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Gómez-Salgado C, Camacho-Vega JC, Allande-Cussó R, Ruiz-Frutos C, Ortega-Moreno M, Martín-Pereira J, Macías-Toronjo I, Prieto-Callejero B, García-Iglesias JJ, Fagundo-Rivera J, Gómez-Salgado J. Evaluation of the Level of Psychological Distress in Construction Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Spain. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1224. [PMID: 38921338 PMCID: PMC11204114 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge for construction companies, which were confronted with the need to prevent the enormous negative socio-psychological impact of the pandemic on their employees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of psychological distress among construction workers in an advanced phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Andalusia, southern Spain. For this, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using online questionnaires with data on sociodemographic variables and employment situation, COVID-19 pandemic-related data, and Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). A total of 860 questionnaires from all provinces of Andalusia, Spain, were collected between March and May 2022. Descriptive statistical analyses and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests were performed, followed by logistic regression analysis. The incidence of psychological distress was higher among women, individuals under 43 years of age, those with a family income below EUR 1200, participants whose working conditions had been affected by the pandemic, those who had not received adequate means or specific training to protect themselves from infection, those who had experienced symptoms, those who had suffered side effects after vaccination, and those who had been hospitalised. The logistic regression analysis predicted the occurrence of psychological distress in this study by the effect of the pandemic on mental/emotional well-being, the working conditions affected during the pandemic, health-related variables, and the age of the worker. The correctly classified percentage was 75.1%. Assessing psychological distress in construction sectors may allow for the identification of vulnerable groups or even help to reduce the number of errors in daily practice and potential risks of occupational injury or illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Carlos Camacho-Vega
- Department of Building Construction II, Higher Technical School of Building Engineering, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Regina Allande-Cussó
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
| | - Mónica Ortega-Moreno
- Department of Economy, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Juan Jesús García-Iglesias
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - Javier Fagundo-Rivera
- Centro Universitario de Enfermería Cruz Roja, University of Seville, 41009 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
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Gómez-Salgado J, Carrión-Rico D, García-Iglesias JJ, Climent-Rodríguez JA, Miranda-Plata R, Pichardo-Hexamer R, Navarro-Abal Y, Fagundo-Rivera J, Vaca-Acosta RM, Ruiz-Frutos C, Allande-Cussó R. Psychological distress among unemployed migrants settling in southwestern Spain: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37418. [PMID: 38608085 PMCID: PMC11018158 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Migrants living in the informal settlements of Southern Spain tend to have precarious employment and poor living conditions, making then vulnerable to mental health issues. This study aimed to assess psychological distress in a sample of unemployed migrants residing in informal settlements in the province of Huelva (southern Spain), during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during the months of April to June 2021, through a heteroadministered questionnaire, in informal settlements. The measurement instrument was the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), used to analyze psychological distress, and other sociodemographic and health-related variables. Univariate and bivariate descriptive data analysis were performed, using the nonparametric statistics Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Tau β correlation. A categorical regression analysis was performed to study the relationship between psychological distress and the rest of the variables. The sample consisted of 317 subjects, 83.9% of whom were males, and the mean age was 33.4 years (SD = 10.7 years). The mean score obtained in the GHQ-12 questionnaire was 13.69 points (SD = 3.86). Significant differences were found between levels of psychological distress and substance abuse (H = 14.085; P = .049), people who wished to stay in Spain (t = 6987; P = .049), people who experienced isolation due to COVID-19 contact (t = 1379.5; P = .001), people who needed medical assistance due to COVID-19 (t = 7.990; P = .018), and those who reported having chronic illnesses (t = 2686.5, P = .02). The mean score of psychological distress indicates general high levels of psychological distress. Participants who had experienced isolation due to COVID-19 contact, who consumed substances, and who had chronic illnesses reported the highest levels of psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - David Carrión-Rico
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Juan Jesús García-Iglesias
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Yolanda Navarro-Abal
- Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | | | - Rosa María Vaca-Acosta
- Department of Business Management and Marketing, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Regina Allande-Cussó
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Podiatry. University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Alonso MS, Lima MCP, Dias A, Camacho-Vega JC, García-Iglesias JJ, Ruiz-Frutos C, Bernardes JM, Gómez-Salgado J. Psychological distress among Brazilian workers during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1283310. [PMID: 38439755 PMCID: PMC10910103 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1283310] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 pandemic imposed drastic and abrupt changes to working environment and organization and that might have caused additional negative effects on mental health. Thus, this study aimed to quantify and assess the severity of psychological distress experienced by Brazilian essential and nonessential workers during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This descriptive study included 2,903 participants who answered an online questionnaire between April and May 2020. The research questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted to the Brazilian population from a questionnaire developed and validated for the Spanish population. Variables were analyzed using simple and cumulative percentage distributions and measures of central tendency and dispersion. The Wilson score interval was used to calculate confidence interval (CI) for the main outcome, psychological distress. Results It was observed a high prevalence (72.6%) of psychological distress among the study's participants. They also presented a median risk perception score of 60 (out of a maximum of 90), and their greatest concern was transmitting the virus to family members, close contacts or patients. Furthermore, it was found a lower sense of coherence and work engagement among the participants than those observed in previous studies conducted in other countries. Conclusion Almost three quarters of the study's participants were classified as presenting psychological distress. Thus, it is imperative to provide mental health remotely delivered interventions to workers during public health events that require prolonged social distancing measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Spröesser Alonso
- Public/Collective Health Graduate Program, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Pereira Lima
- Public/Collective Health Graduate Program, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Adriano Dias
- Public/Collective Health Graduate Program, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Juan Carlos Camacho-Vega
- Department of Architectural Construction II, Higher Technical School of Building Engineering, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan Jesus García-Iglesias
- Faculty of Labour Sciences, Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Public Health, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Faculty of Labour Sciences, Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Public Health, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - João Marcos Bernardes
- Public/Collective Health Graduate Program, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Faculty of Labour Sciences, Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Public Health, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Park S, Park CG, Hong O. Exploring the characteristics and health outcomes of working from home: Analysis of 2021 California Health Interview Survey data. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:119-128. [PMID: 38069590 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23556] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working from home (WFH) may affect health behaviors and mental health. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic saw many US employees transition to WFH, which has persisted in various job sectors and significantly impacted employees. However, its effects on health outcomes have remained unclear. We aimed to explore the characteristics and health outcomes of, and health-related differences between, WFH and not-WFH groups. METHODS Using the 2021 California Health Interview Survey data, we analyzed health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, and fruit-related nutrition) and the mental health status of 12,438 individuals using descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ2 test, and regressions. RESULTS A total of 39% were WFH and 61% were not-WFH. Overall, the WFH group had worse health behaviors and mental health than the not-WFH group. Age was associated with smoking in both groups (WFH: b = 0.37; not-WFH: b = 0.35), but with fruit-related nutrition only in the WFH group. Household income and occupation were associated with alcohol consumption in both groups. Age (WFH: b = -1.58; not-WFH: b = -1.39), household income (WFH: b = -0.75; not-WFH: b = -0.34), and job duration (WFH: b = -0.34; not-WFH: b = -0.40) were associated with mental health in both groups; those who were younger and had lower household incomes and job durations had worse mental health. CONCLUSION Health management is a clear necessity for the WFH group. Irrespective of WFH status, young workers with shorter than 5 years' job duration reported mental distress, highlighting a need for distress assessment and management for the young workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwon Park
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, Michigan Society of Fellows 2022-2025, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chang Gi Park
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - OiSaeng Hong
- Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Graduate Program, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Unda-López A, Paz C, Hidalgo-Andrade P, Hermosa-Bosano C. Variations of work engagement and psychological distress based on three working modalities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1191314. [PMID: 37388160 PMCID: PMC10300637 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1191314] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus became a global health threat affecting people's mental and physical health, as well as working conditions and modalities. The reorganization of the work environment also affected work engagement and psychological distress levels. This manuscript assesses how work engagement and distress vary according to gender and age across three working modalities. We used a voluntary response sampling strategy to collect data on psychological distress and work engagement between August 2021 and January 2022. Results are from 542 people working in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, participants experienced psychological distress; women and younger participants presented higher psychological distress. Regarding engagement, the sample showed average levels of total engagement, average levels of vigor, and high levels of dedication and absorption. Men presented higher levels of total work engagement and vigor. Psychological distress was significantly and negatively correlated with total work engagement scores and its three factors. There were no differences in work engagement according to the different modalities. However, teleworkers reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress than hybrid workers. Findings are discussed considering ideas for decision-makers to explore the benefits of flexible working practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clara Paz
- Escuela de Psicología y Educación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Paula Hidalgo-Andrade
- Escuela de Psicología y Educación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Mavragani A, Boonyamalik P, Klainin-Yobas P. The Effectiveness of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a Preventive Intervention in the Workplace to Improve Work Engagement and Psychological Outcomes: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e38597. [PMID: 36656635 PMCID: PMC9896353 DOI: 10.2196/38597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health has become an increasingly significant issue in the workplace. Non-health care workers are experiencing increased levels of psychological symptoms in their workplaces, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited social interactions and health service access. These conditions have a negative effect on employees' mental health and may also be associated with work-related outcomes, such as reduced levels of work engagement. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective methods used for treating workers with mental illness and preventing work-related psychological outcomes. The delivery of internet-based CBT (iCBT) has been established as a result of both technological improvements that have influenced health promotion and prevention components, and limited social contact and health service access. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the best available evidence concerning the preventive effect of iCBT on employees. METHODS A systematic search will be conducted across 12 electronic databases, including a hand search for main journals and reference lists. Randomized controlled trials testing the effects of iCBT on psychological outcomes and work engagement among employees will be eligible. Initial keywords will cover the concepts of employees, workers, non-health care personnel, internet-based, web-based, eHealth cognitive behavioral interventions, stress, depression, anxiety, and work engagement, and then a full search strategy will be developed. Following titles, abstracts and the full text will be screened for assessment against the inclusion criteria for the review. Search results will be fully reported and presented per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two independent reviewers will screen and extract data, appraise methodological quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool, and assess overall quality of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. A random effects meta-analysis and standardized mean differences using review manager software will be applied to synthesize the effect of iCBT based on similar outcomes. RESULTS This protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews in March 2022 and is now an ongoing process. The data will be analyzed in August 2022, and the review process should be completed by December 2022. All included studies will be synthesized and presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of iCBT in decreasing psychological distress and optimizing work engagement outcomes among employees. CONCLUSIONS According to the findings of this study, iCBT therapies will be used to promote mental health concerns such as depressive symptoms, anxiety, psychological distress, stress, insomnia, and resilience among non-health care professionals. In addition, the results will be used to ensure the policy related to reducing psychological distress and optimizing work engagement in the workplace. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/38597.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Plernpit Boonyamalik
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piyanee Klainin-Yobas
- The Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Shang S, Jia W, Zhang S, Su B, Cheng R, Li Y, Zhang N. Changes on local travel behaviors under travel reduction-related interventions during COVID-19 pandemic: a case study in Hong Kong. CITY AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2023; 1:5. [PMCID: PMC9985955 DOI: 10.1007/s44213-023-00006-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The emerging Omicron variant poses a serious threat to human health. Public transports play a critical role in infection spread. Based on the data of nearly 4 billion smartcard uses, between January 1, 2019 and January 31, 2021 from the Mass Transit Railway Corporation of Hong Kong, we analyzed the subway travel behavior of different population groups (adults, children, students and senior citizens) due to the COVID-19 pandemic and human travel behavior under different interventions (e.g. work suspension, school closure). Due to the pandemic, the number of MTR passengers (the daily number of passengers in close proximity in subway carriages) decreased by 37.4% (40.8%) for adults, 80.3% (78.5%) for children, 71.6% (71.6%) for students, and 33.5% (36.1%) for senior citizens. Due to work from home (school suspension), the number of contacted adults (students/children) in the same carriage during the rush hours decreased by 39.6% (38.6%/43.2%). If all workers, students, and children were encouraged to commute avoiding rush hours, the possible repeated contacts during rush hour of adults, children and students decreased by 73.3%, 77.9% and 79.5%, respectively. Since adults accounted for 87.3% of the total number of subway passengers during the pandemic, work from home and staggered shift pattern of workers can reduce the infection risk effectively. Our objective is to find the changes of local travel behavior due to the pandemic. From the perspective of public transports, the results provide a scientific support for COVID-19 prevention and control in cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujia Shang
- grid.28703.3e0000 0000 9040 3743Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jia
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shiyao Zhang
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790The Research Institute for Trustworthy Autonomous Systems, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Boni Su
- grid.467472.4China Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Reynold Cheng
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Yuguo Li
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- grid.28703.3e0000 0000 9040 3743Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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Fayard K, Mayer CH. Male graduates transitioning into the workplace: managing stress through the sense of coherence components. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1053173. [PMID: 37213363 PMCID: PMC10196056 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1053173] [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: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Male graduates are faced with many challenges when transitioning into work life after graduation. This transition from university to the workplace is one of the most important developmental stages in a young adult's life. It has an important impact on their careers and causes increased stress levels. Often, young men are suffering from mental health challenges and feel as though they cannot seek the appropriate help. Thus, it is necessary to determine how young male graduates cope with the changes experienced in this period, especially relating to their sense of coherence and salutogenesis. The aim of the study is to investigate the transition from university to the workplace and to understand their stress and well-being experiences in terms of activating the three sense of coherence components for coping. A qualitative approach is employed through the use of semi-structured interviews with 10 male South African university graduates. A content analysis technique was used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings indicate that most of the young male graduates understand the transition from university to the workplace and the challenges that come with it (comprehensibility). They also have the necessary personal resources to cope with the stress (manageability) while experiencing this life phase as meaningful (meaningfulness). To understand the transition into the workforce was the most important aspect to stay health during the transition. However, male graduates mainly coped by applying their personal coping strategies and mechanisms and thereby managed their transition mainly by themselves, not based on organizational structures or integrative processes. Meaning applied to the transitional process mainly derived from their personal concepts of creating a meaningful life, not as such from the meaning applied to the work or position they held. The findings provide insights which can be used by higher education institutions to prepare graduates for the transition into the workforce and for organizations to develop programmes for graduates to improve their transition into the organization.
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Garfin DR, Djokovic L, Cohen Silver R, Holman EA. Acute stress, worry, and impairment in health care and non-health care essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2022; 14:1304-1313. [PMID: 35482684 PMCID: PMC9728043 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health care and non-health care essential workers working in face-to-face interactions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be vulnerable to psychosocial distress. Limited empirical research on COVID-19-related psychosocial outcomes has utilized probability-based samples including both health care and non-health care essential workers. METHOD We surveyed a sample of 1,821 United States self-identified essential workers, collected using probability-based methods, working in face-to-face interactions during the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak (March 18, 2020 through April 18, 2020), in three consecutive 10-day cohorts. We assessed acute stress, health-related worries, and functional impairment. Demographics, secondary stressors (lack of childcare or health care, lost wages), and pre-COVID-19 mental and physical health were examined as predictors of psychological outcomes. RESULTS Acute stress (β = .08, p = .001), health-related worries (β = .09, p = .001), and functional impairment (β = .05, p = .034) increased over time in the early weeks of the outbreak. Health care essential workers reported lower functional impairment (β = -.06, p = .009) and acute stress (β = -.06, p = .015) compared with non-health care essential workers. Across the sample, prior mental and physical health ailments, inability to obtain health care, lost wages, younger age, female gender, and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with acute stress (βs = -.14 to .15, ps ≤ .001), health-related worries (βs = -.09 to .14, ps ≤ .001), and functional impairment (βs = -.08 to .16, ps ≤ .006). Lack of childcare (β = .09, p < .001) was positively associated with acute stress. CONCLUSION Non-health care essential workers may be vulnerable to negative psychosocial outcomes. Targeted training and support may help facilitate coping with the effects of working in-person during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Findings may help inform intervention efforts, critical as COVID-19 becomes endemic and society must learn to live with its evolving variants. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Rose Garfin
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lindita Djokovic
- Department of Counseling, Clinical, & School Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Roxane Cohen Silver
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - E. Alison Holman
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Domínguez-Salas S, Rodríguez-Domínguez C, Arcos-Romero AI, Allande-Cussó R, García-Iglesias JJ, Gómez-Salgado J. Psychometric Properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) in a Sample of Active Health Care Professionals in Spain. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:3461-3472. [DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s387242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Morgado-Toscano C, Allande-Cussó R, Fagundo-Rivera J, García-Iglesias JJ, Climent-Rodríguez JA, Navarro-Abal Y, Gómez-Salgado J. Initial Psychometric Development of the Fear and Anxiety to COVID-19 Scale in Nursing Professionals: An Occupational Health Assessment Tool. Healthc Policy 2022; 15:1947-1957. [PMID: 36268182 PMCID: PMC9578459 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s384080] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The effects caused by COVID-19 on the physical and mental health show the need to renew and create tools that specifically measure the fear and anxiety caused by the pandemic in healthcare professionals. The aim of the study was to measure fear and anxiety of COVID-19 in the nursing population group using a specific assessment scale. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in Spain based on questionnaires. The sample was selected by non-probabilistic snowball sampling. Univariate and bivariate descriptive analyses were performed. For qualitative variables, a categorical regression analysis was performed. Results The sample consisted of 1012 nurses residing in Spain, 86.6% of whom were women, with a mean age of 40.84 years (SD = 11.51). The bivariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the mean score of the scale and the variables sex, level of education, m2 of the dwelling, and work area. Conclusion The validation of this scale provides a new management tool that should enable managers to assess anxiety and fear among their nurses, whether in the current COVID-19 pandemic or in other possible epidemiological situations to come.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regina Allande-Cussó
- Department of Nursing, University of Seville, Seville, Spain,Correspondence: Regina Allande-Cussó, Department of Nursing, University of Seville, Sevilla, 41009, Spain, Email
| | | | - Juan Jesús García-Iglesias
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Climent-Rodríguez
- Department of Social, Evolutionary and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Yolanda Navarro-Abal
- Department of Social, Evolutionary and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain,Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador,Juan Gómez-Salgado, Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Avenida Tres de marzo s/n, 21007, Huelva, Spain, Email
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Ruiz-Frutos C, Adanaqué-Bravo I, Ortega-Moreno M, Fagundo-Rivera J, Escobar-Segovia K, Arias-Ulloa CA, Gómez-Salgado J. Work Engagement, Work Environment, and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ecuador. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10071330. [PMID: 35885856 PMCID: PMC9324772 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Work environments can interfere with the mental health of workers as generators or reducers of psychological distress. Work engagement is a concept related to quality of life and efficiency at work. The aim of this study was to find the relationship between work environment factors and work engagement among the Ecuadorian general population during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to assess their levels of psychological distress. For this purpose, a cross-sectional, descriptive study using a set of questionnaires was performed. Sociodemographic and work environment data, work engagement (UWES-9 scale) scores, and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) scores were collected. The variables that predicted 70.2% of psychological distress during the first phase of the pandemic were being female, with a low level of vigour (work engagement dimension), being stressed at work, and low job satisfaction. The sample showed an intermediate level of engagement in both the global assessment and the three dimensions, being higher in those without psychological distress. With effective actions on work environment factors, mental health effects may be efficiently prevented, and work engagement may be benefited. Companies can reduce workers’ psychological distress by providing safe and effective means to prevent the risk of contagion; reducing the levels of work conflict, work stress, or workload; and supporting their employees with psychological measures in order to maintain ideal working conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain;
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
| | - Ingrid Adanaqué-Bravo
- Faculty of Engineering in Mechanics and Production Sciences, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil 090902, Ecuador; (K.E.-S.); (C.A.A.-U.)
- Correspondence: (I.A.-B.); (J.G.-S.); Tel.: +593-42-269-399 (I.A.-B.); +34-959219700 (J.G.-S.)
| | | | | | - Kenny Escobar-Segovia
- Faculty of Engineering in Mechanics and Production Sciences, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil 090902, Ecuador; (K.E.-S.); (C.A.A.-U.)
| | - Cristian Arturo Arias-Ulloa
- Faculty of Engineering in Mechanics and Production Sciences, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil 090902, Ecuador; (K.E.-S.); (C.A.A.-U.)
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain;
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
- Correspondence: (I.A.-B.); (J.G.-S.); Tel.: +593-42-269-399 (I.A.-B.); +34-959219700 (J.G.-S.)
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Chowdhury N, Kainth A, Godlu A, Farinas HA, Sikdar S, Turin TC. Mental Health and Well-Being Needs among Non-Health Essential Workers during Recent Epidemics and Pandemics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105961. [PMID: 35627494 PMCID: PMC9141036 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Essential workers, those who work in a variety of sectors that are critical to sustain the societal infrastructure, were affected both physically and mentally by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the most studied group of this population were healthcare workers, other essential non-health workers such as those working in the law enforcement sector, grocery services, food services, delivery services, and other sectors were studied less commonly. We explored both the academic (using MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science databases) and grey literature (using Google Scholar) to identify studies on the mental health effects of the six pandemics in the last 20 years (2000–2020). We identified a total of 32 articles; all of them pertained to COVID-19 except for one about Ebola. We found there was an increase in depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues among non-health essential workers. They were more worried about passing the infection on to their loved ones and often did not have adequate training, supply of personal protective equipment, and support to cope with the effects. Generally, women, people having lower education, and younger people were more likely to be affected by a pandemic. Exploring occupation-specific coping strategies of those whose mental health was affected during a pandemic using more robust methodologies such as longitudinal studies and in-depth qualitative exploration would help facilitate appropriate responses for their recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashit Chowdhury
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta International Medical Graduates Association, Calgary, AB T2E 3K8, Canada;
| | - Ankit Kainth
- Community Scholar and Citizen Researcher, Immigrant and Refugee Health Interest Group, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (A.K.); (A.G.); (H.A.F.)
| | - Atobrhan Godlu
- Community Scholar and Citizen Researcher, Immigrant and Refugee Health Interest Group, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (A.K.); (A.G.); (H.A.F.)
| | - Honey Abigail Farinas
- Community Scholar and Citizen Researcher, Immigrant and Refugee Health Interest Group, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (A.K.); (A.G.); (H.A.F.)
| | - Saif Sikdar
- Alberta International Medical Graduates Association, Calgary, AB T2E 3K8, Canada;
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tanvir C. Turin
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Safety Management and Wellbeing during COVID-19: A Pilot Study in the Manufactory Sector. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073981. [PMID: 35409664 PMCID: PMC8997849 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The rapid spread of COVID-19 has generated anxiety and concerns among the whole population, by also affecting people’s working life quality. Although several studies underlined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the healthcare sector, very few studies investigated the consequences in the occupational sectors with low risk of contagion. Method: 220 full-time in-presence workers of the manufacturing sector agreed to participate in a study of cross-sectional design during September and October 2020. Data were collected by means of a self-reported questionnaire conceived to investigate the constructs of the COVID-19 concerns, both the personal contribution and the supervisor support to workplace safety, the organizational commitment to safety, and finally, the level of workers’ exhaustion. Results: This study highlights that COVID-19 concerns represent a significant source of stress since it is significantly associated to higher levels of exhaustion among workers. Furthermore, the findings show the relevance of resources related to employee’s personal contribution to safety management as well as the role of climate variables. Conclusions: These results promote knowledge on the role of COVID-19 concerns in affecting psychological wellbeing at work, as well as the impact of both individual and job-related resources that may prevent exhaustion at work. Finally, the present findings also have implications for organizations and the maintenance of their commitment to safety.
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Trógolo MA, Moretti LS, Medrano LA. A nationwide cross-sectional study of workers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact of changes in working conditions, financial hardships, psychological detachment from work and work-family interface. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:73. [PMID: 35303966 PMCID: PMC8931581 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00783-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 disease has changed people’s work and income. While recent evidence has documented the adverse impact of these changes on mental health outcomes, most research is focused on frontline healthcare workers and the reported association between income loss and mental health comes from high-income countries. In this study we examine the impact of changes in working conditions and income loss related to the COVID-19 lockdown on workers’ mental health in Argentina. We also explore the role of psychological detachment from work and work-family interaction in mental health.
Methods A total of 1049 participants aged between 18 and 65 who were working before the national lockdown in March 2020 were recruited using a national random telephone survey. Work conditions included: working at the usual workplace during the pandemic, working from home with flexible or fixed schedules, and being unemployed or unable to work due to the pandemic. Measures of financial hardship included income loss and self-reported financial problems related to the outbreak. Work-family interface included measures of work-family conflict (WFC) and family-work conflict (FWC). Mental health outcomes included burnout, life satisfaction, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Data were collected in October 2020. Results Home-based telework under fixed schedules and unemployment impact negatively on mental health. Income loss and particularly self-reported financial problems were also associated with deterioration of mental health. More than half of the participants reported financial problems, and those who became unemployed during the pandemic experienced more often financial problems. Finally, psychological detachment from work positively influenced mental health; WFC and FWC were found to negatively impact on mental health. Conclusions Countries’ policies should focus on supporting workers facing economic hardships and unemployment to ameliorate the COVID-19’ negative impact on mental health. Organisations can protect employees’ mental health by actively encouraging psychological detachment from work and by help managing work-family interface. Longitudinal studies are needed to more thoroughly assess the long-term impact of the COVID-19-related changes in work and economic turndown on mental health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luciana Sofía Moretti
- Universidad Siglo 21, Bv. de los Latinos 8555, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina.,Pontifica Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Santiago De Los Caballeros, República Dominicana
| | - Leonardo Adrián Medrano
- Universidad Siglo 21, Bv. de los Latinos 8555, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina.,Pontifica Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Santiago De Los Caballeros, República Dominicana
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Imamura K, Sasaki N, Sekiya Y, Watanabe K, Sakuraya A, Matsuyama Y, Nishi D, Kawakami N. The Effect of the Imacoco Care Psychoeducation Website on Improving Psychological Distress Among Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e33883. [PMID: 35133972 PMCID: PMC8949678 DOI: 10.2196/33883] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health among workers. Psychoeducational intervention via a website could be effective for primary prevention of mental illness among workers in the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to examine the effect of a newly developed online psychoeducational website named Imacoco Care on reducing psychological distress and fear about COVID-19 infection among workers. METHODS Participants in the study were recruited from registered members of a web survey company in Japan. Participants who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group were invited to access the Imacoco Care program within a month after the baseline survey. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) scores were obtained at baseline and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. RESULTS A total of 1200 workers were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups (n=600 [50%] per group). The Imacoco Care intervention group showed a significant favorable effect on K6 scores (P=.03) with a small effect size (ES; Cohen d=-0.14) and an adverse effect on FCV-19S scores (P=.01) with a small ES (Cohen d=0.16) at 3-month follow-up. In the per protocol analysis (including only participants who had read the Imacoco Care content at least 1 time), the Imacoco Care intervention group also showed a significant favorable effect on reducing K6 scores (P=.03), while an adverse effect on FCV-19S scores was not significant (P=.06) in the intervention group at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS A web-based psychoeducation approach may be effective for improving psychological distress among workers; however, it may be important not only to distribute information but also to encourage active engagement with the content of the program to prevent adverse effects of psychoeducational intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000042556; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000048548.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Imamura
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsu Sasaki
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Sekiya
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Watanabe
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Asuka Sakuraya
- Division of Public Health, Department of Hygiene and Public Health, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Matsuyama
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nishi
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Public Mental Health Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norito Kawakami
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Guidetti G, Converso D, Sanseverino D, Ghislieri C. Return to Work during the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Study on the Role of Job Demands, Job Resources, and Personal Resources upon the Administrative Staff of Italian Public Universities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041995. [PMID: 35206184 PMCID: PMC8872050 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Compared to healthcare workers and teleworkers, occupational wellbeing of employees who continued or suddenly returned to work during the COVID-19 pandemic have received less attention thus far. Using the Job Demand–Resource model as a framework, the present study aimed at evaluating the role of job demands and job and personal resources in affecting emotional exhaustion among university administrative staff. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data collected through an online questionnaire completed by 364 administrative employees that continued working in presence (WP) and 1578 that continued working blended (WB), namely, partly remotely and partly in presence. Results: Among job demands, quantitative job demand overloads and perceived risk of being infected were positively associated with higher levels of emotional exhaustion. Among job resources, colleague support was significantly associated with lower emotional exhaustion for both WB and WP, whereas supervisor support and fatigue management were salient only for WB. Among personal resources, personal contribution in managing COVID-19-related risk at work emerged as a protective factor for emotional exhaustion. Conclusion: Insights for the development of targeted preventive measure for a more psychologically safe and productive return to work can be derived from these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Guidetti
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University of G. d’Annunzio Chieti and Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Daniela Converso
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Turin, Italy; (D.S.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Domenico Sanseverino
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Turin, Italy; (D.S.); (C.G.)
| | - Chiara Ghislieri
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Turin, Italy; (D.S.); (C.G.)
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Vu T, Vo‐Thanh T, Chi H, Nguyen NP, Nguyen DV, Zaman M. The role of perceived workplace safety practices and mindfulness in maintaining calm in employees during times of crisis. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/hrm.22101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thinh‐Van Vu
- Department of Human Resource Management Thuongmai University Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Tan Vo‐Thanh
- Department of Marketing Excelia, CERIIM & CEREGE (EA 1722) La Rochelle France
| | - Hsinkuang Chi
- Department of Business Administration Nanhua University Chiayi County Taiwan
| | - Nguyen Phong Nguyen
- School of Accounting University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Duy Van Nguyen
- Applied School of Banking and Finance Dai Nam University Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Mustafeed Zaman
- Department of Marketing EM Normandie Business School, Métis Lab Le Havre France
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Pauksztat B, Andrei DM, Grech MR. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of seafarers: A comparison using matched samples. SAFETY SCIENCE 2022; 146:105542. [PMID: 34744311 PMCID: PMC8556536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented to curb its transmission have altered workplaces and challenged occupational health and safety in unprecedented ways, with high levels of mental distress reported across several industries. In the maritime industry, occupational health and safety risks, including psychosocial risks, were a concern already before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, knowledge about the prevalence of mental health problems and the factors associated with them is still limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the effects of respondent and work-related characteristics on seafarers' self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Data came from two cross-sectional convenience samples of seafarers on international commercial vessels, surveyed before (Npre-pandemic = 793) and during the pandemic (Npandemic = 504). Matching the two samples on respondent and work-related characteristics using propensity scores, we found that the pandemic contributed to significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety. Further analyses showed that seafarers with longer work periods, those who had been on board longer than expected, and those working on vessels registered with "Flags of Convenience" reported significantly higher levels of both depression and anxiety during the pandemic, but not prior to the pandemic. Taken together, these findings suggest that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a deterioration of working conditions and increased mental health risks for seafarers. Practical implications for safe-guarding occupational health and safety during this and future crises are discussed.
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Ha J, Park D. Factors associated with psychosocial problems in Korean nursing and non-nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12541. [PMID: 34966583 PMCID: PMC8663619 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed our lives in many ways, including school closures and social distancing practices. These abrupt life changes may have led to psychosocial problems in college students. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with psychosocial problems in South Korean nursing and non-nursing students. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 139 nursing and 147 non-nursing students (N = 286) between August 6 and October 30, 2020. We investigated participants' general characteristics (that is, sociodemographic and health-promoting behaviors), sensitivity to COVID-19 infection, COVID-19 pandemic response indicators, and psychosocial problems. The factors associated with psychosocial problems were determined using multiple regression analysis. Results Among the COVID-19 pandemic response indicators, perceived health status during the COVID-19 pandemic was verified as a factor associated with psychosocial problems in nursing (β = - 5.831, p < .001) and non-nursing students (β = - 8.513, p < .001). Perceived stress (β = 1.263, p = .045), trust in policy (β = .892, p < .001), and religion (β = - 1.424, p = .004) were verified as correlates of psychosocial problems in non-nursing students. Conclusion As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the stakeholders can use our study results to identify students experiencing psychosocial problems and subsequently as a theoretical background for developing intervention programs for those at a high risk of psychosocial problems. Additionally, it can be used as primary data for future research and practice regarding COVID-19 guidelines among students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmin Ha
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dahye Park
- Department of Nursing, Semyung University, Jecheon-si, Chungbuk, South Korea
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21
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Gómez-Salgado J, Domínguez-Salas S, Rodríguez-Domínguez C, Allande-Cussó R, Romero-Martín M, Ruiz-Frutos C. Gender perspective of psychological discomfort during COVID-19 confinement among Spanish adult population: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051572. [PMID: 34930733 PMCID: PMC8688733 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 disease has affected more than a hundred countries worldwide and has exposed the population to an increase in mental health problems. The objective of this study was to assess the emotional impact of the pandemic from a gender perspective, as well as to study the modulating variables of that impact. DESIGN A descriptive and cross-sectional study through the General Health Questionnaire scale and the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale is developed. SETTING General population of Spain was the target of this study PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of 3801 adult subjects living in Spain, without diagnosis for Sars-Cov-2 virus infection during confinement. INTERVENTION Data collection was carried out using an online questionnaire, from 26 March 2020 to 26 April 2020. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES MEASURES A sample profile description was obtained, regarding to the study variables. Later, a regression model was implemented in order to test the relationship between these variables, and to achieve a predictive model of psychological discomfort controlling the gender variable. RESULTS The results showed that women, as compared with men, had increased psychological discomfort during confinement (t=-12.877; p<0.001; d=0.470). In contrast, significantly higher scores were observed on the SOC scale (t=6.336; p<0.001; d=0.231) in men, as compared with those obtained by women. CONCLUSIONS Women have higher levels of psychological discomfort, increased concern about getting infected with COVID-19 and infecting others, as well as a lower level of SOC and perceived health. In addition, low levels of SOC predict greater concern about contagion and increased psychological discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
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22
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Soubelet-Fagoaga I, Arnoso-Martínez M, Guerendiain-Gabás I, Martínez-Moreno E, Ortiz G. (Tele)Work and Care during Lockdown: Labour and Socio-Familial Restructuring in Times of COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212087. [PMID: 34831843 PMCID: PMC8620492 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, and the lockdown requirement, altered our daily lives, including the restructuring of work and socio-familial organisation of millions of people. Through two studies, we explored how workers experienced this period. The first, qualitative study (N = 30) aimed to understand how workers lived through lockdown by identifying the key elements that shaped their experiences. Thematic content analysis revealed four emerging themes: (1) work and socio-health situation in which lockdown was experienced; (2) consequences on work organisation and resources available for change; (3) work-life balance management; and (4) psychosocial consequences and coping with the situation. The second, quantitative study (N = 332) explored the socio-health situation, new work organisation, work-life balance, and psychosocial consequences and coping strategies developed during this period, analysing participants' differences in terms of gender, working modality (on-site or teleworking) and care responsibilities through ANOVA analysis. Results revealed the non-democratic nature of the pandemic, with differences and similarities according to gender, working modality and having or not having dependents. Results are discussed identifying areas that need to be addressed to ensure the well-being of workers.
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Factors Related to Psychological Distress during the First Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Chilean Population. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215137. [PMID: 34768655 PMCID: PMC8584835 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The health effects of COVID-19 continue to raise doubts today. In some areas, such as mental health, these doubts have scarcely been addressed. The present study analyses the effects on psychological distress during the first phase of the pandemic in Chile. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed by using a questionnaire validated in Spain and adapted for Chile. Between 22 April and 16 December 2020, 3227 questionnaires were collected from the 16 regions of Chile, using non-probabilistic snowball sampling. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed. The variables that could predict psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile were: having a poor self-perception of health OR = 4.038, 95% CI = (2.831, 5.758); being younger than 29 OR = 2.287, 95% CI = (1.893, 2.762); having diarrhea OR = 2.093, 95% CI = (1.414, 3.098); having headache OR = 2.019, 95% CI = (1.662, 2.453); being a woman OR = 1.638, 95% CI = (1.363, 1.967); having muscle pain OR = 1.439, 95% CI = (1.114, 1.859); and having had casual contact with an infected person OR = 1.410, 95% CI = (1.138, 1.747). In Chile, with a better social, economic, cultural, and health environment compared to neighboring countries, there has been a high percentage of psychological distress. It is time to prioritize measures to safeguard the mental health of Chileans, especially focused on the most vulnerable population according to our results, i.e., young women with poorer health status.
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Gómez-Salgado J, Allande-Cussó R, Rodríguez-Domínguez C, Domínguez-Salas S, Camacho-Martín S, Romero Ruiz A, Ruiz-Frutos C. Development and criterion validity of the COVID-19 anxiety and fear assessment scale: a cross sectional study. Sci Prog 2021; 104:368504211050291. [PMID: 34698544 PMCID: PMC10306143 DOI: 10.1177/00368504211050291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes COVID-19 disease, has been a major public health challenge and an increase in the feeling of uncertainty of the population, who is also experiencing an increase in levels of anxiety and fear regarding the COVID-19 disease. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was the construct and criterion validation of the Escala de evaluación de la Ansiedad y MIedo a COVID-19 (AMICO, for its acronym in Spanish) to measure both constructs in the general Spanish population. METHODS Descriptive study of psychometric validation. A field study was carried out to execute univariate and bivariate analyses, in addition to the exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis of the scale. For the criteria validity study, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and sensitivity and specificity values were calculated. RESULTS The study sample was composed of 1036 subjects over 18 years of age, who resided in Spain, where 56.3% were women with a mean age of 48.11 years (SD = 15.13). The study of construct validity reported two factors and 16 items, with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.92. The scale was concurrently valid with the used gold standard and obtained sensitivity values of 90.48% and specificity values of 76%. CONCLUSIONS The AMICO scale is valid and reliable for assessing the level of anxiety and fear of COVID-19 in the adult Spanish population and is highly sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work
and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate
Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | | | - Adolfo Romero Ruiz
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry,
Health Sciences School, University of Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA),
Spain
| | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work
and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate
Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Ecuador
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Gómez-Salgado J, Adanaque-Bravo I, Ortega-Moreno M, Allande-Cussó R, Arias-Ulloa CA, Ruiz-Frutos C. Psychological distress during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador: Cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257661. [PMID: 34551016 PMCID: PMC8457473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on the mental health of citizens from Asia, Europe, or North America begin to be known, but there are fewer publications on its effects in Latin American countries. In this study, its impact in Ecuador is described, with data collected during the first phase of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to analyse the level of psychological distress in the population of Ecuador during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND FINDINGS Cross-sectional observational study. The questionnaires were collected through an online self-developed questionnaire, between April 2 and May 17, 2020, using the non-probabilistic sampling methodology: snowball method. The variables considered were sociodemographic variables, physical symptoms, health status, COVID-19 contact history, preventive measures, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The percentage with high psychological distress (PD) (GHQ-12 ≥ 3) has been somewhat lower than that found in Europe, being women, young people, people with higher level of education, living without a partner, not living with children or children under 16 years of age, and with worse perception of health the groups with the highest PD. Differences have been observed with European studies regarding common symptoms, preventive measures to avoid contagion, percentage of infected relatives, or diagnostic tests performed. CONCLUSIONS The use of the same research instrument, validated in Europe and adapted to Ecuador, has facilitated the comparison of the found results and differences, which can be explained by socio-economic or cultural variables, the health system, level of information, or by preventive measures put in place to prevent the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ingrid Adanaque-Bravo
- Faculty of Engineering in Mechanics and Production Sciences, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Mónica Ortega-Moreno
- Department of Economy, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Almanasef M, Almaghaslah D. Assessment of Psychological Distress among the General Public in Saudi Arabia during the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID 19 and its preventative measures have disrupted people's day-to-day lives and jobs and consequently had an impact on their health and wellbeing. Studies have revealed high levels of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychological distress among the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it aimed to determine the characteristics of highly susceptible population.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire gathering sociodemographic information and using the Kessler scale, which measures psychological distress. A total of 1,058 people agreed to participate in the study and completed the questionnaire.
Results: The study findings showed that 48.6% (n=514) of the study’s respondents were psychologically distressed, i.e. either in the high or very high distress category. Significantly higher ratings of psychological distress were observed among female participants, younger adults, those who self-reported poor health status, single persons, students, individuals with caring responsibilities and those who have no access to a private outdoor space. This distress was also found among those who have been in close or indirect contact with an individual with confirmed COVID-19 infection, P< 0.05.
Conclusion: Psychological distress has been widely prevalent among the general public in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Saudi government and the health authorities should pay special attention to the highly susceptible population and implement effective strategies to preserve and improve the mental health and wellbeing of these individuals.
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Russell BS, Hutchison M, Park CL, Fendrich M, Finkelstein-Fox L. Short-term impacts of COVID-19 on family caregivers: Emotion regulation, coping, and mental health. J Clin Psychol 2021; 78:357-374. [PMID: 34331773 PMCID: PMC8427037 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background The negative mental health impact of coronavirus disease 2019‐related stressors may be heightened for those caring for children, who bear responsibity for their welfare during disasters. Aim Based on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, we inquired whether caregivers' emotion regulation and coping behavior were associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Materials & Methods Data were collected through a national online survey in April 2020, and again 60 days later. Results:Of the 801 longitudinal cases, 176 (63.6% female; mean age = 33.5) reported caring for minors in their homes during the pandemic. Over 20% of caregivers experienced clinically concerning PTSS, rates higher than their noncaregiving counterparts. Regression analysis indicates caregivers' baseline mental health symptoms and emotion regulation predicted PTSS 60 days later. Discussion Implications for needed parenting supports among families experiencing traumatic stress are provided. Conclusion Anxiety symptoms at baseline were the most significant and consistent contributor to all models and were significantly higher among those with clinically concerning levels of PTSS suggesting a clear intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth S Russell
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Morica Hutchison
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael Fendrich
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lucy Finkelstein-Fox
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Indoor Environmental Quality and Consumption Patterns before and during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Twelve Social Dwellings in Madrid, Spain. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13147700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This article analyses the situation that prevailed in 12 dwellings located on the outskirts of Madrid during Spain’s state of emergency. How did 24/7 occupation affect the quality of indoor air and power consumption patterns? The mixed method used (surveys and instrumental monitoring) pragmatically detected the variation in consumption, comfort and indoor air quality patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The characteristics initially in place and household predisposition had a conclusive effect on such variations. The starting conditions, including household composition, habits and the way daily activities were performed, differed widely, logically affecting power consumption: 8/12 case studies increase occupancy density by more than 25 percent; 11/12 improve thermal comfort; 10/12 improve air quality but not necessarily translate in a sufficient ventilation practices; air quality was lower in the bedrooms on the whole; only 4/12 case studies use the potential of passive measures; only one household adopted energy savings strategies; 10/12 case studies increase electric power consumption but none of the dwellings was fitted with a renewable power generation system. The conclusion drawn is that, despite starting conditions differing widely, household composition, habits (including performance of daily activities performance) and power consumption also played an active role in the end result. This approach allowed to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings on indoor environmental quality (IEQ), energy use and households’ behavior. The objective data on the energy situation of the case studies not only is useful for the study, but also for potential enrollment in energy rehabilitation programs, such as the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
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Cuerdo-Vilches T, Navas-Martín MÁ, Oteiza I. Working from Home: Is Our Housing Ready? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7329. [PMID: 34299781 PMCID: PMC8305977 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary measures applied globally (lockdowns and curfews) have impacted homes, including work. Working from home (WFH) has emerged as a growing trend in the post-pandemic era. The research question was: Are our homes ready for teleworking? To respond, a national prospective mixed approach was launched for Spanish households during the spring 2020 lockdown, using two online questionnaires, one quantitative and the other qualitative. Through a survey, photographs, and narratives, the study evaluates the perceived adequacy of telework spaces and their specific characteristics, the availability of digital resources and the internet. A total of 1800 surveys and over 200 images and texts related to telework environments were obtained. The results suggest that the adequacy of these spaces was insufficient for more than a quarter of the homes. Also, strong relations between the perceived workspace adequacy and a social status or stability of homes were shown and validated, despite other sociodemographic features, the home composition or habitat were not related. Some other variables statistically significant were occupation regime, type and surface of dwellings; their indoor environmental quality; the availability of exclusive spaces for teleworking; quality of digital resources; and the specific space features. The analysis was completed with qualitative insights through photos and texts. Telework, lived in this context as an experiment, needs this reflection from an environmental, resource-availability, and ergonomic point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Cuerdo-Vilches
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Construcción Eduardo Torroja, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Ignacio Oteiza
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Construcción Eduardo Torroja, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain;
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Safety Climate and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Investigation on Safety Perceptions among Farmers in Italy. SAFETY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/safety7030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The diffusion of the COVID-19 pandemic has generated numerous interventions aimed at reducing the contagion by means of specific prevention measures, also characterized by stricter occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures at the workplace. To better understand how this novel working context has impacted on farmers’ safety behavior and attitude, a safety climate assessment was carried out by means of the Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ-50), which was augmented to include specific items related to the modifications of working conditions due to COVID-19. This allowed us to analyze changes in safety climate perceptions, pointing out worker-manager discrepancies in safety behavior and attitude. Additionally, the COVID-19 questionnaire contributed to analyzing the effects of the specific OHS measures due to the pandemic from the workers’ standpoint. Results showed that concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic have augmented the attention paid to OHS, demonstrating a correlation between the safety climate dimensions and the OHS measures due to COVID-19. Besides, farmers’ risk-taking behavior and attitude appeared still critical, highlighting the need for more specific and contextual interventions in terms of safety information and training. Overall, this study aims to expand knowledge on shared safety awareness and perceptions in the COVID-19 period.
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Ruiz-Frutos C, Palomino-Baldeón JC, Ortega-Moreno M, Villavicencio-Guardia MDC, Dias A, Bernardes JM, Gómez-Salgado J. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in Peru: Psychological Distress. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9060691. [PMID: 34201042 PMCID: PMC8227219 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This pandemic has been classified as a “psychological pandemic” that produces anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders. As the mental health effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, continue to unfold, there are still large knowledge gaps about the variables that predispose individuals to, or protect individuals against the disease. However, there are few publications on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of citizens in Latin American countries. In this study, the effects that COVID-19 had on citizens of Peru have been described. For this, 1699 questionnaires, collected between 2 April and 2 September 2020, were analyzed. Descriptive, bivariate analysis was performed with odds ratio (OR) calculations and a data mining methodology. Sociodemographic variables (from the General Health Questionnaire), health conditions and perception, symptoms, and variables related to contact and preventive measures regarding COVID-19 were analyzed. As compared to other countries, less affectation of mental health and increased use of preventive measures were observed. It has been suggested that the country’s precarious health system and poverty rates prior to the pandemic may justify higher mortality figures in Peru than in other Latin American countries, despite prompt action for its containment and compliance with the protective measures. Psychological distress had a greater incidence in women, young people, people without a partner, and people without university studies. The most significant conditioning variables were self-perceived health status, headache or muscle pain over the past 14 days, level of studies, and age. The extensive use of preventive measures against COVID-19 is in line with the strict legislative measures taken, and this is, in turn, in line with other countries when looking at the lower effect on mental health, but contrary when focusing on the high lethality identified. The need to include the economy or availability and quality of healthcare in future studies arises, as well as the suitability to analyze the cause for differences between countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain;
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
| | | | - Mónica Ortega-Moreno
- Department of Economy, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.O.-M.); (J.G.-S.); Tel.: +34-959219703 (M.O.-M.); +34-959219700 (J.G.-S.)
| | | | - Adriano Dias
- Public (Collective) Health Grade Program, Botucatu Medical School, Paulista State University/UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo 18618687, Brazil; (A.D.); (J.M.B.)
| | - João Marcos Bernardes
- Public (Collective) Health Grade Program, Botucatu Medical School, Paulista State University/UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo 18618687, Brazil; (A.D.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain;
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
- Correspondence: (M.O.-M.); (J.G.-S.); Tel.: +34-959219703 (M.O.-M.); +34-959219700 (J.G.-S.)
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Exploring the Occupational Balance of Young Adults during Social Distancing Measures in the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115809. [PMID: 34071699 PMCID: PMC8199197 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: A balanced life is related to good health in young people, one of the groups most affected by confinement and social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the occupational balance of young adults during home confinement and its association with different sociodemographic factors. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed, and an online survey was disseminated to collect sociodemographic and occupational balance data, using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ). The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical software package version 24.0. (3) Results: 965 young adults between 18 and 30 years old participated in the study. A predictive model showed that the main predictors of a lower occupational balance were a negative self-perception (β= 0.377; p = <0.0001), student status (β = 0.521; p = 0.001), not receiving enough information (β = 0.951; p = 0.001) and long periods of quarantine (β = 0.036; p = 0.007). (4) Conclusions: Considering people's occupational health and related factors could lessen many of the psychosocial consequences of isolation and contribute to the well-being of young people.
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Gómez-Salgado J, Ortega-Moreno M, Soriano G, Fagundo-Rivera J, Allande-Cussó R, Ruiz-Frutos C. History of contact with the SARS-COV-2 virus and the sense of coherence in the development of psychological distress in the occupational health professionals in Spain. Sci Prog 2021; 104:368504211026121. [PMID: 34137643 PMCID: PMC10454955 DOI: 10.1177/00368504211026121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals, among them, on medical and nursing occupational specialists. This study describes the psychological distress that this group has suffered, analyzing the effect that the sense of coherence related with the history of contact with infected people has generated in their mental health. Cross-sectional descriptive study using online questionnaires. Data were collected on a sample of 499 subjects, representing 42.0% and 38.8% of the associations of specialists in Occupational Medicine and Nursing, respectively. A univariate data analysis, independence test, and the CHAID multivariate method were carried out. The percentage of workers with high psychological distress was higher among women than among men; this was also higher in public sector workers than in the private sector. No differences have been observed regarding psychological distress and educational level, coexistence, having children, working away from home, having a pet, or between being a physician or nurse. The most efficient measure to prevent psychological distress was acting regarding the comprehensibility dimension of the sense of coherence. Sex, contact with any infected person, age, living as a couple, working in public or private centers, the availability of diagnostic tests, and the correlation with the manageability dimension were modulating factors. Sense of coherence is an effective measure to prevent psychological distress due to contact with people affected by COVID-19 in Occupational Health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Mónica Ortega-Moreno
- Department of Economy, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Guillermo Soriano
- Spanish Association of Specialists in Occupational Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fagundo-Rivera
- Health Sciences Doctorate School, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Nursing Department, Atlântica Health School, Barcarena, Portugal
| | | | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Mansilla Domínguez JM, Font Jiménez I, Belzunegui Eraso A, Peña Otero D, Díaz Pérez D, Recio Vivas AM. Risk Perception of COVID-19 Community Transmission among the Spanish Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8967. [PMID: 33276532 PMCID: PMC7731328 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
On 11 March 2020 the SARS-CoV-2 virus was officially declared a pandemic and measures were set up in various countries to avoid its spread among the population. This paper aims to analyse the perception of risk of COVID-19 infection in the Spanish population. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted with a total of 16,372 Spanish participants. An online survey was used to gather data for 5 consecutive days over the compulsory lockdown period which was established after the state of emergency was declared. There is an association between socio-demographic variables and risk perception, and a very strong relationship between this perception and contact and direct experience with the virus in a family, social or professional setting. We also found that compared to working from home, working outside the home increased the perception of risk of infection and the perception of worsening health. Understanding the public perception of the risk of COVID-19 infection is fundamental for establishing effective prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Mansilla Domínguez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.M.M.D.); (A.M.R.V.)
| | - Isabel Font Jiménez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.M.M.D.); (A.M.R.V.)
| | - Angel Belzunegui Eraso
- Medical Anthropology Research Center, Faculty of Nursing, Rovira i Virgili University, 43002 Tarragona, Spain;
| | - David Peña Otero
- Hospital de Sierrallana, Advisor, Sub-Directorate of Primary Care, Cantabrian Health Service, 39011 Cantabria, Spain;
- Nursing Area, IiSGM Research Institutes Gregorio Marañón, 29007 Madrid, Spain
- Nursing Area, IDIVAL Research Institutes Valdecilla, 39011 Cantabria, Spain
- Respiratory Nursing Department at Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR), 08029 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - David Díaz Pérez
- Respiratory Nursing Department at Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR), 08029 Barcelona, Spain;
- Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery Service of the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, 38010 Tenerife, Spain
- Coordinator of the Respiratory Nursing Department at SEPAR, 08029 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana María Recio Vivas
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.M.M.D.); (A.M.R.V.)
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