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Pires MT, Mourão S, Santos J. Psychometric Validation of the Portuguese Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (PT-OCS). Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:563. [PMID: 38470674 PMCID: PMC10931488 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Portuguese population are quite relevant and partially related to their repetitive and disruptive thinking about the disease. The successive periods of lockdown contributed to an additional burden on the family-work-life balance for parents. This study aims to validate the Portuguese version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (PT-OCS), which was developed using a general sample from several regions of the country (n = 531) together with a specific sample of Portuguese parents (n = 109). The confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the PT-OCS includes a set of excellent psychometric properties concerning both the general sample (χ2(1) = 0.446, p = 0.504; CFI = 1.0; GFI = 1.0; RMSEA = 0.0; standardised RMR = 0.003) and the parent group (χ2(2) = 1.816, p = 0.403; CFI = 1.0; GFI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.0; standardised RMR = 0.016; Bollen-Stine bootstrap p = 0.65). The scale shows very good reliability (0.84 < α/ω < 0.88). As expected, obsession with COVID-19 was highly correlated with COVID-19 anxiety, and women had higher PT-OCS scores. The findings suggest that the PT-OCS is a reliable and valid measure for both persistent and disruptive thinking about COVID-19 in different groups of the Portuguese population, with potential for studying future epidemic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Taveira Pires
- Psychology Research Centre (CIP-UAL), Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, 1169-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Susana Mourão
- Psychology Research Centre (CIP-UAL), Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, 1169-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Beatriz Ângelo Hospital, 2674-514 Loures, Portugal;
| | - José Santos
- Beatriz Ângelo Hospital, 2674-514 Loures, Portugal;
- Medicine Faculty, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
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Mueller-Haugk S, Bidzan-Bluma I, Bidzan-Wiącek M, Bulathwatta DT, Stueck M. Anxiety and coping during COVID-19. Investigation of anxiety management types in a German and Polish sample. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2023; 11:282-294. [PMID: 38178971 PMCID: PMC10762303 DOI: 10.5114/hpr/171884] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to assess the differences in anxiety management types between German and Polish samples. The research was conducted in the context of health-related variables and anxiety management types during the period of March to April 2020. The research project was approved by the Ethical Committee at the Institute of Psychology at the University of Gdansk, Poland. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE German Sample: Consisted of 323 subjects with an average age of 46 years. 73% were females, and 26% were males. Polish Sample: Included 100 subjects with an average age of 42 years. 73% were females, and 27% were males. The study collected data on various health-related variables and anxiety management types using specific measurement procedures. RESULTS There were significant differences in the frequency distribution of anxiety management types between the Polish and German samples (p < .001). In the Polish sample, 60% showed negative anxiety management types (Sensitizer, Repressor, Highly anxious), compared to the German sample with 52%. 40% of the Polish and 48% of the German sample showed positive expressions. There were stronger significant differences in both samples regarding health-related variables, with the Polish sample being at a disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS The study provides a comprehensive insight into the anxiety management types between German and Polish samples, revealing distinct differences in their responses. The Polish sample exhibited a higher prevalence of negative anxiety management types compared to the German sample. These disparities can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including historical traumas, transgenerational experiences, and the influence of dominant religions in each country. The findings underscore the importance of considering cultural, historical, and religious contexts when assessing and addressing mental health and coping mechanisms across different populations. Further research with larger samples and diverse groups could offer a more nuanced understanding of these patterns and their underlying causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Mueller-Haugk
- International Biocentric Research Academy, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ilona Bidzan-Bluma
- Department of Psychology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
- Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Darshika Thejani Bulathwatta
- Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Marcus Stueck
- International Biocentric Research Academy, Leipzig, Germany
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Peixoto MM, Cunha O. COVID-19 fear and anxiety as mediators in the relationship between repetitive negative thinking and psychopathology: a community-based study during the 2nd confinement in Portugal. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37359619 PMCID: PMC10209943 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive negative thinking is a cognitive dimension of the onset and maintenance of psychopathology, and increased levels of psychopathology have been observed during COVID-19 lockdowns. The role of fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 anxiety has been poorly explored in terms of psychopathology during lockdowns due to the pandemic crisis. This study examines the mediating role of fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 anxiety in the relationship between repetitive negative thinking and psychopathology during the second lockdown in Portugal. Participants completed a web survey that included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, the Persistent and Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21. The results showed a positive and significant correlation between all variables and identified fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 anxiety as significant mediators in the relationship between repetitive negative thinking and psychopathology during the second lockdown in Portugal, after controlling for being isolated, being infected, and working in first line response of COVID-19. Overall, the current findings highlight the role of cognitive dimensions such as anxiety and fear in the context of COVID-19, nearly a year after the pandemic outbreak and after the release of a vaccine. Mental health programs should consider improving coping strategies for emotion regulation, particularly fear and anxiety, during major catastrophic health-related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Manuela Peixoto
- Center for Psychology, University of Porto (CPUP), Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto, Centro de Psicologia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, s/n, Porto, 4200-135 Portugal
| | - Olga Cunha
- HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Universidade Lusófona Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Roser K, Baenziger J, Ilic A, Mitter VR, Mader L, Dyntar D, Michel G, Sommer G. Health-related quality of life before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study. Qual Life Res 2023:10.1007/s11136-023-03414-0. [PMID: 37084000 PMCID: PMC10119820 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03414-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to give up their daily routines and adjust to new circumstances. This might have affected health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We aimed to compare HRQOL during the first COVID-19 wave in 2020 to HRQOL before the pandemic and to identify determinants of HRQOL during the pandemic in Switzerland. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey during the pandemic (between May and July 2020; CoWELL sample; convenience sample). Before the pandemic (2015-2016), we had conducted a cross-sectional paper-based survey among a representative random sample of the Swiss general population (SGP sample). In both samples, we assessed physical and mental HRQOL (Short Form-36) and socio-demographic characteristics. In the CoWELL sample, we additionally assessed health- and COVID-19-related characteristics. Data were analysed using linear regressions. RESULTS The CoWELL sample included 1581 participants (76% women; mean age = 43 years, SD = 14 years) and the SGP sample 1209 participants (58% women, mean age = 49 years, SD = 15 years). Adjusted for sex, age, and education, the CoWELL sample reported higher physical HRQOL (PCS, +5.8 (95% CI: 5.1, 6.6), p < 0.001) and lower mental HRQOL (MCS, -6.9 (-7.8, -6.0), p < 0.001) than the SGP sample. In the CoWELL sample, especially persons with lower health literacy, who had no support network or who have had COVID-19, reported lower HRQOL. DISCUSSION Aspects unique to the COVID-19 pandemic affected HRQOL. Vulnerable persons such as those having had COVID-19, less support opportunities, and with lower health literacy are especially prone to impaired HRQOL during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Roser
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.
| | - Julia Baenziger
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Center for Heart Disease and Mental Health, Heart Institute and the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Anica Ilic
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Vera R Mitter
- Department of Gynaecology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luzius Mader
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Registry Bern-Solothurn, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Dyntar
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gisela Michel
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Grit Sommer
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Siregar D, Tahulending PS, Sitanggang YF, Manurung EI. Quality of Life among Indonesian during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.10607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic created major shifts around daily life across the globe. The rapid increase in cases throughout the world resulted in lockdown policies that resulted in the closure of schools and businesses, restrictions on movement or population mobilization, and restrictions on international travel. These changes affect the welfare of many communities, including the quality of life among community members.
AIM: This cross-sectional study aims to determine the risk factors associated with poor quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: Data were collected using an online questionnaire which collected information on demography, psychological responses, and quality of life. A total of 324 participants were recruited. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square.
RESULTS: The findings showed that anxiety is associated with quality of life (p = 0.03) and individuals who experience anxiety are at 2.0 times higher risk of experiencing poor quality of life compared to those who do not experience anxiety.
CONCLUSION: Nurses can play a role in managing anxiety by providing education which helps people reframe their perspectives and direct people to information from trusted sources, exercising, or other activities which support well-being.
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Suo X, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Zhao G, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Zhai J. A mental health survey among young front-line clinicians in high-risk areas during the COVID-19 sporadic epidemic in China. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:872331. [PMID: 36111303 PMCID: PMC9468417 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.872331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sporadic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic has placed enormous psychological stress on people, especially clinicians. The objective of this study was to examine depression, anxiety, quality of life (QOL), and related social psychological factors among young front-line clinicians in high-risk areas during the COVID-19 sporadic epidemic in China and to provide a reference for formulating reasonable countermeasures. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, demographic information, COVID-19-related questions, anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, GAD-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI), stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10, PSS-10), and QOL (World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version, WHOQOL-BREF) were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to test the relationships between anxiety and/or depression and other related problems. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the relationships among factors influencing QOL. RESULTS A total of 146 young front-line clinicians were included. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and anxiety-depression comorbidity were 37.7% (95% CI = 29.7-45.6%), 26.0% (95% CI = 18.8-33.2%), and 24.0% (95% CI = 17.0-31.0%), respectively. Severe stress (OR = 1.258, 95% CI = 1.098-1.442, P < 0.01) and insomnia (OR = 1.282, 95% CI = 1.135-1.447, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with depression. Severe stress (OR = 1.487, 95% CI = 1.213-1.823, P < 0.01) and insomnia (OR = 1.131, 95% CI = 1.003-1.274, P < 0.05) were positively correlated with anxiety. Severe stress (OR = 1.532, 95% CI = 1.228-1.912, P < 0.01) was positively correlated with anxiety-depression comorbidity. However, insomnia (OR = 1.081, 95% CI = 0.963-1.214, P > 0.05) was not correlated with anxiety-depression comorbidity. The belief that the vaccine will stop the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 0.099, 95% CI = 0.014-0.715, P < 0.05) was negatively correlated with anxiety and anxiety-depression comorbidity (OR = 0.101, 95% CI = 0.014-0.744, P < 0.05). Severe stress (B = -0.068, 95% CI = -0.129 to -0.007, P < 0.05) and insomnia (B = -0.127, 95% CI = -0.188 to -0.067, P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with QOL. The belief that the vaccine could provide protection (B = 1.442, 95% CI = 0.253-2.631, P < 0.05) was positively correlated with QOL. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and even anxiety-depression comorbidity was high among young front-line clinicians in high-risk areas during the COVID-19 sporadic epidemic in China. Various biological and psychological factors as well as COVID-19-related factors were associated with mental health issues and QOL. Psychological intervention should evaluate these related factors and formulate measures for these high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingbo Suo
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qingxia Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | | | - Yanan Zhu
- Harbin First Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jinguo Zhai
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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