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Wang Y, Xu S, Chen Y, Liu H. A decline in perceived social status leads to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in adults half a year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic: consideration of the mediation effect of perceived vulnerability to disease. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1217264. [PMID: 37547198 PMCID: PMC10402898 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1217264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose In December 2019, Wuhan, Hubei, China firstly reported the existence of the COVID-19 virus. It is crucial to prioritize the psychological well-being of citizens in lockdown cities and make more strides in the academic field of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to prepare for the post-pandemic era. Methods We took the cognitive-relational theory as our basis and collected Hubei province-level data (N = 3,465) to examine the impact of perceived social status decline on the prevalence of PTSD symptoms, and checked the mediating effect of perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD) during the period of psychological adjustment. Results Using propensity score matching, we estimate the average treatment effect of perceived social status decline on PTSD level, and we robustly regress the two with weight adjustment generated in matching. We found that more decline in perceived social status is associated with a worse degree of PTSD symptoms, and confirmed PVD's buffering role although the mediating effect was not as high as hypothesized. Conclusion and implications Our study confirmed the decisive role of subject social status in health prediction compared to traditional socioeconomic measures, which extends the cognitive-relational in examining socioeconomic status and contributes to the dialog on socioeconomic inequality. We also suggested providing more social support at the community level and enhancing individuals' positive understanding to protect mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yean Wang
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuge Xu
- School of Sociology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Chen
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Haijuan Liu
- School of Sociology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
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2
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Tomić SD, Tomić S, Malenković G, Malenković J, Šljivo A, Mujičić E. COVID-19-Related Stress, Fear and Online Teaching Satisfaction among Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:894. [PMID: 36981552 PMCID: PMC10048461 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060894] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, particularly among students, due to COVID-19-related fear and also the transition from traditional to online lectures. In this questionnaire-based study, the COVID-19 Stress Scales (CSS), the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the Online Teaching Satisfaction Scale were used to assess COVID-19-related fear, stress, and overall satisfaction with online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing students in Serbia. A total of 167 students participated in the study, whose mean age was 21.3 ± 5.3, and the majority of whom were female and first-year students. Overall, most students experienced moderate to extremely high COVID-19-related stress levels. Overall, first-year and fourth-year students scored significantly lower regarding the Xenophobia and Traumatic stress subscales than second-year and third-year students, whereas first-year students also scored significantly lower on the Danger and Contamination subscales. First-year students experienced less COVID-19-related fear compared to senior students. Students were reasonably satisfied with online teaching. A stratified program is needed to prevent further decline of students' mental health and to improve their adaptation through public, health, and educational changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja D. Tomić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Tomić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Goran Malenković
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Armin Šljivo
- Clinical Center of University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ermina Mujičić
- Clinical Center of University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Padmanabhanunni A, Pretorius T. The Resilience of South African School Teachers in the Time of COVID-19: Coping with Risk of Infection, Loneliness, and Anxiety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3462. [PMID: 36834157 PMCID: PMC9965853 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an overall increase in the global prevalence of mental health disorders and psychological distress. However, against this backdrop, there was also evidence of adaptation and coping, which suggested the influence of protective factors. The current study aims to extend previous research on the role of protective factors by investigating the health-sustaining and mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between perceived vulnerability to disease, loneliness, and anxiety. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of schoolteachers (N = 355) who completed the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Questionnaire, the short form of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and the trait scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale, through an online link created with Google Forms. The results of path analysis indicated significant negative associations between resilience and both loneliness and anxiety. These results indicate the health-sustaining role of resilience. In addition, resilience mediated the relationships between germ aversion and perceived infectability, on the one hand, and loneliness and anxiety, on the other hand. The findings confirm that resilience can play a substantial role in counteracting the negative impact of the pandemic on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tyrone Pretorius
- Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa
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Hoover LV, Ackerman JM, Cummings JR, Gearhardt AN. The Association of Perceived Vulnerability to Disease with Cognitive Restraint and Compensatory Behaviors. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010008. [PMID: 36615665 PMCID: PMC9824184 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010008] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual differences exist in perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD). PVD is associated with negative responses (e.g., disgust) towards individuals with obesity and heightened sensitivity regarding personal appearance. Through increasing fear of fat (FOF), PVD may be associated with cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors. We utilized an adult sample (n = 247; 53.3% male sex assigned at birth) recruited through Amazon's MTurk prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to investigate associations between PVD, cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors. Participants completed the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Scale, Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale, Dutch Eating Behaviors Questionnaire, and Goldfarb's Fear of Fat Scale. Mediation analyses were used to test our hypotheses. Perceived infectability (PVD-Infection) was associated with cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors through increased FOF. Perceived germ aversion (PVD-Germ) was associated with cognitive restraint, but FOF did not mediate this association. Sex-stratified analyses revealed no significant sex differences. PVD may be an overlooked factor associated with cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors in males and females. FOF was an important mediating factor in these associations. Increased engagement in cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors may reflect attempts to reduce FOF. Future longitudinal research should explore whether PVD is a risk factor for cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors.
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Baccolini V, Siena LM, Renzi E, Migliara G, Colaprico C, Romano A, Massimi A, Marzuillo C, De Vito C, Casini L, Antonelli G, Turriziani O, Angeloni A, D'Alba F, Villari P, Polimeni A. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated risk factors: A testing program and nested case-control study conducted at Sapienza University of Rome between March and June 2021. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1010130. [PMID: 36339150 PMCID: PMC9627192 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1010130] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To safely resume in-person activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sapienza University of Rome implemented rigorous infection prevention and control measures, a successful communication campaign and a free SARS-CoV-2 testing program. In this study, we describe the University's experience in carrying out such a program in the context of the COVID-19 response and identify risk factors for infection. Methods Having identified resources, space, supplies and staff, from March to June 2021 Sapienza offered to all its enrollees a molecular test service (8.30 AM to 4 PM, Monday to Thursday). A test-negative case-control study was conducted within the program. Participants underwent structured interviews that investigated activity-related exposures in the 2 weeks before testing. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were performed. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results A total of 8,959 tests were administered, of which 56 were positive. The detection trend followed regional tendencies. Among 40 cases and 80 controls, multivariable analysis showed that a known exposure to a COVID-19 case increased the likelihood of infection (aOR: 8.39, 95% CI: 2.38-29.54), while having a job decreased it (aOR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06-0.88). Of factors that almost reached statistical significance, participation in activities in the university tended to reduce the risk (aOR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.09-1.06), while attendance at private gatherings showed an increasing risk trend (aOR: 3.48, 95% CI: 0.95-12.79). Age, gender, activities in the community, visiting bars or restaurants, and use of public transportation were not relevant risk factors. When those students regularly attending the university campus were excluded from the analysis, the results were comparable, except that attending activities in the community came close to having a statistically significant effect (aOR: 8.13, 95% CI: 0.91-72.84). Conclusions The testing program helped create a safe university environment. Furthermore, promoting preventive behavior and implementing rigorous measures in public places, as was the case in the university setting, contributed to limit the virus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Maria Siena
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Renzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy,*Correspondence: Erika Renzi
| | - Giuseppe Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Colaprico
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Azzurra Massimi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Marzuillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Leandro Casini
- Special Office for Prevention, Protection and High Vigilance, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Villari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Santander-Hernández FM, Peralta CI, Guevara-Morales MA, Díaz-Vélez C, Valladares-Garrido MJ. Smartphone overuse, depression & anxiety in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273575. [PMID: 36040873 PMCID: PMC9426930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Medical students have made particular use of smartphones during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although higher smartphone overuse has been observed, its effect on mental disorders is unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between smartphone overuse and mental disorders in Peruvian medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 370 students aged between 16 and 41 years (median age: 20) in three universities from July to October 2020. A survey including Smartphone Dependence and Addiction Scale, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 was applied. Prevalence ratios were estimated using generalized linear models.
Results
Smartphone overuse was a common feature among students (n = 291, 79%). Depressive symptoms were present in 290 (78%) students and anxiety symptoms in 255 (69%). Adjusted for confounders, addictive/dependent smartphone use was significantly associated with presence of depressive symptoms (PR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.20–1.38 for dependent use; PR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12–1.50 for addictive use). Also, addictive/dependent smartphone use was significantly associated with presence of anxiety symptoms (PR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.14–2.23 for dependent use; PR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.07–2.41 for addictive use).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that medical students exposed to smartphone overuse are vulnerable to mental disorders. Overuse may reflect an inappropriate way of finding emotional relief, which may significantly affect quality of life and academic performance. Findings would assist faculties to establish effective measures for prevention of smartphone overuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor M. Santander-Hernández
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Cesar Vallejo filial Piura, Universidad Cesar Vallejo filial Piura, Piura, Peru
| | - C. Ichiro Peralta
- Facultad de Medicina Hipólito Unanue, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima, Peru
| | - Miguel A. Guevara-Morales
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Cesar Vallejo filial Piura, Universidad Cesar Vallejo filial Piura, Piura, Peru
| | - Cristian Díaz-Vélez
- School of Medicine, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego, Trujillo, Peru
- Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación–IETSI, EsSalud, Lima, Peru
| | - Mario J. Valladares-Garrido
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
- Hospital Regional Lambayeque, Chiclayo, Peru
- * E-mail:
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Popescu AM, Balica RȘ, Lazăr E, Bușu VO, Vașcu JE. Smartphone addiction risk, technology-related behaviors and attitudes, and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:997253. [PMID: 36051208 PMCID: PMC9424853 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.997253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic-related perceived risk of infection, illness fears, acute stress, emotional anxiety, exhaustion, and fatigue, psychological trauma and depressive symptoms, and sustained psychological distress can cause smartphone addiction risk and lead to technology-related cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders, thus impacting psychological well-being. Behavioral addiction of smartphone users can result in anxiety symptom severity, psychiatric symptoms, and depressive stress. We carried out a quantitative literature review of the Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest throughout June 2022, with search terms including “smartphone addiction + COVID-19” + “stress,” “anxiety,” “depression,” “psychological distress,” “screen time,” and “fear.” As we analyzed only articles published between 2020 and 2022, 288 papers met the eligibility criteria. By excluding sources with similar titles, having unclear findings or unsupported by replication, or displaying inconsistent content, we selected 64, mainly empirical, sources. We used layout algorithms (VOSviewer) and bibliometric mapping (Dimensions) as data visualization tools. Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR), a systematic review and literature review software (Distiller SR), Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and Systematic Review Data Repository (SRDR) were employed as methodological quality assessment tools. As limitations, we analyzed only articles published between 2020 and 2022 in scholarly outlets indexed in the Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases. The scope of our study also does not advance the inspection of sources covering vulnerable individuals suffering from certain diseases or specific generations. Subsequent analyses should develop on smartphone use and addiction among children and adolescents. Future research should thus investigate problematic smartphone use and addiction across generations Z and Alpha. Attention should be directed to their personality traits and psychopathological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raluca-Ștefania Balica
- Department of Education and Communication Sciences, University of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
- *Correspondence: Raluca-Ștefania Balica,
| | - Emil Lazăr
- Department of Teaching Staff Training, University of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Valentin Oprea Bușu
- Department of Teaching Staff Training, University of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Janina-Elena Vașcu
- Department of Education Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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8
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El Sayed El Keshky M, Salem Al-Qarni M, Hussain Khayat A. Adaptation and psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the smartphone addiction scale (SAS) in the context of Saudi Arabia. Addict Behav 2022; 131:107335. [PMID: 35462307 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing accessibility to smartphones has raised concerns about addictive patterns associated with these technologies. A Smartphone Addiction Scale has been developed to assess individuals' smartphone addiction. However, the psychometric properties of the Smartphone Addiction Scale are scarce in the context of Saudi Arabia. AIMS This study aimed to translate and adapt the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) to Arabic and examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic scale in the context of Saudi Arabia. METHODS Forward and backward translations were performed on the English SAS, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2016). The translated version was initially administered to 20 students in a pilot study. In the full study, a sample of 624 participants (52.5% females, mean age = 25 years) responded to questionnaires containing SAS, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale. The survey was sent via online platforms in order to reach as many and diverse participants as possible. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. RESULTS The EFA resulted in a structure of six factors and the CFA indicated that the 6-factor model (daily disturbance, positive anticipation, withdrawal, cyberspace-oriented relationships, overuse, and tolerance) had a good fit in Saudi Arabia (CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.04, SRMR = 0.04). The scale was also gender invariant and exhibited adequate reliability and convergent and concurrent validity. CONCLUSIONS The SAS is a reliable and valid measure that can be used to assess smartphone addiction in Saudi Arabia.
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Brasso C, Bellino S, Blua C, Bozzatello P, Rocca P. The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Youth Mental Health: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040772. [PMID: 35453522 PMCID: PMC9031156 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic has affected the physical health, psychological wellbeing, and mental health of the whole population. Young people are among those most at risk of developing mental health symptoms or disorders related to the pandemic. Purpose: the present narrative review is aimed at providing an updated overview of the current literature concerning the psychological impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection but also of the COVID-19 outbreak, environmental restriction, and social distancing on mental health outcomes among the youth population aged between 15 and 25 years. Methods: in December 2021, an electronic search on this topic was performed on PubMed. Relevant publications from January 2020 until December 2021 were included. Findings: 53 cross-sectional studies, 26 longitudinal studies, 4 ecological studies, 1 qualitative study, and 1 systematic review were included. We found many methodological limitations in the studies included, especially poor choice of study samples and short follow-ups. Little literature was in support of a strong relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and consequences on youth mental health. On the contrary, many studies showed how extraordinary measures to limit the spread of the virus have impacted young people in terms of onset of new mental disorders and symptoms, suicidality, and access to emergency psychiatric services. Depressive and anxiety symptoms and disorders show the greatest increase in incidence, especially in girls and young women. Conclusions: it seems important to pay attention to the mental health of young people in relation to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, studies with more robust methodologies and longer follow-ups are needed to establish precise indications for targeted interventions in this context.
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Wang F, Zhang L, Ding L, Wang L, Deng Y. Fear of COVID-19 Among College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:846894. [PMID: 35299699 PMCID: PMC8921101 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.846894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health issue among college students is routinely a major public health concern, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have exacerbated the students' mental health issues which include psychological distress, panic disorder, insomnia, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, few studies reached a consensus on the impact of COVID-19 fear on mental health among college students. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis that quantitatively synthesized the fear among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO electronic databases were systematically searched to identify cross-sectional study reporting the state of COVID-19 fear examined by the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) published up until November 20, 2021. Methodological quality was complied with the evaluation criteria of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The random effects model was employed to estimate the pooled mean of FCV-19S score. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were also conducted. Publication bias was assessed by Begg's test and funnel plot. Results A total of 16 studies with a sample size of 11,872 were included. A pooled mean of FCV-19S score was 17.60 [95% confidence interval (CI): 16.41–18.78]. The mean of COVID-19 fear in women (17.11, 95% CI: 16.59–17.64) was higher than that in men (15.21, 95% CI: 14.33–16.08). The highest and lowest pooled means of FCV-19S score were observed in the studies conducted in multiple countries that include Israel, Russian, and Belarus (21.55, 95% CI: 20.77–22.33) and in Europe (16.52, 95% CI: 15.26–17.77), respectively. No significant publication bias was detected by Begg's test. Conclusions College students experienced a moderate level of fear caused by COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to design and implement prevention programs that target the mental health of college students. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021287017, identifier: CRD42021287017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Le Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Lu Ding
- Department of Public Health, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Yang Deng
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
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11
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Faustino B, Vasco AB, Farinha-Fernandes A, Delgado J, Guerreiro JC, Matos M. Path analysis from COVID-19 perceptions to psychological health: The roles of critical distance and mastery. Clin Psychol Psychother 2022; 29:1707-1716. [PMID: 35315180 PMCID: PMC9087008 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2736] [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: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was previously associated with psychopathological symptoms. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unexplored. Previous studies suggested associations between metacognitive abilities (e.g., mastery) and symptomatology, which may have impacts on COVID-19 perceptions. This study aims to explore, using path analysis, the mediational role of Critical Distance (differentiation and decentration abilities) and Mastery on the relationships between COVID-19 perceptions and psychological well-being and distress. METHODS In a cross-sectional design, 227 participants (M = 34.21, SD = 10.9) filled self-report questionnaires. RESULTS Metacognitive abilities were negatively correlated with psychopathological symptoms. Both Critical Distance and Mastery mediated the path from COVID-19 perceived severity and anxiety to psychological distress and well-being. Critical Distance seems to augment Mastery which tends to increase psychological well-being and limited psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Metacognition seems to play a mediational role on the relationship between COVID-19 perceptions and mental health. Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists may enhance psychological interventions regarding COVID-19 psychopathological symptomatology by working on metacognitive Critical Distance and Mastery abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Faustino
- Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,HEI-Lab, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - João Delgado
- Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Marta Matos
- Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-ISCTE, Lisbon, Portugal
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12
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De Pasquale C, Conti D, Dinaro C, D'Antoni RA, La Delfa E, Di Nuovo S. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Emotional Impact on Healthcare Professions. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:832843. [PMID: 35432014 PMCID: PMC9010735 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.832843] [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: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in March 2020, has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world in just a few months, putting at great risk the commitment of healthcare workers unprepared to manage a worldwide phenomenon at great risk. In the early stages especially, medical staff had to deal with the pandemic at the expense of their physical and mental health, putting them particularly at risk for experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to analyze the psychopathological aspects associated with PTSD, focusing on the emotional impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals compared with a control group. The sample analyzed over 2 months, from March to May 2021, included 214 participants into two groups, i.e., healthcare professionals (N = 107) and a control group (N = 107). The online assessment instrument used consisted of an anonymous questionnaire, assembled ad hoc with demographic information and different standardized assessment scales (e.g., Fear of COVID-19 scale, Profile of Mood States, and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey), while a further section of the survey used the DSM-5 criteria to investigate Posttraumatic stress disorder (e.g., COVID-19-PTSD). The results reported that healthcare professionals had a consistent perception of stress (mean = 26.18, SD = 14.60), but not at a level significantly higher than other categories of workers (mean = 25.75, SD = 14.65; t = 0.20, p = 0.84). However, they showed less emotional disturbance than the control sample, better anxiety management skills, and lower levels of depressive disorder and mental confusion. Specifically, the healthcare professionals showed a condition of emotional exhaustion (T = 0.64, D = 0.74, A = 0.62, S = 0.75, C = 0.64) and depersonalization (T = 0.41, D = 0.52, A = 0.49, S = 0.60, C = 0.40), which is common in the burnout syndrome. In conclusion, the results obtained are useful in understanding the determinants of the emotional involvement of healthcare professions and the risk of burnout syndrome and, therefore, for planning activities and support paths for these workers who are particularly at risk during prolonged and pervasive crises, such as the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta De Pasquale
- Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Conti
- Department of Humanities, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Dinaro
- Drug Addiction Health Service, SER.T-ASP3, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Elena La Delfa
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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