Prevalence and Associated Factors of PTSD Symptoms After the COVID-19 Epidemic Outbreak in an Online Survey in China: The Age and Gender Differences Matter

Acute stress exposure in healthy oil and gas field workers and early post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms: A lesson from the COVID-19 crisis

INTRODUCTION

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the oil and gas industry had to adopt coping strategies. These changes might contribute to early increased mental health issues among workers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors to early post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among healthy Indonesian oil and gas field workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to January 2021. We investigated healthy field employees working during the pandemic. Data on the subjects' PTSD symptoms were collected using the PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C) Version.

RESULTS

A total of 1542 completed forms were analyzed. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was 44.8%, with 9.1% of very severe forms. Independent factors associated with PTSD symptoms were female gender (p = .013, OR 1.72 [95% CI 1.12-2.63]), change in work system (p = .006, OR 1.37 [95% CI 1.09-1.71]), increased workload (p < .001, OR 2.10 [95% CI 1.63-2.71]), and decreased income (p = .041, OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.02-2.05]).

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 crisis and its impact on working conditions were significant stressors that contributed to a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms among oil and gas company workers. Therefore, implementing well-being programs is essential during acute challenges that lead to changes in work systems.

Epidemiology of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Iranian Population From 2019 to 2024: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that arises from experiencing traumatic events such as traffic accidents, war, natural disorders, and job incidents. This study focused on determining the epidemiology of PTSD in the Iranian population from 2019 to 2024.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we explored databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Magiran to achieve a maximum variety of screened articles. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using the STROBE checklist. For data analysis, due to the variation in reporting the PTSD prevalence across the reviewed articles, heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index, and a random effect model was applied to account for this variation.

RESULTS

Out of 800 articles found in the initial review, only 15 articles were entered in the final analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a total of 9868 participants. The overall PTSD prevalence in the Iranian population was 31.87% (95% confidence interval [CI]=17.87- 45.87, I2=95.29%, P<0.001). Additionally, PTSD prevalence in men (36.64%) was higher than in women (35.52%).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PTSD in young Iranian men is relatively high, and there was no statistically significant decrease in PTSD prevalence between 2019 and 2024.

Association between burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder among frontline nurse during COVID-19 pandemic: A moderated mediation analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among frontline nurses who went to assist the epidemic situation in Wuhan, China, during the outbreak in 2020. The study also explored the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of age in the main relationship.

BACKGROUND

The relationship between burnout and PTSD in nurse has rarely been investigated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understand the relationship between these variables can provide empirical evidence for developing interventions and protocols that improve the health of nurses in future public health emergencies.

DESIGN

An online cross-sectional survey of targeted local 327 nurses who went to assist the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Wuhan during the initial outbreak.

METHODS

This study was conducted in August 2020, the burnout scale, the PTSD scale and the depression scale were used to survey participants. The moderated mediation model was used to test research hypotheses.

RESULTS

Burnout could affect the PTSD symptoms in nursing staffs and depression could mediate this relationship. Age moderated the relationship between burnout/depression and PTSD, and the effects was strong and significant among younger participants in the relationship between burnout and PTSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Burnout was identified as a core risk factor of PTSD in nurses. Depression and age played significant roles in the relationship between burnout and PTSD.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

PTSD, as a symptom that manifests after experiencing a stressful event, should be a key concern among frontline healthcare professionals. This study suggests that PTSD in nurses can be further reduced by reducing burnout. Attention should also be paid to the PTSD status of nurses of different age groups.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Patients and the public were not involved in the design and implementation of this study. Frontline nurses completed an online questionnaire for this study.

Impact of long COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorder as modified by health literacy: an observational study in Vietnam

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a "social vaccine" that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnam from December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (using the 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions.

RESULTS

Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD. Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63-2.12; p<0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; p=0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.

Acute stress symptoms in general population during the first wave of COVID lockdown in Italy: Results from the COMET trial

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented traumatic event that has severely impacted social, economic, and health well-being worldwide. The COvid Mental hEalth Trial was specifically designed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures on the mental health of the Italian general population in terms of COVID-19-related acute stress disorder (ASD) symptoms.

METHODS

The present cross-sectional study is based on an online survey carried out in the period March-May 2020. Italian general adult population was invited to compile an anonymous survey, which included the severity of acute stress symptoms scale/National Stressful Events Survey Short Scale to investigate the occurrence and severity of ASD symptoms.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 20,720 participants. During the lockdown, subjects with pre-existing mental health problems reported a statistically significant higher risk of acute post-traumatic symptoms compared to the general population (B: 2.57; 95% CI:2.04-3.09; p < .0001) and health care professionals (B: .37; 95% CI: .02-0.72; p < .05). According to multivariate regression models, the levels of acute post-traumatic symptoms (p < .0001) were higher in younger and female respondents. Social isolation and sleep disorder/insomnia represented positive predictors of acute stress (B = 3.32, 95% CI = 3.08-3.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Concerns about the risk of infection as well as social isolation caused a higher incidence of acute post-traumatic stress symptoms that may predict the subsequent development of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the long term.

Long COVID, the Brain, Nerves, and Cognitive Function

SARS-CoV-2, a single-stranded RNA coronavirus, causes an illness known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Long-term complications are an increasing issue in patients who have been infected with COVID-19 and may be a result of viral-associated systemic and central nervous system inflammation or may arise from a virus-induced hypercoagulable state. COVID-19 may incite changes in brain function with a wide range of lingering symptoms. Patients often experience fatigue and may note brain fog, sensorimotor symptoms, and sleep disturbances. Prolonged neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms are prevalent and can interfere substantially in everyday life, leading to a massive public health concern. The mechanistic pathways by which SARS-CoV-2 infection causes neurological sequelae are an important subject of ongoing research. Inflammation- induced blood-brain barrier permeability or viral neuro-invasion and direct nerve damage may be involved. Though the mechanisms are uncertain, the resulting symptoms have been documented from numerous patient reports and studies. This review examines the constellation and spectrum of nervous system symptoms seen in long COVID and incorporates information on the prevalence of these symptoms, contributing factors, and typical course. Although treatment options are generally lacking, potential therapeutic approaches for alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life are explored.

To Hell and Back: A Performer's mental health journey during the COVID-19 pandemic

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The COVID-19 pandemic has induced a considerable amount of mental health difficulties, ranging from anxiety and depression to psychosis. As services struggle to cope with the demand for support, the effect of such psychological challenges on quality of life remains a major concern. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a vast amount of research has focused on the physical consequences of the virus. Gradually, studies on the mental health effects related to the pandemic started to emerge, as it became clear that mental health difficulties were as present and as concerning as the physical ones. Whilst such studies commonly explore the prevalence and nature of the presenting mental health challenges, the publication of personal mental health experiences linked to the ongoing situation is lacking. Introducing the human element in literature is an important means of raising awareness on the mental health difficulties that can be triggered by the pandemic. Using public figures such as the individual in this paper is additionally powerful due to the role model effect. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The paper highlights the need for enhanced awareness and monitoring of mental health especially by health professionals who therefore need to receive adequate mental health training. Furthermore, mental health awareness efforts need to be considered as being a part of the role of the psychiatric and mental health nurse who is at a prime position to educate, monitor and support those receiving care.

Validation of the Spanish Version of the Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR): A Study on Healthcare Workers Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

The present study aimed at reporting about the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self Report (TALS-SR), an instrument based on a multidimensional approach to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), including a range of threatening or traumatic experiences and significant losses, besides the spectrum of peri-traumatic stress reactions and post-traumatic stress symptoms that may occur.

Methods

A sample of 87 Health Care Workers (HCWs) employed in the COVID-19 Emergency Department at the Virgen de la Arrixaca and Reina Sofia Hospitals (Murcia, Spain) during the pandemic, was consecutively recruited and fulfilled the TALS-SR. Assessments also included the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), to examine post-traumatic stress symptoms and probable PTSD. Nineteen HCWs fulfilled the TALS-SR again after three weeks from baseline for test-retest reliability.

Results

This study provides evidence of good internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Spanish version of the TALS-SR. Strong support for the internal validity structure was obtained, with positive and significant correlations between the five symptomatologic domains and the symptomatologic total score. Significant and good correlations between the TALS-SR symptomatologic domains and the IES-R total and single domains' scores were found. The Questionnaire also demonstrated to discriminate between subjects with and without PTSD, with subjects with PTSD showing significantly higher mean scores in each domain of the TALS-SR.

Conclusion

This study validates the Spanish version of TALS-SR, providing a useful instrument for a spectrum approach to PTSD and confirms the potential utility of this psychometric tool in both clinical practice and research settings.

Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Healthcare Workers following the First SARS-CoV Epidemic of 2003: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The world is still in the grip of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, with putative psychological consequences for healthcare workers (HCWs). Exploring the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the first SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 may inform us of the long-term effects of the actual pandemic, as well as putative influencing factors such as contact with the virus, time effects, or the importance of some sociodemographic data. This information may help us develop efficient preventive strategies. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of PTSD in HCWs following the SARS-CoV-1 in 2003. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Psychinfo, and Web of Science were searched until September 2022. Random-effects meta-analyses were stratified by the time of follow-up. We included 14 studies: 4842 HCWs (32.0 years old, 84% women). The overall prevalence of PTSD was 14% (95CI 10 to 17%). The prevalence of PTSD was 16% (8 to 24%) during the epidemic, 19% (16 to 22%) within 6 months after the epidemic, and 8% (4 to 13%) more than one year after the end of the epidemic. The longest follow-up was three years after the epidemic, with 10% of HCWs with PTSD. Nevertheless, the prevalence of PTSD was significantly lower more than one year after the end of the epidemic than the first six months after the epidemic (Coefficient -10.4, 95CI -17.6 to -3.2, p = 0.007). In conclusion, the prevalence of PTSD in HCWs was high during the first epidemic of SARS-CoV in 2003 and remained high in the long term. The lessons from the SARS-CoV-1 epidemic may help prevent a wave of PTSD following the latest COVID-19 pandemic.