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Ghiggia A, Castelli L, Adenzato M, Di Tella M. Emotional competencies and psychological distress: Is loneliness a mediating factor? Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:359-368. [PMID: 37986626 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Emotional competencies, such as emotion regulation and empathy, are essential for social interaction. Impairment of these skills has been associated with increased rates of anxiety/depressive symptoms and loneliness, which has been defined as the discrepancy between the desired and actual quality and quantity of social relationships a person maintains. The aim of the present study was to shed light on the associations between these constructs and to examine the possible mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between emotional competencies and anxiety/depressive symptoms in a sample of non-clinical individuals. A total of 298 participants were recruited for this study and were asked to complete a series of measures assessing difficulties in emotion regulation, empathy, loneliness, and anxiety/depressive symptoms. Regression and mediation models were tested to analyze the associations between these variables. Results showed that reduced emotional competencies in emotion regulation and empathy were both directly and indirectly associated with increased anxiety/depressive symptoms and emotional loneliness, which in turn was related to higher levels of psychological distress (with a partial mediation of loneliness). Overall, the present findings seem to indicate that emotional competencies play a key role in the experience of loneliness and psychological distress. Therefore, individuals reporting high levels of loneliness in combination with anxious/depressive symptoms should receive appropriate assessment and treatment of emotion regulation and empathic skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Ghiggia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorys Castelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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2
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Haijen ECHM, Hurks PPM, Kuypers KPC. Effects of psychedelic microdosing versus conventional ADHD medication use on emotion regulation, empathy, and ADHD symptoms in adults with severe ADHD symptoms: A naturalistic prospective comparison study. Eur Psychiatry 2024; 67:e18. [PMID: 38351594 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.8] [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] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often struggle with emotion regulation (ER), impacting their empathic skills and relationships. ADHD medication might not be as effective for ER issues as for ADHD symptoms. Microdosing (MD) psychedelics has shown promise for ADHD treatment and previous studies reported social-emotional benefits. Two online prospective studies investigated MD effects on ER and empathy in adults with severe ADHD symptoms across three assessments: baseline, two-, and four-week post-initiation. Study 1 examined adults initiating MD on their own (n = 233, n = 64, and n = 44) and found positive effects on ER (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) and aspects of empathy (perspective-taking and personal distress). Study 2, including a control group and an ADHD symptom scale, compared individuals only MD (n = 180, n = 50, and n = 38) to individuals using conventional ADHD medication (n = 37, n = 27, and n = 28). After 4 weeks, ADHD symptoms were lower in the MD group. Only improvements in expressive suppression persisted after adding the control group. This study indicates the positive effects of MD psychedelics on ADHD symptoms and ER in adults with severe ADHD symptoms while lacking evidence for effects on empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline C H M Haijen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra P M Hurks
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kim P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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3
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Wollast R, Lacourse É, Mageau GA, Pelletier-Dumas M, Dorfman A, Dupéré V, Lina JM, Stolle D, de la Sablonnière R. Trajectories of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic: A person-oriented multi-trajectory approach. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292522. [PMID: 38109431 PMCID: PMC10727429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced unprecedented changes in the lives of many people. Although research has documented associations between concerns related to COVID-19 and poor mental health indicators, fewer studies have focused on positive factors that could help people better cope with this stressful social context. To fill this gap, the present research investigated the trajectories of self-compassion facets in times of dramatic social change. Using a longitudinal research design, we described the trajectories of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness during the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a representative sample of Canadian adults (N = 3617). Relying on a multi-trajectory group-based approach, we identified clusters of individuals following persistently low (4.0%), moderate-low (39.3%), moderate-high (46.7%), and high (10.0%) levels of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Interestingly, we found that compassionate self-responding trajectories were mainly stable over time with minor fluctuations for some groups of individuals, in line with the epidemiological situation. In terms of covariates, we observed that older women were more likely to follow trajectories of high compassionate self-responding, as compared to the other age and gender groups. In terms of mental health indicators, we demonstrated that trajectory groups with high levels of compassionate self-responding were associated with greater life satisfaction, more happiness, better sleep quality, higher sleep quantity, and fewer negative emotions, as compared to lower trajectory groups. The results supported the idea that self-compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic could have favored better mental health indicators and could possibly be promoted as a psychological intervention in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Wollast
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Éric Lacourse
- Department of Sociology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Anna Dorfman
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Véronique Dupéré
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Marc Lina
- École de Technologie Supérieure, Université du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dietlind Stolle
- Department of Political Science and Centre for the Study of Democratic Citizenship, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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4
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Zheng D, Liu Y, Lu Y, Qiu Y, Gao Y, Li M, Li J. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and sleep quality in the Chinese general populations during sporadic and outbreak periods. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35666. [PMID: 37960739 PMCID: PMC10637546 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035666] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The different coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak patterns may have different impact on the mental health, but there is no such report at present. This study was aimed to investigate general populations mental health and sleep quality during the sporadic and outbreak of COVID-19 in Tianjin of China. Two cross-sectional studies included 1090 participants during the COVID-19 sporadic period from 28th January to 28th February 2022 and 2036 participants during the COVID-19 outbreak period from 1st January to 1st February 2023. We used the propensity score matching method to match the 2 samples (sporadic and outbreak group) with a ratio of 1:1. Finally, 1087 participants were included in each group. The demographics, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were collected from all participants. There was a significant difference between the sporadic and outbreak groups for COVID-19-infected status, anxiety levels, sleep quality, and phycological resilience (all P < .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that female (P < .05) and depression status (P < .05) were the risk factors for the incidence rate of anxiety and poor sleep quality in sporadic group, and outbreak group, while phycological resilience were robust related to the sleep quality (P < .01). Poor sleep quality (P < .01) was related to the incidence of anxiety in sporadic group but not the outbreak group; anxiety levels (P < .01) were related to sleep quality in sporadic group but not the outbreak group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, general populations experienced high anxiety and poor sleep quality incidence rates, especially in the outbreak period. Different risk models for anxiety and sleep quality were found in the different outbreak patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doudou Zheng
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yifei Liu
- School of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yao Lu
- School of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuying Qiu
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meijuan Li
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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5
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Pivec T, Kozina A. Anxiety and COVID-19 Anxiety in Positive Youth Development: A Latent Profile Analysis Study. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:2328-2343. [PMID: 37500813 PMCID: PMC10495271 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01829-z] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated anxiety and triggered a new and specific COVID-19 anxiety in all age groups, especially in adolescence. The aim of the present study was to identify differences between anxiety and COVID-19 anxiety in profiles of positive outcomes by using the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework (i.e., the Five Cs of competence, confidence, character, caring, and connection) on a sample of 1,977 adolescents from Slovenia (57.4% females; Mage = 15.34 years) from lower- and upper-secondary schools. Latent profile analysis revealed four distinctive profiles: High PYD, Self-efficacious, Socio-emotional, and Low PYD. The High PYD profile reported lower anxiety and moderate COVID-19 anxiety; the Self-efficacious profile reported lower anxiety and the lowest COVID-19 anxiety; the Socio-emotional profile reported moderate anxiety and the highest COVID-19 anxiety; and the Low PYD profile reported higher anxiety and moderate COVID-19 anxiety. The study findings suggest that higher levels of competence, confidence, and connection can mitigate anxiety, while higher levels of caring are associated with COVID-19 anxiety. Nonetheless, the study supports the promotion of all Five Cs of the PYD framework to prevent anxiety, COVID-19 anxiety, and maladaptive developmental outcomes. The study provides important insights into profiling responses to extreme situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Pivec
- Educational Research Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Ana Kozina
- Educational Research Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Shrestha NR, Deason RG, Cordaro M, Howard K, Haskard-Zolnierek K. Evaluating the relationship of empathic concern to college students' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37437177 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2224432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Empathic concern (EC) for others may be related to COVID-19 pandemic responses. Participants and methods: The purpose of this survey study was to examine differences in pandemic responses in 1,778 college students rated as low (LE) versus high (HE) on the EC subscale of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Results: HE participants reported greater concerns in numerous pandemic-related domains, including acquiring COVID-19; access to COVID-19 treatment; number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths reported; staying employed; and being isolated for long periods of time. Generalized anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress scores were significantly higher for individuals in the HE group compared to the LE group. The HE group reported being significantly more adherent to health and safety recommendations than the LE group. Conclusions: Empathic concern for others is important for promoting college student prosocial behavior but is associated with anxiety and depression symptomatology during times of traumatic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha R Shrestha
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Rebecca G Deason
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Millie Cordaro
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Krista Howard
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
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7
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Alizadeh H, Sharifi A, Damanbagh S, Nazarnia H, Nazarnia M. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social sphere and lessons for crisis management: a literature review. NATURAL HAZARDS (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 117:1-26. [PMID: 37360799 PMCID: PMC10088618 DOI: 10.1007/s11069-023-05959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is the most difficult challenge that has affected humanity in recent decades. It has disrupted many features of development with domino effects in the social sphere. This study reviews the literature on the social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies the affected social areas that have undergone dramatic changes during the pandemic. We use inductive content analysis and thematic analysis to review the literature. The results show that there are seven major areas that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: health, social vulnerability, education, social capital, social relationships, social mobility, and social welfare. The literature has reported dramatic psychological and emotional effects, exacerbation of segregation and poverty, disruption in educational systems and formation of an information gap, as well as a declining trends of social capital among communities. We highlight some lessons that can be learned from the pandemic to enhance social resilience in future. Among others, to effectively respond to the pandemic and other potential future adverse events, governments should adopt fair policies, identify the required changes in the socially affected contexts and take necessary responsive actions, and adopt collaboratively designed approaches to increase social resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Alizadeh
- Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, Shahid Chamran
University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Khuzestan Iran
| | - Ayyoob Sharifi
- The IDEC Institute and Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8529 Japan
| | - Safiyeh Damanbagh
- Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, Shahid Chamran
University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Khuzestan Iran
| | - Hadi Nazarnia
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International
University, Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33174 USA
| | - Mohammad Nazarnia
- Department of Civil Engineering, , Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Li J, Liu C, Wulandari T, Wang P, Li K, Ren L, Liu X. The relationship between dimensions of empathy and symptoms of depression among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A network analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1034119. [PMID: 36620303 PMCID: PMC9813512 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1034119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship between different dimensions of empathy and individual symptoms of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear, despite the established link between empathy and depression. The network analysis offers a novel framework for visualizing the association between empathy and depression as a complex system consisting of interacting nodes. In this study, we investigated the nuanced associations between different dimensions of empathy and individual symptoms of depression using a network model during the pandemic. Methods 1,177 students completed the Chinese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), measuring dimensions of empathy, and the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), measuring symptoms of depression. First, we investigated the nuanced associations between different dimensions of empathy and individual depressive symptoms. Then, we calculated the bridge expected influence to examine how different dimensions of empathy may activate or deactivate the symptoms of depression cluster. Finally, we conducted a network comparison test to explore whether network characteristics such as empathy-depression edges and bridge nodes differed between genders. Results First, our findings showed that personal distress was positively linked to symptoms of depression. These symptoms involved psychomotor agitation or retardation (edge weight = 0.18), sad mood (edge weight = 0.12), trouble with concentrating (edge weight = 0.11), and guilt (edge weight = 0.10). Perspective-taking was found to be negatively correlated with trouble with concentrating (edge weight = -0.11). Empathic concern was negatively associated with suicidal thoughts (edge weight = -0.10) and psychomotor agitation or retardation (edge weight = -0.08). Fantasy was not connected with any symptoms of depression. Second, personal distress and empathic concern were the most positive and negative influential nodes that bridged empathy and depression (values of bridge expected influence were 0.51 and -0.19 and values of predictability were 0.24 and 0.24, respectively). The estimates of the bridge expected influence on the nodes were adequately stable (correlation stability coefficient = 0.75). Finally, no sex differences in the studied network characteristics were observed. Conclusions This study applied network analysis to reveal potential pathways between different dimensions of empathy and individual symptoms of depression. The findings supported the existing theoretical system and contribute to the theoretical mechanism. We have also made efforts to suggest interventions and preventions based on personal distress and empathic concern, the two most important dimensions of empathy for depressive symptoms. These efforts may help Chinese university students to adopt better practical methods to overcome symptoms of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chang Liu
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VI, Australia
| | - Teresa Wulandari
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VI, Australia
| | - Panhui Wang
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kuiliang Li
- Department of Developmental Psychology for Armyman, School of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China,*Correspondence: Lei Ren
| | - Xufeng Liu
- Military Medical Psychology School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China,Xufeng Liu
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9
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Turska E, Stępień-Lampa N, Grzywna P. Experience of COVID-19 disease and fear of the SARS-CoV-2 virus among Polish students. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14356. [PMID: 36530393 PMCID: PMC9756872 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14356] [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: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has significantly affected individuals and entire societies. It has caused a number of adverse consequences for public health. It has contributed to lower average life expectancy and significantly reduced the sense of health security. It has affected not only physical but also mental health. COVID-19 infections have become so common in many countries, including Poland, that almost every member of society has either experienced it themselves or has a family member or friend who have been affected by the disease. The investigations undertaken in the article concern the fear of COVID-19 infection among Polish university students, determined by the experience of the disease -whether direct or among loved ones. Methods An online survey was conducted with 851 students. It took place between 1 and 15 March 2021, a year after detection of the first case of infection with the virus in Poland. The aim of the study was to find out about the relationship between the experience of COVID-19 disease (whether direct or among people close to the respondent) and fear of this disease among university students in Poland. The analysis used intergroup comparison tests (Mann-Whitney U Test and t-test). Results The results indicate that the level of fear of COVID-19 among Polish university students was low (M = 1.98; SD = .49), with women (M = 2.04; SD = .75) presenting statistically higher (t (620.46) = 3.05; p = .002) fear than men (M = 1.87; SD = .74). The situation of the respondent having had a close person fall ill with COVID-19 or die as a result of coronavirus infection was found to be significant for the level of experienced fear of COVID-19 in the studied group (t (469.46) = -2.98; p = .003). Conclusions The significantly higher level of fear in the group of young people who knew someone close with severe (fatal) COVID-19 disease indicates that psychological support may be more significant for such people than for individuals who have not experienced such a situation. A similar conclusion can be formulated taking into account the gender criterion, as the results make it possible to predict that women expect more support in a pandemic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Turska
- Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia, Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
| | - Natalia Stępień-Lampa
- Institute of Political Science, University of Silesia, Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
| | - Paweł Grzywna
- Institute of Political Science, University of Silesia, Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
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10
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Knickerbocker KJ, Cox EA, Dhawka L, Woods K, Ingram KK. Intra-individual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and sleep in young adults. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276165. [PMID: 36301946 PMCID: PMC9612502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique academic, social, financial, and health-related challenges for young adults. While numerous studies have documented average increases in reported mental health issues in the general population, few have measured the magnitude of changes in mental health symptoms and sleep difficulties within individuals. Here, we measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and sleep of university students pre- and mid-pandemic. Prior to the pandemic (Fall 2019), individuals (n = 23) were recruited to participate in an eight-day, comprehensive sleep study using Fitbit® actigraphy. Participants also completed detailed mental health and sleep surveys, including depression (BDI-II), anxiety (STAI), and sleep disturbance (PROMIS) surveys. One year later, these individuals repeated the study during the pandemic (Fall 2020); participants completed the original surveys and sleep study, in addition to a targeted survey on mental and sleep health due to the pandemic. Self-reported levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance, and sleep parameters, measured by actigraphy, were compared within the same individuals pre- and mid-pandemic. Self-report survey data revealed that three-quarters of participants experienced an increase in stress and anxiety due to the pandemic. In addition, intra-individual depression and anxiety symptoms increased to clinically significant levels within individuals from pre- to mid-pandemic. Over two-thirds of participants reported sleeping less, and more than half reported that their sleep health had worsened during the pandemic. Changes in sleep disturbance were positively associated with changes in depression and anxiety, reinforcing the robust relationship between poor sleep quality and mental health. Furthermore, individuals who reported greater sleep disturbance during the pandemic experienced lower relative proportions of both REM and deep sleep. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students is multi-faceted-mental health, sleep quality, and the amount of restorative sleep are negatively affected by the pandemic environment. These compounded effects exacerbate the health consequences of the pandemic and highlight a need for increased attention to the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders, particularly in vulnerable populations of young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelyn A. Cox
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, United States of America
| | - Luvna Dhawka
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, United States of America
| | - Kerri Woods
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, United States of America
| | - Krista K. Ingram
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Medina-Ramirez SA, Rojas-Humpire R, Canaza JF, Hernandez F, Huancahuire-Vega S. Online academic satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic in medical students: role of sleep, psychological issues, college adjustment, and digital skills. F1000Res 2022; 11:241. [PMID: 37125021 PMCID: PMC10130700.3 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.76127.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, led to significant changes in university education, resulting in the new normal standard of virtual teaching in many undergraduate medical schools worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the factors related to academic satisfaction with virtual teaching in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted on medical students at a private university in Peru, through self-reported questionnaires divided into sociodemographic data and variables of interest that could influence academic satisfaction during the pandemic. To evaluate possible factors related to academic satisfaction, stepwise regression models were performed for both sexes. Results: In total, data from 310 medical students, 117 males and 193 females, were analyzed. Academic satisfaction reached a score of 11.2 ± 2.9, which was similar in both sexes. The best regression model for males (AIC: 544.32; RMSE: 2.42; R2: 0.30) showed that adaptation to university life (favorable change) and depression (unfavorable change) explained 30% of changes in students' academic satisfaction. While in females (AIC: 907.59; RMSE: 2.49; R 2: 0.22) the model integrated favorable factors such as adjustment to college life and anxiety; while depression and poor sleep quality were unfavorable factors. Conclusion: Factors that contributed to academic satisfaction in medical students were determined in this study, which differed by gender. Thus, it is important to take into account the particularities of male and female medical students in order to improve their academic satisfaction during their university careers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo Rojas-Humpire
- Department of Basic Sciences, Human Medicine School, Peruvian Union University (UPeU), Lima, Lima, 15, Peru
| | - Josue F. Canaza
- P53 Research Group, Peruvian Union University (UPeU), Lima, Lima, 15, Peru
| | - Fiorella Hernandez
- P53 Research Group, Human Medicine School, Peruvian Union University (UPeU), Lima, Lima, 15, Peru
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12
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Sifri RJ, McLoughlin EA, Fors BP, Salehi S. Differential Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Female Graduate Students and Postdocs in the Chemical Sciences. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION 2022; 99:3461-3470. [PMID: 37552542 PMCID: PMC9491401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.2c00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two and a half years, the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted almost all aspects of life as people throughout the world were instructed to work-from-home. Scientific researchers, whose work is reliant on access to laboratory equipment, have been acutely impacted by these global changes. In this study, we surveyed graduate students and postdocs in the chemical sciences at a selected number of academic institutions in the United States. We found that many survey participants, especially women, experienced severely diminished research progress and increased anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through factor analysis and multiple regression modeling, we found that during this challenging time participants who reported greater levels of professional support also reported greater research progress and lower levels of anxiety. We also found that, although advisors and departments provide some forms of professional support, there are other types of support that students and postdocs still desire. This phenomenon is magnified for female and underrepresented minority participants, as they need greater levels of professional support and place immense value on the quality of their work environments. Based on these results, we have identified some ways in which departments and advisors can provide the needed support for their graduate students and postdocs, thereby providing timeless advice that is applicable to improving academic work conditions not only during a global pandemic but also in a postpandemic world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee J Sifri
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York14853, United States
| | - Elizabeth A McLoughlin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York14853, United States
| | - Brett P Fors
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York14853, United States
| | - Shima Salehi
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, California94350, United States
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13
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Beall JM, Jackson SB, Casola WR, Peterson MN, Larson LR, Stevenson KT, Seekamp E. Self-reported participation in outdoor and nature-based recreation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic supports psychological health and well-being. WELLBEING, SPACE AND SOCIETY 2022; 3:100094. [PMID: 35874123 PMCID: PMC9287538 DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2022.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered daily lives and affected human health and well-being. Outdoor and nature-based activities could potentially mitigate some of these negative impacts. To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outdoor recreation and subjective well-being, we combined two samples of U.S. adults collected from April 30th - June 15th, 2020 and from August 7th - August 26th, 2020 (total n = 2178) using Qualtrics XM. During the pandemic, participation in outdoor activities declined by 35%, participation in nature-based activities declined by 33%, and subjective well-being declined by 24%. Participation in outdoor activities and nature activities prior to the pandemic and during the pandemic predicted smaller declines in subjective well-being. Results highlight the importance of outdoor recreation for building resilience to changes in subjective well-being before and during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Beall
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, 2820 Faucette Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - S Brent Jackson
- Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, 2820 Faucette Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - William R Casola
- Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, 2820 Faucette Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - M Nils Peterson
- Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, 2820 Faucette Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - Lincoln R Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, 2820 Faucette Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - Kathryn T Stevenson
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, 2820 Faucette Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - Erin Seekamp
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, 2820 Faucette Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
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14
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He Y, Zhu J, Chen X, Mu Y. Trait Empathy Modulates Patterns of Personal and Social Emotions During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:893328. [PMID: 35756252 PMCID: PMC9231589 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.893328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound consequences on people's personal and social feelings worldwide. However, little is known about whether individual differences in empathy, a prosocial trait, may affect the emotional feelings under such threat. To address this, we measured 345 Chinese participants' personal emotions (e.g., active, nervous), social emotions (i.e., fearful and empathetic feelings about various social groups), and their empathy traits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the representational similarity analysis (RSA), we calculated the pattern similarity of personal emotions and found the similarity between the positive and negative emotions was less in the high vs. low empathy groups. In addition, people with high (vs. low) empathy traits were more likely to have fearful and sympathetic feelings about the disease-related people (i.e., depression patients, suspected COVID-19 patients, COVID-19 patients, flu patients, SARS patients, AIDS patients, schizophrenic patients) and showed more pattern dissimilarity in the two social feelings toward the disease-related people. These findings suggest a prominent role of trait empathy in modulating emotions across different domains, strengthening the polarization of personal emotions as well as enlarging social feelings toward a set of stigmatized groups when facing a pandemic threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaji He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajia Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuhai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Psychology in Shaanxi Province, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yan Mu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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15
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Fernandez MP, Ernst KC, Bron GM, Berry K, Diuk-Wasser MA, Hayden MH. Outdoor Activity Associated with Higher Self-Reported Emotional Well-Being During COVID-19. ECOHEALTH 2022; 19:154-158. [PMID: 35687197 PMCID: PMC9186007 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-022-01598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Shifts in activity patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic might have impacted the benefits of outdoor activities for mental health. By leveraging an existing mobile application, we collected self-reported data on daily outdoor activities, emotional well-being, and the influence of COVID-19 on participant's outdoor activity levels during April-July 2020. Individuals reporting outdoor activities, in greenspaces or in their residence, had higher well-being scores and this effect increased with age. Self-reported impacts of COVID-19 on emotional well-being were associated with lower well-being scores. This work suggests that outdoor activities may have improved mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pilar Fernandez
- Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Kacey C Ernst
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Gebbiena M Bron
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kevin Berry
- College of Business and Public Policy, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Maria A Diuk-Wasser
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary H Hayden
- Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at UCCS, 4863 North Nevada Avenue, Fourth floor, Colorado Springs, CO, 80918, USA.
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16
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Singleton G, Johnson L, Singleton N, Li H. COVID-19-related anxiety: How do coping and optimism relate to substance use in African-American young adults? JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022:10.1002/jcop.22863. [PMID: 35441710 PMCID: PMC9088271 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected college students nationwide. Recent research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted African-American young adults. The infection case rates, hospitalizations, and death rates in African-American populations are 2-5 times higher than among White populations. The intergenerational trauma and systemic racism that African-Americans have faced in past and present times have fomented conditions that lead to vulnerability within this historically resilient community. These stresses and losses increase the risks of anxiety and substance use. This study examined the relationship between COVID-19-related anxiety and substance use, and how adaptive coping and optimism influence this relationship in African-Americans young adults. Results reveal that COVID-related anxiety predicts alcohol and drug use. Optimism and adaptive coping are related to lower pandemic-related anxiety, alcohol, and drug use among African-American young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leona Johnson
- Department of PsychologyFlorida A&M UniversityTallahasseeFloridaUSA
| | - Nkosi Singleton
- Department of PsychologyFlorida A&M UniversityTallahasseeFloridaUSA
| | - Huijun Li
- Department of PsychologyFlorida A&M UniversityTallahasseeFloridaUSA
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17
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Leigh JP, Brundin-Mather R, Soo A, FitzGerald E, Mizen S, Dodds A, Ahmed S, Burns KEA, Plotnikoff KM, Rochwerg B, Perry JJ, Benham JL, Honarmand K, Hu J, Lang R, Stelfox HT, Fiest K. Public perceptions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: a demographic analysis of self-reported beliefs, behaviors, and information acquisition. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:699. [PMID: 35397530 PMCID: PMC8994420 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13058-3] [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: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
We explored associations between sociodemographic factors and public beliefs, behaviors, and information acquisition related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to identify how the experiences of subpopulations in Canada may vary.
Methods
We administered a national online survey through Ipsos Incorporated to adults residing in Canada. Sampling was stratified by population age, sex, and regional distributions. We used descriptive statistics to summarize responses and test for differences based on gender, age, educational attainment, and household income using chi-squared tests, followed by weighted logistic regression.
Results
We collected 1996 eligible questionnaires between April 26th and May 1st, 2020. Respondents mean age was 50 years, 51% were women, 56% had a post-secondary degree, and 72% had a household income <$100,000. Our analysis found differences within the four demographic groups, with age effects most acutely evidenced. Respondents 65 years and older were more likely to perceive the pandemic as very serious, less likely to report declines in overall health, and more likely to intend to get vaccinated, compared to 18–29 year olds. Women overall were more likely to report negative outcomes than men, including stress due to the pandemic, and worsening social, mental/emotional, and spiritual health. Respondents 45 and older were more likely to seek and trust information from traditional Canadian news sources, while 18-29 year olds were more likely to seek and trust information on social media; overall, women and respondents with a post-secondary degree were more likely to access and trust online information from public health sites.
Conclusion
This study found important demographic differences in how adults living in Canada perceived the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts on their health, and their preferences for information acquisition. Our results highlight the need to consider demographic characteristics in tailoring the format and information medium to improve large scale acceptance and uptake of mitigation and containment measures.
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18
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Daigre C, Grau-López L, Palma-Alvarez RF, Perea-Ortueta M, Sorribes-Puertas M, Serrano-Pérez P, Quesada M, Segura L, Coronado M, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Colom J. A Multicenter Study on the Impact of Gender, Age, and Dual Diagnosis on Substance Consumption and Mental Health Status in Outpatients Treated for Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19 Lockdown. J Dual Diagn 2022; 18:71-80. [PMID: 35324373 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2022.2051110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective COVID-19 and lockdown measures impacted mental health globally and had a particular impact on patients with substance use disorders (SUD). However, the impact of gender, age, and dual diagnosis on consumption patterns and mental health during COVID-19 lockdown among patients with SUD has not been analyzed in depth. Therefore, this study aimed to examine substance use and mental health status during COVID-19 lockdown considering gender, age, and previous dual diagnosis in patients with SUD treated in different outpatient addiction clinics in Catalonia. Methods: Thirteen clinics participated and 588 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 70.7% were men and 29.3% were women. The mean age was 48 ± 11.3 years, and 63.2% had dual diagnoses. Results: Men reported significantly more frequent alcohol and cocaine consumption during lockdown, while women experienced more anxiety and depressive symptoms. Younger patients more frequently reported consuming cocaine and cannabis, breaking the lockdown rule, worsened family relationships, and reduced incomes. Older patients more frequently reported maintaining abstinence. Previous dual diagnosis was more often associated with benzodiazepine use disorder, less active working during lockdown, and more anxiety and depressive symptoms than not having previous dual diagnosis. Conclusions: Both new psychiatric symptoms and general worsening of existing symptoms were frequent during the lockdown. Differences based on the gender, age, and dual diagnosis of outpatients treated for substance use disorders should be considered in the planning of protection measures such as home confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Daigre
- Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lara Grau-López
- Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl F Palma-Alvarez
- Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Perea-Ortueta
- Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Sorribes-Puertas
- Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Pérez
- Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Quesada
- Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lidia Segura
- Subdirecció General de Drogodependències, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Coronado
- Subdirecció General de Drogodependències, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Section, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Subdirecció General de Drogodependències, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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- Subdirecció General de Drogodependències, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.,Collaborative Addiction Research Group of the Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Ellakany P, Zuñiga RAA, El Tantawi M, Brown B, Aly NM, Ezechi O, Uzochukwu B, Abeldaño GF, Ara E, Ayanore MA, Gaffar B, Al-Khanati NM, Ishabiyi AO, Jafer M, Khan ATA, Khalid Z, Lawal FB, Lusher J, Nzimande NP, Osamika BE, Quadri MFA, Roque M, Shamala A, Al-Tammemi AB, Yousaf MA, Virtanen JI, Nguyen AL, Folayan MO. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student' sleep patterns, sexual activity, screen use, and food intake: A global survey. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262617. [PMID: 35089943 PMCID: PMC8797200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The education sector experienced substantial impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting from worldwide restrictions. Purpose To examine differences in the sleep patterns, sexual activity, screen use, and food intake of students and non-students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a global cross-sectional study conducted in the second half of 2020 using multiple social media platforms to recruit study participants globally. A close-ended questionnaire was administered anonymously in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic to adults ages 18 and older. The outcome variables considered in analyses were changes in sleep pattern, sexual activity, screen use, and food intake. The explanatory variable was student status categorized as students vs. non-student. T-test, chi-square, and Mann Whitney U tests were used to assess differences between student and non-student populations. One logistic regression model was built for each outcome variable. Country of residence and country income level were included in the adjusted models. Results There were 17,008 participants of which 3,793 (22.3%) were students. Of the total sample, 4,889 (28.7%) reported changes in sleep, 4,642 (31.8%) reported increases in sexual activity, 10,278 (70.7%) reported increases in screen use, and 5,662 (40.2%) reported increases in food intake during the pandemic. Compared to non-students, students had significantly higher odds of reporting changes in sleep (AOR = 1.52), increases in sexual activity (AOR = 1.79), and increases in screen use (AOR = 1.36) but lower odds of reporting increase in food intake (AOR = 0.87). Conclusion Students displayed higher risk of experiencing changes in sleep, sexual behavior, and screen use during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has the potential to lead to broader adverse effects on students’ overall wellbeing. The findings and implications raise further obligations on the education sector to put extra-curricular support systems in place that address COVID-19 related behavior changes that have the potential to adversely impact students’ wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Passent Ellakany
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Substitutive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail:
| | - Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Postgraduate Department, University of Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Maha El Tantawi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Brandon Brown
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Nourhan M. Aly
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Uzochukwu
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- University of Nigeria Nsukka, (UNN) Enugu Campus, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Giuliana Florencia Abeldaño
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- School of Medicine, University of Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Eshrat Ara
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Government College for Women, Srinagar, Kashmir (J&K), India
| | - Martin Amogre Ayanore
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Balgis Gaffar
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nuraldeen Maher Al-Khanati
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Anthonia Omotola Ishabiyi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mohammed Jafer
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Abeedha Tu-Allah Khan
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zumama Khalid
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Folake Barakat Lawal
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Periodontology and Community Dentistry, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Joanne Lusher
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Regent’s University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ntombifuthi P. Nzimande
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Economic and Human Geography, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bamidele Emmanuel Osamika
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Child Oral Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mir Faeq Ali Quadri
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Dental Public Health, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark Roque
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Maternity and Childhood Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Taibah University, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas Shamala
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Preventive and Biomedical Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Science and Technology, Sanaa, Yemen
| | - Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Muhammad Abrar Yousaf
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jorma I. Virtanen
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Annie Lu Nguyen
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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20
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Adorni F, Jesuthasan N, Perdixi E, Sojic A, Giacomelli A, Noale M, Trevisan C, Franchini M, Pieroni S, Cori L, Mastroianni CM, Bianchi F, Antonelli-Incalzi R, Maggi S, Galli M, Prinelli F. Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Italy Using Real-World Data: Methodology and Cohort Description of the Second Phase of Web-Based EPICOVID19 Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1274. [PMID: 35162295 PMCID: PMC8835202 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Digital technologies have been extensively employed in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic worldwide. This study describes the methodology of the two-phase internet-based EPICOVID19 survey, and the characteristics of the adult volunteer respondents who lived in Italy during the first (April-May 2020) and the second wave (January-February 2021) of the epidemic. Validated scales and ad hoc questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic, medical and behavioural characteristics, as well as information on COVID-19. Among those who provided email addresses during phase I (105,355), 41,473 participated in phase II (mean age 50.7 years ± 13.5 SD, 60.6% females). After a median follow-up of ten months, 52.8% had undergone nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) testing and 13.2% had a positive result. More than 40% had undergone serological test (ST) and 11.9% were positive. Out of the 2073 participants with at least one positive ST, 72.8% had only negative results from NPS or never performed it. These results indicate that a large fraction of individuals remained undiagnosed, possibly contributing to the spread of the virus in the community. Participatory online surveys offer a unique opportunity to collect relevant data at individual level from large samples during confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Adorni
- National Research Council, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Italy; (N.J.); (E.P.); (A.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Nithiya Jesuthasan
- National Research Council, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Italy; (N.J.); (E.P.); (A.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Elena Perdixi
- National Research Council, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Italy; (N.J.); (E.P.); (A.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Aleksandra Sojic
- National Research Council, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Italy; (N.J.); (E.P.); (A.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Andrea Giacomelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Marianna Noale
- National Research Council, Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, Via Vincenzo Maria Gallucci 16, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.N.); (S.M.)
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michela Franchini
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.F.); (S.P.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Stefania Pieroni
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.F.); (S.P.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Liliana Cori
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.F.); (S.P.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.F.); (S.P.); (L.C.); (F.B.)
| | | | - Stefania Maggi
- National Research Council, Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, Via Vincenzo Maria Gallucci 16, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.N.); (S.M.)
| | - Massimo Galli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Federica Prinelli
- National Research Council, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Italy; (N.J.); (E.P.); (A.S.); (F.P.)
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21
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Abu Kamel AK, Alnazly EK. The impact of confinement on older Jordanian adults' mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:17-30. [PMID: 33834502 PMCID: PMC8250810 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the impact of Coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19) confinement on older Jordanian adults' mental distress and to assess which study variables that predict Posttraumatic Stress disorder. DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 315 older Jordanian adults using an online survey in Amman, Jordan between May 28 and June 12. FINDINGS The assessment revealed a moderate level of avoidance (M = 1.97, SD = 0.7), a higher effect of intrusion (M = 2.08, SD = 0.9), an above midpoint level of fear 18.50 ± 8.6, and mild depression (M = 6.96, SD = 7.3). Hierarchical Multiple Regression model revealed that 77.8% of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised was explained by both Fear of COVID-19 Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (R change = 0.66, SE = 8.4, p < 0.001). PRACTICE IMPLICATION This suggests that confinement affects different aspects of the psychological well-being of older Jordanian adults. An early assessment and intervention can make confinement as tolerable as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andaleeb K Abu Kamel
- Nursing Department-Community Health, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman K Alnazly
- Nursing Department-Mental Health, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
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22
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Mele BS, Holroyd-Leduc JM, Harasym P, Dumanski SM, Fiest K, Graham ID, Nerenberg K, Norris C, Parsons Leigh J, Pilote L, Pruden H, Raparelli V, Rabi D, Ruzycki SM, Somayaji R, Stelfox HT, Ahmed SB. Healthcare workers' perception of gender and work roles during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e056434. [PMID: 35139035 PMCID: PMC8718936 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A high functioning healthcare workforce is a key priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to determine how work and mental health for healthcare workers changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in a universal healthcare system, stratified by gender factors. DESIGN A mixed-methods study was employed. Phase 1 was an anonymous, internet-based survey (7 May-15 July 2020). Phase 2 was semistructured interviews offered to all respondents upon survey completion to describe how experiences may have differed by gender identity, roles and relations. SETTING National universal healthcare system (Canada). PARTICIPANTS 2058 Canadian healthcare worker survey respondents (87% women, 11% men, 1% transgender or Two-Spirit), including 783 health professionals, 673 allied health professionals, 557 health support staff. Of the 63 unique healthcare worker types reported, registered nurses (11.5%), physicians (9.9%) and pharmacists (4.5%) were most common. Forty-six healthcare workers were interviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reported pandemic-induced changes to occupational leadership roles and responsibilities, household and caregiving responsibilities, and anxiety levels by gender identity. RESULTS Men (19.8%) were more likely to hold pandemic leadership roles compared with women (13.4%). Women (57.5%) were more likely to report increased domestic responsibilities than men (45%). Women and those with dependents under the age of 10 years reported the greatest levels of anxiety during the pandemic. Interviews with healthcare workers further revealed a perceived imbalance in leadership opportunities based on gender identity, a lack of workplace supports disproportionately affecting women and an increase in domestic responsibilities influenced by gender roles. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic response has important gendered effects on the healthcare workforce. Healthcare workers are central to effective pandemic control, highlighting an urgent need for a gender-transformative pandemic response strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bria Scriven Mele
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jayna M Holroyd-Leduc
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Patricia Harasym
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sandra M Dumanski
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kirsten Fiest
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute of Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ian D Graham
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kara Nerenberg
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colleen Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Louise Pilote
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Harlan Pruden
- Faculty of Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Valeria Raparelli
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Doreen Rabi
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute of Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shannon M Ruzycki
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute of Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ranjani Somayaji
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute of Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Henry Thomas Stelfox
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute of Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sofia B Ahmed
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute of Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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23
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Attanasi G, Maffioletti A, Shalukhina T, Bel C, Cherikh F. Gender Differences in the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Potentially Addictive Behaviors: An Emotion-Mediated Analysis. Front Psychol 2021; 12:703897. [PMID: 34867588 PMCID: PMC8634025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.703897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We study the impact of the spring 2020 lockdown in France on gender-related potentially addictive behaviors and associated negative emotions. We rely on an online survey we administered 1 week after the beginning of the lockdown, with responses collected within 2 weeks after the beginning of the lockdown (N = 1,087). We focus on potential addictions to non-creative activities as food consumption and smartphone usage (female-related), and videogame play (male-related). We find that women were about 1.6 times more likely than men to losing control of their usual diet and about 2.3 times more likely than men to increase smartphone usage, while no significant gender effect is detected as for increased videogame play. This is since the negative emotions driving the increase of female-related non-creative activities (sadness, discouragement, and nervousness) were themselves female-related, while the negative emotions driving the increase of male-related non-creative activities (boredom, emptiness, and stress) were shared by women too. Our study supports the intuition that the same negative emotion induced by COVID-19 side-effects could lead to different potentially addictive behaviors; this difference is explained by the interplay between different gender’s sensitivities to such emotion and different gender’s preferences for specific non-creative activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Coralie Bel
- Addictology Unit, University Hospital of Nice, Nice, France
| | - Faredj Cherikh
- Addictology Unit, University Hospital of Nice, Nice, France
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24
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Bik-Multanowska K, Mikocka-Walus A, Fernando J, Westrupp E. Mental distress of parents with chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia: A prospective cohort study. J Psychosom Res 2021; 152:110688. [PMID: 34875464 PMCID: PMC8665692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To-date there has been limited examination of the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in parents who suffer from chronic physical conditions. We aimed to 1) examine whether presence of a chronic disease predicts differential latent distress profile memberships, and 2) assess factors that could predict different distress profiles in the sub-group of parents with a chronic disease. METHODS We used a sample of 1618 parents, from the longitudinal COVID-19 Pandemic Adjustment Study, who completed a measure of mental distress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) at 13 data collection points. Distress profiles were assessed with the latent profile analysis. RESULTS We identified four distinct mental distress profile memberships, with the most common membership characterised by very low (48.1%), followed by low (31.9%), moderate (15.7%), and high (4.3%) distress scores. A higher proportion of parents with chronic diseases belonged to profiles experiencing low (34.7% vs. 30.4%), moderate (18.7% vs. 14.1%), and high (5.5% vs. 3.7%) compared to very low (41.2% vs. 51.8%) distress levels than other parents. Residing in Victoria, younger age, lower levels of social support and appraisal of COVID as risk were associated with membership to higher compared to very low distress profiles. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the importance of considering chronic disease co-morbidity as an additive risk factor in addressing mental health outcomes of parents during pandemic-like events, since parents with chronic conditions are more vulnerable to experiencing worse mental distress. Future interventions should focus on ways to strengthen social support and provide guidance for managing threat appraisal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Bik-Multanowska
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, VIC, Australia; Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Antonina Mikocka-Walus
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, VIC, Australia.
| | - Julian Fernando
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Westrupp
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia
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25
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Fränkl E, Scarpelli S, Nadorff MR, Bjorvatn B, Bolstad CJ, Chan NY, Chung F, Dauvilliers Y, Espie CA, Inoue Y, Leger D, Macêdo T, Matsui K, Merikanto I, Morin CM, Mota-Rolim S, Partinen M, Penzel T, Plazzi G, Sieminski M, Wing YK, De Gennaro L, Holzinger B. How our Dreams Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects and Correlates of Dream Recall Frequency - a Multinational Study on 19,355 Adults. Nat Sci Sleep 2021; 13:1573-1591. [PMID: 34588830 PMCID: PMC8473566 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s324142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many have reported odd dreams during the pandemic. Given that dreams are associated with mental health, understanding these changes could provide crucial information about wellbeing during the pandemic. This study explored associations between COVID-19 and dream recall frequency (DRF), and related social, health, and mental health factors. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional web survey of 19,355 individuals in 14 countries from May to July 2020. We collected data on COVID-19, mental health, sleep and DRF during the pandemic. We performed McNemar Tests to compare low (<3 nights per week) and high DRF (≥3 nights per week) before and during COVID-19 and to evaluate changes in sleep variables segmented by DRF. Chi-square tests were conducted to compare characteristics between low and high DRF. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between various independent variables and DRF. RESULTS Reports of high DRF during the pandemic were higher than before the pandemic (P<0.001). Female gender (aOR=1.25, 95% CI 1.10-1.41), nightmares (aOR=4.22, 95% CI 3.45-5.17), sleep talking (aOR= 2.36, 1.73-3.23), sleep maintenance problems (aOR=1.34, 95% CI 1.15-1.56), symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD; aOR=1.24, 95% CI 1.09-1.41) and repeated disturbing thoughts (posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms) were associated with high DRF. Age group 55-64 years (aOR=0.69, 95% CI 0.58-0.83) reported less high DRF than younger participants. Unadjusted OR showed associations between depression, anxiety, and DRF; however, in adjusted regression depression (aOR= 0.71, 0.59-0.86) and anxiety (aOR=0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.94) were negatively associated with high DRF. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE DRF was higher than pre-pandemic levels across four continents. DRF was associated with gender and parasomnias like nightmares and RBD symptoms, sleep maintenance problems, PTSD symptoms and negatively associated with depression and anxiety. The results implicate that COVID-19 is reflected in our dreams as an expression of the emotional intensity of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirin Fränkl
- Institute for Consciousness and Dream Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Serena Scarpelli
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael R Nadorff
- Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bjørn Bjorvatn
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, and Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Ngan Yin Chan
- Li Chiu Kong Family Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Frances Chung
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yves Dauvilliers
- Sleep-Wake Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier INM, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Colin A Espie
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yuichi Inoue
- Department of Somnology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Somnology Center, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Damien Leger
- Université de Paris, VIFASOM (EA 7331 Vigilance Fatigue, Sommeil et Santé Publique), Paris, France
- APHP, Hotel-Dieu de Paris, Centre du Sommeil et de la Vigilance, Paris, France
| | - Tainá Macêdo
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Kentaro Matsui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health, Kodaira, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ilona Merikanto
- Sleep Well Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health Solutions, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Orton Orthopaedics Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Charles M Morin
- École de Psychologie, Centre d’étude des troubles du sommeil, Centre de recherche CERVO/Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Sérgio Mota-Rolim
- Brain Institute, Physiology and Behavior Department, and Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Markku Partinen
- Helsinki Sleep Clinic, Terveystalo Healthcare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neurosciences, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas Penzel
- Sleep Medicine Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mariusz Sieminski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Yun Kwok Wing
- Li Chiu Kong Family Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Brigitte Holzinger
- Institute for Consciousness and Dream Research, Vienna, Austria
- Medical University Vienna, ZK-Schlafcoaching, Vienna, Austria
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26
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Jahan AM, Mohamed M, Alfagieh M, Alnawy N, Alsabiri M, Algazal R, Saaleh R, El Swisy S, Abbas O, Al Delawi W, Abdulhafith B, Almangoush O, Elhag F, Elshukri A, Abushaala W, Shahrani T, Tnton A, Alkilani H, Dier A. Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:714749. [PMID: 34484073 PMCID: PMC8416112 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.714749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 were announced in Wuhan, China, the virus has spread in most countries. After one year of restrictive measures applied by governments, it is unclear how this prolonged social distancing has affected the mental health of individuals in Libya. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the levels of perceived stress, depression, sleep disturbance, and self-efficacy associated with the pandemic in Libya and their association with the demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 10 and November 10, 2020 in 21 cities in Libya using an online survey. The survey collected socio-demographic variables and other important psychological variables using valid scales: namely, the Perceived Stress scale, the PROMIS Depression scale, the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance scale, and self-efficacy 6-item scale. Additionally, data were collected regarding eating and smoking habits, housing and living situations, and the preparedness of the public to manage the upcoming waves of the pandemic. Results: The questionnaire was accessed 746 times, and a total of 683 completed questionnaires were analyzed (response rate of 91.6%), with ages ranging from 18 to 94 years (Mean ± SD = 27.09 ± 10.57). Among the respondents, 58.4% were females and 77% were from the age group 18-29 years. The perceived stress, depression, and sleep disturbance symptoms were high in overall population. For stress, 52.7 and 17.1% of respondents reported moderate and high stress, and for sleep quality 28.8 and 8.1% reported moderate and high sleep disturbance, respectively. For depression, the overall median score was 20 (out of 40). The perceived stress, depression, and sleep disturbance were more prevalent among females and the younger age groups (18-29 years old). The overall self-efficacy median total score was 6.67 (out of 10), with a significantly higher median total score for males than females (7 vs. 6.33, p = 0.001). About 14.5% of the respondents were regular cigarette smokers, and most of them (79.8%) described their smoking habits during the previous month as more than typical. In addition, the reported eating habits of almost half of the respondents (43%) had changed, with about one-third (29.6%) reporting that their eating habits had become less healthy during the pandemic. Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest increased levels of stress, depression, and sleep disturbances as well as COVID-19-related fear during the pandemic, especially among young females. This alarming finding urgently calls for safe and low-barrier interventions to help mentally burdened individuals. This study makes a significant contribution in providing essential data on the psychological and social impacts on the Libyan population due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhadi M. Jahan
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marwa Mohamed
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
| | | | - Nehal Alnawy
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
| | | | - Rayan Algazal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Misrata, Misrata, Libya
| | - Rana Saaleh
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Safa El Swisy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Misrata, Misrata, Libya
| | - Orjwan Abbas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Misrata, Misrata, Libya
| | | | | | | | - Fathalla Elhag
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Misrata, Misrata, Libya
| | | | | | - Taqwa Shahrani
- Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Ahmed Tnton
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Misrata, Misrata, Libya
| | - Heba Alkilani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Amaal Dier
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
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27
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Kolakowsky-Hayner SA, Goldin Y, Kingsley K, Alzueta E, Arango-Lasprilla JC, Perrin PB, Baker FC, Ramos-Usuga D, Constantinidou F. Psychosocial Impacts of the COVID-19 Quarantine: A Study of Gender Differences in 59 Countries. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:789. [PMID: 34440995 PMCID: PMC8400641 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57080789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: There is strong evidence in the literature that women experience psychological disorders at significantly higher rates than men. The higher rates of psychological disorders in women may partly be attributable to gender differences in response to stressors and coping styles. The objective of this study was to contribute to the growing body of literature investigating gender differences in mental health outcomes and coping styles during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in a large sample of individuals from 59 countries with variable demographic and socio-cultural characteristics. Materials and Methods: Survey data were collected from the general population following a snowball sampling method, and the survey was promoted through social media platforms and mailing lists. Participants included 6882 individuals from the general population from 59 countries around the world. A combination of both standardized and adapted measures was used to create a survey, originally in English and then translated to Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Turkish. Results: Compared with men, women presented with higher levels of trauma-related distress; had a harder time decompressing; were more depressed, anxious and stressed; showed decreased frustration tolerance and reported lower quality of sleep and an increased likelihood of taking sleep medication or other natural sleep remedies. Overall, women tended to be more vulnerable during the pandemic in developing symptoms consistent with various forms of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic distress. However, they also were more likely than men to use a variety of adaptive coping strategies, including concentrating on doing something about the situation and getting emotional support from others. Conclusions: A high prevalence of mood symptoms was noted among women. In addition to meeting the physical health needs of the population, emphasis needs to be given to mental health and the prevention of psychiatric disorders, particularly in women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yelena Goldin
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Edison, NJ 08820, USA;
| | - Kristine Kingsley
- Institute of Cognitive and Emotional Wellness, Westchester, NY 10801, USA;
| | - Elisabet Alzueta
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (E.A.); (F.C.B.)
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (J.C.A.-L.); (D.R.-U.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country, 48015 Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Paul B. Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Fiona C. Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (E.A.); (F.C.B.)
- School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
| | - Daniela Ramos-Usuga
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (J.C.A.-L.); (D.R.-U.)
- Biomedical Research Doctorate Program, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Fofi Constantinidou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus;
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28
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The Psychological and Social Impacts of Curfew during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13158464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Kuwait led to a nationwide curfew between 22 March and August 2020. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 curfew during the pandemic on Kuwaiti citizens and residents. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from Kuwaiti residents over the age of 21 through an online questionnaire shared via social media, including WhatsApp and Facebook. Data collection occurred between 18 June and 15 July 2020. Data from 679 respondents (57.9% females and 42.1% males; 67.7% Kuwaiti nationals and 32.3% non-Kuwaiti nationals) were analyzed. Symptoms of depression were reported among 59.8% of females and 51.0% of males, and extremely severe depression among 20.4% of females and 13.6% of males. Approximately 42.0% of females and 37.8% of males were under psychological distress, with 15.1% of females and 9.1% of males experiencing severe or extremely severe psychological distress. Over a third of females (34.9%) reported experiencing tensions or violent behaviors from family members, and 22.1% reported verbal or physical abuse. Among males, 26.4% reported experiencing tensions or violent behaviors, and 12.2% reported verbal or physical abuse. Extremely severe depression was associated with being female (2.00 times), aged 21–29 (4.56 times), experiencing tensions or violent behaviors from family members (4.56 times), being physically inactive (1.64 times), smoking cigarettes (3.02 times), and having poor or very poor quality of sleep (1.75 times). Severe or extremely severe psychological distress was associated with being female (3.09 times), aged 21–49 (3.68 times), having ill-health conditions or diseases (1.83 times), experiencing tension or violent behaviors from family members (3.56 times), smoking cigarettes (3.06 times), and having poor or very poor quality of sleep (2.20 times). Findings indicate that people living in Kuwait experienced negative psychological impacts, such as depression and psychological distress, attributable to the pandemic-related restrictions. Unpartnered females aged 21–49 are more mentally vulnerable than partnered males over the age of 50. Findings support an urgent need for targeted interventions to improve health behaviors and social support, including coping mechanisms specific to COVID-19 related stress, family counseling systems, and the provision of accessible and acceptable services using telehealth.
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Cross-Cultural Perspectives on the Role of Empathy during COVID-19’s First Wave. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13137431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the world, and concerns about psychological, social, and economic consequences are growing rapidly. Individuals’ empathy-based reactions towards others may be an important resilience factor in the face of COVID-19. Self-report data from 15,375 participants across 23 countries were collected from May to August 2020 during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this study examined different facets of empathy—Perspective-Taking, Empathic Concern, and Personal Distress, and their association with cross-cultural ratings on Individualism, Power Distance, The Human Development Index, Social Support Ranking, and the Infectious Disease Vulnerability Index, as well as the currently confirmed number of cases of COVID-19 at the time of data collection. The highest ratings on Perspective-Taking were obtained for USA, Brazil, Italy, Croatia, and Armenia (from maximum to minimum); on Empathetic Concern, for the USA, Brazil, Hungary, Italy, and Indonesia; and on Personal Distress, from Brazil, Turkey, Italy, Armenia, Indonesia. Results also present associations between demographic factors and empathy across countries. Limitations and future directions are presented.
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Salfi F, Lauriola M, D'Atri A, Amicucci G, Viselli L, Tempesta D, Ferrara M. Demographic, psychological, chronobiological, and work-related predictors of sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11416. [PMID: 34075173 PMCID: PMC8169862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90993-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The first COVID-19 contagion wave caused unprecedented restraining measures worldwide. In Italy, a period of generalized lockdown involving home confinement of the entire population was imposed for almost two months (9 March-3 May 2020). The present is the most extensive investigation aimed to unravel the demographic, psychological, chronobiological, and work-related predictors of sleep disturbances throughout the pandemic emergency. A total of 13,989 Italians completed a web-based survey during the confinement period (25 March-3 May). We collected demographic and lockdown-related work changes information, and we evaluated sleep quality, insomnia and depression symptoms, chronotype, perceived stress, and anxiety using validated questionnaires. The majority of the respondents reported a negative impact of confinement on their sleep and a delayed sleep phase. We highlighted an alarming prevalence of sleep disturbances during the lockdown. Main predictors of sleep disturbances identified by regression models were: female gender, advanced age, being a healthcare worker, living in southern Italy, confinement duration, and a higher level of depression, stress, and anxiety. The evening chronotype emerged as a vulnerability factor, while morning-type individuals showed a lower predisposition to sleep and psychological problems. Finally, working from home was associated with less severe sleep disturbances. Besides confirming the role of specific demographic and psychological factors in developing sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose that circadian typologies could react differently to a particular period of reduced social jetlag. Moreover, our results suggest that working from home could play a protective role against the development of sleep disturbances during the current pandemic emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Salfi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 2), 67100, Coppito, AQ, Italy
| | - Marco Lauriola
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora D'Atri
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 2), 67100, Coppito, AQ, Italy
| | - Giulia Amicucci
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 2), 67100, Coppito, AQ, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Viselli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 2), 67100, Coppito, AQ, Italy
| | - Daniela Tempesta
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 2), 67100, Coppito, AQ, Italy
| | - Michele Ferrara
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 2), 67100, Coppito, AQ, Italy.
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Salami VU, Okoduwa SIR, Chris AO, Ayilara SI, Okoduwa UJ. Opinion Review of Socioeconomic Impact of COVID-2019 on Women's Health. Front Glob Womens Health 2021; 2:647421. [PMID: 34816201 PMCID: PMC8593962 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.647421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The global battle to survive the onslaughts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in December 2019 and continues today. Women and girls have borne the brunt of the hardship resulting from the health crises. This paper examined the effects of COVID-19 on women. Socioeconomic factors resulting from the pandemic, especially in relation to women's health, were discussed after studying published articles. They include gender specificity and COVID-19, the economic toll of COVID-19 on women, pregnancy and COVID-19, gender-based violence due to COVID-19, and health-care impacts of COVID-19. Making up the majority in the healthcare workforce, women were at higher risk of infection with COVID-19 due to their exposure as caregivers to infected patients. The pandemic took its toll on them as part of the greater population in the informal sector of the economy due to the lockdown directive, as many experienced severe monetary shortages and job losses. Pregnant women infected with COVID-19 were prone to severe diseases, maternal complications, and death due to their weakened immunity and exposure during clinical procedures. Gender-based violence was observed to have increased across the globe for women. The results of this review strongly indicate that women are disproportionately affected by the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. This review will help health-care professionals and policymakers arrive at properly-thought-through decisions to better manage health crises. Governments and all key players should address the challenge by devising effective policies with a gendered view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victory U. Salami
- Scientific and Industrial Research Department, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Stanley I. R. Okoduwa
- Department of Biochemistry, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
- Directorate of Research and Development, Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Aimee O. Chris
- Department of Biochemistry, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
| | - Susannah I. Ayilara
- Scientific and Industrial Research Department, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Ugochi J. Okoduwa
- Industrial and Environmental Pollution Department, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
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Petrocchi S, Bernardi S, Malacrida R, Traber R, Gabutti L, Grignoli N. Affective empathy predicts self-isolation behaviour acceptance during coronavirus risk exposure. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10153. [PMID: 33980946 PMCID: PMC8115029 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89504-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Health risk exposure during the global COVID-19 pandemic has required people to adopt self-isolation. Public authorities have therefore had the difficult task of sustaining such protective but stressful behaviour. Evidence shows that besides egoistic drives, the motivation for self-isolation behaviour could be altruistic. However, the type and role of prosocial motivation in the current pandemic is underestimated and its interaction with risk exposure and psychological distress is largely unknown. Here we show that affective empathy for the most vulnerable predicts acceptance of lockdown measures. In two retrospective studies, one with a general population and one with COVID-19 positive patients, we found that (1) along with health risk exposure, affective empathy is a predictor of acceptance of lockdown measures (2) social covariates and psychological distress have no significant impact. Our results support the need to focus on altruistic behaviours while informing the public instead of on fear-inducing messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Petrocchi
- Institute of Communication and Health, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology and Intervention, Department of History Society and Human Studies, Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Sheila Bernardi
- Sasso Corbaro Medical Humanities Foundation, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Malacrida
- Sasso Corbaro Medical Humanities Foundation, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Traber
- Cantonal Sociopsychiatric Organisation, Public Health Division, Department of Health and Social Care, Repubblica e Cantone Ticino, Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Luca Gabutti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona and Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Grignoli
- Cantonal Sociopsychiatric Organisation, Public Health Division, Department of Health and Social Care, Repubblica e Cantone Ticino, Mendrisio, Switzerland.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona and Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
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Siddique RF, Ahmed O, Hossain KN. Relationship between the fear of COVID-19 disease and sleep quality: the mediating role of stress. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07033. [PMID: 34027200 PMCID: PMC8123159 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The whole world almost came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this pandemic, most psychological responses have been at a higher prevalence such as stress, anxiety, depression, lower mental well-being, poor sleep quality, along with the fear of contracting the COVID-19 disease. Related to these psychological responses, previous studies have suggested an association between COVID-19 fear and stress as well as stress and sleep quality. The present study aimed to assess the association between COVID-19 fear and sleep quality and investigate the possible mediating effect of perceived stress during this pandemic. The data were collected, utilizing a self-report online questionnaire, from a sample of 521 Bangladeshi adults. Results showed significant gender differences in COVID-19 fear, stress, and sleep quality and also a significant association between these variables. Mediation results revealed that stress fully mediated the association between COVID-19 fear and sleep quality for males and partially mediated it for females. These results suggest that women are in a more vulnerable position in this pandemic. These findings would be helpful to mental health professionals and policy makers to address the psychological problems induced by the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oli Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Nur Hossain
- Department of Psychology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, 1100, Bangladesh
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Tsang S, Avery AR, Seto EYW, Duncan GE. Is COVID-19 Keeping us Up at Night? Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Among Adult Twins. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:665777. [PMID: 33981199 PMCID: PMC8107288 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.665777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of social distancing measures to mitigate the virus outbreak have been implemented. These measures may have unintended consequences on individuals' well-being, such as increased stress, anxiety, and sleep disruptions. We investigated the extent to which individuals' mental health status is associated with perceived changes in sleep amount and sleep quality among a sample of adult twin pairs (N = 909 pairs; 77% MZ, 23% DZ), less than a month after the outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. About half of participants reported no change in sleep amount (50.1%) or sleep quality (55.6%). Approximately one-third of the participants had increased amount of sleep (29.8%), and 32.9% reported a decrease in sleep quality. We found that stress and anxiety levels were associated with sleep reduction (ORs = 2.36 and 3.12 for stress and anxiety, respectively) and poorer sleep quality (ORs = 2.45 and 3.73 for stress and anxiety, respectively), even after taking into account between-family confounds. A much smaller association was observed between levels of stress and anxiety and increased sleep amount (ORs = 1.42 and 1.60 for stress and anxiety, respectively) and sleep quality (OR = 1.21 and 1.29 for stress and anxiety, respectively), which was no longer significant after controlling for between-family confounds. Our results demonstrate that stress and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures may be linked to reduced sleep amount and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siny Tsang
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Ally R. Avery
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Edmund Y. W. Seto
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Glen E. Duncan
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, United States
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Morgado AM, Cruz J, Peixoto MM. Individual and community psychological experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic: The state of emergency in Portugal. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:3213-3223. [PMID: 33821114 PMCID: PMC8012157 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01676-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Individuals have different ways of coping with crisis. Individual factors, family and contextual features, and community support may influence how individuals feel, think and act during a crisis. COVID-19 was an unexpected pandemic that forced many European countries to take confinement measures and restrict social face to face interactions. This study is an effort to understand how Portuguese residents dealt with the pandemic during the first confinement period, considering different sociodemographic characteristics and trauma exposure perceptions. Five hundred and five adults, between 18 and 79 years old participated in this study via an online self-report assessment protocol. Sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, marital status, employment status, and caring responsibilities had an impact on individuals' perceptions regarding their exposure to the pandemic and their quality of life. Perceived exposure to the pandemic was found to predict quality of life in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains. Results have practical implications for European and local policy-making, as well as for targeting psychological interventions for those whose mental health has been negatively affected by the pandemic and for those who may become more affected if confinement measures are implemented again.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Murteira Morgado
- Escola Secundária José Falcão, Avenida Afonso Henriques, 3000-011 Coimbra, Portugal
- grid.410917.a0000 0001 1958 0680Psychology for Positive Development Research Center (CIPD), Universidade Lusíada (Porto), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Cruz
- grid.410917.a0000 0001 1958 0680Psychology for Positive Development Research Center (CIPD), Universidade Lusíada (Porto), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Peixoto
- grid.410917.a0000 0001 1958 0680Psychology for Positive Development Research Center (CIPD), Universidade Lusíada (Porto), Lisbon, Portugal
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