COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review

Factors influencing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in contact centres during the COVID-19 pandemic and their relevance for the future of hybrid working

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many industries work, including contact centres, with some employees working from home and new on-site restrictions/measures in place representing even greater challenges for employers around staff engagement and wellbeing. This study aimed to understand the interplay of individual, social, environmental and organisational factors influencing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in UK contact centre employees, how the pandemic impacted these factors, and their relevance for the future of hybrid working.

METHODS

Individual interviews (n = 33) were conducted with participants (staff working full and part time, on site and from home) from four UK contact centres. A topic guide based on the ecological model was developed to understand current barriers and facilitators to physical activity and (reducing) sedentary behaviour during and outside of working hours. Thematic analysis was carried out using a codebook and a deductive coding approach to identify themes.

RESULTS

Three key insights are provided. First, participants felt they were generally sitting more and moving less since the first UK-wide lockdown. Second, factors which negatively impacted on these behaviours were evident across all levels of the ecological model. These included individual and social barriers (e.g., lack of motivation and preferable physical activity options) as well as environmental and organisational barriers (e.g., poor home office setup, back-to-back virtual meetings). There were a mix of new and existing barriers (exacerbated by the pandemic) and several of these were linked to homeworking. Third, organisational support requirements (e.g., homeworking ergonomic support) and existing facilitators (such as the provision of informational support and flexible working arrangements) were identified.

CONCLUSION

Solutions to reduce sedentary behaviours and increase physical activity in contact centres need to address barriers from the individual to the organisational level. Whilst the study was undertaken in the UK, the results are like to be applicable globally.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trial registration: The trial for the wider project has been registered on the ISRCTN database: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11580369.

The Perils of Perfection: Navigating the Ripple Effects of Organizational Perfectionism on Employee Misbehavior through Job Insecurity and the Buffering Role of AI Learning Self-Efficacy

This study investigates the complex interplay between organizationally prescribed perfectionism (OPP), job insecurity, counterproductive work behavior (CWB), and self-efficacy in learning artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of modern organizations. Based on several theories, the current research suggests and tests a moderated mediation model. Using a three-wave time-lagged design with data collected from 412 workers across various South Korean corporations, we examine how OPP influences CWB both directly and indirectly through job insecurity, and how self-efficacy in AI learning moderates the OPP-job insecurity link. Our results show that OPP is positively linked to CWB, and this association is partially mediated by job insecurity. Moreover, AI learning self-efficacy functions as a moderator in the OPP-job insecurity link, such that the positive link is weaker for members with higher levels of AI learning self-efficacy. These findings extend our understanding of perfectionism in organizational settings and highlight the role of technological self-efficacy in mitigating the negative impacts of perfectionist cultures. This research may contribute to the literature on perfectionism, CWB, and technological adaptation at work, and has important implications for managing high-performance cultures in the period of rapid technological advancement.

Psychopathology symptoms of frontline nurses under sudden public health crisis: A network analysis

Public health crises can significantly impact the emotional well-being of healthcare workers. Network analysis is a novel approach to exploring interactions between mental disorders at the symptom level. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptoms network among frontline nurses under sudden public health crisis. A cross-sectional survey was conducted online among 556 frontline nurses through convenience sampling in Hubei Province, China, from 21 February 2020, to 10 March 2020. Symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia were assessed by the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Insomnia Severity Index, respectively. Central symptoms (the most important symptoms, activation has the strongest influence the other nodes) and bridge symptoms (nodes where deactivation can prevent activation from spreading from one disorder to another) were identified via centrality and bridge centrality indices, respectively. Network stability was examined using the case-dropping procedure. We found that the correlation between PHQ-9 item 9 'suicidal thoughts' and PCL-5 item 16 'reckless or self-destructive behaviour' was the strongest. Moreover, 'reckless or self-destructive behaviour' was the strongest central symptom, and PHQ-9 item 3 'sleep problems' was the most important bridge symptom. Other major symptoms included GAD-7 item 6 'uncontrollable anxiety' and PHQ-9 item 2 'depressed or sad mood'. Timely, systemic targeting interventions on central symptoms and bridge symptoms may effectively alleviate co-occurring experiences of psychopathological symptoms among frontline nurses.

Support for Nursing Home Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

PURPOSE

To review support systems for nursing home caregivers (NHCGs) that were implemented during the first year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHOD

Database searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL resulted in five publications.

RESULTS

Studies differed in design, interventions, and outcomes. An urgent eye movement desensitization and reprocessing protocol was feasible and effective among nurses in services highly mobilized during the acute phase of the pandemic. The "self-help plus" psychological intervention was not associated with significant reductions in anxiety or posttraumatic symptoms but prompted exploration of non-specific factors influencing its effectiveness. The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes in Long-Term Care of the Elderly virtual program increased confidence among NHCGs. Self-compassion training was associated with positive changes for certified nursing assistants. Weekly debriefing sessions implemented at one hospital highlighted pathogenic and salutogenic factors.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic had a marked psychosocial impact on NHCGs and necessitated targeted interventions. Despite their limitations, these promising studies provided insights into potential support avenues. Policy considerations should stress the pivotal role of advanced practice nurses in shaping supportive work environments. Future research should focus on robust assessments of the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for NHCGs facing ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, and even recurrent viral epidemics. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(10), 24-33.].

Line manager training and organizational approaches to supporting well-being

BACKGROUND

Employee mental health and well-being (MH&WB) is critical to the productivity and success of organizations. Training line managers (LMs) in mental health plays an important role in protecting and enhancing employee well-being, but its relationship with other MH&WB practices is under-researched.

AIMS

To determine whether organizations offering LM training in mental health differ in the adoption of workplace- (i.e. primary/prevention-focused) and worker-directed (including both secondary/resiliency-focused and tertiary/remedial-focused) interventions to those organizations not offering LM training and to explore changes in the proportions of activities offered over time.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of enterprise data from computer-assisted telephone interview surveys. The analysis included data from organizations in England across 4 years (2020: n = 1900; 2021: n = 1551; 2022: n = 1904; 2023: n = 1902).

RESULTS

Offering LM training in mental health was associated with organizations' uptake of primary-, secondary-, and tertiary-level MH&WB activities across all 4 years. The proportion of organizations offering primary-, secondary- and tertiary-level interventions increased over time. On average, tertiary-level activities were most adopted (2020: 80%; 2021: 81%; 2022: 84%; 2023: 84%), followed by primary-level activities (2020: 66%; 2021: 72%; 2022: 72%; 2023: 73%) and secondary-level activities (2020: 62%; 2021: 60%; 2022: 61%; 2023: 67%).

CONCLUSIONS

Offering LM training in mental health is associated with the adoption of other MH&WB practices by organizations. Suggesting that organizations that are committed to the mental health agenda are more likely to take a holistic approach (including both worker and workplace strategies) to promoting workforce mental health, rather than providing LM training in isolation.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on burnout levels among healthcare workers: A comparative analysis of the pandemic period and post-pandemic period

Emotional burnout among physicians is a serious problem that can affect their health and the quality of medical care. This condition occurs when physicians experience excessive stress and pressure at work, often due to high demands and expectations imposed on them by patients. This study aims to assess the experience and factors associated with emotional burnout among health workers who deal with COVID-19-positive patients. The study population includes employees at the infectious diseases hospital and the inpatient clinical hospital examined using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The prevalence of high emotional exhaustion among infectious diseases specialists and inpatient physicians was 51.2 ± 3.4 % and 43.3 ± 8.1 %, respectively. The prevalence of high depersonalization was 39.4 ± 7.9 % and 40.5 ± 8.1 %, respectively. Finally, the prevalence of reduced professional efficacy was 26.3 ± 7.1 % and 41.3 ± 8.3 %, respectively. The main burnout contributors were a heavy workload, a high risk of infection, the lack of protective equipment, insufficient social support, constant interaction with suffering patients, and work-life imbalance. To prevent burnout among health workers who deal with COVID-19-positive patients, it is best to create a working environment that is conducive to good physical and mental health, implement stress management courses, and provide employees with enough time for rest and recovery. These preventive measures will help to improve the quality of health care. The findings of the study can be utilized for the development of support programs for healthcare professionals, improvement of working conditions, and reduction of the risk of emotional burnout.

COVID-19 and psychiatric disorders among young people: a cross-sectional study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant rise in mental health issues was observed. Particularly, children and adolescents have shown a higher risk of developing mental disorders than adults. This study aimed to describe the evolving features of the requests for psychiatric emergency interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic in young people. We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing the number, characteristics, and symptoms of people aged between 12 and 18 years old attending one Emergency Department (ED) for psychiatric issues, considering three different periods: T0 (8 March 2019-7 March 2020), T1 (8 March 2020-7 March 2021), and T2 (8 March 2021-7 March 2022). Total admissions were 220: 99 (45%) during T0, 40 (18.1%) for T1, and 81 (36.8%) for T2 ( P  < 0.001). A significant decrease in the mean age from T0 to T1 was found ( P  < 0.01). Admissions for psychomotor agitation decreased, while admission due to anxiety disorder and nonsuicidal self-injury raised significantly ( P  < 0.05), as for first psychiatric presentation ( P  < 0.01). Regarding substance use, a significant reduction was observed ( P  < 0.05). The rates of eating disorders ( P  < 0.001) and early insomnia ( P  < 0.01) increased from T0. These findings highlight the worsening of psychiatric symptoms in the young population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Dual-Process Model of Promoting Employee Mental Health in Crises: Impacts of Leadership Health Support and Organizational Leaders' Crisis Communication in COVID-19

This study examined how organizations may promote their employees' mental health in difficult times. Drawing from organizational crisis communication and organizational health promotion research, it proposed and tested a dual-process model that links leadership health support, an essential dimension of organizational health culture, with organizational leaders' crisis communication (i.e. use of ethical-base responses) and workers' self-care awareness and perceived stress in a crisis. Through a survey of 502 full-time U.S. employees conducted during COVID-19, we found that organizational leaders' use of ethical-base responses predicted employees' enhanced self-care awareness and decreased stress levels. Further, leadership health support provided a double-buffer effect to sustain employee mental health by directly bolstering employees' self-care awareness and organizational leaders' use of ethical-base responses. The findings of this study bridge the gaps in organizational health promotion and crisis communication literature and offer practical suggestions for organizations seeking to foster employees' mental health challenges during crises.

From Wasteland to Bloom: Exploring the Organizational Profiles of Occupational Health and Well-Being Strategies and Their Effects on Employees' Health and Well-Being

Based on the signaling and conservation of resources theories, this study aims to identify different strategic organizational profiles related to occupational health and well-being (OHWB). Additionally, this study explores how these various organizational profiles impact employees' well-being, specifically in relation to absenteeism, emotional exhaustion, work overload, intention to quit, and job satisfaction. Data were collected from 59 organizations and 2828 employees. The first phase of this study presents the latent profile analysis carried out to identify OHWB organizational profiles. This analysis reveals four organizational profiles that are metaphorically named according to the growth stages of plants (i.e., wasteland, sprouting, budding, and blooming OHWB profiles). The second phase of this study investigates the associations between the latent profiles assigned to the organizations with absenteeism, intention to quit, emotional exhaustion, feelings of work overload, and job satisfaction among their employees using MANOVA. The results show that organizational profiles influence employees' health and well-being. Employees working in organizations with a low OHWB profile, known as the "wasteland profile", tend to report more days of absenteeism, higher levels of emotional exhaustion, greater work overload, and lower job satisfaction. Employees are also more likely to express a greater intention to quit their jobs than those working in organizations with a higher OHWB profile (a "blooming profile"). This study is useful for organizations and practitioners seeking to understand how investing in a health and well-being strategy can benefit their employees.

The effect of COVID-19 anxiety on nurses' productivity determinants through perceived workload and individual job performance: A Bayesian mediation analysis

This study aims to predict how COVID-19 anxiety affects productivity determinants by examining the role of perceived workload and individual job performance as mediators using Bayesian mediation analysis. To achieve the study's objectives, all nurses working at Imam Reza Hospital were recruited to participate. To gather data, all eligible and voluntary nurses were asked to complete questionnaires that included the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), Individual Job Performance Questionnaire (IJPQ), NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and Workforce Productivity Questionnaire. Of the total number of nurses employed, 222 (126 women and 96 men) nurses fully completed the questionnaires. Out of these, 140 individuals were married and 82 were single. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the age and experience were 28.56 ± 5.78 and 8.49 ± 6.50, respectively. GeNIe software version 2.0 utilized to analyze the Bayesian network. The results showed that for the high COVID-19 anxiety and high workload states, with a probability of 100 %, the probability of high evaluation and high environment increased by 16.6 % and 16.3 %, respectively, but low evaluation and low environment decreased by 22.4 % and 22 %, respectively. In the high COVID-19 anxiety and low IJP states with a probability of 100 %, most change was related to the high ability (6 % increase), low evaluation (3.9 % increase), high incentive (3.8 % increase), low ability (4.6 % decrease) and low support (2 % decrease). Regarding COVID-19 anxiety (high 100 %), workload (high 100 %) and IJP (low 100 %), most of the increase was related to high environment and high evaluation by an increase of 17.3 and 17.2 %, respectively. Also, the value of low evaluation and low environment was reduced by 24 and 23.4 %, respectively. The study's findings confirm that nurses have been more productive during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite facing high workloads and the COVID-19 anxiety.

Evaluation of the effects of pandemic-related fears on anxiety and depression: the mediating roles of traumatic stress and loneliness

BACKGROUND

The detrimental mental health effects which emerged from COVID-19 have profoundly affected healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of traumatic stress and loneliness on the fears of contracting and dying from COVID-19, and anxiety and depression of HCWs during the pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was completed by HCWs in a province of Turkey. The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Impact of Events Scale-Revised and numerical rating scales (for fears of COVID-19 and loneliness) were used and a bootstrap approach was used in the analyses with SPSS PROCESS macro software.

RESULTS

Of the HCWs evaluated, 150 (34.4%) were doctors, with a mean duration of work experience of 10.6 ± 7.5 years. The results indicated that fear of contracting COVID-19 was directly related to anxiety (β = 0.244, p < 0.001) and depression (β = 0.135, p < 0.01) and that traumatic stress and loneliness mediated the relationships between the fear of contracting COVID-19 and anxiety (β = 0.435, p < 0.001; β = 0.235, p < 0.001, respectively) and depression (β = 0.365, p < 0.001; β = 0.294, p < 0.001, respectively). The fear of dying from COVID-19 was determined to be directly associated with anxiety (β = 0.190, p < 0.001) but not with depression (β = 0.066, p = 0.116), and traumatic stress and loneliness mediated the relationships between the fear of dying from COVID-19 and anxiety (β = 0.476, p < 0.001; β = 0.259, p < 0.001, respectively) and depression (β = 0.400, p < 0.001; β = 0.311, p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The study results demonstrated the important roles of traumatic stress and loneliness in exacerbating the negative consequences of fears of COVID-19 on anxiety and depression, and provide insights for identifying HCWs at greater risk.

The Psychosocial, Organizational, and Environmental Stressors Experienced by Food Service Workers in a Hospital Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To identify stressors faced by hospital food service workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic and effective interventions mitigating these stressors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we conducted surveys ( n = 305) and interviews ( n = 9) in the summer and fall of 2022 with employees in hospital settings to determine the psychosocial, organizational, and environmental stressors they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and interventions that improved health and well-being. Findings: The main stressors reported were fear of infection, increased work demands and schedule unpredictability, and financial insecurity. Employee well-being was bolstered by regular, clear, bidirectional communication; a sense of community and purpose; benefits like paid sick leave and health insurance coverage; and organizational policies that included masking and vaccine requirements demonstrating commitment to protecting worker health. Conclusion: Organizations can play a critical role in guarding the health, well-being, and resilience of frontline workers.

Predicting the Persistence of Insomnia Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to evaluate the factors associated with vulnerability and course of insomnia longitudinally in the COVID-19 pandemic and examine differences between: (a) those who never demonstrated clinical insomnia symptoms, (b) those who demonstrated clinically elevated insomnia symptoms at 1 or 2 time points, and (c) those who demonstrated clinically elevated insomnia symptoms at all 3 time points.

METHODS

Participants (≥18 years old) completed measures of insomnia (ISI), depression (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), and pre-sleep arousal (PSAS) at 3 time points (baseline, 1 month, and 3 months). Data were analyzed using univariable odds ratios and multivariable multicategory logistic regression to determine demographic, psychological, and behavioral predictors of insomnia persistence.

RESULTS

A total of 129 participants completed all 3 assessments (70 female, age M = 44 years, SD = 16). We found that 40% (N = 51) never had insomnia symptoms, 33% (N = 42) reported transient insomnia symptoms (1 or 2 time points), and 28% (N = 36) reported persistent insomnia symptoms (all 3 time points). From the multivariable multicategory logistic analyses, pre-sleep arousal, gender, and income were significant predictors of insomnia persistence.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate elevated insomnia symptoms were persistent in a substantial number of individuals throughout the pandemic. Results suggest additional insomnia and psychological interventions are needed to improve sleep and mental health.

Pandemic Fatigue and Preferences for COVID-19 Public Health and Social Measures in China: Nationwide Discrete Choice Experiment

BACKGROUND

Information on the public's preferences for current public health and social measures (PHSMs) and people's mental health under PHSMs is insufficient.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to quantify the public's preferences for varied PHSMs and measure the level of pandemic fatigue in the COVID-19 normalization stage in China.

METHODS

A nationwide cross-sectional study with a discrete choice experiment and psychometric scales was conducted to assess public preferences for and attitudes toward PHSMs, using the quota sampling method. The COVID-19 Pandemic Fatigue Scale (CPFS) was used to screen fatigue levels among respondents. The multinomial logit model, latent class model, and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis. We also conducted subgroup analysis based on sex, age, monthly income, mental health status, and pandemic fatigue status.

RESULTS

A total of 689 respondents across China completed the survey. The discrete choice experiment revealed that respondents attached the greatest importance to the risk of COVID-19 infection within 3 months (45.53%), followed by loss of income within 3 months (30.69%). Vulnerable populations (low-income populations and elderly people) were more sensitive to the risk of infection, while younger respondents were more sensitive to income loss and preferred nonsuspension of social places and transportation. Migrants and those with pandemic fatigue had less acceptance of the mandatory booster vaccination and suspension of transportation. Additionally, a higher pandemic fatigue level was observed in female respondents, younger respondents, migrants, and relatively lower-income respondents (CPFS correlation with age: r=-0.274, P<.001; correlation with monthly income: r=-0.25, P<.001). Mandatory booster COVID-19 vaccination was also not preferred by respondents with a higher level of pandemic fatigue, while universal COVID-19 booster vaccination was preferred by respondents with a lower level of pandemic fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Pandemic fatigue is widely prevalent in respondents across China, and respondents desired the resumption of normal social life while being confronted with the fear of COVID-19 infection in the normalization stage of COVID-19 in China. During future pandemics, the mental burden and adherence of residents should be considered for the proper implementation of PHSMs.

Saudi Arabian Nurses' Motivations and Barriers to Employment in Inpatient Mental Health Facilities: A Qualitative Investigation

BACKGROUND

The shortage of inpatient psychiatric mental health care nurses in Saudi Arabia represents an important health care challenge.

AIM

The aim of this study was to illuminate perspectives of psychiatric mental health nurses employed in psychiatric inpatient settings about their employment experiences.

METHOD

This study adopted an exploratory qualitative approach using thematic content analysis. Ten professional nurses with psychiatric inpatient caring experience participated in two focus groups composed of Master of Nursing students.

RESULTS

Four main themes emerged: inadequate professional skills and knowledge for psychiatric mental health care practice, negative public attitudes toward psychiatric/mental health nurses, concerns for personal safety, and alternatives and advantages. The findings of this study suggest that nurses' lack of interest in working in psychiatric units is not merely personal but also social and organizational.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings may encourage managers and authorities to develop measures to attract more mental health nurses to work in psychiatric units. Such strategies may include modification of nurses' skills, training, and professional knowledge, collegial supervision, mentoring, and working conditions and environment.

Lived experiences of COVID-19 patients admitted in isolation wards of healthcare centers in Peshawar, Pakistan: A phenomenological perspective

The emergence of COVID-19 caused a significant global threat, affecting populations worldwide. Its impact extended beyond just physical health, as it inflicted severe damage and challenges to individuals' well-being, leading to a deterioration in mental health. The lived experiences of patients hold a paramount position to explore and understand their perception of care which can ultimately strengthen the health system's delivery domain. This study explores the lived experiences of patients in the isolation ward, their recovery, and the quality of care being provided in the hospital and its effects on their mental health.

Study design

A phenomenological qualitative study using in-depth interviews.

Methods

We conducted 11 in-depth interviews of COVID-19 patients admitted to the isolation ward of the public hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan. Participants who stayed for a minimum of 10 days in an isolation ward were included in this study. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 12 software and generated five themes through inductive analysis.

Results

Five themes emerged from the participants' lived experiences: Heading towards the hospital, Health Care Quality, Impact on Mental Health, Recovering from COVID-19 and Back on one's feet. These included all the positive and negative lived experiences. Socio-environmental factors along with their experiences of the disease itself and with the healthcare providers guided their reaction which was important conciliators in their experiences during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, the environment of isolation had a major influence on the mental well-being of the individuals involved. Considering the important role of the ward environment in shaping patient experiences and outcomes prompts a reevaluation of healthcare practices and policies. By addressing these factors healthcare systems can strive for greater effectiveness, resilience, and compassion in managing the pandemic's impact on patient care.

Association Between Physical Activity and Mental Health in Health Professionals in the Context of the Pandemic: A Study in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to verify the association between physical activity (PA) and mental health among health professionals in southern Brazil.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study with 101 workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health and PA were assessed using the questionnaires. The association of PA with stress was tested by linear regression, and anxiety and depressive symptoms by Poisson regression.

RESULTS

The stress was inversely associated with individuals who performed some PA (β: -3.53;95% CI: -6.63;-0.44) and who met the PA recommendations (active) (β: -6.84;95% CI: -12.44;-1.24). Workers who performed some PA (PR: 0.76;95% CI: 0.67;0.86) and were active (PR: 0.75;95% CI: 0.60;0.93) were less likely to have severe symptoms of anxiety. For depression, workers who performed some PA (PR: 0.81;95% CI: 0.71;0.92) and were active (PR: 0.69;95% CI: 0.54;0.88), the probability was also smaller.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice of PA was inversely associated with symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety.

Burnout and Perceived Workload Among Behavioral Health Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Importance of Supervisory, Leadership, and Organizational Support

PURPOSE

To assess the relationship between behavioral health provider (BHP) perceptions of support during COVID-19 and burnout and self-reported workload.

DESIGN

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of provider-level data collected from the 2020 and 2021 All Employee Survey (AES).

SETTING

The Veterans Health Administration.

SUBJECTS

36,541 (10,332 [28.28%] with missing data) respondents in 2020 and 2021 combined.

MEASURES

Main outcomes were self-reported burnout and self-reported workload. Main predictors were 6 COVID-19-related provider-perceived support domains. Covariates were 11 AES demographic predictors.

ANALYSIS

We conducted mixed-effects logistic regression modeling for each domain and outcome pairing. We summarized our results using average marginal effects (AMEs) and odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

All 6 domains of feeling prepared, heard, protected, cared for, honored, and having flexible policies were significantly negatively associated with burnout (AMEs -.20 to -.10, ORs .38-.63, P < .001) and positively associated with reasonable workload (AMEs .11-.20, ORs 1.63-2.59, P < .001). Feeling prepared had the largest associations with burnout (OR .38) and reasonable workload (OR 2.59).

CONCLUSION

Creating a work environment with flexible policies and where staff feel prepared, heard, protected, cared for, and honored could support BHPs in feeling less burned out and that their workload is reasonable.

The prevalence and risk factors of PTSD symptoms among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic-A systematic review and meta-analysis

Since the first reported outbreak in China, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised serious concerns globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe psychological impact on healthcare workers (HCWs), and especially nurses, who are the most numerous and exposed frontline group. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise extant literature on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological health of nurses, particularly concerning the prevalence and risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo from March 2020 to July 2023. Articles were included/excluded on predetermined eligibility criteria. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed using proportions to determine the pooled prevalence for PTSD among nurses. Subgroup analyses were also performed, and heterogeneity across studies was analysed using meta-regression. Relatively high prevalence rates of PTSD were reported among nurse populations during the COVID-19 pandemic in twenty-six different countries, globally. Risk factors associated with PTSD include having prior mental health co-morbidities, being a female, having high exposure/contact with COVID-19 patients, having insufficient protective conditions and having intensive workloads. The overall pooled prevalence was 29.1% (95% C.I. = 23.5%, 35.5%) using a random-effects model in 55 studies. The regression test of funnel plot asymmetry indicated a significant level of publication bias among studies. The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with significant levels of PTSD among frontline nurses globally. A high level of heterogeneity was observed across studies. Psychological, social and administrative interventions should be implemented to mitigate heavy psychological distress in nurses.

Death and Other Losses in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Facilities for Older Adults in the Perception of Occupational Therapists: A Qualitative Study

Long-term care facilities for older adults (LTCFs) were directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to discuss the perceptions of occupational therapists about deaths and other losses in LTCFs during the pandemic. This qualitative study is anchored in social phenomenology, and conducted in-depth interviews with eight occupational therapists who worked in LTCFs. Thus, two themes were generated after the Thematic Analyses: "The proximity of death" and "Losses associated with living and dying in a LTCF." In the first theme, the interviewees addressed the feeling of imminent death in the daily life of the LTCF, and feelings related to their own death, that of their family members and other older adults. In the second, the professionals highlighted three groups of losses: social, functional, and psychological/cognitive. These results highlighted the challenges faced by occupational therapists and can contribute to improve behavior and care for institutionalized older adults during the pandemic.

What is the volume, quality and characteristics of evidence relating to the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multi-disciplinary occupational health interventions aiming to improve work-related outcomes for employed adults? An evidence and gap map of systematic reviews

Background

In the UK, tens of millions of working days are lost due to work-related ill health every year, costing billions of pounds. The role of Occupational Health (OH) services is vital in helping workers to maintain employment when they encounter injury or illness. OH providers traditionally rely on a clinical workforce to deliver these services, particularly doctors and nurses with OH qualifications. However, the increasing demand for OH services is unlikely to be met in the future using this traditional model, due to the declining number of OH-trained doctors and nurses in the UK. Multi-disciplinary models of OH delivery, including a more varied range of healthcare and non-healthcare professionals, could provide a way to meet this new demand for OH services. There is a need to identify collaborative models of OH service delivery and review their effectiveness on return-to work outcomes. There is an existing pool of systematic review evidence evaluating workplace based, multi-disciplinary OH interventions, but it is difficult to identify which aspects of the content and/or delivery of these interventions may be associated with improved work-related outcomes.

Objectives

The aim of this evidence and gap map (EGM) was to provide an overview of the systematic review evidence that evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multi-disciplinary OH interventions intending to improve work-related outcomes.

Search Methods

In June 2021 we searched a selection of bibliographic databases and other academic literature resources covering a range of relevant disciplines, including health care and business studies, to identify systematic review evidence from a variety of sectors of employment. We also searched Google Search and a selection of topically relevant websites and consulted with stakeholders to identify reports already known to them. Searches were updated in February 2023.

Selection Criteria

Systematic reviews needed to be about adults (16 years or over) in employment, who have had absence from work for any medical reason. Interventions needed to be multi-disciplinary (including professionals from different backgrounds in clinical and non-clinical professions) and designed to support employees and employers to manage health conditions in the workplace and/or to help employees with health conditions retain and/or return to work following medical absence. Effectiveness needed to be measured in terms of return to work, work retention or measures of absence, or economic evaluation outcomes. These criteria were applied to the title and abstract and full text of each systematic review independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved through discussion. We awarded each systematic review a rating of 'High', 'Medium' or 'Low' relevance to indicate the extent to which the populations, interventions and their contexts synthesised within the review were consistent with our research question. We also recorded the number of primary studies included within each of the 'High' and 'Medium' reviews that were relevant to research question using the same screening process applied at review level.

Data Collection and Analysis

Summary data for each eligible review was extracted. The quality of the systematic reviews, rated as 'High' or 'Medium' relevance following full text screening, was appraised using the AMSTAR-2 quality appraisal tool. All data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second, with disagreements being settled through discussion. Summary data for all eligible systematic reviews were tabulated and described narratively. The data extracted from reviews of 'High' and 'Medium' relevance was imported into EPPI-Mapper software to create an EGM.

Stakeholder Involvement

We worked alongside commissioners and policy makers from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), OH personnel, and people with lived experience of accessing OH services themselves and/or supporting employees to access OH services. Individuals contributed to decision making at all stages of the project. This ensured our EGM reflects the needs of individuals who will use it.

Main Results

We identified 98 systematic reviews that contained relevant interventions, which involved a variety of professionals and workplaces, and which measured effectiveness in terms of return to work (RTW). Of these, we focused on the 30 reviews where the population and intervention characteristics within the systematic reviews were considered to be of high or medium relevance to our research questions. The 30 reviews were of varying quality, split evenly between High/Moderate quality and Low/Critically-Low quality ratings. We did not identify any relevant systematic review evidence on any other work-related outcome of interest. Interventions were heterogenous, both within and across included systematic reviews. The EGM is structured according to the health condition experienced by participants, and the effectiveness of the interventions being evaluated, as reported within the included systematic reviews. It is possible to view (i) the quality and quantity of systematic review evidence for a given health condition, (ii) how review authors assessed the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of the interventions evaluated. The EGM also details the primary studies relevant to our research aim included within each review.

Authors’ Conclusions

This EGM map highlights the array of systematic review evidence that exists in relation to the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of multi-disciplinary, workplace-based OH interventions in supporting RTW. This evidence will allow policy makers and commissioners of services to determine which OH interventions may be most useful for supporting different population groups in different contexts. OH professionals may find the content of the EGM useful in identifying systematic review evidence to support their practice. The EGM also identifies where systematic review evidence in this area is lacking, or where existing evidence is of poor quality. These may represent areas where it may be particularly useful to conduct further systematic reviews.

Selected Factors of Psychological Reactions Among Polish Respondents to the Outbreak of Covid-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 global pandemic has had a profound impact on the quality of life and mental state of the community. The aim of the study was the preliminary assessment of social isolation on individual mental state due to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A detailed online questionnaire was conducted in the period from March 2020 to March 2021 among 587 persons from Poland. Most respondents (46.2%) expect a professional psychological support. This is followed by expectations of psychoeducation (37%) and understanding (34.4%). During the pandemic, most people deal with stress by watching TV series It is a form of escape into a different reality. Obtained results demonstrate that place of residence does not corelate with fear of coronavirus. Statistically significant differences occurred when answers regarding aspects of living during pandemic were checked against gender of respondents. Women experience pandemic-related anxiety more severely than men. This research highlights that psychological care should be part of the wider health care system in the time of crisis.

An urgent call to address work-related psychosocial hazards and improve worker well-being

Work-related psychosocial hazards are on the verge of surpassing many other occupational hazards in their contribution to ill-health, injury, disability, direct and indirect costs, and impact on business and national productivity. The risks associated with exposure to psychosocial hazards at work are compounded by the increasing background prevalence of mental health disorders in the working-age population. The extensive and cumulative impacts of these exposures represent an alarming public health problem that merits immediate, increased attention. In this paper, we review the linkage between work-related psychosocial hazards and adverse effects, their economic burden, and interventions to prevent and control these hazards. We identify six crucial societal actions: (1) increase awareness of this critical issue through a comprehensive public campaign; (2) increase etiologic, intervention, and implementation research; (3) initiate or augment surveillance efforts; (4) increase translation of research findings into guidance for employers and workers; (5) increase the number and diversity of professionals skilled in preventing and addressing psychosocial hazards; and (6) develop a national regulatory or consensus standard to prevent and control work-related psychosocial hazards.

From Crisis to Opportunity: A Qualitative Study on Rehabilitation Therapists' Experiences and Post-Pandemic Perspectives

Rehabilitation therapists (RTs) have developed substantial mental health problems since the pandemic. Our study aimed to understand the experience of COVID-19 on occupational therapists and physiotherapists practicing in Canada, how the pandemic may have affected care delivery, and to identify new learnings articulated by RTs. A qualitative descriptive study design guided data collection through one-on-one interviews, dyadic interviews, and focus groups. We recruited active RTs across Canada, advertising on professional practice networks and social media platforms and using snowball sampling. Forty-nine RTs representing seven Canadian provinces participated. The four overarching themes developed using thematic analysis were (1) navigating uncertainty along with ever-changing practices, policies, and attitudes, (2) morphing roles within a constrained system, (3) witnessing patients suffering and experiencing moral distress, and (4) recognizing the personal toll of the pandemic on self and others, as well as lessons learned. Our study demonstrated that many RTs suffered moral distress, poor mental health, and some from challenging financial situations, especially those in the private sector. They also expressed a resilient attitude in response to these stressors. Implications in the future include identifying promising communication strategies that could act as protective factors, addressing workforce constraints and diminishing resources through innovative models of care.

Changes in mental distress among employees during the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the future of work sustainably and led to a general increase in mental stress. A study conducted during the second and third pandemic wave with a retrospective survey of the first wave among 1,545 non-healthcare workers confirmed an increase in anxiety and depression symptoms and showed a correlation with the occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. This online follow-up survey aims to examine changes in mental distress as the pandemic progressed in Germany and to identify factors influencing potential changes.

METHODS

Longitudinal data from 260 subjects were available for this analysis. Mental distress related to anxiety and depression symptoms, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and occupational risk factors were solicited at the end of 2022 and retrospectively at the fifth wave. Categorized PHQ-4 scores were modelled with mixed ordinal regression models and presented with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

A previous diagnosis of a depressive or anxiety disorder was a strong risk factor for severe symptoms (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.71-7.11). The impact of occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk on mental distress was increased, albeit failing to reach the formal level of statistical significance (high risk OR 1.83, 95% CI 0.59-5.63; probable risk OR 1.72, 95% CI 0.93-3.15). Mental distress was more pronounced in those with a previous diagnosis of anxiety and depression. Confirmed occupational risk factors were protective measures against occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection perceived as inadequate, chronic work-related stress, overcommitment, reduced interactions with fellow-workers, and work-privacy conflicts.

CONCLUSIONS

The pandemic had a negative impact on anxiety and depression symptoms among the studied non-healthcare workers, particularly early in the pandemic, although this effect does not appear to be permanent. There are modifiable risk factors that can protect workers' mental health, including strengthening social interactions among employees and reducing work-privacy conflicts.

Work-related factors of mental health among Chicago residents two years into the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread consequences for economic, social, and general wellbeing with rates of anxiety and depression increasing across the population and disproportionately for some workers. This study explored which factors were the most salient contributors to mental health through a cross-sectional 68-item questionnaire that addressed topics related to the pandemic. Data were collected through an address-based sampling frame over the two months from April 2022 to June 2022. A total of 2,049 completed surveys were collected throughout Chicago's 77 Community Areas. Descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages were generated to describe workplace characteristics, work-related stress, and sample demographics and their relationship to psychological distress. Independent participant and workplace factors associated with the outcomes were identified using multivariable logistic regression. The weighted prevalence of persons experiencing some form of psychological distress from mild to serious was 32%. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, certain marginalized communities experienced psychological distress more than others including females, adults over the age of 25 years of age, and people with higher income levels. Those who had been laid off, lost pay, or had reduced hours had increased odds of psychological distress (aOR = 1.71, CI95% 1.14-2.56; p = 0.009) as did people that reported that their work-related stress was somewhat or much worse as compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic (aOR = 2.22, CI95% 1.02-4.82; p = 0.04, aOR = 11.0, CI95% 4.65-26.1; p < 0.001, respectively). These results warrant further investigation and consideration in developing workplace and mental health interventions.

Psychological status and related factors of resident physicians during the release of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in China

Background

Resident physicians at the standardized training stage had undergone significant physical and mental stress during the release of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions at the end of 2022 in China. This study aimed to investigate the psychological status (including anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, job burnout, and vicarious trauma) of resident physicians and identify its influencing factors under these special periods.

Methods

Survey was conducted one month after the release of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on resident training physicians from a tertiary first-class hospital in Zhejiang, China. Resident physicians completed the psychological status questionnaire. Chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the group differences and variable associations.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and somatic discomfort in this study was 20.88, 28.53, and 41.47%, respectively. Female resident physicians were more likely to experience somatic symptoms [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33-4.18]. Resident physicians with problem-focused coping styles were less prone to psychological health issues [depression (adjusted OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88-0.96), anxiety (adjusted OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98), somatic symptoms (adjusted OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.89-0.97), job burnout (adjusted OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87-0.96) and vicarious trauma (adjusted OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98)]. Inversely, resident physicians with emotion-focused coping styles and experienced negative life events were more prone to psychological health issues.

Conclusion

Resident training physicians had a high risk of anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms under the special COVID-19 pandemic restriction release period. Females, with lower training stages, degrees, negative life events, and emotion-focused coping styles had a disadvantaged effect on psychological status. The medical teaching management department needs to monitor and reduce the workload and working hours of resident physicians, ensure sufficient sleep time, and pay attention to the psychological status of resident physicians. By strengthening regular communication and mental health education or intervention, which can help them improve their ability to cope with complex tasks.

The Relationship between Professional Variables and Burnout Syndrome in Brazilian Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Burnout syndrome (BS) is a highly prevalent occupational disease among dentists who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been at greater risk of contracting the disease, generating stress and distancing. The aim of this study was to assess the association of social conditions, professional factors and perceptions of COVID-19 with Burnout Syndrome. This was a cross-sectional study of 302 Brazilian dentists working in the clinical and private sectors. The professionals completed the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory online and answered sociodemographic and professional questions and questions related to their perception of the pandemic. Poisson regression with unadjusted and adjusted robust variance was used to estimate the association between burnout syndrome (dependent variable) and the independent variables. The presence of BS was strongly associated with age, training in a private institution, professionals who claimed to have sufficient protective knowledge and fear of being contaminated by SARS-CoV-2 during patient care (p < 0.05). The findings of this study show that there has been an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of Burnout syndrome in dentists, especially, those who worked in the public sector and those who were afraid to work with other health professionals.

Understanding the Unmet Accommodation Needs of People Working with Mental or Cognitive Conditions: The Importance of Gender, Gendered Work, and Employment Factors

PURPOSE

Workplace support needs for women and men living with mental health conditions are not well understood. This study examined workplace accommodation and support needs among women and men with and without mental health or cognitive conditions and individual and workplace factors associated with having unmet needs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 3068 Canadian workers collected information on disability, gender, gendered occupations, job conditions, work contexts, and workplace accommodations. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined gender- and disability-based differences in unmet needs for workplace flexibility, work modifications, and health benefits, and the association of work context (i.e., work schedule, job sector) and job conditions (i.e., precarious work) on the likelihood of unmet accommodation needs. The additive (i.e., super- or sub-additive) and multiplicative effects of disability, gender, and occupational gender distribution on the probability of unmet accommodation needs were also assessed.

RESULTS

The most common unmet workplace accommodation was work modifications reported by 35.9% of respondents with mental/cognitive disability and workplace flexibility reported by 19.6% of individuals without a mental/cognitive disability. Women, employees in female dominant occupations, and participants with mental/cognitive disabilities were more likely to report unmet needs compared with men, employees in non-female dominant occupations, and participants without disabilities but these findings were largely explained by differences in job conditions and work contexts. No interacting effects on the likelihood of reporting unmet needs for workplace accommodations were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

To support employee mental health, attention is needed to address work contexts and job conditions, especially for people working with mental/cognitive disabilities, women, and workers in female-dominated occupations where unmet accommodation needs are greatest.

Improving Supervisor Confidence in Responding to Distressed Health Care Employees

BACKGROUND

Professional distress and burnout are increasingly common among health professionals. This trend prompted stakeholders at a large multicenter health care system to survey supervisors for improvement opportunities. The stakeholders learned that workplace leaders lacked tools and direction for appropriately responding to distressed employees. The authors implemented a supervisor training video on providing resources to improve employee mental health.

METHODS

Using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) methodology, the authors conducted key stakeholder interviews to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Next, an e-mail survey was administered to a representative sample of supervisors that asked about degree of confidence in responding appropriately to distressed employees, with the response options "very confident," "somewhat confident," and "not at all confident." After identifying factors contributing to low supervisor confidence, the research team developed and disseminated a six-minute, on-demand video to train supervisors to respond appropriately to employees during a mental health crisis. The same group of supervisors were surveyed using the same survey after exposure to the video, and responses were collected from those who had viewed the video but had not answered the preintervention survey.

RESULTS

The proportion of supervisors who responded "not at all confident" in the survey decreased from 7.1% (15/210) of responses to 0.8% (1/123), while the proportion of supervisors who chose "somewhat confident" increased significantly, from 62.9% (132/210) to 69.1% (85/123) (p = 0.03). Of the 28 supervisors who had not participated in the presurvey and viewed the video, none indicated that they were "not at all confident." The percentage of supervisors who felt distress "sometimes" or more frequently from navigating and supporting employee emotional concerns decreased nonsignificantly from 41.9% (88/210) to 37.4% (46/123) (p = 0.87).

CONCLUSION

Simple, on-demand supervisor training videos can improve the confidence of supervisors to respond appropriately to distressed employees, which may indirectly contribute to improved employee mental health.

"Definitely a Dark Time:" professional and ethical issues in post-acute care physical therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Disproportionate effects of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic on older adults in post-acute care settings created many professional and ethical challenges for patients and healthcare providers.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the professional and ethical issues of physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in providing facility-based post-acute care in residential settings (skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term acute care hospitals) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive research design was used to explore professional and ethical issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. PTs and PTAs described their experiences during semi-structured interviews conducted virtually. Interview data was analyzed with reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis produced 4 themes: facility-wide battle against infection and death, doing the best you can to provide care amidst COVID-19 constraints, promoting ethical good and doing the right thing, and a dark intense time.

CONCLUSIONS

Professional and ethical constraints on providing care faced by PTs and PTAs during the COVID-19 pandemic can inform current and future clinical practice. Although some of the challenges faced by PTs and PTAs were unique to COVID-19, many problems represent preexisting systemic and organizational issues that were exacerbated by the pandemic.

Assessing depression and anxiety among young adults after epidemics and pandemics: a cross-sectional study in Anyang, China

It has been well established that pandemics affect mental health, yet few studies have been conducted in China regarding this issue following COVID-19's gradual decline and the recent H1N1 influenza outbreak. In response to this research gap, this investigation explores the risk factors linked to depression and anxiety symptoms among young adults in this specific setting. Data were collected via an online cross-sectional survey of 385 young adults living in Anyang city, Henan Province, China, between June 15 and July 21, 2023. Respondents were assessed for anxiety and depression symptoms using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales. Additionally, to examine the factors that influenced the study, we utilized an ordered logit regression model. Results revealed depression and anxiety prevalence rates of 33.3% and 21.6%, respectively. Several factors were found to increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety among young adults, including gender, age, education status, marital status, and attitudes towards epidemics. Participants' concerns about pandemics and viruses had a significant negative impact relationship on depression levels. Women report moderate to severe anxiety more frequently than men. An evident correlation can be observed between the educational attainment level and the influence of depression and anxiety.

Socioeconomic impacts of airborne and droplet-borne infectious diseases on industries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recent pandemics have had far-reaching effects on the world's largest economies and amplified the need to estimate the full extent and range of socioeconomic impacts of infectious diseases outbreaks on multi-sectoral industries. This systematic review aims to evaluate the socioeconomic impacts of airborne and droplet-borne infectious diseases outbreaks on industries.

METHODS

A structured, systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IDEAS/REPEC, OSHLINE, HSELINE, and NIOSHTIC-2 were reviewed. Study quality appraisal was performed using the Table of Evidence Levels from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Joanna Briggs Institute tools, Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and Center of Evidence Based Management case study critical appraisal checklist. Quantitative analysis was not attempted due to the heterogeneity of included studies. A qualitative synthesis of primary studies examining socioeconomic impact of airborne and droplet-borne infectious diseases outbreaks in any industry was performed and a framework based on empirical findings was conceptualized.

RESULTS

A total of 55 studies conducted from 1984 to 2021 were included, reporting on 46,813,038 participants working in multiple industries across the globe. The quality of articles were good. On the whole, direct socioeconomic impacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019, influenza, influenza A (H1N1), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, tuberculosis and norovirus outbreaks include increased morbidity, mortality, and health costs. This had then led to indirect impacts including social impacts such as employment crises and reduced workforce size as well as economic impacts such as demand shock, supply chain disruptions, increased supply and production cost, service and business disruptions, and financial and Gross Domestic Product loss, attributable to productivity losses from illnesses as well as national policy responses to contain the diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that airborne and droplet-borne infectious diseases have inflicted severe socioeconomic costs on regional and global industries. Further research is needed to better understand their long-term socioeconomic impacts to support improved industry preparedness and response capacity for outbreaks. Public and private stakeholders at local, national, and international levels must join forces to ensure informed systems and sector-specific cost-sharing strategies for optimal global health and economic security.

Professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement of healthcare professionals in two Greek hospitals during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of healthcare professionals has emerged as an issue of great concern.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the levels of professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement among healthcare professionals in two Greek hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2021 in two public hospitals in Greece. To assess the levels of professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement, respondents completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL-V), the Psychological Well-being (PWB) scale, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17).

RESULTS

A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed, and 102 were returned (response rate: 68%). It was found that as burnout levels increased, the levels of work engagement decreased (rho = -0.36, p-value < 0.01). Higher levels of compassion satisfaction were associated with higher work engagement (rho = 0.48, p-value < 0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed that healthcare personnel's contact with patients or service users exposed to or who have experienced traumatic events was associated with less positive relationships with others (and, consequently, lower levels of psychological well-being) (p-value = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals in the two public hospitals in Greece, experienced moderate levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their psychological well-being was also found to be moderate, and their levels of work engagement were moderate to high. Supporting the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare professionals is essential for their ability to provide high-quality care in times of crisis, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Cross-sectional Study on the Impact of Unfair Treatment Associated With COVID-19 Infection and Psychological Distress in Japanese Workers

OBJECTIVE

Psychological distress is commonly reported sequela in COVID-19-infected people. We investigated the association between experiencing COVID-19 infection and psychological distress in Japan.

METHOD

A total of 14,901 persons who participated in a follow-up survey in December 2022 were included in the analysis. Odds ratios and regression coefficients were estimated by statistical analysis, with history of COVID-19 infection as the independent variable and presence of psychological distress as the dependent variable.

RESULT

Experiencing COVID-19 infection was associated with psychological distress. In a model adjusted for "feeling treated unfairly," the association between infection experience and a high K6 score was significantly attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that the experience of COVID-19 infection is associated with psychological distress. Moreover, most cases of psychological distress among those who experienced COVID-19 infection can be at least partly explained by a perception of unfair treatment.

"We always felt psychologically unstable": A qualitative study of midwives' experiences in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania

AIM

We explored midwives' experiences and challenges in providing maternity care during the period of the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dodoma.

DESIGN

Phenomenological study design was used to explore midwives' experiences and challenges in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania.

METHODS

We conducted interviews with a total of 23 midwives, using semi-structured interviews and an audio recorder. Five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. To analyse the data, we used interpretive phenomenological thematic data analysis with NVivo software. To analyse templates, we followed a step-by-step process, starting with familiarizing ourselves with the data, followed by preliminary coding, organizing themes, developing an initial coding template, using the initial template, refining the template and finally applying it to the entire dataset.

RESULTS

It was found that three themes and eight subthemes merged in the current study. The main themes were ① mental health distress, ② work environment challenges and ③ isolation of midwives by different groups.

PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Reducing risk and protecting midwives from infectious diseases will improve the workforce, reduce the number of hospital stays, reduce the cost of hospital services, improve birth outcomes and indirectly improve family, community and national economies.

CONCLUSION

Due to the system's failure to provide psychological support, protective environment and isolation rooms for confirmed or suspected cases put midwives at a higher risk of contracting the virus and had to work in a stressful environment. In addition to having the right tools, midwives must also receive emotional and psychological support in order to be at their best. The system must ensure that midwives are ready for uncertain times, such as pandemic infectious disease outbreaks, by providing protective work place environment such as personal protective equipment, psychological support and isolation room for confirmed COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19's impact on worker stress in human service organizations: The mediating role of inclusion

Human service organizations faced extraordinary challenges due to COVID-19. Despite the increasing interest and research in this new scenario, there has been limited discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on workers, the challenges they faced, and the resulting stress. This study aimed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on work-related stress and the mediating role of inclusion among workers in human service organizations in Chile during the pandemic. The research design was quantitative and involved a sample of 173 workers from civil society organizations who were contacted during the pandemic. The study confirmed that individuals most affected by the pandemic experienced higher levels of work-related stress, and that inclusion played a negative mediating role in this relationship. This article highlights the importance of relationships, decision-making processes, and access to information in reducing stress in post-COVID scenarios for organizations that traditionally handle crises.

Psychopathological Burden among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic Compared to the Pre-Pandemic Period

This retrospective observational study on hospital staff requesting an "application visit" (from 2017 to 2022) at the Occupational Medicine department aimed at comparing a "pre-COVID group" (2017-2019) with a "COVID group" (2020-2022) regarding (a) sociodemographic data (i.e., age, sex, occupation, years of employment at the hospital), (b) rate and type of psychiatric diagnoses in both groups and rate of psychiatric diagnoses per subject, and (c) rate of drug/psychotherapeutic prescriptions. Two hundred and five healthcare workers (F = 73.7%; mean age = 50.7 ± 10.33) were visited. Compared with the pre-COVID group, healthcare workers evaluated during COVID-19 were significantly younger and reported fewer years of employment at the hospital. Although rates of primary psychiatric diagnoses were similar in both samples, an increased number of psychopathologies per subject and associated treatment prescriptions in the COVID group was observed. In the COVID group, 61% had one psychiatric diagnosis, and 28% had 2+ psychiatric diagnoses, compared with 83.8% and 6.7% of pre-COVID. Furthermore, 56.2%/1.9% in pre-COVID and 73%/6% in the COVID group were prescribed drugs/psychotherapy, respectively. The findings of the present study highlighted an increase in both younger workers' requests and psychiatric comorbidities during the pandemic, representing a burden on the Italian healthcare system. It is thus relevant to address the mental health challenges of healthcare workers accordingly.

Factors affecting the work passion of physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in Thailand

PURPOSE

This qualitative study explores the factors influencing physicians' work passion during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Thai medical context.

METHODS

Using an appreciative inquiry (AI) approach, we conducted qualitative interviews with 30 physicians from a public hospital in Thailand to investigate the factors that influence passion for their professional work (work passion).

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed 12 codes influencing physician work passion, which were grouped into four themes: job factors (meaningful work, challenging tasks, task accomplishment, autonomy, work-life balance); organizational factors (fairness, positive environment); relationship factors (having a role model, psychological support, collaboration, recognition and respect); and individual factors (spiritual drive).

CONCLUSION

These findings contribute to developing knowledge about work passion among physicians and provide information to develop effective strategies to harness and manage work passion, thus improving clinical practice and healthcare outcomes. This qualitative study sheds light on the factors that influence physician work passion during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, providing valuable information for future research and guiding the development of strategies to optimize work passion and its impact on clinical practice.

A Qualitative Study Exploring White-Collar Employee/Manager Experiences of Mental Health and Well-being Initiatives in Corporate Environments

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to explore white-collar corporate employee/manager experiences of current employer-led mental health and well-being initiatives.

METHODS

Twenty-five participants took part in semistructured interviews yielding over 19 hours of data. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was undertaken. Participants worked for organizations including investment banks, insurers, asset managers, consultants, public relations, marketing, and legal firms.

RESULTS

Many participants were skeptical of the effectiveness of current company-led mental health and well-being initiatives against a backdrop of high job demands and unsupportive cultures. A commonly expressed view was that organizations were paying lip service to the issue. Participants communicated that more leadership role modeling on mental health and well-being, supportive job designs, and accessible skills-focused psychological support would be beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

Corporate white-collar employees/managers welcome mental health and well-being initiatives but are skeptical about their current effectiveness.

Prevalence and influencing factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms among hospital-based healthcare workers during the surge period of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chinese mainland: a multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

From November 2022 to February 2023, the Chinese mainland experienced a surge in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization, and the hospital-based healthcare workers (HCWs) might suffer serious psychological crisis during this period. This study aims to assess the depressive and anxiety symptoms among HCWs during the surge of COVID-19 pandemic and to provide possible reference on protecting mental health of HCWs in future infectious disease outbreaks.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out among hospital-based HCWs in the Chinese mainland from 5 January to 9 February 2023. The PHQ-9 (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire) and GAD-7 (seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire) were used to measure depressive and anxiety symptoms. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify influencing factors.

RESULTS

A total of 6522 hospital-based HCWs in the Chinse mainland were included in this survey. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the HCWs was 70.75%, and anxiety symptoms was 47.87%. The HCWs who perceived higher risk of COVID-19 infection and those who had higher work intensity were more likely to experience depressive and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, higher levels of mindfulness, resilience and perceived social support were negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that a high proportion of HCWs in the Chinese mainland suffered from mental health disturbances during the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience, mindfulness and perceived social support are important protective factors of HCWs' mental health. Tailored interventions, such as mindfulness practice, should be implemented to alleviate psychological symptoms of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic or other similar events in the future.

The Development and Integration of a Safety Officer Role to Facilitate Prevention of COVID-19 Virus Transmission in an Adult Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting Using Collaborative Change Leadership Methodology

BACKGROUND

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large urban academic hospital responded by creating the temporary role of a "Safety Officer (SO)." The key task of the SO role was to supervise staff donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) and provide real-time feedback on their performance. The support for safe donning and doffing would contribute to staff well-being by reducing their fear of infection transmission.

METHODS

A Collaborative Change Leadership (CCL) approach was used to facilitate the development, implementation, and evaluation of the role. This included an iterative feedback process with clinicians and safety officers to continually refine the role.

FINDINGS

Feedback indicated value in the initiative as increasing staff confidence about preventing virus transmission, as well as their sense of safety at work. Areas for future improvement included additional communication strategies for interprofessional teams and external partners, as well as planning around logistics to better support the safety officers in performing this new, temporary role.

CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE

The Safety Officer role was able to help alleviate concerns regarding potential infection transmission and contribute positively to staff well-being.

Synergistic Epidemic or Syndemic: An Emerging Pattern of Human Diseases

Synergistic epidemics refer to the phenomenon where the occurrence and interaction of multiple diseases or health conditions exacerbate their individual impact, leading to complex health challenges and increased vulnerability in populations. Syndemics are a complex, multilevel phenomenon. In a population with biological interactions, a syndemic is the accumulation of two or more concurrent or sequential epidemics, which significantly worsens the situation. Disease concentration, disease interaction, and their underlying social forces, such as poverty and social inequality, are the fundamental concepts. Extensive political, economic, and cultural factors have contributed to cluster epidemics of several infectious diseases, particularly HIV and tuberculosis. Concerning the SAVA (substance abuse, violence, AIDS) syndemic, this narrative review article explores the complex interactions between substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS. Further, it describes in-depth interactions between the COVID-19 syndemic's health conditions, societal factors, biological factors, and global dynamics. The review also emphasizes how infectious and non-communicable diseases interact, emphasizing how having one condition can make the severity and outcomes of another worse. It investigates the causes of synergistic epidemics and the impact of environmental factors. Syndemics acknowledge that the presence of one condition can worsen the severity and progression of others and take into account the intricate relationships between diseases. We can create more efficient plans to enhance health outcomes, lessen disparities, and promote healthier communities by understanding the connections between disorders and the underlying social determinants. This narrative review provides insights into the emerging patterns of human diseases within synergistic epidemics.

Beliefs, attitudes and feelings about work among healthcare workers and teachers during the fifth wave of COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

To compare the beliefs, attitudes and feelings about work of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and teachers living in the Canary Islands (Spain) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

The study had two parts. In Part 1, the Delphi technique was used to adapt a questionnaire. Part 2 was a cross-sectional, comparative study, performed from August 31st to October 25th, 2021 using the questionnaire online distributed to samples of HCPs and teachers. The questionnaire had three dimensions each separated into three sections (i.e., beliefs [coping ability, prevention and organisation]; attitudes [risks, commitments, and obligations]; feelings about work [burnout, support and work satisfaction]).

RESULTS

In total 1423 questionnaires were available for analysis, 640 from teaching staff and 783 from HCPs. Significant differences were found in eight of the nine sections. HCPs had a more positive attitude towards work compared with teachers, but had more negative beliefs and feelings about work. In addition, by comparison with teachers, HCPs were more committed to their work, more predisposed to take risks and fulfill their obligations, even though our sample of teachers felt more supported and satisfied at work.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the pandemic caused a greater negative impact on job satisfaction of HCPs compared with teachers because they felt less supported by their superiors, which had a greater impact on their psychological health.

Lessons learned from behaviors of the employees in Iranian banks during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis: A phenomenological study

The aim of this research is to analyze the experiences of employees during the Covid-19 pandemic cri-sis and conceptualize the lessons learned to deal with similar crises in the future. To achieve this, a qualitative approach with a phenomenological strategy was conducted through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 16 front-line employees of Bank Melli, the largest state bank in Iran. The study found that employee behavior plays a critical role in crisis management, with functional behaviors such as preventive measures, stress management, and sharing valid information being essential. Dysfunctional behaviors such as resistance to change and inconsistent behaviors were also identified. The prevention of infection and stress management were identified as key behaviors to cope with the crisis, while media literacy and acceptance of change were crucial for correct information analysis and crisis management. Overall, the study highlights the challenges faced by employees during the Covid-19 crisis and provides valuable lessons from a behavioral perspective for managers in the banking industry to manage disruptions caused by current and future pandemics. The study emphasizes the importance of learning from the lessons of the Covid-19 crisis to reduce negative effects on physical and mental health.

Nature in the Office: A Systematic Review of Nature Elements and Their Effects on Worker Stress Response

Work-related stress is a significant problem in many work environments and can have negative consequences for both employees and organisations. This review aimed to identify which elements of biophilic design in the workplace affect workers' stress response. To enable this, a literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, Scopus, and Medline. The search was limited to articles published from 2012 to June 2023. This review only integrated quantitative data, incorporating twelve records for qualitative synthesis. The selected studies suggest that strategies such as access to outdoor environments or the creation of outdoor areas are effective in reducing stress in the workplace. If these are not feasible, the examined research advocates the use of virtual means to recreate such relaxation or break spaces. Furthermore, aspects of interest for future research were identified, such as multisensory stimulation, including the sense of smell, the exploration of views with natural elements, the creation of shelters, or the study of biomorphic forms.

The mediation effect analysis of nurse's mental health status and burnout under COVID-19 epidemic

Aim

The objective of this study is to investigate the mental health status of nurses during the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia. Additionally, we aim to analyze the relationship between anxiety, depression, and burnout among nurses. The findings will provide a scientific basis for promoting the psychological health of nurses.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional study, nurses in Quanzhou in May 2020 completed a general information questionnaire, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Data analysis was conducted using structural equation model.

Results

372 questionnaires were returned, with a response rate of 92.5%. The prevalence of anxiety and depression among the participants were 45.2 and 41.4%, respectively. The prevalence of severe burnout among nurses was found to be 7.3%. There was a correlation between nurses' anxiety, depression, and job burnout. The correlation coefficients between anxiety and job burnout, depression and job burnout, and anxiety and depression were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). Depression plays a mediating role between anxiety and jod burnout (0.584/1.413, 41.3%).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in moderate to high levels of job burnout among nurses. In this context, depression has been found to play a mediating role in the relationship between anxiety and job burnout. It is imperative for hospital administrators to prioritize the mental health of nurses and the provide necessary support to ensure their well-being.

Risk factors of developing psychological problems among frontline healthcare professionals working in the COVID-19 pandemic era: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study sought to evaluate the risk factors behind developing psychological problems as per specific mental health assessment instruments. This study focuses specifically on frontline healthcare professionals of the COVID-19 pandemic era, and evaluated the psychological assessment of frontline healthcare professionals.

METHODS

Studies reporting on the psychological assessment of frontline healthcare professionals were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases. The recommended method was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. The random-effects method was applied when significant heterogeneity was observed.

RESULTS

The combined results from the 20 included articles indicated that frontline healthcare professionals had a higher risk of developing anxiety in comparison with non-frontline healthcare workers, with similar levels of depression scoring were observed. Healthcare providers aged > 40 years had a lower probability of developing anxiety and seemed to experience minimal depression. Conversely, frontline workers had a higher incidence of anxiety than that of depression. Being single (not in a relationship) could influence the PHQ-9 scores instead of those concerning the GAD-7. The gender gap was not proven to be significantly wide between healthcare professionals with or without anxiety; however, being male was proven to be positively correlated with depression.

CONCLUSION

In general, the risk factors for susceptibility to psychological problems among frontline healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic concerned those of a lower age, being single, being male, and being engage in frontline healthcare work.

Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Musculoskeletal Complaints and Psychological Well-Being of Employees in Public Services-A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented restrictions on public and private life. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of employees in the public sector, especially patient-related professions.

METHODS

For the data collection in summer 2021, an online questionnaire was used. Compared to a pre-pandemic point of time, the prevalence, frequency, and intensity of musculoskeletal pain, mental well-being, health status, and quality of life were recorded.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was completed by 1678 employees (f: 1045, m: 617). A total of 1504 employees (89.6%) were affected by complaints. Compared to before the pandemic, the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal complaints and psychological distress increased significantly. Patient-related professions (n = 204) showed significantly higher levels of stress and discomfort in several aspects (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in musculoskeletal complaints and a decrease in psychological well-being. Preventive factors related to mental health were identified as male gender, a middle- to older-age group, employees with children, and working from home. Attention should be drawn to these findings and prevention strategies should be brought into focus to strengthen the employees' health. Special focus should be drawn to patient-related professions who are particularly confronted with pandemic-associated challenges.