and the relationship between health anxiety and perceived risk of contracting COVID. Design and Methods A nationally representative sample of North American adults (N = 204) completed self-report measures of health anxiety, IU, COVID-related stress, and perceived risk of contracting COVID. Results Prospective IU moderated the positive relationship between health anxiety and COVID-related stress, as the relationship was strengthened at average and higher levels of prospective IU. Neither IU subscale moderated the relationship between health anxiety and perceived risk. Conclusion These results suggest that individuals with elevated health anxiety and high prospective IU may be at higher risk of experiencing COVID-related stress, illuminating the interplay of risk factors that place anxious populations at an increased risk of experiencing stress during acute health risks. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-023-10365-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D. Sorid
- William & Mary, Williamsburg, United States
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - David L. Yap
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, United States
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, United States
| | | | - Evelyn Behar
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, United States
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, United States
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Beck E, Daniels J. Intolerance of uncertainty, fear of contamination and perceived social support as predictors of psychological distress in NHS healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:447-459. [PMID: 35792750 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2092762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychological distress has been repeatedly quantified over the course of the pandemic, however this has not always included broader healthcare workers, and has mostly focused on prevalence and occupational factors. This study investigated intolerance of uncertainty (IOU), fear of contamination and perceived social support as key predictors of psychological distress in healthcare professionals, between the 10th and 23 June 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was a cross-sectional, online survey design. Opportunity sampling was used to recruit to the study, primarily using social media sites and snowballing techniques. The final sample included 342 National Health Service (NHS) healthcare workers. IU (p < .001), gender (p < .001), fear of contamination (p = .007), perceived social support (p = .012), and age (p = .017) significantly predicted psychological distress in the sample and accounted for 36.2% of variance in psychological distress scores. IOU accounted for 28.2% of this variance. A two-way post hoc ANOVA, looking at gender and profession, showed a significant main effect of gender on psychological distress scores (F(1,218) = 7.156, p = .008, ηp2 = .032), with females reporting significantly higher psychological distress scores compared to males. In conclusion, higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty, fear of contamination and lower levels of perceived social support significantly influenced higher scores of psychological distress. These factors should be considered when adapting and delivering evidence-based interventions to healthcare staff during this crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Beck
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, UK
| | - Jo Daniels
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, UK
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Psychological Correlates of Health anxiety in Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: a Cross-Sectional Online Study in Iran. Int J Cogn Ther 2023; 16:103-122. [PMID: 36407051 PMCID: PMC9645315 DOI: 10.1007/s41811-022-00152-y] [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] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Current models suggest health anxiety as a fundamental variable associated with fear and anxiety related to COVID-19. The investigation was carried out in separate two studies on the Iranian population. The first study aims to test the COVID-19 Anxiety Inventory (N = 202). The findings indicate a two-factor structure of the scale. Participants (N = 1638) completed the online survey anonymously in the second study, including the COVID-19 Anxiety Inventory, Short Health Anxiety Inventory, The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, Body Vigilance Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21, and Contamination Cognitions Scale. Results showed that health anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and body vigilance would significantly contribute to fears of contracting COVID-19. Moreover, the findings support a central role of intolerance of uncertainty in predicting COVID-19 anxiety. The study results provided both theoretical and practical implications for understanding psychosocial predictors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Bredemeier K, Church LD, Bounoua N, Feler B, Spielberg JM. Intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety sensitivity, and health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring temporal relationships using cross-lag analysis. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 93:102660. [PMID: 36527952 PMCID: PMC9747232 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102660] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and anxiety sensitivity (AS) have been widely discussed and explored as factors that may contribute to health anxiety. We propose that IU and AS are salient issues for many during the COVID-19 pandemic, and may play a role in the development or exacerbation of health anxiety during the pandemic. Studies have examined links between IU and AS with health anxiety during the pandemic, but these relationships have not been tested together using a longitudinal study design. In the present study, measures of IU, AS, and health anxiety were collected from 301 adults at two time points 6 months apart during (early stages of) the COVID-19 pandemic using an online survey platform. Cross-lagged analysis was utilized to simultaneously estimate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between these three variables. Robust cross-sectional associations were observed, and IU prospectively predicted changes in both health anxiety and AS. No other statistically significant prospective associations emerged. Present findings support the putative role of IU in health anxiety, suggesting that some observed links between AS and health anxiety could be driven by shared variance with IU. IU may be an important factor to monitor and target in health anxiety interventions during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Bredemeier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Leah D. Church
- Department of Psychology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Nadia Bounoua
- Department of Psychology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Bridget Feler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Kobayashi LC, O'Shea BQ, Joseph C, Finlay JM. Acute relationships between mental health and cognitive function during the COVID-19 pandemic: Longitudinal evidence from middle-aged and older US adults. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 2:100097. [PMID: 35434675 PMCID: PMC8993427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The acute impacts of COVID-19-related mental health concerns on cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults are unknown. We investigated whether between-person (BP) differences and within-person (WP) changes in loneliness, anxiety, and worry about COVID-19 were related to cognitive function and abilities in a longitudinal cohort of middle-aged and older United States (US) adults over a nine-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data were from bimonthly questionnaires in the nationwide COVID-19 Coping Study from August/September 2020 through April/May 2021 (N = 2262 adults aged ≥55). Loneliness was assessed with the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, anxiety with the 5-item Beck Anxiety Inventory, and COVID-19 worry on a 5-point Likert-type scale. Cognitive outcomes were assessed with the 6-item Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Cognitive Function and Abilities scales. Marginal structural models incorporating inverse probability of treatment and attrition weights as well as sampling weights estimated the BP and WP relationships between the mental health predictors and PROMIS® cognitive scores over time. Results In any given month, experiencing a loneliness or anxiety symptom score higher than the sample mean (BP difference) or higher than one's personal mean across the nine-month period (WP change) was negatively associated with cognitive function and abilities in that month. The observed magnitudes of associations were stronger for BP differences than for WP changes and were the strongest for anxiety symptom scale scores. Conclusions Elevated loneliness and anxiety symptoms, both relative to other adults and to one's usual levels, were acutely associated with worse perceived cognitive function and abilities over a nine-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The long-term impacts of mental health symptoms experienced during the pandemic for population cognitive health should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay C. Kobayashi
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,MRC/Wits Rural Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Corresponding author. 1415 Washington Heights, SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Brendan Q. O'Shea
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carly Joseph
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Jessica M. Finlay
- Social Environment and Health Program, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Tuygar Okutucu F, Ceyhun HA. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic Process: A Narrative Review. Eurasian J Med 2022; 54:77-90. [PMID: 36655450 PMCID: PMC11163355 DOI: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2022.22221] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to review all empirical contributions published between March 2020 and June 2022, addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults. We searched the literature in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. A total of 543 articles were scanned and 73 full-text articles were identified. Reviews, comments, letters to the editor, and case reports (except case series) were excluded. It was determined that 42 articles met the inclusion criteria, 6 studies involving only children and adolescents were excluded, and 36 were decided on their suitability for our study. The analysis determined that COVID-19 had an impact on obsessive-compulsive disorder. Characteristics such as liability for harm and unacceptable thoughts influenced the symptoms as well as contamination and washing. Some studies showed an increase in the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, while some reported no worsening but improvement with treatment and follow-up. While some reported variations in outcomes related to sociodemographic characteristics and subtypes, some focused on the risk of suicide. There were also studies conducted on special groups such as pregnant women or healthcare workers. The results were controversial. While available data contain more information on worsening obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, data on the status of patients under treatment were scarce. There were not enough studies evaluating follow-up results. Influencing factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, subtypes, comorbid conditions, treatment, and support did not seem to have been adequately addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Tuygar Okutucu
- Department of Psychiatry, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Hacer Akgul Ceyhun
- Department of Psychiatry, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
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15
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Kisku RR, Guria R, Mundu M, Bala R. Excessive and Unreliable Health Information and Its Predictability for Anxiety: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e31247. [PMID: 36505154 PMCID: PMC9731364 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31247] [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: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Being ignorant or unaware is not expected in a situation like the pandemic of COVID-19 with modern internet connectivity and the era of social media. However, information overload may itself lead to health anxiety. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study investigated the predictability of health anxiety with information overload and sociodemographic profiles during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was done among 400 caretakers of non-covid patients in a tertiary healthcare medical college. The consenting participants provided their sociodemographic details and responded to the short health anxiety inventory (SHAI), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) and Information overload scale (IOS) for COVID-19. RESULTS A total number of 400 participants aged 35.58 ± 10.57 years participated and out of which 88.2% acknowledged health-related anxiety and 56.8% for excessive use of social media. BAI measured anxiety was mild for 19.8%, moderate for 3.5% and severe for 3%. The linear regression analysis predicted health anxiety by three variables only: total anxiety as measured by the Beck anxiety inventory [β = 0.416, t = 9.318, p = 0.000], information overload (rejection of information) [β = 0.171, t = 3.126, p = 0.002], and excessive use of social media [β = 0.124, t = 2.888, p = 0.004]. CONCLUSION Information overload, its rejection and excessive use of social media were found to be predictive of health-related anxiety.
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16
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Wang Y, Kinsler J, Cumberland WG, Young SD. Mental Health among African American and Latinx Men who have sex with men after the COVID-19 Lockdown in Los Angeles - Findings from the HOPE cohort. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1554-1562. [PMID: 35441965 PMCID: PMC9019533 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-00970-6] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the depression and anxiety among men of color (primarily African American and Latinx) who have sex with men after the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes included 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and a 10-item COVID-related anxiety measure using a modified H1N1-related anxiety question. Independent variables were food insecurity and belief in government efficiency. Data were analyzed by Regression models with random cluster effects. Food insecurity experiences were significantly associated with higher depression (p < 0.001), higher anxiety (p < 0.001), and higher pandemic-related anxiety (p < 0.001). Higher levels of belief in government efficiency were significantly associated with lower depression (p < 0.05), less anxiety (p < 0.05), and less pandemic-related anxiety (p-value < 0.001). These findings emphasize the importance of establishing trust between government and at-risk communities when issuing public health policies, especially during unforeseen circumstances, as well as to ensure basic human rights, such as food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte, 90095, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Janni Kinsler
- Section of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte, 90095, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - William G Cumberland
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte, 90095, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sean D Young
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, 92697, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Informatics, Institute for Prediction Technology, University of California, 6091 Bren Hall, Irvine, CA, USA
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Hu P, Bhuiyan MA, Rahman MK, Hossain MM, Akter S. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on consumer behavioural intention to purchase green products. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275541. [PMID: 36260619 PMCID: PMC9581351 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the fear of COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on consumer behavioural intention to purchase green products. The data was collected from consumers of Malaysia in hypermarkets. A total of 491 respondents were analyzed using the partial least square technique. The results indicated that the fear of the COVID-19 epidemic has a significant impact on health concerns, social media information, intolerance of uncertainty, and personal relevance, which in turn affect consumers' behavioural intention to purchase green products. With a serial mediating effect the results identified that fear of COVID-19 epidemic is associated with behavioural intention to purchase the green product. The findings of this study are crucial for understanding the swings in the green product purchase behaviour due to the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19 crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Hu
- School of Economics, South China Business College of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Beijing International Aerotropolis Technology Research Institute Guangzhou Branch, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miraj Ahmed Bhuiyan
- School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Khalilur Rahman
- Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business, and Angkasa-Umk Research Academy, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | | | - Shaharin Akter
- Faculty of Business Administration, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
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18
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Interoceptive anxiety-related processes: Importance for understanding COVID-19 and future pandemic mental health and addictive behaviors and their comorbidity. Behav Res Ther 2022; 156:104141. [PMID: 35752013 PMCID: PMC9212258 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104141] [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: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased prevalence of mental health problems and addictive behaviors. There is a growing theoretical and empirical evidence that individual differences in interoceptive anxiety-related processes are a one set of vulnerability factors that are important in understanding the impact of pandemic-related mental health problems and addictive behavior. However, there has not been a comprehensive effort to explore this rapidly growing body of research and its implications for public health. In this paper, we discuss why interoceptive anxiety-related processes are relevant to understanding mental health and addictive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then provide a narrative review of the available COVID-19 literature linking interoceptive fear and anxiety-related processes (e.g., anxiety sensitivity, health anxiety, and COVID-19 anxiety, fear, and worry) to mental health and addictive behaviors. We then propose a novel transdiagnostic theoretical model that highlights the role of interoceptive anxiety-related processes in mental health and addictive behavior in the context of the present and future pandemics. In the final section, we utilize this conceptualization to underscore clinical implications and provide guidance for future research initiatives in the management of COVID-19 mental health and addictive behaviors and inform the public health field for future pandemics.
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Mahmood QK, Sohail MM, Qureshi WA, Zakar R, Wrona KJ, Fischer F. Role of positive mental health in reducing fears related to COVID-19 and general anxiety disorder in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:163. [PMID: 35761390 PMCID: PMC9238220 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00869-7] [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: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed multiple challenges to healthcare systems. Evidence suggests that mental well-being is badly affected due to compliance with preventative measures in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the role of positive mental health (subjective sense of wellbeing) to cope with fears related to COVID-19 and general anxiety disorder in the Pashtun community in Pakistan.
Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 501 respondents from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa participating in an online-based study. We performed correlational analysis, hierarchical linear regression and structural equational modeling (SEM) to analyze the role of mental health in reducing fears and general anxiety disorder. Results The results of the SEM show that positive mental health has direct effects in reducing the fear related to COVID-19 (β = − 0.244, p < 0.001) and general anxiety (β = − 0.210, p < 0.001). Fears of COVID-19 has a direct effect on increasing general anxiety (β = 0.480). In addition, positive mental health also has an indirect effect (β = − 0.117, p < 0.001) on general anxiety (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.001) through reducing fear of coronavirus. Conclusion Based on these findings, there is a need to develop community health policies emphasizing on promotive and preventive mental health strategies for people practicing social/physical distancing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rubeena Zakar
- Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kamil J Wrona
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Florian Fischer
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Bavarian Research Center for Digital Health and Social Care, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Kempten, Germany.
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20
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Kim HJ, Meeker TJ, Tulloch IK, Mullins J, Park JH, Bae SH. Pandemic Fatigue and Anxiety Sensitivity as Associated Factors With Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among University Students in South Korea During the Prolonged COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604552. [PMID: 35645697 PMCID: PMC9137407 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The global impact of COVID-19 driven by new variants may add to the negative mental health consequences of the prolonged pandemic, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). University students may be prone to develop a series of PTSS due to life plan disruptions as well as increased uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between pandemic fatigue, anxiety sensitivity (AS), and PTSS among university students in South Korea. Methods: Using convenience sampling, 400 students participated in this cross-sectional online survey. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed models were used to examine factors associated with PTSS. Results: About one-third (32.3%) of the participants reported clinically significant levels of PTSS. Multivariate analyses revealed that pandemic fatigue (β = 0.124, p < 0.001) and AS (β = 0.212, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with PTSS while controlling for other study variables. Conclusion: Young adults who feel more fatigue related to the COVID-19 pandemic and with high AS should be given access to mental health resources to better manage their mental health and reduce PTSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jun Kim
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Timothy J. Meeker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ingrid K. Tulloch
- Department of Psychology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jake Mullins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jin-Hee Park
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sun Hyoung Bae
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Sun Hyoung Bae,
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21
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Mermin-Bunnell K, Ahn WK. It's Time to be disgusting about COVID-19: Effect of disgust priming on COVID-19 public health compliance among liberals and conservatives. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267735. [PMID: 35551525 PMCID: PMC9098091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, in part due to poor adoption of public health mitigation measures in the U.S. and the continued spread of the Delta and Omicron variants. Current public health messaging used in the U.S. could be improved to better combat mistrust about COVID-19 and its mitigation measures, especially vaccines. We propose that a disgust-inducing public health campaign will be more effective than current approaches, primarily among conservatives, who are both sensitive to moralized disgust and are less compliant with U.S. public health guidelines. Using a convenience sample across two studies (n = 1610), we found that presenting disgusting images related to the COVID-19 pandemic increased public health compliance more among conservatives than among liberals. Among unvaccinated conservative participants, disgusting images significantly increased willingness to be vaccinated compared to less disgusting images of COVID-19 or perks offered for COVID-19 vaccines. Using disgusting images for public health messaging has the potential to improve compliance among conservatives and accelerate the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Woo-kyoung Ahn
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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22
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Public knowledge, attitude, and acceptance toward COVID-19 vaccines in Palestine: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:529. [PMID: 35300647 PMCID: PMC8930193 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12932-4] [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: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health in addition to the global economy are huge. Vaccination is a pivotal measure to decrease COVID-19 morbidity and mortality and to help bring the pandemic under control. Yet, success of the vaccination process depends on the population's willingness to be vaccinated which may be determined by their level of knowledge about and trust in currently available COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of Palestinians towards COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS A national cross-sectional study was distributed in different Palestinian regions to assess the knowledge and attitude of Palestinians toward COVID-19 vaccines using an online questionnaire, it included three sections; sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge assessment questions, and attitude assessment questions. RESULTS A total of 6226 participants completed the questionnaire; among them, 41.36% believed that vaccines are safe, 69.02% agreed that vaccines are vital to protect from COVID-19; in addition, 55.1% approve administering the vaccine once available, and 37.86% do not believe their benefits outweigh the risks. The Source of information for 22.07% of participants in social media, while 11.92% rely on health care providers. Participants' attitudes and knowledge were significantly affected by gender, governorate, age, education level, and marital status (P <0.001). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that there is good knowledge and attitude toward the vaccination process against COVID-19 in Palestine, although low acceptance was detected. Awareness campaigns are required to spread reliable knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines.
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23
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Güneş S, Bulut BP. Health anxiety During COVID-19: Predictive Roles of Health Promoting Behaviors and Sensory Processing Sensitivity. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 156:167-184. [PMID: 35201953 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2021.2012110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major changes in daily life and economic conditions while heightening physical and mental health problems, including health anxiety. Health authorities and elected officials have encouraged individuals to engage in health behaviors. Perceptions of and reactions to these changes could be subject to individual differences. In this line, the current study investigated the predictive roles of health promoting behaviors, sensory processing sensitivity, and their interactions with health anxiety.Design and measures: In this cross-sectional study, 355 participants (73% female, 25.9% male) whose ages range from 19 to 72 (M = 25.91, SD = 9.80) filled out self-reported measures on health promoting behaviors, sensory processing sensitivity, and health anxiety via an online platform between April and May 2020. RESULTS It was revealed that caring for a healthy diet, taking responsibility for health and sensory processing sensitivity, but not physical activity and stress management, were associated with health anxiety. Diagnoses and perceptions of physical and mental health problems also contributed to health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION Individuals with higher levels of sensory processing sensitivity and health responsibility were more likely to experience higher levels of health anxiety, while typical physical activities and stress management behaviors were less likely to have an impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results highlight the importance of having a healthy diet and the need for pandemic-specific interventions for stress management and sport activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seren Güneş
- University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany.,Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Germany
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24
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Jelinek L, Röhrig G, Moritz S, Göritz AS, Voderholzer U, Riesel A, Yassari AH, Miegel F. Unrealistic pessimism and obsessive-compulsive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: Two longitudinal studies. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 61:816-835. [PMID: 35174521 PMCID: PMC9111568 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective Unrealistic pessimism (UP) is an aspect of overestimation of threat (OET) that has been associated with obsessive‐compulsive disorder/symptoms (OCD/OCS). During the COVID‐19 pandemic, UP may have played an important role in the course of OCD. To investigate the relationship, we conducted two longitudinal studies assuming that higher UP predicts an increase in OCS. Method In Study 1, we investigated UP in the general population (N = 1,184) at the start of the pandemic asking about overall vulnerability to infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 and UP regarding infection and outcome of severe illness. Further, OCS status (OCS+/−) was assessed at the start of the pandemic and 3 months later. In Study 2, we investigated UP in individuals with OCD (N = 268) regarding the likelihood of getting infected, recovering, or dying from an infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 at the start of the pandemic and re‐assessed OCS 3 months later. Results In Study 1, UP was higher in the OCS+ compared to the OCS− group, and estimates of a higher overall vulnerability for an infection predicted a decrease in OCS over time. UP regarding severe illness predicted an increase in symptoms over time. In Study 2, UP was found for a recovery and death after an infection with SARS‐CoV‐2, but not for infection itself. Conclusions Exaggeration of one’s personal vulnerability rather than OET per se seems pivotal in OCD, with UP being associated with OCD/OCS+ as well as a more negative course of symptomatology over the pandemic in a nonclinical sample. Practitioner points Unrealistic optimism, a bias common in healthy individuals, is thought to be a coping mechanism promoting well‐being in the face of danger or uncertainty. The current study extends findings that its inversion, unrealistic pessimism, may play an important role in obsessive‐compulsive disorder and may also be involved in the development of the disorder. This study highlights the importance that prevention programs during a pandemic should include targeting unrealistic pessimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Jelinek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Gloria Röhrig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Anja S Göritz
- Occupational and Consumer Psychology, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Voderholzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.,Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Riesel
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amir H Yassari
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Franziska Miegel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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25
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Currin JM, Evans AE, Miller BM, Owens C, Giano Z, Hubach RD. The impact of initial social distancing measures on individuals' anxiety and loneliness depending on living with their romantic/sexual partners. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-9. [PMID: 35153455 PMCID: PMC8816308 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02830-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, large swaths of the U.S. were under stay-at-home orders, thus preventing many individuals from leaving their homes. While previous studies have shown that such orders can be detrimental to mental health, specific mental health outcomes, such as loneliness and anxiety, have yet to be fully explored, particularly among various living situation contexts (e.g., living alone, with romantic/sexual partners, without romantic/sexual partners). The current study explores this using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected via Amazon's M-Turk (N = 85). Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed significant differences between the three groups with respect to loneliness. Statistically significant greater levels of loneliness were found in individuals living alone compared to those living with romantic/sexual partners and those living with non-romantic/sexual partners. No significant differences in anxiety levels were detected. Qualitative analysis revealed similar themes among all groups regarding anxiety. When asked about loneliness, however, those living alone shared more about feeling isolated, unwanted feelings of solitude, and how technology only mitigates a portion of these feelings. Those living with others and sexual partners shared desires to see friends and co-workers, yet not to the severity described by individuals living alone. Romantic/sex life themes are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Currin
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, United States Air Force Academy, USAF Academy, CO USA
| | - Amelia E. Evans
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX USA
| | - Bridget M. Miller
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Christopher Owens
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Zachary Giano
- Department of Rural Health, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK USA
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26
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Hossain ME, Islam MS, Rana MJ, Amin MR, Rokonuzzaman M, Chakrobortty S, Saha SM. Scaling the changes in lifestyle, attitude, and behavioral patterns among COVID-19 vaccinated people: insights from Bangladesh. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2022920. [PMID: 35061569 PMCID: PMC8993099 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.2022920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advent of COVID-19 vaccines, countries around the globe are anticipating a way out from the pandemic. Despite being an initiative to contain the COVID-19 virus spreading, the mass vaccination program also raised concerns about its consequences on the lifestyle, attitude, and behavioral pattern of vaccinated people in the post-vaccination period. With this in mind, this study investigated changes in lifestyle, attitude, and behavior among vaccinated people in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted incorporating 1227 COVID-19 vaccinated respondents from eight divisions of Bangladesh. The relative importance index (RII) was used to assess the most compelling lifestyle, attitude, and behavior changes, while binary logistic regression was used to identify factors driving the changes. Findings disclosed that respondents increased the physical contact with non-vaccinated ones and amplified consuming nutritious food after vaccination. The inclination of avoiding distance, handshaking, abandoning sanitizer and mask, visiting crowded places, traveling, and staying outside longer was found to be increased among vaccinated individuals. Surprisingly, about seven out of ten surveyed respondents exhibited a sedentary lifestyle, while 67.37% of respondents showed negative behavioral changes following the vaccination period. A positive attitude was observed in encouraging others to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, 92% of the respondents positively changed their attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine after vaccination. Furthermore, the participants’ age, residence, economic status, and educational level influenced lifestyle, attitude, and behavioral changes positively. The study recommends informing citizens about the opacity of vaccinations’ ability to contain infections and encouraging them to continue following COVID-19 protective guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Emran Hossain
- Department of Agricultural Finance and Banking, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sayemul Islam
- Faculty of Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Jaber Rana
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Ruhul Amin
- Department of Agribusiness, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Rokonuzzaman
- Department of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Sudipto Chakrobortty
- Faculty of Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Sourav Mohan Saha
- Department of Agricultural Finance, Co-operatives and Banking, Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, Bangladesh
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27
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Valencia PD, Vilca LW, Carbajal-León C, Vivanco-Vidal A, Saroli-Araníbar D, Reyes-Bossio M, White M, Rojas-Jara C, Polanco-Carrasco R, Gallegos M, Cervigni M, Martino P, Palacios DA, Moreta-Herrera R, Samaniego-Pinho A, Lobos-Rivera ME, Figares AB, Puerta-Cortés DX, Corrales-Reyes IE, Calderón R, Tapia BP, Ferrari IF, Flores-Mendoza C. Cross-cultural validation of the new version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale in twelve Latin American countries. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-18. [PMID: 35068911 PMCID: PMC8765828 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02563-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) was recently developed to assess dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19. Although different studies reported that the CAS is psychometrically sound, it is unclear whether it is invariant across countries. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the measurement invariance of the CAS in twelve Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). A total of 5196 people participated, with a mean age of 34.06 (SD = 26.54). Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the measurement invariance of the CAS across countries and gender. Additionally, the graded response model (GRM) was used to provide a global representation of the representativeness of the scale with respect to the COVID-19 dysfunctional anxiety construct. The unidimensional structure of the five-item CAS was not confirmed in all countries. Therefore, it was suggested that a four-item model of the CAS (CAS-4) provides a better fit across the twelve countries and reliable scores. Multigroup CFA showed that the CAS-4 exhibits scalar invariance across all twelve countries and all genders. In addition, the CAS-4 items are more informative at average and high levels of COVID-19 dysfunctional anxiety than at lower levels. According to the results, the CAS-4 is an instrument with strong cross-cultural validity and is suitable for cross-cultural comparisons of COVID-19 dysfunctional anxiety symptoms in the general population of the twelve Latin American countries evaluated. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-02563-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Caycho-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Av. Alfredo Mendiola 6062, Los Olivos, Lima, Peru
| | - Pablo D. Valencia
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlanepantla de Baz, State of Mexico Mexico
| | - Lindsey W. Vilca
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos Carbajal-León
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Av. Alfredo Mendiola 6062, Los Olivos, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | - Mario Reyes-Bossio
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | - Michel White
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Peru
| | - Claudio Rojas-Jara
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Miguel Gallegos
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
- Pontificia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio Cervigni
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud y del Comportamiento, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación en Neurociencias de Rosario, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo Martino
- Centro de Investigación en Neurociencias de Rosario, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | | | | | - Antonio Samaniego-Pinho
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Filosofía, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Marlon Elías Lobos-Rivera
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | | | | | - Ibraín Enrique Corrales-Reyes
- Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial, Hospital General Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma, Bayamo, Granma Cuba
| | - Raymundo Calderón
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Valle de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Bismarck Pinto Tapia
- Carrera de Psicología, Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, La Paz, Bolivia
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Liu F, Fang M, Cai L, Su M, Wang X. Consumer Motivations for Adopting Omnichannel Retailing: A Safety-Driven Perspective in the Context of COVID-19. Front Public Health 2022; 9:708199. [PMID: 35096722 PMCID: PMC8793021 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.708199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to understand the influence of COVID-19 on consumers' fears and self-protection motivations. Furthermore, the study seeks to understand the effects of these fears and motivations on consumers' intentions to use omnichannel retailing. A modified theoretical model is proposed by integrating protection motivation theory (PMT) and extending the extended parallel process model (E-EPPM). A total of 398 valid questionnaires are collected and used for further structural equation modeling analysis. The results suggest that the perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, and health anxiety positively impact perceived fears surrounding COVID-19. Furthermore, it is found that perceived fear, self-efficacy, and response efficacy will affect the protection motivation of consumers and ultimately contribute to their behavioral intention to use omnichannel retailing. The findings theoretically enrich the research on COVID-19, PMT, and E-EPPM and empirically provide managerial implications for omnichannel retail service providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Business School, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Mingjie Fang
- Department of Logistics, Service & Operations Management, Korea University Business School, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Mingjie Fang
| | - Lanhui Cai
- Department of International Logistics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Miao Su
- Department of International Logistics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Xueqin Wang
- Department of International Logistics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
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Vintila M, Tudorel OI, Stefanut A, Ivanoff A, Bucur V. Emotional distress and coping strategies in COVID-19 anxiety. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35035193 PMCID: PMC8744025 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02690-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to identify psychological factors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic given the information we have about reactions during previous pandemics, which documented features of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. We investigated the relationship between health anxiety, symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and coping mechanisms in the general population and among students. The study was conducted on Romanian population (n = 759), aged between 18-70 years old (M = 33.24), general population (n = 485), and students (n = 274). The results showed that the general population is more anxious when confronted with the new virus compared to students (t (757) = 1.902, p < .05, p = .029). Following the analysis of the hierarchical regression, the results revealed that when controlling the health anxiety variable, a high level of anxiety symptoms and stress, and a low level of depression symptoms could predict anxiety for COVID-19 (R 2 = .070, F change (3, 754) = 16.759, p ˂ .001). Also, we found that maladaptive strategies are the ones which explain the relationship between health anxiety and COVID-19-related anxiety (95% CI = .011 - .057). The results of this study bring extra knowledge and shed new light on the psychological aspects of the current sanitary crisis and contribute to the understanding of the way people relate to this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Vintila
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Otilia Ioana Tudorel
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Adelina Stefanut
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ivanoff
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Venera Bucur
- Department of Social Work, West University of Timisoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
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Sfeir M, Akel M, Hallit S, Obeid S. Factors associated with general well-being among Lebanese adults: The role of emotional intelligence, fear of COVID, healthy lifestyle, coping strategies (avoidance and approach). CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35018085 PMCID: PMC8736324 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
General well-being is best described as the state of mind that gives people happiness and satisfaction in life. This concept is influenced by behaviors and attitudes that individuals do on a daily basis. The purpose of this study was to understand how general well-being is correlated with other factors such as emotional intelligence, Covid-19-induced fear, healthy lifestyle, and coping strategies. This cross-sectional study was carried out between December 2020 and January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions were implemented at different instances. A total of 470 individuals participated. The results of a linear regression, taking the general well-being schedule score as the dependent variable, showed that more avoidance coping (B = 1.05, t(459) =8.44, p < 0.001), higher healthy lifestyle scores (B = 0.45, t(459) = 5.45, p < 0.001), and more approach coping (B = 0.42, t(459) = 4.03, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher GWB schedule scores. Moreover, having more fear of COVID-19 (B = -0.62, t(459) = -5.09, p < 0.001) and female gender (B = -6.80, t(459) = -4.34, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower GWB schedule scores. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Lebanon to evaluate GWB and factors that predict it among the general population. Nevertheless, more comprehensive future studies with longitudinal designs, more diverse socio-demographic backgrounds of sampled population recruited via probability sampling, and more reliable and valid instruments utilized are warranted to confirm our findings and draw a more certain conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Sfeir
- Institute of Psychology (IP), Faculty of social and political sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marwan Akel
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
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Ukey UU, Chaudhary SM, Sharma SK, Narlawar UW, Singh R, Dabir AJ. Awareness and Satisfaction About COVAXIN Vaccination Services at an Immunization Clinic in Nagpur: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e20983. [PMID: 35154959 PMCID: PMC8820477 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Initially, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination was started in India for the elderly above 60 years of age. Adults with any comorbidity have been gradually included in the vaccination drive. It is empirical to gain insight into the satisfaction of these beneficiaries with the vaccination as it may act as an influencing factor for receiving the vaccine. Materials and methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at the COVID-19 vaccination clinic of the Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, among individuals above 60 years of age and those from 45 to 60 years of age with comorbidity. The survey tool was a predesigned structured questionnaire that had close-ended questions on various aspects of awareness about the COVID-19 vaccines and their satisfaction with the immunization center. Interviews were conducted by two interviewers on each day. Data were analyzed using open software Epi Info (CDC, Atlanta, Georgia). The chi-square test was applied as a test of significance. Results A total of 290 subjects participated in the study. The majority had correct knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination and appropriate COVID-19 behavior after vaccination. Fever and body ache were known to most of the subjects as adverse effects following immunization. Social media was the most common source of knowledge. The majority of the subjects were satisfied with the services provided at the vaccination center, but there was no difference as per age, gender, or residential status of the subjects. Conclusion Despite mixed rumors about the COVID-19 vaccine, the majority of the study subjects were well satisfied with the vaccination. They were apparently having fair awareness about the vaccine.
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Lella S, Bodepudi S, Benerji T, Miyan R, Palagulla H, Kodali M. Screening and assessment of mental health issues in patients with COVID-19. JOURNAL OF DR. NTR UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jdrntruhs.jdrntruhs_19_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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Utami A, Margawati A, Pramono D, Nugraheni A, Pramudo SG. Determinant Factors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Adult and Elderly Population in Central Java, Indonesia. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:1559-1570. [PMID: 35789823 PMCID: PMC9250340 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s365663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination program has been rolled out to address the pandemic. However, the COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate in Indonesia, especially in Central Java, is low. The study aimed to identify COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and to determine the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2021. A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to participants aged ≥ 18 years and living permanently in the area of study by the multistage sampling technique. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association. All statistical tests were significantly considered if the p-value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS A total of 500 participants were eligible, with the age ranging from 18 to 76 years old. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate was 93.6%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that the elderly (aOR=5.231; 95% CI=1.891-14.468), having comorbidity (aOR=4.808; 95% CI=1.975-11.706), not being exposed to information (aOR=7.039; 95% CI=2.072-23.908), not believing in the vaccine halalness (OR=3.802; 95% CI=1.272-11.364), not believing that vaccines could prevent the COVID-19 infection (OR=4.964; 95% CI=1.970-12.507), and having vaccination-related mild-moderate anxiety (OR=14.169; 95% CI=2.405-83.474) were more likely to have vaccine hesitancy (p<0.05). Place of residence, education level, belief that the vaccine could prevent the severe symptoms of COVID-19, and knowledge were significantly related to the vaccine acceptance in the bivariate analysis (p<0.05), but they were no longer significant in the multivariate (p>0.05). CONCLUSION A high acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine was found in this study. However, vaccine hesitancy is a major public health concern for attaining herd immunity and reducing the risk of case mortality. These findings could be the strategic focus for the government to improve COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aras Utami
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
- Correspondence: Aras Utami, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Jl. Prof. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, Indonesia, 50275, Tel +62 81225273747, Email
| | - Ani Margawati
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Dodik Pramono
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Arwinda Nugraheni
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Setyo Gundi Pramudo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia
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Sharif Nia H, She L, Kaur H, Boyle C, Khoshnavay Fomani F, Hoseinzadeh E, Kohestani D, Rahmatpour P. A Predictive Study Between Anxiety and Fear of COVID-19 With Psychological Behavior Response: The Mediation Role of Perceived Stress. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:851212. [PMID: 35392391 PMCID: PMC8980603 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.851212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the abundance of studies linking fear and anxiety to COVID-19, there are limited studies that examine how these elements impact psychological behavioral responses, especially in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety and fear of COVID-19 with psychological behavior response, whether this relationship is mediated by role of perceived stress among Iranian population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A predictive cross-sectional study was used to investigate the relationships between COVID-19 anxiety syndrome, fear of COVID-19 with psychological behavioral responses due to the pandemic, and the mediating role of the COVID-19 perceived stress in these relationships. RESULTS The current study revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, fear and anxiety of COVID-19 can influence the psychological behavioral responses of individuals; however, this can be explained through perceived stress. CONCLUSION As such, the current study points out that the individuals who perceived high stress due to COVID-19 were more likely to comply with guidelines, which has given new insight into this field. The current study findings are applicable for health policymakers in order to help them in understanding human behavior for developing health promotion programs and also for fostering resilience among the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Sharif Nia
- Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Long She
- School of Business, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Harpaljit Kaur
- Faculty of Business and Law, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Christopher Boyle
- School of Education, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Esmaeil Hoseinzadeh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Daniyal Kohestani
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pardis Rahmatpour
- Department of Nursing, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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Shah SS, Memon FA, Qureshi F, Soomro AB, Kemal AA, Shah AA. Mental well-being during COVID-19 pandemic: the role of fear, social isolation and psychological resilience. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2021.2006993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Shafaq Shah
- Institute of Business Administration, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Farzana Akmal Memon
- Department of Management Information System, King Faisal University, Al Huf?f, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fiza Qureshi
- Institute of Business Administration, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Arjumand Bano Soomro
- Department of Management Information System, King Faisal University, Al Huf?f, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Atika Ahmad Kemal
- Management and Marketing Group, Essex Business School, University of Essex, UK
| | - Asif Ali Shah
- MUISTD, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan
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Jaureguizar J, Redondo I, Galende N, Ozamiz N. Factors related to compliance with the COVID-19 health regulations among young people. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:1247-1258. [PMID: 35070774 PMCID: PMC8717041 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i12.1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has affected all facets of our lives and all ages and social strata worldwide. Measures have been taken to protect against the spread of the virus, such as more rigorous hand hygiene, the use of face masks and social distancing. However, the focus has often been on young people, who have been seen as a group lacking sufficient respect for government-imposed measures. This review outlines the preventive measures that have been taken in different countries and discusses their specific impact on young people and adolescents, taking into account the developmental stage and concrete needs of this age group. It summarizes those studies that have provided information on compliance with preventive measures by young people and adolescents, concluding that although compliance levels among this age group are lower than among older adults, the general view of youths as non-compliant is not consistent with real, objective data. The review also summarizes different views regarding the possible reasons for this lower level of compliance, taking into account both social (gender and age) and personal factors (personality, empathy, prosociality, self-control, cognitive styles and motivations), and discusses the practical implications of these findings for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Jaureguizar
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of the Basque Country, Lejona 48940, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Iratxe Redondo
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of the Basque Country, Lejona 48940, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nuria Galende
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of the Basque Country, Lejona 48940, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Naiara Ozamiz
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of the Basque Country, Lejona 48940, Bizkaia, Spain
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Amundsen OM, Hoffart A, Johnson SU, Ebrahimi OV. Pandemic Information Dissemination and Its Associations With the Symptoms of Mental Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e28239. [PMID: 34678750 PMCID: PMC8647975 DOI: 10.2196/28239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic has added to the mental health strain on individuals and groups across the world in a variety of ways. Viral mitigation protocols and viral spread affect people on all continents every day, but at widely different degrees. To understand more about the mental health consequences of the pandemic, it is important to investigate whether or how people gather pandemic-related information and how obtaining this information differentially affects individuals. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether and to what extent higher levels of COVID-19-related media consumption across information sources are associated with the symptoms of anxiety, health anxiety, and depression, and whether and to what extent using social media and online interactive platforms versus traditional media platforms is associated with the symptoms of anxiety, health anxiety, and depression. Additionally, we aimed to investigate whether and to what extent avoidance of COVID-19-related information is associated with the aforementioned symptoms. METHODS In a cross-sectional preregistered survey, 4936 participants responded between June 22 and July 13, 2020. Eligible participants were adults currently residing in Norway and were thus subjected to identical viral mitigation protocols. This sample was representative of the Norwegian population after utilizing an iterative raking algorithm to conduct poststratification. As 2 subgroups (transgender and intersex individuals) were too small to be analyzed, the final sample for descriptive statistics and regressions included 4921 participants. Multiple regressions were used to investigate associations between the symptoms of psychopathology and COVID-19-related information dissemination. Part correlations were calculated as measures of the effect size for each predictor variable. Due to the large anticipated sample size, the preregistered criterion for significance was set at P<.01. RESULTS The symptoms of anxiety and health anxiety were significantly associated with obtaining information from newspapers (P<.001), social media (P<.001), and the broader categories of online interactive (P<.001) and traditional media (P<.001). The symptoms of depression were significantly associated with obtaining information from newspapers (P=.003), social media (P=.009), and the broader category of online interactive media (P<.001). Additionally, avoidance of COVID-19-related information showed a significant association in all 3 domains of psychopathological symptoms (anxiety and depression, P<.001; health anxiety, P=.007). CONCLUSIONS This study found significant associations between the symptoms of psychopathology and the use of media for obtaining information related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant findings for obtaining information through newspapers, social media, and online interactive media were seen across all 3 measures of psychopathology. Avoidance of COVID-19-related information and associations with the symptoms of psychopathology emerged as core findings, with generally higher effect sizes compared with information attainment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04442360; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04442360.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asle Hoffart
- Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sverre Urnes Johnson
- Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Omid V Ebrahimi
- Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Jelinek L, Voderholzer U, Moritz S, Carsten HP, Riesel A, Miegel F. When a nightmare comes true: Change in obsessive-compulsive disorder over the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 84:102493. [PMID: 34752943 PMCID: PMC8590107 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has particularly affected people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Exacerbation of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) has been suspected for those with contamination-related OCD (C-OCD). However, the course of OCS over the ongoing pandemic remains unclear. We assessed 268 participants with OCD (n = 184 with C-OCD) in an online survey at the beginning of the pandemic in Germany, reassessing 179 participants (66.8%, 104 C-OCD) three months later. We assessed severity of OCD (OCI-R), depression (PHQ-9), experiential avoidance, as well as functional and dysfunctional beliefs. Overall, OCS and depressive symptoms did not substantially change over time. However, when people with and without C-OCD were compared, symptoms improved in patients without C-OCD (nC-OCD) but remained stable in patients with C-OCD over time. Symptom improvement was associated with male gender, higher initial OCI-R, and nC-OCD. Experiential avoidance and beliefs at the beginning of the pandemic did not generally predict change in OCS. People with OCD, particularly those with nC-OCD, showed tentative signs for signs of adapting, whereas distress in those with C-OCD remained at a high level, underlining the burden for these patients. Clinicians should be informed about how to maintain effective treatment for C-OCD during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Jelinek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Voderholzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany,Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Hannes Per Carsten
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anja Riesel
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Miegel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on university students' anxiety disorder in Italy. GENUS 2021; 77:25. [PMID: 34658399 PMCID: PMC8502092 DOI: 10.1186/s41118-021-00135-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of specific population sections, with regards to economic and work conditions, mental and physical well-being, and context-based factors, emphasizing the need for timely policy measures aimed at counteracting the Italian economic framework’s fragility—which poorly adapts to unexpected circumstances. Identifying the most vulnerable groups is, therefore, essential with a view to carrying out targeted measures. Concerning University, the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 could likely result in a decrease in enrollments to both the first and further years of study, with significant consequences on the future of students and the system as a whole. The class of students is of great interest, as it is made up of individuals differing from each other in many ways. Our investigation is aimed at observing anxiety levels filtering the perception of one’s anxiety state in a highly stressful time such as the pandemic from the usual anxiety levels. This evaluation allows us to evaluate the similarity of individual behaviors during the lockdown period with those from the previous period.
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Attarde D, Patwardhan S, Patwardhan S, Shyam A, Sancheti P. Orthopaedic surgeons and covid- 19, the fear quotient "What are we really worried about?". J Clin Orthop Trauma 2021; 23:101647. [PMID: 34690460 PMCID: PMC8523308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.101647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic swiftly affected the world in a very short duration, and the orthopaedic surgery practice is no exception. Unprecedented lockdown was enforced in many countries including India as a first response to contain virus and its spread. That lead to a lot of confusion, fear, anxiety among general population as well as orthopaedic surgeons. We have studied the impact of this pandemic with fear as a denominator and how it affected the practice and health of orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS Cross-sectional web-based national survey distributed to orthopaedic surgeons by social media platform over period of one month from July 25, 2020 to August 25, 2020. RESULTS Among 1065 responders, 731 completed the survey. Among 1065 responders, 27.22% had orthopaedic practice experience ranging from 10 to 20 years while 21.48% had orthopaedic experience more than 20 years. Scientific literature as well as social media and news media contributed significantly to Covid-19 knowledge and fear. 98.88% were worried about contracting disease by themselves or by family members. 89.47% were worried due to financial loss due to pandemic. 37 (5.06%) surgeons had a FCV- 19 scale (Fear for Covid-19 scale) score more than 60 (8.2%) while 291 (39.8%) had 41-60 and score was <40 in 403 (55.12%) surgeons. According to survey vaccine availability and emergence of effective drug and treatment protocol will alleviate most of the concerns. 70.81% felt mildly depressed during pandemic times while 65.33% surgeons expressed interest in joining discussion groups and meetings encouraging positive thoughts. CONCLUSION Financial liabilities and well-being of self and family are important factors which induced fear of Covid-19 among orthopaedic surgeons. Positive discussions and timely information from credible sources regarding prevention, diagnosis and management and will reduce psychological burden due to Covid-19, also this will help to form policies for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dheeraj Attarde
- Sancheti Institute of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, India
- Corresponding author.
| | | | | | - Ashok Shyam
- Sancheti Institute of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, India
- Indian Orthopaedic Research Group, Thane, India
| | - Parag Sancheti
- Sancheti Institute of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, India
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Hull M, Parnes M, Jankovic J. Increased Incidence of Functional (Psychogenic) Movement Disorders in Children and Adults Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study. Neurol Clin Pract 2021; 11:e686-e690. [PMID: 34840884 PMCID: PMC8610548 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000001082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Functional (psychogenic) movement disorders (FMDs) are conditions in which affected patients develop abnormal movements that are incongruous with known, organic, movement disorders, often associated with psychological stressors. METHODS In this case series, electronic medical records of all patients who presented to our adult and pediatric tertiary care movement disorders clinics between March 1 and October 30, 2020, and during the same period in 2019 were reviewed. All patients diagnosed with functional (psychogenic) movement disorder were included if they satisfied diagnostic criteria. RESULTS Among 550 new patients referred for evaluation at our tertiary care movement disorders centers, 45 (8.2%) received a diagnosis of FMD; 75.6% were female, in comparison to the prior year during which time 665 new patients were evaluated and 5.1% were diagnosed with FMD. This represents a 60.1% increase (90.1% in pediatric cohort, 50.9% in adult cohort) in new patients diagnosed with FMD during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Within our patient population, there has been increased incidence of FMDs in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly reflecting increased psychological and other stressors during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Hull
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience (MH, MP), Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (MH, MP, JJ), Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Mered Parnes
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience (MH, MP), Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (MH, MP, JJ), Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience (MH, MP), Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (MH, MP, JJ), Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Thiebaut G, Méot A, Witt A, Prokop P, Bonin P. "Touch Me If You Can!": Individual Differences in Disease Avoidance and Social Touch. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 19:14747049211056159. [PMID: 34874187 PMCID: PMC10358415 DOI: 10.1177/14747049211056159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The threat of diseases varies considerably among individuals, and it has been found to be linked to various proactive or reactive behaviors. In the present studies, we investigated the impact of individual differences in the perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD) on social touch before (Study 1) or during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (Study 2). We also investigated the influence of personality traits in the covariation between these two dimensions. We found that people who are the most disease-avoidant are also the most reluctant to touching or being touched by others (and this relationship holds when personality traits are taken into account). Interestingly, the association between PVD and social touch increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with a few months before. By showing that the fear of contamination has an association with social touch, the findings provide further evidence for the behavioral immune system ( Schaller and Park, 2011), a psychological system acting as a first line of defense against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Thiebaut
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, LEAD-CNRS UMR5022, Dijon, France
| | - Alain Méot
- Université Clermont-Auvergne, LAPSCO-CNRS UMR6024, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Arnaud Witt
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, LEAD-CNRS UMR5022, Dijon, France
| | - Pavol Prokop
- Department of Environmental Ecology and Landscape Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Patrick Bonin
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, LEAD-CNRS UMR5022, Dijon, France
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Ojalehto HJ, Abramowitz JS, Hellberg SN, Butcher MW, Buchholz JL. Predicting COVID-19-related anxiety: The role of obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions, anxiety sensitivity, and body vigilance. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 83:102460. [PMID: 34352520 PMCID: PMC8318675 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), first detected in December of 2019 and declared a global pandemic in March of 2020, continues to pose a serious threat to public health and safety worldwide. Many individuals report anxiety in response to this threat, and at high levels, such anxiety can result in adverse mental health outcomes and maladaptive behavioral responses that have consequences for the health of communities more broadly. Predictors of excessive anxiety in response to COVID-19 are understudied. Accordingly, the present study examined psychological factors that predict more intense COVID-19-related anxiety. 438 community members completed measures assessing COVID-19-related anxiety as well as psychological variables hypothesized to predict anxious responding to the threat of COVID-19. As expected, obsessive-compulsive symptoms related to contamination, the fear of arousal-related body sensations (i.e., anxiety sensitivity), and body vigilance each predicted more severe anxiety related to the pandemic. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms related to responsibility for causing harm also emerged as a predictor. Study limitations and implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan S. Abramowitz
- Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 3270 (Davie Hall), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
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Matsushima M, Tsuno K, Okawa S, Hori A, Tabuchi T. Trust and well-being of postpartum women during the COVID-19 crisis: Depression and fear of COVID-19. SSM Popul Health 2021; 15:100903. [PMID: 34485675 PMCID: PMC8403755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
During crisis, trust has been found to have a buffering effect in the prevention of the deterioration of mental well-being, as trust is considered to reflect the individual's capability to gain social resources including both formal and informal support. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, political trust has been found to reduce anxiety. Taking these findings into account, this study explores the association of generalised and political trust with mental well-being on current postpartum women who were particularly at risk due to a decline in social support leaving them an increased burden of caring newborns during the pandemic. We conducted a crosssectional survey in October 2020 in Japan (n=558). Depressive symptoms (above the cutoff of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)) and Fear of Coronavirus-19 Scale (FCV-19S) scores were used as mental well-being indicators. Generalised and political trust were captured by binary variables. Results of regression analyses, in which covariates were fully adjusted, showed that higher generalised trust had a statistically significant association with lower possibility of depressive symptoms and a lower FCV-19S score, while political trust was not significantly associated with either indicator. For further understanding, we divided respondents into two groups; women living in cities where higher COVID-19 cases were reported and women living in areas with lower COVID-19 cases, to test whether the role of trust differs depending on the infection spread status. It was found that a higher generalised trust was significantly associated with a lower probability of having depressive symptoms in the areas with lower COVID-19 cases. However, statistical significance was not observed in the areas with high COVID-19 cases. This highlighted that even postpartum women who were normally capable of receiving formal and informal social support need to be taken care of in the current situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midori Matsushima
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences/R&D Center for Smart Wellness City Policies, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kanami Tsuno
- School of Health Innovation, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sumiyo Okawa
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Japan
| | - Ai Hori
- Department of Global Public Health, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Diotaiuti P, Valente G, Mancone S. Development and Preliminary Italian Validation of the Emergency Response and Psychological Adjustment Scale. Front Psychol 2021; 12:687514. [PMID: 34421737 PMCID: PMC8376143 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.687514] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluating the personal adaptation response to the emergency situations is very important for the prevention of mental distress, for the activation of network and community synergies and for the planning and implementation of appropriate psycho-social interventions. So far there are no short tools for the overall assessment of cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses of psychological adaptation to the emergency in the psychometric panorama. The Emergency Response and Psychological Adjustment Scale (ERPAS) was administered to a sample of 1,088 participants, while the concurrent validity was tested through a second administration to 600 participants along with the GSE (Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale) and the BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory-II). Confirmatory factor analysis bore out a five-factor solution (including 18 items) with good fit indices of adaptation to data, χ2/df = 1.440, RMSEA = 0.028, RMSEA 90% CI = 0.018–0.038, GFI = 0.996, AGFI = 0.959, CFI = 0.982, and NFI = 0.944. Evidence of convergent validity was provided by the significant correlations with variables such as cognitive and somatic depression, and perceived general self-efficacy. The analyses also showed a strong invariance across gender. The ERPAS tool prefigures application during the assessment in multiple emergency contexts (e.g. earthquakes, floods, pandemics, terrorist attacks, war events, major accidents, major fires). This validation study of the ERPAS has shown that this version is a reliable and valid measurement for assessing people's modes of personal response (cognitive, emotional, behavioral) in emergency contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Diotaiuti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valente
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Stefania Mancone
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
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Hassoulas A, Umla-Runge K, Zahid A, Adams O, Green M, Hassoulas A, Panayiotou E. Investigating the Association Between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptom Subtypes and Health Anxiety as Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. Psychol Rep 2021; 125:3006-3027. [PMID: 34412543 PMCID: PMC9578079 DOI: 10.1177/00332941211040437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Since the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic, public health messages have emphasised the importance of frequent handwashing in limiting the transmission of the virus. Whilst crucial in controlling transmission, such messaging may have an adverse effect on individuals with OCD. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, with a total of 332 participants recruited. Participants who scored above the optimal cut-off score on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory Revised edition (OCI-R) were included in the analysis (n = 254). Scores on the six subscales of the OCI-R were correlated with responses to a COVID-19 Impact measure. Results Factor analysis of the COVID-19 Impact measure revealed that items loaded on two components of the measure (handwashing and distress-avoidance). Canonical correlation analyses revealed significant associations between the OCI-R subscales and COVID-19 Impact measure, F (12, 490) = 8.14, p = 0.001, and the SHAI subscales with the COVID-19 Impact Measure, F (4, 498) = 8.18, p = 0.001). Specifically, washing and checking OCI-R subscales correlated with both components of the COVID-19 Impact measure, as did the health anxiety and beliefs SHAI subscales. Content analysis revealed disruption to treatment delivery and worsening symptom severity in participants with contamination-related OCD. Discussion Contamination and checking OCD subtypes have been associated with increased hand-washing behaviour and avoidance of distress-inducing cues. Consideration should be given to targeted support tailored to patients with these subtypes of OCD.
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Aksan AT. The relationship between individuals' sources of information, perceptions, and anxiety regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:8197-8205. [PMID: 34376962 PMCID: PMC8337045 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led individuals to experience psychological distress as a result of their perceptions of the disease. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with these perceptions, the sources of information about the pandemic that may have contributed to them, and the level anxiety felt by adults living in Turkey in the initial phase of COVID-19, with a primary focus on generalized anxiety. The study had a web-based cross-sectional survey design 482 (327 female, 155 male) Turkish responders completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) self-reported questionnaire, a measurement tool related to their perceptions of COVID-19 and questions about their sources of information about the pandemic between 3 and 19 April, 2020. Women experienced higher levels of anxiety than men. Those with severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) believed that the COVID-19 pandemic would have a long duration, stated that the risk of transmission had had serious effects on their lives, felt little personal control with regard to the risk of transmission and did not believe that existing treatments would be effective against the risk of transmission. Moreover, those with severe GAD symptoms had little comprehension of how the disease was transmitted. Finally, it was concluded that those with severe GAD symptoms used the internet and, in particular, Instagram as their main sources of information about the pandemic. Although the anxiety levels were found to be moderate in general, women were more vulnerable. Using the internet and, in particular, Instagram as sources of information affected individuals’ perceptions of the pandemic, and led to psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aygül Tunç Aksan
- Ministry of National Education (MNE) Akdeniz District National Education Directorate, Akdeniz Mersin, Turkey
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Muyor-Rodríguez J, Caravaca-Sánchez F, Fernández-Prados JS. COVID-19 Fear, Resilience, Social Support, Anxiety, and Suicide among College Students in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158156. [PMID: 34360447 PMCID: PMC8345962 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, previous studies have expressed concerns regarding the broad psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among college students as they are considered an especially vulnerable group. However, few studies have examined the prevalence of, risk of, and protective factors associated with fear of COVID-19 among college students in Europe. We have sought to address gaps in the literature by conducting a cross-sectional survey among 517 college students (79.1% women and 20.9% men) from a public university in the southeast of Spain. Participants were asked to complete the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) questionnaire and answer questions related to resilience, social support, anxiety, and suicide risk levels using validated scales. The results of the analysis of the variables associated with fear of COVID-19 suggest that, in addition to gender, the factor of anxiety shows a robust positive association and effect with COVID-19 fear (p < 0.001). According to our results, university institutions must adopt support mechanisms to alleviate psychological impacts on students during this pandemic, treating it similarly to other disasters. Implications for social work to reduce COVID-19 fear are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Muyor-Rodríguez
- Department of Psychology, CEMyRI, Area of Social Work and Social Services, Almería University, 04120 Almería, Spain;
| | - Francisco Caravaca-Sánchez
- Department of Psychology, Area of Social Work and Social Services, Almería University, 04120 Almería, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Who Is the Most Vulnerable to Anxiety at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Outbreak in China? A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Survey. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9080970. [PMID: 34442107 PMCID: PMC8394659 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9080970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed people’s health behavior, but also induced a psychological reaction among the public. Research data is needed to develop scientific evidence-driven strategies to reduce adverse mental health effects. The aims of this study are to evaluate the anxiety reaction of Chinese people and the related determinants during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Evidence from this survey will contribute to a targeted reference on how to deliver psychological counseling service in the face of outbreaks. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based online survey was conducted from 28 January to 5 February 2020 using an open online questionnaire for people aged 18 years or above, residing in China and abroad. The socio-demographic information of the respondents was collected, and anxiety scores were calculated. A direct standardization method was used to standardize anxiety scores and a general linear model was used to identify associations between some factors (e.g., sex, age, education, etc.) and anxiety scores. (3) Results: A total of 10,946 eligible participants were recruited in this study, with a completion rate of 98.16% (10,946/11,151). The average anxiety score was 6.46 ± 4.12 (total score = 15); women (6.86 ± 4.11) scored higher than men (5.67 ± 4.04). The age variable was inversely and significantly associated with the anxiety score (β = −2.12, 95% CI: −2.47–−1.78). People possessing higher education (β = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.88–1.41) or a higher awareness of cognitive risk (β = 4.89, 95% CI: 4.33–5.46) reported higher levels of anxiety. There was a close association between poor subjective health and anxiety status (β = 2.83, 95% CI: 2.58–3.09). With the increase of confidence, the anxiety of the population exhibited a gradual decline (β = −2.45, 95% CI: −2.77–−2.13). (4) Conclusion: Most people were vulnerable to anxiety during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Younger women, individuals with high education, people with high cognitive risk and subjective poor health were vulnerable to anxiety during the epidemic. In addition, increasing confidence in resisting this pandemic is a protective determinant for individuals to develop anxiety. The findings suggest that policymakers adopt psychosocial interventions to reduce anxiety during the pandemic.
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Tagini S, Brugnera A, Ferrucci R, Mazzocco K, Pievani L, Priori A, Ticozzi N, Compare A, Silani V, Pravettoni G, Poletti B. Attachment, Personality and Locus of Control: Psychological Determinants of Risk Perception and Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19. Front Psychol 2021; 12:634012. [PMID: 34305708 PMCID: PMC8299752 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.634012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The understanding of factors that shape risk perception is crucial to modulate the perceived threat and, in turn, to promote optimal engagement in preventive actions. Methods: An on-line, cross-sectional, survey was conducted in Italy between May and July 2020 to investigate risk perception for COVID-19 and the adoption of preventive measures. A total of 964 volunteers participated in the study. Possible predictors of risk perception were identified through a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis, including sociodemographic, epidemiological and, most of all, psychological factors. A path analysis was adopted to probe the possible mediating role of risk perception on the relationship between the independent variables considered and the adoption of preventive measures. Results: Focusing on the psychological predictors of risk perception, high levels of anxiety, an anxious attachment, and an external locus of control predicted higher perceived risk. Conversely, high levels of openness personality and of avoidant attachment predicted a lower perception of risk. In turn, the higher was the perceived risk the higher was the adoption of precautionary measures. Furthermore, psychological factors influenced the adoption of preventive behaviors both directly and indirectly through their effect on risk perception. Conclusions: Our findings might be taken into high consideration by stakeholders, who are responsible for promoting a truthful perception of risk and proper compliance with precautionary measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Tagini
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Agostino Brugnera
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, International Medical School, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Clinic III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Ketti Mazzocco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pievani
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Department of Health Sciences, Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, International Medical School, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Clinic III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Compare
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
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