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Perenc H, Pasieka K, Juruś K, Bierć K, Bieś R, Krzystanek M, Warchala A. The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sexual Lives of Polish Young Adults. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3370. [PMID: 38929899 PMCID: PMC11203741 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to daily life in Poland, with restrictions affecting various sectors, including entertainment, education, and travel. The pandemic's impact extended to intimate aspects of life. This study aimed to compare the sexual functioning of young adults in Poland before and during the pandemic, using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14). Methods: The research involved an online survey with demographic questions, the CSFQ-14 for pre-pandemic sexual functioning, and modified CSFQ-14 questions for the pandemic period. Sexual dysfunction was determined using predefined cutoff scores. Results: Overall, the study found no significant difference in the sexual functioning of young Poles during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. However, there were gender-specific trends. Women reported enhanced pleasure, satisfaction, and orgasm during lockdown, while men faced challenges with erection and ejaculation. A higher proportion of women experienced overall sexual dysfunction compared to men, both before and during the pandemic. This research provides insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual lives of young Poles. While overall sexual functioning remained relatively stable, specific aspects varied by gender. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to consider demographic factors, such as age and gender, when assessing the effects of external stressors like a pandemic on sexual health. Further research is essential to fully grasp these complexities and their potential long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Perenc
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Karolina Pasieka
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Kamil Juruś
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Karolina Bierć
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Rafał Bieś
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland; (H.P.); (K.P.); (K.J.); (K.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Anna Warchala
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland;
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Ngamaba KH, Lombo LS, Makopa IK, Webber M, Liuta JM, Madinga JN, Mampunza SMM, Heap C. Mental health outcomes, literacy and service provision in low- and middle-income settings: a systematic review of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:9. [PMID: 38609473 PMCID: PMC10956021 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-023-00051-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the prevalence of mental health issues could be greater than in other low-income and middle-income countries because of major risk factors related to armed conflicts and poverty. Given that mental health is an essential component of health, it is surprising that no systematic evaluation of mental health in the DRC has yet been undertaken. This study aims to undertake the first systematic review of mental health literacy and service provision in the DRC, to bridge this gap and inform those who need to develop an evidence base. This could support policymakers in tackling the issues related to limited mental health systems and service provision in DRC. Following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines, a systematic (Web of Science, Medline, Public Health, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) search was conducted (January 2000 and August 2023). Combinations of key blocks of terms were used in the search such as DRC, war zone, mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sexual violence, war trauma, resilience, mental health systems and service provision. We followed additional sources from reference lists of included studies. Screening was completed in two stages: title and abstract search, and full-text screening for relevance and quality. Overall, 50 studies were included in the review; the majority of studies (n = 31) were conducted in the Eastern region of the DRC, a region devastated by war and sexual violence. Different instruments were used to measure participants' mental health such as the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25), The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS). Our study found that wartime sexual violence and extreme poverty are highly traumatic, and cause multiple, long-term mental health difficulties. We found that depression, anxiety, and PTSD were the most common problems in the DRC. Psychosocial interventions such as group therapy, family support, and socio-economic support were effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. This systematic review calls attention to the need to support sexual violence survivors and many other Congolese people affected by traumatic events. This review also highlights the need for validating culturally appropriate measures, and the need for well-designed controlled intervention studies in low-income settings such as the DRC. Better public mental health systems and service provision could help to improve community cohesion, human resilience, and mental wellbeing. There is also an urgent need to address wider social issues such as poverty, stigma, and gender inequality in the DRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayonda Hubert Ngamaba
- International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, Social Policy and Social Work, School for Business and Society, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Laddy Sedzo Lombo
- Centre Spécialisé dans la Prise en charge Psychosociale en Santé Mentale (CSPEMRDC), Université Chrétienne de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Israël Kenda Makopa
- Neuropsychiatre et Addictologue Centre Spécialisé dans la Prise en charge Psychosociale en Santé Mentale (CSPEMRDC), Université Chrétienne de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Martin Webber
- International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, Social Policy and Social Work, School for Business and Society, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jack M Liuta
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Joule Ntwan Madinga
- WHO Country Office DRC & Medical Parasitology and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kikwit, Kikwit, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Samuel Ma Miezi Mampunza
- Faculte de Medicine University of Kinshasa & Université Protestante au Congo (UPC), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Cheyann Heap
- International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, Social Policy and Social Work, School for Business and Society, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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Paterson A, Olliaro PL, Rojek A. Addressing stigma in infectious disease outbreaks: a crucial step in pandemic preparedness. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1303679. [PMID: 38186713 PMCID: PMC10768929 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1303679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a complex interplay between infectious disease outbreaks and the stigmatization of affected persons and communities. Outbreaks are prone to precipitating stigma due to the fear, uncertainty, moralisation, and abatement of freedoms associated with many infectious diseases. In turn, this stigma hampers outbreak control efforts. Understanding this relationship is crucial to improving coordinated outbreak response. This requires valid and reliable methods for assessing stigma towards and within impacted communities. We propose adopting a cross-outbreak model for developing the necessary assessment tools. A stigma-informed approach must then be integrated into outbreak preparedness and response efforts to safeguard public health and promote inclusivity and compassion in future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Paterson
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Piero L. Olliaro
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Rojek
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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