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Gondek D, Vandecasteele L, Sánchez-Mira N, Steinmetz S, Mehmeti T, Voorpostel M. The COVID-19 pandemic and wellbeing in Switzerland-worse for young people? Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:67. [PMID: 38844962 PMCID: PMC11157761 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00760-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The key objective of our study was to describe the population-average trajectories of wellbeing, spanning the period of 2017-2022, comparing young people with other age groups. Moreover, we aimed to identify subgroups of young people who experienced disproportionate changes in wellbeing. METHODS We used longitudinal data from six waves (2017-2022) of the Swiss Household Panel. Participants were at least 14 years old in 2017 and had at least one valid composite measure of wellbeing between 2017 and 2022 (n individuals = 11,224; n observations = 49,032). The data were typically collected with telephone or web interviewing. The age of participants ranged from 14 to 102, with a roughly equal distribution of men (51.1%) and women (48.9%). We conceptualized wellbeing as positive affect and life satisfaction, negative affect, stress and psychosomatic symptoms. We described the trajectories of wellbeing using piecewise growth curve analysis. We included sociodemographic characteristics to further describe wellbeing trajectories across subgroups of young people. These comprised (1) gender, (2) migration status, (3) partnership status, (4) living with parents, (5) education/employment status, (6) household income. RESULTS Young people (age 14-25) experienced a steady decline in positive affect and life satisfaction throughout the entire period, with the greatest change occurring before the pandemic (2017-2019). The trajectories in this outcome were largely stable in other age groups. Moreover, young individuals showed a more pronounced increase in negative affect, particularly in the pre-pandemic years, compared to older groups. Negative affect increased during the pandemic, followed by a subsequent decline post-pandemic, observed similarly across all age groups. Among young people specifically, the trajectory of stress was similar to the one of negative affect. However, issues such as sleep problems, weakness, weariness, and headaches continued to increase in this population from 2017 to 2022. We also found evidence for a greater increase in negative affect during the pandemic in young women and those not in employment or education. CONCLUSIONS Given the fact that the decline in young people's wellbeing in Switzerland started two years before the pandemic, our study emphasises the importance of consideing their wellbeing within a broader systemic context beyond pandemic-related changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gondek
- FORS Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences, c/o Université de Lausanne, room 5893, Géopolis, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - L Vandecasteele
- Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Sánchez-Mira
- Institute of Sociology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - S Steinmetz
- Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - T Mehmeti
- Institute of Sociology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - M Voorpostel
- FORS Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences, c/o Université de Lausanne, room 5893, Géopolis, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Hajkova D, Sandora J, Žídková R, Malinakova K, Novak L. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Czech citizens: how do depression and anxiety symptoms influence cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes? Front Psychol 2023; 14:1204824. [PMID: 37434884 PMCID: PMC10331469 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1204824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study examined the impact of anxiety and depression symptoms during the first stage of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional changes of the Czech population. Methods The research sample (n = 2363; 48.83 ± 16.53 years; 50.15% men) was obtained using an online survey. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale (ODSIS) and the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) and associations were adjusted for age, gender, and economic status. Results The results showed that increased symptoms of anxiety and depression were significantly linked to feelings of loneliness, helplessness, reduced quality of relationship with a partner, higher probabilities of alcohol abuse, food consumption, and contemplation of existential questions. Higher symptoms of anxiety were associated with feelings of being threatened. Higher symptoms of depression symptoms increased tobacco abuse. Conclusion During the first stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher symptoms of anxiety and depression among Czech citizens were associated with behavioral, cognitive, and emotional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Hajkova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
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Korn L, Zigdon A, Davidovitch N. Academic distress among undergraduate students during COVID-19: the relevance of SES and help-seeking behaviors. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1181009. [PMID: 37377710 PMCID: PMC10291245 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1181009] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Academic distress has been frequently reported following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study estimates academic distress among undergraduate students, characterizes its nature in relation to economic, social, and health indicators, and examines the level of request for help following mental distress. Students with higher levels of academic distress were expected to show lower socio-economic status, lower social connections, and lower wellbeing indices. Methods A cross-sectional study based on a structured anonymous questionnaire was delivered online to more than 1,400 undergraduate students from one university in Israel (women, 66.7%). Results Academic distress was reported by 27.1% of the sample. Students who reported academic distress were more likely to report stress, negative psycho-somatic symptoms, changes in weight since COVID-19, low self-esteem, depressive symptoms, higher COVID-19 concerns, and higher security situation concerns. A hierarchic logistic regression model showed that the probability of reporting academic distress was 2.567 times higher (p < 0.001 95% CI [1.702, 3.871]) for those who reported lower family economic status before COVID-19 and 2.141 times higher (p = 0.004 95% CI [1.284, 3.572]) for those who highly reported depressive symptoms. In contrast, only 15.6% of those who reported academic distress sought help from academic authorities. Discussion The significant associations of academic distress with health indices indicate that the self-reported distress was real and highly related to adverse health measures. A comprehensive, collaborative model that integrates psychological, economic, and social aspects of intervention is required in times of crisis within academic institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Korn
- Department of Health Systems Management, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Avi Zigdon
- Department of Health Systems Management, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Nitza Davidovitch
- Department of Education Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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Yamanaka Y, Yoshiuchi K, Kubo C, Fukudo S. A nationwide questionnaire survey of physicians regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients and treatment system of psychosomatic medicine. Biopsychosoc Med 2023; 17:21. [PMID: 37291609 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-023-00279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the treatment system of medical institutions across the world. Studies of the populations and patients have reported mental health problems caused by the pandemic. However, there are few large-scale studies that have examined the effects of the COVID-19 on diseases from the perspective of psychosomatic medicine. The purpose of this study was to examine changes made to the psychosomatic treatment system of Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on patients with diseases treated in psychosomatic medicine. METHODS We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey of members of the Japanese Society of Psychosomatic Medicine and the Japanese Society of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine from December 24, 2021 to January 31, 2022. RESULTS Of the 325 respondents, 23% reported restrictions in initial outpatient admissions, 66% implemented telemedicine, 46% reported a decrease in outpatient admissions, and 31% working in facilities with inpatient units reported decreased inpatient admissions. To reduce in-person visits, 56% of the respondents decreased the frequency of patient visits and 66% introduced telemedicine. Seventy-eight percent of the respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the onset or exacerbation of diseases treated in psychosomatic medicine, including psychosomatic disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, and eating disorders. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic might have affected the practice of psychosomatic treatment in Japan and that various alternative measures were taken to prevent infection. In addition, although the items in this study were not compared to pre-pandemic data, the COVID-19 pandemic, it could have significant psychosocial effects on Japanese patients requiring psychosomatic care. Furthermore, respondents believed that numerous psychosocial factors were behind the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with diseases treated in psychosomatic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukari Yamanaka
- Department of Stress Sciences and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yoshiuchi
- Department of Stress Sciences and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Chiharu Kubo
- Nakamura Gakuen University, 5-7-1 Befu, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shin Fukudo
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, Japan
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Ambati SR, Kaslovsky R, Evans MT, Edge W. Vocal Cord Dysfunction During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Respir Care 2023; 68:520-523. [PMID: 36810361 PMCID: PMC10173119 DOI: 10.4187/respcare.10408] [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] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vocal cord dysfunction is an upper-airway disorder characterized by exaggerated and transient glottic constriction causing respiratory and laryngeal symptoms. Common presentation is with inspiratory stridor often in the context of emotional stress and anxiety. Other symptoms include wheezing (which may be on inspiration), frequent cough, choking sensation, or throat and chest tightness. This is seen commonly in teenagers, particularly in adolescent females. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trigger for anxiety and stress with an increase in psychosomatic illness. Our objective was to find out if the incidence of vocal cord dysfunction increased during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of all the subjects with a new diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction who were seen at the out-patient pulmonary practice at our children's hospital between January 2019-December 2020. RESULTS The incidence of vocal cord dysfunction in 2019 was found to be 5.2%, (41/786 subjects seen) compared to 10.3% (47/457 subjects seen) in 2020, which is a nearly 100% increase in incidence (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS It is important to recognize that vocal cord dysfunction has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, physicians treating pediatric patients, as well as respiratory therapists, should be aware of this diagnosis. It is imperative to avoid unnecessary intubations and treatments with bronchodilators and corticosteroids as opposed to behavioral and speech training to learn effective voluntary control over the muscles of inspiration and the vocal cords.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashikanth R Ambati
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York.
| | - Robert Kaslovsky
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Mary T Evans
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Walter Edge
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
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Fierini DF. Post-COVID somatic symptom disorders in the social media era. AGING AND HEALTH RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ahr.2023.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
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Buchtova M, Malinakova K, Novak L, Janu A, Husek V, Van Dijk JP, Tavel P. The Associations of Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic With Religiosity and Spirituality: A Cross-Sectional Study in Czech Adults. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604712. [PMID: 35769134 PMCID: PMC9235545 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: We investigated the associations between religiosity/spirituality and respondents’ changes in their relationships, feelings, thinking, and behaviour during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic.Methods: A sample of Czech adults (n = 1,434; 48.3 ± 16.4 years; 49.65% women) participated in the online survey. We measured spirituality, religiosity, self-reported changes in relationships, disrupted feelings, and changes in behaviour during the pandemic.Results: Spiritual respondents were more likely to report increased physical activity, sex, reading and self-education, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.09–1.46) to 1.56 (1.31–1.86). The combination of spirituality and religiosity led to an increase in the range of ORs to 1.57–2.69. Spiritual and religious participants were less likely to feel the decrease of hope by 70%, while mere spirituality significantly reduced the decrease of hope by only 30%. Religiosity itself led to a lower risk of reporting a disrupted day structure with an OR = 0.74 (0.58–0.95).Conclusion: Religiosity and spirituality separately help people during a pandemic in some areas. Especially their combination has a more positive impact on relationships, feelings, and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Buchtova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Marie Buchtova,
| | - Klara Malinakova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Lukas Novak
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Anna Janu
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Vit Husek
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Jitse P. Van Dijk
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik, Košice, Slovakia
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Tavel
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
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Malinakova K, Novak L, Trnka R, Tavel P. Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire: A Psychometric Evaluation and Associations with Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182412962. [PMID: 34948569 PMCID: PMC8700833 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a common human neurobiological trait that is related to many areas of human life. This trait has recently received increased public interest. However, solid scientific research on SPS is lagging behind. Progress in this area is also hindered by a lack of comprehensive research tools suitable for a rapid assessment of SPS. Thus, the aim of this study was to offer a newly developed tool, the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire (SPSQ), and to assess its psychometric properties and associations with emotional and relational variables measured during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found the tool to have good psychometric characteristics: high temporal stability (r = 0.95) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92; McDonald’s ω = 0.92). The fit of the SPSQ bi-factor model was satisfactory: χ2 (88.0) = 506.141; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.993; TLI = 0.990; RMSEA = 0.070; SRMR = 0.039. Testing of configural, metric, scalar and strict invariance suggested that the SPSQ assesses SPS equivalently between males and females. The scale’s validity was supported via a strong association with an existing SPS measure. Further, we observed higher total SPSQ scores among women, students and religious respondents, and we found that more sensitive respondents reported higher feelings of anxiety and more deterioration in relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study also identifies people with this trait as being potentially more vulnerable during periods of an increased presence of global stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Malinakova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.T.); (P.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-731-646-963
| | - Lukas Novak
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.T.); (P.T.)
| | - Radek Trnka
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.T.); (P.T.)
- Department of Science, Prague College of Psychosocial Studies, Hekrova 805, 149 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Tavel
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (L.N.); (R.T.); (P.T.)
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Zhu XY, Li Z, Chen C, Feng RL, Cheng BR, Liu RY, Wang RT, Xu L, Wang Y, Tao X, Zhao P. Physical Therapies for Psychosomatic Symptoms and Quality of Life Induced by Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745280. [PMID: 34868943 PMCID: PMC8632958 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effects of Physical Therapies (PTs) on improvement in psychosomatic symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients. Data Sources Seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang, VIP, and China Biology Medicine disc databases) were systematically searched from the database inception through May 18, 2021. Study Selection Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared acupuncture or exercise with a sham control or usual care for the treatment of aromatase inhibitors (AIs)-related psychosomatic symptoms and QOL. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data were screened and extracted independently using predesigned forms. The quality of RCTs was assessed with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The effect size was calculated via random-effects modeling. The quality of evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Main Outcomes and Measures The score of pain was measured with BPI scale and Western Ontario and the McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC) scale. Emotional state was measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue). The QOL score was measured by self-reported measurements, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scale and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scale. Results Eleven RCTs (with 830 patients) were included in the systematic review, and data from 10 RCTs (with 798 patients) were used in the meta-analysis. Results showed acupuncture significantly reduced worst pain scores (P < 0.00001, I2 = 83.5%) [SMD = −0.81, 95% CI (−1.51, −0.11)], but the effect of exercise therapies was not significant in overall change in worst pain scores (P =0.006, I2 = 72.3%) [SMD = −0.30, 95% CI (−0.76, 0.16)]. Both acupuncture and exercise resulted in little to no difference in overall change in HADS-A subscale (P = 0.026<0.05, I2 = 79.8%) [WMD = −0.21, 95% CI (−3.44, 3.03)], PSQI subscale (P = 0.488, I2 = 0%) [WMD = 0.98, 95% CI (−0.57, 2.53)], and FACIT-Fatigue subscale (P = 0.022<0.05, I2 = 81.0%) [WMD = 1.6, 95% CI (−5.75, 8.94)]. Exercise (compared with usual care) was associated with improving overall change in health-related QOL (subscales of SF-36 tool) (P = 0, I2 = 72.1%) [WMD = 7.97, 95% CI (5.68, 10.25)] and cancer-specific QOL (subscales of FACT-G tool) (P = 0.304, I2 = 16%) [WMD = 1.16, 95% CI (0.34, 1.97)]. Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that based on moderate-level evidence, acupuncture was associated with significant reductions in pain intensity, and exercise might improve QOL in breast cancer patients treated with AIs. However, in psychosomatic symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbance, and fatigue, acupuncture and exercise training did not result in significant improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ying Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ru-Li Feng
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bai-Ru Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ruo-Yi Liu
- Department of Encephalopathy, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Ting Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Tao
- School of Medical Humanities, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Analyzing Predictors of Control Measures and Psychosocial Problems Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Eight Countries. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11080106. [PMID: 34436096 PMCID: PMC8389271 DOI: 10.3390/bs11080106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has harshly impacted communities globally. This study provides relevant information for creating equitable policy interventions to combat the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to predict the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the COVID-19 pandemic at a global level to determine control measures and psychosocial problems. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to October 2020 using an online questionnaire. Questionnaires were initially distributed to academicians worldwide. These participants distributed the survey among their social, professional, and personal groups. Responses were collected and analyzed from 67 countries, with a sample size of 3031. Finally, based on the number of respondents, eight countries, including Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, the United States, and Zambia were rigorously analyzed. Specifically, questionnaire responses related to COVID-19 accessibility, behavior, knowledge, opinion, psychological health, and susceptibility were collected and analyzed. As per our analysis, age groups were found to be a primary determinant of behavior, knowledge, opinion, psychological health, and susceptibility scores. Gender was the second most influential determinant for all metrics except information about COVID-19 accessibility, for which education was the second most important determinant. Respondent profession was the third most important metric for all scores. Our findings suggest that health authorities must promote health educations, implement related policies to disseminate COVID-19-awareness that can prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 infection.
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Novak L, Malinakova K, Mikoska P, van Dijk JP, Dechterenko F, Ptacek R, Tavel P. Psychometric Analysis of the Czech Version of the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105343. [PMID: 34067852 PMCID: PMC8156475 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Empathy is a concept associated with various positive outcomes. However, to measure such a multifaceted concept, valid and reliable tools are needed. Negatively worded items (NWIs) are suspected to decrease some psychometric parameters of assessment instruments, which complicates the research of empathy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the factor structure and validity of the TEQ on the Czech population, including the influence of the NWIs. Data were collected from three surveys. In total, 2239 Czech participants were included in our study. Along with socio-demographic information, we measured empathy, neuroticism, spirituality, self-esteem, compassion and social desirability. NWI in general yielded low communalities, factor loadings and decreased internal consistency. Therefore, in the next steps, we tested the model consisting of their positively reformulated versions. A higher empathy was found in females, married and religious individuals. We further found positive associations between empathy, compassion and spirituality. After the sample was split in half, exploratory factor analysis of the model with reformulated items was followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which supported a unidimensional solution with good internal consistency: Cronbach’s α = 0.85 and McDonald’s ω = 0.85. The CFA indicated an acceptable fit χ2 (14) = 83.630; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.995; RMSEA = 0.070; SRMR = 0.037. The Czech version of the TEQ is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of empathy. The use of NWIs in Czech or in a similar language environment seems to be questionable and their rewording may represent a more reliable approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Novak
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (K.M.); (P.M.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.)
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-737-823-971
| | - Klara Malinakova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (K.M.); (P.M.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.)
| | - Petr Mikoska
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (K.M.); (P.M.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.)
| | - Jitse P. van Dijk
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (K.M.); (P.M.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.)
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | | | - Radek Ptacek
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Peter Tavel
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (K.M.); (P.M.); (J.P.v.D.); (P.T.)
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