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Amin J, Siddiqui AA, Ilyas M, Amin S, Aldaihan MM, Zafar H. The Psychological Impact of COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis of Pre-Lockdown and During-Lockdown Periods Among Saudi General Population. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:4303-4317. [PMID: 39246562 PMCID: PMC11380874 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s464037] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Prior research has revealed substantial psychological impacts of COVID-19 among the general population. However, there is a noticeable gap in studies addressing the enduring anxiety levels before and during lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The study assessed and compared the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic before and during lockdown periods among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Methods A validated and reliable General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 instrument was used to quantify stress levels by measuring anxiety. Nonprobability snowball sampling was used to collect data from 516 participants residing in Saudi Arabia. The difference in scores for each of the seven related questions of GAD-7 was determined using a non-parametric Wilcoxon rank test. Results A mild level of anxiety was consistently observed both before and during the lockdown, as indicated by GAD-7 scores of 6.17 (SD = 5.5) before the lockdown and 6.42 (SD = 5.7) during the lockdown. There were no differences in GAD-7 scores before 6.17 (SD = 5.5) and during 6.42 (SD = 5.7) the lockdown periods. However, levels of moderate anxiety increased by 5% during the lockdown period. Anxiety levels before and during lockdown were significantly associated with gender (χ2 (3, n = 516) =11.23 p = 0.01) and employment status (χ2 (3, n = 516) = 9.41 p = 0.024). Among the GAD-7 questionnaire items, item number 1 ("Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge") (p= 0.00) and item number 7 ("Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen") (p= 0.025) showed a significant association with anxiety levels before and during the lockdown periods. Conclusion The enduring prevalence of mild anxiety, persisting both before and during the lockdown periods, underscores the profound impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the general population in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Amin
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammar Ahmed Siddiqui
- Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Ilyas
- Department of Management & MIS, College of Business Administration, University of Hail, Ha'il, 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salman Amin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University College of Medicine and Dentistry,The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mishal M Aldaihan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamayun Zafar
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11433, Saudi Arabia
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Langheit S, Poulin F. Links Between Best-Friendship Quality and Well-Being From Early Emerging Adulthood to Early Established Adulthood. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2024; 12:539-552. [PMID: 38934010 PMCID: PMC11196206 DOI: 10.1177/21676968241248877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify whether the links between features of best-friendship quality (intimacy, reliable alliance, conflict) and well-being indicators (self-esteem, loneliness) change from early emerging adulthood to early established adulthood. The moderating effect of gender and investment in romantic life on these links was examined as well. For the purpose, 346 individuals (58% women) completed questionnaires at age 20 and again at age 30. Multilevel analysis were performed for each well-being indicators separately. The results showed reliable alliance to be associated with both well-being indicators, and intimacy to be associated with loneliness. Age moderated the effect of intimacy on self-esteem, whereas investment in romantic life moderated the effect of reliable alliance. Finally, triple interactions emerged between conflict, gender and age in their associations with self-esteem and loneliness, underscoring particularities for men. These results underscore the most influential features of friendship quality for well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Langheit
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - François Poulin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Terrón-Pérez M, Cortes-Amador S, Portolés-Simeó JB. Analysis of losses in physiotherapy students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological approach. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:349. [PMID: 38877593 PMCID: PMC11179356 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, young people have experienced numerous personal losses across various aspects, impacting their quality of life. This study aimed to explore and analyze the losses experienced by physiotherapy students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using an open-format exercise carried out during the Clinical Specialties class from February to May 2021. Thirty-four (83% female) third-year physical therapy students participated. ATLAS.ti software was used for the analysis and coding by three researchers. RESULTS Analysis of the categories revealed various losses experienced by the participants, including losses in psychological well-being, physical health, the social sphere (friendships, relationships with partners and family members, and experiences of death), spiritual losses (loss of freedom and identity), leisure time (travel, recreational activities and physical exercise), and different losses related to university studies (motivation and enthusiasm and clinical practices). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant losses among physiotherapy students, with losses in the social sphere being the most prevalent. This study can serve as a foundation for developing resources aimed at enhancing the well-being of physiotherapy students, promoting optimal academic performance, improving self-care, and reducing psychosocial problems.
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Dickerson DL, D'Amico EJ, Kennedy DP, Brown RA, Klein DJ, Etz K, Johnson CL, Funmaker G, Arvizu-Sanchez V, Malika N. The Role of Social Networks on Depression and Anxiety Among a Sample of Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:556-562. [PMID: 38085209 PMCID: PMC11129916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mental health inequalities continue to persist among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. However, few studies have examined the association of social networks and depression and anxiety among urban emerging AI/AN adults. METHODS This study analyzes the association of social network characteristics with depression and anxiety among a sample of urban AI/AN emerging adults. A second set of regression models tested the same associations but controlling for respondent sexual and gender minority (SGM) status. Data were from a sample of 150 AI/AN emerging adults residing in urban areas from 20 different states (86% female; mean age 21.8; 48.0% SGM) who participated in a randomized controlled trial analyzing the effects of culturally grounded interventions on alcohol and other drug use and cultural connectedness. RESULTS Participants with a higher proportion of network members who were around the same age reported significantly less anxiety. Those who had a higher proportion of network members who they sometimes/often argue/fight with were more likely to report greater depression and anxiety. Participants with higher proportions of social network members who have ever lived on a reservation/Rancheria/tribal land/tribal village reported significantly less depression. However, participants with higher proportions of social network members who lived 50 miles away or more reported significantly more depression. Controlling for SGM status, results were largely similar. DISCUSSION Results highlight the role of social connections on the mental well-being of urban AI/AN emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Dickerson
- University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP), Los Angeles, California.
| | - Elizabeth J D'Amico
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - David P Kennedy
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Ryan A Brown
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - David J Klein
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Kathy Etz
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - Nipher Malika
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
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Mansour K, Greenwood CJ, Francis LM, Smith I, Olsson CA, Macdonald JA. Social network investment of men: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with mental health problems. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:138-157. [PMID: 37503713 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Internationally, there is growing attention on links between social isolation and mental health problems. Here, we use unique Australian longitudinal data to investigate associations between adult men's (n = 507; age M = 29.90, SD = 1.31) social network investments and their concurrent and subsequent mental health problems. In linear regressions, using generalised estimating equations (GEEs), we examined associations between social network investment (time with friends, network size and various activities with friends) and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) across five timepoints. Models were adjusted for waves of outcome and potential confounders. Cross-sectionally, each social network investment variable, except for drinking with friends, was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Men's extended friendship network size and sharing a meal with friends were negatively associated with concurrent anxiety and stress. Time spent and physical activity with friends was also negatively associated with concurrent stress. In longitudinal analyses, after adjusting for prior depressive symptoms, only the number of friends in close and extended networks remained protective against depressive symptoms 1 year later. Results did not differ by fatherhood or relationship status. Programs designed to strengthen men's investment in social networks are recommended to reduce men's depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Mansour
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Christopher J Greenwood
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lauren M Francis
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Imogene Smith
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacqui A Macdonald
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Wagner KM, Chatham AA, Prado K, Walsdorf AA, Villatoro AP, Garcia D, de Snyder NS, Valdez CR. Emotional wellbeing and coping among Latinx young adults in the time of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:1217-1232. [PMID: 36573877 PMCID: PMC9880755 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the wellbeing of the general US population, but even more so among Latinx young adults. The current study provides a detailed picture of the emotional wellbeing and coping of Latinx young adults during the first summer of the pandemic. Six virtual focus groups (n = 21) were conducted between May and August of 2020 with a community-based sample of Latinx young adults to explore (1) how the pandemic affected wellbeing and (2) how they coped with pandemic-related stress. Contextualistic thematic analysis identified important themes and subthemes. Perceived stressors impacting emotional wellbeing yielded one overarching theme: COVID-related disruptions in the participants' environment. To manage this heightened stress, another overarching theme was self-care and intentionality during the pandemic. Future studies should examine the wellbeing of young adults across social contexts and at more recent stages of the pandemic. Findings from this study suggest culturally- and developmentally-tailored interventions are needed as this population navigates contextual stress during a sensitive period in their life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Wagner
- Department of Educational PsychologyThe University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical SchoolThe University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
| | - Ana A. Chatham
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical SchoolThe University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
- Steve Hicks School of Social WorkThe University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
| | - Kimberly Prado
- Steve Hicks School of Social WorkThe University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
| | - Ashley A. Walsdorf
- Couple and Family TherapyAlliant International UniversitySan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
- The Latino Research InstituteThe University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
| | | | | | - Nelly Salgado de Snyder
- The Latino Research InstituteThe University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
- Instituto Nacional de Salud PúblicaCuernavacaMexico
| | - Carmen R. Valdez
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical SchoolThe University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
- Steve Hicks School of Social WorkThe University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
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Predictors of Recurrent Laboratory-Confirmed Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections in a Cohort of Healthcare Workers. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030626. [PMID: 36992210 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Repeated SARS-CoV-2 infections are plausible and related published data are scarce. We aimed to identify factors associated with the risk of recurrent (three episodes) laboratory-confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, and 1,700 healthcare workers were enrolled. We used risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate the factors associated with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. Results: We identified 14 participants with recurrent illness episodes. Therefore, the incidence rate was 8.5 per 10,000 person months. In a multiple-model study, vaccinated adults (vs. unvaccinated, RR = 1.05 [1.03–1.06]) and those with a severe first illness episode (vs. mild disease, RR = 1.05 [1.01–1.10]) were at increased risk for repeated symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 reinfections. Increasing age showed a protective effect (per each additional year of age: RR = 0.98 [0.97–0.99]). Conclusions: Our results suggest that recurrent SARS-CoV-2 infections are rare events in adults, and they seem to be determined, partially, by vaccination status and age.
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Gazadinda R, Putri GW, Maulana H. Reducing Loneliness in Undergraduate Students through E-Journaling Intervention: A Pre-Experimental Study. BULLETIN OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2023. [DOI: 10.51214/bocp.v5i1.448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia has had a devastating psychological impact on society, with the rise of online interaction failing to replace face-to-face interaction, particularly among undergraduate students. Loneliness is a prevalent mental health problem among students during the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of e-journaling intervention in reducing loneliness among undergraduate students. A pre-experimental design was used, with 38 undergraduate students participating in writing activities in the form of journaling every weekday for two weeks. Pre and post-tests were given using the De Jong Giervield Loneliness Scale to evaluate loneliness. The results of a Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no significant difference in loneliness before and after the intervention, with only 40% of participants showing a decrease in loneliness. This suggests that e-journaling intervention is not an effective way to reduce student loneliness during the pandemic. A randomized controlled study is recommended for further exploration of the efficacy of e-journaling intervention.
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Kindred R, Bates GW. The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Anxiety: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20032362. [PMID: 36767728 PMCID: PMC9915904 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in negative mental health outcomes throughout the world, and its impact on social interactions and relationships is likely to be evident in problematic social anxiety. This systematic review qualitatively synthesized data from studies that have reported on the effects of the pandemic on social anxiety. A systematic search of Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, PsychINFO, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Proquest Central-Dissertations and Theses was conducted, with thirty-three studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The results suggest that social anxiety has been heightened in the general population due to the pandemic, with women and low-income earners being especially vulnerable. Other contributing factors include impaired coping strategies, lower socio-emotional well-being, limited support networks, and contraction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Individuals with a Social Anxiety Disorder diagnosis may be at risk of a deterioration of mental health in general. Limitations of the literature reviewed include the predominance of cross-sectional study designs, which limit causal inferences are limited. Additionally, associations may be inflated as many studies have not accounted for mediating variables. Taken together, the research suggests that social anxiety, either pre-pandemic or arising due to the pandemic environment, has contributed to a variety of negative mental health outcomes related to social anxiety.
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Cyber-Victimization and Mental Health Concerns among Middle School Students Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:840-851. [PMID: 36754916 PMCID: PMC9908506 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on adolescents' mental health and social interactions; however, little is known about cyber-victimization and mental health concerns from before to during the pandemic. The current study addressed this gap, while also examining how social media use and disagreements with friends during the pandemic were associated with cyber-victimization and mental health outcomes. Participants included 272 youth in the U.S. (56% female; 32% White), surveyed in fall 2019 (Mage = 11.75, SD = 0.68) and spring 2021 (Mage = 13.11, SD = 0.75). Adolescents reported increases in mental health symptoms and decreases in cyber-victimization. Experiencing more cyber-victimization before the pandemic was associated with significant increases in anxiety, depression, and social stress. The results suggest bolstering violence prevention programming in schools to reduce the likelihood of cyber-victimization and associated mental health outcomes.
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Kulcar V, Bork-Hüffer T, Schneider AM. Getting Through the Crisis Together: Do Friendships Contribute to University Students' Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Front Psychol 2022; 13:880646. [PMID: 35651553 PMCID: PMC9149295 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.880646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social contacts and social support represent resources that contribute to resilience. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated measures, including contact restrictions, posed challenges for young adults' social networks, in particular for their friendships. Employing a mixed-method approach, we investigated the pandemic's effects on friendships and their role in successfully navigating the crisis. We combined a qualitative approach based on narratives and in-depth interviews and a quantitative approach based on online surveys focusing on university students in Austria. Longitudinal data collections allowed investigating changes and developments as the pandemic progressed. Results indicate profound challenges for participants' friendships and difficulties in both building new and maintaining existing friendships. This also impaired the provision of social support by friends, scattering participants' social resources and diminishing their resilience rather than strengthening it. Altogether, the results of this longitudinal study suggest a lasting negative effect of the pandemic on friendships for students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Kulcar
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Disaster Competence Network Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tabea Bork-Hüffer
- Department of Geography, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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