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Carta MG, Kovess V, Aissa A, Larnaout A, Zgueb Y, Alnasser LA, Moro MF, Sancassiani F, Cantone E, Rjaibi S, Zoghlami N, Zid M, Aounallah-Skhiri H, Ouali U. Depression during the COVID pandemic in La Manouba Governorate, Tunisia: A community survey. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024:207640241264678. [PMID: 39056357 DOI: 10.1177/00207640241264678] [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: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is difficult to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health as many community surveys have limited quality, rely on screening tests to measure mental health conditions and distress, and often use convenience samples. Moreover, robust surveys come mainly from high-income countries. AIM To measure the prevalence of depressive disorders with onset during the pandemic in a community of a Lower-Middle-income country (LMIC)-Tunisia. METHODS Clinical semi-structured face-to-face interviews were carried out during the pandemic (September-December 2021) by medical doctors among a representative sample of the general population in the governorate of La Manouba, Tunisia. Psychiatric diagnoses were established according to DSM-IV. RESULTS The prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) started or recurred after the pandemic was 5.66%. The factors associated with MDD were loss of job and considerably diminished income due to the pandemic (OR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.5, 2.9]) and the perception of having the family's financial situation below the Tunisian average (OR = 2.3, 95% CI [1.7, 3.2]). Female sex, marital status as separated/divorced, and having a COVID-19 infection were associated with MDD only in the overall sample and urban areas, but not in rural areas. Age and having loved ones who passed away due to COVID-19 were not associated with MDD. CONCLUSION In Tunisia, the pandemic seems to have increased the risk of depression in people experiencing a precarious financial situation, also due to the pre-existing economic crisis. Specific local level factors, such as not establishing a rigid lockdown for an extended period, may have protected young people and allowed for better mourning in families suffering the loss of a loved one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro G Carta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica. Università di Cagliari, Italy
| | - Viviane Kovess
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université Paris Cité, Boulogne, France
| | - Amina Aissa
- Razi Hospital La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR18SP03, Tunisia
| | - Amine Larnaout
- Razi Hospital La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Zgueb
- Razi Hospital La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Lubna A Alnasser
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maria Francesca Moro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica. Università di Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Sancassiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica. Università di Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Cantone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica. Università di Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salsabil Rjaibi
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
- National Institute of Health, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Mejdi Zid
- National Institute of Health, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hajer Aounallah-Skhiri
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
- National Institute of Health, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle (SURVEN), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Uta Ouali
- Razi Hospital La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR18SP03, Tunisia
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Rahman MA, Islam MR, Chowdhury M, Asaduzzaman M, Barua P, Haque MA. Impact of COVID-19 on celebration of death, mortuary, and funerary customs in Bangladesh: A qualitative study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30369. [PMID: 38720756 PMCID: PMC11076953 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions significantly impacted religious activities related to death celebrations, mortuary practices, and funerary rituals in Bangladesh. Bereaved families faced a harsh reality, unable to perform the full rituals for their loved ones due to the pandemic outbreak. This study explores the adjustments and modifications made in cultural rituals and how they affected bereaved families and close relatives. Objective This study aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the observance of death rituals in Bangladesh and the effects on bereaved families and close relatives. Methods This study employed a qualitative approach and gathered data through 3 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 58 in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted between December 2020 and January 2021. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants from three distinct groups: (1) individuals who had experienced the death of a relative during the pandemic, (2) caregivers who provided support to those experiencing loss, and (3) volunteers actively involved with funeral and burial services. This selection strategy ensured a diverse range of perspectives on the impact of the pandemic on death rituals. Results The pandemic forced people to observe funerals or make significant sacrifices to traditional practices reluctantly. Disruptions to long-standing traditions and widespread emotional toll were as various segments of society struggled to find closure in saying goodbye to loved ones. Due to the severity of the pandemic, people became heavily reliant on priests, crematorium workers, and funeral volunteers for mortuary services. Both Hindu and Muslim religions discouraged family gatherings during post-burial rituals. The fear of contracting the virus further limited bereaved families' ability to bid farewell to their deceased loved ones properly. Conclusion This research highlights the profound impact of the pandemic on death rituals and the resulting emotional distress for bereaved families in Bangladesh. The findings are pivotal in guiding the development of concrete policies for future pandemic preparedness and response. Such policies might encompass guidelines for safe and culturally sensitive mortuary practices, psychosocial support and grief counseling initiatives for affected communities, and strategies to mitigate religious anxieties during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abdur Rahman
- Department of Anthropology, Comilla University, Cumilla, 3500, Bangladesh
| | - Md Redwanul Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Monidipa Chowdhury
- Department of Anthropology, Comilla University, Cumilla, 3500, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Asaduzzaman
- Department of Anthropology, Comilla University, Cumilla, 3500, Bangladesh
| | - Proloy Barua
- BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), BRAC University, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - M Atiqul Haque
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
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Onyekuru N, Ihemezie E, Ezea C, Apeh C, Onyekuru B. Impacts of Ebola disease outbreak in West Africa: Implications for government and public health preparedness and lessons from COVID-19. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2023; 19:e01513. [PMID: 36570591 PMCID: PMC9759305 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been an increase in the outbreak of communicable diseases in recent times; the most recent ones are Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and COVID-19. These diseases have had different impacts on society and the ecosystem. However, underlying these impacts are the levels of preparedness of governments and public health institutions to mitigate and control these diseases. Therefore, this paper aims to explore these impacts, government and institutional interventions and their nexus towards the effective management of such crises. A critical review of empirical literature was adopted for the methodological approach and narrative synthesis used for analysis. Results show that EVD had diverse impacts on West Africa; economically through the loss of income from economic activities due to widespread sickness among workers and movement restrictions. EVD also had significant social impacts, such as reduced community cohesion, school and business closures, job losses, food insecurity, and high morbidity and mortality. Though some good efforts have been made by different countries in collaboration with international organisations like the World Health Organization to control disease outbreaks more effectively, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has however exposed major weaknesses in the capacity of most African countries to cope. Poor capacity for testing and treatment, inadequate health facilities, poor incentives for health care workers, poor governance systems, poor border control, and awareness and research capacities impacted negatively on the capacity to control disease outbreaks. There is, therefore, a need to strengthen health systems across Africa through improved resource mobilisation, staff training, and coordination of investment strategies to sustain health system preparedness to manage future emerging or re-emerging outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- N.A. Onyekuru
- Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - E.J. Ihemezie
- Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, United Kingdom,Corresponding author:
| | - C.P. Ezea
- Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, United Kingdom,School of Life Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - C.C. Apeh
- Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - B.O. Onyekuru
- Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, United Kingdom,Centre for Distant and E-learning, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
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Al-Tammemi AB, Sallam M, Rebhi A, Soliman L, Al Sarayrih L, Tarhini Z, Abutaima R, Aljaberi MA, Barakat M. The outbreak of Ebola virus disease in 2022: A spotlight on a re-emerging global health menace. NARRA J 2022; 2:e97. [PMID: 38449901 PMCID: PMC10914067 DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i3.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but highly contagious and lethal disease that occurs predominantly in African countries, with a case-fatality rate of 30-90%. The causative viral pathogens of EVD are within the genus Ebolavirus in the family Filoviridae. The primary route of human-to-human transmission is through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids and secretions from infected individuals. Direct contact with virally contaminated objects and sexual transmission have also been reported. Management of EVD is aggressive supportive care with possibly new therapeutic options. On 20 September 2022, an EVD outbreak was declared in Uganda, caused by Sudan ebolavirus. As of 7 November 2022, a total of 136 confirmed cases, 53 confirmed deaths have been reported, including 18 cases with seven deaths among healthcare workers. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an EVD outbreak was also declared on 22 August 2022 (which ended on 27 September 2022); with only one case, a middle-aged woman. At the time when most countries in the world have been occupied with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the recent human monkeypox outbreak, these two outbreaks of EVD have the potential to significantly add to the burden on global health. Authorities need to augment their multi-faceted response, including stringent contact tracing and border control, to avoid the catastrophe of the 2014-2016 EVD epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amman, Jordan
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Asem Rebhi
- The Knowledge Company for Medical and Laboratory Supplies, Amman, Jordan
| | - Laarni Soliman
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Doha, Qatar
| | - Lina Al Sarayrih
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, North Cyprus
| | - Zeinab Tarhini
- Laboratory INSERM U1308, CAPTuR, Control of Cell Activation in Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Resistance, Medical School, Limoges Cedex, France
- EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - Rana Abutaima
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa Private University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Musheer A. Aljaberi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Faculty of Nursing and Applied Sciences, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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Heris CL, Kennedy M, Graham S, Bennetts SK, Atkinson C, Mohamed J, Woods C, Chennall R, Chamberlain C. Key features of a trauma-informed public health emergency approach: A rapid review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1006513. [PMID: 36568798 PMCID: PMC9771594 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1006513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a major threat to public safety, and emergency public health measures to protect lives (e.g., lockdown, social distancing) have caused widespread disruption. While these measures are necessary to prevent catastrophic trauma and grief, many people are experiencing heightened stress and fear. Public health measures, risks of COVID-19 and stress responses compound existing inequities in our community. First Nations communities are particularly at risk due to historical trauma, ongoing socio-economic deprivation, and lack of trust in government authorities as a result of colonization. The objective of this study was to review evidence for trauma-informed public health emergency responses to inform development of a culturally-responsive trauma-informed public health emergency framework for First Nations communities. We searched relevant databases from 1/1/2000 to 13/11/2020 inclusive, which identified 40 primary studies (and eight associated references) for inclusion in this review. Extracted data were subjected to framework and thematic synthesis. No studies reported evaluations of a trauma-informed public health emergency response. However, included studies highlighted key elements of a "trauma-informed lens," which may help to consider implications, reduce risks and foster a sense of security, wellbeing, self- and collective-efficacy, hope and resilience for First Nations communities during COVID-19. We identified key elements for minimizing the impact of compounding trauma on First Nations communities, including: a commitment to equity and human rights, cultural responsiveness, good communication, and positive leadership. The six principles guiding trauma-informed culturally-responsive public health emergency frameworks included: (i) safety, (ii) empowerment, (iii) holistic support, (iv) connectedness and collaboration, (v) compassion and caring, and (vi) trust and transparency in multi-level responses, well-functioning social systems, and provision of basic services. These findings will be discussed with First Nations public health experts, together with data on the experiences of First Nations families and communities during COVID-19, to develop a trauma-integrated public health emergency response framework or "lens" to minimize compounding trauma for First Nations communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L. Heris
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Michelle Kennedy
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Graham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shannon K. Bennetts
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Cindy Woods
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Chennall
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine Chamberlain
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,Lowitja Institute, Collingwood, VIC, Australia,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Ngangk Yira: Murdoch University Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia,*Correspondence: Catherine Chamberlain
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Shakil M, Fatima S, Muazzam A, Amjad M, Javed S. Assessment of risk perception and adoption of safety measures during Covid-19 pandemic in Pakistan: a survey study through mobile application. JOURNAL OF AMBIENT INTELLIGENCE AND HUMANIZED COMPUTING 2022; 14:1-6. [PMID: 36320348 PMCID: PMC9607696 DOI: 10.1007/s12652-022-04421-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This coronavirus disease's impact, effect, and spread largely depend on how people behave and react mindfully. According to the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) theory, the only way to war against COVID-19 is to ensure allegiance to all Pakistanis' controlled maneuvers nationwide. To control this pandemic, the determination of safety measures practiced by people and their associated factors are of great importance. This study aimed to explore Pakistani's perception of the economic and psychological risks related to COVID-19 and the association of perceived risks with adopting safety measures. The was conducted among 1,058 Pakistanis using a self-developed survey questionnaire from March 15 to June 15, 2020 - using a mobile application. The analysis revealed that more participants agreed that (i) Covid 19 is associated with economic threats to the overall economy, (ii) social media and the Government is causing more psychological threat than the virus, and (iii) personal and imposed safety measures should be observed during the spread of the virus. Moreover, regression analysis indicates that economic and psychological threats were significantly and positively correlated with personal safety measures but not government-imposed safety measures. Moreover, economic and psychological threats are significant predictors of personal safety measures. This study is helpful as it is the first to inform about the threats associated with this pandemic and their association with safety measures practiced by Pakistan's population. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12652-022-04421-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneeba Shakil
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shameem Fatima
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amina Muazzam
- Department of Applied Psychology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Amjad
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saba Javed
- FoIT Department, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Daly M, Sutin AR, Robinson E. Longitudinal changes in mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study. Psychol Med 2022; 52:2549-2558. [PMID: 33183370 PMCID: PMC7737138 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720004432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 349] [Impact Index Per Article: 174.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a range of negative social and economic effects that may contribute to a rise in mental health problems. In this observational population-based study, we examined longitudinal changes in the prevalence of mental health problems from before to during the COVID-19 crisis and identified subgroups that are psychologically vulnerable during the pandemic. METHODS Participants (N = 14 393; observations = 48 486) were adults drawn from wave 9 (2017-2019) of the nationally representative United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) and followed-up across three waves of assessment in April, May, and June 2020. Mental health problems were assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). RESULTS The population prevalence of mental health problems (GHQ-12 score ⩾3) increased by 13.5 percentage points from 24.3% in 2017-2019 to 37.8% in April 2020 and remained elevated in May (34.7%) and June (31.9%) 2020. All sociodemographic groups examined showed statistically significant increases in mental health problems in April 2020. The increase was largest among those aged 18-34 years (18.6 percentage points, 95% CI 14.3-22.9%), followed by females and high-income and education groups. Levels of mental health problems subsequently declined between April and June 2020 but remained significantly above pre-COVID-19 levels. Additional analyses showed that the rise in mental health problems observed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was unlikely to be due to seasonality or year-to-year variation. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that a pronounced and prolonged deterioration in mental health occurred as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in the UK between April and June 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Daly
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - Eric Robinson
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Atinga RA, Alhassan NMI, Ayawine A. Recovered but Constrained: Narratives of Ghanaian COVID-19 Survivors Experiences and Coping Pathways of Stigma, Discrimination, Social Exclusion and Their Sequels. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:1801-1813. [PMID: 34634884 PMCID: PMC9808237 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its epidemiology and socio-economic impact on populations worldwide has gained attention. However, there is dearth of empirical knowledge in low- and middle-income settings about the pandemic's impact on survivors, particularly the tension of their everyday life arising from the experiences and consequences of stigma, discrimination and social exclusion, and how they cope with these behavioral adversities. METHODS Realist qualitative approach drawing data from people clinically diagnosed positive of COVID-19, admitted into therapy in a designated treatment facility, and subsequently recovered and discharged for or without follow-up domiciliary care. In-depth interviews were conducted by maintaining a code book for identifying and documenting thematic categories in a progression leading to thematic saturation with 45 participants. Data were transcribed and coded deductively for broad themes at the start before systematically nesting emerging themes into the broad ones with the aid of NVivo 12 software. RESULTS Everyday lived experiences of the participants were disrupted with acts of indirect stigmatization (against relatives and family members), direct stigmatization (labeling, prejudices and stereotyping), barriers to realizing full social life and discriminatory behaviors across socio-ecological structures (workplace, community, family, and social institutions). These behavioral adversities were associated with self-reported poor health, anxiety and psychological disorders, and frustrations among others. Consequently, supplicatory prayers, societal and organizational withdrawal, aggressive behaviors, supportive counseling, and self-assertive behaviors were adopted to cope and modify the adverse behaviors driven by misinformation and fearful perceptions of the COVID-19 and its contagious proportions. CONCLUSION In the face of the analysis, social campaigns and dissemination of toolkits that can trigger behavior change and responsible behaviors toward COVID-19 survivors are proposed to be implemented by health stakeholders, policy and decision makers in partnership with social influencers, the media, and telecoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger A. Atinga
- Department of Public Administration and Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Alice Ayawine
- Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Sunyani, Ghana
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Draru MC, Lopatofsky T, Karimi K, Gautier ML. Understanding Coping Mechanisms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Case Study of Stakeholders of the African Sisters Education Collaborative. REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH 2022; 64:325-342. [PMID: 35431345 PMCID: PMC8988910 DOI: 10.1007/s13644-022-00488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) operates education programs for women religious in ten countries of Africa south of the Sahara. As ASEC prioritizes strong relationships with partner institutions, understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these stakeholders is central to providing effective interventions that will ensure continuation of its programs. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to obtain an organizational understanding of stakeholders' ministry/work stress and coping mechanisms during the initial phase of the pandemic. ASEC surveyed its more than 3,500 stakeholders to assess their ministry/work stress, sources of emotional well-being, and coping skills during the early months of the pandemic. The study was designed to provide information to help ASEC initiate a proactive response to the pandemic at an organizational level. METHODS ASEC prepared a brief online survey that was distributed from late April through mid-May 2020. Scales to measure emotional well-being, coping skills, ministry/work stress, and sources of pandemic support were researcher-designed. Lockdown status of the country at the time of the survey was used as a proxy measure of severity of the pandemic. RESULTS Religious sisters who have participated in ASEC's education programs experienced increased stress in their ministry/work settings, particularly in countries that were under lockdown at the time of the survey. Ministry/work stress was lessened by individual coping skills and sense of emotional well-being, as predicted by the balanced affect literature on ministry stress among religious workers. Working under lockdown, lower levels of ministry/work stress, and confidence in one's coping skills all positively impacted emotional well-being. In turn, emotional well-being was significantly related to greater coping skills, which was also impacted by lower levels of ministry/work stress and greater sources of pandemic support. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The pandemic has negatively impacted the ministries and work settings of these stakeholders, which has influenced their personal emotional well-being as well as their assessment of their coping skills. Positive attitudes about their ability to cope and their emotional well-being reduced their levels of ministry/work stress. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13644-022-00488-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Cecilia Draru
- African Sisters Education Collaborative, Emmanuel Hall, 2300 Adams Ave., 18509 PA Scranton, United States
| | - Tara Lopatofsky
- African Sisters Education Collaborative, Emmanuel Hall, 2300 Adams Ave., 18509 PA Scranton, United States
| | - Kevin Karimi
- African Sisters Education Collaborative, Emmanuel Hall, 2300 Adams Ave., 18509 PA Scranton, United States
| | - Mary L. Gautier
- African Sisters Education Collaborative, Emmanuel Hall, 2300 Adams Ave., 18509 PA Scranton, United States
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King M, Farrington A, Donohue G, McCann E. Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Nurses. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:300-307. [PMID: 34644213 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2021.1978598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to assess the psychological effects of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on mental health nurses. An internet-based questionnaire that included the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Zung Self Rating Anxiety Score (SAS) was used to assess the impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing of mental health nurses in an Irish mental health service. Among the nurses surveyed (n = 161), 12% of the participants had an overall IES-R score from 24 to 32 indicating that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was a clinical concern, while 38% had an overall IES-R score >32 indicating that PTSD was a probable diagnosis. The mean SAS score that had been converted to anxiety index scores was 40.78 (SD = 9.25). The results showed that 30% of mental health nurses experienced anxiety levels from moderate to extreme. Overall findings confirm that mental health nurses are experiencing psychological distress as a result of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses who were <30 years of age or who were in their current roles for less than a year or were ward-based and worked full-time, were most likely to be affected. Working during COVID-19 has not been routine work practice and for a cohort of workers who are already under pressure, the sacrifice in terms of general well-being has been immense. The offer of individualized psychological support for mental health nurses working during the pandemic should be both practical in nature and flexible enough to meet individual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie King
- Nurse Education Centre, St. Patrick's Mental Health Services, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife Farrington
- Nurse Education Centre, St. Patrick's Mental Health Services, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gráinne Donohue
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Edward McCann
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Lekka D, Orlandou K, Pezirkianidis C, Roubi A, Tsaraklis A, Togas C, Mpoulougari S, Anagnosti F, Darahani D, Stalikas A. Health Professionals in a COVID-19 Reference Hospital: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Levels and Their Associations With Psychological Resilience and Quality of Life. Cureus 2022; 14:e22473. [PMID: 35345756 PMCID: PMC8942070 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the quality of life of both the general population and health professionals and has increased the levels of psychopathology among them. The present study aims to map the levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological resilience, and quality of life of healthcare professionals who work in a COVID-19 reference hospital in Athens, Greece, one year after the onset of the pandemic. Also, this study focuses on investigating the relationships among the study variables and demographics and examining possible mediating effects. Methods The sample consisted of 400 health professionals from Sotiria Hospital, of whom 102 were men. Participants were asked to complete the Post-Traumatic Stress Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire. The survey was conducted from May to July 2021. Results The findings show statistical differences in resilience levels regarding marital status and employee education. Also, 13.5% of the staff reported significant PTSD levels, which relate to low levels of psychological resilience and every pillar of quality of life. Conclusions Thus, research findings indicate that resilience levels could have a protective effect on the development of PTSD symptoms. Therefore, the design of group interventions that aim at building health workers’ resilience will be discussed.
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12
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Lieberman Lawry L, Stroupe Kannappan N, Canteli C, Clemmer W. Cross-sectional study of mental health and sexual behaviours for Ebola Survivors in Beni, Butembo and Katwa health zones of the Democratic Republic of Congo. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e052306. [PMID: 35110316 PMCID: PMC8811576 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052306] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand the prevalence of mental health disorders in Ebola-affected communities and their association with condom use. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Beni, Butembo and Katwa health zones, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). PARTICIPANTS 223 adult Ebola survivors, 102 sexual partners and 74 comparison respondents. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use, suicidal ideation and attempts, stigma, condom use and sexual behaviour. RESULTS Most respondents reported to be married, Christian, from the Nande ethnic group, and farmers/herders. Survivors met symptom criteria for depression at higher rates than partners (23.5% (95% CI 18.0 to 29.1) vs 5.7 (1.2 to 10.1); p<0.001). PTSD symptom criteria for survivors (24.1%, 95% CI 18.5% to 29.7%) and partners (16.7%, 95% CI 9.4% to 23.9%) were four times greater than the comparison participants (6.0%, 95% CI 0.6% to 11.4%). Two times as many survivors as partners reported that sexual activity precautions were discussed at discharge (71.5% (95% CI 65.6 to 77.5) vs 36.2% (95% CI 26.9 to 45.5); p<0.001). The majority of survivors (95.0 (95% CI 85.1% to 98.5%) and partners 98.5% (95% CI 89.6% to 99.8%; p=0.26) participated in risky sexual behaviour after the survivor left the Ebola treatment centre. The ability to refuse sex or insist on condom use before Ebola had a threefold increase in the odds of condom use (adjusted OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7 to 6.1, p<0.001). Up to 36% of the comparison group held discriminatory views of survivors. CONCLUSIONS The new outbreaks in both Guinea and DRC show Ebola remains in semen longer than previously known. Understanding and addressing condom non-use and updating condom use guidelines are necessary to protect against future Ebola outbreaks, especially among sexual partners who did not have similar access to health information regarding sexual transmission of Ebola. Mental health treatment and decreasing stigma in Ebola areas is a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Lieberman Lawry
- Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - William Clemmer
- Health, IMA World Health, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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13
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Shimizu K, Checchi F, Warsame A. Disparities in Health Financing Allocation among Infectious Diseases in Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)-Affected Countries, 2005–2017. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020179. [PMID: 35206794 PMCID: PMC8872520 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks impacted the population health due to overstretched health systems and disrupted essential health services. Despite a call to achieve equal financial allocation depending on public health needs, there has been scant examination of the fairness of investment among infectious diseases. This study analyzes the extent to which equitable development assistance for health (DAH) has been provided in accordance with disease burden in EVD-affected countries. Estimates of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2017 and DAH Database 1990–2019 in 2005–2017 were analyzed by disease category: vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and EVD. HIV/AIDS generally recorded higher ratios of DAH per DALYs (DAH/DALYs). Malaria and tuberculosis showed different trends by country, and VPDs generally presented lower ratios. In West Africa in 2013–2016, DAH/DALYs surged in EVD and fluctuated in HIV/AIDS and malaria. Tuberculosis and VPDs consistently recorded lower ratios. To achieve the risk reduction during and after health emergencies, optimal funding allocation between diseases based on the disease burden is warranted in the pre-emergency period, along with measurement of immediate health needs of populations in real-time during an emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Shimizu
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, Cowdray House, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (F.C.); (A.W.)
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Roppongi Grand Tower 34F, 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6234, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesco Checchi
- Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (F.C.); (A.W.)
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Abdihamid Warsame
- Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (F.C.); (A.W.)
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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14
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Fini C, Tummolini L, Borghi AM. Contextual modulation of preferred social distance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23726. [PMID: 34887441 PMCID: PMC8660879 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02905-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Social distancing during a pandemic might be influenced by different attitudes: people may decide to reduce the risk and protect themselves from viral contagion, or they can opt to maintain their habits and be more exposed to the infection. To better understand the underlying motivating attitudes, we asked participants to indicate in an online platform the interpersonal distance from different social targets with professional/social behaviors considered more or less exposed to the virus. We selected five different social targets: a cohabitant, a friend working in a hospital, a friend landed from an international flight, a friend who is back from a cycling ride, or a stranger. In order to measure the realistic and the symbolic perceived threat, we administered the Brief 10-item COVID-19 threat scale. Moreover, in order to measure the risk attitude in different domains, the participants were also asked to fill in the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking DOSPERT scale. Results reveal a general preference for an increased distance from a stranger and the friends who are considered to be more exposed to the virus: the friend working in a hospital or landed from an international flight. Moreover, the interpersonal distance from friends is influenced by the perception of Realistic Threat measured through the Integrated Covid Threat Scale and the Health/Safety Risk Perception/Assumption as measured by the DOSPERT scale. Our results show the flexible and context-dependent nature of our representation of other people: as the social categories are not unchangeable fixed entities, the bodily (e.g., spatial) attitudes towards them are an object of continuous attunement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Fini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Tummolini
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - A M Borghi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
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15
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Zheng C, Yi P, Shen G, Chen W. Effects of School Resumption on College Students' Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2021; 60:19-27. [PMID: 34846227 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20211118-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the effects of school resumption on college students' mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We used the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) to assess stress, depression, and anxiety, respectively, between same-age college students returning to school and those not returning to school. Of 1,598 students who completed the baseline survey (S1), 836 students completed a follow-up survey 10 months after school resumption (S2). There were statistically significant differences in stress and mild anxiety between male and female students (p < 0.01). Comparison of PSS-10, PHQ-9, and SAS scores by perceived impact of COVID-19 showed significant differences (Welch test, p < 0.01). The correlation between PHQ-9 and SAS scores in school resumption and non-school resumption groups was relatively strong (adjusted R2 = 0.49 vs. 0.5). Multivariate linear regression showed that only PSS-10 (p < 0.01) and SAS (p < 0.05) scores significantly differed between returning and non-returning students. School resumption was an independent risk factor for PSS-10 and SAS scores. PSS-10, PHQ-9, and SAS scores were significantly higher in S1 than in S2 (p < 0.01). During the COVID-19 pandemic, stress, anxiety, and depression were prevalent among college students; however, stress and anxiety were generally lower among college students returning to school than among non-returning students. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].
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16
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Lawry LL, Stroupe Kannappan N, Canteli C, Clemmer W. Mixed-methods assessment of health and mental health characteristics and barriers to healthcare for Ebola survivors in Beni, Butembo and Katwa health zones of the Democratic Republic of Congo. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050349. [PMID: 34380729 PMCID: PMC8359460 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Health and mental health characteristics of all respondents, barriers to accessing health and mental health services and the characteristics and those most at risk for mental health disorders. SETTING Beni, Butembo and Katwa health zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo. PARTICIPANTS The sample contained 223 Ebola survivors, 102 sexual partners and 74 comparison respondents living in the same areas of the survivors. Survivors were eligible if aged >18 years with confirmed Ebola-free status. The comparison group was neither a survivor nor a partner of a survivor and did not have any household members who contracted Ebola virus disease (EVD). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Health and mental health characteristics, barriers to care and the association of association of mental health disorders with study population characteristics. RESULTS Funding was a barrier to accessing needed health services among all groups. Nearly one-third (28.4%, 95% CI 18.0% to 38.7%) of comparison households avoided getting injections for their children. Although most pregnant women were attending antenatal care, less than 40% of respondents stated EVD precautions were discussed at those visits. Trouble sleeping and anger were the strongest predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety and suicide attempts with 3-fold to 16-fold increases in the odds of these disorders. There was a 71% decrease in the odds of MDD if current substance abuse (aOR 0.29; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.67; p<0.01) was reported. CONCLUSIONS Specialised mental health services were limited. Fear of contracting EVD influenced vaccine compliance. Anger and sleep disorders significantly increased the odds of mental health disorders across all groups. Respondents may be using substance abuse as self-medication for MDD. Ebola outbreak areas would benefit from improved screening of mental health disorders and associated conditions like anger and sleep difficulties and improved mental health services that include substance abuse prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Lieberman Lawry
- Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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17
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Yerger P, Jalloh M, Coltart CEM, King C. Barriers to maternal health services during the Ebola outbreak in three West African countries: a literature review. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002974. [PMID: 32895217 PMCID: PMC7476472 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa, affecting Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone from 2014 to 2016, was a substantial public health crisis with health impacts extending past EVD itself. Access to maternal health services (MHS) was disrupted during the epidemic, with reductions in antenatal care, facility-based deliveries and postnatal care. We aimed to identify and describe barriers related to the uptake and provision of MHS during the 2014–2016 EVD outbreak in West Africa. Methods In June 2020, we conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed publications and grey literature from relevant stakeholder organisations. Search terms were generated to identify literature that explained underlying access barriers to MHS. Published literature in scientific journals was first searched and extracted from PubMed and Web of Science databases for the period between 1 January 2014 and 27 June 2020. We hand-searched relevant stakeholder websites. A ‘snowball’ approach was used to identify relevant sources uncaptured in the systematic search. The identified literature was examined to synthesise themes using an existing framework. Results Nineteen papers were included, with 26 barriers to MHS uptake and provision identified. Three themes emerged: (1) fear and mistrust, (2) health system and service constraints, and (3) poor communication. Our analysis of the literature indicates that fear, experienced by both service users and providers, was the most recurring barrier to MHS. Constrained health systems negatively impacted MHS on the supply side. Poor communication and inadequately coordinated training efforts disallowed competent provision of MHS. Conclusions Barriers to accessing MHS during the EVD outbreak in West Africa were influenced by complex but inter-related factors at the individual, interpersonal, health system and international level. Future responses to EVD outbreaks need to address underlying reasons for fear and mistrust between patients and providers, and ensure MHS are adequately equipped both routinely and during crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piper Yerger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,Care Ring, Children and Family Services Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mohamed Jalloh
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Carina King
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK .,Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Lentoor AG, Maepa MP. Psychosocial Aspects During the First Wave of COVID-19 Infection in South Africa. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:663758. [PMID: 34234700 PMCID: PMC8255473 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.663758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In South Africa, as in many countries, the nationwide spread of COVID-19 caused a public health emergency that resulted in the government implementing necessary restrictive measures such as the nationwide lockdown as a way of containing the pandemic. Such restrictive measure, while necessary, can disrupt many aspects of people's lives resulting in unprecedented psychosocial distress. Aim: The present study aims to describe the psychosocial health and situational factors associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in South Africa during the first wave of infection. Methods: This cross-sectional survey, recruited a total of 203 participants through convenience sampling via online platforms-WhatsApp, Facebook, emails, etc.-during COVID-19 lockdown in the country. Through the snowball technique, participants from across South Africa completed the online survey that assessed socio-demographic information, risk perception, history of mental health, COVID-19-related stress, and fears during the lockdown (first wave). Results: The majority of the participants who completed the survey were young, Black African, and female. Participants reported feelings of stress and anxiety (61.2%); stress about finances (39.5%); and feelings of sadness, anger, and/or frustration (31.6%) during the lockdown. Females compared to males were more likely to perceive COVID-19 as a risk to their household,X ( 20 ) 2 = 45,844, p < 0.001 and community,X ( 20 ) 2 = 40,047, p = 0.005. COVID-19 differentially impacted the mental health of participants with and without mental health diagnosis,X ( 4 ) 2 = 16.596, p = 0.002. Participants with a prior mental health diagnosis reported significant extra stress during lockdown (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings may be of significance to assist in the development of targeted psychosocial interventions to help people during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio G. Lentoor
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
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19
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Muller AE, Himmels JPW, Van de Velde S. Instruments to measure fear of COVID-19: a diagnostic systematic review. BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:82. [PMID: 33892631 PMCID: PMC8064424 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-021-01262-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has become a source of fear across the world. Measuring the level or significance of fear in different populations may help identify populations and areas in need of public health and education campaigns. We were interested in diagnostic tests developed to assess or diagnose COVID-19-related fear or phobia. METHODS We performed a systematic review of studies that examined instruments diagnosing or assessing fear or phobia of COVID-19 (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020197100). We utilized the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's Live map of covid-19 evidence, a database of pre-screened and pre-categorized studies. The Live map of covid-19 evidence identified references published since 1 December 2019 in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Following biweekly searches, two researchers independently categorized all studies according to topic (seven main topics, 52 subordinate topics), population (41 available groups), study design, and publication type. For this review, we assessed for eligibility all studies that had been categorized to the topic "Experiences and perceptions, consequences; social, political, economic aspects" as of 25 September 2020, in addition to hand-searching included studies' reference lists. We meta-analyzed correlation coefficients of fear scores to the most common reference tests (self-reports of anxiety, depression, and stress), and reported additional concurrent validity to other reference tests such as specific phobias. We assessed study quality using the QUADAS-2 for the minority of studies that presented diagnostic accuracy statistics. RESULTS We found 18 studies that validated fear instruments. Fifteen validated the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). We found no studies that proposed a diagnosis of fear of COVID-19 or a threshold of significant/clinical versus non-significant/subclinical fear. Study quality was low, with the most common potential biases related to sampling strategy and un-blinded data analysis. The FSV-19S total score correlated strongly with severe phobia (r = 0.703, 95%CI 0.634-0.761) in one study, and moderately with anxiety in a meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS The accuracy of the FSV-19S needs to be measured further using fear-related reference instruments, and future studies need to provide cut-off scores and normative values. Further evaluation of the remaining three instruments is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stijn Van de Velde
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
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20
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Devkota HR, Sijali TR, Bogati R, Ahmad M, Shakya KL, Adhikary P. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health outcomes among hospital fever clinic attendants across Nepal: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248684. [PMID: 33750955 PMCID: PMC7984647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been creating a panic and distressing situations among the entire population globally including Nepal. No study has been conducted assessing the psychological impact of this pandemic on the general public in Nepal. The objective of this study is to assess the mental health status during COVID-19 outbreak and explore the potential influencing factors among the population attending the hospital fever clinics with COVID-19 symptoms. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May-June, 2020 with a sample of 645 participants aged 18 and above in 26 hospitals across Nepal. Telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire along with a validated psychometric tool, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) scale. The metrics and scores of symptoms and their severity were created and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of potential covariates with outcome variables. RESULTS The prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress were 14%, 7% and 5% respectively. In reference to Karnali, participants from Bagmati province reported higher level of anxiety (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.31-9.06), while stress (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.09-18.32) and depressive symptoms (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.05-9.23) observed higher among the participants in Province 1. Women were more at risk of anxiety (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.83-6.36) than men. Similarly, people currently living in rented houses reported more stress (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.05-8.43) and those living far from family reported higher rates of depressive symptoms (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.03-11.46). CONCLUSION The study identified increased prevalence of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms during the initial stage of COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Considering the findings, there is urgent need to develop and implement appropriate community-based mental health programs targeting individuals who have had COVID-19 symptoms and who are prone to develop adverse mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tula Ram Sijali
- Community Support Association of Nepal (COSAN), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ramji Bogati
- Community Support Association of Nepal (COSAN), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Meraj Ahmad
- Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Karuna Laxmi Shakya
- Central Institute of Science and Technology (CIST) College (Affiliated to Pokhara University), Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Pratik Adhikary
- UC Berkeley/Institute for Social and Environmental Research, ISER-N, Bharatpur, Nepal
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Markowitz JC, Milrod B, Heckman TG, Bergman M, Amsalem D, Zalman H, Ballas T, Neria Y. Psychotherapy at a Distance. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:240-246. [PMID: 32972202 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20050557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has abruptly overwhelmed normal life. Beyond the fear and fatality of the virus itself comes a likely wave of psychiatric disorders. Simultaneously, social distancing has changed overnight how psychiatrists and other mental health professionals must treat patients. Telepsychotherapy, until now a promising but niche treatment, has suddenly become treatment as usual. This article briefly reviews the limited clinical evidence supporting different modes of telepsychotherapy, then focuses on how remote therapy affects clinicians and their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Markowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York (Markowitz, Neria); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Markowitz, Bergman, Amsalem, Zalman, Neria); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York (Milrod); College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens (Heckman); School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J. (Ballas)
| | - Barbara Milrod
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York (Markowitz, Neria); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Markowitz, Bergman, Amsalem, Zalman, Neria); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York (Milrod); College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens (Heckman); School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J. (Ballas)
| | - Timothy G Heckman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York (Markowitz, Neria); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Markowitz, Bergman, Amsalem, Zalman, Neria); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York (Milrod); College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens (Heckman); School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J. (Ballas)
| | - Maja Bergman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York (Markowitz, Neria); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Markowitz, Bergman, Amsalem, Zalman, Neria); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York (Milrod); College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens (Heckman); School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J. (Ballas)
| | - Doron Amsalem
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York (Markowitz, Neria); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Markowitz, Bergman, Amsalem, Zalman, Neria); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York (Milrod); College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens (Heckman); School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J. (Ballas)
| | - Hemrie Zalman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York (Markowitz, Neria); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Markowitz, Bergman, Amsalem, Zalman, Neria); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York (Milrod); College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens (Heckman); School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J. (Ballas)
| | - Thomas Ballas
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York (Markowitz, Neria); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Markowitz, Bergman, Amsalem, Zalman, Neria); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York (Milrod); College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens (Heckman); School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J. (Ballas)
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York (Markowitz, Neria); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York (Markowitz, Bergman, Amsalem, Zalman, Neria); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York (Milrod); College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens (Heckman); School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J. (Ballas)
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Su X, Cai RY, Uljarević M, Van Herwegen J, Dukes D, Yang Y, Peng X, Samson AC. Brief Report: A Cross-Sectional Study of Anxiety Levels and Concerns of Chinese Families of Children With Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Post-first-wave of COVID-19. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:708465. [PMID: 34616315 PMCID: PMC8488298 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.708465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a multifaceted impact on mental health due to ill health, restrictions and lockdowns, and loss of employment and institutional support. COVID-19 may disproportionally impact families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) due to the already higher prevalence of mental health conditions in children with SEND and their parents. Therefore, it is essential to determine the short-term impact of the pandemic on the mental health of families with SEND in order to identify their ongoing health support needs. The current study aims to examine the anxiety level and concerns of children with SEND and their parents living in China. The sample consisted of 271 parents of children with SEND aged between 6 and 17 years (M age = 8.37; SD age = 2.76). Parents completed an online survey between 10 April to 8 June 2020. Both child and parental anxiety levels and various concerns increased after the initial wave of COVID-19 when compared with retrospective pre-COVID-19 levels. Parental anxiety and concern levels were significantly higher for those living in rural areas compared to urban areas. In addition, parental and child anxiety and concern levels were significantly correlated with each other. Parental anxiety at the lowest level made a unique and significant statistical contribution to children's anxiety levels. The implications of the study findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyun Su
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru Ying Cai
- Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice, Autism Spectrum Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljarević
- Faculty of Medicine, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo Van Herwegen
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Dukes
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yufang Yang
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomei Peng
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrea C Samson
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Psychology, Unidistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland
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23
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Maalouf FT, Mdawar B, Meho LI, Akl EA. Mental health research in response to the COVID-19, Ebola, and H1N1 outbreaks: A comparative bibliometric analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 132:198-206. [PMID: 33131830 PMCID: PMC7591948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Both the COVID-19 pandemic and its management have had a negative impact on mental health worldwide. There is a growing body of research on mental health as it relates to the pandemic. The objective of this study is to use bibliometric analyses to assess the mental health research output related to the COVID-19 pandemic and compare it to that of the West Africa Ebola and H1N1 outbreaks. METHODOLOGY We performed comprehensive searches in Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases, and included all types of documents related to the three outbreaks published since the respective beginnings up to August 26, 2020. RESULTS Despite the shorter time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, relative to Ebola and H1N1, we found a much greater number of mental health documents related to COVID-19 (n = 3070) compared to the two other outbreaks (127 for Ebola and 327 for H1N1). The proportion of documents in the top 10% journals was 31% for COVID-19, 24% for Ebola, and 40% for H1N1. Authors affiliated with institutions located in high-income countries published or contributed to 79% of all documents followed by authors from upper-middle-income countries (23%), lower-middle-income countries (10%), and low-income countries (2%). Approximately 19% of the documents reported receiving funding and 23% were the product of international collaboration. CONCLUSION Mental health research output is already greater for COVID-19 compared to Ebola and H1N1 combined. A minority of documents reported funding, was the product of international collaboration, or was published by authors located in low-income countries during the three outbreaks in general, and the COVID-19 pandemic in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi T Maalouf
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bernadette Mdawar
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lokman I Meho
- University Libraries, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Elie A Akl
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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24
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Plasse MJ. Psychosocial support for providers working high-risk exposure settings during a pandemic: A critical discussion. Nurs Inq 2020; 28:e12399. [PMID: 33382522 PMCID: PMC7883264 DOI: 10.1111/nin.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Psychological first aid is a form of support designed to lessen disaster‐related distress. In a pandemic, providers may need such support but with the high risk of exposure, such a program is offered only virtually. The research is scant for traditional post‐disaster support and non‐existent for virtual; therefore, by using related research this discussion considers the likelihood of providers accessing and benefiting from this program. The virtual platform is heralded as the responsible way to provide support in a pandemic but this standard may be ineffective and is inherently inequitable. As a global event, pandemics require containment strategies applicable on an international level; therefore, psychosocial support should also be developed with an international audience in mind. Online psychosocial support falls short of being such a strategy as it incorrectly assumes global internet access. Many low‐income areas such as Sub‐Saharan Africa will need support strategies which compliment local frontline staff and fit with community‐driven initiatives, whereas wealthier countries may use a combination of onsite and online support. Provider psychosocial support needs in a pandemic, if articulated, are globally similar but how this support is offered requires contextually sensitive considerations not yet found in the literature.
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25
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Lalot F, Abrams D, Travaglino GA. Aversion amplification in the emerging
COVID
‐19 pandemic: The impact of political trust and subjective uncertainty on perceived threat. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Lalot
- School of Psychology University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | | | - Giovanni A. Travaglino
- School of Psychology University of Kent Canterbury UK
- Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen China
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26
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health concern is increasing with recent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Nepal. To curb this pandemic, Nepal is facing some forms of lockdown, encouraging people to implement social distancing so as to reduce interactions between people which could eventually reduce the possibilities of new infection; however, it has affected the overall physical, mental, social and spiritual health of the people. METHODS Published articles related to psychosocial effects due to COVID-19 and other outbreaks were searched and reviewed. CONCLUSION While many countries are supporting their citizens with sophisticated health safety-nets and various relief funds, some developing countries have unique challenges with vulnerable populations and limited resources to respond to the pandemic. This review presents the consequences of pandemic and lockdown on socioeconomic, mental health and other aspects in Nepalese society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Poudel
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Pramod Subedi
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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27
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Yang D, Swekwi U, Tu CC, Dai X. Psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wuhan's high school students. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 119:105634. [PMID: 33162628 PMCID: PMC7603991 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the protective mechanisms of resilience and positive emotion regulation against psychological trauma among Wuhan's high school students during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHOD We obtained 286 valid samples from four high schools in Wuhan, China. To construct a measurement model and a structural model, structural equation models using four measurement scales with valid items were adopted, including a scale of psychological trauma, a scale of resilience, a scale of positive emotional regulation, and a scale of mental health. Participants reported their answers to items on a 5-point Likert-like scale. RESULTS The results revealed that psychological trauma was a negative predictor of mental health, and resilience and positive emotion regulation mediated the relationship between psychological trauma and mental health. CONCLUSIONS Accordingly, we concluded that resilience and positive emotion regulation interrupted the direct impact of psychological trauma on mental health, thereby greatly protecting the mental health of Wuhan's high school students during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yang
- Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | | | | | - Xiao Dai
- Krirk University, Bangkok, Thailand
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28
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Amin F, Sharif S, Saeed R, Durrani N, Jilani D. COVID-19 pandemic- knowledge, perception, anxiety and depression among frontline doctors of Pakistan. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:459. [PMID: 32967647 PMCID: PMC7509498 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02864-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a global pandemic and has become a major public health burden worldwide. With already fragile healthcare systems it can have long lasting effects in developing countries. Outbreaks especially a pandemic situation evokes fear related behaviors among healthcare professionals and there is always an increased risk of mental health disorders. Therefore, this study aims to determine knowledge and perception about this pandemic, prevalence and factors associated with anxiety/depression among frontline physicians of Pakistan. METHODS Data were collected through an online survey released in the last week of March-2020. 389 frontline physicians from all four provinces and 65 cities of Pakistan participated. Survey questionnaire consisted of 4 parts including informed consent section, demographic section, knowledge and perception about COVID-19 pandemic and assessment of depression through World Health Organization Self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20). A score of 8 or above on SRQ-20 was used as cut-off to label the participant as depressed. Data was analyzed using SPSS version22. RESULTS A 43% prevalence of anxiety/depression among frontline physicians of Pakistan was reported. Almost all the doctors had moderate to high knowledge score. Majority of participants marked N-95 mask as "essential" during aerosol generating procedures, assessing patients with respiratory symptoms, in COVID patient-care area, ER triage and direct care of COVID-19 patient. Only 12% of the doctors were fully satisfied with the provision of PPEs and almost 94% felt unprotected. In multivariable model, assessing more than five COVID suspects/day (aOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.65-4.52), working 20 h/week or less (aOR = 2.11, 1.27-3.49), having children among household members (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.00-2.50) and moderate to low knowledge of the infection (aOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.68-4.31) were found to be independent predictors of anxiety/depression among physicians. CONCLUSION Anxiety/depression among more than a third of frontline doctors of Pakistan warrants the need to address mental health of doctors caring for patients during this pandemic; control modifiable factors associated with it and explore the effectiveness of interventions to promote psychological well-being of physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faridah Amin
- Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Salman Sharif
- grid.415915.d0000 0004 0637 9066Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rabeeya Saeed
- grid.415915.d0000 0004 0637 9066Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Noureen Durrani
- grid.415915.d0000 0004 0637 9066Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Daniyal Jilani
- grid.415915.d0000 0004 0637 9066Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
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29
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Semo BW, Frissa SM. The Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Sub-Saharan Africa. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2020; 13:713-720. [PMID: 32982500 PMCID: PMC7508558 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s264286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is leading to mental health problems due to disease experience, physical distancing, stigma and discrimination, and job losses in many of the settings hardest hit by the pandemic. Health care workers, patients with COVID-19 and other illnesses, children, women, youth, and the elderly are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Virtual mental health services have been established in many settings and social media is being used to impart mental health education and communication resources. This rapid review highlights mental health services across countries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. More needs to be done to take these services to scale and ensure equity and efficiency. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health in sub-Saharan Africa could be immense, given the weak health care systems. Similar to the Ebola epidemic of 2014-2016, COVID-19 is expected to cause anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders. Uptake of mental health care services is generally low, and communities rely on social resources. Hence, efforts to control the disease transmission should be contextualized. Low digital literacy, low smartphone penetration and limited internet connection make online mental health services a limited option for service delivery. Safeguarding social and cultural resilience factors and coping mechanisms is critical in the sub-Saharan African context. Mass media is a feasible way of providing social resources. Community health workers can be trained quickly to provide mental health education, screening and counselling services. Toll-free mental health helplines can be used to provide services to health care workers and those needing customized care. Mental health and psychosocial support services need to be integrated into the pandemic response and coordinated nationally. It is critical for these services to continue during and after the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bazghina-werq Semo
- Independent Global Health Consultant, Washington DC, DC, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Souci Mogga Frissa
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Centre for Global Mental Health, King’s College, London, UK
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30
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Monterrosa-Castro A, Dávila-Ruiz R, Mejía-Mantilla A, Contreras-Saldarriaga J, Mercado-Lara M, Florez-Monterrosa C. Estrés laboral, ansiedad y miedo al COVID-19 en médicos generales colombianos. MEDUNAB 2020. [DOI: 10.29375/01237047.3890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Introducción. Las epidemias pueden generar angustia en la población general y en los profesionales de la salud, y la pandemia causada por el virus del COVID-19 no es la excepción. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la presencia de síntomas de estrés laboral, ansiedad y miedo al COVID-19 en médicos generales, además de estimar la asociación según el ente territorial donde trabajaban. Metodología. Este es un estudio transversal que exploró síntomas y percepciones durante la pandemia del COVID-19 en médicos generales colombianos sometidos a cuarentena obligatoria que ejercieron su profesión en marzo del 2020. Previo consentimiento informado, anónima y voluntariamente, los participantes diligenciaron un formulario virtual con preguntas generales sobre COVID-19. El cuestionario buscaba encontrar problemas psicosomáticos sirviéndose de la Escala para el Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada (GAD-7, por sus siglas en inglés) y el FCV-19S (Fear of COVID-19). Los participantes se clasificaron en Municipio no capital o Municipio capital según el ente territorial en donde laboraban. Regresión logística entre el ente territorial (que acá es tomada como variable independiente) con los síntomas de ansiedad, estrés laboral y miedo al COVID-19 (que en este caso es tomado como variable dependiente). Resultados: Participaron 531 médicos generales con edad promedio de 30 años. El 73.3% laboraban en Municipio capital. Un tercio de los encuestados presentó estrés laboral leve, mientras que el 6% presentó estrés laboral alto o severo, esto sin diferencias entre los grupos (p<0.05). Se identificaron síntomas de ansiedad en el 72.9%, más frecuente entre quienes laboraban en las capitales (p=0.044). El 37.1% presentó síntomas de miedo al COVID-19 (FCV-19S). No se observó asociación en la regresión logística realizada. Discusión: Factores psicosociales y psicosomáticos asociados al miedo son el común denominador de los síntomas de ansiedad y estrés laboral en las pandemias. Conclusión: Siete de cada diez participantes presentó síntomas de ansiedad o estrés laboral, mientras que cuatro presentaron síntomas de FCV-19S. No se observó asociación con la clasificación del municipio donde laboraban.
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31
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Joseph SJ, Gunaseelan P, Bhandari SS, Dutta S. How the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) could have a quivering impact on mental health? OPEN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY & ALLIED SCIENCES 2020; 11:135-136. [PMID: 32671226 DOI: 10.5958/2394-2061.2020.00016.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shijo John Joseph
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - P Gunaseelan
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Samrat Singh Bhandari
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Sanjiba Dutta
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
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32
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Santosa A, Cross G, Oon JEL, Archuleta S, Dan YY. Coronavirus 2019 Silver Linings. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa230. [PMID: 32617382 PMCID: PMC7313805 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A heightened state of alert due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared by the Singapore Ministry of Health on February 7, 2020. Within the hospital, team reorganizations, workflow revisions, and physical segregation caused anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs). Fear of the unknown and emotional and physical fatigue started to take their toll on HCWs. We share our learning journey over the first 8 weeks of COVID-19: the importance of acknowledging fears and questions, and transforming them to collective knowledge; the role of empathic, hands-on leadership that brings camaraderie and calms scepticism; the importance of validating efforts and acknowledging hardship; and, most importantly, the security that comes from camaraderie, breaking down hierarchical barriers, and motivating each other to keep on going.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Santosa
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gail Cross
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jolene Ee Ling Oon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sophia Archuleta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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33
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Fendt-Newlin M, Jagannathan A, Webber M. Cultural adaptation framework of social interventions in mental health: Evidence-based case studies from low- and middle-income countries. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2020; 66:41-48. [PMID: 31580173 DOI: 10.1177/0020764019879943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based strategies for treating mental health conditions need to be scaled up to address the mental health treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries. Most medical and psychological interventions for the treatment of mental health conditions have been developed and evaluated in high-income countries. However, the imperative of scaling up such interventions potentially ignores local realities, and may also discredit or replace local frameworks for responding to distress. AIMS This article aims to develop a framework for the cultural adaptation of social interventions which are developed within, and draw upon, local contexts, to ensure they are acceptable, feasible and effective. METHOD A case study approach is used to discuss the feasibility of developing and adapting psychosocial interventions which are embedded in local knowledge, values and practices. RESULTS The first case study introduces yoga as an alternative and/or complementary, and culturally relevant, approach for people experiencing mental health conditions in India. The second case study is a cross-cultural adaptation of a psychosocial intervention from the United Kingdom to fit the local idioms of distress and service context in Sierra Leone, as the country battled with the Ebola outbreak. We use these case studies to develop a Cultural Adaptation Framework, which recognises that people and their mental health are products of their culture and society, to inform the future development, adaptation and evaluation of sociocultural interventions for people experiencing mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries. CONCLUSION The Cultural Adaptation Framework can be used to ensure interventions are culturally relevant and responsive to local conditions prior to evaluating in experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Fendt-Newlin
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aarti Jagannathan
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Martin Webber
- International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, York, UK
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Kirigia JM, Muthuri RNDK, Muthuri NG. The monetary value of human lives lost through Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2019. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1218. [PMID: 31481050 PMCID: PMC6724278 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 8 May 2018 and 27 May 2019, cumulatively there were 1286 deaths from Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective of this study was to estimate the monetary value of human lives lost through EVD in DRC. METHODS Human capital approach was applied to monetarily value years of life lost due to premature deaths from EVD. The future losses were discounted to their present values at 3% discount rate. The model was reanalysed using 5 and 10% discount rates. The analysis was done alternately using the average life expectancies for DRC, the world, and the Japanese females to assess the effect on the monetary value of years of life lost (MVYLL). RESULTS The 1286 deaths resulted in a total MVYLL of Int$17,761,539 assuming 3% discount rate and DRC life expectancy of 60.5 years. The average monetary value per EVD death was of Int$13,801. About 44.7 and 48.6% of the total MVYLL was borne by children aged below 9 years and adults aged between 15 years and 59 years, respectively. Re-estimation of the algorithm with average life expectancies of the world (both sexes) and Japanese females, holding discount rate constant at 3%, increased the MVYLL by Int$ 3,667,085 (20.6%) and Int$ 7,508,498 (42.3%), respectively. The application of discount rates of 5 and 10%, holding life expectancy constant at 60.5 years, reduced the MVYLL by Int$ 4,252,785 (- 23.9%) and Int$ 9,658,195 (- 54.4%) respectively. CONCLUSION The EVD outbreak in DRC led to a considerable MVYLL. There is an urgent need for DRC government and development partners to disburse adequate resources to strengthen the national health system and other systems that address social determinants of health to end recurrence of EVD outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joses M. Kirigia
- African Sustainable Development Research Consortium (ASDRC), P.O. Box 6994 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
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