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Searby A, Burr D, Redley B. The impact of COVID-19 on nurse alcohol consumption: A qualitative exploration. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:368-380. [PMID: 35871283 PMCID: PMC9350011 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurse alcohol consumption. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense disruption to healthcare services worldwide, and nurses have not been immune, experiencing burnout, declining mental health and ultimately, attrition from the profession. Increases in alcohol consumption have been reported across subsections of society, including those with pre-existing mental ill health and experiencing high stress, and exploring this phenomenon in nurses is essential for workforce well-being and sustainability. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive study design. METHODS Secondary analysis of individual, semi-structured interviews with nurses (N = 42) from diverse settings across Australia, including community, primary and hospital settings, conducted in July and August 2021. Data were analysed using structural coding and reported in accordance with the CORE-Q guidelines. FINDINGS Two key themes were found after analysis of the data: (1) factors influencing alcohol consumption (subthemes: workplace factors and external factors), and (2) the pandemic's influence on alcohol consumption (subthemes: increased consumption, moderation of consumption and alcohol as a reward). CONCLUSIONS Several participants described increased alcohol consumption because of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly due to the stress of working in an environment where resources were scarce. Workplace factors such as overtime, missed breaks and heightened workload were all described as driving stress, and in turn increased alcohol consumption. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Increased alcohol consumption has been associated with burnout, absenteeism and intention to leave. The nursing profession is currently undergoing significant continuing stress providing care and management to patients with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and increased alcohol consumption is a significant threat to personal and workforce well-being, workforce sustainability and quality nursing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Searby
- Deakin University, Institute for Health TransformationSchool of Nursing & MidwiferyGeelongAustralia
| | - Dianna Burr
- Deakin University, Institute for Health TransformationSchool of Nursing & MidwiferyGeelongAustralia
| | - Bernice Redley
- Deakin University, Institute for Health TransformationSchool of Nursing & MidwiferyGeelongAustralia
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Liu H, Zhou N, Zhou Z, Tao X, Kong Y, Zhang M. Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder and their relationship with the fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 burden among health care workers after the full liberalization of COVID-19 prevention and control policy in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:902. [PMID: 38053075 PMCID: PMC10696867 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought an overwhelming impact on China's hospital system and health care workers, which can lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Previous research has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic had long-term adverse effects on the mental health of health care workers. Indeed, PTSD symptoms have emerged as one of the significant mental health issues for health care workers arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we conducted this cross-sectional survey to investigate the prevalence of PTSD symptoms in health care workers and its relationship with the fear of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 burden after the full liberalization of COVID-19 prevention and control policy in China. METHODS This study was conducted three years after the global COVID-19 pandemic (January 15 to January 16, 2023). This study was conducted via the Wenjuanxing platform and used the Chinese versions of the scales PC-PTSD-5, COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (FCV-19S), Social Support Scale, COVID-19 Stress Scale, GAD-2, and PHQ-2. RESULTS The prevalence of PTSD symptoms in health care workers was 24.3% (232/955). depression(P < 0.001), anxiety(P < 0.05), the fear of COVID-19(P < 0.001), and COVID-19 burden(P < 0.001) were highly correlated with PTSD symptoms in health care workers. Social support(P < 0.05) was a protective factor of PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This survey shows that PTSD symptoms were highly prevalent among Chinese health care workers after the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments and leaders of medical institutions should, through psychological interventions, address the current situation of PTSD symptoms among health care workers and develop targeted programs and strategies to reduce their psychological problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- Department of Hemodialysis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, China
| | - Ningying Zhou
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhou
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, China
| | - Xiubin Tao
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, China
| | - Yan Kong
- School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China.
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, No. 1 Beijing East Road, Wuhu, 241000, China.
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Lee BEC, Ling M, Boyd L, Olsson CA, Sheen J. Key predictors of psychological distress and wellbeing in Australian frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19 (Omicron wave). Front Psychol 2023; 14:1200839. [PMID: 37484084 PMCID: PMC10361570 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1200839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant challenges for frontline healthcare workers' (FHW), raising many mental health and wellbeing concerns for this cohort. To facilitate identification of risk and protective factors to inform treatment and interventions, this study investigated key predictors of psychological distress and subjective wellbeing in FHWs. Methods During the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2022), Victorian (Australia) doctors, nurses, allied health and non-medical staff from Emergency Departments, Intensive Care units, Aged Care, Hospital In The Home, and COVID Wards completed a cross-sectional survey consisting of the Kessler 6 item (Psychological Distress), Personal Wellbeing Index (Subjective Wellbeing), Coronavirus Health Impact Survey tool (COVID-19 related factors) and occupational factors. Multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate unadjusted and adjusted associations. Relative weight analysis was used to compare and identify key predictors. Results Out of 167 participants, 18.1% screened positive for a probable mental illness and a further 15.3% screened positive for low wellbeing. Key risk factors for greater psychological distress included COVID infection worries, relationship stress and younger age. For both psychological distress and lower wellbeing, health status and supervisor support were key protective factors, while infection risks were key risk factors. Only positive changes in relationship quality was protective of lower wellbeing. Conclusion This study highlights the significance of social determinants and individual level factors alongside work related factors, in influencing FHWs' mental health and wellbeing during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest that future interventions and supports should take a more holistic approach that considers work, social and individual level factors when supporting FHWs' mental health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian En Chyi Lee
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew Ling
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Neami National, Preston, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Craig A. Olsson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jade Sheen
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Lee BEC, Ling M, Boyd L, Olsson C, Sheen J. The prevalence of probable mental health disorders among hospital healthcare workers during COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 330:329-345. [PMID: 36931567 PMCID: PMC10017178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be documented worldwide with systematic reviews playing a pivotal role. Here we present updated findings from our systematic review and meta-analysis on the mental health impacts among hospital healthcare workers during COVID-19. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase and Web Of Science Core Collection between 1st January 2000 to 17th February 2022 for studies using validated methods and reporting on the prevalence of diagnosed or probable mental health disorders in hospital healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A meta-analysis of proportions and odds ratio was performed using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was investigated using test of subgroup differences and 95 % prediction intervals. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 401 studies, representing 458,754 participants across 58 countries. Pooled prevalence of depression was 28.5 % (95 % CI: 26.3-30.7), anxiety was 28.7 % (95 % CI: 26.5-31.0), PTSD was 25.5 % (95 % CI: 22.5-28.5), alcohol and substance use disorder was 25.3 % (95 % CI: 13.3-39.6) and insomnia was 24.4 % (95 % CI: 19.4-29.9). Prevalence rates were stratified by physicians, nurses, allied health, support staff and healthcare students, which varied considerably. There were significantly higher odds of probable mental health disorders in women, those working in high-risk units and those providing direct care. LIMITATIONS Majority of studies used self-report measures which reflected probable mental health disorders rather than actual diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS These updated findings have enhanced our understanding of at-risk groups working in hospitals. Targeted support and research towards these differences in mental health risks are recommended to mitigate any long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathew Ling
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia; Neami National, Preston, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Craig Olsson
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Jade Sheen
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
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Barry A, Elliott M, Loewen S, Alfieri J, Bowes D, Croke J, Debenham B, Keyes M, Papadakos J, Quartey NK, Stuckless T, Lajkosv K, Weiss J, Giuliani M. The Impact of Parent and Family Caregiver Roles Among Canadian Radiation Oncologists. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 116:280-289. [PMID: 36563908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Working parents, and a rising number of adults delivering care for aging relatives, experience numerous challenges in their personal, family, professional, and financial lives owing to multiple responsibilities. This study describes the experiences of Canadian radiation oncologist (RO) parents and family caregivers, reporting challenges that may exist in providing family care with clinical and academic work commitments. METHODS AND MATERIALS Canadian ROs, via RO heads of departments in cancer centers across Canada, and physician members of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey between November 2021 and January 2022. The survey focused on demographics, experiences of pregnancy and leave, parenting and adult caregiving responsibilities, and self-care. RESULTS A total of 103 staff ROs (38%) completed the survey and 78 (75.7%) identified as having a parental (76 [89.7%]) and/or other family caregiver (8 [10.3%]) role; 41% were female and 59% were male, with no difference between genders in the number of children (median, 2; interquartile range, 1-3; P = .17). More female respondents took parental leave for their first child compared with male respondents (mean, 29 vs 6 weeks; P < .001). Of male respondents who started caring for their first child during residency, 27% took parental leave, compared with 77% who started caring for their first child as a staff member (P = .003). The majority of respondents described "always/usually" having collegial support for each pregnancy and parental leave. Both genders described parental responsibilities as negatively affecting attendance at conferences (male, 65%; female, 77%; P = .31) and early or late work-related meetings (male, 76%; female, 79%; P = 1.0). More female respondents described parental responsibilities as negatively affecting their career (50% vs 29%; P = .085). Of female respondents, 52% (vs 26% of male respondents; P = .044) identified a physician mentor or positive role model around parenting issues. CONCLUSIONS Parental and other family caregiving responsibilities are not gender unique in Canadian ROs, but competing work and family roles may affect genders differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Barry
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Mary Elliott
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaun Loewen
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joanna Alfieri
- Division of Radiation Oncology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - David Bowes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Croke
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brock Debenham
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mira Keyes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency Vancouver Centre, and Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janet Papadakos
- Cancer Health Literacy Research Centre, Cancer Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naa Kwarley Quartey
- Cancer Health Literacy Research Centre, Cancer Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teri Stuckless
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Care Program of Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Katherine Lajkosv
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Helou M, El Osta N, Husni R. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ families. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:9964-9966. [PMID: 36186190 PMCID: PMC9516914 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i27.9964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic had a significant effect on the mental health, social lives, and family relationships of healthcare workers. During the pandemic, these workers had to prioritize their work over parenting, spending time with their kids or partners, planning weddings, and childbearing plans. Therefore, special recognition should be given to the families of these employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Helou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lebanese American University school of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese American University- Rizk Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Osta
- Department of Emergency, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese American University- Rizk Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rola Husni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese American University- Rizk Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
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Schaffer GE, Kilanowski L, Lee BEC. A Qualitative Investigation of the Impact of COVID-19 on United States' Frontline Health Care Workers and the Perceived Impact on Their Family Members. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10483. [PMID: 36078199 PMCID: PMC9517839 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although previous research has documented the mental and physical health impacts that COVID-19 had on frontline health workers in the United States, little is known about how the pandemic affected their families. This study sought to explore the impact COVID-19 had on the individual functioning of frontline health care workers in the USA and the perceived impact it had on their family members during the initial nine months of the pandemic. More specifically, this study sought to explore if and how family roles, routines, rules, and social-emotional well-being changed as a result of COVID-19. Twenty-eight frontline health care workers across the United States who were parents to at least one child residing in the home under 24 were interviewed. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. From the analysis, four major themes emerged with regard to the changes and perceived impact to family functioning, family experiences of new hygiene practices, and stigma related to being a health care practitioner or having a family member working in health care, and psychological distress. The results of this study can be used by mental health clinicians to inform policy, develop practice guidelines, and help identify and target interventions for health care workers and their family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Edward Schaffer
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology, College of Education, Niagara University, Lewiston, NY 14109, USA
| | - Lisa Kilanowski
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Brian En Chyi Lee
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
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Xiang W, Chen L, Peng Q, Wang B, Liu X. How Effective Is a Traffic Control Policy in Blocking the Spread of COVID-19? A Case Study of Changsha, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137884. [PMID: 35805541 PMCID: PMC9265603 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: COVID-19 is still affecting people’s daily lives. In the past two years of epidemic control, a traffic control policy has been an important way to block the spread of the epidemic. (2) Objectives: To delve into the blocking effects of different traffic control policies on COVID-19 transmission. (3) Methods: Based on the classical SIR model, this paper designs and improves the coefficient of the infectious rate, and it builds a quantitative SEIR model that considers the infectivity of the exposed for traffic control policies. Taking Changsha, a typical city of epidemic prevention and control, as a study case, this paper simulates the epidemic trends under three traffic control policies adopted in Changsha: home quarantine, road traffic control, and public transport suspension. Meanwhile, to explore the time sensitivity of all traffic control policies, this paper sets four distinct scenarios where the traffic control policies were implemented at the first medical case, delayed by 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively. (4) Results: The implementation of the traffic control policies has decreased the peak value of the population of the infective in Changsha by 66.03%, and it has delayed the peak period by 58 days; with the home-quarantine policy, the road traffic control policy, and the public transport suspension policy decreasing the peak value of the population of the infective by 56.81%, 39.72%, and 45.31% and delaying the peak period by 31, 18, and 21 days, respectively; in the four scenarios where the traffic control policies had been implemented at the first medical case, delayed by 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively, the variations of both the peak value and the peak period timespan of confirmed cases under the home-quarantine policy would have been greater than under the road traffic control and the public transport suspension policies. (5) Conclusions: The implementation of traffic control policies is significantly effective in blocking the epidemic across the city of Changsha. The home-quarantine policy has the highest time sensitivity: the earlier this policy is implemented, the more significant its blocking effect on the spread of the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Special Environment Road Engineering of Hunan Province, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; (W.X.); (L.C.)
| | - Li Chen
- Key Laboratory of Special Environment Road Engineering of Hunan Province, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; (W.X.); (L.C.)
| | - Qunjie Peng
- Shenzhen Transportation Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518003, China;
| | - Bing Wang
- Changsha Planning & Design Survey Research Institute, Changsha 410007, China;
| | - Xiaobing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Transport Industry of Big Data Application Technologies for Comprehensive Transport, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
- Correspondence:
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