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Çelik MY. Children With Disabilities and Their Mothers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Difficulties Experienced. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024; 63:18-31. [PMID: 37036089 PMCID: PMC10086815 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231167382] [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] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the difficulties experienced by disabled children and their mothers due to the necessity of being at home during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) process. The research is a qualitatively prepared phenomenological-type descriptive study. "Content analysis" was used in the analysis of the interview questions. Semi-structured interview technique was used as the data collection method. It was determined that the disabled child lost the skills he learned during the COVID-19 process; his health was adversely affected; there were disruptions in the education process; behavioral problems began; and he experienced social isolation. As a result, it can be said that both children with disabilities and mothers who care for them try to cope with many difficulties during the COVID-19 process and they are left alone and do not receive support during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melike Yavaş Çelik
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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2
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Olff M. Crises in the Anthropocene. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2170818. [PMID: 37052094 PMCID: PMC9930782 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2170818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
2022 was a year of crises, not just one but multiple intersecting crises that caused traumatic stress in billions of people worldwide. COVID-19 is still not over. New wars have started, and the climate change impact is bigger than ever. Will the Anthropocene be an era of continued crises? This past year the European Journal of Psychotraumatology (EJPT) has again tried to contribute to how to prevent or treat the consequences of these major crises as well as other events and we will continue to do so the year to come. For instance, we will have special issues or collections addressing these big issues, such as climate change and traumatic stress, or early intervention after trauma or in times of conflict. In this editorial, we also present the past year's excellent journal metrics regarding reach, impact, and quality and the ESTSS EJPT award finalists for best paper of 2022 and look forward to 2023. 2022 was a year of multiple intersecting crises causing traumatic stress to billions of people around the world. European Journal of Psychotraumatology (EJPT) aims to contribute to how to understand, prevent or treat the consequences of these major crises. EJPT's editorial team again achieved excellent journal metrics regarding reach, impact, and quality in 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, & Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, Netherlands
- Miranda Olff Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, Amsterdam1105 AZ, Netherlands
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3
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Del Casale A, Pileri J, Veneziani G, Napolitano A, Modesti MN, Adriani B, Barchielli B, Parmigiani G, Grassi F, Napoli C, Ferracuti S, Lai C. Facing the Shadow Pandemic: Correlation and Trend Analyses of Violence Reports from Women to the Italian National Anti-Violence Number during 2021. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2272. [PMID: 37628470 PMCID: PMC10454491 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162272] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To help to tackle gender-based violence against women in the aftermath of COVID-19 or other potential crisis situations, as recommended by the European Institute for Gender Equality, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between calls to the National Anti-violence Number (NAN) and the socio-sanitary pandemic factors during 2021, a period in which the scenario changed due to containment measures that gradually allowed women to emerge from the condition of isolation. In addition, the present work aims to identify significant changes in the number of calls to NAN during the progression of the pandemic in 2021. METHODS Using Italian Civil Protection Department data on the socio-sanitary pandemic factors (defined by daily number of cases, swabs, deaths, hospitalizations, dismissions, intensive care unit hospitalizations, people isolated at home, and quarantine after 15 and 30 days) and NAN data. Correlation analyses, a joinpoint regression analysis, and Granger causality tests were performed. RESULTS The number of calls correlated with the daily number of cases, swabs, deaths, hospitalizations, dismissions, intensive care unit hospitalizations, and quarantine after 15 and 30 days. The identified joinpoints showed significant changes in the number of daily anti-violence calls during the year. Furthermore, we found evidence of a significant causality between daily hospitalizations, daily home quarantined, daily dismissed patients, and calls to NAN. CONCLUSIONS The results underline the influence of containment measures on the increased access to NAN, suggesting the need for a greater implementation of social and psychological support services in other potential crisis situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
- Unit of Psychiatry, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Pileri
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
| | - Giorgio Veneziani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
| | - Antonio Napolitano
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare “Bambino Gesù”, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Nicole Modesti
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Adriani
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
| | - Giovanna Parmigiani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
| | - Francesco Grassi
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare “Bambino Gesù”, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Unit of Risk Management, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Unit of Risk Management, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Lai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
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4
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Li L, Neubauer L, Stewart R, Roberts A. Characterizing the Differences in Descriptions of Violence on Reddit During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:9290-9314. [PMID: 36987388 PMCID: PMC10064198 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231163885] [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] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Concerns have been raised over the experiences of violence such as domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media such as Reddit represent an alternative outlet for reporting experiences of violence where healthcare access has been limited. This study analyzed seven violence-related subreddits to investigate the trends of different violence patterns from January 2018 to February 2022 to enhance the health-service providers' existing service or provide some new perspective for existing violence research. Specifically, we collected violence-related texts from Reddit using keyword searching and identified six major types with supervised machine learning classifiers: DV, IPV, physical violence, sexual violence, emotional violence, and nonspecific violence or others. The increase rate (IR) of each violence type was calculated and temporally compared in five phases of the pandemic. The phases include one pre-pandemic phase (Phase 0, the date before February 26, 2020) and four pandemic phases (Phases 1-4) with separation dates of June 17, 2020, September 7, 2020, and June 4, 2021. We found that the number of IPV-related posts increased most in the earliest phase; however, that for COVID-citing IPV was highest in the mid-pandemic phase. IRs for DV, IPV, and emotional violence also showed increases across all pandemic phases, with IRs of 26.9%, 58.8%, and 28.8%, respectively, from the pre-pandemic to the first pandemic phase. In the other three pandemic phases, all the IRs for these three types of violence were positive, though lower than the IRs in the first pandemic phase. The findings highlight the importance of identifying and providing help to those who suffer from such violent experiences and support the role of social media site monitoring as a means of informative surveillance for help-providing authorities and violence research groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert Stewart
- King’s College London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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5
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Ghidei W, Montesanti S, Tomkow K, Silverstone PH, Wells L, Campbell S. Examining the Effectiveness, Acceptability, and Feasibility of Virtually Delivered Trauma-Focused Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Interventions: A Rapid Evidence Assessment. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:1427-1442. [PMID: 35343335 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211069059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rapid shift to virtual delivery of treatment and care to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. A rapid evidence assessment (REA) was undertaken to examine the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of trauma-focused virtual interventions for persons affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. The findings from this review will provide guidance for service providers and organizational leaders with the implementation of virtual domestic violence and sexual violence-focused interventions. The REA included comprehensive search strategies and systematic screening of and relevant articles. Papers were included into this review (1) if they included trauma-focused interventions; (2) if the intervention was delivered virtually; and (3) if the article was published in the English-language. Twenty-one papers met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Findings from the rapid review demonstrate that virtual interventions that incorporate trauma-focused treatment are scarce. Online interventions that incorporate trauma-focused treatment for this at-risk group are limited in scope, and effectiveness data are preliminary in nature. Additionally, there is limited evidence of acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of virtual interventions for ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse populations experiencing domestic violence and sexual violence. Accessing virtual interventions was also highlighted as a barrier to among participants in studies included in the review. Despite the potential of virtual interventions to respond to the needs of individuals affected by domestic violence and/or sexual violence, the acceptability and effectiveness of virtual trauma-focused care for a diverse range of populations at risk of violence are significantly understudied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winta Ghidei
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stephanie Montesanti
- School of Public Health, and Centre for Healthy Communities, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karlee Tomkow
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Lana Wells
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sandra Campbell
- Librarian, Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Lewis L, Augustson C, De Vries G, Gantseva A, Gao Y, Hay J, Latumahina C, Leslie M, Murtagh K, Prasad N, Olorunnisola TS. An Exploration of Australian Online Government Portals for Women Experiencing Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231179209. [PMID: 37282576 PMCID: PMC10251060 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231179209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Domestic violence against women increased during COVID-19 lockdowns. This inaugural study examined the content of Australian government online portals, for women seeking support and help for domestic violence, during the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic. This mixed methods study incorporated four phases: a search; measurement of portal quality standard using DISCERN; enumeration of portal items; and a qualitative exploration of portal text. Australian governments must continue to work alongside domestic violence services as we found some portals were better than others. Continued review, revision, and funding are needed to meet the demands associated with this evolving public health emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Lewis
- Action Research Centre, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia
- School of Nursing, Faculty of health
Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | | - Alla Gantseva
- Action Research Centre, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia
| | - Yifan Gao
- Action Research Centre, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia
| | - Jaimee Hay
- Action Research Centre, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia
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7
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Salgado M, Neves S, Silva E. Professionals' Perspectives on the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Child and Adolescent Victims of Domestic Violence Living in the Portuguese Residential Foster Care System. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105826. [PMID: 37239553 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had several negative impacts on child and adolescent victims of domestic violence, especially on those who lived in the residential foster care system. The main goal of the present study was to understand these negative impacts through the perspectives of professionals in Portuguese residential foster care structures using both individual interviews and an online survey. One hundred and three professionals aged between 22 and 64 years (M = 38.39; SD = 8.34) participated in the online survey (86 females and 17 males). Of those, seven professionals, four females and three males aged between 29 and 49 years (M = 38.43, SD = 7.50), were also interviewed. According to the participants, the conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic contributed adversely not only to the increase in domestic violence against children and adolescents but also to the aggravation of the conditions children and adolescents living in the Portuguese residential foster care system were exposed to, namely concerning family relationships, access to resources and services, and institutional dynamics. The results suggest the necessity to develop standard procedures to cope with pandemic situations in the residential foster care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Salgado
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Maia, 4475-690 Maia, Portugal
| | - Sofia Neves
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Maia, 4475-690 Maia, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center for Gender Studies (ISCSP-ULisbon), 4475-690 Maia, Portugal
| | - Estefânia Silva
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Maia, 4475-690 Maia, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center for Gender Studies (ISCSP-ULisbon), 4475-690 Maia, Portugal
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Liozidou A, Varela V, Vlastos DD, Giogkaraki E, Alzueta E, Perrin PB, Ramos-Usuga D, Arango-Lasprilla JC. Forced social isolation and lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic: depression, anxiety, trauma-distress and coping mechanisms of a Greek sample. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37361299 PMCID: PMC10097449 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-023-01907-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Aim The COVID-19 outbreak escalated into a global pandemic, pushing many governments around the world to impose measures affecting all aspects of life. Similar to other countries, Greece adopted social restriction, lockdowns, and quarantines to reduce transmission from person-to-person. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between social restriction measures, an mental health and coping strategies employed by a Greek adult sample. Subject and methods An online questionnaire was used to collect data during the second national lockdown (February to May 2021). A total of 650 participants (M age 33.13, 71.5% female) comprised the final sample. Results The results show 21.3% of respondents reported moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety, 33% moderate-to-extremely severe depression, 31.8% moderate-to-severe stress, and 38% clinically significant trauma-related distress. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that the strongest contributors to adverse mental health outcomes were being female, of younger age, experiencing increases in verbal arguments at home, being separated from family and close friends, and being unable to afford enough or healthy food. Lastly, participants reported moving away from social support and into more individual strength and resilience-based coping strategies to cope with challenges. Conclusion These findings suggest that in addition to the detrimental effects on physical health, social restriction measures related to COVID-19 also imposed a heavy psychological burden on the population via forced social isolation, which, by design, increased not only physical distancing but also psychological distancing between people. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-023-01907-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia Liozidou
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology, SCG - Scientific College of Greece, Athens, Greece
- Neuropsychology Department, 1st & 2nd Neurology Clinic, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
- Department of Psychology, SCG – Scientific College of Greece in Collaboration with the University of Strasbourg, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Varela
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology, SCG - Scientific College of Greece, Athens, Greece
- Department of Psychology, SCG – Scientific College of Greece in Collaboration with the University of Strasbourg, Athens, Greece
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris D. Vlastos
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology, SCG - Scientific College of Greece, Athens, Greece
- Department of Psychology, SCG – Scientific College of Greece in Collaboration with the University of Strasbourg, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Experimental and Applied Psychology, SCG - Scientific College of Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Erasmia Giogkaraki
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology, SCG - Scientific College of Greece, Athens, Greece
- Department of Psychology, SCG – Scientific College of Greece in Collaboration with the University of Strasbourg, Athens, Greece
| | - Elisabet Alzueta
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA USA
| | - Paul B. Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Daniela Ramos-Usuga
- Biomedical Research Doctorate Program, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
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Pless J, Schroeder E, Blackburn J, Choi YJ. "They Knew They Were Still Safe with Us": Experiences of Domestic Violence Shelter Staff on Survivors' Experiences in Shelter in the Early COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37358983 PMCID: PMC10089817 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00545-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Domestic violence (DV) shelters are an essential service for survivors and their children. While research has demonstrated global increases in DV during COVID-19, little is known about the experiences of DV shelter staff. This study aimed to understand DV shelter staff's experiences and how they navigated the early stages of the pandemic. Methods Researchers disseminated a cross-sectional online survey, first to state DV coalitions and then directly to DV shelters. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used for multiple-choice items, and patterns were identified using thematic analysis for open-ended responses. Results Survey participants included 368 DV staff (180 leadership, 167 direct services, and 21 other roles) from 48 states. They reported little change to their schedules and mixed feelings of shelter preparedness for the pandemic. Participants described shelter methods for preventing the spread of COVID-19, changes in shelter policies and satisfaction with such policies, and the impacts of the pandemic on themselves and survivors. Balancing survivor autonomy with the health and safety of staff and other residents proved to be one of the most consistently challenging tasks. Participants also described how programs adapted to changing regulations and continued to serve survivors throughout this challenging time. Conclusion Several innovative practices were implemented by staff throughout the pandemic, including expansions in technology use and non-residential services. Most reported feeling prepared for a similar crisis in the future. We offer five recommendations for DV shelters and their funders, including increased mental health support for staff and greater transparency in policies for both shelter residents and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Pless
- School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 279 Williams Street, 30605 Athens, GA Greece
| | - Elyssa Schroeder
- School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 279 Williams Street, 30605 Athens, GA Greece
| | - Julianne Blackburn
- School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 279 Williams Street, 30605 Athens, GA Greece
| | - Y. Joon Choi
- School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 279 Williams Street, 30605 Athens, GA Greece
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Thierrée S, Masson J, Lemonnier T, Bouchard JP. Des psychologues empruntent la passerelle vers la médecine. ANNALES MÉDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES, REVUE PSYCHIATRIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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AKSOY SD, ERGİN A, ÖZDEMİR S, BABADAĞLI B. The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women's Mental Helath in Turkey and What these Effects Suggest. KOCAELI ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2023. [DOI: 10.30934/kusbed.1192075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected societies and individuals in all aspects, including mental and physical health. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of COVID 19 pandemic on anxiety and depression levels and related factors in women.
Methods: As a descriptive cross-sectional study, it was conducted with a total of 728 women between December 2020 and March 2021. Data were collected by Google survey using the descriptive information form, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Results: Having concerns about own health had a strong effect on coronavirus-related anxiety (p<0.001, η2 = 0.037) and the anxiety dimension of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) (p<0.001, η2 = 0.098). Marital relationships had a strong effect on HADS depression dimension scores (p<0.001, η2 = 0.067).
Conclusion: The younger women, those who had problematic marital relationship and those who were exposed to domestic violence had higher anxiety and depression scores. Relevant measures should be taken to reduce the concerns of more risky groups, especially women, in the health system and should be considered in future planning on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayla ERGİN
- KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
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12
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Leigh JK, Peña LD, Anurudran A, Pai A. "Are you safe to talk?": Perspectives of Service Providers on Experiences of Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023; 38:215-225. [PMID: 35068672 PMCID: PMC8759221 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00359-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to better understand the factors driving reported trends in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the effect of the pandemic on survivors' experiences of violence and ability to seek support. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 32 DV service providers operating in organizations across 24 U.S. cities. The majority of providers described a decrease in contact volume when shelter-in-place orders were first established, which they attributed to safety concerns, competing survival priorities, and miscommunication about what resources were available. For most organizations, this decrease was followed by an increase in contacts after the lifting of shelter-in-place orders, often surpassing typical contact counts from the pre-pandemic period. Providers identified survivors' ability to return to some aspects of their pre-pandemic lives, increased stress levels, and increased lethality of cases as key factors driving this increase. In addition, providers described several unique challenges faced by DV survivors during the pandemic, such as the use of the virus as an additional tool for control by abusers and an exacerbated lack of social support. These findings provide insight into the lived experiences driving observed trends in DV rates during COVID-19. Understanding the impact of the pandemic on survivors can help to shape public health and policy interventions to better support this vulnerable population during future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny K. Leigh
- Present Address: COVID-19 Task Force On Domestic Violence, 1629 K Street, NW #300, Washington DC, 20006 USA
- Department of Sociology, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Lita Danielle Peña
- Present Address: COVID-19 Task Force On Domestic Violence, 1629 K Street, NW #300, Washington DC, 20006 USA
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Ashri Anurudran
- Present Address: COVID-19 Task Force On Domestic Violence, 1629 K Street, NW #300, Washington DC, 20006 USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Anant Pai
- Present Address: COVID-19 Task Force On Domestic Violence, 1629 K Street, NW #300, Washington DC, 20006 USA
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13
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Moulin F, Jean F, Melchior M, Patanè M, Pinucci I, Sijbrandij M, van der Waerden J, Galéra C. Longitudinal impact of the COVID19 pandemic on mental health in a general population sample in France: Evidence from the COMET Study. J Affect Disord 2023; 320:275-283. [PMID: 36191642 PMCID: PMC9525187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To study the longitudinal impact of co-occurring mental health problems, and to identify vulnerable groups in need of mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Analyses were based on data from 681 French participants in the international COVID-19 Mental Health Study, collected at four times (05/2020-04/2021). Symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the PTSD Check List for DSM-5. We performed k-means for longitudinal data to build trajectories of adults' depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms and identify subgroups psychologically vulnerable. We then assessed whether mental health trajectories were predicted by lockdown regulations. RESULTS A high and a low cluster of mental health scores were identified. In both groups, mental health scores varied significantly across time. Levels of all mental health scores were lowest when COVID-19-related restrictions were lifted and highest when restrictions were in place, except for PTSD. No scores returned to the previous level or the initial level of mental health (p < 0.05). Participants with high levels of symptoms were characterized by younger age (OR: 0.98, 95 % CI: 0.97-0.99), prior history of mental disorders (OR: 3.46, 95 % CI: 2.07-5.82), experience of domestic violence (OR: 10.54, 95 % CI: 1.54-20.68) and medical issues (OR: 2.16, 95 % CI: 1.14-4.03). LIMITATIONS Pre-pandemic data were not available and the sample was recruited mainly by snowball sampling. CONCLUSION This study revealed subtle differences in the evolution of symptom trajectories during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, and highlighted several characteristics associated with the two clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flore Moulin
- University of Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM U 1219, Bordeaux, France.
| | - François Jean
- University of Bordeaux, France; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Calais Hospital, Calais, France; Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM U 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maria Melchior
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale (ERES), Paris, France
| | - Martina Patanè
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, and Amsterdam Public Health Institute, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Irene Pinucci
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, and Amsterdam Public Health Institute, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, and Amsterdam Public Health Institute, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith van der Waerden
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale (ERES), Paris, France
| | - Cédric Galéra
- University of Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM U 1219, Bordeaux, France; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Bordeaux, France.
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14
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Erez G, Yakubovich S, Sadeh H, Shoval G, Schoen G, Meiri G, Hertz-Palmor N, Butler T, Barzilai Y, Mosheva M, Gothelf D, Bloch Y. Pediatric psychiatric emergency rooms during COVID-19: a multi-center study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:828. [PMID: 36575441 PMCID: PMC9793352 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04371-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been a major stressor for the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. Surveys and reports from hotlines indicate a significant rise in mental health problems. As the psychiatric emergency room (ER) is a first-line free-of-charge facility for psychiatric emergencies, we expected to see a significant increase in visits, specifically of new patients suffering from anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders. METHODS Data from two psychiatric hospital ERs and one general hospital were included. All visits of children and adolescents from the computerized files between March and December of 2019 were analyzed anonymously and compared to the same months in 2020, using multilevel linear modeling. RESULTS There was a significant decline in the total number of visits (p = .017), specifically among those diagnosed as suffering from stress-related, anxiety, and mood disorder groups (p = .017), and an incline in the proportion of visits of severe mental disorders (p = .029). DISCUSSION The limited use of child and adolescent psychiatric emergency facilities during the pandemic highlights the importance of tele-psychiatry as part of emergency services. It also suggests the importance of the timeline of the emergence of clinically relevant new psychiatric diagnoses related to the pandemic. Future studies are needed to establish the long-term effects of the pandemic and the expeditious use of tele-psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galit Erez
- grid.415607.10000 0004 0631 0384Shalvata Mental Health Center and Tel Aviv University, Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | - Sol Yakubovich
- grid.415607.10000 0004 0631 0384Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | - Hadar Sadeh
- grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva, Israel
| | - Gal Shoval
- grid.415340.70000 0004 0403 0450Geha Mental Health Center and Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Gila Schoen
- grid.415340.70000 0004 0403 0450Geha Mental Health Center and Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Gal Meiri
- grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva, Israel
| | - Nimrod Hertz-Palmor
- grid.413795.d0000 0001 2107 2845Sheba Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tali Butler
- grid.415739.d0000 0004 0631 7092Ziv Medical Center (Safed) and Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Yael Barzilai
- grid.415607.10000 0004 0631 0384Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | - Mariela Mosheva
- grid.413795.d0000 0001 2107 2845Sheba Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Doron Gothelf
- grid.413795.d0000 0001 2107 2845Sheba Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yuval Bloch
- Shalvata Mental Health Center and Tel Aviv University, Hod Hasharon, Israel.
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15
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Demir M, Park S. The Effect of COVID-19 on Domestic Violence and Assaults. CRIMINAL JUSTICE REVIEW 2022; 47:445-463. [PMID: 36471858 PMCID: PMC9638506 DOI: 10.1177/07340168211061160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of COVID-19 on four outcomes including calls for service for domestic violence, calls for service for assaults, arrests for domestic violence, and arrests for assaults in Burlington, Vermont. The data for each outcome collected over the time periods January 2012 through May 2021 were obtained from the Burlington Police Department website and then a monthly time-series data set were created. The analyses including an independent samples t-test, a Poisson regression test, and a monthly interrupted time-series analyses (ITSA) were employed to test the effects of COVID-19 on the previously mentioned outcomes. The results of the ITSA showed that in the first month following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence calls statistically significantly increased, but no statistically significant change was observed in domestic violence arrests, while assault calls and assault arrests statistically significantly decreased. In addition, during COVID-19, there was a statistically significant decreasing trend in domestic violence calls and domestic violence arrests, while there was no statistically significant change in the trends of assault calls and assault arrests. The results suggest that COVID-19 had an immediate as well as a persistent effect on the numbers of domestic violence and assaults. The results and limitations of this study were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Demir
- Criminal Justice Department, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, USA
- Mustafa Demir, Criminal Justice Department, SUNY at Plattsburgh, 101 Broad St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, USA.
| | - Suyeon Park
- Criminal Justice Department, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, USA
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16
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Coomans A, Kühling-Romero D, van Deuren S, van Dijk M, van de Weijer S, Blokland A, Eichelsheim V. Stay Home, Stay Safe? The Impact of the COVID-19 Restrictions on the Prevalence, Nature, and Type of Reporter of Domestic Violence in the Netherlands. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2022; 38:1-17. [PMID: 36467304 PMCID: PMC9702911 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00473-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Insecurities and social isolation resulting from the COVID-19 restrictions, may have elevated tensions at home, consequently increasing the risk of domestic violence. The present study aims to examine changes in the prevalence, nature, and type of reporter of domestic violence following the various restrictions implemented to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Netherlands. Methods All official domestic violence reports recorded by the 26 Dutch domestic violence agencies in 2019 and 2020 were collected and analyzed. Time-series forecasting analyses, using a SARIMAX model, were conducted to predict the trend of domestic violence reports during the first lockdown and to compare the predicted trend with the observed trend. Results The observed trend of the registered prevalence of domestic violence did not substantially differ from the predicted trend based on pre-pandemic data. Similarly, findings regarding the nature of domestic violence suggest no clear divergence of pre-pandemic trends during the lockdown period. Nonetheless, a shift was found from professional reporters (e.g., the police) to non-professional reporters (e.g., neighbors). Conclusions The prevalence of domestic violence reports in the Netherlands did not increase. However, the COVID-19 restrictions may have led citizens, especially neighbors, to detect domestic violence more often.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Coomans
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Criminology, Faculty of Law, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - David Kühling-Romero
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sjoukje van Deuren
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Criminology, Faculty of Law, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Meintje van Dijk
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Criminology, Faculty of Law, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Steve van de Weijer
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arjan Blokland
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Veroni Eichelsheim
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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17
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Tomas N, Rupare G. Nursing students’ perception on their readiness to combat gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health SA 2022; 27:1968. [DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v27i0.1968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a critical public health concern, demanding for global coordinated efforts. While nursing students form part of a healthcare team with significant roles in identifying and responding to abused victims, studies assessing their readiness to combat GBV are limited in Namibia.Aim: To assess undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions and to determine the relationship of the study variables to readiness to combat GBV during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Namibia.Setting: This study was conducted at a university satellite campus in Namibia.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 105 third and fourth-year undergraduate nursing students using ADKAR model. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 27.0, for descriptive statistics and logistic regression in determining relationships between study variables.Results: The study results show a mean readiness of 1.65 ± 0.19. Most respondents perceived themselves ready (73.3%), whereas 26.7% were not. Readiness was common with reinforcement (89.5%) and awareness (84.8%), knowledge (81.9%) and desire (76.2%) subscales. Predictors of readiness in this study were gender and age (R2 = 0.40; R2 = 0.37; p ≤ 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study highlight that age and gender were significant predictors for readiness among the undergraduate students in Namibia. The results highlight the importance of GBV education in a nursing curriculum. A qualitative design is recommended for future studies.Contribution: The results of this study will support global efforts in strengthening the health system response on GBV incidences.
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18
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Oswald DL, Kaugars AS, Tait M. American Women's Experiences With Intimate Partner Violence during the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk Factors and Mental Health Implications. Violence Against Women 2022; 29:1419-1440. [PMID: 35989667 PMCID: PMC9398889 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221117597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In an online survey, women self-reported high prevalence of intimate partner
violence during the early days of the pandemic. Risk factors for experiencing
intimate partner violence (IPV) included having a child under the age of 18,
being a sexual minority, living in a rural community, and stressors related to
healthcare access, income/employment stress, and COVID-19 exposure or illness.
Women who worked during the pandemic and were older were less likely to
experience IPV. Women who reported IPV also reported increased anxiety and
depression. The results are discussed in terms of clinical and policy
implications for supporting women who are victims of IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary Tait
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, WI, USA
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19
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Adolescent Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of the Impact of the Pandemic on Developmental Milestones. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12070220. [PMID: 35877290 PMCID: PMC9311591 DOI: 10.3390/bs12070220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This review explores the literature regarding the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the navigation of developmental milestones among adolescents, specifically those in late adolescence, across several domains of their lives. The exploration is contextualized globally, focusing on five key areas: mental health, physical health, education, peer relationships, and family relationships. Implications for practice and interventions are explored in each key area to provide recommendations for those working with adolescents, as well as future research. The changes brought about by the pandemic and the readjustment to what some have referred to as the “new normalcy” will undoubtedly have lasting effects on all areas of life for this cohort of adolescents, who have shown remarkable resilience navigating this new and unfamiliar world. These changes are synthesized, with the aim to highlight differences and similarities of the shared experiences of the pandemic globally. After exploring the current realities, this chapter goes on to outline the ways in which the experience of such a significant developmental period of one’s life during the COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on adolescents for years to come. Although it is still impossible to comprehend the long-term effects, in examining proximal effects, we can postulate distal implications and potential future effects, as well as possible ways to mitigate these implications as we transition back to more of what was experienced pre-pandemic life, from a post-pandemic experience.
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20
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Williams S, Bruer KC, Evans AD, Price HL. The impact of COVID-19 on Canadian child maltreatment workers. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2022; 138:106492. [PMID: 35400775 PMCID: PMC8983073 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As cases of child maltreatment become an increasing concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, the perspectives of those charged with protecting and supporting children and families is an important area of inquiry. We sought to examine the experiences of child maltreatment workers during the first wave of the pandemic (i.e., May-July 2020). We specifically aimed to examine child maltreatment experiences related to the following: (1) their work practices during the pandemic, (2) their perceived safety during the pandemic, and (3) their perceptions on the safety of the children and families with whom they work. A total of 106 child maltreatment investigators and forensic interviewers provided responses to a national survey disseminated across Canada. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected through a survey management program. The survey combined both open-ended and forced choice questions to gather perspectives on respondents' experiences. More than half (67%) reported a reduction in their caseloads during the pandemic (May-July 2020) and continued in-person interviews, with the use of preventative health measures (i.e., PPE, physical distancing, gloves). Most respondents reported elevated stress levels and similarly high stress levels amongst the children and families to whom they provide services. Overall, our findings highlight both how child maltreatment investigators have adapted to preventative measures and the continuing areas of weakness where further supports are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna Williams
- Faculty of Education, McGill University, Room 614, Education Building, 3700 McTavish Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y2, Canada
| | - Kaila C Bruer
- Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
- Luther College, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Angela D Evans
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A, Canada
| | - Heather L Price
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Thompson Rivers University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
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21
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Butter S, Murphy J, Hyland P, McBride O, Shevlin M, Hartman TK, Bennett K, Gibson-Miller J, Levita L, Martinez AP, Mason L, McKay R, Stocks TVA, Vallières F, Bentall RP. Modelling the complexity of pandemic-related lifestyle quality change and mental health: an analysis of a nationally representative UK general population sample. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1247-1260. [PMID: 34913985 PMCID: PMC8674524 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02210-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way many individuals go about their daily lives. This study attempted to model the complexity of change in lifestyle quality as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its context within the UK adult population. METHODS Data from the COVID-19 Psychological Research Consortium Study (Wave 3, July 2020; N = 1166) were utilised. A measure of COVID-19-related lifestyle change captured how individuals' lifestyle quality had been altered as a consequence of the pandemic. Exploratory factor analysis and latent profile analysis were used to identify distinct lifestyle quality change subgroups, while multinomial logistic regression analysis was employed to describe class membership. RESULTS Five lifestyle dimensions, reflecting partner relationships, health, family and friend relations, personal and social activities, and work life, were identified by the EFA, and seven classes characterised by distinct patterns of change across these dimensions emerged from the LPA: (1) better overall (3.3%), (2) worse except partner relations (6.0%), (3) worse overall (2.5%), (4) better relationships (9.5%), (5) better except partner relations (4.3%), (6) no different (67.9%), and (7) worse partner relations only (6.5%). Predictor variables differentiated membership of classes. Notably, classes 3 and 7 were associated with poorer mental health (COVID-19 related PTSD and suicidal ideation). CONCLUSIONS Four months into the pandemic, most individuals' lifestyle quality remained largely unaffected by the crisis. Concerningly however, a substantial minority (15%) experienced worsened lifestyles compared to before the pandemic. In particular, a pronounced deterioration in partner relations seemed to constitute the more severe pandemic-related lifestyle change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Butter
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield, S1 2LT, England.
| | - Jamie Murphy
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Orla McBride
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Todd K Hartman
- Sheffield Methods Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England
| | - Kate Bennett
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Jilly Gibson-Miller
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield, S1 2LT, England
| | - Liat Levita
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield, S1 2LT, England
| | - Anton P Martinez
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield, S1 2LT, England
| | - Liam Mason
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, England
| | - Ryan McKay
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, England
| | - Thomas V A Stocks
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield, S1 2LT, England
| | | | - Richard P Bentall
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield, S1 2LT, England
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22
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Ertl MM, Trapp SK, Alzueta E, Baker FC, Perrin PB, Caffarra S, Yüksel D, Ramos-Usuga D, Arango-Lasprilla JC. Trauma-Related Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic In 59 Countries. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2022; 50:306-334. [PMID: 37636332 PMCID: PMC10457097 DOI: 10.1177/00110000211068112] [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] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended life like few other events in modern history, with differential impacts on varying population groups. This study examined trauma-related distress among 6,882 adults ages 18 to 94 years old in 59 countries during April to May 2020. More than two-thirds of participants reported clinically significant trauma-related distress. Increased distress was associated with unemployment; identifying as transgender, nonbinary, or a cisgender woman; being from a higher income country; current symptoms and positive diagnosis of COVID-19; death of a loved one; restrictive government-imposed isolation; financial difficulties; and food insecurity. Other factors associated with distress included working with potentially infected individuals, care needs at home, a difficult transition to working from home, conflict in the home, separation from loved ones, and event restrictions. Latin American and Caribbean participants reported more trauma-related distress than participants from Europe and Central Asia. Findings inform treatment efforts and highlight the need to address trauma-related distress to avoid long-term mental health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M. Ertl
- University at Albany-State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | | | - Elisabet Alzueta
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fiona C. Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paul B. Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sendy Caffarra
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | | | - Daniela Ramos-Usuga
- BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla
- BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
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23
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Pérez YM, Gama A, Pedro AR, de Carvalho MJL, Guerreiro AE, Duarte V, Quintas J, Aguiar P, Keygnaert I, Dias S. The links of stress, substance use and socio-demographic factors with domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic in Portugal. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022:6551086. [PMID: 35312006 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lockdown, as a measure implemented to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, left many domestic violence (DV) victims trapped with their abusers. This study intends to explore the links between perceived stress, substance use and socio-demographic factors with DV experiences during COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 1062 participants over 16 years old, residing in Portugal. Data were collected through an online survey conducted between April and October 2020. The associations between potential factors and DV were investigated using bivariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS The prevalence of DV reported was 13.75% (n = 146), disaggregated into psychological violence (13%, n = 138), sexual violence (1.0%, n = 11) and physical violence (0.9%, n = 10). Multivariable analyses confirmed that perceived financial difficulties (OR = 1.608; P = 0.019), use of medications to sleep or calm down (OR = 1.851; P = 0.002) and perceived stress (OR = 2.443; P = 0.003) were responsible for DV exposure during COVID-19 pandemic. Younger age (<25 years old) and consumption of alcohol were associated with a higher risk of DV victimization. CONCLUSIONS Interventions aimed at preventing and confronting DV are necessary within the strategies to combat COVID-19 in Portugal, especially aimed at groups in vulnerable situations, during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilian M Pérez
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Gama
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal.,Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana R Pedro
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal.,Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria J L de Carvalho
- CICS.NOVA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences, 1070-312 Lisbon, Portugal.,NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), 1069-061 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana E Guerreiro
- University Institute of Maia (ISMAI), 4475-690 Maia, Portugal.,School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Duarte
- CICS.NOVA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences, 1070-312 Lisbon, Portugal.,University Institute of Maia (ISMAI), 4475-690 Maia, Portugal
| | - Jorge Quintas
- School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.,CJS, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Crime, Justice and Security, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Aguiar
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal.,Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ines Keygnaert
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,WHO Collaborating Centre: International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Centre for Social Studies on Migration and Refugees (CESSMIR), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sónia Dias
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal.,Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
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24
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Esposito M, Salerno M, Scoto E, Di Nunno N, Sessa F. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Practice of Forensic Medicine: An Overview. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020319. [PMID: 35206933 PMCID: PMC8871677 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, forensic sciences, on the one hand, contributed to gaining knowledge about different aspects of the pandemic, while on the other hand, forensic professionals were called on to quickly adapt their activities to respond adequately to the changes imposed by the pandemic. This review aims to clarify the state of the art in forensic medicine at the time of COVID-19, discussing the following: the influence of external factors on forensic activities, the impact of autopsy practice on COVID-19 and vice-versa, the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in post-mortem samples, forensic personnel activities during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the global vaccination program and forensic sciences, forensic undergraduate education during and after the imposed COVID-19 lockdown, and the medico-legal implications in medical malpractice claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly influenced different aspects of human life, and, accordingly, the practical activities of forensic sciences that are defined as multidisciplinary, involving different expertise. Indeed, the activities are very different, including crime scene investigation (CSI), external examination, autopsy, and genetic and toxicological examinations of tissues and/or biological fluids. At the same time, forensic professionals may have direct contact with subjects in life, such as in the case of abuse victims (in some cases involving children), collecting biological samples from suspects, or visiting subjects in the case of physical examinations. In this scenario, forensic professionals are called on to implement methods to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, wearing adequate PPE, and working in environments with a reduced risk of infection. Consequently, in the pandemic era, the costs involved for forensic sciences were substantially increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Edmondo Scoto
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-881-736926
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Nowrouzi-Kia B, Osipenko L, Eftekhar P, Othman N, Alotaibi S, Schuster AM, Sun Suh H, Duncan A. The early impact of the global lockdown on post-secondary students and staff: A global, descriptive study. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221074480. [PMID: 35096392 PMCID: PMC8793123 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221074480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to gain a preliminary, broad-level understanding of how the first lockdown impacted post-secondary students, faculty, and staff worldwide. Methods: The data were obtained via a global online cross-sectional questionnaire survey using a mixed-method design and disseminated to university students, faculty, and staff from April to November 2020. The data were categorized in four themes/categories: (1) social life and relationships, (2) access to services, (3) health experiences, and (4) impact on mental health well-being. Results: The survey included 27,804 participants from 121 countries and 6 continents. The majority of participants were from Europe (73.6%), female (59.2%), under 30 years of age (64.0%), living in large urban areas (61.3%), %), and from middle-income families (66.7%). Approximately 28.4% of respondents reported that the lockdown negatively impacted their social life, while 21.2% reported the lockdown had a positive impact. A total of 39.2% reported having issues accessing products or services, including essentials, such as groceries, or medical services. In addition, respondents reported an increase in stress and anxiety levels and a decrease in quality of life during the first 2 weeks of the lockdown. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures had an evident impact on the lives of post-secondary students, faculty, and staff. Further research is required to inform and improve policies to support these populations at both institutional and national levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute – University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leeza Osipenko
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (KITE) – University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Parvin Eftekhar
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (KITE) – University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nasih Othman
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sultan Alotaibi
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
- Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- The LockedDown Project, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | | | - Hae Sun Suh
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Andrea Duncan
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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26
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Cao C, Wang L, Fang R, Liu P, Bi Y, Luo S, Grace E, Olff M. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms among high school students in china in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. J Affect Disord 2022; 296:126-129. [PMID: 34601299 PMCID: PMC8456154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms, and associated risk factors among a large-scale sample of adolescents from China after the pandemic and lockdown. METHOD A total of 57,948 high school students took part in an online survey from July 13 to 29, 2020. The mental health outcomes included anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. Risk factors included negative family relationships, COVID-19 related exposure, and a lack of social support. RESULTS The prevalence of anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms was 7.1%, 12.8%, and 16.9%, respectively. COVID-19 related exposure significantly linked to the mental health outcomes (all p < .001). The most important predictors for the mental health outcomes were family relationship and social support (all p < .001). CONCLUSION The pandemic may have long-term adverse mental health consequences among adolescents. Adverse family relationships and lack of social support could be the major risk factors for the post-pandemic mental health outcomes of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengqi Cao
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Ruojiao Fang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Liu
- People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Shichuan, China
| | - Yajie Bi
- People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Shichuan, China
| | - Shu Luo
- People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Shichuan, China
| | - Emma Grace
- Department of International Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC, USA
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Diemen, the Netherlands
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López G, Bogen KW, Meza-Lopez RJ, Nugent NR, Orchowski LM. #DomesticViolence During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: An Analysis of Public Commentary via Twitter. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221115024. [PMID: 35923758 PMCID: PMC9340387 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221115024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study sought to characterize commentary regarding intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic via the Twitter hashtags #DomesticAbuse and #DomesticViolence. A sample of 481 original, English-language tweets containing the hashtag #DomesticAbuse or #DomesticViolence posted across five consecutive weekdays from March 22 to March 27, 2020-during which many places were enacting lockdown mandates-was examined using thematic content analyses. Overall, Twitter users commented on potential increased rates of IPV, while adding details about abuse tactics that could be employed by perpetrators during the pandemic. Additionally, Twitter users disclosed personal experiences of IPV victimization. Four themes were identified, including (1) type of domestic violence (i.e. whether the violence was COVID-specific or general domestic violence), (2) commentary about IPV (i.e. general reflections, decentralizing and centralizing survivorhood), (3) perpetrator tactic (i.e. abuse tactic used by the perpetrator), and (4) institutions responsible (i.e. institutions responsible for providing services to survivors). Overall, the commentary on Twitter reflected an effort to raise awareness and share informational aid for potential victims/survivors of IPV. Data highlight the potential of social media networks in conveniently facilitating the sharing and spreading of useful resources to other users. Future research should examine whether resources shared via Twitter reach individuals who need them and empower individuals to garner support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela López
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Behavioral and Social
Sciences, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Nicole R Nugent
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown
University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lindsay M Orchowski
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown
University, Providence, RI, USA
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Abstract
UNLABELLED A recent scandal in the Netherlands painfully underscored that sexual harassment and abuse are unfortunately still happening around the world, even after decades of advocacy on this issue and five years of #MeToo. To make progress in prevention and treatment we argue that we should address sexual violence from a public health perspective. Fruthermore, looking back on the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic was the dominant and potentially traumatic stressor affecting large populations around the world. Another big topic was that of the impact of climate change, we are only beginning to realize its impact on stress across the globe. The European Journal of Psychotraumatology (EJPT), with its increasing global readership and scientific and social impact, is focusing on the traumatic stress aspects of these and many other events. Relatedly, neurobiological aspects are an important and growing focus of the journal in that they help us better understand the mechanisms behind the development of trauma-related disorders and their treatment. In this editorial, we present recent trends, new Open Science developments, journal metrics, the plans and themes for next year and the ESTSS EJPT award winners for best paper of 2021. HIGHLIGHTS Next years' research focus should be on sexual violence from a public health lens, climate change, and neurobiologal aspects of trauma-related disorders. The European Journal of Psychotraumatology (EJPT) calls or papers on these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience & Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, Netherlands
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29
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Savitsky B, Radomislensky I, Goldman S, Kaim A, Bodas M. The surfacing portion of the Iceberg of the Domestic Violence Phenomenon-data from the Israeli National Trauma Registry. Isr J Health Policy Res 2021; 10:69. [PMID: 34857052 PMCID: PMC8637030 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-021-00499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Domestic violence against women, which is an ancient phenomenon, is still thriving worldwide. The burden of domestic violence that is non-fatal on scene and its consequences in Israel are unknown. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence-based data regarding domestic violence-related hospitalizations among women in Israel. Methods The study is a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients included in the Israeli National Trauma Registry between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2020. All women aged 14 and older, hospitalized due to a violence-related injury in one of the six-level I Trauma Centers or one of the 15 regional Trauma Centers in Israel were included (n = 676). Results Domestic violence contributes to moderate, severe, and critical injuries in a quarter of abused hospitalized women. Among these women, 20% underwent surgery, and in-hospital mortality was recorded for 2% of the patients. For most cases (53%), the spouse or ex-spouse caused the injury. The family relationship with the perpetrator was distributed differently between the population groups. The proportion of brothers who attacked sisters was greatest among Arabs (14.4%), while the phenomenon of attacking a mother was infrequent in the Arab sub-group. In contrast, among Jewish women, the proportion of those injured by a son was high, especially among the group of Jewish immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) (17%) and other countries (26%). In a multivariable logistic regression model with at least moderate injury as a dependent variable, in comparison to Israeli Arabs, Jews had a higher odds for sustaining at least moderate injuries, while the odds of Jewish immigrants not from FSU or Ethiopia were the highest (OR = 4.5, 95% CI 2.0–9.9). The annual hospitalization risk was 1.3/100,000 and 5.8/100,000, respectively for Jews and Arabs in 2020, almost fivefold higher among Arab women in comparison to Jewish women (RR = 4.6, 95% CI 2.9–7.3). Conclusions Domestic violence prevention should pay special attention to populations at risk, such as Arab women and new immigrants, as those women are especially vulnerable and often without sufficient family support and lack of economic resources to exit the trap of domestic violence. The collaboration between social and health services, the police, and the local authorities is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bella Savitsky
- Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Public Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel. .,School of Health Sciences, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel.
| | - Irina Radomislensky
- Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Public Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Sharon Goldman
- Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Public Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Arielle Kaim
- Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Public Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Disaster Management, School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Moran Bodas
- Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Public Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Disaster Management, School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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30
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Williamson RE, Hoeboer CM, Primasari I, Qing Y, Coimbra BM, Hovnanyan A, Grace E, Olff M. Symptom networks of COVID-19-related versus other potentially traumatic events in a global sample. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 84:102476. [PMID: 34560583 PMCID: PMC8423664 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The potential mental health consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are widely acknowledged; however, limited research exists regarding the nature and patterns of stress responses to COVID-19-related potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and the convergence/divergence with responses to other (non-COVID-19-related) PTEs. Network analysis can provide a useful method for evaluating and comparing these symptom structures. The present study includes 7034 participants from 86 countries who reported on mental health symptoms associated with either a COVID-19-related PTE (n = 1838) or other PTE (n = 5196). Using network analysis, we compared the centrality and connections of symptoms within and between each group. Overall, results show that the COVID-19-related network includes transdiagnostic symptom associations similar to networks tied to PTEs unrelated to the pandemic. Findings provide evidence for a shared centrality of depression across networks and theoretically consistent connections between symptoms. Network differences included stronger connections between avoidance-derealization and hypervigilance-depression in the COVID-19 network. Present findings support the conceptualization of psychological responses to pandemic-related PTEs as a network of highly interconnected symptoms and support the use of a transdiagnostic approach to the assessment and treatment of mental health challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Williamson
- University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States,Correspondence to: University of Montana, Department of Psychology, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, Montana, 59812
| | - Chris M. Hoeboer
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Indira Primasari
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
| | - Yulan Qing
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno M. Coimbra
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ani Hovnanyan
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova, UNIPD), Italy
| | - Emma Grace
- Department of International Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
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Saleem GT, Fitzpatrick JM, Haider MN, Valera EM. COVID-19-induced surge in the severity of gender-based violence might increase the risk for acquired brain injuries. SAGE Open Med 2021; 9:20503121211050197. [PMID: 34707866 PMCID: PMC8543566 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211050197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While initial reports have emphasized a global rise in the frequency of intimate partner violence following COVID-19, emerging data are now showing a concerning surge in the severity of COVID-19-induced physical intimate partner violence. One of the most dangerous, frequent, yet hidden consequences of severe physical intimate partner violence is acquired brain injury, including repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and hypoxic brain injury. Although the increase in high-risk physical abuse during COVID-19 is gaining recognition, what still remains absent is the urgent discussion on intimate partner violence-related acquired brain injury during these times. The potential analogous surge in intimate partner violence-related acquired brain injury may have implications for both healthcare providers and healthcare actions/policies as repeated brain injuries have been associated with residual functional deficits and chronic disability. In addition, even in the pre-pandemic times, intimate partner violence-related acquired brain injury is likely unrecognized and/or misclassified due to overlap in symptoms with other comorbid disorders. This review aimed to raise awareness about intimate partner violence-related acquired brain injury within the context of COVID-19. Health actions and policies that should be considered as part of the pandemic response to minimize adverse outcomes associated with intimate partner violence-related acquired brain injury have also been discussed.
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32
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Ghibu S, Juncan AM, Rus LL, Frum A, Dobrea CM, Chiş AA, Gligor FG, Morgovan C. The Particularities of Pharmaceutical Care in Improving Public Health Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9776. [PMID: 34574698 PMCID: PMC8468206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, humanity is confronted with one of the most difficult challenges. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified for the first time in Hubei, China in December 2019 and produced the COVID-19 pandemic, a devastating disease that led to many complications and deaths. The authorities and the global healthcare system have been alerted regarding the prevention and treatment of this pathology. Even though worldwide quarantine was declared, health care professionals, including pharmacists, have been at the frontline in this war. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the authorities relied on the involvement of the community, hospital, or clinical pharmacists in offering support to the entire population. Also, the authorities implemented measures for emergency authorization of the vaccines, or the drugs used in COVID-19 treatment. In order to facilitate the population's access to healthcare services, the authorities have established regulations regarding, the extension of prescriptions by pharmacists, working hours, prevention of shortages and price-increase, drive-thru services, etc. However, several countries have taken financial measures to support the pharmacies' activity. At the same time, pharmaceutical associations elaborated guidelines for the protection of pharmacists and patients alike. Additionally, the pharmacies have come to support the health system and patients by adapting pharmaceutical care to the new needs like preparation and supply of disinfectants, patient care, information, and counseling, especially to COVID-19 patients, as well as the implementation of home drugs-delivery systems. The important roles played by pharmacists were to perform COVID-19 tests and further vaccines, as well as to combat the abundance of misinformation and fake news. The clinical and hospital pharmacy services have also been adapted. Strengthening the role of the pharmacist in the medical team was important for the purpose of providing correct and complete information regarding drugs used in the COVID-19 pathology. In all these activities, pharmacists needed creativity and professionalism, but also the support of pharmacy owners and managers. With this crisis, pharmaceutical care has entered a new phase, demonstrating the ability of pharmacists to be competent and accessible providers of public health. Based on this information, we conducted a narrative review whose purpose was to identify the impact of the authorities' decisions on pharmaceutical practice, the involvement of professional associations, and the responsibilities of the pharmacy owners and management. On the other hand, we performed a global assessment on the pharmaceutical care services provided by community pharmacists as well as by clinical or hospital pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steliana Ghibu
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6A Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Anca Maria Juncan
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania; (A.M.J.); (L.L.R.); (A.F.); (C.M.D.); (F.G.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Luca Liviu Rus
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania; (A.M.J.); (L.L.R.); (A.F.); (C.M.D.); (F.G.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Adina Frum
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania; (A.M.J.); (L.L.R.); (A.F.); (C.M.D.); (F.G.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Carmen Maximiliana Dobrea
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania; (A.M.J.); (L.L.R.); (A.F.); (C.M.D.); (F.G.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Adriana Aurelia Chiş
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania; (A.M.J.); (L.L.R.); (A.F.); (C.M.D.); (F.G.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Felicia Gabriela Gligor
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania; (A.M.J.); (L.L.R.); (A.F.); (C.M.D.); (F.G.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Claudiu Morgovan
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 2A Lucian Blaga St., 550169 Sibiu, Romania; (A.M.J.); (L.L.R.); (A.F.); (C.M.D.); (F.G.G.); (C.M.)
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Smyth C, Cullen P, Breckenridge J, Cortis N, valentine K. COVID-19 lockdowns, intimate partner violence and coercive control. THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES 2021; 56:359-373. [PMID: 34188336 PMCID: PMC8222883 DOI: 10.1002/ajs4.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
2020 was a year like no other, with the COVID-19 virus upending life as we know it. When governments around the world imposed lockdown measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, advocates in the domestic and family violence (DFV) sector recognised that these measures were likely to result in increases in violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, coercive controlling behaviours, surveillance and isolation tactics. Lockdown conditions provide fertile ground for the exercise of coercive control by encouraging people to stay at home, limiting social interactions to household members, reducing mobility and enabling perpetrators to closely monitor their partner's movements. However, media reports and awareness of IPV are generally dominated by a focus on physical violence and lethality, which are easily defined and measured. By contrast, coercive control as a concept is difficult to operationalise, measure and action in law, policy and frontline interventions. This paper discusses the challenges inherent in measuring coercive control and engages with current debates around the criminalisation of coercive control in NSW. Such reflection is timely as the conditions of COVID-19 lockdowns are likely to lead to an increase in coercive controlling behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Smyth
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRCUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Patricia Cullen
- School of Population Health UNSW SydneyUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- The George Institute for Global Health UNSW SydneyUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Ngarruwan Ngadju First Peoples Health and Wellbeing Research CentreUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
| | | | - Natasha Cortis
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRCUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - kylie valentine
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRCUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
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34
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Williams EE, Arant KR, Leifer VP, Balcom MC, Levy-Carrick NC, Lewis-O'Connor A, Katz JN. Provider perspectives on the provision of safe, equitable, trauma-informed care for intimate partner violence survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:315. [PMID: 34452616 PMCID: PMC8393774 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Early research suggests the COVID-19 pandemic worsened intimate partner violence (IPV) in the US. In particular, stay-at-home orders and social distancing kept survivors in close proximity to their abusers and restricted access to resources and care. We aimed to understand and characterize the impact of the pandemic on delivery of IPV care in Boston. Methods We conducted individual interviews with providers of IPV care and support in the Greater Boston area, including healthcare workers, social workers, lawyers, advocates, and housing specialists, who continued to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using thematic analysis, we identified themes describing the challenges and opportunites providers faced in caring for survivors during the pandemic. Results Analysis of 18 interviews yielded four thematic domains, encompassing 18 themes and nine sub-themes. Thematic analysis revealed that the pandemic posed an increased threat to survivors of IPV by exacerbating external stressors and leading to heightened violence. On a system level, the pandemic led to widespread uncertainty, strained resources, amplified inequities, and loss of community. On an individual level, COVID-19 restrictions limited survivors’ abilities to access resources and to be safe, and amplified pre-existing inequities, such as limited technology access. Those who did not speak English or were immigrants experienced even more difficulty accessing resources due to language and/or cultural barriers. To address these challenges, providers utilized video and telephone interactions, and stressed the importance of creativity and cooperation across different sectors of care. Conclusions While virtual care was essential in allowing providers to care for survivors, and also allowed for increased flexibility, it was not a panacea. Many survivors faced additional obstacles to care, such as language barriers, unequal access to technology, lack of childcare, and economic insecurity. Providers addressed these barriers by tailoring services and care modalities to an individual’s needs and circumstances. Going forward, some innovations of the pandemic period, such as virtual interactions and cooperation across care sectors, may be utilized in ways that attend to shifting survivor needs and access, thereby improving safe, equitable, and trauma-informed IPV care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-021-01460-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Williams
- The Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Building for Transformative Medicine, Suite 5016, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kaetlyn R Arant
- The Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Building for Transformative Medicine, Suite 5016, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Valia P Leifer
- The Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Building for Transformative Medicine, Suite 5016, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mardi Chadwick Balcom
- Community Health Intervention and Prevention Programs, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Community Health and Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nomi C Levy-Carrick
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annie Lewis-O'Connor
- Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,C.A.R.E. (Coordinated Approach To Resiliency and Empowerment) Clinic, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Katz
- The Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Building for Transformative Medicine, Suite 5016, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Usher K, Bradbury Jones C, Bhullar N, Durkin DJ, Gyamfi N, Fatema SR, Jackson D. COVID-19 and family violence: Is this a perfect storm? Int J Ment Health Nurs 2021; 30:1022-1032. [PMID: 34008291 PMCID: PMC8242793 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Disasters including public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic are known to increase instances of family violence against women, children, and other diverse populations. This paper discusses and provides evidence of disaster-related vulnerability of and violence towards specific groups of people. We argue that the COVID-19 pandemic presents the 'perfect storm' for family violence, where a set of rare circumstances combine, resulting in a significant aggravation of the resulting event. Given the mental health implications of family violence, mental health professionals need to be aware of this issue during the pandemic and ready to assist with the development of strategies to overcome the situation where possible. To provide protection and prevent violence, there is a need to include at-risk groups in disaster response and community planning. Such a plan could involve gender and disaster working groups at the local community, state, and national levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Usher
- University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Navjot Bhullar
- University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Naomi Gyamfi
- University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Debra Jackson
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
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Su Z, McDonnell D, Roth S, Li Q, Šegalo S, Shi F, Wagers S. Mental health solutions for domestic violence victims amid COVID-19: a review of the literature. Global Health 2021; 17:67. [PMID: 34183030 PMCID: PMC8238380 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to COVID-19, domestic violence victims face a range of mental health challenges, possibly resulting in substantial human and economic consequences. However, there is a lack of mental health interventions tailored to domestic violence victims and in the context of COVID-19. In this study, we aim to identify interventions that can improve domestic violence victims' mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic to address the research gap. MAIN TEXT Drawing insights from established COVID-19 review frameworks and a comprehensive review of PubMed literature, we obtained information on interventions that can address domestic violence victims' mental health challenges amid COVID-19. We identified practical and timely solutions that can be utilized to address mental health challenges domestic violence victims face amid COVID-19, mainly focusing on (1) decreasing victims' exposure to the abuser and (2) increasing victims' access to mental health services. CONCLUSION Domestic violence is a public health crisis that affects all demographics and could result in significant morbidity and mortality. In addition to emphasizing mental health challenges faced by domestic violence victims, multidisciplinary interventions are identified that could provide timely and practical solutions to domestic violence victims amid the pandemic, which range from tailored shelter home strategies, education programs, escape plans, laws and regulations, as well as more technology-based mental health solutions. There is a significant need for more multipronged and multidisciplinary strategies to address domestic violence amid and beyond the pandemic, particularly interventions that could capitalize on the ubiquity and cost-effectiveness of technology-based solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Su
- Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
| | - Dean McDonnell
- Department of Humanities, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, R93 V960 Ireland
| | - Stephanie Roth
- Simmy and Harry Ginsburg Library, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Quanlei Li
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Sabina Šegalo
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Research and Development, Shanghai United Imaging Intelligence, 200232 Shanghai, China
| | - Shelly Wagers
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 USA
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Lausi G, Pizzo A, Cricenti C, Baldi M, Desiderio R, Giannini AM, Mari E. Intimate Partner Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of the Phenomenon from Victims' and Help Professionals' Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6204. [PMID: 34201161 PMCID: PMC8227680 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation is considered one of the main risk factors leading to intimate partner violence episodes; this evidence also emerged during the application of stay-at-home policies to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, we aimed to collect data on intimate partner violence over the last year, comparing data reported by victims with data collected by help professionals. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, through keywords related to abuse, pandemic and containment measures, 3174 articles were identified for screening. After full-text reading and risk of bias analysis, 19 studies were included, and a thematic synthesis was conducted according to two categories: "studies with victims" and "studies with help professionals". The results of the present review showed that there were significant differences between the data provided by victims and the data collected by health care facilities and police departments; additionally, differences among different forms and severity of victimization emerged. The results have been discussed according to the literature; in particular, we reflected on how containment measures have apparently made it more difficult for victims to report, thus making the existence of the dark figure of crime even more salient.
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Grace E, Sotilleo S, Rogers R, Doe R, Olff M. Semantic adaptation of the Global Psychotrauma Screen for children and adolescents in the United States. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1911080. [PMID: 34104348 PMCID: PMC8168728 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1911080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The review of trauma screening tools for children and adolescents indicates a need for developmentally and linguistically appropriate, globally applicable, free, and easily accessible trauma screening instruments. Objective: The aim of this study is to adapt the Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS) for children and adolescents in the United States. Method: Using the modified Delphi method, this study included the GPS Expert Consensus (GPS-EC) and the GPS Stakeholder Consensus (GPS-SC) substudies. In the GPS-EC, ten reviewers who specialize in trauma services independently revised the GPS child and adolescent versions in four rounds. In the GPS-SC, a stratified minimum sample of children and adolescents (n = 24) and their parents (n = 24) were interviewed to collect feedback on the revised GPS versions. Results: In the GPS-EC Round 1, a low level of consensus was observed on the anxiety (restlessness) and depression (loss of interest) items. In Round 2, a high level of consensus was achieved on all but PTSD hypervigilance and detachment, and CPTSD self-concept items. Round 3 indicated a low level of consensus on the exposure and functioning items. Full consensus was achieved in Round 4 on all items. In the GPS-SC, children had more difficulties than adolescents with the exposure, dissociation, and risk-protection items. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the semantic adaptation process concluded with implementation of six decisions on the final GPS versions for children and adolescents: adding a non-binary gender choice for adolescents; removing the exposure section; using a full-sentence structure for children and a phrase structure for adolescents; retaining the two-part items on PTSD intrusion and avoidance, retaining self-blame but removing other-blame in the PTSD-blame item; providing specific descriptions of depersonalization and derealization in the dissociation items; and removing risk-protection and functioning items for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Grace
- Department of International Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shanelle Sotilleo
- International Psychology Ph.D. Program, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rosalind Rogers
- International Psychology Ph.D. Program, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Renee Doe
- International Psychology Ph.D. Program, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience & Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
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Bergman S, Bjørnholt M, Helseth H. Norwegian Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence in the COVID-19 Pandemic - Navigating the New Normal. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2021; 37:927-937. [PMID: 33846666 PMCID: PMC8026237 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-021-00273-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study elucidates the responses of shelters and their adaptations to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects on their services to victims of violence, as well as how shelter managers assess the situation for victims, including changes in the rates and character of the violence observed by the shelters. A web-based survey was distributed twice to all Norwegian shelters (N = 46): first during the lockdown in spring 2020 and second during the relaxation of infection control measures in summer 2020. The shelters in Norway remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority saw a reduction in the number of requests during the lockdown, while the rates returned to normal when the strictest infection control measures were lifted. They expressed concern about the decline in requests during the lockdown as well as the well-being of some groups, such as victims from ethnic minority backgrounds, children, and victims with additional challenges. A majority of the shelters did not report changes in the content of the requests. Nevertheless, a third of them had observed instances of the virus and/or infection control measures being used by perpetrators as part of the violence and coercive control strategies. The shelters in Norway, as an integrated part of the welfare state, in general seem to have met the needs of their clients during the pandemic. Yet, the study revealed important inequalities and deficiencies in access to services for some groups, and in the general support and recognition by authorities of the shelters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Bergman
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margunn Bjørnholt
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hannah Helseth
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
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40
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Nittari G, Sagaro GG, Feola A, Scipioni M, Ricci G, Sirignano A. First Surveillance of Violence against Women during COVID-19 Lockdown: Experience from "Niguarda" Hospital in Milan, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073801. [PMID: 33917305 PMCID: PMC8038697 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Violence against women emerges with tragic regularity in the daily news. It is now an evident trace of a dramatic social problem, the characteristics of which are not attributable to certain economic, cultural, or religious conditions of the people involved but affect indiscriminately, in a unanimous way, our society. The study is a survey about the number of hospital admissions due to episodes attributable to violence against women, recorded by the Niguarda Hospital in Milan in the period 1 March–30 May from 2017 to 2020. This period, in 2020, corresponds to the coronavirus Lockdown in Italy. All the medical records of the Emergency department were reviewed, and the extracted data classified in order to identify the episodes of violence against women and the features of the reported injuries and the characteristics of the victims. The data did not show an increase in the number of cases in 2020 compared to previous years, but we did find a notable increase in the severity of injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Nittari
- Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, 9-62032 Camerino, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0737-401726
| | - Getu Gamo Sagaro
- Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Center, University of Camerino, 9-62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luciano Armanni, 5-80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mattia Scipioni
- School of Law, University of Camerino, Via A. D’Accorso, 16-62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.S.); (G.R.); (A.S.)
| | - Giovanna Ricci
- School of Law, University of Camerino, Via A. D’Accorso, 16-62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.S.); (G.R.); (A.S.)
| | - Ascanio Sirignano
- School of Law, University of Camerino, Via A. D’Accorso, 16-62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.S.); (G.R.); (A.S.)
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41
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Gama A, Pedro A, de Carvalho M, Guerreiro A, Duarte V, Quintas J, Matias A, Keygnaert I, Dias S. Domestic Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal. PORTUGUESE JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1159/000514341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The measures implemented to combat the COVID-19 pandemic led populations to confinement at home, with increased risk of domestic violence due to extended shared time between victims and offenders. Evidence on domestic violence in times of pandemic is lacking. This study examines the occurrence of domestic violence, associated factors and help seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted in Portugal between April and October 2020 by NOVA National School of Public Health. The survey was disseminated through partner networks, media, and institutions working within the scope of violence. Data were collected on the experience of domestic violence, and help seeking during the pandemic. In a total of 1,062 respondents, 146 (13.7%) reported having suffered domestic violence during the pandemic, including psychological (13.0%, <i>n</i> = 138), sexual (1.0%, <i>n</i> = 11), and physical (0.9%, <i>n</i> = 10) abuse. Overall, the lower the age, the more the reported domestic violence. Also, a higher proportion of participants who perceived difficulties to make ends meet during the pandemic reported domestic violence. Differences between women and men and across educational levels on reported domestic violence were not statistically significant. Bivariate logistic analyses showed that, among women, reported domestic violence was more likely among those with up to secondary education compared to higher education. Most of the victims did not seek help (62.3%), the main reasons being considering it unnecessary, that help would not change anything, and feeling embarrassed about what had happened. Only 4.3% of the victims sought police help. The most common reasons for not coming forward to form a complaint were considering the abuse was not severe and believing the police would not do anything. Our findings indicate that domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic was experienced by both sexes and across different age groups. There is a need for investing in specific support systems for victims of domestic violence to be applied to pandemic contexts, especially targeting those in more vulnerable situations and potentially underserved.
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Olff M, Primasari I, Qing Y, Coimbra BM, Hovnanyan A, Grace E, Williamson RE, Hoeboer CM. Mental health responses to COVID-19 around the world. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1929754. [PMID: 34262666 PMCID: PMC8253206 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1929754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mental health impact of the COVID-19 crisis may differ from previously studied stressful events in terms of psychological reactions, specific risk factors, and symptom severity across geographic regions worldwide. Objective: To assess the impact of COVID-19 on a wide range of mental health symptoms, to identify relevant risk factors, to identify the effect of COVID-19 country impact on mental health, and to evaluate regional differences in psychological responses to COVID-19 compared to other stressful events. Method: 7034 respondents (74% female) participated in the worldwide Global Psychotrauma Screen - Cross-Cultural responses to COVID-19 study (GPS-CCC), reporting on mental health symptoms related to COVID-19 (n = 1838) or other stressful events (n = 5196) from April to November 2020. Results: Events related to COVID-19 were associated with more mental health symptoms compared to other stressful events, especially symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and dissociation. Lack of social support, psychiatric history, childhood trauma, additional stressful events in the past month, and low resilience predicted more mental health problems for COVID-19 and other stressful events. Higher COVID-19 country impact was associated with increased mental health impact of both COVID-19 and other stressful events. Analysis of differences across geographic regions revealed that in Latin America more mental health symptoms were reported for COVID-19 related events versus other stressful events, while the opposite pattern was seen in North America. Conclusions: The mental health impact of COVID-19-related stressors covers a wide range of symptoms and is more severe than that of other stressful events. This difference was especially apparent in Latin America. The findings underscore the need for global screening for a wide range of mental health problems as part of a public health approach, allowing for targeted prevention and intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Indira Primasari
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Yulan Qing
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno M Coimbra
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ani Hovnanyan
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova, UNIPD), Padua, Italy
| | - Emma Grace
- Department of International Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rachel E Williamson
- School of Community Service, St. Lawrence College, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris M Hoeboer
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Birkeland MS, Thoresen S, Blix I. No buffer effect of perceived social support for people exposed to violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional community study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1990551. [PMID: 34868482 PMCID: PMC8635562 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1990551] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has represented a burden to communities worldwide. Research indicates that this burden is not equally distributed in the community, and vulnerable groups, such as violence-exposed individuals may pay a particularly high prize. Perceived social support is known to buffer against negative effects of trauma and adversity, but it is not clear whether this is the case during times of social restrictions and lockdowns. In this study, we tested if perceived social support could buffer the link between pandemic worry and psychological distress in a community sample and in the subgroup exposed to violence during the pandemic. METHODS A stratified, presumed representative sample of the Norwegian population (N = 1,041, response rate = 39.9%) responded to a cross-sectional web survey in May 2020. Fifty-nine participants (5.7%) had been exposed to physical, sexual, and/or psychological violence during the last month. RESULTS Current violence, pandemic worry, and perceived social support were independently associated with psychological distress. In the total sample, perceived social support moderated the relationship between pandemic worry and psychological distress. However, this was not found in individuals who were exposed to current violence. CONCLUSIONS Even though high levels of perceived social support can protect against psychological distress in the face of pandemic worry in the community, it seems that this resource is not as useful for individuals exposed to current violence. Outreach health and care services are warranted to support the needs of this particular vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Skogbrott Birkeland
- Section for Implementation and Treatment Research, The Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Norway
| | - Siri Thoresen
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Children and Youth, The Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Norway
| | - Ines Blix
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Children and Youth, The Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Norway
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Abstract
The European Journal of Psychotraumatology, owned by the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTSS), launched as one of the first full Open Access 'specialist' journals in its field. Has this Open Access model worked in how the Journal has performed? With the European Journal of Psychotraumatology celebrating its ten-year anniversary we look back at the past decade of sharing our research with the world and with how the journal sits with the broader movement beyond Open Access to Open Research and we present new policies we have adopted to move the field of psychotraumatology to the next level of Open Research. While we as researchers now make our publications more often freely available to all, how often do we share our protocols, our statistical analysis plans, or our data? We all gain from more transparency and reproducibility, and big steps are being made in this direction. The journal's decennial performance as well as the exciting new Open Research developments are presented in this editorial. The journal is no longer in its infancy and eager to step into the next decade of Open Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Olff
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience & Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
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45
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Violence against women in the Covid-19 pandemic: A review of the literature and a call for shared strategies to tackle health and social emergencies. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 319:110650. [PMID: 33340849 PMCID: PMC8021946 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this article was to conduct a rapid critical review of the literature about the relationship between violence against women (VAW) and the current COVID-19 pandemic. After the screening process, a total of 42 articles were considered. Our review confirmed that the “stay at home” policies to contrast the pandemic have increased the problem of VAW, creating a “shadow pandemic within the pandemic”, as it was called by the United Nations. However, rigorous studies estimating the relationship between VAW and COVID-19 pandemic are scarce; most of the articles are commentaries, letters, editorials, and most of the published data derives from social media, internet, anecdotal evidence and helplines reports. Health care systems should promote further investigations into the relation between VAW and COVID-19, to identify creative solutions to provide clinical care and forensic services for victims of VAW.
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46
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Oe M, Kobayashi Y, Ishida T, Chiba H, Matsuoka M, Kakuma T, Frewen P, Olff M. Screening for psychotrauma related symptoms: Japanese translation and pilot testing of the Global Psychotrauma Screen. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1810893. [PMID: 33062213 PMCID: PMC7534387 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1810893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The impact of traumatic experiences or adverse life experiences has been shown to potentially affect a wide range of mental health outcomes. However, there was no brief instrument to screen for a range of psychological problems in different domains after a potentially traumatic event, and for risk factors and protective factors. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the internal consistency and concurrent validity of the Japanese version of the Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS) in a traumatized sample in Japan. Method: A total sample (n = 58) with varying levels of potential posttrauma symptoms due to domestic violence or other events were recruited into this study. Self-rating measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol problems were conducted to investigate the concurrent validity. Results: The results show that a range of posttrauma symptoms assessed by the GPS were highly endorsed by this traumatized sample in all domains except for self-harm, derealization, and depersonalization. The GPS sum score was highly correlated (r > 0.79) with other measures of PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Also, the subdomain scores showed acceptable correlations with corresponding domain measures. Participants who had been sexually assaulted or had unwanted sexual experiences, and participants who had been physically assaulted during childhood, had higher scores on the total GPS and on subdomains of PTSD, as well as symptoms associated with Complex PTSD. Conclusions: This study provides an initial indication that the GPS may be a useful screening tool for trauma survivors and elucidates that the consequences of trauma are not limited to PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misari Oe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yudai Kobayashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ishida
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiromi Chiba
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Michiko Matsuoka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Paul Frewen
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
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