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Stubbs JM, Achat HM. Pandemic Loneliness in Healthcare Workers. Does It Predict Later Psychological Distress? Psychol Rep 2024; 127:1613-1632. [PMID: 36413372 PMCID: PMC9692176 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221139719] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Increased loneliness associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has been widely reported, with healthcare workers at increased risk compared to the general population. Pre-pandemic research indicates that loneliness has long-term detrimental effects on mental well-being, but the effect of loneliness in the context of COVID-19 is not clear. We conducted an online survey of healthcare workers (HCWs) at a large teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia after the peak of the first wave of the pandemic in 2020. Over one-third experienced loneliness at the peak of the first wave. An observed association with high psychological distress in subsequent months was attenuated after adjusting for status of mental well-being during the peak and before the pandemic. Mental well-being during the peak of the pandemic and, to a lesser extent, mental well-being before the pandemic were the strongest predictors of later distress. Increased conflict at home was also predictive of later distress. The mental health of HCWs is an important consideration at any time and is especially so in the face of crises such as the current global pandemic. Strategies to enhance baseline mental well-being and bolster well-being during crisis situations should assist HCWs cope with unexpected stressors and reduce the associated detrimental psychological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne M. Stubbs
- Epidemiology and Health Analytics, Western Sydney Local Health District, North Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen M. Achat
- Epidemiology and Health Analytics, Western Sydney Local Health District, North Parramatta, NSW, Australia
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Yousef CC, Farooq A, Amateau G, Abu Esba LC, Burnett K, Alyas OA. The effect of job and personal demands and resources on healthcare workers' wellbeing: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303769. [PMID: 38809882 PMCID: PMC11135754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic presented many psychological stressors which affected healthcare worker wellbeing. The aim of this study was to understand the factors that affect the wellbeing of healthcare professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using Job-Demand and Resource (JD-R) Model. The proposal model consisted of demand factors (Work load-job demand, loneliness-personal demand), support factors (organizational support-job resource, and resilience-personal resource), mediators (burnout and work engagement), and outcome (wellbeing) A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted across 276 healthcare workers from hospitals and primary healthcare centers, including healthcare professionals, health associate professionals, personal care workers, health management and support personnel, and health service providers, and others between February-March 2022. The proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Among the respondents, the majority were female (198, 71,7%), married (180, 65.2%), healthcare professionals (206, 74.6%), being more than 10 years in the profession (149, 51.6%), and non-Saudi nationality (171, 62.0%). Burnout accounted for a significant effect on wellbeing. Of the demands (workload and loneliness) and the resources (organizational support and resilience), workload had the greatest impact on burnout. Healthcare organizations should invest in reducing workloads and promoting resilience to reduce burnout and increase healthcare worker wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuela Cheriece Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud bin Abdul-Aziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Farooq
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Qatar Computing Research Institute, Hammad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gigi Amateau
- Department of Gerontology, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Laila Carolina Abu Esba
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud bin Abdul-Aziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Keisha Burnett
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Cytopathology Practice Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Omar Anwar Alyas
- College of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland—Medical University of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
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Frangieh J, Hughes V, Edwards-Capello A, Humphrey KG, Lammey C, Lucas L. Fostering belonging and social connectedness in nursing: Evidence-based strategies: A discussion paper for nurse students, faculty, leaders, and clinical nurses. Nurs Outlook 2024; 72:102174. [PMID: 38761699 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102174] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phenomenon of loneliness among healthcare providers, particularly nurses, has garnered increasing attention due to its detrimental effects on individual well-being and professional retention. The isolation experienced by nurses has been linked to heightened turnover rates and intentions to leave the profession, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems globally. Recognizing loneliness as an epidemic in 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue within the healthcare workforce. PURPOSE This paper explores evidence-based strategies to mitigate loneliness and promote social connectedness among nurses, drawing insights from various stakeholders. It aims to offer actionable recommendations to enhance the nursing experience and retain professionals in the field. DISCUSSION Strategies include peer support programs, mentorship initiatives, wellness activities, and fostering open communication. Leveraging technology for virtual connections is also highlighted, especially in remote work scenarios. CONCLUSION A holistic approach is vital, combining individual, interpersonal, and systemic interventions to combat nurse loneliness. Prioritizing social connectedness fosters a supportive work environment, benefiting both nurses and patient care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Laura Lucas
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
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Meese KA, Boitet LM, Sweeney KL, Rogers DA. Perceived stress from social isolation or loneliness among clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers during COVID-19. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1010. [PMID: 38605388 PMCID: PMC11010423 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18363-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace social isolation and loneliness have been found to result in a decline in job satisfaction and an increase in burnout among working individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness and social isolation among healthcare workers. The majority of research on healthcare worker experiences is conducted in siloes which does not reflect the shared experiences of interprofessional teams. The purpose of this study is to understand stress from social isolation or loneliness across the entire clinical and non-clinical healthcare team over the course of the pandemic. METHODS Data was acquired using a cross-sectional survey distributed to healthcare workers once a year at a large academic medical center in the Southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). Information pertaining to job role, work location, and demographic factors was collected. Participants were also asked to assess individual well-being and resilience, in addition to reporting stress derived from various sources including job demands and social isolation or loneliness. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the association between stress from social isolation or loneliness and individual characteristics. RESULTS Stress from social isolation or loneliness was found to decrease over the survey period across all measured variables. Trainees and physician-scientists were found to report the highest rates of this stressor compared to other job roles, while Hospital-Based ICU and Non-ICU work locations reported the highest rates of loneliness and social isolation stress. Younger workers and individuals from marginalized gender and racial groups were at greater risk for stress from social isolation or loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Given the importance of social connections for well-being and job performance, organizations have a responsibility to create conditions and mechanisms to foster social connections. This includes establishing and reinforcing norms of behavior, and developing connection mechanisms, particularly for groups at high risk of loneliness and social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Meese
- Department of Health Services Administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, United States.
- UAB Medicine Office of Wellness, UAB, Birmingham, United States.
| | - Laurence M Boitet
- UAB Medicine Office of Wellness, UAB, Birmingham, United States
- Department of Medical Education, UAB, Birmingham, United States
| | | | - David A Rogers
- UAB Medicine Office of Wellness, UAB, Birmingham, United States
- Department of Surgery, UAB, Birmingham, United States
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Al-Qudimat AR, Singh K, Mustafa E, Nashwan AJ, Al-Zoubi RM, Yassin A, Aboumarzouk OM, Al-Ansari A. Psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic: experience of healthcare workers in Qatar. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1283925. [PMID: 37927872 PMCID: PMC10620932 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1283925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound and global impact on healthcare systems worldwide, presenting unprecedented challenges for healthcare workers (HCWs) on the front. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms during the coronavirus pandemic among healthcare professionals in Qatar. Methods A cross-sectional study where an electronic questionnaire containing demographics, and psychosocial questions were made on Google Docs and Microsoft Team, and were sent through email and WhatsApp to healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, allied health and others working at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, from June 1, 2021, to January 1st 2023. ANOVA, t-test and multiple linear regression were used to see the association between the psychological factors and sociodemographic variables using STATA version 17 software. Results A total of 829 participants were included in this study (response rate: 55%). The average age of the participants is 36.0 ± 7.1; 65.9% were males; 2.3% were doctors and 53% were nurses, 38.7% were allied healthcare professionals and 6% were others. Psychological, social effects, and workplace were shown to significantly related to their marital status, career, and hospital setting (p < 0.01 for each). Similar to this, dealing with COVID-19 patients and their education level with the length of time working at the designated facility were all connected with the health professional safety score (p < 0.05). Conclusion During the COVID-19 epidemic, healthcare workers in Qatar experienced a high incidence of negative psychosocial symptoms. To alleviate these outcomes, it would be useful to implement screening procedures for such symptoms and to devise preventive measures accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R. Al-Qudimat
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kalpana Singh
- Department of Nursing Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Emad Mustafa
- Department of Nursing Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Raed M. Al-Zoubi
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Aksam Yassin
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Center of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dresden International University, Dresden, Germany
| | - Omar M. Aboumarzouk
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulla Al-Ansari
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Kotera Y, Liu G, Colman R, Young H, Ozaki A, Miyatake H, Kosaka M, Tanimoto T. A longitudinal study of mental health in healthcare workers in Japan during the initial phase of COVID-19 pandemic: comparison with the general population. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-4. [PMID: 37359617 PMCID: PMC9999062 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04444-0] [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: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental health of people in Japan. Healthcare workers (HCWs) especially suffered from poor mental health, engaging with COVID-19 patients while protecting themselves from infection. However, a long-term assessment of their mental health in comparison to the general population remains to be conducted. This study evaluated and compared changes in mental health between these two populations over a six-month period. Measures of mental health, loneliness, hope and self-compassion were completed at baseline and at six-month follow-up. Two-way MANOVA (Time x Group) identified that no interaction effects were present. However, at baseline, HCWs had higher levels of mental health problems and loneliness, and lower levels of hope and self-compassion than the general population. Furthermore, a higher level of loneliness was found in HCWs at six months. These findings highlight strong feelings of loneliness in HCWs in Japan. Interventions such as digital social prescribing are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kotera
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2TU Nottingham, UK
| | - Gillian Liu
- College of Health, Psychology & Social Care, University of Derby, DE22 1GB Derby, UK
| | - Rory Colman
- College of Health, Psychology & Social Care, University of Derby, DE22 1GB Derby, UK
| | - Holly Young
- College of Health, Psychology & Social Care, University of Derby, DE22 1GB Derby, UK
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, 972-8322 Iwaki, Japan
- Medical Governance Research Institute, 108-0074 Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Tetsuya Tanimoto
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, 972-8322 Iwaki, Japan
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Hruska B, Patterson PD, Doshi AA, Guyette MK, Wong AH, Chang BP, Suffoletto BP, Pacella-LaBarbara ML. Examining the prevalence and health impairment associated with subthreshold PTSD symptoms (PTSS) among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 158:202-208. [PMID: 36592534 PMCID: PMC9796598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased healthcare workers' (HCWs) risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although subthreshold PTSD symptoms (PTSS) are common and increase vulnerability for health impairments, they have received little attention. We examined the prevalence of subthreshold PTSS and their relationship to physical health symptoms and sleep problems among HCWs during the pandemic's second wave (01/21-02/21). Participants (N = 852; 63.1% male; Mage = 38.34) completed the Short-Form PTSD Checklist (SF-PCL), the Cohen-Hoberman Inventory of Physical Symptoms, and the PROMIS Sleep-Related Impairment-Short-Form 4a. We created three groups with the SF-PCL: scores ≥11 = probable PTSD (5.5%); scores between 1 and 10 = subthreshold PTSS (55.3%); scores of 0 = no PTSS (39.2%). After controlling for demographics, occupational characteristics, and COVID-19 status, HCWs with subthreshold PTSS experienced greater physical health symptoms and sleep problems than HCWs with no PTSS. While HCWs with PTSD reported the greatest health impairment, HCWs with subthreshold PTSS reported 88% more physical health symptoms and 36% more sleep problems than HCWs with no PTSS. Subthreshold PTSS are common and increase risk for health impairment. Interventions addressing HCWs' mental health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic must include subthreshold PTSS to ensure their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Hruska
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - P Daniel Patterson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ankur A Doshi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Ambrose H Wong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bernard P Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian P Suffoletto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Diaz A, Astochado F, Moya-Salazar J, Rojas-Zumaran V, Ruiz MC, Vasquez AN, Alcarraz C. [Some reflections on the mental state of the second victims of COVID-19 in intensive care units]. J Healthc Qual Res 2022:S2603-6479(22)00067-7. [PMID: 36109329 PMCID: PMC9411135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhqr.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Diaz
- Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú; Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, EsSalud, Lima, Perú
| | - F Astochado
- Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú
| | - J Moya-Salazar
- Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Lima, Perú.
| | - V Rojas-Zumaran
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Lima, Perú; Departamento de Patología, Hospital Nacional Docente Madre Niño San Bartolomé, Lima, Perú
| | - M C Ruiz
- Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú
| | - A N Vasquez
- Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú
| | - C Alcarraz
- Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú; Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Perú
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Țigan E, Blaga RL, Isac FL, Lungu M, Milin IA, Tripa F, Gavrilaș S. Analysis of Sustainable Communication Patterns during the Telework Period in Western Romanian Corporations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9796. [PMID: 36011443 PMCID: PMC9408549 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The research was conducted in a particular context, the recent pandemic. It is a comparative study of the methods and quality of communication in global companies between 2021 and 2022. The corporations involved in the research are important providers of flexible production, quality, and logistics solutions that cover customers' real needs. They are active in the automotive industry and units involved in mass production in the electronics industry, household appliances, and cosmetics industries. In their case, it was noted that to achieve operational objectives such as developing employee skills, using advanced technologies, and exceeding customer expectations, it is important to use innovative methods and tools such as single platforms, which allow access to the most important information from a distance, anywhere, anytime. It is significant that, according to the research, the preferred method of communication by employees, regardless of the existing conditions, is face-to-face. Primarily, this method is chosen because it provides an open area of interpersonal interaction. The participants observe non-verbal attitudes or can perceive emotions and feelings. Their personality can be identified through unintentional contact to obtain constructive feedback through guidance and counseling. Moreover, it can be formed and develop productive, intentional connections. Stakeholders' efficient and effective open dialogs are encouraged in this sense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Țigan
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania
| | - Radu Lucian Blaga
- Faculty of Economics, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 77 Revoluției Bdl., 310032 Arad, Romania
| | - Florin-Lucian Isac
- Faculty of Economics, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 77 Revoluției Bdl., 310032 Arad, Romania
| | - Monica Lungu
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania
| | - Ioana Anda Milin
- Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului Street No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Florin Tripa
- Faculty of Economics, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 77 Revoluției Bdl., 310032 Arad, Romania
| | - Simona Gavrilaș
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania
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