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Watson MF, Patti M. The Relationship Between Nursing Students' Psychological Distress and Perceived Stress and the Nursing Educational Environment. Nurs Educ Perspect 2024:00024776-990000000-00252. [PMID: 38888556 DOI: 10.1097/01.nep.0000000000001281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to identify associations between psychological distress and perceived stress and the educational environment among baccalaureate nursing students. BACKGROUND BSN students are a high-risk group for mental problems. High attrition rates are noted among students who screen for psychological distress. METHOD A quantitative descriptive design was utilized with a convenience sample of 202 students. Psychological distress was correlated with perceived stress and educational environment. Regression analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Psychological distress was reported in 45 percent of the sample. A significant positive relationship between being married and experiencing reduced psychological distress was found. Perceived stress and educational environment were significantly correlated (p < .05). CONCLUSION Perceived stress from the educational environment plays a role in influential factors of psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayantoinette F Watson
- About the Authors Mayantoinette F. Watson, PhD, RN, is an assistant professor, University of Southern Mississippi School of Professional Nursing Practice, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Marion Patti, DNP, RN, is an assistant professor, University of Southern Mississippi School of Professional Nursing Practice. For more information, contact Dr. Watson at
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Benner AD, Harrington MK, Kealy C, Nwafor CE. The COVID-19 pandemic and adolescents' and young adults' experiences at school: A systematic narrative review. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2024. [PMID: 38509818 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives of adolescents and young adults across the globe. In response to the pandemic onset, educational institutions were forced to pivot to online learning, a new teaching and learning format for most secondary and university students. This systematic narrative review summarizes findings from 168 publications spanning 56 countries on students' educational outcomes and school climate as well as the internal assets and contextual supports that promoted academic well-being during the pandemic. Our findings suggest that young people commonly reported declines in their academic-related outcomes and school-based relationships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Internal assets (e.g., intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy) and contextual supports (i.e., relationships with teachers, peers, and parents) promoted academic well-being during the pandemic. Next steps for research on young people's academic well-being during the pandemic are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aprile D Benner
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Madeline K Harrington
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Carmen Kealy
- School of Education, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Monge D, Gallego-Gil A, Neria F, Canellas S, Caballero F, Díaz de Bustamante A, Samper M. General infection prevention, mitigation, and control procedures implemented in the university education during the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve classroom attendance: a successful community case study. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1309902. [PMID: 38449900 PMCID: PMC10915036 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1309902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic entailed confinement and elimination of face-to-face university classes in Spain. The Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid (UFV by its Spanish acronym) implemented risk management systems to enable on-campus university activity to avoid a negative impact on students, teachers, and faculties. Methods A tracking/registry system was implemented to collect data, identify COVID-19-related cases, implement containment measures, and do follow-up in the UFV community (administration/services personnel [ASP], teaching/research personnel [TRP], and students), from September 2020 to April 2022. In addition, a prevention plan was implemented on campus to avoid COVID-19 spreading. Satisfaction with these measures was assessed through an online questionnaire. Results A total of 7,165 suspected COVID-19 cases (84.7% students, 7.7% ASP, 6.5% TRP) were tracked (62.5% female cases, mean age (±SD) 24.8 years (±9.2 years)), and 45% of them confirmed (82% symptomatic/16% asymptomatic), being the student group that with the highest percentage (38.3% total tracked cases). The source of infection was identified in 50.6% of the confirmed cases (90.2% located off-campus). Nineteen COVID-19 outbreaks were registered (inside-10/outside-9). COVID-19 incidence rates were similar or lower than those reported in the Community of Madrid, except in the last wave, corresponding to Omicron variant. The degree of satisfaction (scale 1-6) with the implemented measures was high (scores 4.48-5.44). Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, UFV control measures, periodic monitoring, and the effectiveness of the tracking system have contributed to maintaining classroom teaching, guaranteeing health and safety. UFV has adapted to a new reality as an example of good practice for future pandemics or emergency situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Monge
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Gallego-Gil
- Servicio de Seguridad, Salud y Bienestar, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Neria
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Canellas
- Unidad Técnica de Estrategias Poblacionales en Vacuna, Subdirección General de Prevención y Promoción de la Salud, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Díaz de Bustamante
- Servicio de Seguridad, Salud y Bienestar, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Samper
- Servicio de Seguridad, Salud y Bienestar, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
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Patel R, Varma J, Phatak A, Nimbalkar SM. Study of test anxiety amongst undergraduate medical students from the state of Gujarat. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:325. [PMID: 38023085 PMCID: PMC10670926 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1680_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Test anxiety is physiological and behavioral response that accompanies concerns about possible negative consequences of failure on an exam. Undergraduate medical students had their academics disrupted during COVID-19 pandemic. This study was done to assess levels of test anxiety among undergraduate medical students, its variance in relation to demography, COVID-19 pandemic, learning experiences, and individual factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Online questionnaire-based survey was done among undergraduate medical students from medical schools of Gujarat. Students from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years who were about to appear in final exams from March to June 2021 and were asked to enroll on the survey. Apart from demography, COVID-19-related factors, learning experiences during lockdown, 10-item Westside test anxiety (WTA) scale was used to assess test anxiety levels and Kessler Psychological distress (K10) scale was used to assess level of psychological distress. RESULTS Total of 370 students participated. Mean WTA Score was 3.15 ± 1; 60.2% of the respondents had moderate or higher levels of test anxiety. On bivariate analysis, WTA score was found significantly associated with year of study, coming from vernacular medium, various lockdown-related issues (poor internet connection, family financial problem, lack of information, worry about future), various learning experiences (self-rated proficiency with computers, feeling ill prepared for exams, feeling ill prepared for practical), and K10 score. Of these associations with K10 score, coming from vernacular medium and feeling ill-prepared for exams were maintained on multiple-linear regression. CONCLUSIONS Vernacular medium of study during high school was found associated with test anxiety among medical students and can be a potential area of intervention. There may be merit in using WTA scale as a surrogate marker for distress in medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujvee Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Jagdish Varma
- Department of Psychiatry, Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Ajay Phatak
- Central Research Services, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India
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Alghamdi A, Alharbi M, Alshibani A, Allohidan F, Alabdali A, Aljerian N. Evaluation of the psychological distress and mental well-being of pre-hospital care providers in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19. Br Paramed J 2023; 8:1-8. [PMID: 37284604 PMCID: PMC10240864 DOI: 10.29045/14784726.2023.6.8.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-hospital care providers are the first line of contact when emergencies occur. They are at high risk of mental health disorders associated with trauma and stress. The magnitude of their stress could increase during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives This study reports on the state of mental well-being and the degree of psychological distress among pre-hospital care workers (paramedics, emergency medical technicians, doctors, paramedic interns and other healthcare practitioners) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Methods The study was a cross-sectional survey study in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was distributed among pre-hospital care workers in Saudi Arabia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was based on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Results In total, 427 pre-hospital care providers completed the questionnaire; 60% of the respondents had scores of more than 30 in the K10 and were likely to have a severe disorder. The WHO-5 showed a similar percentage of respondents with a score of more than 50 and coded as having poor well-being. Conclusions The findings of this study provide evidence around mental health and well-being for pre-hospital care workers. They also highlight the need to better understand the quality of mental health and well-being for this population and to provide appropriate interventions to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrhman Alghamdi
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshal Alharbi
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alshibani
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia; University of Leicester
| | - Fahad Allohidan
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia; Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alabdali
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawfal Aljerian
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia; Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia; Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
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Dion J, Hamel C, Prévost B, Bergeron-Leclerc C, Pouliot E, Maltais D, Grenier J, Dubé M, Ouellet-Plamondon C, Vaillancourt-Morel MP. Stressed and distressed: how is the COVID-19 pandemic associated with sexual frequency, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction? J Sex Med 2023; 20:152-160. [PMID: 36763935 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Canadian government's response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic included the implementation of several restrictive measures since March 2020. These actions sought to decrease social contact and increase physical distancing, including that within universities. Such constraints were required to impede the transmission of the virus; however, concerns remain about their impact on the sexual and intimate relationships of university employees and students. AIM This study examined the associations between COVID-19-related stress and sexual frequency, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction, also testing the mediating role of psychological distress. METHODS The models were tested with Canadian data collected from university employees and students in 2 phases: the first wave in April-May 2020 (T1; n = 2754) and the second wave in November-December 2021 (T2; n = 1430), 18 months afterward. Participants completed self-report questionnaires online. Path analyses were performed to test the associations of the mediation models. OUTCOMES The principal outcomes included psychological distress determined via the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, relationship satisfaction measured via the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and sexual satisfaction and sexual frequency ascertained through a single item each. RESULTS Overall, COVID-19-related stress was associated with higher psychological distress, which in turn was related to lower sexual frequency, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Similar results were obtained with T1 and T2 data, indicating the mediating effect of psychological distress. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These findings increase scholarly comprehension of the negative associations between stress/distress and sexual and romantic relationships. Sexuality and close relationships are vital to the quality of human life; thus, targeted interventions should be developed to reduce COVID-19-related stress and its impact on sexual and romantic relationships to mitigate the long-term influences of this unique global challenge. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS To our knowledge, this study is the first to use a large sample size and replicate findings in 2 waves. Nonetheless, it is limited by the use of cross-sectional data. Longitudinal studies with the same participants are mandated to better understand the evolution of these outcomes. CONCLUSION COVID-19-related stress and psychological distress were found among participating university students and employees and were associated with lower sexual satisfaction, sexual frequency, and intimate relationship satisfaction. These results were observed at the early onset of the pandemic and 18 months afterward, suggesting that the stress generated by the pandemic were not mere reactions to the onset of the pandemic but persisted over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinthe Dion
- Intersectoral Center for Sustainable Health, Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, G7H 2B1, Canada.,Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Catherine Hamel
- Intersectoral Center for Sustainable Health, Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, G7H 2B1, Canada.,Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Benjamin Prévost
- Intersectoral Center for Sustainable Health, Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Christiane Bergeron-Leclerc
- Intersectoral Center for Sustainable Health, Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Eve Pouliot
- Intersectoral Center for Sustainable Health, Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Danielle Maltais
- Intersectoral Center for Sustainable Health, Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Josée Grenier
- Department of Social Work, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Saint-Jérôme, J7Z 0B7, Canada
| | - Myriam Dubé
- School of Social Work, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, H2L 4Y2, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, G8Z 4M3, Canada
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Heck CJ, Theodore DA, Sovic B, Austin E, Yang C, Rotbert J, Greissman S, Zucker J, Autry A, Catallozzi M, Sobieszczyk ME, Castor D. Correlates of psychological distress among undergraduate women engaged in remote learning through a New York City college during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-10. [PMID: 36649543 PMCID: PMC10350472 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2156797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study's objective is to explore psychological distress (PD) among remote learners during COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS Female undergraduates matriculated at an NYC college in Winter 2020. METHODS Using the Kessler-6 scale, we defined PD as no/low (LPD), mild/moderate (MPD), and severe (SPD) and assessed if residing in/near NYC modified associations. RESULTS PD was common (MPD: 34.1%, SPD: 38.9%). Students identifying as Other/Multiracial had lower MPD odds (aOR = 0.39 [0.17-0.88]). SPD was associated with identifying as White (aOR = 2.02 [1.02-3.99]), unbalanced meals (aOR = 2.59 [1.06-6.30]), violence experience (aOR = 1.77 [1.06-2.94]), no social support (aOR = 3.24 [1.37-7.64]), and loneliness (aOR = 2.52 [1.29-4.95]). Among students in/near NYC, moderate/high drug use (aOR = 2.76 [1.15-6.61]), no social support (aOR = 3.62 [1.10-1.19]), and loneliness (aOR = 2.92 [1.11-7.63]) were SPD correlates. CONCLUSIONS PD was high and associated with food insecurity, violence experience, no social support, and loneliness. Living in/near NYC modified drug use, loneliness, and social support associations. Mental health initiatives should address modifiable risk factors to ameliorate pandemic-associated PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig J. Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Deborah A. Theodore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Brit Sovic
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Eloise Austin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Samantha Greissman
- Department of Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Jason Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Marina Catallozzi
- Barnard College, New York, NY
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Magdalena E. Sobieszczyk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Delivette Castor
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
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Watson MF. The Relationship Between Psychological Distress of Nursing Faculty With Burnout. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231181203. [PMID: 37334065 PMCID: PMC10272628 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231181203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Approximately 83% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress. Burnout affects approximately 38% of nurses and nurse faculty per year. Contributing factors, including growing levels of mental health issues, can be seen among nursing faculty, leading to more and more nurses leaving nursing academia. Objectives This study objective aimed to identify associations between psychological distress with burnout in nursing faculty teaching in an undergraduate nursing program. Methods A quantitative design was utilized using a descriptive method with a convenience sample of nursing faculty (n = 150) from the Southeastern United States The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was correlated with the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Psychological distress was reported in 25% of the sample. Burnout was reported in 94% of the sample. Psychological distress and burnout were significantly correlated (p < .05). Race, gender, and age (p < .05) contributed to psychological distress. Conclusion Interventions promoting healthy mental well-being among nursing faculty are needed to address issues related to increasing rates of burnout and psychological distress. Implementation of workplace health promotion programs, increased mentorship, inclusion of diversity within nursing academia, and mental health awareness can improve mental health outcomes among nursing faculty. Further research is needed to explore the improvement of mental well-being among nursing faculty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayantoinette F. Watson
- Mayantoinette F. Watson, USM School of Professional Nursing Practice, 118 College Drive #5072, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA.
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Mostafa HES, Alahmadi D, Jorob S, Murtada L, Aloufi R, Almeshaly S, Aloufi R. Psychological Impact of Online Education on University Students. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2023.10917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stressful events like the COVID-19 pandemic can significantly impact education. Online learning has become crucial in educational institutions such as schools, institutes, and universities.
AIM: This study’s purpose is to evaluate the psychological impact of online education on university students in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey is designed based on previous studies and frameworks to assess the psychological impact of online education.
RESULTS: The present study showed that 21.8% of students always had trouble concentrating through the online learning process. About 23.4% had thoughts that their ability to study is impaired. About 19.8% found it difficult to work up. There is a negative impact on psychological health because 13.9% feel agitated, 20.8% become nervous, 20.6% become watchful and on guard, and 21.8% are usually distressed and find it difficult to relax. The sleep mode was also affected in 19.0% of participants, besides lack of interest which was noted in 17.7%. Hence, students experienced harmful and unwanted psychological impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown period.
CONCLUSION: Results of the present study suggest a relation between online education and the negative psychological status of students. Students experienced increased depression, anxiety, and stress that had a negative effect on their daily schedule and social well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Bou Zerdan M, Bouferraa Y, Bou Zerdan M, Al Barathie J, Khoury R. Insights of Medical Students and Graduates Toward Electronic Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon: A National Cross-Sectional Study. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2023; 10:23821205231209106. [PMID: 37868043 PMCID: PMC10588408 DOI: 10.1177/23821205231209106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines the perceptions of Lebanese medical students and graduates regarding the switch to electronic learning (e-learning) and measures their psychological distress amid the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by an unprecedented financial collapse and the August 4 Beirut blast. METHODS This is a national cross-sectional descriptive study, consisting of a 48-item questionnaire, diffused online to Lebanese medical students between February 8 and 21, 2021. The survey divided into 5 sections assesses for (1) Sociodemographic information, (2) implemented changes in medical education delivery precipitated by the pandemic, (3) students' perceptions regarding the effectiveness, advantages, and barriers of e-learning, and (4) role of e-learning in clinical training. Finally, students' psychological distress was measured, using the Kessler 10-item distress scale (K10). Descriptive analyses were performed using Stata version 13 and Excel. RESULTS 1060 responses were recorded (27% response rate) across all Lebanese medical schools. Although 71.6% of participants found e-learning to be stimulating, half of the participants thought it was not equally effective to face-to-face learning. Around 73.1% of students felt they were not able to learn hands-on clinical skills. Lebanese students identified cost savings (food, transportation etc) and poor internet connectivity are the most common advantage and barrier, respectively; 77.8% of participants showed high/very high levels of distress (K10 score ≥22). CONCLUSIONS Ensuring accessibility and availability of resources such as electricity and internet is of utmost priority. Lebanese medical schools need to incorporate clinical training experiences to their virtual platforms to maintain the quality of medical education to their students. A particular attention to students' mental health is warranted, by increasing awareness and access to mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Morgan Bou Zerdan
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Josleen Al Barathie
- Institute for Development Research Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rita Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & the Medical Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Guszkowska M, Dąbrowska-Zimakowska A. Occupational balance, changes in occupations and psychological well-being of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scand J Occup Ther 2022; 30:463-474. [PMID: 36354975 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2022.2143892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational balance (OB) is related to physical health as well as physical and psychological well-being (PWB). The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the occupations of people probably affecting their OB and PWB. AIMS The aim of the study was to determine OB of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and establish relationships between a. OB and changes in occupations in comparison with the pre-pandemic period as perceived by the study group, b. OB and PWB. MATERIALS AND METHODS An exploratory study was performed using a cross-sectional research design during the second wave of the pandemic in November 2020. 1,330 university students aged 18-30 took part in the study. The Occupational Balance Questionnaire and the Psychological General Well-Being Index were used. Three-Way ANOVA as well as Forward Stepwise Regression analyses were used, and ρ Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated. RESULTS A greater OB was found in men, people studying in a small city and first year students. The respondents declared changes in the time spent on almost all occupations, especially an increase in the time spent on using the Internet and passive resting, but a decrease in the time of meetings friends. OB positively correlated with the increase in time spent on almost all occupations, except for the Internet and with PWB. CONCLUSIONS Polish university students observe that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed their daily occupations. Some of these changes may adversely affect their OB and, consequently, PWB. SIGNIFICANCE Occupational therapists should increase students' awareness of the importance of OB, support them in pursuing their hobbies, meeting friends, and getting sufficient sleep and physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Guszkowska
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education, Warsaw, Poland
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Mihrshahi S, Dharmayani PNA, Amin J, Bhatti A, Chau JY, Ronto R, Turnip D, Taylor M. Higher Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Psychological Distress among International University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Australian Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14101. [PMID: 36360979 PMCID: PMC9658209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptions have not only affected university students' learning and academic outcomes, but also other issues, such as food security status, mental health and employment. In Australia, international students faced additional pressures due to sudden border closures and lack of eligibility for government-provided financial support. This study explored the experiences of domestic and international university students residing in Australia during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic across a range of outcomes. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between July and September 2020 at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. The online survey included food insecurity status, mental health (psychological distress), disruptions to study, employment and sleep. A total of 105 students (n = 66 domestic and n = 39 international) completed the survey. Respondents reported having food insecurity (41.9%) and psychological distress (52.2%, with high and very high levels), with international students reporting significantly higher food insecurity (OR = 9.86 (95% CI 3.9-24.8), p < 0.001) and psychological distress scores (t(90) = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.30 to 8.81, p = 0.009) than domestic students. About one quarter of all respondents reported disruptions to study and employment status around the time of the survey. When asked what government support should be provided for international students, 'financial aid' was the most frequently suggested form of support. This research may help governments and educational institutions design appropriate support, particularly financial and psychological, for both international and domestic university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Mihrshahi
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Putu Novi Arfirsta Dharmayani
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alexandra Bhatti
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Josephine Y. Chau
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Rimante Ronto
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Diana Turnip
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Melanie Taylor
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
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Radwan E, Radwan A, Alattar E, Radwan W, Alajez M. Anxiety levels among Palestinian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. J Public Health Res 2022; 11:22799036221132119. [PMID: 36337259 PMCID: PMC9634198 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221132119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The widespread of COVID-19 causes serious distress on the mental health of
the students during the lockdown period. The present study aimed to identify
anxiety levels among students during the COVID-19 crisis. Design and methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out among university students
aged 18–47 years. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was
used to assess anxiety symptoms. Results: Among the 1252 participants, the mean age was 28.82 (±7.28) years and 72.6%
were female. Based on the results, 22.0% of the participants had no symptoms
of anxiety, 25.2% had mild anxiety, 29.6% moderate anxiety, and 23.2% severe
anxiety. Moreover, being a female (OR = 0.480, 95% CI = 0.257–0.704),
younger age (OR = 0.359, 95% CI = 0.132–0.586), undergraduate level
(OR = 0.493, 95% CI = 0.288–0.698), and stability of monthly income
(OR = 0.516, 95% CI = 0.308–0.723) were found to be a protective factor
against anxiety suffered by the participants. However, having a
COVID-19-infected relative or acquaintance was a risk factor for anxiety
(OR = 21.870, 95% CI = 21.870–21.870). The results revealed that the level
of anxiety symptoms was positively associated with COVID-19 related
stressors such as effects on daily living (r = 0.163,
p < 0.001), economic stressors
(r = 0.153, p < 0.001), and educational
consequences (r = 0.150, p < 0.001),
however, social support (r = 0.472,
p < 0.001) was negatively associated with the
anxiety. Conclusion: The psychological status of university students should be followed during
times of health emergencies. It is essential to design a health program for
influenced students to assist them to stay resilient throughout perilous
situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eqbal Radwan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
- Directorate of Education-East Gaza, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Afnan Radwan
- Faculty of Education, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
- Rafah Elementary E Boys School, South Rafah Educational Region, UNRWA, Palestine
| | - Etimad Alattar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Walaa Radwan
- Faculty of Education, Ummah Open University, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Alajez
- Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azher University, Gaza Strip, Palestine
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Fattahiyan M, Okati-Aliabad H, Seraji M. Psychopathology in virtual education for primary school students in the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2022; 11:289. [PMID: 36439005 PMCID: PMC9683463 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1537_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 virus continues to be an international concern, challenging psychological resilience in all areas, especially virtual education, making the psychopathology and problems more evident. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study is a qualitative study of conventional content analysis, in which 24 participants (14 parents, 5 teachers, and 5 principals) were selected by purposive sampling from primary schools in Zahedan. Data collection tools included semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Interviews continued until reaching data saturation. The transcripts of the interviews were coded according to Graneheim and Lundman's 5-step approach, and then, the codes were classified according to the specified axes. For accuracy and exactness of information, the researchers used the criteria of validity, verifiability, reliability, and transferability. RESULTS The results of this study include two categories, "e-learning infrastructure" and "psychopathology," indicating the importance of creating, using, and strengthening cyberspace infrastructure for the use of education in primary schools during COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION The results indicated that identifying these cases and attempting to eliminate them can reduce psychopathology and improve the quality of virtual education for students. Moreover, this can help principals and educational planners have new insights so that they can focus on solving psychological problems in e-learning and provide their supportive planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monavar Fattahiyan
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Hassan Okati-Aliabad
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Maryam Seraji
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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15
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Devillers-Réolon L, Mascret N, Sleimen-Malkoun R. Online Mindfulness Intervention, Mental Health and Attentional Abilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial in University Students During COVID-19 Lockdown. Front Psychol 2022; 13:889807. [PMID: 35874414 PMCID: PMC9301203 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.889807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to worldwide restrictive measures, raising concerns about mental health in young adults who were not particularly vulnerable to the virus itself. This study investigated the impact of these restrictions on mental and cognitive health of university students, and tested the efficacy of a brief online mindfulness meditation intervention in countering psychological distress and improving attentional abilities. Ninety-six university students forced into remote learning due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and with no experience in meditation were randomly assigned to either a passive control group (n = 48) or to an experimental group (n = 48) following daily, for 17 days, an online mindfulness intervention (10–20 min per day). Due to drop-out, 38 participants in each group were finally analyzed. Pre- and post-tests assessed participants’ mental health (psychological well-being, depression, anxiety, stress) and attentional abilities. The analysis of baseline data in comparison with normative scores and pre-pandemic statistics confirmed the expected psychological distress, but it did not reveal any attentional deficits in our participants. Pre-post change scores analyses showed a reduction in stress (p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.10), anxiety (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.13), and depression (p = 0.025, ηp2 = 0.07), and an improvement in well-being (p = 0.013, ηp2 = 0.12) in the experimental group, but not in the control group. In both groups, no significant effect was found on attentional abilities. Our results confirmed the psychological vulnerability of higher education students in the midst of the remote learning period during the second COVID-19 lockdown in France, while suggesting preservation of attentional functioning. Although the tested mindfulness intervention did not enhance the attentional abilities in already good performing students, it did promote their mental health. This study offers additional evidence on the feasibility and efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in students during psychologically straining periods, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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16
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Klonoff-Cohen H. College Students’ Opinions About Coping Strategies for Mental Health Problems, Suicide Ideation, and Self-Harm During COVID-19. Front Psychol 2022; 13:918891. [PMID: 35874328 PMCID: PMC9296780 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.918891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health problems have emerged as a significant health complication in United States colleges during COVID-19, and as a result, they have been extensively investigated in the United States and internationally. In contrast, research on coping among the college population during the pandemic is scant. Hence, this study investigated coping strategies proposed by undergraduate students attending a Midwestern university. Objectives The purpose of this preliminary study was to obtain college students’ feedback/opinions about coping strategies for mental health problems, suicide ideation, and self-harm during COVID-19. Methods In December 2021, one-hundred and four undergraduate students (ages 18–22 years) completed an online survey on coping strategies using Qualtrics. Major topics included: (1) Types of coping strategies/styles expressed by students for general mental health problems, (2) Types of coping strategies for suicide ideation and self-harm behaviors, (3) Preferred platforms for receiving coping therapy, and (4) Reasons for accepting or refusing parent involvement with mental health problems. Results The most beneficial coping strategies for mental health were ranked by college students as follows: (1) a skills training development program (30%), (2) meditation (19%), and (3) mindfulness exercises (15%), and physical education (11%). The respondents’ best coping strategies for preventing self-harm and suicide ideation/behaviors during COVID-19 were ranked as: (1) improving support from friends (32%), (2) building self-esteem (29%), and (3) addressing anger, depression, stress, and loneliness (25%). Finally, a total of 50% of participants felt that parents should be involved in college student interventions. Students stated that the most important type of support that they received from their parents were: (1) emotional support (31%), (2) direction and/or assistance with solutions (27%), and problem-solving (16%). Conclusion This study identified potential avenues which could be implemented into action during future outbreaks. Specifically, employing interventions that: (i) train undergraduate students to employ more effective skills training coping strategies or practicing mindfulness or meditation; (ii) integrate mental health, suicide, and self-harm prevention into the curriculum; (iii) offer more in-person campus services targeted toward the psychological and emotional effects of a pandemic, and (iv) involve support persons (e.g., family) in students’ lives to enhance their well-being during and after COVID-19.
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17
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Barakat M, Farha RA, Muflih S, Al-Tammemi AB, Othman B, Allozi Y, Fino L. The era of E-learning from the perspectives of Jordanian medical students: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09928. [PMID: 35874065 PMCID: PMC9304731 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09928] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Online learning is becoming a crucial part of the educational process worldwide, especially after the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This study was designed to assess medical students’ perception toward online learning and their perceived preparedness and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An electronic-based, cross-sectional survey was used to recruit eligible students in Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine programs at various Jordanian universities (public and private). Descriptive and linear regression analysis were conducted using S.P.S.S. software. The perception score was calculated based on a 5-point Likert scale. Results A total of 939 students agreed to participate in this study. The prominent category was females (n = 691, 73.6%), the median age of students was 22.0 years (IQR = 2.0), and around 56% of the students study in private universities (n = 520, 55.6%). More than half of the students reported that their experiences were unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory (n = 510, 54.3%). The majority of students preferred face-to-face communication with their professors and colleagues and considered it more effective (n = 682, 72.6%). The median of the mean perception score was 2.4 (IQR = 1.1). Regarding challenges and barriers, more than 70% reported weak internet connection, E-learning boredom, and lack of motivation (n = 723, 77.0%). Conclusion This study reported inadequate satisfaction and perception towards the current experience in E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also discussed the barriers and challenges hindering this transition, such as weak internet connection and the lack of motivation, indicating a need for implementing new pedagogies to enhance students’ experiences regarding online education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931 Amman, Jordan
- Corresponding author.
| | - Rana Abu Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931 Amman, Jordan
| | - Suhaib Muflih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Bayan Othman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 1931, Jordan
| | - Yasmin Allozi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931 Amman, Jordan
| | - Leen Fino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 1931, Jordan
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18
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Mozid NE. Association between psychological distress and coping strategies among students engaged in online learning. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270877. [PMID: 35776698 PMCID: PMC9249243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Distant or online learning on digital platforms has become the norm in education worldwide, putting students under immense mental strain. The present study examined the association between psychological distress and coping strategies among students engaged in online learning. This study used a cross-sectional design. A structured questionnaire was sent to each of the 210 university students at two prestigious public and private universities in Bangladesh through email. Data was collected from March 26 to April 27, 2021. Severe psychological distress was found in 55.2 percent of the population. Younger age groups, public university students, students with no self-income, moderate aid from the university in providing resources from home, and students with existing mental health illnesses were significantly associated with psychological distress (p-value<0.05). Among all 14 items of Brief COPE, active coping, using emotional support, and self-blame significantly influenced the psychological distress instrument Kessler-10 (p-value<0.01). Given the perspective of this study, coping strategies alleviate stress and facilitate positive psychological outcomes. Students’ mental health is a prioritized issue that needs more attention. Because of its higher prevalence and adverse consequences, institution authorities should support each student by providing study materials, student loans, and scholarships. Routine screening will allow identifying students going through a difficult time who can get help from experts through counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat-E- Mozid
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Public Health Professional Development Society (PPDS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- * E-mail: ,
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Food Insecurity, Dietary Diversity, and Coping Strategies in Jordan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112252. [PMID: 35684052 PMCID: PMC9182708 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging respiratory infection with severe impacts on the nutritional status of the worldwide population. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the food insecurity, dietary diversity, and food-related coping strategies in Jordan during the pandemic using an online, self-administered questionnaire. Among the 740 adults who completed the survey, the prevalence of food security was 84.1%, whereas 2% and 13.9% were moderately and severely food-insecure, respectively. The determinants of food insecurity were educational level, monthly income, marital status, availability of health insurance, and type of residence. In addition, food insecurity was significantly higher among the participants who consumed two or fewer meals per day (p = 0.015). Moreover, an acceptable food consumption score was shown among 76.2% of the participants, and the remaining participants were at borderline (14.1%) or had poor scores (9.7%), with a significant association between food insecurity and food consumption scores (p < 0.001). The food-related coping strategies studied were significantly associated with food insecurity at both levels (p < 0.001) and were more evident in the severely food-insecure group. These findings highlight the adverse effects of COVID-19 restrictions on nutritional status, especially among food-insecure households, which might reduce food accessibility due to economic difficulties.
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Ebrahim AH, Dhahi A, Husain MA, Jahrami H. The Psychological Well-Being of University Students amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping review, systematic review and meta-analysis. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2022; 22:179-197. [PMID: 35673293 PMCID: PMC9155030 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.6.2021.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aimed to summarise the current evidence relating to university students' psychological well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A scoping review, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, was first conducted to determine if the evidence can be systematically reviewed and meta-analysed. The search was performed via Google Scholar, MEDLINE/PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science. A total of 90 original articles were selected for the scoping review. Meta-analysis of a total of 46,284 cases revealed an overall pooled prevalence rate of 29.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.9-39.0; K = 9, N = 22357) for anxiety symptoms and 23.2% (95% CI: 15.7-32.9; K = 12, N = 23927) for depression symptoms. This data revealed that COVID-19 had a significant impact on university students' psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H. Ebrahim
- Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain
- College of Graduate Studies and Research, Ahlia University, Manama, Bahrain
| | | | - Mohamed A. Husain
- College of Health and Sport Science (CHSS), University of Bahrain, Sakheer, Bahrain
| | - Haitham Jahrami
- Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain
- College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
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Sedgwick-Müller JA, Müller-Sedgwick U, Adamou M, Catani M, Champ R, Gudjónsson G, Hank D, Pitts M, Young S, Asherson P. University students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a consensus statement from the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN). BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:292. [PMID: 35459116 PMCID: PMC9027028 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03898-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with poor educational outcomes that can have long-term negative effects on the mental health, wellbeing, and socio-economic outcomes of university students. Mental health provision for university students with ADHD is often inadequate due to long waiting times for access to diagnosis and treatment in specialist National Health Service (NHS) clinics. ADHD is a hidden and marginalised disability, and within higher education in the UK, the categorisation of ADHD as a specific learning difference (or difficulty) may be contributing to this. AIMS This consensus aims to provide an informed understanding of the impact of ADHD on the educational (or academic) outcomes of university students and highlight an urgent need for timely access to treatment and management. METHODS The UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) convened a meeting of practitioners and experts from England, Wales, and Scotland, to discuss issues that university students with ADHD can experience or present with during their programme of studies and how best to address them. A report on the collective analysis, evaluation, and opinions of the expert panel and published literature about the impact of ADHD on the educational outcomes of university students is presented. RESULTS A consensus was reached that offers expert advice, practical guidance, and recommendations to support the medical, education, and disability practitioners working with university students with ADHD. CONCLUSIONS Practical advice, guidance, and recommendations based on expert consensus can inform the identification of ADHD in university students, personalised interventions, and educational support, as well as contribute to existing research in this topic area. There is a need to move away from prevailing notions within higher education about ADHD being a specific learning difference (or difficulty) and attend to the urgent need for university students with ADHD to have timely access to treatment and support. A multimodal approach can be adapted to support university students with ADHD. This approach would view timely access to treatment, including reasonable adjustments and educational support, as having a positive impact on the academic performance and achievement of university students with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A. Sedgwick-Müller
- Health and Community Services, Government of Jersey, St Helier, Jersey. Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) & Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care (FNFNM), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Ulrich Müller-Sedgwick
- Adult Neurodevelopmental Service, Health and Community Services, Government of Jersey, St Helier, Jersey. Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marios Adamou
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Marco Catani
- Natbrainlab, Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Champ
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Gísli Gudjónsson
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Dietmar Hank
- Adult ADHD Service, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Mark Pitts
- Adult ADHD and Autism Outpatient Service, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Susan Young
- Psychology Services Limited, Department of Psychology, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Philip Asherson
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK
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Fitriawan AS, Achmad BF, Kurniawan D, Kafil RF, Natalia L, Setyaningsih WAW. Association between Online Learning Predictors and Psychological Distress among Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The global coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has forced nursing schools in Indonesia to implement online learning. The association between online learning variables and psychological distress among nursing students is not fully understood.
AIM: This study aimed to assess psychological distress among nursing students and the association between online learning variables and psychological distress.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to February 2021. Six hundred and thirty-five nursing students from four universities in Indonesia participated in this study and were recruited through a consecutive sampling method. The measurement of psychological distress used the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the association between online learning predictors and psychological distress.
RESULTS: Most of the respondents had severe psychological distress (n = 194; 30.6%). Older age was found to act as a protective factor against psychological distress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = –0.159, p = 0.035; 95% confidence interval [CI]: (–0.307)–(–0.011)). Contrarily, not living at their own home during lockdown (aOR = 1.019, p = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.657–1.382), always feeling that online learning is expensive (aOR = 1.387, p = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.645–2.130), always experienced poor Internet connection during online learning (aOR = 3.380, p = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.935–4.826), and having no motivation toward online learning (aOR = 3.154, p = 0.001; 95% CI: 2.372–3.936) acted as risk factors for having psychological distress.
CONCLUSION: Cost and Internet access barriers as well as low motivation during the abrupt shift to implementation of online learning in the current pandemic situation acted as risk factors for psychological distress among nursing students.
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Impacts of Emergency Remote Teaching on College Students Amid COVID-19 in the UAE. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052979. [PMID: 35270670 PMCID: PMC8910722 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
With the aim of appraising the impact of Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic on college students, an online survey was conducted in December 2020 on a total of 588 undergraduate students at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The purpose of the study was to probe into the perceptions of college students regarding their learning process and its influence on their mental health with the abrupt transition from face-to-face classes to ERT in the Spring 2020 semester. A comprehensive analysis was performed using structural equation modeling and other statistical techniques to reveal crucial results associated with the factors that have an effect on the students’ psychological distress, such as quality of courses, academic performance, and readiness for future work or studies. Findings suggest that the students’ perceived quality of courses under ERT has a significant impact on their academic performance and readiness for future work or studies. Moreover, they indicate that these factors serve as a vital mediating role in provoking psychological distress among the students. The study also shows that gender, previous history of anxiety/distress, education being at risk due to financial issues caused by COVID-19, and year of study significantly affect the students’ distress levels. In order to ensure and prioritize the well-being of college students during these turbulent times, new strategies are urgently needed to develop and enhance resilient ERT environments in higher education. The study concludes with limitations and suggestions for further research.
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Buenadicha-Mateos M, Sánchez-Hernández MI, González-López ÓR. Analysis of the Emotional Exhaustion Derived From Techno-Stress in the Next Generation of Qualified Employees. Front Psychol 2022; 13:792606. [PMID: 35211061 PMCID: PMC8861518 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.792606] [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: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study analyses the emotional exhaustion of students inhigher education, derived from the extremely technology-relatedstrain associated to the current COVID-19 pandemic in a conservation of resources' approach. Technostress, as source of emotional exhaustion, was investigated in a sample of 333 students in a medium size public university in Spain. Data was collected in May 2020, during the COVID lockdown. After literature review, a structural model was developed, linking technostress with emotional exhaustion. Results confirm the expected cause-effect relationships. In addition, the study reveals two mediator variables that must be considered when managing students' suffering, perceived stress and intrapersonal conflicts. This study contributes to the academic literature in the field of managing and mitigating suffering. They do so by providing both new knowledge and empirical evidence on the effects of technostress in the new generations that will soon join the working life.
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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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Al-Tammemi AB, Barakat M, Al Tamimi D, Alhallaq SA, Al Hasan DM, Khasawneh GM, Naqera KA, Jaradat RM, Farah FW, Al-Maqableh HO, Abuawad A, Othman B, Tarhini Z, Odeh H, Khatatbeh M, Akour A, Aljaberi MA, Kolozsvári LR. Beliefs Toward Smoking and COVID-19, and the Pandemic Impact on Smoking Behavior and Quit Intention: Findings from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan. Tob Use Insights 2021; 14:1179173X211053022. [PMID: 34866951 PMCID: PMC8637701 DOI: 10.1177/1179173x211053022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between smoking and coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still topical with mixed epidemiological evidence. However, the pandemic may affect people's beliefs toward smoking as well as their smoking behavior and quit intentions. Considering high smoking rates in Jordan, our current study aimed to assess the following domains in a community-based sample from Jordan: (i) the beliefs that surround smoking/vaping and COVID-19 and (ii) the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan from March 9 to March 16, 2021, utilizing a web-based structured questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 13 items on sociodemographic, health, and smoking profiles, 14 items to assess beliefs surrounding COVID-19 and the use of combustible cigarettes (CCs), waterpipe (WP), and electronic cigarettes (ECs), and 12 items to assess the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. RESULTS Of 2424 survey respondents who participated in our study, there were 1163 never-smokers, 1044 current smokers, and 217 ex-smokers. The mean age of participants was 35.2 years (SD: 11.06). Most participants have reported anti-smoking beliefs with around 72.9% believed that WP smoking is related to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Also, 71.7% believed that smoking CC may worsen the COVID-19 clinical course, while 74.1% of respondents believed that smoking has no protective effect against COVID-19. During the pandemic, about 28.1% and 19.3% of current smokers reported increased or reduced smoking, respectively. Besides, 459 current smokers have expressed their plans/intention to quit smoking during the pandemic, of whom 27.5% (n = 126) confirmed that the driving force for their decision is a COVID-19-related reason, such as self-protection (n = 123) and protection of family members (n = 121) which were the most cited reasons. Also, around 63 participants have successfully ceased smoking during the pandemic. However, only 22 of them reported that the main driving motivation of their successful quit attempt was the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION Most participants' beliefs and attitudes were against smoking during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the double-edged effect of the pandemic on smoking habits should be carefully considered, and reliable anti-smoking measures should be strengthened and sustained in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala'a B Al-Tammemi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dua'a Al Tamimi
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Princess Muna College of Nursing, Mutah University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sami A Alhallaq
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, King Hussein Medical City, Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dima M Al Hasan
- Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ghena M Khasawneh
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalil Abu Naqera
- Department of Health, The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Jordan Field Office, Amman, Jordan
| | - Raghad M Jaradat
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Hussein Medical City, Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan
| | - Fadi W Farah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Basheer Hospital, Jordanian Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hindya O Al-Maqableh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Alaa Abuawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Bayan Othman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Zeinab Tarhini
- CAPTuR Laboratory, Control of Cell Activation in Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Resistance, Limoges, France
- Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Hamza Odeh
- International Medical Corps (IMC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Moawiah Khatatbeh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Musheer A Aljaberi
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - László Róbert Kolozsvári
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Khatatbeh M, Al-Maqableh HO, Albalas S, Al Ajlouni S, A'aqoulah A, Khatatbeh H, Kasasbeh MA, Khatatbeh I, Albalas R, Al-Tammemi AB. Attitudes and Commitment Toward Precautionary Measures Against COVID-19 Amongst the Jordanian Population: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Survey. Front Public Health 2021; 9:745149. [PMID: 34820350 PMCID: PMC8606566 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.745149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to (1) assess the non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) measures that were used by the Jordanian population against COVID-19, and (2) determine the sociodemographic and behavioral predictors of contracting COVID-19 with a focus on the utilization of personal precautionary measures. Methods: A descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was used in this study. A structured web-based questionnaire was disseminated to the Jordanian community through social media platforms. Participants were asked a series of questions about socio-demographic characteristics, in addition to the knowledge, attitudes, and commitment toward using various personal precautionary measures (e.g., face mask, hand washing, social distancing) against the COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and binary logistic regression through SPSS®. Results: Responses from 7,746 participants were included in our final analyses. Descriptive statistics showed that most participants (82.6%) believed that face mask protects against COVID-19. Around 69.5% of the participants were completely committed to wearing a face mask, while 65% of the participants were completely committed to hand washing. The results of the regression analysis revealed that female gender (AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.07-1.35; p = 0.002), having a family member infected with COVID-19 (AOR = 8.5; 95% Cl: 7.51-9.70; p = 0.001), having a health-related work or study (AOR = 1.2; 95% Cl: 1.09-1.38; p = 0.001), believing that face masks do not protect against COVID-19 (AOR = 1.3; 95% Cl: 1.12-1.47; p = 0.001), and partial commitment to handwashing (AOR = 1.2; 95% Cl: 1.11-1.75; p = 0.006) were all associated with an increased odds of contracting COVID-19 among the participants. Conclusion: Overall, commitment to non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) measures, such as wearing a face mask, hand washing, and physical distancing, was not optimal among Jordanians. This might explain the dramatic increase in the infectivity rate of the COVID-19 virus in the past few months in the country. More sustainable efforts regarding health promotion and strict policies are required to prevent a third wave of hitting the country and to prevent similar infectious threats in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moawiah Khatatbeh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hindya O. Al-Maqableh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Samir Albalas
- Department of Health Service Administration, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sara Al Ajlouni
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ashraf A'aqoulah
- Department of Health Systems Management, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haitham Khatatbeh
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Mohammed A. Kasasbeh
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Fujaira, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibdaa Khatatbeh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rahaf Albalas
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Sitarz R, Forma A, Karakuła K, Juchnowicz D, Baj J, Bogucki J, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. How Do Polish Students Manage Emotional Distress during the COVID-19 Lockdown? A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214964. [PMID: 34768484 PMCID: PMC8584627 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Choices regarding coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak may imply the development as well as the severity of emotional disorders. The aim of this web-based cross-sectional study was to: (1) assess the coping strategies for stress in a population of Polish students and (2) evaluate the impact of those strategies on the severity of depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown. To evaluate emotional distress, we used the DASS-21 scale and coping strategies Brief-COPE Inventory. The study included 2172 respondents (73% female, 27% male) with a mean age of 22.1 ± 2.2. Students more frequently chose stress coping strategies belonging to the ‘approach’ coping strategies (M = 29.60 ± 6.89) compared to ‘avoidant’ coping strategies (M = 22.82 ± 5.78). The intensification of distress in women caused a turn to religion (p = 0.001), while men used substances (p < 0.001) and a sense of humor (p < 0.001). Medical students coped best with emotional distress, which is very encouraging for their future profession. The highest level of DASS total score was associated with the usage of avoidant coping strategies, prior use of psychiatric or psychological support, and loneliness. Planning interventions to prevent emotional disorders in students requires the identification of factors contributing to increased emotional distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryszard Sitarz
- Chair and I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Alicja Forma
- Psychiatry Student Research Group I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, 20-439 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (K.K.)
| | - Kaja Karakuła
- Psychiatry Student Research Group I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, 20-439 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (K.K.)
| | - Dariusz Juchnowicz
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jacek Baj
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jacek Bogucki
- Chair and Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Hanna Karakuła-Juchnowicz
- Chair and I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
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Haddad JM, Macenski C, Mosier-Mills A, Hibara A, Kester K, Schneider M, Conrad RC, Liu CH. The Impact of Social Media on College Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Multinational Review of the Existing Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:70. [PMID: 34613542 PMCID: PMC8493361 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01288-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW During the COVID-19 pandemic, both social media use and rates of anxiety and depression among college students have increased significantly. This begs the question, what is the relationship between social media use and college student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic? RECENT FINDINGS Prior studies have found mixed results regarding the relationship between social media use and college student mental health. This relationship has become increasingly complex during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that excessive or problematic social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic was correlated with worse mental health outcomes that could be mitigated by dialectical thinking, optimism, mindfulness, and cognitive reappraisal. The COVID-19 pandemic acts as a moderator by strengthening the relationship between social media use and mental health. Future studies should consider the impact of social media on college student mental health and concentrate on intervention initiatives to ensure the psychological well-being of college students during a global pandemic outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Haddad
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Christina Macenski
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Alice Hibara
- Harvard College, 86 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | | | - Marguerite Schneider
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rachel C Conrad
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Cindy H Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Achmad BF, Fitriawan AS, Kurniawan D, Kafil RF, Retnaningsih LN, Setyaningsih WAW. Perceived Barriers in Online Learning among Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.7183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In March 2020, nursing schools in Indonesia were forced to abruptly shift from face-to-face learning to fully online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, fully online learning was still not widely used in Indonesian nursing education.
AIM: This study aimed to identify barriers in online learning among Indonesian nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design and involved 530 undergraduate nursing students from five universities in Indonesia participated in this study. The authors sent an online self-administered questionnaire to nursing students from October to December 2020. The questionnaire consisted of four sections to obtain the following data: (1) Sociodemographic characteristic, (2) information about online learning, (3) platform used for online learning, and (4) perceived barriers in online learning. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data with frequency distribution, percentages, means, and standard deviations.
RESULTS: Nursing students in Indonesia were confronted by various barriers during the implementation of abrupt online learning in the current pandemic situation. Most frequently barriers encountered by nursing students during online learning were high costs for online learning, poor internet connection, lack of motivation toward online learning, lack of skill in using the online learning platforms, and lack of training and assistance to use the platforms.
CONCLUSION: High cost for online learning, poor internet connection, low learning motivation, lack of skill in using the online learning platforms, and lack of training and assistance to use the platforms were identified as the most frequent barriers encountered by nursing students.
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Akour A, AlMuhaissen SA, Nusair MB, Al-Tammemi AB, Mahmoud NN, Jalouqa S, Alrawashdeh MN. The untold story of the COVID-19 pandemic: perceptions and views towards social stigma and bullying in the shadow of COVID-19 illness in Jordan. SN SOCIAL SCIENCES 2021; 1:240. [PMID: 34693341 PMCID: PMC8475478 DOI: 10.1007/s43545-021-00252-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Stigmatization towards COVID-19 patients can lead to negative outcomes like social exclusion and bullying, and it may hinder the willingness of people to undergo testing. This study aimed to measure and explore the perception of stigmatization and bullying towards COVID-19 patients in Jordan. This was a web-based cross-sectional survey. Participants were recruited from social media platforms employing a snowball convenience sampling. The perception of bullying, beliefs regarding social consequences of infection, views on measures towards violators of patients' privacy, and how to reduce the stigma were assessed by self-reported measures. 397 participants returned completed questionnaires. The majority of respondents believed that COVID-19 patients in Jordan are getting bullied (n = 255, 64.3%) and over 80% believed that people enjoy sharing identities, or news about COVID-19 patients. Although most respondents had adequate knowledge regarding transmission/prevention of COVID-19, they believed that all or some of the COVID-19 patients practiced something wrong to get infected (n = 358, 90.2%). Moreover, 86.9% of respondents reported that people in Jordan were crossing their lines with bullying behaviors towards COVID-19 patients. However, these negative views would not discourage most respondents to get tested and follow the government's instructions if they or any of their acquaintances were suspected to be infected. Our study sheds the light on a high degree of stigma and bullying of COVID-19 patients during the early stage of the pandemic in Jordan. Hence, there is a need to develop and implement effective anti-stigma/anti-bullying campaigns that refute the misperception, raise public knowledge about COVID-19, and spread encouraging messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Akour
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942 Jordan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, 11942 Jordan
| | - Suha A. AlMuhaissen
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad B. Nusair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nouf N. Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, 11942 Jordan
| | - Sarah Jalouqa
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Motivation and Sense of Belonging in the Large Enrollment Introductory General and Organic Chemistry Remote Courses. EDUCATION SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/educsci11090549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The rapid shift from face-to-face to remote instruction in 2020 has resulted in recalibration of lecture and laboratory pedagogy. This research analyzed the impact of remote learning on student motivation and sense of belonging in large enrollment chemistry courses. Student responses were parsed according to specific demographics including gender, academic standing, first-generation status, and ethnicity. Research objectives included the analysis of how remote learning impacted specific demographics to develop guidelines for best practices moving forward for hybrid or online courses. Our findings show that second year students (sophomores) were the most impacted of the academic standing cohorts. Sophomores reported a statistically greater change in motivation after the start of the semester and statistically lower satisfaction with their performance on assignments. Females reported statistically lower motivation and a statistically lower sense of belonging in the course and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Black/African students reported a statistically lower motivation for remote learning than Asian/Pacific Islander and White/Caucasian students. Finally, both White/Caucasian and Black/African students reported a statistically lower sense of belonging in the course and in STEM fields than Asian/Pacific islander students. Finally, statistical differences were not observed based upon first-generation status. The research indicates that students were differentially impacted by the shift to remote learning. From these findings, a stronger understanding of how specific demographics are differentially impacted by remote learning in STEM courses is provided, granting greater insight into best practices moving forward.
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Septarini NW, Hendriks J, Maycock B, Burns S. Psychological Distress and Happiness of Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender People During the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic: Is There a Need for Public Health Policy Intervention? Front Public Health 2021; 9:647548. [PMID: 34595147 PMCID: PMC8476851 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.647548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the global onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, the disease has significantly impacted mental health. This impact is likely to be further exacerbated for groups who were already marginalized. This paper shares results from a broader study of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people in Bali, Indonesia and includes a focus on psychological distress and happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic; applying sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics as potential mediators. Psychological distress and the level of happiness were measured by The Kessler Psychological Distress (K10) and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2020. Of the 416 participants, complete data were available for 363 participants. The majority of participants were aged 26-40 years, currently single, were born outside Bali, were currently living in an urban area, and over one-third were living with HIV. While all were MSM, the majority identified as homosexual/tend to be homosexual (71.3%), however 54 (14.9%) identified themselves as heterosexual. The majority (251, 69.1%) reported moderate to very high psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The binary logistic regression analysis identified five factors to be significantly associated with higher psychological distress: being a student, reporting higher levels of stigma, had ever experienced discrimination, felt better prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and less happy than the average person. When homosexual were compared with heterosexual participants, those who identified themselves as being homosexual reported significantly lower psychological distress compared to those identified themselves as heterosexual, which may be associated with these participants not disclosing their status as MSM and the stigma around MSM. Those who considered themselves to be less happy than the average person (316, 87.1%) were more likely to live with a partner and to report moderate to very high psychological distress. Based on the findings, interventions should focus on strategies to reduce stigma, provide non-discriminatory services, and improve access to essential health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Wayan Septarini
- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Hendriks
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Bruce Maycock
- European Centre for Environmental and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sharyn Burns
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Associations between Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, and Learning Motivating Factors in e-Learning-Based Computer Programming Education. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179158. [PMID: 34501748 PMCID: PMC8431325 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Quarantines imposed due to COVID-19 have forced the rapid implementation of e-learning, but also increased the rates of anxiety, depression, and fatigue, which relate to dramatically diminished e-learning motivation. Thus, it was deemed significant to identify e-learning motivating factors related to mental health. Furthermore, because computer programming skills are among the core competencies that professionals are expected to possess in the era of rapid technology development, it was also considered important to identify the factors relating to computer programming learning. Thus, this study applied the Learning Motivating Factors Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (MFI-20) instruments. The sample consisted of 444 e-learners, including 189 computer programming e-learners. The results revealed that higher scores of individual attitude and expectation, challenging goals, clear direction, social pressure, and competition significantly varied across depression categories. The scores of challenging goals, and social pressure and competition, significantly varied across anxiety categories. The scores of individual attitude and expectation, challenging goals, and social pressure and competition significantly varied across general fatigue categories. In the group of computer programming e-learners: challenging goals predicted decreased anxiety; clear direction and challenging goals predicted decreased depression; individual attitude and expectation predicted diminished general fatigue; and challenging goals and punishment predicted diminished mental fatigue. Challenging goals statistically significantly predicted lower mental fatigue, and mental fatigue statistically significantly predicted depression and anxiety in both sample groups.
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Khatatbeh M, Alhalaiqa F, Khasawneh A, Al-Tammemi AB, Khatatbeh H, Alhassoun S, Al Omari O. The Experiences of Nurses and Physicians Caring for COVID-19 Patients: Findings from an Exploratory Phenomenological Study in a High Case-Load Country. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9002. [PMID: 34501587 PMCID: PMC8431539 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Various changes have affected health services delivery in response to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this may exhibit unprecedented effects on healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to explore the lived experience of physicians and nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in Jordan. An interpretative phenomenology approach was used, and sampling was purposively performed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using an online meeting platform (Zoom®). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed. The data were obtained from 26 physicians and nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. The mean age of the participants was 29.41 years (SD = 2.72). Six main themes and 17 subthemes were identified: (i) emotional reactions; (ii) preparation; (iii) source of support; (iv) extreme workload; (v) occupational challenges, and (vi) work-related concerns. The results showed that nurses and physicians caring for COVID-19 patients in Jordan were experiencing mental and emotional distress and were practicing under inadequate work conditions. This distress could be multifactorial with personal, organizational, or cultural origins. Our findings may guide policymakers to consider the potential factors that significantly affect working environment in healthcare settings, the physical and mental wellbeing of HCWs, and the required professional training that can help in enhancing resilience and coping strategies amidst crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moawiah Khatatbeh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Fadwa Alhalaiqa
- Faculty of Nursing, Philadelphia University, Amman 19392, Jordan;
| | - Aws Khasawneh
- Department of Neurosciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Haitham Khatatbeh
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Sameera Alhassoun
- Department of Neurosciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Omar Al Omari
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, Muscat 123, Oman;
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Kolozsvári LR, Bérczes T, Hajdu A, Gesztelyi R, Tiba A, Varga I, Al-Tammemi AB, Szőllősi GJ, Harsányi S, Garbóczy S, Zsuga J. Predicting the epidemic curve of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) using artificial intelligence: An application on the first and second waves. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 25:100691. [PMID: 34395821 PMCID: PMC8349399 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a major threat to global public health. The aim of our study was to use the official epidemiological data to forecast the epidemic curves (daily new cases) of the COVID-19 using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), then to compare and validate the predicted models with the observed data. Methods We used publicly available datasets from the World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University to create a training dataset, then we employed RNNs with gated recurring units (Long Short-Term Memory - LSTM units) to create two prediction models. Our proposed approach considers an ensemble-based system, which is realized by interconnecting several neural networks. To achieve the appropriate diversity, we froze some network layers that control the way how the model parameters are updated. In addition, we could provide country-specific predictions by transfer learning, and with extra feature injections from governmental constraints, better predictions in the longer term are achieved. We have calculated the Root Mean Squared Logarithmic Error (RMSLE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) to thoroughly compare our model predictions with the observed data. Results We reported the predicted curves for France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The result of our study underscores that the COVID-19 pandemic is a propagated source epidemic, therefore repeated peaks on the epidemic curve are to be anticipated. Besides, the errors between the predicted and validated data and trends seem to be low. Conclusion Our proposed model has shown satisfactory accuracy in predicting the new cases of COVID-19 in certain contexts. The influence of this pandemic is significant worldwide and has already impacted most life domains. Decision-makers must be aware, that even if strict public health measures are executed and sustained, future peaks of infections are possible. The AI-based models are useful tools for forecasting epidemics as these models can be recalculated according to the newly observed data to get a more precise forecasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Róbert Kolozsvári
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bérczes
- Faculty of Informatics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - András Hajdu
- Faculty of Informatics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Rudolf Gesztelyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Tiba
- Faculty of Informatics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Imre Varga
- Faculty of Informatics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ala'a B Al-Tammemi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gergő József Szőllősi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Harsányi
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Health Systems Management and Quality Management in Health Care, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Garbóczy
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Psychiatry, Kenézy Hospital, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit Zsuga
- Department of Health Systems Management and Quality Management in Health Care, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Kolozsvári LR, Bérczes T, Hajdu A, Gesztelyi R, Tiba A, Varga I, Al-Tammemi AB, Szőllősi GJ, Harsányi S, Garbóczy S, Zsuga J. Predicting the epidemic curve of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) using artificial intelligence: An application on the first and second waves. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 25:100691. [PMID: 34395821 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.17.20069666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a major threat to global public health. The aim of our study was to use the official epidemiological data to forecast the epidemic curves (daily new cases) of the COVID-19 using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), then to compare and validate the predicted models with the observed data. METHODS We used publicly available datasets from the World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University to create a training dataset, then we employed RNNs with gated recurring units (Long Short-Term Memory - LSTM units) to create two prediction models. Our proposed approach considers an ensemble-based system, which is realized by interconnecting several neural networks. To achieve the appropriate diversity, we froze some network layers that control the way how the model parameters are updated. In addition, we could provide country-specific predictions by transfer learning, and with extra feature injections from governmental constraints, better predictions in the longer term are achieved. We have calculated the Root Mean Squared Logarithmic Error (RMSLE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) to thoroughly compare our model predictions with the observed data. RESULTS We reported the predicted curves for France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The result of our study underscores that the COVID-19 pandemic is a propagated source epidemic, therefore repeated peaks on the epidemic curve are to be anticipated. Besides, the errors between the predicted and validated data and trends seem to be low. CONCLUSION Our proposed model has shown satisfactory accuracy in predicting the new cases of COVID-19 in certain contexts. The influence of this pandemic is significant worldwide and has already impacted most life domains. Decision-makers must be aware, that even if strict public health measures are executed and sustained, future peaks of infections are possible. The AI-based models are useful tools for forecasting epidemics as these models can be recalculated according to the newly observed data to get a more precise forecasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Róbert Kolozsvári
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bérczes
- Faculty of Informatics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - András Hajdu
- Faculty of Informatics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Rudolf Gesztelyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Tiba
- Faculty of Informatics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Imre Varga
- Faculty of Informatics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ala'a B Al-Tammemi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gergő József Szőllősi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Harsányi
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Health Systems Management and Quality Management in Health Care, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Garbóczy
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Psychiatry, Kenézy Hospital, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit Zsuga
- Department of Health Systems Management and Quality Management in Health Care, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Abir T, Osuagwu UL, Kalimullah NA, Yazdani DMNA, Husain T, Basak P, Goson PC, Mamun AA, Permarupan PY, Milton AH, Rahman MA, Rahman ML, Agho KE. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh: Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey. Health Secur 2021; 19:468-478. [PMID: 34348050 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2020.0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has generated fear, panic, distress, anxiety, and depression among many people in Bangladesh. In this cross-sectional study, we examined factors associated with different levels of psychological impact as a result of COVID-19 in Bangladesh. From April 1 to 30, 2020, we used a self-administered online questionnaire to collect data from 10,609 respondents. Using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on respondents, we categorized the levels of impact as normal, mild, moderate, or severe. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe psychological impact was 10.2%, 4.8%, and 45.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of reporting normal vs mild, moderate, or severe psychological impact were 5.9 times higher for people living in the Chittagong Division, 1.7 times higher for women with lower education levels, 3.0 times higher among those who were divorced or separated, 1.8 times higher for those working full time, and 2.4 times higher for those living in shared apartments. The odds of reporting a psychological impact were also higher among people who did not enforce protective measures inside the home, those in self-quarantine, those who did not wear face masks, and those who did not comply with World Health Organization precautionary measures. Increased psychological health risks due to COVID-19 were significantly higher among people who experienced chills, headache, cough, breathing difficulties, dizziness, and sore throat before data collection. Our results showed that 1 in 2 respondents experienced a significant psychological impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health researchers should consider these factors when targeting interventions that would have a protective effect on the individual's psychological health during a pandemic or future disease outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Abir
- Tanvir Abir, PhD, is an Associate Professor, College of Business Administration, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Uchechukwu L Osuagwu
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine; Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. affiliated with the Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah
- Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, PhD, is Vice-Chancellor Department of Gender and Development Studies; both at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh
| | - Dewan Muhammad Nur-A Yazdani
- Dewan Muhammad Nur-A Yazdani, MSc, is an Assistant Professor, College of Business Administration, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Taha Husain
- Taha Husain, MSS, is a Lecturer, Department of Gender and Development Studies; Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh
| | - Palash Basak
- Palash Basak, MSc, is a PhD Researcher, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Piwuna Christopher Goson
- Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Science, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Abdullah Al Mamun, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Management, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - P Yukthamarani Permarupan
- P. Yukthamarani Permarupan, PhD, is [title], Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Abul Hasnat Milton
- Abul Hasnat Milton, PhD, is Chief Executive Officer, Research International, Dhaka, Bangladesh & Epidemiology Resource Centre, NSW, Australia
| | - Md Adnan Rahman
- Md Adnan Rahman, MSc, is a Senior Lecturer, College of Business Administration, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Lutfar Rahman
- Md Lutfar Rahman, PhD, is a Professor, College of Business Administration, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kingsley Emwinyore Agho
- Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. affiliated with the Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Plakhotnik MS, Volkova NV, Jiang C, Yahiaoui D, Pheiffer G, McKay K, Newman S, Reißig-Thust S. The Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Student Well-Being and the Mediating Role of the University Support: Evidence From France, Germany, Russia, and the UK. Front Psychol 2021; 12:642689. [PMID: 34322053 PMCID: PMC8311121 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.642689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid and unplanned change to teaching and learning in the online format brought by COVID-19 has likely impacted many, if not all, aspects of university students' lives worldwide. To contribute to the investigation of this change, this study focuses on the impact of the pandemic on student well-being, which has been found to be as important to student lifelong success as their academic achievement. Student well-being has been linked to their engagement and performance in curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities, intrinsic motivation, satisfaction, meaning making, and mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine how student perceptions of their degree completion and future job prospects during the pandemic impact their well-being and what role university support plays in this relationship. We used the conservation of resources theory to frame our study and to develop five hypotheses that were later tested via structural equation modeling. Data were collected from 2,707 university students in France, Germany, Russia, and UK via an online survey. The results showed that university support provided by instructors and administration plays a mediating role in the relationship between the perceived impact of COVID-19 on degree completion and future job prospects and levels of student well-being. Student well-being is decreased by their concerns for their degree completion but not by their concerns for future job prospects. In turn, concerns for future job prospects affect student well-being over time. These results suggest that in a “new normal,” universities could increase student well-being by making support to student studies a priority, especially for undergraduates. Also, universities should be aware of the students' changing emotional responses to crisis and ensure visibility and accessibility of student support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cuiling Jiang
- Department of Management, Kedge Business School, Talence, France
| | - Dorra Yahiaoui
- Department of Management, Kedge Business School, Marseille, France
| | - Gary Pheiffer
- Hertfordshire Business School, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Kerry McKay
- Hertfordshire Business School, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Sonja Newman
- Hertfordshire Business School, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Solveig Reißig-Thust
- Department Business and Economics, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Berlin, Germany
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40
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Almomani EY, Almomany AM. The Impact of COVID-19 Curfew Restrictions on the University Students’ Academic Learning and Mental Health: A Study from Jordan. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2021.1886801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ensaf Y. Almomani
- Department of Pharmacy, Alzaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abbas M. Almomany
- Department of Pharmacy, Alzaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Franzoi IG, D’Ovidio F, Costa G, d’Errico A, Granieri A. Self-Rated Health and Psychological Distress among Emerging Adults in Italy: A Comparison between Data on University Students, Young Workers and Working Students Collected through the 2005 and 2013 National Health Surveys. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126403. [PMID: 34199210 PMCID: PMC8296246 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background. The present study aimed at comparing self-reported physical health and mental health among university students, workers, and working students aged between 19 years and 29 years. Method. Using data from National Health Surveys held in 2005 and 2013, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 18,612 Italian emerging adults grouped into three groups: university students, workers, and working students. The odds ratios of self-reported anxiety or depression, poor general health, and poor mental health and physical health (as assessed through SF-12) were estimated through logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results. Compared with workers, students showed an increased risk of anxiety or depression and a lower risk of poor general health. Students and working students showed an increased risk of reporting weak mental health compared with that in workers, while students displayed a lower risk of poor physical health. Significant differences were not found between the 2005 and 2013 surveys. Conclusions. These results are of considerable importance for psychologists as well as educational and occupation-based institutions for planning prevention programs and clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabrizio D’Ovidio
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Costa
- Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Angelo d’Errico
- Department of Epidemiology, Azienda Sanitaria Locale TO3, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy;
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OJEWALE LUCIAYETUNDE. Psychological state, family functioning and coping strategies among undergraduate students in a Nigerian University during the COVID-19 lockdown. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2021; 62:E285-E295. [PMID: 34604567 PMCID: PMC8451335 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.2.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The curtailment of social gatherings and the lack of online academic engagement during the COVID-19 lockdown could have potentially damaging effects on the psychological state of university students in Nigerian public universities. This study examined the prevalence of anxiety and depression, including associated factors and coping methods, among undergraduate students. METHODS This cross-sectional study, which involved 386 undergraduate students, was assigned approval number UI/EC/20/0242. An online questionnaire consisting mainly of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the McMaster Family Assessment Device was circulated among the students. The results were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, chi-square, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and linear logistical regression, at α 0.05. RESULTS Mean age was 21 ± 2.9 years, with females constituting 60.1% of the sample. The prevalence rates of anxiety and depression were 41.5 and 31.9%, respectively. Students in health-related faculties were significantly less anxious than others. Inability to afford three square meals, negative family functioning, chronic illness and living in a State/Region with a high incidence of COVID-19 were significantly associated with depression. These factors jointly accounted for 14% of depression. Coping methods included the use of social media, watching movies and participating in online skills-development programs. CONCLUSION The overall level of anxiety and depression among undergraduate students during the COVID-19 lockdown was higher than the levels previously reported. Inadequate nutrition and poor family functioning contributed significantly to this. Proactive measures ought to be taken to support undergraduate students in order to prevent the negative consequences of poor mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- LUCIA YETUNDE OJEWALE
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Objective To develop a psychometrically reliable instrument to assess psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic across Arab countries. Design The new instrument was developed through the review of relevant literature. We adapted multiple items from the following tools: The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Social Phobia Inventory, Health Anxiety Inventory, Swine Influenza Anxiety Scale and the Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety to design our new assessment tool which is called COVID-19 Psychological Distress Scale (CPDS). For psychometric analyses and validation, we conducted a cross-sectional study that solicited data through a web-based survey using the newly developed CPDS. Setting and participants This validation study was conducted in four Arab countries, including Algeria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. A total of 1337 participants from these countries have voluntarily responded to our survey questionnaire that included the newly developed scale. Results The final version of the CPDS comprised 12 items. Participants from Algeria (n=447), Kuwait (n=437), Saudi Arabia (n=160) and Yemen (n=293) have completed the 12-item CPDS. Exploratory factor analysis (used on the Algerian sample) suggested a two-factor structure of the CPDS. The two-factor structure was then supported by the confirmatory factor analysis with an independent sample. Additionally, Rasch analyses showed that all the items fit well in their embedded construct; only one item showed somewhat substantial differential item functioning across gender and country. Conclusion The 12-item CPDS was found to be measurement invariant across country and gender. The CPDS, with its promising psychometric properties, might help healthcare professionals to identify people with COVID-19-induced psychological distress.
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Zhang Y, Liu B. Psychological Distress Among Chinese College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Does Attitude Toward Online Courses Matter? Front Psychol 2021; 12:665525. [PMID: 34122257 PMCID: PMC8195274 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.665525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking online courses has become a "new normality" for college students. This study paid particular attention to the role of college students' attitude toward online courses (ATOC) in shaping their psychological distress during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Participants were from a national panel survey that has been administered before and during the COVID-19 epidemic. Besides bivariate analysis, a multivariate regression model while adjusting for a lagged dependent variable (i.e., pre-COVID distress) was estimated to show the association between ATOC and during-COVID distress. We found that respondents from a disadvantaged family background (i.e., below-college parental education, below-average family economic condition, and rural residence) were more likely to have an "unsupportive" ATOC. Moreover, both bivariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that respondents with a "neutral" or "unsupportive" ATOC had greater during-COVID psychological distress, compared to their counterparts with a "supportive" ATOC. Given the persistent spread of the COVID-19 worldwide and the profound onsite-online transition in course delivery in higher education, students' perceptions and evaluations of the massive online courses should be carefully considered and integrated into curriculum reforms in both present and post COVID-19 situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyun Zhang
- School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Baozhong Liu
- Institute of Sociology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China
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The Impact of COVID 19 on University Staff and Students from Iberoamerica: Online Learning and Teaching Experience. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115820. [PMID: 34071535 PMCID: PMC8198237 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a great impact on mental health in society. Considering the little attention paid by scientific studies to either students or university staff during lockdown, the current study has two aims: (a) to analyze the evolution of mental health and (b) to identify predictors of educational/professional experience and online learning/teaching experience. (2) Methods: 1084 university students and 554 staff in total from four different countries (Spain, Colombia, Chile and Nicaragua) participated in the study, affiliated with nine different universities, four of them Spanish and one of which was online. We used an online survey known as LockedDown, which consists of 82 items, analyzed with classical multiple regression analyses and machine learning techniques. (3) Results: Stress level and feelings of anxiety and depression of students and staff either increased or remained over the weeks. A better online learning experience for university students was associated with the age, perception of the experience as beneficial and support of the university. (4) Conclusions: The study has shown evidence of the emotional impact and quality of life for both students and staff. For students, the evolution of feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as the support offered by the university affected the educational experience and online learning. For staff who experienced a positive professional experience, with access to services and products, the quality-of-life levels were maintained.
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Al-Tammemi AB, Tarhini Z. Beyond equity: Advocating theory-based health promotion in parallel with COVID-19 mass vaccination campaigns. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2021; 2:100142. [PMID: 34027509 PMCID: PMC8123384 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the challenges in managing the COVID-19 pandemic waves in different contexts and capacities, the vaccines that were recently approved for use have created a window of hope to fight this pandemic more effectively by achieving herd immunity. However, the rates of vaccination coverage vary considerably between countries. While looking at COVID-19 vaccination from a different perspective, it brings up the following question: is equitable vaccine delivery and access the only critical issue? Assessing facilitators and barriers to successful vaccination initiatives should be carefully considered and addressed by subsequent actions. The COVID-19 vaccination campaigns as part of disease prevention programs could be embedded in the core of theories for a more systematic approach to enhance vaccine acceptance among people. For effective implementation of public health programs, it is imperative to understand human health behaviours and to have sufficient knowledge about cultural and environmental influences. Sufficient and satisfactory COVID-19 vaccine uptake is not only challenged by the availability of vaccines or their distribution, but also by cultural and social norms in the community as well as the complexity of human behaviours. Therefore, the global efforts should target communities with theory-based health promotion and awareness programs in parallel with vaccination campaigns as a part of public health practice. The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most devastating events that impacted various life domains globally. The recent development and approval of various COVID-19 vaccines has created a window of hope to effectively combat the pandemic. Social, political, economic, and behavioural factors may play important roles in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people. Theory-based health promotion initiatives better be side by side with COVID-19 vaccination campaigns to enhance vaccine acceptance among people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
- Corresponding author. University of Debrecen, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Zeinab Tarhini
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Limoges, 87025, Limoges, France
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Almomani EY, Qablan AM, Almomany AM, Atrooz FY. The coping strategies followed by university students to mitigate the COVID-19 quarantine psychological impact. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 40:5772-5781. [PMID: 33994758 PMCID: PMC8106545 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Different strategies were followed to control the spread of the COVID-19 disease worldwide. Jordan declared a military-enforced curfew for three months, which successfully controlled the disease spreading. However, the curfew impacted several aspects of students’ lives and personalities. This study discusses the impact of the COVID-19 curfew restrictions on university students’ mental health, as this area was not fully discussed in previous studies. An online survey was distributed to cover the psychological symptoms and coping strategies of university students. Most of them experienced short temper, anxiety, and sleep problems. Female students expressed more psychological symptoms than males, they managed their stress by sleeping, studying, and worshiping. Whereas male students were working, exercising, and playing video games. A distinct interest was noticed among students of different ages. Young students (18–25 years) expressed unhappiness and distress-like symptoms; they advocated sleeping and playing video games. While elder students (>26 years) had anxiety, sleep problems, and short tempers, they managed their symptoms by studying, exercising, and worshiping. The curfew restrictions have negatively impacted the mental health of female and younger students more than other categories. These research outcomes will help decision-makers to implement healthy coping strategies to be followed during unusual conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensaf Y. Almomani
- Department of Pharmacy, Alzaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad M. Qablan
- Department of Secondary Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Abbas M. Almomany
- Department of Pharmacy, Alzaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Fatin Y. Atrooz
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX USA
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Ihm L, Zhang H, van Vijfeijken A, Waugh MG. Impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the health of university students. Int J Health Plann Manage 2021; 36:618-627. [PMID: 33694192 PMCID: PMC8206857 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic caused by the novel Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus, has resulted in millions of deaths and disruption to daily life across the globe. University students have been additionally affected by a sudden move to online learning, the closure of campuses and dramatic societal changes that have upended their experiences of higher education. Here we focus on the physical and mental health consequences of the pandemic for this population sector during 2020, and the interdependencies of these impacts. We survey the challenges for infection control on campuses and for monitoring the disease dynamics in student communities. Finally, we explore the psychological and mental health problems that have been exacerbated by the pandemic and evaluate the underlying factors that are most relevant to students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ihm
- Division of MedicineUCL Royal Free CampusUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Han Zhang
- Division of MedicineUCL Royal Free CampusUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Mark G. Waugh
- Division of MedicineUCL Royal Free CampusUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Al-Tammemi AB. A swaying between successive pandemic waves and pandemic fatigue: Where does Jordan stand? Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 65:102298. [PMID: 33880181 PMCID: PMC8051171 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This article highlights the main aspects of Jordan's public health response in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it briefly describes the main characteristics of the pandemic waves. Although Jordan has successfully implemented various stringent control measures at the early stage of the pandemic which resulted in a slow pace of COVID-19 spread in the country, the dramatic and sudden surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths since September 2020 raises many concerns and questionable debates regarding the effectiveness of Jordan's COVID-19 mitigation strategies, the earlier epidemiological surveillance process, decision-making and decisions' execution at various sectors, as well as the degree of commitment to precautionary measures among the general population. Jordan has passed through three distinct pandemic stages so far, and each stage provides lessons that can be used to improve the national preparedness and response plan in the future. This pandemic has afflicted most life domains; thus, sharing the responsibility and efforts between the government and people in combating it, is expected to be more efficient and effective than a one-sided response. Pandemic fatigue can act as a major risk factor for losing such a battle. The people of Jordan have been already through an unforgettable 2020 year that impacted them physically, emotionally, and even financially. Therefore, reliable actions should be considered by the decision-makers to provide sufficient support for the society. Also, strengthening the government-public partnership is a cornerstone for a successful, solid, and effective public health response, especially in times of an exhaustive pandemic crisis like the COVID-19.
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Alrawashdeh HM, Al-Tammemi AB, Alzawahreh MK, Al-Tamimi A, Elkholy M, Al Sarireh F, Abusamak M, Elehamer NMK, Malkawi A, Al-Dolat W, Abu-Ismail L, Al-Far A, Ghoul I. Occupational burnout and job satisfaction among physicians in times of COVID-19 crisis: a convergent parallel mixed-method study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:811. [PMID: 33906619 PMCID: PMC8079229 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10897-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare professionals including physicians were subjected to an increased workload during the COVID-19 crisis, leaving them exposed to significant physical and psychological distress. Therefore, our present study aimed to (i) assess the prevalence of burnout and levels of job satisfaction among physicians in Jordan, and (ii) explore physicians' opinions, experiences, and perceptions during the pandemic crisis. METHODS This was a mixed-method study that utilized a structured web-based questionnaire and semi-structured individual interviews. The 10-Item Burnout Measure-Short version (BMS), and the 5-Item Short Index of Job Satisfaction (SIJS) were adopted to assess occupational burnout and job satisfaction, respectively. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, based on a conceptual framework that was developed from Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory of Motivation and Job Demands-Resources Model. Descriptive statistics and regression models, as well as inductive thematic analysis, were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. RESULTS A total of 973 survey responses and 11 interviews were included in our analysis. The prevalence of burnout among physicians was (57.7%). Several significant factors were positively associated with burnout, including female gender, working at highly loaded hospitals, working for long hours, doing night shifts, lack of sufficient access to personal protective equipment, and being positively tested for SARS-CoV-2. Regarding job satisfaction, regression analysis revealed that age was positively associated with higher levels of job satisfaction. On contrary, being a general practitioner or specialist, working at highly loaded hospitals, low salaries, and suffering from burnout have predicted lower levels of job satisfaction. Besides, four themes have emerged from the thematic analysis: (i) Work-induced psychological distress during the pandemic, (ii) Decision-driven satisfactory and dissatisfactory experiences, (iii) Impact of the pandemic on doctor-patient communication and professional skills, and (iv) Economic impacts of the pandemic crisis and lockdown. CONCLUSION A significant physical and psychological burden was associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Reliable efforts should be implemented aiming at protecting physicians' physical and mental wellbeing, enhancing their working conditions, and raising awareness about burnout. Evidence-based decisions and proper utilization of financial and human resources at institutional and national levels are believed to be crucial for the sustainability of the health workforce, especially in crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ala'a B Al-Tammemi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Mohammad Kh Alzawahreh
- Department of Special Surgery, Division of Urology, Al Bashir Hospital, Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ashraf Al-Tamimi
- Department of Radiology, King Hussein Hospital, Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohamed Elkholy
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fawaz Al Sarireh
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Abusamak
- Department of General and Special Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan
| | - Nafisa M K Elehamer
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ahmad Malkawi
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wedad Al-Dolat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Luai Abu-Ismail
- Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ali Al-Far
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Jordan Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Imene Ghoul
- Department of Pediatrics, Ibn Al Haytham Hospital, Amman, Jordan
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