Factors influencing psychological distress during a disease epidemic: data from Australia's first outbreak of equine influenza

The relationship between interoceptive emotional awareness, neuroticism, and depression, anxiety, and stress

COVID-19 has caused challenges to daily living globally, with profound implications for negative mood. A variety of state and trait-based factors can influence how a person may respond and adapt to challenges such as a global pandemic. Personality is an area impacting how a person responds to both internal and external situations (trait) and Emotional Awareness (EA) is a facet of interoception (an awareness of the mind-body connection) that determines the way an individual interprets their physiological state of the body, and the associated emotions (state-trait). Both areas have been well researched in isolation, however the body of literature exploring the relationships between both is much smaller. It would therefore be beneficial to explore the interrelationships of both state and trait factors on wellbeing to enable a more comprehensive understanding. It was hypothesised that EA would moderate the relationship between Neuroticism and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress. Participants residing in Australia during periods of imposed lockdown were included within the study (n = 838; Ages = 18-60 years) and completed an online questionnaire battery including a variety of state and trait questionnaires. A moderation analysis was conducted to explore whether Emotional Awareness changed the relationship between neuroticism and depression, anxiety, and stress utilising an alpha of < .05. EA moderated the relationship between Neuroticism and Anxiety (p = .001, 95% CI .03-.17)), and Stress (p = .02 95% CI.01-.13), but not Depression (p = .23, 95% CI .03-.13). As Neuroticism increased, negative mood increased for all levels of EA, however those high in Neuroticism and EA displayed the highest Anxiety and Stress. Interventions to increase EA, such as mindfulness, may have adverse effects for individuals high in Neuroticism, emphasising the importance of tailored interventions and supporting the assumption that high levels of Neuroticism represent increased vulnerability during a pandemic.

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on self-reported levels of depression during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic among Canadian adults

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 related risk factors on self-reported increases in depression among Canadian adults during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. We aim to investigate the interactive effects of stressors, including social isolation, financial stress, and fear of catching COVID-19, on mental health outcomes. Our study aims to provide insights for the development of prevention and intervention strategies to address the mental health effects of the pandemic by examining the psychological changes attributable to the pandemic and its impact.

METHODS

This study used data collected from the Mental Health Research Canada online survey during the third wave of COVID-19 (April 20-28, 2021). The study examined the impact of COVID-19 related factors, including social isolation, financial concerns, fear of catching COVID-19, and concerns about paying bills, on self-reported increases in depression. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to examine these associations, with adjustments made for potential confounding variables. All statistical analysis was performed using SAS V9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

RESULTS

Participants reporting social isolation, financial concerns, and fear of catching COVID-19 were more likely to report increased depression. An interaction was observed between concerns for paying bills and catching COVID-19 in relation to depression (p = 0.0085). In other words, the effect of concerns about paying bills on depression was stronger for individuals who also had a fear of catching COVID-19, and vice versa. Young adults, females, patients with pre-existing depression, and residents of certain provinces reported higher levels of depression during COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Our study underscores the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, particularly among certain demographic groups. It emphasizes the need for depression screening and increased support for mental health during the pandemic, with a focus on mitigating financial burdens and reducing negative psychological impacts of social isolation. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between different stressors and the need to consider this when designing interventions to support mental health during times of crisis.

Corona virus anxiety and Chinese students' cognitive, affective, and behavioral engagement, and academic resilience: correlations and perceptions

BACKGROUND

This study delves into the correlation between Corona Virus Anxiety (CVA) and the engagement as well as academic resilience of Chinese students. The context is set against the backdrop of the global pandemic, highlighting the potential psychological impact of COVID-19 on students' well-being and academic performance.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of this research are to investigate the relationship between CVA and various dimensions of student engagement, including affective, behavioral, and cognitive aspects. Additionally, the study aims to explore how CVA influences academic resilience, with a focus on persistence and self-regulation. The dual-objective approach employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

METHODOLOGY

A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining quantitative data from scales measuring CVA, engagement, and academic resilience with qualitative insights obtained through interviews. The research sample consists of 390 students from Mudanjiang Medical University. Quantitative data are analyzed using Pearson correlation tests, while thematic analysis is applied to interpret the qualitative findings from interviews.

RESULTS

Quantitative data analysis reveals significant negative correlations between CVA and multiple dimensions of student engagement, indicating that higher CVA levels are associated with lower engagement levels. Academic resilience, though relatively high among participants, also exhibits negative correlations with CVA, particularly in terms of persistence and self-regulation. The qualitative findings uncover six main themes elucidating the impact of CVA on students, ranging from emotional and cognitive engagement to the social and technological challenges posed by the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The research concludes that CVA significantly influences students' engagement and academic resilience. The qualitative insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of the diverse challenges students face during the pandemic. These findings have broad implications for students, university administrators, educators, and educational psychologists, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health concerns and providing adequate support systems in the context of global crises.

The mental burden of stay-at-home order extensions during COVID-19

This study evaluates the psychological impact of stay-at-home extension orders during COVID-19 and its relationship with individuals' expectations on the duration of the extensions. An online survey was administered to 1259 US adult residents to measure symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and stress induced by different stay-at-home order extensions using hypothetical length scenarios. We find that individuals exposed to two 2-week order extensions exhibit higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to those exposed to a single 4-week extension. We also find that subjects with longer expected extensions exhibit more signs of psychological damage than those with shorter expected extensions. Furthermore, we find that the negative psychological consequences of providing two shorter extensions is observed only among subjects with extension expectations of four weeks or less. Our results demonstrate that people's expectations affect the level of psychological damage caused by lockdown mandates. Our findings suggest that whenever lockdown extensions are necessary, reduced psychological distress may be possible by implementing a one-time restriction, rather than extending multiple smaller extensions perhaps due to manipulation of personal expectations.

Community's perception of lockdown ascribed to the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a mandatory nationwide lockdown from March 24, 2020. In this difficult and unprecedented time, the requirement to adapt to lockdown and a forced stay-at-home had an impact on people's lives.

Aim

Community's perception of lockdown ascribed to COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was done on individuals aged 18 and above across India, to assess their perception regarding lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire, where the data were collected via Google Forms and analyzed via Epi info 7. The questionnaire comprised of how individuals perceived the lockdown, and how COVID-19 news circulating on various social media platforms and news channels affected their mental health.

Results

The study included a total of 552 individuals. The study found that the lockdown was supported by 47% of respondents. 69.9% participants acknowledged that during lockdown, a huge amount of COVID-19 news was being disseminated, while 67.2% of individuals were overly preoccupied with thinking about preventative measures. As a result of being confined indoors, 59% of respondents thought their screen time had increased.

Conclusion

Respondents perceived that the lockdown had its benefits and drawbacks. They were impacted by the flood of information from various social media platforms as well and there was an increase in screen time.

Psychological Reactions during and after a Lockdown: Self-Efficacy as a Protective Factor of Mental Health

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of home confinement/social isolation (i.e., lockdown), imposed to reduce large-scale spread of a disease in the population, on the mental health of individuals. Through an online survey during the lockdown (DL) related to COVID-19 (1085 respondents, 627 females, agerange: 18-82) (Italy, 23 April-2 May 2020), we revealed that situational factors, i.e., the presence of children at home and female gender, and psychological factors, i.e., a greater sense of isolation, lower perception of safety outside the home and higher trait anxiety, predicted higher levels of state anxiety (R2 = 0.58). The same factors, but with young age instead of the presence of children, predicted higher levels of perceived stress (R2 = 0.63). Then, these data were compared with those collected after the lockdown (AL) (174 respondents, 128 females, agerange: 19-78) (Italy, 1 July-31 October 2021). The results showed that along with a reduced sense of isolation (DL = 2.90 vs. AL = 2.10) and an increased perception of safety outside the home (DL = 2.63 vs. AL = 3.05), a reduction in state anxiety (DL = 45.76 vs. AL= 40.88) and stress appeared (DL = 18.84 vs. AL = 17.63). However, the situation was better for men than for women. Perceived self-efficacy emerged as a protective factor for mental health (R2range: 0.03-0.27). The results are discussed in light of the evidence on the effects of lockdown on individuals worldwide. These results may be used to make more educated decisions on targeted help for individuals who may be most adversely affected by the adoption of lockdowns in the future.

Patient-reported outcomes of neurologic and neuropsychiatric symptoms in mild COVID-19: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Various neurologic manifestations have been reported in patients with COVID-19, mostly in retrospective studies of patients admitted to hospital, but there are few data on patients with mild COVID-19. We examined the frequency and persistence of neurologic/neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild COVID-19 in a 1-year prospective cohort study, as well as assessment of use of health care services and patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

Participants in the Alberta HOPE COVID-19 trial (hydroxychloroquine v. placebo for 5 d), managed as outpatients, were prospectively assessed 3 months and 1 year after their positive test result. They completed detailed neurologic/neuropsychiatric symptom questionnaires, the telephone version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the EuroQol EQ-5D-3L (measure of quality of life). Close informants completed the Mild Behavioural Impairment Checklist (MBI-C) and the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly. We also tracked use of health care services and neurologic investigations.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 198 participants (87 female [43.9%] median age 45 yr, interquartile range 37-54 yr). Of the 179 participants with symptom assessments, 139 (77.6%) reported at least 1 neurologic symptom, the most common being anosmia/dysgeusia (99 [55.3%]), myalgia (76 [42.5%]) and headache (75 [41.9%]). Forty patients (22.3%) reported persistent symptoms at 1 year, including confusion (20 [50.0%]), headache (21 [52.5%]), insomnia (16 [40.0%]) and depression (14 [35.0%]); 27/179 (15.1%) reported no improvement. Body mass index (BMI), a history of asthma and lack of full-time employment were associated with the presence and persistence of neurologic/neuropsychiatric symptoms; female sex was independently associated with both (presence: odds ratio [OR] adjusted for age, race, BMI, history of asthma and neuropsychiatric history 5.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.58 to 16.10). Compared to participants without persistent symptoms, those with persistent symptoms had more hospital admissions and family physician visits, and worse MBI-C scores and less frequent independence for instrumental activities at 1 year (83.8% v. 97.8%, p = 0.005). Patients with any or persistent neurologic symptoms had worse psychologic distress (K10 score ≥ 20: adjusted OR 12.1, 95% CI 1.4 to 97.2) and quality of life (median EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale rating 75 v. 90, p < 0.001); 42/84 (50.0%) had a T-MoCA score less than 18 at 3 months, as did 36 (42.9%) at 1 year. Participants who reported memory loss were more likely than those who did not report such symptoms to have informant-reported cognitive-behavioural decline (1-yr MBI-C score ≥ 6.5: adjusted OR 15.0, 95% CI 2.42 to 92.60).

INTERPRETATION

Neurologic/neuropsychiatric symptoms were commonly reported in survivors of mild COVID-19, and they persisted in 1 in 5 patients 1 year later. Symptoms were associated with worse participant- and informant-reported outcomes. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT04329611.

Eating disorder and anxiety during Covid19 pandemic: the Maghrebian experience

The coronavirus pandemic is considered the worst-hit that the world had witnessed in the current century. The impact of the pandemic, especially during the lockdown, was not only diverse but also worldwide. The African continent, including the Maghreb, was no exception. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of anxiety and eating behaviors and their correlations in three Maghrebian countries following the official outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic. It is a cross-sectional study of 754 participants from Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. It took place between 30 April and 2 July 2020. The survey showed that eating disorders represented 45.9% of the sample while 26.8% (202 participants) matched the anxiety criteria. Statistical significant factors for eating disorders were gender (p = 0.002; OR = 1.760), underweight (p = 0.021; OR = 0.306), anxiety (p = 0.001; OR = 0.470), bulimia (p = 0.000; OR = 0.794) and body dissatisfaction (p = 0.000; OR = 0.920). This rise goes along with other surveys in different parts of the world. These results can be explained by multiple reasons such as the 'food insecurity' mechanism, the excessive feeling of boredom and loneliness resulting from social distancing and the overwhelming overthinking about the onset of a serious economic crisis.

COVID-19-Related Stress and Resilience Resources: A Comparison Between Adoptive and non-Adoptive Mothers

Despite an increasing interest in how adoptive parents deal with situations appraised as stressful, there is a lack of research regarding adoptive parents' adjustment to the challenges posed by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. The current study explores similarities and differences between adoptive and non-adoptive mothers in terms of risks (i.e., COVID-19-related stress) and individual (i.e., sense of coherence [SOC]), couple (i.e., partner's support), parent-child (i.e., parent-child relationship satisfaction), and social (i.e., friends' support) resources in the face of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the present study was aimed at predicting which variables discriminate more effectively between the two groups. Participants were 445 Italian mothers (40.9% adoptive mothers), who were asked to fill in an anonymous online survey between May 2021 and October 2021. Results showed that adoptive and non-adoptive mothers reported different resilience resources to face the stressors posed by the health emergency. Specifically, COVID-19 traumatic stress symptoms, parent-child relationship satisfaction, and SOC were found to contribute most in discriminating between the two groups. Findings are discussed in relation to future research developments and practical implications.

Quality of life among the Arab population two years after COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in severe consequences worldwide. Our study aims to assess the quality of life (QoL) domains and its determinants among the general population in Arab countries after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

An anonymous online cross-sectional survey using the short version of World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument was distributed among Arab adults in 15 Arab Countries.

RESULTS

A total of 2008 individuals completed the survey. Amongst them, 63.2% were 18-40 years and 63.2% were females, 26.4% had chronic disease, 39.7% confirmed having contracted COVID-19, and 31.5% had experienced the unfortunate loss of relatives due to COVID-19. The survey revealed that 42.7% reported good physical QoL, 28.6% were satisfied with psychological QoL, 32.9% had a sense of well-being in the social domain, and 14.3% had good QoL in the environmental domain. The predictors of physical domains were as follows: being a male (β = 4.23 [95%CI 2.71, 5.82]), being from low-middle income country (β = -3.79 [95%CI -5.92, -1.73]) or being from high-middle-income country (β = -2.95 [95%CI -4.93, -0.92]), having a a chronic disease (β = -9.02 [95%CI -10.62,-7.44]) having a primary/secondary education (β = -2.38 [95%CI -4.41, -0.054]), number of years of work experience ≥ 15 years (β = 3.25 [95%CI 0.83, 5.73]), income-per-capita [ranged from (β = 4.16 [95%CI -5.91, -2.40]) to (β = -11.10 [95CI%, -14.22, -8.11])], a previous COVID-19 infection (β = -2.98 [95%CI -4.41, -1.60]), and having relative died from COVID-19 (β = -1.56 [95%CI -3.01, -0.12]). The predictors of psychological domain were having a chronic disease (β = -3.15 [95%CI -4.52, -1.82]), a postgraduate education (β = 2.57 [95% CI 0.41, 4.82]), number of years of work experience ≥ 15 years (β = 3.19 [95%CI 1.14, 5.33]), income-per-capita [ranged from (β = -3.52 [95%CI -4.91, -1.92]) to (β = -10.31 [95%CI -13.22, -7.44])], and a previous COVID-19 infection (β = -1.65 [95%CI -2.83, -0.41]). The predictors of social domain were being a male (β = 2.78 [95%CI 0.93, 4.73]),  being single, (β =-26.21 [-28.21, -24.32]), being from a low-income country (β = 5.85 [95%CI 2.62, 9.13]), or from a high-middle-income country (β = -3.57 [95%CI -6.10, -2.12]), having a chronic disease (β = -4.11 [95%CI -6.13, -1.11]), and income-per-capita [ranged from (β = -3.62 [95%CI -5.80, -1.41]) to (β = -11.17 [95%CI -15.41, -6.92])]. The predictors of environmental domain were being from a low-middle-income country (β = -4.14 [95%CI -6.90, -1.31), from a high-middle-income country (β = -12.46 [95%CI -14.61, -10.30]), or from a low-income-country (β = -4.14 [95%CI, -6.90, -1.32]), having a chronic disease (β = -3.66 [95%CI -5.30, -1.91]), having a primary/secondary education (β = -3.43 [95%CI -5.71, -1.13]), being not working (β = -2.88 [95%CI -5.61, -0.22]), income-per-capita [ranged from (β = -9.11 [95%CI -11.03, -7.21] to (β = -27.39 [95%CI -31.00, -23.84])], a previous COVID-19 infection (β = -1.67 [95%CI -3.22, -0.21]), and having a relative who died from COVID-19 (β = -1.60 [95%CI -3.12, -0.06].

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the need for public health interventions to support the general population in the Arab countries and mitigate its impact on their QoL.

Influence of Stress and Emotions in the Learning Process: The Example of COVID-19 on University Students: A Narrative Review

Emotional instability and stress are the main disturbances that condition the learning process, affecting both teachers and students. The main objective of this review is to analyze the influence of stress and emotions (as part of stress) on the learning environment. Stress is a physiological mechanism that the organism develops to adapt and survive external and internal challenges. In this context, stress tends to be seen as a negative condition in the learning process when it is chronic. Extreme stress situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can generate anxiety and frustration in students. However, other studies indicate that controlled stress can positively enhance the learning process. On the other hand, the quality and intensity of emotions resulting from stress can influence as well the learning process. Positive emotions are healthy and can promote optimal learning. Emotions lead to sentimental, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological changes, which will have a strong influence on intellectual performance. The activation of coping strategies constitutes a key mechanism for dealing positively with problems and challenges, generating positive emotions essential for the self-regulation of learning. In conclusion, correct management of emotions in stressful situations could promote effective learning through enhanced attention and capacity to solve problems.

Using imagination in response to stress and uncertainty in the time of COVID-19: further validation of the Fantastic Reality Ability Measurement (FRAME) Scale

Fantastic reality ability (FRA) is defined as the capacity to use imagination in response to stress or trauma. With the emergence of COVID-19 and associated social restrictions, there has been an uptick in imagination use as a coping strategy. This has allowed us to further validate the Fantastic Reality Ability Measurement (FRAME) Scale at this time of stress and uncertainty. Initial exploratory factor analyses (EFA) suggested that FRAME responses are measured by four first-order factors. Using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), this study set out to confirm this finding and to ascertain if: First-order factors are correlated; or map onto a second or higher-order, fantastic reality ability latent construct. Also, FRAME responses are compared to established scales to demonstrate concurrent and discriminant validity. In accord with previous research and theory, CFA results indicate that each four factors (coping, control, transcendence, playfulness), contribute significantly to the measurement of a higher-order FRA latent construct (N = 437 Israeli adults). We also report robust correlations between FRAME and measures of resiliency and imagination abilities of complexity, directedness and frequency. Both adaptive and maladaptive applications of imagination use in relation to stress are discussed with focus on those who could foster resiliency. The FRAME enables one to briefly measure imagination use in response to stress and could serve as part of questionnaire batteries measuring individual differences and clinical research. Future research should assess the stability of this instrument across different populations over extended periods, specifically those at risk for trauma.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns on the consumption of anxiolytics, hypnotics and antidepressants according to age groups: a French nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated sanitary measures on mental health, especially among adolescents and young adults. Such a context may raise many concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic long-term psychological effects. An analysis of administrative databases could be an alternative and complementary approach to medical interview-based epidemiological surveys to monitor the mental health of the population. We conducted a nationwide study to describe the consumption of anxiolytics, antidepressants and hypnotics during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the five previous years.

METHODS

A historic cohort study was conducted by extracting and analysing data from the French health insurance database between 1 January 2015 and 28 February 2021. Individuals were classified into five age-based classes. Linear regression models were performed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic period on the number of drug consumers, in introducing an interaction term between time and COVID-19 period.

RESULTS

Since March 2020, in all five age groups and all three drug categories studied, the number of patients reimbursed weekly has increased compared to the period from January 2015 to February 2020. The youngest the patients, the more pronounced the magnitude.

CONCLUSIONS

Monitoring the consumption of psychiatric medications could be of great interest as reliable indicators are essential for planning public health strategies. A post-crisis policy including reliable monitoring of mental health must be anticipated.

Social Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts the Link between Child Abuse and Adolescent Internalizing Problems

Collective traumas have a notable impact on adolescent well-being. While some youth face increased risk for mental health problems (e.g., those with maltreatment histories), many demonstrate resilience following traumatic events. One contributing factor to well-being following trauma is the degree to which one isolates from others. Accordingly, we examined the association between maltreatment and internalizing problems during the COVID-19 pandemic as moderated by social isolation. Among adolescents reporting pre-pandemic emotional abuse, those experiencing less isolation reported the lowest levels of anxiety symptoms. Among adolescents reporting pre-pandemic physical abuse, those experiencing less isolation reported the greatest levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The findings highlight a public health-oriented approach to youth well-being during collective trauma that extends beyond mitigating disease transmission.

Investigating Students' Satisfaction with Online Collaborative Learning During the COVID-19 Period: An Expectation-Confirmation Model

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 posed discontinuous disruption to traditional learning modes worldwide. In order to keep social distance, online collaborative learning has become a necessity during the pandemic. However, our understanding of students' well-being and satisfaction with online collaborative learning is limited, especially during the COVID-19 period. Leveraging expectation confirmation theory, this study focuses on the triggers and inhibitors of students' cognitive load during online collaborative learning process and their subsequent satisfaction with the learning mode during the pandemic. We used a mixed-method approach in this study. We conducted a qualitative study with interview data and a quantitative study with surveys. The results indicate several psychological and cognitive antecedents of students' cognitive load during online collaborative learning. Findings also indicate that a high level of cognitive load will decrease students' perceived usefulness of the online learning platform and expectation confirmation, thus leading to a low level of satisfaction with online collaborative learning. This study can provide theoretical and practical implications for a better understanding of online student groups' satisfaction with online collaborative learning during the COVID-19 period.

Examining Changes in Sleep Duration Associated with the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Who is Sleeping and Who is Not?

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social isolation and reports of insomnia. However, reports of changes in sleep duration and associated factors are few. To determine the impact of COVID-19 on changes in sleep behavior, data were analyzed from an online survey of adults recruited via social media that included questions asking whether the respondent slept less or more after the onset of the pandemic as well as self-reported sociodemographic and occupational information; beliefs about COVID-19; and responses pertaining to loneliness, anxiety, and depression. There were 5,175 respondents; 53.9% had a change in sleep duration.17.1% slept less and 36.7% slept more. Sleeping more was related to greater education, being single/divorced/separated, unemployed or a student. Being retired, divorced/separated or a homemaker, and living in the Mountain or Central time zones were associated with less sleep. Beliefs that COVID-19 would result in personal adverse consequences was associated with both more and less sleep. However, the strongest associations for both more and less sleep were seen with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. In summary, changes in sleep duration since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were highly prevalent among social media users and were associated with several sociodemographic factors and beliefs that COVID-19 would have adverse personal impacts. However, the strongest associations occurred with worse mental health suggesting that improvements may occur with better sleep.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08964289.2021.2002800 .

COVID-19 and stress of Indian youth: An association with background, on-line mode of teaching, resilience and hope

Background

COVID-19 pandemic causes serious threats to physical health and triggers wide varieties of psychological problems, including anxiety and depression. Youth exhibit a greater risk of developing psychological distress, especially during epidemics influencing their wellbeing.

Objectives

To identify the relevant dimensions of psychological stress, mental health, hope and resilience and to examine the prevalence of stress in Indian youth and its relationship with socio-demographic information, online-mode of teaching, hope and resilience.

Method

A cross-sectional online survey obtained information on socio-demographic background, online-mode of teaching, psychological stress, hope and resilience from the Indian youth. A Factor Analysis is also conducted on the recompenses of the Indian youth on psychological stress, mental health, hope and resilience separately to identify the major factors associated with parameters. The sample size in this study was 317, which is more than the required sample size (Tabachnik et al., 2001).

Results

About 87% of the Indian youth perceived moderate to a high levels of psychological stress during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Different demographic, sociographic and psychographic segments were found to have high stress levels due to the pandemic, while psychological stress was found to be negatively correlated with resilience as well as hope. The findings identified significant dimensions of the stress caused by the pandemic and also identified the dimensions of mental health, resilience and hope among the study subjects.

Conclusion

As stress has a long-term impact on human psychology and can disrupt the lives of people and as the findings suggest that the young population of the country have faced the greatest amount of stress during the pandemic, a greater need for mental health support is required to the young population, especially in post pandemic situations. The integration of online counselling and stress management programs could assist in mitigating the stress of youth involved in distance learning.

Anxiety and Depression in the Initial Stage of the COVID-19 Outbreak in a Portuguese Sample: Exploratory Study

BACKGROUND

In previous studies, it was found that the confinement to which the population was subjected during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of anxiety and depression.

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the levels of anxiety and depression symptoms in Portugal residents during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This is a descriptive, transversal, and exploratory study of non-probabilistic sampling. Data collection was carried out between 6th and 31st of May 2020. Sociodemographic and health questionnaires PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were used.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 920 individuals. The prevalence for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) was 68.2% and (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) was 34.8%, and for anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 5) was 60.4% and (GAD-7 ≥ 10) was 20%. Depressive symptoms were moderately severe for 8.9% of the individuals, and 4.8% presented severe depression. Regarding the generalized anxiety disorder, we found that 11.6% of individuals present moderate symptoms, and 8.4% severe anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were substantially higher than those previously found for the Portuguese population and when compared with other countries during the pandemic. Younger individuals, female, with chronic illness and medicated, were more vulnerable to depressive and anxious symptoms. In contrast, participants who maintained frequent levels of physical activity during confinement had their mental health protected.

COVID-19 anxiety and associated factors among university students in Bangladesh

Cross-sectional data were collected from 787 Bangladeshi students ages 18 to 27 years, to assess dysfunctional COVID-19 anxiety using the Coronavirus anxiety Scale or CAS and to identify factors influencing their anxiety. Results indicated that 53% of the respondents attained CAS scores in the clinical range. Women reported a significantly higher anxiety than men. Additionally, not having a steady family income, having poor physical health, having relatives or acquaintances infected with COVID-19, and being highly worried about becoming infected were associated with COVID-19 anxiety. Psychosocial interventions should be adopted to mitigate the anxiety of these high-risk groups and to deter harmful behavior during this emergency.

Psychological status of infertile men during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in China: a cross-sectional investigation

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has had a widespread and profound impact on people's mental health. The factors associated with mental symptoms among men diagnosed with infertility, a disease closely related to psychological conditions, remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors associated with mental symptoms among infertile Chinese men during the pandemic.

RESULTS

A total of 4,098 eligible participants were recruited in this cross-sectional, nationwide study, including 2,034 (49.6%) with primary infertility and 2,064 (50.4%) with secondary infertility. The prevalence of mental health conditions was 36.3%, 39.6%, and 6.7% for anxiety, depression, and post-pandemic stress, respectively. Sexual dysfunction is associated with a higher risk with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.40 for anxiety, 1.38 for depression, and 2.32 for stress. Men receiving infertility drug therapy displayed a higher risk for anxiety (adjusted OR, 1.31) and depression (adjusted OR, 1.28) symptoms, while those receiving intrauterine insemination had a lower risk of anxiety (adjusted OR, 0.56) and depression (adjusted OR, 0.55) symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant psychological impact on infertile men. Several psychologically vulnerable populations were identified, including individuals with sexual dysfunction, respondents receiving infertility drug therapy, and those experiencing control measures for COVID-19. The findings provide a comprehensive profile of the mental health status of infertile Chinese men during the COVID-19 outbreak and provide potential psychological intervention strategies.

Entity theory of emotion was associated with more daily negative affect during quarantine: Evidence from a 14-day diary study among healthy young adults

During the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine has been implemented as a physical distancing measure to reduce the risk of transmission. However, no studies have examined the relationship between quarantine and daily affective experiences. Few studies have examined the individual-level factors that may alleviate or strengthen the negative impact of quarantine on daily affective experiences. To this end, we conducted a diary study by comparing the affective experiences of people in quarantine with those of people not subject to quarantine. There were 201 participants in the study. After the pretest collecting responses on demographic information and entity theory of emotion, the participants completed a daily questionnaire measuring their daily positive and negative affect for 14 consecutive days. The results of hierarchical linear modeling showed that the participants in the quarantine condition reported less daily positive affect than those in the social interaction condition. We found that when the participants under quarantine believed more strongly that their emotions could not be changed, they reported a higher level of daily negative affect. These findings demonstrate the role of entity theory of emotion in understanding daily negative affect during quarantine.

Implementation of biosecurity on equestrian premises: A narrative overview

Biosecurity measures are designed to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens, and play a vital role in the equine industry, controlling endemic diseases and reducing the threat of exotic disease incursion. Equestrian premises differ with respect to disease risks, biosecurity requirements and available facilities. This narrative review summarises reported frequency of implementation for selected biosecurity measures, as well as evidence relating to potential barriers to implementation of biosecurity on equestrian premises. Possible opportunities for improvement in the adoption of equine biosecurity measures are also discussed.

Brain tumours in the time of COVID-19: An online survey on patients' disease experience in one Italian region

Background

Since the outbreak, in 2019, of COVID-19, the world has experienced marked changes in daily habits, partly reflecting the exceptional social restrictions and health measures adopted to contain the disease. All these measures significantly affected not only peoples's daily lives and psychological well-being but also the possibility for the healthcare system to function properly. In this setting, brain tumour patients were at risk due to their higher physical and mental fragility and their need for regular care. The aim of the present study was to assess, using a self-reported online questionnaire, the patients's perceptions regarding their disease experience.

Materials and methods

We developed an online anonymous self-report survey to assess patients's disease experience during the pandemic. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients's cancer care schedules, their psychological distress and emotions felt during the pandemic, their levels of worry about COVID-19, and their oncological conditions.

Results

107 patients answered our survey, most of them suffering from a glioma. Less than one-third of the sample had their appointments cancelled, delayed or converted into online visits due to the pandemic. Of the patients who answered the survey, 95% declared they were satisfied with their Institute's oncological management. The feelings reported most often were peacefulness or anxiety/worry; the majority of the sample reported high levels of loneliness, which tended to increase with age, whilst the psychological distress was correlated with age and with having a recurrence of the disease. Half of the sample declared severe worry about their oncological condition, in particular subjects with a recurrence or who were receiving adjuvant therapies. Patients with recurrence tended to worry more about the possibility of contracting COVID-19, and its effects.

Conclusion

Our findings illustrate how fragile and in need of care patients with a brain tumour may be, especially those with more severe clinical conditions. These data may help boost healthcare professionals's knowledge about brain tumour patients's needs and fears, so as to be able to offer them a better hospital experience and improve their clinical management, while possibly also reducing the psychological burden on patients and their families.

Negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the musculoskeletal system and depression in healthcare professionals

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is thought that healthcare workers are most exposed to musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are limited studies in the literature examining the musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine musculoskeletal problems and psychological disorders in healthcare personnel working at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine and Research Hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic and to come up with solutions for rehabilitation.

METHODS

The Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire (CMDQ) was used to assess musculoskeletal problems in the past week. Additionally, Beck depression inventory (BDI) was used to evaluate the psychological state of the participants. Questions on demographic characteristics, habits, the presence and localisation of musculoskeletal system (MSS) diseases, severity and duration of pain, chronic diseases, trauma history and working conditions were included in the questionnaire prepared by the researchers.

RESULTS

The study included 74 nurses, 42 residents, 26 specialists, 24 technicians, 16 dentists, 12 physiotherapists, and 26 other allied health personnel. Dentists had the highest total CMDQ score (160.73) whereas resident doctors had the lowest total CMDQ score (98.33). Low back, neck and back pain were the most common MSS problems. BDI was highest in nurses and 70.27% of the nurses were women. The total workplace ergonomics score was found to be 25.91%, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) was highest in nurses (6.72).

CONCLUSIONS

While MSS pain is concentrated on the waist, neck and back regions in all healthcare workers. We concluded that the uncertainty associated with the pandemic, delay in preventive measures such as vaccination and medication, rapid and strong transmission of the disease and increasing number of deaths have led to an increase in stress, depression and burnout among healthcare workers.

Prevalence of negative mental health status during COVID-19 pandemic among general population of seven Arab countries: A cross-sectional study of 28843 participants

BACKGROUND

Previous studies documented a narrow scope of knowledge about the negative mental health status during the lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Arab countries.

AIM

We aimed to assess the association between negative mental health status and the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the different factors affecting mental health among the general population of seven Arab countries.

METHODS

This study is a multinational cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted online from June 11, 2020 to June 25, 2020. The depression, anxiety, and stress Scale 21 Items (DASS-21) and the Event scale-Revised Arabic version (IES-R-13) scales were used. Multiple linear regressions were performed to study the association between the scales' total scores with COVID-19 and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 28,843 participants from seven Arab countries were included. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of mental health disorders has significantly increased. A total of 19006 participants (66%) were affected by variable degrees of depression, 13,688 (47%) had anxiety, and 14,374 (50%) had stress ranging from mild to severe. Higher levels were associated with other factors, such as lower age, female gender, chronic disease, unemployed, fear of getting infected, and a history of psychiatric disorders.

CONCLUSION

Our study findings show an increased incidence of mental disorders during the pandemic. This is expected to play a crucial role in guiding a psychological support strategy provided by healthcare systems to the general public during pandemics.

Face memory and facial expression recognition are both affected by wearing disposable surgical face masks

Faces are fundamental stimuli for social interactions since they provide significant information about people's identity and emotional states. With the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic, global use of preventive measures, such as disposable surgical face masks (DSFMs), has been imposed. The massive use of DSFMs covering a large part of the face could interfere with identity and emotion recognition. Thus, the main aim of the current study was (i) to assess how DSFMs affect identity recognition (Experiment 1), (ii) how DSFMs affect emotion recognition (Experiment 2), and (iii) whether individual empathy levels correlate with emotion recognition with DSFMs. The potential relation between identity and emotion recognition with and without DSFMs was also investigated. Two tasks were administered to 101 healthy participants: (i) the Old-new face memory task aimed to assess whether the learning context (i.e., DSFMs on/off) affects recognition performance, whereas (ii) the Facial affect task explored DSFMs' effect on emotion recognition. Results from the former showed that the stimuli's features in the learning stage affect recognition performances; that is, faces wearing DSFMs were better recognized if wearing DSFMs at first exposure and vice versa. Results from the Facial affect task showed that DSFMs lead to reduced disgust, happiness, and sadness recognition. No significant correlation emerged between identity and emotion recognition. The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) was administered to assess affective and cognitive empathy; however, IRI scores did not correlate with either face memory recognition or facial affect recognition. Overall, our results demonstrate (a) a "context effect" for face memory with and without DSFMs; (b) a disruptive effect of DSFMs depending on the expressed emotion; and (c) no correlation between empathy and emotion recognition with DSFMs.

More Positive Emotion, Less Stress Perception?

Purpose

Shanghai, a mega-city with a population of 25 million, was becoming the first city in mainland China to erupt in the Omicron pandemic. The pandemic and the quarantine measures of whole city static management brought out big challenges for the population. This study sought to examine the psychological impact of such quarantine measures.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in China between April 8 to April 14, 2022. The survey contained inventories of stress perception, emotion states, duration of quarantine, and demographic characteristics. A total of 1,051 participants in Shanghai who were quarantined at home were included by random sampling.

Results

We found moderate-to-mild perceived stress (3.248±1.936) and emotion states (3.453±2.094). Individuals with high negative emotions had high levels of perceived stress. Specifically, the population aged 30-49, female, with higher household income, staying with the elderly or children, were more likely to report high stress and negative emotion. Hierarchical regression and the further path analysis indicated that emotion states partially mediated the relationship between quarantined days at home and perceived stress.

Conclusion

There was a moderate-to-mild level of perceived stress and emotion when quarantined at home for an average of 20 days in Shanghai. The present findings implicated more positive emotion then less stress perception at the same duration of quarantine. It was suggested to consider the measures taken to construct positive emotions for the public to overcome negativity and bring out a virtuous circle to thrive, if the quarantine has to be continued for preventing the pandemic.

Use of preventive measures, beliefs and information received about COVID-19 and their effects on mental health, in two stages of the pandemic in Colombia

BACKGROUND

Several studies have highlighted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both physical and mental health. The aim of this study is to analyse the effects on mental health in two phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 and February 2021) in the population of Colombia.

METHODS

Observational, prospective, cross-sectional study along two periods, April 2020 and February 2021. The sample (N = 1309) was extracted from the Colombian population, only including individuals over the age of 18 and residing in Colombia during the pandemic. The IMPACTCOVID-19 questionnaire was used, previously validated in Spain and cross-culturally adapted to the Colombian population, which included sociodemographic data, use of preventive measures, information received and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for psychological distress (PD). Participants had to sign an informed consent before taking part in the investigation.

RESULTS

A higher level of PD was observed among women (M = 3.99, SD = 3.39) (p < .001), in those who lived without a partner (M = 3.83, SD = 3.47) (p = .036), and in those with a worse perception of health (M = 6.27, SD = 3.51) (p < .001). PD decreased in the second period from M = 3.99 (SD = 3.36) to M = 2.98 (SD = 3.30) (p < .001), coinciding with a higher use of preventive measures, less distress caused by COVID-19 and greater confidence in healthcare professionals and clinical structures. In the second period, the time spent in getting informed decreased, but the sources of information were the same, principally social media and official sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Better information on the effects and preventive measures to prevent the pandemic improves confidence in the health system and its professionals, reducing the level of PD. There is a need for quality information on social networks and an adaptation of telemedicine to address the pandemic effects on mental health.Key messagesPsychological distress (PD) decreased in February 2021, as compared to April 2020, due to a greater use of preventive measures against COVID-19, and the confidence on the recommendations made by health officials and professionals.Higher PD has been found in women and people who lived without a partner, in line with studies performed in other countries.The accessibility to quality information on the pandemic should be promoted by the Official Health Authorities, thus counteracting data that could be classified as "fake news".

Non-Pathological Psychological Distress among Mainland Chinese in Canada and Its Sociodemographic Risk Factors amidst the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health inequalities, with a potentially heightened mental health risk for Mainland Chinese in Canada, given the rising anti-Chinese discrimination, and barriers in assessing health services. In this context, this study aimed to assess non-pathological psychological distress towards COVID-19 and identify its sociodemographic risk factors among Mainland Chinese in Canada at the early stages of the pandemic.

METHODS

A sample of 731 Mainland Chinese aged 16 or older completed an on-line survey to examine their attitudes, behavioural, and psychological responses towards COVID-19. Non-pathological psychological distress was assessed with a 7-item self-report scale to capture common emotional reactions towards COVID-19.

RESULTS

A factor analysis revealed a single-factor structure of the 7-item COVID-19 psychological distress scale (Eigen λ = 3.79). A composite psychological distress index (PDI) score was calculated from these items and used as the outcome variable. Multivariate regression models identified age, financial satisfaction, health status, and perceived/experienced discrimination as significant predictors of psychological distress (ps ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mainland Chinese in Canada who were over 25, in poor financial/health status, or with perceived/experienced discrimination were at a higher risk for COVID-19-related psychological distress. The health inequity across these factors would inform the services to mitigate mental health risk in minority groups.

A scoping review of the literature on the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on the psychological wellbeing of medical students

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to identify the nature and extent of the available published research on the impact of social isolation, on the psychological wellbeing of medical students, who had to quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Design. Scoping review.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews), guideline, was used to structure this study. A search strategy was carried out across six bibliographic databases. PubMed, Embase, ERIC, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Web of Science. The following search terms were used, "medical student*" AND "impact" AND "quarantine" AND "COVID-19". Searches were initially confined to articles published (excluding conference abstracts) between 1 January 2019- 21 August 2021 but updated in September 2022 with the original search terms expanded to include "isolation" or "lockdown" as well as "quarantine" and the period of search extended to 21 August 2022. A search of secondary references was conducted. Data from the selected studies were extracted, and the following variables recorded; first author and year of publication, country of study, study design, sample size, participants, mode of analysing impact of quarantine from COVID-19 on mental health and results of the studies.

RESULTS

A total of 223 articles were identified in the original search in 2021 and 387 articles, in the updated search in 2022. Following the exclusion of duplicates and application of the agreed inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 full-text articles were identified for the final review, most of which were cross sectional studies. Sample sizes ranged from 13 to 4193 students and most studies used a variety of self-administered questionnaires to measure psychological wellbeing. Overall, 26 of the 31 articles showed that quarantine had a negative impact on the psychological well-being of medical students. However, two studies showed no impact, and three studies showed an improvement.

CONCLUSION

The evidence is growing. Quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic may have had a negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of medical students, but this is not certain. There is therefore a need for more studies to further evaluate this research question.

Are Foods from the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Low in Nutrients? An Analysis of Chinese Psychological Distress Effects

Background: The city-wide COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in psychological anguish, which may have an impact on dietary consumption. This study’s dual goals are to show how Chinese food consumption was altered before and after the lockdown, and to examine the nutrient density for the psychologically affected group. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 652 people from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macao was conducted with the aid of a web-based questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, related environmental factors, nutrient consumption, food recommendations, and psychological distress were all measured. 516 trustworthy data revealed that two nutrient-poor foods were consumed less frequently during the lockdown than they were before to the COVID-19 outbreak (i.e., salty snacks and alcoholic beverages). People who endured high levels of psychological distress in particular tended to consume more. Particularly, those who experienced high levels of psychological distress had a tendency to consume far more alcohol than people who only experienced low levels of stress. Comparing the time before the COVID-19 to the present, there has statistically been an increase in the frequency of family members recommending diets. According to research, by food advice, individuals who experience psychological distress should consume more nutrient-dense foods (78.7%) than nutrient-poor ones (61.9%). Thus, food advice plays a role in mediating the relationship between psychological distress and dietary decisions for nutrient-rich (b = 0.186, p < 0.001) or nutrient-poor (b = 0.187, p < 0.001) food groups. This study provides insights for lowering psychological distress through dietary consumption, where the exact mechanisms underlying these connections have not been thoroughly elucidated. It encourages nutrition research by recommending practical nutrition education from family and environmental activities. Chronic psychological anguish may have a crucial relationship to secure access to food and a balanced diet. Along with nutrition instruction, it is critical to develop skills in interventions such as food procurement and culinary knowledge.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in the COVID-19 pandemic era: A systematic review with individual patients' analysis

OBJECTIVE

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) resemble epileptic seizures but are not due to underlying epileptic activity and in some cases coexist alongside epilepsy. We described the clinical characteristics of patients with PNES as reported in the literature from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated differences between patients with a diagnosis made immediately before the pandemic (pPNES) and those newly diagnosed during it (nPNES).

METHODS

A systematic search with individual patient analysis of PNES cases published since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak was performed. Differences between pPNES and nPNES were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

Eleven articles were included, with 133 patients (106 pPNES and 27 nPNES). In the pPNES group, PNES frequency increased during the pandemic in 20/106 patients, whereas in 78/106, the frequency remained stable or decreased. nPNES was associated with higher risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and epilepsy diagnosis, whereas psychiatric comorbidities were less frequent.

CONCLUSIONS

During the pandemic, most patients with pPNES remained stable or improved, whereas nPNES was associated with a lower burden of psychiatric comorbidities. These intriguing findings suggest that, at least in some patients, the COVID-19 pandemic may not necessarily lead to worsening in the frequency of PNES and quality of life.

Mental Health and Quality of Life among Dental Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Students are particularly vulnerable from the mental health aspect, which was especially recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to reveal the impact of COVID-19 on quality of life (QoL) and mental health among dental students. The study was conducted on a sample of 797 students (207 male and 592 female) with an average age of 21.7 ± 2.4, from the School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade. The measurements used in the study were the Demographic and Academic Questionnaire, Questionnaire about exposure to COVID-19, COVID-19-Impact on QoL Questionnaire (COV19-QoL), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The mean total score for COV19-QoL was 2.9 ± 0.9, while the diagnostic criteria of GAD-7 and depression met 19.9% and 31.4% of students, respectively. There was a positive and strong correlation between QoL, anxiety, and depression. During COVID-19, predictors for lower perceptions of QoL were female gender and death of close relatives (p = 0.049, p = 0.005, respectively). At the same time, predictors for GAD were female gender, living in dormitories, and death of close relatives (p = 0.019, p = 0.011, p = 0.028, respectively), while for depression they were year of study, living with parents, and death of close relatives due to COVID-19 (p = 0.012, p = 0.008, p = 0.029, respectively). The study showed that students' QoL and mental health during the pandemic were at high risk.

Perceived Covid-19-crisis intensity and family supportive organizational perceptions as antecedents of parental burnout: A study conducted in Italy in March/April 2021 and 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate to what extent perceived Covid-19-crisis intensity (PCCI) leads to the experience of parental burnout (PB), a syndrome characterized by exhaustion, emotional detachment from one's own children and a sense of inefficacy in the role as parent. Furthermore, the mediating role of work-family conflict (WFC) is examined. The buffering effect of family supportive organizational perceptions during the pandemic (FSOP-p) on the relationship between work-family conflict and parental burnout is also explored. Data were collected in March-April 2021 and March/April 2022. In spring 2021, 222 Italian working parents with at least one minor child living at home filled out the questionnaire. Data from 2021 showed that PCCI was positively related to the experience of parental burnout. Moreover, WFC mediated this relationship. No significant interaction effect was found for FSOP-p; however it was found that FSOP-p is negatively related to PCCI and WFC, and indirectly to parental burnout. In spring 2022, we examined whether there were changes in PCCI, WFC, and FSOP-p in a sample of 83 Italian parents. Moreover, for the second data collection we examine the tensions experienced by parents in their families about vaccination and infection precaution measures (e.g., Covid-19 vaccination passport). The results are different in 2022; the effect of PCCI on parental burnout is now completely mediated by the amount of WFC. It seems that now we go 'back to normal' and homeworking has become more optional for many, there is still an effect of PCCI on WFC, but no longer directly on parental burnout. Furthermore, the prevalence of PCCI in 2022 is lower than in 2021, while WFC and FSOP-p are not significantly different between the two timepoints. As family supportive organizational perceptions reduce the level of perceived Covid-19 intensity, organizations are urged to develop practices of support and to create a supportive environment.

Impact of Virtual Learning on Mothers With Children in Elementary School: A Psychosocial Viewpoint

Background

Measuring the impact of virtual learning (VL), specifically psychosocially, and its consequences have been poorly studied because VL has never been implemented in this way before worldwide. To our knowledge, no studies in Saudi Arabia have addressed this topic, with very limited available literature internationally. This study aims to evaluate the psychosocial effects of VL on mothers of children in elementary school and its relation to psychosocial factors.

Methodology

Using an anonymous online questionnaire posted on social media, a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from May through December 2021 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 460 mothers consented to complete the study questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of a socioeconomic section and collected information on perceived stress via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14).

Results

The overall PSS-14 score showed a moderate stress level. Our results showed that as age groups tended to rise, stress scores tended to decline. Diabetes was a significant variable contributing to high stress. Verbal abuse toward a child essentially reflects an increase in stress. Mothers with familial conflicts were more prone to high stress.

Conclusions

The consequences of VL on mothers and the whole family are alarming. Stress, verbal and physical abuse, and unhealthy family dynamics are strongly associated with such a way of learning. The impact of emotional and behavioral changes among this group of individuals needs to be further investigated.

The effects of social isolation stress and discrimination on mental health

Social isolation and discrimination are growing public health concerns associated with poor physical and mental health. They are risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life. Despite their detrimental effects on health, there is a lack of knowledge regarding translation across the domains of experimental research, clinical studies, and real-life applications. Here, we review and synthesize evidence from basic research in animals and humans to clinical translation and interventions. Animal models indicate that social separation stress, particularly in early life, activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and interacts with monoaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurotransmitter systems, inducing long-lasting reductions in serotonin turnover and alterations in dopamine receptor sensitivity. These findings are of particular importance for human social isolation stress, as effects of social isolation stress on the same neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in addictive, psychotic, and affective disorders. Children may be particularly vulnerable due to lasting effects of social isolation and discrimination stress on the developing brain. The effects of social isolation and loneliness are pronounced in the context of social exclusion due to discrimination and racism, during widespread infectious disease related containment strategies such as quarantine, and in older persons due to sociodemographic changes. This highlights the importance of new strategies for social inclusion and outreach, including gender, culture, and socially sensitive telemedicine and digital interventions for mental health care.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in Childhood and Adolescence: The Reality of a Portuguese School

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has led to social isolation, with the potential to increase depressive symptoms, even at the pediatric age. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of depressive symptoms in large youth cohorts was 12.9% worldwide.

Aims

This study aims to characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pediatric population’s mental health.

Materials and methods

This was an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study conducted through the use of a questionnaire, including the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), between April 5 and May 5, 2021. The study was conducted on children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years old in a school in the geographical area of ​​a Portuguese grade II hospital. Incomplete data were excluded. Data were statistically analyzed using the IBM SPSS® program (version 28; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), considering statistical significance if p<0.05.

Results

A total of 228 children and adolescents were included; 113 were female (49.6%). The average age of the population was 12.2 years. Fifteen point four percent (15.4%) had depressive symptoms, of which 51,9% were female. Of the children and adolescents with depressive symptoms, 5.7% had a personal history of past COVID-19 infection and 42.9% had at least one family member with a history of past COVID-19 infection. Seventeen point one percent (17.1%) had at least one family member involved in pandemic-related work. Children and adolescents who were infected with COVID-19 had more depressive symptoms than noninfected children and adolescents (p=0.013). At the same time, children and adolescents, with at least one family member with a history of past COVID-19 infection, had more depressive symptoms than children and adolescents without a family history of past COVID-19 infection (p=0.004). Children and adolescents with a family member involved in pandemic-related work had more depressive symptoms than children and adolescents without any family member involved in pandemic-related work (p=0.004).

Conclusions

COVID-19 infection, whether personal or familiar, has an impact on mental health, even in the pediatric age, and it is imperative to know the consequences of emotional and mental changes in this population.

[Assessing psychological, anxiety, depression and stress levels of Senegalese general population during COVID-19 pandemic]

OBJECTIVES

- Assessing of Impact of Event, depression, anxiety and stress levels in the Senegalese general population during the COVID19 pandemic and identifying associated factors.

METHODS

- Socio-demographic data, psychological impact of the pandemic, and mental health status of participants were collected using an online questionnaire administered to the general population of Senegal between April 1st and April 30th 2021. Psychological impact and mental health status were assessed, respectively, by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS21). The data were analyzed by Jamovi software, version 1.6.23. Logistic regression in univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine statistically significant associations with a significance level of p<0.05.

RESULTS

- We enrolled 447 respondents with 19% reporting a moderate to severe psychological impact of the outbreak. Respectively 13.4%, 5.1% and 15.2% had moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Statistically significant associations with higher odds of severe levels of psychological impact of the event, depression, anxiety, and stress were represented by five characteristics: Living in Dakar, no formal education, a personal medical chronic disease, a close family member with a chronic medical disease and poor to very poor self-reported health status.

CONCLUSION

- This study determined the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and stress in the Senegalese general population during the COVID19 pandemic. Our study assessed the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and stress in the general population of Senegal during the COVID pandemic19. It confirms that the pandemic has truly an impact on the mental health of the Senegalese population. This impact is strongly influenced by geographic area and level of education.

Depression, anxiety and stress among people infected with COVID-19 in Dhaka and Chittagong cities

Background

Covid-19 is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by novel coronavirus 2019. Many individuals have suffered or are experiencing psychological symptoms due to feelings of isolation, insecurity and instability triggered by Covid-19. This study aimed to explore the perceived psychological distress and associated factors among people infected with Covid-19 in Dhaka and Chittagong cities.

Methods

Using the face-to-face interview method, a survey was conducted from 23 April to 22 May 2021 on a questionnaire on depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21), socio-demographic, economic and health factors. Among those who had ever been infected with Covid-19, a total of 2092 respondents (1180 from Dhaka and 912 from Chittagong) were randomly selected and interviewed. χ2 test for independence of attributes was employed to observe the association of various socioeconomic, cultural, demographic and health factors with psychological distress. Moreover, multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors that contributed to psychological distress.

Results

Among participants from Dhaka, of three mental health conditions, the prevalence was higher for anxiety (80.0%), followed by stress (64.2%) and depression (59.8%), respectively. Anxiety was also more prevalent (57.3) among respondents in Chittagong, followed by depression (47.7%) and stress (39.5%). As the coexistence of symptoms, 52.8% of respondents in Dhaka, 34.4% in Chittagong experienced depression, anxiety and stress simultaneously. Moreover, in both Dhaka and Chittagong, all three psychological symptoms were strongly correlated in pairs. Multivariate analysis revealed that the most consistent factors associated with mild to moderate (MM), and severe to extremely severe (SES) depression were respondents from Chittagong who were illiterate or primary educated (OR = 0.166, CI: 0.076–0.364 for MM and OR = 0.041, CI: 0.013–0.131 for SES), male (OR = 0.999, CI: 0.666–1.496 for MM and OR = 0.395, CI: 0.249–0.625 for SES), single (OR = 0.393, CI: 0.157–0.982 for MM and OR = 0.121, CI: 0.049–0.303 for SES) and married (OR = 0.403, CI: 0.177–0.916 for MM and OR = 0.075, CI: 0.033–0.167 for SES), had a family of size ≤ 4 (OR = 0.253, CI: 0.140–0.458 for MM and OR = 0.114, CI: 0.059–0.218 for SES) and a family of size 5–6 (OR = 0.151, CI: 0.084–0.272), and no family members at risk being infected with Covid-19 (OR = 0.699, CI: 0.487–1.002 for MM and OR = 0.332, CI: 0.199–0.522 for SES). The analysis yielded similar findings for the other two mental health subscales, such as anxiety and stress. For respondents in Dhaka, the effect of factors other than sex on psychological distress was the opposite in Chittagong. Overall, psychological distress during the outbreak was greater among respondents in Dhaka than in Chittagong if respondents were not classified based on various characteristics.

Conclusion

This study showed that in both Dhaka and Chittagong, a substantially large portion of Covid-19-infected respondents experienced all three psychological distress (e.g., depression, anxiety and stress). Regardless of the dissimilarity between the results in Dhaka and Chittagong, better mental health support was needed for women in both cities.

Effect of COVID-19-Induced Stress among Males on the Partner Relationship and Sexual Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been some reports regarding the impact of COVID-19 on male psychosexual health. Aims and Objectives: To assess the severity of stress during COVID-19 and to determine the association of stress levels with partner relationships and sexual activity. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia through social media platforms via an online questionnaire between 1 December 2020 and 31 January 2021 among 871 participants after a pilot study among 20 participants, of which 497 were included in the study. Stress levels were assessed using the Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0. Responses were presented as frequencies and percentages, and associations were studied using the Chi-squared test/Fisher’s exact test. A value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 497 participants who had been infected with COVID-19 completed the survey. In total, it was found that 203 (40.8%) had severe stress scores (severe and extremely severe scores merged), while 131 (26.4%) had moderate stress scores. About 84 (16.9%) participants agreed that their sexual desire decreased, 91 (18.1%) confirmed their sexual intercourse frequency decreased, and sexual satisfaction decreased in 76 (15.3%). A significant positive correlation was found in that those who disagreed with having a good sexual relationship tended to have severe stress (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There were increased levels of stress during the lockdown period, which impacted psychosexual health.

Assessment of COVID-19–Associated Stress and Knowledge Among Iranian Population: A Web-Based Cross-sectional Survey

Background: The first COVID-19 case was reported in December 2019 in China. The number of infected cases increased rapidly, and COVID-19 became a public health issue worldwide. The high transmission rate and global spreading of COVID-19 caused public anxiety and may lead to unfavorable effects on psychological health. Objectives: This study evaluated the COVID-19 impact on the public anxiety, knowledge, and behavior of Iranians. Methods: We used a web-based cross-sectional survey and collected data from 1627 volunteers. Demographic information, anxiety self-reporting, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7), and COVID-19–related knowledge were evaluated. Results: Among the participants, the dominant GAD-7 score was mild, and the self-reporting level of anxiety was 5.28/10. Women and younger people reported higher anxiety than men and older groups. Further, 69.76% of participants had good knowledge, and among them, the level of education had a positive effect on knowledge, while sex and age did not have any effect. Social media and applications were the most common source of information. Conclusions: Our study showed that Iranians’ anxiety was at the medium level, and their high knowledge level about COVID-19 could affect this reduction; however, we should not ignore that less anxiety makes the matter less essential.

The corona blues according to daily life changes by COVID-19: A partial least squares regression model

This study identifies determinants of the variation in depression resulting from COVID-19, specifies in detail the changes to daily life, and then compares the determinants' magnitude. The determinants were combined into three groups: first, the unpredictability of the disease and side effects by its response measures (specifically, restrictions on the freedom of movement and strain on social relationships); second, (mis)information through social media, public authorities, and mass media; and third, income reductions and other sociodemographic factors. Daily life changes were divided into four categories: travel/mobility, time at home (alone and with family), domestic activities (remote work, online shopping, food deliveries, reading, and online networking), and conflicts (with family and neighbors). We measured the total 29 predictors using data from the 2020 Seoul Survey, which is based on face-to-face interviews with a probability sample of adult residents. We made our estimations using partial least squares regression, which can analyze all original variables regardless of collinearity. The regression model found that major stressors include declines in out-of-home offline networking and the rise of domestic activities-and subsequent conflicts with family-restrictions on mobility (specifically, those of leisure travel), and income reductions. In contrast, changes to working and shopping (to remote work and online shopping) rather than leisure increased uses of private transportation modes. Moreover, we found influences of all forms of communications and media to be insignificant. We shall also provide a discussion on policy and academic implications of the findings.

Psychosocial factors associated with mental health and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic among low-income urban dwellers in Peninsular Malaysia

Background and aims

Mental well-being among low-income urban populations is arguably challenged more than any other population amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms and quality of life among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic urban lower-income communities.

Methods

This is a community-based house-to-house survey conducted from September to November 2020 at the Petaling district in Selangor, Malaysia. Five hundred and four households were identified using random sampling, and heads of eligible households were recruited. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years with a monthly household income ≤RM6960 (estimated $1600) without acute psychiatric illness. The PHQ-9, GAD-7 and EQ-5D were used for depression, anxiety, and quality of life, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for the final analysis.

Results

A total of 432 (85.7%) respondents with a mean age of 43.1 years completed the survey. Mild to severe depression was detected in 29.6%, mild to severe anxiety in 14.7%, and problematic quality of life in 27.8% of respondents. Factors associated with mild to severe depression were younger age, chronic health conditions, past stressful events, lack of communication gadgets and lack of assets or commercial property. While respiratory diseases, marital status, workplace issues, financial constraints, absence of investments, substance use and lack of rental income were associated with mild to severe anxiety. Attributing poverty to structural issues, help-seeking from professionals, and self-stigma were barriers, while resiliency facilitated good psychological health. Problematic quality of life was associated with depression, older age, unemployment, cash shortage, hypertension, diabetes, stressful life events and low health literacy.

Conclusions

A high proportion of the sampled urban poor population reported mild to severe anxiety and depression symptoms. The psychosocial determinants should inform policymakers and shape future work within this underserved population.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and Mental Health of African Immigrants in the United States

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrants in the United States is understudied. We investigated the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of African immigrants in the United States and if subjective religiosity was a protective factor. We analyzed primary data collected using an online survey (n = 260). The study's outcome variable was incident mental health disorder associated with the pandemic, and the primary independent variable was religiosity. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the distribution of variables by incident mental health disorders. Logistic regression models were used to quantify the association between predictors and the outcome. There were 39 (15.0%) new cases of mental health disorders related to the pandemic. The median scores in the three domains of religiosity of those who developed a mental health disorder and those who did not were not significantly different. Significant predictors of this outcome included having a strong religious support network and loss of household employment income. African immigrants experienced an increased rate of mental health disorders during the pandemic. Implementing community-based strategies to provide social support during a disaster may be essential in promoting mental health in the African immigrant community.

Incidence of PTSD in the French population a month after the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdown: evidence from a national longitudinal survey

BACKGROUND

In view of experts' warnings about the potential negative mental health consequences of the sudden nationwide lockdowns implemented in many countries to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, we sought to study the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic events related to this unprecedented lockdown in the French general population.

METHODS

This longitudinal study among adults (aged =18) consisted of two surveys: the first during the last days of the lockdown and the second a month later. We estimated PTSD incidence with the PCL-5 and ran multiple Poisson regression models to identify factors associated with PTSD.

RESULTS

Among the 1736 participants, 30.1% reported at least one traumatic event. PTSD incidence was 17.5% (95% confidence interval CI = 15.7-19.3). It was higher in participants who reported multiple traumatic events, who had high COVID-19-related media use, who had general anxiety disorder (GAD-7) during the lockdown, and who had GAD, depression (PHQ-9), or sleep problems 1 month later. In addition, 43.1% of people with PTSD reported suicidal thoughts.

CONCLUSIONS

These results should help clinicians to target people who are at high risk of developing PTSD after a pandemic-related lockdown and could benefit from preventive measures. Collaboration between the media and mental health professionals could be envisioned to inform the population about care resources. Follow-up recommendations should also be disseminated to general practitioners to facilitate PTSD screening and ensure that they are aware of the appropriate management.

Gambling and gaming during COVID-19: The role of mental health and social motives in gambling and gaming problems

BACKGROUND

The uncertain and stressful global situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to cause anxiety and impact people's mental health. Simultaneously, social distancing policies have isolated people from their normal social interactions. These societal changes have inevitably influenced gambling and gaming practices, and many people may have turned to betting or gaming as a means of social exchange. This study examined the influence of COVID-19 anxiety on increased mental health problems and their relationship to gambling and gaming problems. The mediating role of social motives for gambling and gaming was also investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Finnish adults (N = 1530; Mage = 46.67; 50.33% male) were recruited from a volunteer participant panel to participate in a survey study. COVID-19 anxiety was assessed using a scale adapted from the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Mental health problems were evaluated with the five-item Mental Health Inventory. Gambling problems were measured using the Problem Gambling Severity Index, and gaming problems were measured with the Internet Gaming Disorder Test. Social motives for gaming were evaluated using a single-item measure. Analyses used generalised structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

COVID-19 anxiety predicted increased mental health problems, which were associated with heightened gambling and gaming problems. Social motives for gambling and gaming were a significant mediator, suggesting that gambling and gaming problems are emphasized markedly among those who are socially motivated by and involved in such games.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health problems experienced during the pandemic and the social properties of games might accentuate gambling and gaming problems.

School wellbeing and psychological characteristics of online learning in families of children with and without hearing loss during the Covid-19 pandemic

This study investigated the psychological characteristics of online learning on Italian students with and without hearing loss (HL) and on their parents, who were forced into isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. An online survey collected information on socio-demographic data and opinions concerning online learning from 61 children (mean age 11; 25 males, 36 females), including 43 with HL and also from their parents; additionally, school wellbeing and anxiety were assessed. The results showed that, in both the student and parent groups, no significant effect of HL on school wellbeing and anxiety was found. Additionally, in parents, State Anxiety was significantly higher than Trait Anxiety, suggesting one possible impact of lockdown on psychological wellbeing. Differences due to HL were observed and discussed in correlation analyses. The Authors believe that this study is the first contribution to the psychological evaluation of the impact of online learning on families with hearing-impaired children, from the perspective of a successful, inclusive didactic.

Mental health among the Moroccan population during SARS-CoV-2 outbreak: MAROCOVID study

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic's unpredictability and ambiguity, combined with the lockdown, social distancing, containment measures, and economic impact could increase the risk of mental health issues.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the magnitude of mental health outcomes and risk factors among Moroccans, using an online survey, during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, survey-based study collected demographic data and mental health measurements from 11,123 participants. The degree of depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms were assessed by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the 7-items Generalized Anxiety disorder, and the 7-items Insomnia Severity Index.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 11,123 individuals out of a total of 15,008 contacts. 7315 (65.8%) were women, and 7182 (64.6%) were aged 18 to 34. A significant proportion of respondents experienced depression (5894 [53%]), anxiety (5544 [49.8%]), and insomnia (4410 [39.6%]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being a woman, being married, and being a parent of children aged less than five years were associated with severe symptoms of depression and anxiety (e.g. severe depression among women vs. men (OR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.06-1.33; P = .003), severe depression among married compared to unmarried respondents (OR, 1.92; 95%CI, 1.71-2.16; P < .000), e.g. severe anxiety among women vs. men (OR, 1.40; 95%CI, 1.24-1.58; <0.000), severe anxiety among married people compared to unmarried (OR, 1.14; 95%CI, 1.00-1.28; P < .003).

CONCLUSION

Our findings reported a significant mental health burden on the general public during the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition to efforts deployed to prevent the spread of the disease, timely and culturally-specific mental health care needs to be developed urgently.

Psychological status of mass people in the capital city of Bangladesh during COVID-19: Do home quarantine challenges matter?

This study aimed to identify the impact of home quarantine challenges on the psychological status of mass people during Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the capital city (Dhaka) of Bangladesh. A highly organized questionnaire was created in "Google Form" and given to respondents at random via multiple social media sites, including WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and Messenger. However, a sample size of 208 people was taken and analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Analysis of a Moment Structures software. Analysis showed that home quarantine challenges are positively related to the psychological status and home quarantine challenges have a significant impact on psychological status during COVID-19. In Bangladesh, the major challenges to home quarantine are lack of consciousness, lack of medical support, and the possibility of losing their current jobs. This study provides insight into the challenges of home quarantine and the psychological status of Bangladeshi people. The findings may be helpful for policymakers in identifying necessary measures to overcome these challenges. Only Dhaka division was taken out of seven divisions in Bangladesh to conduct this study, which might be difficult to generalize the findings of this study. Thus, in the future, it is suggested that more respondents from other divisions need to be covered.