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Zrnić Novaković I, Streicher A, Ajduković D, Ajduković M, Kiralj Lacković J, Lotzin A, Lueger-Schuster B. Trajectories of Adjustment Disorder and Well-Being in Austria and Croatia during 20 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6861. [PMID: 37835131 PMCID: PMC10572495 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196861] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the trajectories of adjustment disorder (AD) symptoms and well-being over 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria and Croatia. Further objectives of this study were to examine whether sociodemographic characteristics and the symptoms of anxiety and depression could predict these trajectories. As part of the pan-European ESTSS ADJUST study, N = 1144 individuals were recruited using convenience sampling and assessed four times between June 2020 and January 2022 through an online survey. Latent growth curve modelling was applied to estimate the trajectories of AD symptoms and well-being. Over time, the prevalence of probable AD varied between 9.8% and 15.1%. The symptoms of AD tended to increase, whereas well-being tended to decrease. According to the majority of the models tested, women, participants from Austria and those with lower income had higher initial AD symptoms, whereas older participants and those from Croatia had higher initial well-being. In all models and at all timepoints, anxiety and depression significantly predicted AD and well-being scores. Overall, our study points to several predictors of AD and well-being and indicates high variability in people's reactions to the pandemic. Psychosocial support for the general population is needed during pandemics and similar crises, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Zrnić Novaković
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (B.L.-S.)
| | - Alina Streicher
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (B.L.-S.)
| | - Dean Ajduković
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.A.); (J.K.L.)
| | - Marina Ajduković
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jana Kiralj Lacković
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.A.); (J.K.L.)
| | - Annett Lotzin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
- Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Lueger-Schuster
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (B.L.-S.)
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Matteucci I, Corsi M, Hurdiel R, Pezé T, Masson P, Porrovecchio A. Health-related behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A comparison between cohorts of French and Italian university students. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002298. [PMID: 37682794 PMCID: PMC10490880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional observational study compares the health behaviors of university students in France and Italy, examining how their choices and lifestyles were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with the aim of contributing to the development of adequate public health and higher education institutions interventions. The French cohort was investigated between January and February 2022, while the Italian cohort was examined between March and April 2022. In both contexts, data were collected through web surveys using institutional directories of university degree programs. Data were collected using standardized tools, validated and recovered in full or partial form. The tool used consisted of three specific sections (general experience, eating habits, physical activity), to which a fourth, dedicated to describing the sociographic picture of the respondents, was added. It was found that the pandemic mainly affected the mental health and sense of well-being of young people in both countries. The pandemic altered dietary habits (41.8% of the French subjects and 38.3% of the Italians declared an increasing of their food intake), alcohol consumption (9.0% of the Italian respondents and 4.0% of the French respondents reported an increased alcohol consumption), propensity to smoke (among the French 85.3% subjects remained non-smokers versus 65.3% of the Italian subjects), sleep quality (25.7% of Italian students 16.6% of French students experienced a decline in the quality of their sleep), and physical activity levels (the percentage of physically active French subjects rose to 72.4%, whereas among Italian students, it dropped to 68,4%). The results emphasize the need for the implementation of relational and psychological interventions, even digital, to face the consequences of social isolation and negative changes in everyday behaviors due to the restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Matteucci
- Department of Communication Sciences, International Studies and Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Mario Corsi
- Department of Communication Sciences, International Studies and Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Rémy Hurdiel
- ULR 7369 ‐ URePSSS Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Dunkerque, France
| | - Thierry Pezé
- ULR 7369 ‐ URePSSS Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Dunkerque, France
| | - Philippe Masson
- ULR 7369 ‐ URePSSS ‐ Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, Lille, France
| | - Alessandro Porrovecchio
- ULR 7369 ‐ URePSSS Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Dunkerque, France
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Reangsing C, Trakooltorwong P, Maneekunwong K, Thepsaw J, Oerther S. Effects of online mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on anxiety symptoms in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:269. [PMID: 37507747 PMCID: PMC10386675 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies have documented the effectiveness on various types of face-to-face and online mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in reducing anxiety among general population, but there is a scarcity of systematic reviews evaluating evidence of online MBIs on anxiety in adults. Therefore, we examined the effects of online mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on anxiety symptoms in adults and explored the moderating effects of participant, methods, and intervention characteristics. METHODS We systematically searched nine databases through May 2022 without date restrictions. Inclusion criteria were primary studies evaluating online mindfulness-based interventions with adults with anxiety measured as an outcome, a comparison group, and written in English. We used random-effects model to compute effect sizes (ESs) using Hedges' g, a forest plot, and Q and I2 statistics as measures of heterogeneity; we also examined moderator analyses. RESULTS Twenty-six primary studies included 3,246 participants (39.9 ± 12.9 years old). Overall, online mindfulness-based interventions showed significantly improved anxiety (g = 0.35, 95%CI 0.09, 0.62, I2 = 92%) compared to controls. With regards to moderators, researchers reported higher attrition, they reported less beneficial effects on anxiety symptoms (β=-0.001, Qmodel=4.59, p = .032). No other quality indicators moderated the effects of online mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety. CONCLUSION Online mindfulness-based interventions improved anxiety symptoms in adult population. Thus, it might be used as adjunctive or alternative complementary treatment for adults. However, our findings must be interpreted with caution due to the low and unclear power of the sample in primary studies; hence, high-quality studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jintana Thepsaw
- School of Nursing, Mae Fah Laung University, Chiangrai, Thailand
| | - Sarah Oerther
- Trudy Busch Valentine, School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, Missouri, MO, USA
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Chow DYW, Jiang X, You JHS. Information technology-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2022; 310:429-440. [PMID: 35577156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to systematically review the efficacy of information technology-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) versus face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy (FCBT) for management of anxiety and depression in adult patients. METHODS Systematic literature search for clinical trials comparing ICBT to FCBT in adults diagnosed with anxiety or depression was conducted. Quantitative analyses were performed to examine the efficacy of ICBT versus FCBT. Primacy outcome was change in symptom severity. RESULTS A total of 11 publications (10 studies and 896 participants) were included. The pooled effect size of ICBT versus FCBT did not find significant difference for post-treatment anxiety or depressive symptoms severity (Hedges' g = -0.07; 95% CI = -0.20 to 0.06), and ICBT was non-inferior to FCBT (at Cohen's d = 0.3). Maintenance of treatment efficacy also showed no significant difference between ICBT and FCBT at 6 months (g = -0.14, 95% CI = -0.42 to 0.14) and 12 months (g = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.41 to 0.32) post-treatment. Adherence rate was lower in ICBT than FCBT but did not achieve statistically significance (61% vs 88%; RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74 to1.00). Results were not affected by study quality. LIMITATIONS The examination of study heterogeneity was limited by the small number of studies. CONCLUSIONS We found non-inferior performance of ICBT versus FCBT in reducing symptoms in patients diagnosed of anxiety or depressive disorders. With the social-distancing measures amid COVID-19 pandemic, service providers should give serious consideration with great caution in the decision-making process of offering ICBT to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilys Yan-Wing Chow
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xinchan Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joyce H S You
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Alghamdi AA. The Psychological Challenges of Emergency Medical Service Providers During Disasters: A Mini-Review February 2022. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:773100. [PMID: 35295786 PMCID: PMC8918654 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.773100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The provision of emergency medical services (EMS) is an inherently stressful job. Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common psychological challenges affecting EMS providers. As disasters increase worldwide, the need for EMS also increases, as they are an essential part of any disaster management system. Studies have shown that EMS providers experience psychological challenges due to disaster response without receiving the needed psychological support. There is a scarcity of research focusing on EMS providers' psychological challenges in disaster times, especially in the Eastern world. This review highlights the psychological challenges faced by EMS providers in disaster times and discusses the amount of mental health care they receive. By emphasizing the need for mental health support, more research can be conducted to view EMS providers' perspectives on mental health needs before, during, and after disasters, and EMS policy makers can find programs to meet EMS providers' mental health needs, which might reflect positively on EMS and disaster management systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Abdulaziz Alghamdi
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Hennings JM, Slankamenac K. Editorial: Emergency in psychiatry-The various facets of behavioral emergencies, crises and suicidality, volume II. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1121865. [PMID: 36620695 PMCID: PMC9816889 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1121865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes M Hennings
- Department of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, kbo Clinic Region Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ksenija Slankamenac
- Institute of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Giusti L, Salza A, Mammarella S, Bianco D, Ussorio D, Casacchia M, Roncone R. #Everything Will Be Fine. Duration of Home Confinement and "All-or-Nothing" Cognitive Thinking Style as Predictors of Traumatic Distress in Young University Students on a Digital Platform During the COVID-19 Italian Lockdown. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:574812. [PMID: 33384623 PMCID: PMC7770221 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.574812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
On March 10, 2020, Italy announced its lockdown caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and home confinement exposed individuals to a stressful situation of unknown duration. Our study aimed to analyze the emotional and cognitive experiences and the psychopathological symptoms of young Italian University students seeking help from our University student Counseling and Consultation Service during the COVID-19 lockdown. Also, our study aimed to identify the predictors of traumatic psychological distress, investigating variables that could influence the students' well-being, related to their socio-demographic and clinical condition, to the "exposition" to the social distancing, and related to their cognitive thinking style. One-hundred and three University students were included in our study. The traumatic impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). A digital platform was used in our study, focused on narrative dimensions analyses. Our results showed that 21.4% of our help-seeking students experienced lockdown as a traumatic experience. The main stressful factors reported by students were: adjustment to the new academic activities (23.3 %), lack of autonomy (19.4%), and conflicts with family members (6.8%). The three main areas impaired were: changes in the sleeping pattern (68%), difficulty in concentration (67%), and loss of energy (58.6%). Furthermore, 36% of our student sample reported being suffering from anxiety symptoms, whereas 26% showed depressive symptomatology. Students having previous psychological and psychiatric contacts with mental health services (23%) showed a more severe traumatic and depressive symptomatology. The problematic thinking style "all or nothing" was predominantly associated with psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic symptoms. "Everything Will Be Fine" could be identified by the "optimistic style" (27.2%), inversely correlated with the psychopathological measures and concentration problems. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that the length of home confinement (second month) seemed to increase by over 3 times the likelihood of experience posttraumatic symptomatology, and a thinking style "all or nothing" was the final strongest predictor increasing the risk by over 5 times. The implementation of psychological interventions to improve the mental health of vulnerable young subgroups to contain the structuring of psychopathological profiles represent a fundamental challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Giusti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Anna Salza
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvia Mammarella
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Denise Bianco
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Donatella Ussorio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Massimo Casacchia
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rita Roncone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Hospital S. Salvatore, University Unit Rehabilitation Treatment, Early Interventions in Mental Health, Abruzzo, Italy
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