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Tanveer S, Schluter PJ, Beaglehole B, Porter RJ, Boden J, Sulaiman-Hill R, Scarf D, Dean S, Assad F, Hasnat MA, Bell C. The COVID Psychosocial Impacts Scale: A Reliable and Valid Tool to Examine the Psychosocial Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5990. [PMID: 37297593 PMCID: PMC10252202 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports on the development and validation of the COVID Psychosocial Impacts Scale (CPIS), a self-report measure that comprehensively examines both positive and negative psychosocial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first part of the program of work in which the CPIS was administered and compared with a measure of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K-10) and wellbeing (World Health Organization Well-Being Index, WHO-5). The data were obtained online in 2020 and 2022 at two distinct time points to capture different exposures to the pandemic in the New Zealand population to a non-representative sample of 663 and 687 adults, respectively. Two hundred seventy-one participants took part in both surveys. Findings indicate a unidimensional structure within CPIS subscales and inter-relatedness among CPIS stress-related subscales. The scatter plots and correlation matrix indicate CPIS having a positive moderate correlation with K10 and a negative moderate correlation with WHO-5, indicative of construct validity. The paper outlines contextual factors surrounding CPIS development and makes suggestions for future iterations of CPIS. Further work will examine its psychometric properties across cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandila Tanveer
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch Campus, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Philip J. Schluter
- Te Kaupeka Oranga|Faculty of Health, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha|University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- School of Clinical Medicine, Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ben Beaglehole
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch Campus, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Richard J. Porter
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch Campus, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Joseph Boden
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch Campus, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Ruqayya Sulaiman-Hill
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch Campus, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Damian Scarf
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Shaystah Dean
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Wellington Campus, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Fatima Assad
- Department of Psychiatry, HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences, Taxila 47078, Pakistan
| | | | - Caroline Bell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch Campus, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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Roberts JW, Bennett SJ. Does the threat of COVID-19 modulate automatic imitation? PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284936. [PMID: 37093873 PMCID: PMC10124885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The tendency to involuntarily imitate the actions of others (automatic imitation) can be modulated by social affiliative cues. Here, we explored whether the disruption to our social lives caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may subsequently influence automatic imitation. Three groups were initially presented a sentence comprehension task that featured either neutral (control), safe or unsafe primes to COVID-19 infection. They then completed an automatic imitation task, where a numeric cue was presented alongside apparent motion of an index or middle finger, which was either compatible or incompatible with the required response. Reaction times were longer for the incompatible compared to compatible trials, and thus demonstrated automatic imitation. However, there was no influence of the primes indicating that automatic imitation was unaffected by the risk of COVID-19. The potential theoretical explanations and practical implications of pathogen avoidance and social bonding incentives are discussed with reference to pandemic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W. Roberts
- Brain & Behaviour Research Group, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Bennett
- Brain & Behaviour Research Group, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Tanveer S, Schluter PJ, Porter RJ, Boden J, Beaglehole B, Sulaiman-Hill R, Dean S, Bell R, Al-Hussainni WN, Arshi M, Amer Nordin AS, Dinç M, Khan MJ, Khoshnami MS, Majid Al-Masoodi MA, Moghanibashi-Mansourieh A, Noruzi S, Rahajeng A, Shaikh S, Tanveer N, Topçu F, Yapan S, Yunianto I, Zoellner LA, Bell C. Examining the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: an international cross-sectional study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067886. [PMID: 37045574 PMCID: PMC10105919 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic exposed people to significant and prolonged stress. The psychosocial impacts of the pandemic have been well recognised and reported in high-income countries (HICs) but it is important to understand the unique challenges posed by COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where limited international comparisons have been undertaken. This protocol was therefore devised to study the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in seven LMICs using scales that had been designed for or translated for this purpose. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This cross-sectional study uses an online survey to administer a novel COVID Psychosocial Impacts Scale (CPIS) alongside established measures of psychological distress, post-traumatic stress, well-being and post-traumatic growth in the appropriate language. Participants will include adults aged 18 years and above, recruited from Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Somalia and Turkey, with a pragmatic target sample size of 500 in each country.Data will be analysed descriptively on sociodemographic and study variables. In addition, CPIS will be analysed psychometrically (for reliability and validity) to assess the suitability of use in a given context. Finally, within-subjects and between-subjects analyses will be carried out using multi-level mixed-effect models to examine associations between key sociodemographic and study variables. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was granted by the Human Ethics Committee, University of Otago, New Zealand (Ref. No. 21/102). In addition, international collaborators obtained local authorisation or ethical approval in their respective host universities before data collection commenced.Participants will give informed consent before taking part. Data will be collected and stored securely on the University of Otago, New Zealand Qualtrics platform using an auto-generated non-identifiable letter-number string. Data will be available on reasonable request. Findings will be disseminated by publications in scientific journals and/or conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05052333.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandila Tanveer
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Philip J Schluter
- Faculty of Health, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard J Porter
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Joseph Boden
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ben Beaglehole
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ruqayya Sulaiman-Hill
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Shaystah Dean
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Romana Bell
- Department of Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Wafaa N Al-Hussainni
- Basic Sciences Deptartment, Ibn Sina University of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Maliheh Arshi
- Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehmet Dinç
- Department of Psychology, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | | | - Mohammad Sabzi Khoshnami
- Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Sara Noruzi
- Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khoram-Abad, Iran
| | - Anggi Rahajeng
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Shaista Shaikh
- Department of Psychology, Islamabad Model College for Girls (PostGraduate), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nisa Tanveer
- Department of Peace and Conflict Sciences, National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Feyza Topçu
- Department of Psychology, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Saadet Yapan
- Department of Psychology, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Irfan Yunianto
- Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Lori A Zoellner
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Caroline Bell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Working from home during lockdown: the impact on performance and wellbeing. JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1017/jmo.2023.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The experience of working from home changed drastically with the arrival of COVID-19. Compared to pre-pandemic experiences, key differences included the vast number of people involved, its involuntary nature, the suddenness of its implementation, its lengthy duration, and the presence of others at home. The demands of this form of remote work during lockdown have partly been mitigated by the resources employees have accessed. This study aimed to investigate the factors impacting employee performance and wellbeing while compulsorily working from home during New Zealand's first nationwide lockdown. We analyzed qualitative data gathered from employees in two organizations. The resulting aggregate dimensions across both demands and resources include organizational factors, furniture and technology factors, and individual factors. Given the ongoing nature of COVID-19 we identify new research directions for investigating remote work, and practical implications focusing on suitable home furniture and technology, plans for future remote work, and supporting employees.
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Kolandai K, Milne B, McLay J, von Randow M, Lay-Yee R. Anthropause appreciation, biophilia, and ecophilosophical contemplations amidst a global pandemic. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 85:101943. [PMID: 36531128 PMCID: PMC9747233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, COVID-19 mitigation measures, including lockdowns and travel bans to curtail disease transmission, inadvertently led to an "Anthropause" - a unique global pause to anthropogenic activities. While there was a spike in ecological studies measuring Anthropause effects on environmental indicators, people's experiences of the Anthropause or its potential to inspire change were hardly considered. Hence, we aimed to measure people's appreciation of the environmental outcomes of the Anthropause, ecophilosophical contemplations about the pandemic, and experiences of lockdown-triggered biophilia (human's innate love for and draw towards nature) and test the hypothesis that these experiences would be consistently more prominent among the already environmentally inclined. To that end, we developed and tested three measures on a representative sample of 993 New Zealanders. Anthropause Appreciation received the highest overall mean ratings, followed by Lockdown-Biophilia and Eco-Contemplation. Pre-existing pro-environmental dispositions and behaviours did not consistently influence our three measures as expected. Demographic variables had little influence, while experiences of financial and mental health impacts due to COVID-19 had no influence. We interpreted the limited influence of explanatory variables as indicative of a degree of uniformity in people's experiences. High appreciation of Anthropause benefits suggests that the public may be supportive of policies and ways of living that can lead to similar outcomes post-pandemic - offering environmental policymakers and communicators a basis for action. Ecophilosophical contemplations and biophilic draw among the public suggest an awareness of the significance of the human-nature relationship - offering a symbolic global keystone for communicating and advocating conservation and the many values of pauses in life to connect with nature. Building women's environmental leadership capabilities and the ongoing greening of Christianity may be essential steps for global post-pandemic environmental behaviour transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komathi Kolandai
- COMPASS Research Centre and Public Policy Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Barry Milne
- COMPASS Research Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jessica McLay
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Roy Lay-Yee
- COMPASS Research Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Xu J, Yang X. The influence of resilience on stress reaction of college students during COVID-19: the mediating role of coping style and positive adaptive response. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 43:1-12. [PMID: 36684467 PMCID: PMC9838361 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was a stressful event for all. It threatened people's physical and mental health. Previous studies have found that resilience can help people deal with stress and difficulties more effectively and prevent them from mental health problems. Coping style mediates the relationship between resilience and psychological well-being. Given the novelty and recency of the COVID-19, it is unknown whether resilience can also protect individuals in new difficulties, and whether the previous effective coping styles can be applied to new situations. The current study aimed to explore the influence mechanism of college students' resilience on negative stress response during the pandemic, and the chain mediation of coping style and positive adaptive response. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 910 college students (Mage = 20.58 years; 41.1% men, 58.9% women) studying in Shanghai by stratified random cluster sampling. At that time, they were in 27 different provinces and cities because of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The research tools included Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), Positive Adaptive Response Questionnaire (PARQ), and Negative Stress Reaction Questionnaire (NSRQ). The results showed that: (1) College students' resilience, coping style, positive adaptive response and negative stress reaction were significantly correlated with each other; (2) Resilience could not directly affect negative stress reaction, but it could affect negative stress reaction through the chain mediation of coping style and positive adaptive response. These findings suggest that resilience enhancement intervention programs need to focus on the cultivation of individual positive coping style; In response to major emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, officials can help people reduce negative stress reaction by disseminating positive coping strategies through the media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Psychological Counseling Center, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Xiujun Yang
- School of Marxism, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
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Collateral positives of COVID-19 for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Western Sydney, Australia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278923. [PMID: 36490283 PMCID: PMC9733867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate whether culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Western Sydney have experienced any positive effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, and if so, what these were. METHODS A cross-sectional survey with ten language groups was conducted from 21st March to 9th July 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Participants were recruited through bilingual multicultural health staff and health care interpreter service staff and answered a question, 'In your life, have you experienced any positive effects from the COVID-19 pandemic?' Differences were explored by demographic variables. Free-text responses were thematically coded using the Content Analysis method. RESULTS 707 people completed the survey, aged 18 to >70, 49% males and 51% females. Only 161 (23%) of those surveyed reported any positive impacts. There were significant differences in the proportion of those who reported positives based on age (p = 0.004), gender (p = 0.013), language (p = 0.003), health literacy (p = 0.014), English language proficiency (p = 0.003), education (p = <0.001) and whether participants had children less than 18 years at home (p = 0.001). Content Analysis of open-ended responses showed that, of those that did report positives, the top themes were 'Family time' (44%), 'Improved self-care' (31%) and, 'Greater connection with others' (17%). DISCUSSION Few surveyed participants reported finding any positives stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding is in stark contrast to related research in Australia with participants whose native language is English in which many more people experienced positives. The needs of people from CALD backgrounds must inform future responses to community crises to facilitate an equitable effect of any collateral positives that may arise.
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Procentese F, Gatti F, Rochira A, Tzankova I, Di Napoli I, Albanesi C, Aresi G, Compare C, Fedi A, Gattino S, Guarino A, Marta E, Marzana D. The selective effect of lockdown experience on citizens' perspectives: A multilevel, multiple informant approach to personal and community resilience during COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 33:CASP2651. [PMID: 36249596 PMCID: PMC9538720 DOI: 10.1002/casp.2651] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the face of the first wave of COVID-19 contagion, citizens all over the world experienced concerns for their safety and health, as well as prolonged lockdowns - which brought about limitations but also unforeseen opportunities for personal growth. Broad variability in these psychological responses to such unprecedented experiences emerged. This study addresses this variability by investigating the role of personal and community resilience. Personal resilience, collective resilience, community disaster management ability, provided information by local authorities, and citizens' focus on COVID-19-related personal concerns and lockdown-related opportunities for personal growth were detected through an online questionnaire. Multilevel modelling was run with data from 3,745 Italian citizens. The potential of personal resilience as a driver for individuals to overcome adverse situations with positive outcomes was confirmed. Differently, the components of community resilience showed more complex paths, highlighting the need to pay more attention to its role in the face of far-reaching adverse events which hardly test individuals' as well as communities' adaptability and agency skills. The complexities linked to the multi-component and system-specific nature of resilience, as well as potential paths towards making the most out of citizens' and communities' ones, emerge. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flora Gatti
- Department of HumanitiesUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Alessia Rochira
- Department of History, Society and Human StudiesUniversity of SalentoLecceItaly
| | - Iana Tzankova
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of BolognaCesenaItaly
| | | | | | - Giovanni Aresi
- Psychology DepartmentUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilanItaly
- CERISVICO Research Centre on Community Development and Organisational Quality of LifeBresciaItaly
| | | | - Angela Fedi
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of TorinoTorinoItaly
| | | | | | - Elena Marta
- Psychology DepartmentUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilanItaly
- CERISVICO Research Centre on Community Development and Organisational Quality of LifeBresciaItaly
| | - Daniela Marzana
- Psychology DepartmentUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilanItaly
- CERISVICO Research Centre on Community Development and Organisational Quality of LifeBresciaItaly
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Bell C, Williman J, Beaglehole B, Stanley J, Jenkins M, Gendall P, Rapsey C, Every-Palmer S. Psychological distress, loneliness, alcohol use and suicidality in New Zealanders with mental illness during a strict COVID-19 lockdown. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:800-810. [PMID: 34313158 PMCID: PMC9218412 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211034317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with pre-existing mental health conditions may have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health restrictions. In this study, we compared psychological outcomes, experiences and sources of stress over the pandemic lockdown in New Zealanders with and without a previous diagnosis of mental illness. METHODS Two online surveys were conducted in New Zealand over the level 4 lockdown in April 2020 measuring psychological distress, anxiety, well-being, suicidality, alcohol use and subjective experiences. They included 3389 participants, of whom 18.4% reported having been previously diagnosed with a mental illness. RESULTS During the lockdown, people previously diagnosed with a mental illness had about twice the risk of reporting moderate-high levels of psychological distress (K10 ⩾ 12), at least moderate levels of anxiety (GAD-7 ⩾ 10) and poor well-being (WHO-5 ⩽ 12). They reported increased alcohol use and were about four times as likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts with 3% reporting having made a suicide attempt over the lockdown period. They reported less satisfaction with, and poorer relationships with people in their 'bubble', reduced social contacts and greater loneliness. They also reported higher levels of health and financial concerns. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand, people with a previous diagnosis of a mental illness were at increased risk of detrimental psychological outcomes. This highlights the importance of recognising this and the challenges people face in pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand,Caroline Bell, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
| | - Jonathan Williman
- Department of Population Health, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ben Beaglehole
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - James Stanley
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Jenkins
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philip Gendall
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Charlene Rapsey
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Susanna Every-Palmer
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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Bower JE, Radin A, Kuhlman KR. Psychoneuroimmunology in the time of COVID-19: Why neuro-immune interactions matter for mental and physical health. Behav Res Ther 2022; 154:104104. [PMID: 35609375 PMCID: PMC9075982 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The brain and immune system are intricately connected, and perturbations in one system have direct effects on the other. This review focuses on these dynamic psychoneuroimmune interactions and their implications for mental and physical health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we describe how psychological states influence antiviral immunity and the vaccine response, and how immune changes triggered by COVID (either via infection with SARS-CoV-2 or associated stressors) can influence the brain with effects on cognition, emotion, and behavior. We consider negative psychological states, which have been the primary focus of psychological research in the context of COVID-19 (and psychoneuroimmunology more generally). We also consider positive psychological states, including positive affect and eudaimonic well-being, given increasing evidence for their importance as modulators of immunity. We finish with a discussion of interventions that may be effective in improving immune function, the neuro-immune axis, and ultimately, mental and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julienne E Bower
- Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Arielle Radin
- Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kate R Kuhlman
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychological Science, UCI, Irvine, CA, USA
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Chang SO, Kim EY. The resilience of nursing staffs in nursing homes: concept development applying a hybrid model. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:129. [PMID: 35614503 PMCID: PMC9132673 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-00913-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The resilience of nursing home (NH) nursing staff is emphasized to improve the quality of care provided, but the concept has not been clearly defined. By composing such a definition through concept development, a basis for active research in the future can be established. AIM To identify the definition and conceptual characteristics of the concept of resilience of NH nursing staffs. METHOD In this study, the concept was developed using Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid model, which included theoretical, fieldwork, and final analysis stages. In the theoretical stage, a literature review on the definition and measurement of concepts was performed. For the fieldwork stage, 22 interviews were conducted with 7 participants, and a content analysis was performed. During the final analysis stage, the results of the theoretical and field work stages were integrated. RESULTS Three dimensions, eight attributes, and three types were identified. The three dimensions are internal resources, external support, and positive coping with situations as they arise; the eight attributes are optimism, patience, mindfulness, supportive relationships, available resources, work-life boundary setting, self-development, and growth; and the three types are those who want to adapt themselves to the situation, those who actively seek to cope with stressful situations, and those who hold positive expectations for the future. CONCLUSION Coping with difficult situations using internal resources and external support was a unique trait revealed in the resilience of NH nursing staff members. This study provided future research directions to improve the resilience of NH nursing staffs by revealing the characteristics of their resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ok Chang
- College of Nursing and BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- College of Nursing, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, 02841, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Hutchison M, Aldalur A, Maisto SA, Chiang A, Abar B, Stecker T, Conner KR. Alcohol Use During COVID-19 in Adults with Severe Untreated AUD. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2022; 40:299-310. [PMID: 35937159 PMCID: PMC9355046 DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2022.2060156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Evidence demonstrating increased alcohol use during COVID-19 comes from low- to moderate-alcohol use samples and has yet to use adults with severe but untreated AUD. Using a community sample of adults with severe AUD, this exploratory, cross-sectional study examined associations of COVID-19 alcohol use. Participants were recruited for a phase-II RCT. Only baseline measures, completed prior to randomization, were analyzed in the present study. Key variables were alcohol consumption, COVID-19-related worries and experiences, and qualitative responses of 1) alcohol use and 2) positive changes during COVID-19. 176 pariticpants recruited since COVID-19 were on average 41.4 years old, 49.1% female, and 79% White. Participants drank alcohol nearly 23 of the past 30 days, consumed 7 standard drinks per drinking day, and nearly 90% reported increased alcohol use. More heavy episodic drinking was reported in the first six-months of COVID-19 and more COVID-related concerns in the most recent six-months. Participants reported drinking increased due to "more time on their hands", but the pandemic also "strengthened relationships". Results affirm an increase in alcohol use during COVID-19 in adults with severe, untreated AUD. Findings underscore the need to understand how alcohol use and pandemic-related circumstances may influence one another for adults with severe AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morica Hutchison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Aileen Aldalur
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Stephen A. Maisto
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Chiang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Beau Abar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Tracy Stecker
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kenneth R. Conner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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13
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Ng L, Narayanan N, Diamond D, Pitigala N. Audit of acute psychiatric presentations during New Zealand's first COVID-19 national lockdown. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:223-228. [PMID: 34695363 PMCID: PMC8990568 DOI: 10.1177/10398562211052918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to identify service user demographic and clinical characteristics of an acute mental health service in South Auckland during the first New Zealand coronavirus-related lockdown. METHOD We conducted a clinical audit of a sample of service users presenting to a district health board's acute adult mental health service during New Zealand's level-4 lockdown in 2020 and made comparisons to a sample from 2019. We identified demographic factors, living situation, mode of referral, mode of assessment, diagnosis, substance use, risks, stressors, use of mental health act legislation and follow-up. RESULTS During the first level-4 lockdown fewer Ma¯ori were assessed, police referrals increased, specific stressors related to confinement were identified and there was an increase in risks relating to self-harm and harm to others. CONCLUSION Service users had unique stressors and changing patterns of presentation during the level-4 New Zealand lockdown. In response to the changing needs of service users during a pandemic, we recommend optimising telehealth, enhancing connections with other essential services, development of digital interventions and care for frontline staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Ng
- Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nishanth Narayanan
- Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand.,Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Danielle Diamond
- Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand.,Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
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14
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Howard C, Overall NC, Sibley CG. Monthly Trends in the Life Events Reported in the Prior Year and First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic in New Zealand. Front Psychol 2022; 13:829643. [PMID: 35360645 PMCID: PMC8963340 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.829643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study examines changes in the economic, social, and well-being life events that women and men reported during the first 7 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses compared monthly averages in cross-sectional national probability data from two annual waves of the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study collected between October 2018–September 2019 (N = 17,924), and October 2019–September 2020 (N = 41,653), which included the first 7 months of the pandemic (Mar–Sep 2020). Results indicated that people (particularly women) reported increased job loss in the months following an initial COVID-19 lockdown relative to the same months the year earlier. Women also experienced an increase in family troubles when restrictions eased and reported increased negative lifestyle changes that persisted throughout the first 7 months of the pandemic. The proportion of people experiencing many other life events (e.g., mental health, financial concerns) in New Zealand did not differ reliably from the pre-pandemic monthly baseline. These results highlight resilience to many potential negative life events within the first 7 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic did not affect everyone equally, and the burden of increased negative events appears more heavily borne by women. As the pandemic continues more than 18 months from initial community transmission of COVID-19, our findings provide important insight into the impact of the pandemic on potential negative life events, especially among women, that may have critical consequences for mental health, gender equality, and social well-being over time.
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15
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COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown and Wellbeing: Experiences from Aotearoa New Zealand in 2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042269. [PMID: 35206457 PMCID: PMC8871666 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, in the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Aotearoa New Zealand consistently maintained stringent public health measures including stay-at-home lockdowns and distancing responses. Considering the widespread disruption to social functioning caused by the pandemic, this paper aimed to explore environmental and social factors that influenced the wellbeing of individuals during the first lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mixed-methods study involved a survey (n = 1010) and semi-structured interviews of a subset of surveyed individuals undertaken at the tail end of the first 2020 lockdown. Survey participants were recruited through social media-driven snowball sampling, less than 50% were aged under 45 years and 85% identified as female. Of those interviewed, 63% identified as female. Qualitative interview findings and open-ended survey results were analysed thematically. Participants described a variety of factors influencing wellbeing, largely related to the community and household; physical, behavioural, and lifestyle factors; access to health services; and social and economic foundations. While much of the focus of COVID-19 recovery was on reversing the economic and physical toll of the pandemic, our findings emphasise the need to empower individuals, families, and communities to mitigate the pandemic’s negative implications on wellbeing.
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16
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Milfont TL, Osborne D, Sibley CG. Socio-political efficacy explains increase in New Zealanders' pro-environmental attitudes due to COVID-19. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 79:101751. [PMID: 35002011 PMCID: PMC8720917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic claimed millions of lives and caused unprecedented disruptions. Despite these negative impacts, there is optimism the pandemic may shift public opinion on other global crises by fostering a sense of collective efficacy. Using propensity score matching to compare New Zealanders assessed before (n =12,304) and after (n = 12,370) nationwide lockdowns in 2020, we tested a preregistered mediation model with COVID-19 lockdown experience predicting increases in pro-environmental attitudes via enhanced socio-political efficacy. As hypothesized, socio-political efficacy increased after the successful nationwide lockdowns. In turn, socio-political efficacy amplified respondents' pro-environmental attitudes including climate beliefs and concern, as well as support for a government subsidy for public transport and opposition to government spending on new motorways. The pandemic also enhanced respondents' satisfaction with the quality of the natural environment, which was unmediated by socio-political efficacy. The crisis might offer an opportunity to foster collective pro-environmental actions.
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17
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Radka K, Wyeth EH, Derrett S. A qualitative study of living through the first New Zealand COVID-19 lockdown: Affordances, positive outcomes, and reflections. Prev Med Rep 2022; 26:101725. [PMID: 35155083 PMCID: PMC8824355 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
141 Participants described experiences of the first COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand. Thematic analysis of 141 records identified themes of loss and negative reflections. A counter-narrative of affordances and positive reflections was observed. These positive outcomes may be leveraged in future lockdowns or pandemics.
This study thematically analyses free text responses from telephone interviews with 141 participants from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS-10/POIS-10 Māori) to explore their “lived experiences” of the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ). Interviews occurred in March-April 2020, at which time, NZ underwent some of the most stringent COVID-19 public health measures internationally. This study provides “real time” insights into participants’ experiences and views during this time in NZ. Many participants experienced losses, limitations, and restrictions due to the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown. Nevertheless, positive outcomes and reflections were reported alongside, and sometimes in conjunction with, the negative. Although the lockdown was limiting for many participants, some highlighted that this unique environment facilitated certain affordances including positive experiences with work, supporting others, and being supported, family dynamics changing for the better, more free time and positive reflections such as enhanced feelings of unity, closeness to others and a sense of gratefulness. The identification of affordances facilitated by the lockdown environment has implications for future pandemic response management, as these may be leveraged by policymakers, health care practitioners and individuals, potentially resulting in more favorable outcomes in future lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Radka
- Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Emma H. Wyeth
- Māori Health, Director of Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Derrett
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Corresponding author at: Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, University of Otago, Ground Floor, Adams Building, 18 Frederick Street, Dunedin, Otago 9054, New Zealand.
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18
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Aebi NJ, Fink G, Wyss K, Schwenkglenks M, Baenteli I, Caviezel S, Studer A, Trost S, Tschudin S, Schaefert R, Meinlschmidt G. Association of Different Restriction Levels With COVID-19-Related Distress and Mental Health in Somatic Inpatients: A Secondary Analysis of Swiss General Hospital Data. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:872116. [PMID: 35592378 PMCID: PMC9113023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.872116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related countermeasures hinder health care access and affect mental wellbeing of non-COVID-19 patients. There is lack of evidence on distress and mental health of patients hospitalized due to other reasons than COVID-19-a vulnerable population group in two ways: First, given their risk for physical diseases, they are at increased risk for severe courses and death related to COVID-19. Second, they may struggle particularly with COVID-19 restrictions due to their dependence on social support. Therefore, we investigated the association of intensity of COVID-19 restrictions with levels of COVID-19-related distress, mental health (depression, anxiety, somatic symptom disorder, and mental quality of life), and perceived social support among Swiss general hospital non-COVID-19 inpatients. METHODS We analyzed distress of 873 hospital inpatients not admitted for COVID-19, recruited from internal medicine, gynecology, rheumatology, rehabilitation, acute geriatrics, and geriatric rehabilitation wards of three hospitals. We assessed distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and four indicators of mental health: depressive and anxiety symptom severity, psychological distress associated with somatic symptoms, and the mental component of health-related quality of life; additionally, we assessed social support. The data collection period was divided into modest (June 9 to October 18, 2020) and strong (October 19, 2020, to April 17, 2021) COVID-19 restrictions, based on the Oxford Stringency Index for Switzerland. RESULTS An additional 13% (95%-Confidence Interval 4-21%) and 9% (1-16%) of hospital inpatients reported distress related to leisure time and loneliness, respectively, during strong COVID-19 restrictions compared to times of modest restrictions. There was no evidence for changes in mental health or social support. CONCLUSIONS Focusing on the vulnerable population of general hospital inpatients not admitted for COVID-19, our results suggest that tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in October 2020 was associated with increased COVID-19-related distress regarding leisure time and loneliness, with no evidence for a related decrease in mental health. If this association was causal, safe measures to increase social interaction (e.g., virtual encounters and outdoor activities) are highly warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04269005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Julia Aebi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Günther Fink
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kaspar Wyss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Iris Baenteli
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Seraina Caviezel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anja Studer
- Department of Health Canton Basel-Stadt, Division of Prevention, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Trost
- Department of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sibil Tschudin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Schaefert
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gunther Meinlschmidt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Clinical Psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Clinical Psychology and Epidemiology, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Beames JR, Li SH, Newby JM, Maston K, Christensen H, Werner-Seidler A. The upside: coping and psychological resilience in Australian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2021; 15:77. [PMID: 34922575 PMCID: PMC8684334 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-021-00432-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the COVID-19 outbreak, few studies have investigated the positive psychological consequences on young people. This study examined resilience, positive experiences, and coping strategies reported by Australian adolescents during COVID-19. METHODS Self-report surveys were administered online to a sample of 760 Australian adolescents aged 12-18 years. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to assess resilience, positive experiences, and coping strategies. Exploratory regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between resilience and demographics and mental illness history, as well as between resilience and positive experiences. RESULTS Overall, adolescents were somewhat resilient (M = 20.93, SD = 8.29). They reported positive experiences during COVID-19, including increased empathy, compassion, gratitude, and connection with others, and reported using a range of active coping strategies. Having a mental illness history and identification as female or non-binary gender were associated with lower resilience (Bs > 2.82, ps < 0.001). Further, resilience was associated with decreased psychological distress (OR = 0.89, p < 0.001) and with increased positive experiences (ORs > 1.03, ps < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that Australian adolescents commonly reported positive experiences and used active coping strategies during COVID-19. Some young people demonstrated higher levels of resilience and were able to make the most out of an unpredictable situation that severely disrupted their daily routine. However, further prospective research using longitudinal methods is necessary to examine causal relationships between variables. An implication of our findings is that resilience-building programs for adolescents may be effective in increasing adaptability after adversity (e.g., climate change, bushfires, pandemics).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne R. Beames
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Sophie H. Li
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Jill M. Newby
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Kate Maston
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Aliza Werner-Seidler
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
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20
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Cheung G, Bala S, Lyndon M, Ma'u E, Rivera Rodriguez C, Waters DL, Jamieson H, Nada-Raja S, Chan AHY, Beyene K, Meehan B, Walker X. Impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on the health and psychosocial well-being of Māori, Pacific Peoples and New Zealand Europeans living in aged residential care. Australas J Ageing 2021; 41:293-300. [PMID: 34855238 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of New Zealand's (NZ) first wave of COVID-19, which included a nationwide lockdown, on the health and psychosocial well-being of Māori, Pacific Peoples and NZ Europeans in aged residential care (ARC). METHODS interRAI assessments of Māori, Pacific Peoples and NZ Europeans (aged 60 years and older) completed between 21/3/2020 and 8/6/2020 were compared with assessments of the same ethnicities during the same period in the previous year (21/3/2019 to 8/6/2019). Physical, cognitive, psychosocial and service utilisation indicators were included in the bivariate analyses. RESULTS A total of 538 Māori, 276 Pacific Peoples and 11,322 NZ Europeans had an interRAI assessment during the first wave of COVID-19, while there were 549 Māori, 248 Pacific Peoples and 12,367 NZ Europeans in the comparative period. Fewer Māori reported feeling lonely (7.8% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.021), but more NZ Europeans reported severe depressive symptoms (6.9% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.028) during COVID-19. Lower rates of hospitalisation were observed in Māori (7.4% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.046) and NZ Europeans (8.1% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001) during COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS We found a lower rate of loneliness in Māori but a higher rate of depression in NZ European ARC populations during the first wave of COVID-19. Further research, including qualitative studies with ARC staff, residents and families, and different ethnic communities, is needed to explain these ethnic group differences. Longer-term effects from the COVID-19 pandemic on ARC populations should also be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Cheung
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sharmin Bala
- Department of Medicine, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mataroria Lyndon
- The Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Etuini Ma'u
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Debra L Waters
- Department of Medicine, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hamish Jamieson
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Shyamala Nada-Raja
- Va'a o Tautai - Centre for Pacific Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Amy Hai Yan Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kebede Beyene
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brigette Meehan
- interRAI Services, Technical Advisory Services (TAS), Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Xaviour Walker
- Department of Medicine, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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21
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Savilahti EM, Lintula S, Häkkinen L, Marttunen M, Granö N. Adolescent psychiatric outpatient care rapidly switched to remote visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:586. [PMID: 34800997 PMCID: PMC8605888 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03580-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19-pandemic and especially the physical distancing measures drastically changed the conditions for providing outpatient care in adolescent psychiatry. METHODS We investigated the outpatient services of adolescent psychiatry in the Helsinki University Hospital (HUH) from 1/1/2015 until 12/31/2020. We retrieved data from the in-house data software on the number of visits in total and categorized as in-person or remote visits, and analysed the data on a weekly basis. We further analysed these variables grouped according to the psychiatric diagnoses coded for visits. Data on the number of patients and on referrals from other health care providers were available on a monthly basis. We investigated the data descriptively and with a time-series analysis comparing the pre-pandemic period to the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS The total number of visits decreased slightly at the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020. Remote visits sharply increased starting in 3/2020 and remained at a high level compared with previous years. In-person visits decreased in Spring 2020, but gradually increased afterwards. The number of patients transiently fell in Spring 2020. CONCLUSIONS Rapid switch to remote visits in outpatient care of adolescent psychiatry made it possible to avoid a drastic drop in the number of visits despite the physical distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M. Savilahti
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO BOX 660, 00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sakari Lintula
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO BOX 660, 00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Häkkinen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO BOX 660, 00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mauri Marttunen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO BOX 660, 00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland ,grid.14758.3f0000 0001 1013 0499Mental Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niklas Granö
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO BOX 660, 00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
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22
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Popova L, Henderson K, Kute N, Singh-Looney M, Ashley DL, Reynolds RM, Nayak P, Spears CA. "I'm Bored and I'm Stressed": A Qualitative Study of Exclusive Smokers, ENDS Users, and Transitioning Smokers or ENDS Users in the Time of COVID-19. Nicotine Tob Res 2021; 25:185-192. [PMID: 34610133 PMCID: PMC8522380 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To better understand the various influences of COVID-19 on tobacco use, we examined three different tobacco user groups using qualitative methods. METHODS Ten online focus groups with 61 adults from the Atlanta, GA area were held in October-November 2020: four with exclusive smokers (n = 16), three with Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) users (dual and exclusive, n = 22), and three with transitioning (recently quit or currently quitting) smokers and/or ENDS users (n = 23). RESULTS Exclusive smokers reported smoking more frequently, driven by COVID-19-related stress, time at home, and boredom. They were not motivated to quit during the pandemic, and some considered smoking to be protective against COVID-19. ENDS users reported vaping less, with dual users often increasing their smoking; many were concerned about health effects of smoking and ENDS use during the pandemic. Transitioning smokers/ENDS users worried about their health and wanted to quit, but many found the stress of COVID-19 unbearable without tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS There were some similarities among the groups, but also pronounced differences. Educational campaigns should capitalize on the teachable moment of COVID-19 to increase perceived risk of smoking. Smokers need access to more adaptive ways to deal with stress (such as mindfulness training) in lieu of smoking and systems-level approaches should address structural determinants of health that cause high levels of stress. The proposed policy to lower nicotine in combusted tobacco products might help smokers choose other means of coping instead of cigarettes by reducing the stress-relieving properties of smoking particularly salient during the pandemic. IMPLICATIONS Smokers believe that cigarettes help them deal with the stresses and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This needs to be counteracted by educational campaigns to increase perceived harm of smoking, alternative stress-relief strategies, and mandated changes to the combusted tobacco products to make them less appealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Popova
- Corresponding Author: Lucy Popova, PhD, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA. Telephone: 404-413-9338; Fax: 404-413-1140; E-mail:
| | | | - Nikita Kute
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - David L Ashley
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Reed M Reynolds
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pratibha Nayak
- Individual and Population Health, Battelle Memorial Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
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23
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Bell C, Williman J, Beaglehole B, Stanley J, Jenkins M, Gendall P, Rapsey C, Every-Palmer S. Challenges facing essential workers: a cross-sectional survey of the subjective mental health and well-being of New Zealand healthcare and 'other' essential workers during the COVID-19 lockdown. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048107. [PMID: 34281926 PMCID: PMC8290948 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare psychological outcomes, experiences and sources of stress over the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand in essential workers (healthcare and 'other' essential workers) with that of workers in nonessential work roles. DESIGN Online cross-sectional survey. SETTING Conducted in New Zealand over level 4 lockdown in April/May 2020. PARTICIPANTS Findings from employed participants (2495) are included in this report; 381 healthcare workers, 649 'other' essential workers and 1465 nonessential workers. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Measures included psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)), anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)), well-being (WHO-5), alcohol use, subjective experiences and sources of stress. Differences between work categories were quantified as risk ratios or χ2 tests. RESULTS After controlling for confounders that differed between groups of essential and nonessential workers, those in healthcare and those in 'other' essential work were at 71% (95% CI 1.29 to 2.27) and 59% (95% CI 1.25 to 2.02) greater risk respectively, of moderate levels of anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10), than those in nonessential work. Those in healthcare were at 19% (95% CI 1.02 to 1.39) greater risk of poor well-being (WHO-5 <13). There was no evidence of differences across work roles in risk for psychological distress (K10 ≥12) or increased alcohol use. Healthcare and 'other' essential workers reported increased workload (p<0.001) and less uncertainty about finances and employment than those in nonessential work (p<0.001). Healthcare and nonessential workers reported decreased social contact. No difference by work category in health concerns was reported; 15% had concerns about participants' own health and 33% about other people's health. CONCLUSIONS During the pandemic lockdown, essential workers (those in healthcare and those providing 'other' essential work) were at increased risk of anxiety compared with those in nonessential work, with those in healthcare also being at increased risk of poor well-being. This highlights the need to recognise the challenges this vital workforce face in pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Williman
- Department of Population Health, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ben Beaglehole
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - James Stanley
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Jenkins
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philip Gendall
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Charlene Rapsey
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Susanna Every-Palmer
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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