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Zurita-Ortega F, Galeano-Rojas D, Tenelanda-López D, Cresp-Barria M, Farias-Valenzuela C, Valdivia-Moral P. Association between Quality of Life, Confinement, and Sex in Adults: A Multigroup Structural Equation Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:774. [PMID: 38610196 PMCID: PMC11011266 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070774] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The state of confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of life of the general population. This study aims to define and contrast an explanatory model of the quality of life in adults and to analyze the relationships between these variables based on the state of confinement and sex. A total of 872 people from Chile aged between 17 and 50 (M = 21.70 years; SD= 3.272), of both sexes (60.90% male and 39.1% female) participated in this research, of whom 46.6% were not confined when tested and 53.4% were confined, analyzing the quality of life. A model of multi-group structural equations was performed, which adjusted very well (χ2 = 559.577; DF = 38; p < 0.001; IFC = 0.934; NFI = 0.916; IFI = 0.934; RMSEA = 0.061). The results show a positive and direct relationship among all the variables studied and the structural equation model proposed according to confinement and sex reveals a good fit in all the evaluation indexes. Stress and sleep, personality, and introspection were the indicators with the greatest influence in the four models, followed by the family and friends indicator with a medium correlation strength, such as the health monitoring dimension, although this was not as influential in confined individuals. The main conclusions are that the best adjustments are obtained in confined adults and females, and the data show that the psychological indicators obtained (stress and sleep, personality, and introspection) have the greatest influence on adults in the four models proposed with regard to their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Zurita-Ortega
- Department of Didactics Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education Science, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (F.Z.-O.); (D.G.-R.)
| | - Dilan Galeano-Rojas
- Department of Didactics Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education Science, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (F.Z.-O.); (D.G.-R.)
| | - Dennys Tenelanda-López
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060150, Ecuador;
- School of Dentistry, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060150, Ecuador
| | - Mauricio Cresp-Barria
- Departamento de Educación e Innovación, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
| | | | - Pedro Valdivia-Moral
- Department of Didactics Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education Science, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (F.Z.-O.); (D.G.-R.)
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Hilal S, Kolozsvári LR, Indrayathi PA, Saeed SN, Rurik I. Psychological Distress and Food Insecurity among International Students at a Hungarian University: A Post-Pandemic Survey. Nutrients 2024; 16:241. [PMID: 38257134 PMCID: PMC10820830 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020241] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was two-fold: Firstly, to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress among international students at a Hungarian university two years after the COVID-19 outbreak; and secondly, to identify its demographic and socioeconomic factors, with special regard to the students' food-security status. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out from 27 March to 3 July 2022 among international students at the University of Debrecen. The questionnaire included information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, food-security status (six-item United States Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module (USDA-FSSM)), and psychological distress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21)). Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine the potential associations between demographic/socioeconomic factors and psychological distress. Additionally, multiple logistic regression was employed to further analyze these associations. Of 398 participants, 42.2%, 48.7%, and 29.4% reported mild to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. The ages 18-24 (AOR = 2.619; 95% CI: 1.206-5.689) and 25-29 (AOR = 2.663; 95% CI: 1.159-6.119), reporting a low perception of health status (AOR = 1.726; 95% CI: 1.081-2.755), and being food insecure (AOR = 1.984; 95% CI: 1.274-3.090) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Being female (AOR = 1.674; 95% CI: 1.090-2.571), reporting a low perception of health status (AOR = 1.736; 95% CI: 1.098-2.744), and being food insecure (AOR = 2.047; 95% CI: 1.327-3.157) were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, being female (AOR = 1.702; 95% CI: 1.026-2.824)), living with roommates (AOR = 1.977; 95% CI: 1.075-3.635), reporting a low perception of health status (AOR = 2.840; 95% CI: 1.678-4.807), and being food insecure (AOR = 2.295; 95% CI:1.398-3.767) were significantly associated with symptoms of stress. Psychosocial programs combined with strategies to alleviate food insecurity are required to enhance international students' mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soukaina Hilal
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (L.R.K.); (P.A.I.)
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (S.N.S.); (I.R.)
| | - László Róbert Kolozsvári
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (L.R.K.); (P.A.I.)
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (S.N.S.); (I.R.)
| | - Putu Ayu Indrayathi
- Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (L.R.K.); (P.A.I.)
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (S.N.S.); (I.R.)
| | - Sami Najmaddin Saeed
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (S.N.S.); (I.R.)
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Debrecen, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Imre Rurik
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (S.N.S.); (I.R.)
- Department of Family Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Perczel-Forintos D, Kovács IÁ, Elek LP. [Intensive cognitive behavioral group therapy for the treatment of panic disorder]. Orv Hetil 2023; 164:1665-1672. [PMID: 37865926 DOI: 10.1556/650.2023.32892] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Panic disorder is one of the most commonly occurring emotional disorder, showing increased prevalence rates since the COVID-19 pandemic. The ever-growing number of patients in need of treatment is a heavy burden on the healthcare system, which draws attention to the importance of low-intensity, short and effective psychological interventions in the treatment of mental disorders, especially in the field of primary care. According to international guidelines, the recommended evidence-based treatment of panic disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy, which is based on the cognitive model of panic disorder. According to the model, a panic attack develops in those who catastrophize the symptoms of the normal stress reaction, i.e., consider them a sign of a serious physical illness such as heart-attack and react to this with intense anxiety. OBJECTIVE Based on Salkovskis and Clark (1986), we developed a 5 session, intensive cognitive behavioral group therapy protocol for panic patients. METHOD Effectiveness of the short group therapy was assessed with questionnaires (Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory) and an additional subjective scale. Paired sample t-tests were conducted. RESULTS Our results suggest that the intensity of anxiety and depressive symptoms (t(36) = 5.497, p<0.0001; Z = -4.871, p<0.0001) as well as the frequency of panic attacks (Z= -5.190, p<0.0001) decreased significantly after the 5 session group therapy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our clinical study provides further evidence by the effectiveness of low-intensity psychological interventions, offering an evidence-based protocol for professionals working in primary as well as mental health care. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(42): 1665-1672.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Perczel-Forintos
- 1 Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar, Klinikai Pszichológia Tanszék Budapest, Üllői út 25., 1091 Magyarország
| | - Illés Áron Kovács
- 1 Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar, Klinikai Pszichológia Tanszék Budapest, Üllői út 25., 1091 Magyarország
| | - Lívia Priyanka Elek
- 1 Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar, Klinikai Pszichológia Tanszék Budapest, Üllői út 25., 1091 Magyarország
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Balint L, Osvath P, Kapitany B, Rihmer Z, Nemeth A, Dome P. Suicide in Hungary during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: Subgroup investigations. J Affect Disord 2023; 325:453-458. [PMID: 36642307 PMCID: PMC9836994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 may unfavourably affect the mental health of individuals in various ways. Accordingly, the concern has been raised that national suicide rates will increase in the wake of the outbreak of the pandemic. METHODS In the current study, we tested this conjecture in three age groups (<25; 25-64; ≥65) of the Hungarian total population and the male and female populations. In addition, we assessed whether the pandemic had different effects on counts of suicides committed by violent or non-violent methods. Finally, by comparing the monthly suicide rates in 2020 and the corresponding monthly rates in 2019, we also investigated the "pulling together" hypothesis that postulates that a temporary decrease in suicides may occur after large-scale catastrophic events. RESULTS With regard to the total population only the suicide counts of individuals aged 25-64 rose significantly (p < 0.05) during the COVID months of 2020. Similar patterns, but at lower levels of significance (0.05 < p < 0.1), were found in those members of the total population aged 65 or older and among males aged between 25 and 64. Furthermore, we found that the number of violent suicides increased significantly (p < 0.05) during the COVID months. Finally, our results have not confirmed the existence of a "pulling together" phenomenon in association with the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary. LIMITATIONS We used non-individual level data and were therefore unable to control suicide risk factors at the level of individuals. DISCUSSION The number of suicides rose significantly in some subgroups of the Hungarian population during the COVID months of 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lajos Balint
- Demographic Research Institute of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Sociology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Peter Osvath
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balazs Kapitany
- Demographic Research Institute of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Rihmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; National Institute of Mental Health, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Nemeth
- National Institute of Mental Health, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Dome
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; National Institute of Mental Health, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary.
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Tsaturyan V, Manvelyan A, Balayan M, Harutyunyan N, Pepoyan E, Torok T, Chikindas M, Pepoyan A. Host genetics and gut microbiota composition: Baseline gut microbiota composition as a possible prognostic factor for the severity of COVID-19 in patients with familial Mediterranean fever disease. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1107485. [PMID: 37065143 PMCID: PMC10098164 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1107485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is known that the gut microbiome of a healthy person affects the process of COVID-19 after getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is also believed that colchicine can alleviate the severity of COVID-19. Objective Current investigations aimed to evaluate the associations between the baseline gut microbiota composition of healthy and Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) - carrier Armenian men populations, and the severity of the COVID-19 disease after their infection with the SARS-CoV-2. The study has a purpose of answering three core questions: i. Do the characteristics of gut microbiome of Armenians affect the course of COVID-19 severity? ii. How does the COVID-19 disease course on go for FMF patients who have been taking colchicine as a medication over the years after getting infected with SARS-CoV-2? iii. Is there an initial gut micribiota structure pattern for non-FMF and FMF patients in the cases when COVID-19 appears in mild form? Methods The gut microbiota composition in non-FMF and FMF patients before the first infection (mild and moderate course of COVID-19) was considered. COVID-19 was diagnosed by SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swab and/or sputum. Results The number of patients with male FMF with mild COVID-19 was approximately two times higher than that of non-FMF male subjects with COVID-19. In addition, an association of COVID-19 disease severity with the baseline gut Prevotella, Clostridium hiranonis, Eubacterium biforme, Veillonellaceae, Coprococcus, and Blautia diversities in the non-FMF and FMF populations were revealed by us, which can be used as risk/prognostic factor for the severity of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardan Tsaturyan
- Faculty of Military Medicine, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia
- International Association for Human and Animals Health Improvement, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Anahit Manvelyan
- International Association for Human and Animals Health Improvement, Yerevan, Armenia
- Division of Food Safety and Biotechnology, Armenian National Agrarian University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Marine Balayan
- International Association for Human and Animals Health Improvement, Yerevan, Armenia
- Division of Food Safety and Biotechnology, Armenian National Agrarian University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Natalya Harutyunyan
- International Association for Human and Animals Health Improvement, Yerevan, Armenia
- Division of Food Safety and Biotechnology, Armenian National Agrarian University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Elya Pepoyan
- International Association for Human and Animals Health Improvement, Yerevan, Armenia
- Division of Food Safety and Biotechnology, Armenian National Agrarian University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Tamas Torok
- Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Michael Chikindas
- Health Promoting Naturals Laboratory, Rutgers State University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Astghik Pepoyan
- International Association for Human and Animals Health Improvement, Yerevan, Armenia
- Division of Food Safety and Biotechnology, Armenian National Agrarian University, Yerevan, Armenia
- The International Scientific-Educational Center of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
- *Correspondence: Astghik Pepoyan
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Delpino FM, da Silva CN, Jerônimo JS, Mulling ES, da Cunha LL, Weymar MK, Alt R, Caputo EL, Feter N. Prevalence of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 2 million people. J Affect Disord 2022; 318:272-282. [PMID: 36096370 PMCID: PMC9462928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uncertainty, disruptions in daily routines, and concerns for the health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely associated with increases in generalized anxiety. The present study aimed to systematically review the literature in order to identify the update prevalence of anxiety in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis. It included studies that assessed the prevalence of anxiety among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS In total, we included 194 studies. The general prevalence of anxiety was 35.1 %, affecting approximately 851,000 participants. The prevalence in low and middle-income countries (35.1 %; 95%CI: 29.5 % to 41.0 %) was similar compared to high-income countries (34.7 %; 95%CI: 29.6 % to 40.1 %). In studies that provided the proportion of cases in each level of anxiety disorder, mild-to-moderate anxiety affected one quarter of the participants. One in ten cases with anxiety during the COVID-19 may be living with severe or extremely anxiety disorder. Most instruments estimated similar prevalence of anxiety disorders with notable difference in the prevalence estimated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). CONCLUSION One in three adults were living with anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Mendes Delpino
- Postgraduate Program in Nursing, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | | | - Jeferson Santos Jerônimo
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Eliete Stark Mulling
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Larissa Leal da Cunha
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marina Krause Weymar
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Alt
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Eduardo L. Caputo
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Natan Feter
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Pálvölgyi Á, Morvay-Sey K, Ács P, Paár D. Validation of the Hungarian Version of the COVID Stress Scale (CSS-H). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12602. [PMID: 36231901 PMCID: PMC9566199 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and has affected every social class. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe stress and anxiety levels in the general population was reported to be 25%. This study aimed to describe the validation of the Hungarian version of the COVID Stress Scale. (2) Methods: The research study was a cross-section validation study with a representative sample (N = 1200) and a non-representative student sample (N = 350). The translation procedure was a four-step procedure. The interviewers conducted the data collection. (3) Results: The reliability of the Hungarian CSS was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlating the CSS with the PSS and WHO-WBI5. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the CSS-H factors was between 0.844 and 0.907 (representative sample) and between 0.878 and 0.936 (student sample), which qualified as very good. The reliability of the internal consistency was good for all six factors in both samples. The CSS-H total and all-domain scores significantly and positively correlated with the PSS total score and negatively correlated with well-being. (4) Conclusions: The Hungarian COVID Stress Scale is a valid, reliable instrument to measure COVID-19-related distress in the Hungarian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Pálvölgyi
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty u.4., 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kata Morvay-Sey
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty u.3., 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Pongrác Ács
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty u.3., 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Paár
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty u.3., 7621 Pécs, Hungary
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Morvay-Sey K, Trpkovici M, Ács P, Paár D, Pálvölgyi Á. Psychological Responses of Hungarian Students during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11344. [PMID: 36141616 PMCID: PMC9517411 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Changes in daily life and academic training has led to uncertainty in the higher education student population during COVID-19. The goal of the study was to examine the impacts of the pandemic on Hungarian students. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using self-report questionnaires collected in Google Forms. Eight-hundred-and-twenty-seven students (25.29 ± 8.09) took part anonymously. The respondents rate their overall physical and mental health on a 5-point Likert scale and validated scales were used: Well Being Index (WHO-5); Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS); and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS 24.0, results were considered at a significance level p ≤ 0.05. (3) Results: Positive correlation was found between MAAS and WHO-5 (r = 0.363, p < 0.001) negative correlation between MAAS and PSS-14 (r = -0.448, p < 0.001), and negative correlation between WHO-5 and PSS-14 (r = -0.671, p < 0.001). Females had higher PSS-14 mean score (32.51 ± 10.16) than males (27.71 ± 10.19; p < 0.001; Z = -5703), males (60.92 ± 12.10) had higher MAAS level than females (57.31 ± 12.51; p < 0.001; Z = -3589). No difference was found in gender regarding WHO-5 mean scores. Athletes (7.03 ± 3.27) differ significantly from non-athletes (6.00 ± 3.04) in WHO-5 (p < 0.001; Z = -4.349) and MAAS level (p = 0.012; Z = -2.498), but showed no difference in PSS-14 (p = 0.101; Z = -1.641). Students rated mental (3.01 ± 0.99) worse than physical health (3.49 ± 0.98; p < 0.001, r = 0.426) and the narrowing of social relationships worse (3.83 ± 1.26) than physical (p < 0.001, r = -0.212) and mental health (p < 0.001, r = -0.408). Females had worse mental health (2.96 ± 9.94) than males (3.20 ± 0.99; p = 0.003; Z = -2.924) and rated the narrowing of social relationships worse (3.90 ± 1.23) than males (3.59 ± 1.35; p = 0.006; Z = -2.730). (4) Conclusions: The pandemic has negatively impacted students, and it may have long-term consequences on their mental and physical health and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kata Morvay-Sey
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty u.3., 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Melinda Trpkovici
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty u.4, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Pongrác Ács
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty u.3., 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Paár
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty u.3., 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Pálvölgyi
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty u.4, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
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Jagroop-Dearing A, Leonard G, Shahid SM, van Dulm O. COVID-19 Lockdown in New Zealand: Perceived Stress and Wellbeing among International Health Students Who Were Essential Frontline Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9688. [PMID: 35955044 PMCID: PMC9368464 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the stresses and wellbeing of international postgraduate health and nursing students at a tertiary education institute in New Zealand who were mainly essential frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 lockdown. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by purposeful sampling (n = 43). The study utilised a cross-sectional survey, along with the Short Form of Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), adapted for the COVID-19 lockdown, and followed by semi-structured individual interviews. This study is the first in New Zealand to demonstrate that, with a mean PSS-10 score of 21.7 (±7.1), international health students experienced higher than optimal levels of stress, with supporting qualitative data identifying four themes for the sources of stress: (1) familial relationships, (2) essential work, (3) finances, and (4) study. However, these students coped because of the extensive support provided by their education institute and employers. These students played a critical role in the pandemic's response and made a significant public health contribution by working in the frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak. Considering the global shortage of healthcare workers and understanding the key challenges, means of coping and support provisions, as we have here, offer insights for building and maintaining a resilient and resourceful health workforce through international health and nursing students in New Zealand and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Jagroop-Dearing
- School of Health and Sport Science, Eastern Institute of Technology, Taradale Campus, 501 Gloucester Street, Hawkes Bay 4112, New Zealand
| | - Griffin Leonard
- Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Frederick Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Syed M. Shahid
- School of Health and Sport Science, Eastern Institute of Technology, Auckland Campus, 238 Queen Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Ondene van Dulm
- School of Health and Sport Science, Eastern Institute of Technology, Taradale Campus, 501 Gloucester Street, Hawkes Bay 4112, New Zealand
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Mullins RJ, Meeker TJ, Vinch PM, Tulloch IK, Saffer MI, Chien JH, Bienvenu OJ, Lenz FA. A Cross-Sectional Time Course of COVID-19 Related Worry, Perceived Stress, and General Anxiety in the Context of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-like Symptomatology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7178. [PMID: 35742432 PMCID: PMC9222603 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic within the United States of America resulted in over 800,000 deaths as of February 2022 and has been addressed by social distancing or stay-at-home measures. Collective prolonged multimodal trauma on this scale is likely to elicit symptomatology in the general population consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), somatization, anxiety, and stress. The psychological component of this response contributes substantially to the burden of this disease worldwide. This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between COVID-19-related concern, anxiety, and perceived stress on PTSD-like symptomatology over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were recruited via social media within the United States of America between 8th May 2020 and 11th August 2021 to complete an internet questionnaire including mood, personality, and COVID-19-specific scales. General anxiety and PTSD-like symptomatology were above the screening cutoffs for most respondents. These measures increased in severity over the pandemic, with the change point of our Concern scale preceding that of the other significant measures. Measures of COVID-19-related concern, generalized anxiety, and PTSD-like symptomatology were strongly correlated with each other. Anxiety, perceived stress, and PTSD-like symptomatology are strongly interrelated, increase with pandemic length, and are linked to reported levels of concern over COVID-19. These observations may aid future research and policy as the pandemic continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J. Mullins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (R.J.M.); (P.M.V.); (M.I.S.); (J.-H.C.); (F.A.L.)
| | - Timothy J. Meeker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (R.J.M.); (P.M.V.); (M.I.S.); (J.-H.C.); (F.A.L.)
| | - Paige M. Vinch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (R.J.M.); (P.M.V.); (M.I.S.); (J.-H.C.); (F.A.L.)
| | - Ingrid K. Tulloch
- Department of Psychology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA;
| | - Mark I. Saffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (R.J.M.); (P.M.V.); (M.I.S.); (J.-H.C.); (F.A.L.)
| | - Jui-Hong Chien
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (R.J.M.); (P.M.V.); (M.I.S.); (J.-H.C.); (F.A.L.)
| | - O. Joseph Bienvenu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Frederick A. Lenz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (R.J.M.); (P.M.V.); (M.I.S.); (J.-H.C.); (F.A.L.)
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11
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Shekriladze I, Javakhishvili N, Butsashvili N, Lortkipanidze M. Anxiety, Worry, Life Satisfaction and Coping During the Acute VS Prolonged Pandemic Stress: Evidence From a Repeated Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604650. [PMID: 35719738 PMCID: PMC9198216 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic remains a continuous stressor worldwide. Our study aimed at comparing the data of waves from two lockdowns in Georgia, one in the acute stress phase (May 2020) and the other in the prolonged stress phase (December 2020).Methods: In total, 750 and 716 individuals participated in the study with a repeated cross-sectional design. Sample equivalence was reached via controlling demographic variables. Anxiety, COVID-19 worry, and life satisfaction were measured along with coping behaviors and four coping styles—information-accessing/processing and action-planning (two problem-focused coping styles), and passive-submissive and avoidant (two emotion-focused coping styles).Results: As pandemic prolonged, mental health indicators worsened, the action-planning style and behavioral coping decreased, while the information-accessing/processing style increased. The link between the COVID-19 worry and the action-planning coping style was strong in the acute stage and dissapeared in the prolonged stage. The individual context, namely, a history of coronavirus in the household, accounted for lower protective behaviors and higher information seeking in the prolonged phase.Conclusion: The findings highlighted the importance of timing and general and individual contexts in coping with the pandemic.
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12
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Research on the Design Strategy of Healing Products for Anxious Users during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106046. [PMID: 35627581 PMCID: PMC9141129 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
With the spread of COVID-19 worldwide, various travel restrictions are becoming a significant trigger for anxiety. Although healing products could relieve anxiety, few scholars have proposed a practical design strategy. Therefore, we offer a design strategy for healing products that includes three phases: preparation, analysis, and verification. In Phase 1, 20 people with moderate or high anxiety are invited to rate 100 samples. Then, FCM is used to obtain representative samples. In Phase 2, a three-layer diagram (incl. the upper, middle, and lower layers) of healing products is obtained using the evaluation grid method. Subsequently, the middle layer is considered evaluation criteria. Additionally, 18 items in the lower layer are considered design guidelines. In Phase 3, we invite two teams to develop innovative designs based on design guidelines and personal experience, generating four alternatives. Finally, four alternatives and four healing commodities are evaluated using grey relation analysis and perceptual questionnaires. The consistency of both evaluations could confirm the validity of the evaluation criteria. The alternatives generated based on the design guidelines are better than other alternatives, demonstrating the effectiveness of the design guidelines. The design strategy is beneficial for developing and evaluating healing products to alleviate people’s anxiety during COVID-19.
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13
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Ciuhan GC, Nicolau RG, Iliescu D. Perceived Stress and Wellbeing in Romanian Teachers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The Intervening Effects of Job Crafting and Problem‐Focused Coping. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2022; 59:1844-1855. [PMID: 35572180 PMCID: PMC9088698 DOI: 10.1002/pits.22728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between teacher perceived stress during the online period of schooling in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and their wellbeing, with job crafting as a mediator, The study also examines the role of problem‐focused coping as a moderator in the stress‐job crafting relationship. A sample of 360 teachers, 347 females, and 13 males, aged 21–63 years answered to an online survey from October to December 2020. Regression analyses were employed to the data. The results show that the conditional indirect effects of stress on wellbeing are statistically significant for low problem‐focused coping (β = −.06, SE = 0.02, p < .001), whereas for high problem‐focused coping the effects are not statistically significant (β = .01, SE = 0.01, p > .05). The effects of stress on wellbeing are mediated by job crafting for teachers who score low on problem‐focused coping. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemics, only a small number of teachers have used problem‐focused coping. For teachers who are low on problem‐focused coping, job crafting is one of the ways through which they develop well‐being under stress conditions. Using low problem‐focused coping was helpful for teachers because they had no means to change the situation and all they could do was adapt to preserve their mental health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geanina Cucu Ciuhan
- Department of PsychologyCommunication Sciences and Social Work, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of PitestiRomania
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14
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Psychological impact of the quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic on the general European adult population: a systematic review of the evidence. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2022; 31:e27. [PMID: 35475479 PMCID: PMC9069583 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796022000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) different countries implemented quarantine measures to limit the spread of the virus. Many studies analysed the mental health consequences of restrictive confinement, some of which focused their attention on specific populations. The general public's mental health also requires significant attention, however. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 quarantine on the general population's mental health in different European countries. Risk and protective factors associated with the psychological symptoms were analysed. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on four electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Google Scholar). Studies published up until 20th April 2021, and following eligibility criteria were selected for this review. One thousand three hundred thirty-five (1335) studies were screened, 105 of which were included. Via network analysis, the current study investigated the pathways that underlie possible risk factors for mental health outcomes. RESULTS Anxiety, depression, distress and post-traumatic symptoms are frequently experienced during the COVID-19 quarantine and are often associated with changes in sleeping and eating habits. Some socio-demographic and COVID-19-related variables were found to be risk factors for an individual's wellbeing. In particular, being female, young, having a low income, being unemployed and having COVID-19-like symptoms or chronic disorders, were found to be the most common risk factors for mental health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic represented an unprecedented threat to mental health globally. In order to prevent psychological morbidity and offer support tailored to short-, medium- and long-term negative outcomes, it is essential to identify the direct and indirect psychosocial effects of the lockdown and quarantine measures, especially in certain vulnerable groups. In addition to measures to reduce the curve of viral transmission, policy makers should urgently take into consideration provisions to alleviate hazards to mental health.
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15
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Kučera D, Stuchlíková I, Mrhálek T. Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Working Adults in the Czech Republic: Analysis of Self-Report Psychological Data in a One Year Perspective. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2021; 11:1061-1072. [PMID: 34563092 PMCID: PMC8544206 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe11030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The article presents research evidence on psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economically active Czech population aged 18–64 (n = 1603; 365 men and 1238 women) within a one year perspective. The aim is to describe the differences in the reported mental health indicators (anxiety, depression, and distress) for women and men in the four age groups, two groups with different working statuses (continuation of work/interrupted working status), and between two phases of the epidemic (March to May 2020 and September 2020 to February 2021). The results point to elevated scores of negative mental health indicators (anxiety, depression, and distress) in different subgroups. More negative experiences in a pandemic situation were found, especially in groups of women, people under the age of 35, and among people with interrupted working status. The results also indicate a deterioration of symptoms over time during the epidemic.
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16
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Ripoll J, Contreras-Martos S, Esteva M, Soler A, Serrano-Ripoll MJ. Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Longitudinal Study in the Balearic Islands (Spain). J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10143191. [PMID: 34300356 PMCID: PMC8304509 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10143191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Confining the entire population to a lockdown after the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 was an unprecedented measure designed to protect the health of those living in Spain. The objective of the present study is to assess the evolution of mental health and psychological wellbeing during lockdown. To do this, we carried out a longitudinal study, via an online survey over the eight weeks of lockdown (weekly assessments). Sociodemographic variables were recorded, along with data related to COVID-19, psychological wellbeing (anxiety, depression, psychotropic drugs, consultations made to improve mood or anxiety), life satisfaction, and self-perceived health. A total of 681 individuals participated in the study, 76.8% were women; the mean age was 43 years old (SD = 12.7). Initially, high scores were reported for anxiety, depression, and the number of consultations to improve mood, but these decreased significantly over the study period. The reverse seems to be true for life satisfaction, perceived good health, and intake of psychotropic drugs. We also identified groups whose psychological wellbeing was more susceptible to the effects of lockdown. Women, those worried about their jobs after the pandemic, and those afraid of being infected were the most affected individuals. More generally, after the initial negative effect on psychological wellbeing, various indicators improved over the lockdown period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ripoll
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Health Service, 07002 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; (S.C.-M.); (M.E.); (A.S.); (M.J.S.-R.)
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara Contreras-Martos
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Health Service, 07002 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; (S.C.-M.); (M.E.); (A.S.); (M.J.S.-R.)
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Primary Care Research Support Unit Costa Ponent, University Institute for Primary Health Care Research Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magdalena Esteva
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Health Service, 07002 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; (S.C.-M.); (M.E.); (A.S.); (M.J.S.-R.)
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Aina Soler
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Health Service, 07002 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; (S.C.-M.); (M.E.); (A.S.); (M.J.S.-R.)
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Maria Jesús Serrano-Ripoll
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Health Service, 07002 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; (S.C.-M.); (M.E.); (A.S.); (M.J.S.-R.)
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
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Sánchez-Sánchez E, Díaz-Jimenez J, Rosety I, Alférez MJM, Díaz AJ, Rosety MA, Ordonez FJ, Rosety-Rodriguez M. Perceived Stress and Increased Food Consumption during the 'Third Wave' of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072380. [PMID: 34371889 PMCID: PMC8308749 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people worldwide. An increase in perceived stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as increased food consumption. The aim of this study was to find the level of perceived stress and its relationship with increased food consumption during the “third wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. This was a cross-sectional study that employed anonline self-reported frequency of consumption questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. A total of 637 subjects participated and 83.6% of respondents had moderate or high stress—more prevalent in the female and young respondents. Moreover, 36.1% of respondents reported that they had increased the frequency of consumption of some foods, mainly nuts, snacks, and jellybeans, along with coffee, tea, cocoa, and soft drinks. Eating between meals was more pronounced in those with high stress (65.1%) than in those with moderate stress (40.4%) and low stress (20.2%). Furthermore, the respondents with high stress reported greater weight gain. Thus, the results show that the level of perceived stress during the ‘third wave’ of this pandemic increased food consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Sánchez-Sánchez
- Internal Medicine Department, Punta de Europa Hospital, Algeciras, 11207 Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Universidad de Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-671-569-320
| | - Jara Díaz-Jimenez
- Campus Cádiz, Doctoral School of the University of Cádiz (EDUCA), Edificio Hospital Real (PrimeraPlanta), Plaza Falla 8, 11003 Cádiz, Spain;
| | - Ignacio Rosety
- Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Plaza Fragela, s/n, 11003 Cadiz, Spain; (I.R.); (F.J.O.)
| | - Maria José M. Alférez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain;
| | - Antonio Jesús Díaz
- Medicine Department, School of Nursing, University of Cadiz, Plaza Fragela, s/n, 11003 Cadiz, Spain;
| | - Miguel Angel Rosety
- Move-It Research Group, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Plaza Fragela, s/n, 11003 Cadiz, Spain;
| | - Francisco Javier Ordonez
- Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Plaza Fragela, s/n, 11003 Cadiz, Spain; (I.R.); (F.J.O.)
| | - Manuel Rosety-Rodriguez
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Plaza Fragela, s/n, 11003 Cadiz, Spain;
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Shekriladze I, Javakhishvili N, Chkhaidze N. Culture Related Factors May Shape Coping During Pandemics. Front Psychol 2021; 12:634078. [PMID: 34093315 PMCID: PMC8170015 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.634078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine how anxiety related to different styles of coping during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these relationships were moderated by the cultural orientations of individualism/collectivism and a person’s sense of meaning in life. A sample of 849 participants from Georgia completed an online survey during the final stage of lockdown. To measure the main variables, we used the State Anxiety Inventory, the Horizontal and Vertical Individualism and Collectivism Scale, the Meaning of Life Questionnaire, the COVID-19 Worry Scale, and the Ways of Coping Scale tailored to COVID-19 pandemic. The latter measured rational coping via the subscales of information accessing/processing and action-planning coping, and affective coping – via the subscales of passive-submissive and avoidant coping. Results suggested that anxiety positively predicted both affective coping styles and negatively predicted the action-planning coping style, while COVID-19 worry predicted all coping styles; presence of meaning in life positively predicted both rational coping styles and negatively predicted the avoidant coping style, while search for meaning positively predicted all coping styles; individualism negatively predicted the passive-submissive style and positively predicted the action-planning style, whereas collectivism predicted all coping styles; furthermore, individualism and collectivism moderated the link between anxiety and the passive-submissive coping style, presence of meaning in life moderated the link between anxiety and avoidant coping style, while search for meaning in life moderated the link between anxiety and the action-planning coping style. Overall, the findings enrich the cultural transactional theory of stress and coping, and generate insights for the culture-sensitive approach to the meaning in life. The results were conceptualized vis-a-vis Georgia’s intermediate position between clear-cut individualism and clear-cut collectivism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ia Shekriladze
- Dimitri Uznadze Institute of Psychology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Nino Javakhishvili
- Dimitri Uznadze Institute of Psychology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Nino Chkhaidze
- Dimitri Uznadze Institute of Psychology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
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19
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Abstract
Background: The primary objective worldwide during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been controlling disease transmission. However, lockdown measures used to mitigate transmission have affected human behavior and altered lifestyles, with a likely impact on chronic non-communicable diseases. More than a year into the pandemic, substantial peer-reviewed literature has emerged on altered lifestyles following the varying lockdown measures imposed globally to control the virus spread. We explored the impact of lockdown measures on six lifestyle factors, namely diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, social connectedness, and the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other harmful substances. Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed and the World Health Organization’s global literature database on COVID-19 and retrieved 649 relevant articles for the narrative review. A critical interpretative synthesis of the articles was performed. Results: Most of the articles included in the review identified the negative effect of lockdown measures on each of the lifestyle factors in many parts of the world. Encouraging lifestyle trends were also highlighted in a few articles. Such trends can positively influence the outcome of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to better understand the negative impact of strict lockdown measures on lifestyles. At the same time, it helps us identify and initiate positive behavioral changes, which, if consolidated, could improve chronic disease outcomes. It is up to governments, communities, and healthcare/academic entities to derive benefit from lessons learned from the pandemic, with the ultimate objective of better educating and promoting healthy lifestyles among communities.
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