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Arifwidodo SD, Chandrasiri O. Urban green space visitation and mental health wellbeing during COVID-19 in Bangkok, Thailand. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1292154. [PMID: 38292382 PMCID: PMC10824833 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1292154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Urban green spaces offer numerous benefits, and their role in supporting mental health, particularly during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is of growing interest to researchers and policymakers. This study explored the relationship between urban green space visitation and mental health well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangkok, Thailand. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Bangkok during the COVID-19 lockdown, used a telephone survey of 579 respondents. A logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between urban green space visitation and the WHO-5 mental health well-being score, considering various factors such as socioeconomic variables, healthy behaviors, and COVID-19-related experiences. The findings revealed a significant association between urban green space visitation during the lockdown and higher mental health well-being. Socioeconomic variables and healthy behaviors of respondents were also notably linked to higher WHO-5 mental health well-being scores. These findings collectively indicate that urban greenspace visitation serves as a crucial determinant of mental health and well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigit D. Arifwidodo
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Orana Chandrasiri
- Activethai.org Research Center, Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
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2
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Kestler-Peleg M, Stenger V, Lavenda O, Bendett H, Alhalel-Lederman S, Maayan-Metzger A, Strauss T. "I'll Be There": Informal and Formal Support Systems and Mothers' Psychological Distress during NICU Hospitalization. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121958. [PMID: 36553401 PMCID: PMC9777094 DOI: 10.3390/children9121958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mothers of infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at a high risk for psychological distress, which is of concern to health and social professionals due to the negative implications for mothers and infants. A model for explaining maternal psychological distress, consisting of intolerance to uncertainty and support from informal (spouse, family, and friends) and formal (medical staff) systems was examined. Data was collected from one of the largest NICUs in Israel; 129 mothers of 215 preterm infants completed self-report questionnaires regarding their background variables, intolerance to uncertainty, perceived informal support and perceived medical staff support. The NICU's medical staff provided indicators for the infants of participating mothers. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted. The examined model explained 29.2% of the variance in maternal psychological distress. Intolerance of uncertainty positively predicted psychological distress. Informal support, and in particular, spousal support negatively predicted psychological distress above and beyond intolerance of uncertainty. Medical staff support negatively predicted psychological distress above and beyond intolerance to uncertainty and informal support. Our findings suggest that maternal psychological distress is reduced through a family-centered care approach in NICUs. Medical professionals and social services should develop further solutions for addressing preterm mothers' need for certainty and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Kestler-Peleg
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Varda Stenger
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Osnat Lavenda
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Haya Bendett
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Shanee Alhalel-Lederman
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Ayala Maayan-Metzger
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Tzipora Strauss
- Department of Neonatology, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
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Gkentzi D, Mhliordos K, Karatza A, Sinopidis X, Dimopoulou D, Eleftheriou E, Tsolia M, Mavridi A, Miliara E, Papaevangelou V, Vergadi E, Galanakis E, Dimitriou G, Fouzas S. The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Admission on Families: Results from a Nationwide Sample in Greece. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121933. [PMID: 36553376 PMCID: PMC9777457 DOI: 10.3390/children9121933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the psychological impact of hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and their offspring. We performed a nationwide cross-sectional study in Greece based on an Internet questionnaire survey. A convenience sample of parents whose offspring had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 (including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, MIS-C), diagnosed with COVID-19 but not hospitalized, and hospitalized for another reason during the pandemic were enrolled. Parental stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) tools, and childhood mental wellbeing with the Children’s Revised Impact of Event 13 (CRIES-13) scale. Out of 214 received responses, stress levels were significantly higher in parents whose children had been admitted for COVID-19 or MIS-C versus those not admitted or admitted for other reasons (p < 0.001, for PSS/IES-R). Parental and childhood stress levels were correlated. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, children’s hospitalization because of COVID-19 or MIS-C, younger parental age, the existence of comorbidities, and another family member’s hospitalization because of COVID-19 were independent factors for higher stress. In light of the above, stricter hospital admission criteria for COVID-19 could be implemented, and psychological support for eventually admitted families may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Gkentzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mhliordos
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
| | - Ageliki Karatza
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
| | - Xenophon Sinopidis
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitra Dimopoulou
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, P. and A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Eleftheriou
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, P. and A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tsolia
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, P. and A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis Mavridi
- Department of Pediatrics, Third Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Attikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Eugenia Miliara
- Department of Pediatrics, Third Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Attikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Papaevangelou
- Department of Pediatrics, Third Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Attikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Vergadi
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Galanakis
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Gabriel Dimitriou
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Sotirios Fouzas
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece
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De Souza GM, Tiwari T, Fox CH, Miguez PA, Letra A, Geisinger ML, Patel M, Shaddox L, Ioannidou E. Perception of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on dental researchers. J Dent Educ 2022; 87:170-181. [PMID: 36131372 PMCID: PMC9538829 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Historical evidence shows a gender-based disproportionate effect of pandemics across different populations. In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began spreading its devastating effects worldwide. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on research productivity, work-life arrangements, and mental health of dental professionals worldwide with focus on gender differences. METHODS A 38-item survey, concerning demographics, career stage, employer support, family structure, mental health, and relationships, was distributed to 7692 active members of the International Association for Dental Research. Bivariate associations between independent variables and the primary outcome variable were tested using Spearman's correlation test. A logistic regression model was used to assess the simultaneous, independent associations between each variable and researcher productivity. RESULTS A total of 722 responses were obtained, indicating a 9.4% response rate. Higher productivity was reported by male respondents (p = 0.021), and by those in senior career stages (p = 0.001). Institutional support was associated with higher productivity (p < 0.0001). Lower productivity was reported by younger researchers (p = 0.003). Remote work negatively affected productivity (p < 0.0001) and female respondents reported working more hours, regardless of work location (p = 0.004). Poor mental health was associated with low productivity (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected dental professionals' perceived productivity and mental health around the globe. Younger individuals and women were disproportionally affected, and institutional support had a significant influence to mitigate effects of the pandemic for dental researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M. De Souza
- Comprehensive Dentistry DepartmentUniversity of LouisvilleSchool of DentistryLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Tamanna Tiwari
- School of Dental MedicineUniversity of Colorado, Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Christopher H. Fox
- Chief Executive OfficerInternational Association for Dental ResearchAlexandriaVirginiaUSA
| | - Patricia A. Miguez
- Division of Comprehensive Oral Health ‐ Periodontology, Adams School of DentistryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Ariadne Letra
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Center for Craniofacial and Dental GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Dental MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Maria L. Geisinger
- Department of Periodontology, School of DentistryUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Mangala Patel
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Luciana Shaddox
- Division of Periodontology and Center for Oral Health ResearchUniversity of Kentucky College of DentistryLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Effie Ioannidou
- Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences Department, School of Dental MedicineUCONN HealthFarmingtonConnecticutUSA
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Arnett MC, Ramaswamy V, Snay S, Evans E, Rulli D. A qualitative assessment of dental hygiene educators' COVID-19 related burnout. J Dent Educ 2022; 86:1448-1458. [PMID: 35736232 PMCID: PMC9349990 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to elicit ideas or concerns influencing dental hygiene educators’ experiences of personal and professional burnout, burnout working with students, and teaching efficacy in an online/hybrid environment as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods A qualitative, content‐analysis study included a convenience sample of dental hygiene educators emails. An invitation to participate in an August 2021 or October 2021 focus group was sent via Qualtricsxm with informed consent, and focus groups were held over Zoom. Conversations were audio recorded, transcribed, and de‐identified. Consensus on a codebook by two coders achieved an 88% agreement. Results Fifty‐three were invited to the August 2021 focus groups for a 26% (n = 14) response rate, and 116 were invited to the October 2021 focus groups for an 11% (n = 13) response rate. Contributing factors to experiences of burnout expressed were: (1) work–life balance (n = 59), including (a) overwork, (b) pressure to be available, and (c) lack of boundaries; (2) change (n = 34) involving (a) developing new protocols, (b) constant uncertainty, (c) COVID‐19 requirements, and (d) new platforms; and (3) negative interactions (n = 32) with (a) students and (b) faculty. Conclusion A lack of work–life balance from overwork, pressure to be available at all times, no boundaries with students, and an absence of a sense of connection for workplace vitality were contributors to burnout. Work‐from‐home flexibility, a work environment that supported wellness and mental well‐being, and the ability to leave the workplace for periods of time were reported as helpful solutions to combatting burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Arnett
- Department of Primary Dental Care, Division of Dental Hygiene, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vidya Ramaswamy
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sarah Snay
- University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elizabeth Evans
- University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Danielle Rulli
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Division of Dental Hygiene, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Wandschneider L, Batram-Zantvoort S, Alaze A, Niehues V, Spallek J, Razum O, Miani C. Self-reported mental well-being of mothers with young children during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: A mixed-methods study. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 18:17455057221114274. [PMID: 35997231 PMCID: PMC9424892 DOI: 10.1177/17455057221114274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mothers of young children have been identified as a particularly vulnerable group during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to explore how occupational, psychosocial and partnership-related factors were associated with their self-reported mental well-being during the first COVID-19 wave. METHODS Five hundred fifty participants of the BaBi cohort study (est. 2013, Bielefeld, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany) were invited to complete an online survey and to take part in email interviews (April-May 2020). With survey data, we assessed self-reported mental well-being through validated instruments (eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire; short version of the Symptom Checklist) and ran linear regression models for occupational, psychosocial and partnership-related factors. We performed content analysis on the interviews' data to further understand the determinants of the women's mental well-being. RESULTS One hundred twenty-four women participated in the survey; of which 17 also participated in the interviews. A perceived lack of support in childcare was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, while having a higher internal locus of control was associated with lower levels. Psychological distress was higher in those reporting lack of emotional or childcare support. Interviews confirmed the interplay of potential stressors and highlighted the difficulties to reconcile different expectations of motherhood. DISCUSSION Occupational, psychosocial and partner-related factors can act (to varying degree) both as resources and stressors to the self-reported mental well-being of mothers of young children. These impacts took different forms and created opportunities or challenges, depending on specific life circumstances, such as work or family situations, relationships and own psychosocial resources. Although not representative, our study contributes to building the COVID-19 evidence base, delineating the mental health toll of the pandemic on mothers of young children and the factors that contribute to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Wandschneider
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Stephanie Batram-Zantvoort
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Anita Alaze
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Vera Niehues
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jacob Spallek
- Department of Public Health, Institute
for Health, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg,
Germany
| | - Oliver Razum
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Céline Miani
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
- Céline Miani, Department of Epidemiology
and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Universitaetsstr. 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
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