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Fekih-Romdhane F, Helmy M, Alhuwailah A, Shuwiekh HAM, Naser AY, Maalej E, Obeid S, Cheour M, Hallit S. Mediating effect of depression and acute stress between exposure to Israel-Gaza war media coverage and insomnia: a multinational study from five arab countries. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1498. [PMID: 38835005 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18996-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of persistent wars and conflicts worldwide, the impact of acute, excessive and constant exposure to media coverage of such events on mental health outcomes becomes a serious problem for public health, and requires therefore urgent investigation to inform an effective prevention and management response. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that war-related media exposure is directly and indirectly associated with insomnia through depression and perceived stress among adults from the general population of different Arab countries. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried-out two weeks after the beginning of Israel-Gaza war on the 7th of October 2023. An anonymous online survey and a snowball sampling method were adopted to collect data. A sample of 2635 general population adults (mean age of 23.98 ± 7.55 years, 73.1% females) took part of this study. RESULTS The results of the mediation analysis showed that, after adjusting over potential confounders, depression and perceived stress fully mediated the association between war media exposure and insomnia; higher war media exposure was significantly associated with higher depression (Beta = 0.13; p < .001) and perceived stress (Beta = 0.07; p < .001), whereas higher depression (Beta = 0.43; p < .001) and perceived stress (Beta = 0.31; p < .001) were significantly associated with higher insomnia. It is of note that war media exposure was not significantly and directly associated with insomnia (Beta = - 0.01; p = .178 and Beta = 0.02; p = .098 respectively). CONCLUSION The present study is the first to provide evidence that more time spent viewing the horrors of war is significantly associated with insomnia. In addition, symptoms of stress and depression were present as early as two weeks following the beginning of the war, and played a significant role in mediating the association between war media coverage and insomnia. These findings suggest that timely screening for, and management of depression and stress symptoms in clinical and preventive programs might be beneficial for community adults who have been heavily and indirectly exposed to war through media, and present with insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis Al Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Mai Helmy
- Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
- Psychology department, College of education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | | | - Abdallah Y Naser
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, faculty of pharmacy, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Emna Maalej
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis Al Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Majda Cheour
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis Al Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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Du M, Liu M, Wang Y, Qin C, Liu J. Global burden of sleep disturbances among older adults and the disparities by geographical regions and pandemic periods. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101588. [PMID: 38225953 PMCID: PMC10788304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101588] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among older adults. We aimed to evaluate sleep heath during COVID-19 pandemic and assess the differences among geographical regions and pandemic periods. We searched three databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) to find articles up to March 12, 2023. We included observational studies that reported the prevalence of sleep disturbances among adults aged 60 years or older in any setting. Two researchers independently reviewed the literature and retrieved the data. We used Der Simonian-Laird random effects meta-analyses to pool the data, followed by subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression. A total of 64 studies with 181,224 older adults during the pandemic were included. The prevalence of poor sleep quality, short sleep duration, long sleep duration, and insomnia symptoms were 47.12% (95% CI: 25.97%, 68.27%), 40.81% (95% CI: 18.49%, 63.12%), 31.61% (95% CI: 24.83%, 38.38%), and 21.15% (95% CI: 15.30%, 27.00%), respectively. The prevalence of sleep problems reported by self-constructed items was 26.97% (95% CI: 20.73%, 33.22%). When compared to America (64.13%), Europe (20.23%) and the Western Pacific (21.31%) showed a lower prevalence of sleep problems (all P < 0.0001). The prevalence of worsened sleep problems was 27.88% (95% CI: 11.94%, 43.82%). Compared to 2020 (15.14%), it increased to 47.42% in 2021 (P < 0.05). Eight studies on sleep disturbances among 672 older COVID-19 patients were included. The prevalence of sleep problems and insomnia symptoms among older COVID-19 patients were 41.58% (95% CI: 21.97%, 61.20%) and 41.56% (95% CI: 28.11%, 58.02%), respectively. A significant burden related to poor sleep has been observed among older adults worldwide over the past three years, with variations across different regions and time periods. It is important to make more efforts in prevention and intervention to identify the risk factors, treatment, and rehabilitation of sleep disturbances for healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyuan Qin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, No.5, Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871, China
- Global Center for Infectious Disease and Policy Research & Global Health and Infectious Diseases Group, Peking University, No.38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, No.38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
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Cecchini E, Schino S, Gambadoro N, Ricciardi L, Trio O, Biondi-Zoccai G, Sangiorgi G. Facing the pandemic with a smile: the case of Memedical and its impact on cardiovascular professionals. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2023; 71:475-484. [PMID: 36305775 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.22.06079-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Since its outbreak, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly changed the world we were acquainted with. After the first known contact with humankind in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the reckless spread of such pathogen put the healthcare system to the test, leading to harmful consequences affecting human lives in every aspect. As of February 2022, the death toll amounts to almost 6 million deaths, but the pathogenic profile of SARS-CoV-2 goes way beyond the mere biological interaction between the viral particle and our organism. People had to deal with the severe psychological impact caused by the only available weapon to fight this infection, i.e., social distancing. The human psychological profile has been strained with repercussions we still are unaware of nowadays. Healthcare professionals were among the most hit categories, not only because of the quarantine but above all for the situations they had to bear every day, constantly facing desperation, death, isolation, and rage. In such circumstances, social media represented a powerful shelter, giving people the ability to keep in contact and to feel connected even if miles apart. In our country, the power of communication was strongly emphasized by launching an Italian Facebook group called "Memedical," where members can share ironic memes to feel closer and give a glimmer of happiness in such a challenging moment. Our review highlights the severity of this pandemic's impact, deteriorating the global population's physical and mental health, and shows how wise use of social media can benefit the quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Schino
- Division of Cardiology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Gambadoro
- Division of Cardiology, G. Fogliani Hospital, Milazzo, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Ricciardi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of NESMOS, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Olimpia Trio
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Gaetano Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
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Metwally A, Alalawi AD, Al Sarrar AA, Alamin OM, Saad AA, Almalki MD. Prevalence of Insomnia and Its Associated Factors in the General Population of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e44342. [PMID: 37779810 PMCID: PMC10539036 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can have negative impacts on daily functioning and health. However, little is known about the prevalence of insomnia and its associated factors in the general population of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of insomnia and its associated factors among adults in Saudi Arabia. METHODS A self-administered electronic questionnaire was distributed to 4818 participants from all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. The eight-item Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria was used to assess the prevalence of insomnia. RESULTS The results showed that 37.6% of participants met all the DSM-5 clinical criteria for insomnia in the past month. The prevalence was higher among females, divorced or widowed individuals, students, unemployed individuals, those living with friends or family, those reporting severe work stress, and those using mobile devices before sleeping. On the other hand, the prevalence was lower among males, married individuals, morning and evening employees, those who practice physical exercise, and those with good health status. CONCLUSION This study found the prevalence of insomnia to be 37.6% in the general population of Saudi Arabia, which is considerably high. The risk factors associated with insomnia in the Saudi population were found to be age, sex, work stress, and using mobile devices before sleeping, while protective factors included being employed, practicing physical exercise, and having good health status. Further research is needed to explore the impact of insomnia on the quality of life and productivity of individuals in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Metwally
- Family and Community Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, SAU
| | | | | | | | - Ahmed A Saad
- College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, SAU
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Camargo D, Navarro-Tapia E, Pérez-Tur J, Cardona F. Relationship between COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement and Worsening or Onset of Depressive Disorders. Brain Sci 2023; 13:899. [PMID: 37371377 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060899] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies indicate that the pandemic and associated confinement measures may have had an impact on mental health, producing the onset or persistence of symptoms such as stress, anxiety, depression, and fear. This systematic review aims to identify the factors influencing the onset or worsening of depressive symptoms during COVID-19-related confinement. Our systematic search produced 451 articles from selected databases, 398 of which were excluded based on established criteria, while 53 were selected for review. Most studies have reported an increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the general population during the first weeks of confinement. The predominant risk factors associated with the appearance of depressive symptoms included female sex, low educational level, young age, economic difficulties, comorbidities, and a history of previous depressive episodes. People with a pre-existing diagnosis of depressive disorder generally experienced a worsening of their symptoms during confinement in most of the reviewed studies. Moreover, symptomatology persisted at higher levels post-confinement, without significant improvement despite relief in confinement measures. Therefore, ongoing evaluations of post-pandemic depressive symptoms are necessary to advance the knowledge of the relationship between pandemics and depression, allowing accurate conclusions and associations to be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Camargo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University (VIU), 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Elisabet Navarro-Tapia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University (VIU), 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Pérez-Tur
- Unitat de Genètica Molecular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBER-CIBERNED-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Cardona
- Unitat de Genètica Molecular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBER-CIBERNED-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Al-Ajlouni YA, Al Ta'ani O, Shamaileh G, Mushasha R, Makarem N, Duncan DT. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep health among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations: a systematic review of the literature. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e066964. [PMID: 36600378 PMCID: PMC9729847 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep health among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations, understudied geographic regions including with regards to sleep health. SETTING A systematic literature search of studies published from inception to 27 March 2022 was conducted on multiple databases using developed keywords. PARTICIPANTS Studies were included if they (1) investigated one or more aspects/dimensions of sleep health as an outcome (eg, sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep problems); (2) measured the impact of a COVID-19 pandemic-related domain (eg, impact of quarantine, work from home, lifestyle changes); (3) focused on at least one MENA region population; (4) were peer-reviewed; (5) included ≥100 participants; (6) were written in English and (7) had full-text article publicly available. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES MEASURED Primary outcomes were sleep duration, sleep quality and sleep problems. RESULTS In line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 164 studies were included for data extraction. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies was used to assess the quality of the studies. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted sleep duration, sleep quality and presence and severity of sleep disorders in MENA populations, including adults, children, students, healthcare workers and people with chronic illnesses. The directionality and strength of associations, as well as the determinants of sleep health, varied by subpopulations. CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sleep health of MENA populations. Sleep health interventions and policy measures should be tailored to the need of each subpopulation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022321128.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazan A Al-Ajlouni
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Omar Al Ta'ani
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ghaith Shamaileh
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Nour Makarem
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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Alshammari S, Alotaibi R, Almajed A, Omar T. Depression, anxiety, and stress among the community during COVID-19 lockdown in Saudi Arabia. JOURNAL OF NATURE AND SCIENCE OF MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jnsm.jnsm_62_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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