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Tsimitrea E, Misouridou E, Toska A, Saridi M, Boutlas S, Papathanasiou IV, Gourgoulianis KI, Fradelos EC. Navigating Uncertainty: A Qualitative Study on the Hospitalization Experience of COVID-19 Patients. Cureus 2024; 16:e72281. [PMID: 39583531 PMCID: PMC11585193 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examines the hospitalization experience of COVID-19 patients in public hospitals in the Thessaly Region of the Greek territory. The ultimate goal is to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the subjective experience of hospitalization. A qualitative study design was employed in this study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 patients. Four categories emerged when analyzing the data: (a) personal experience, (b) the unknown nature of the disease, (c) causal attributions and meaning-making, and (d) mental resilience. The findings underscore the necessity of providing ongoing and comprehensive care for COVID-19 patients that addresses their biological, psycho-emotional, and social needs from the time of diagnosis to full recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Saridi
- Department of Nursing, University of Thessaly, Larissa, GRC
| | - Stylianos Boutlas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, GRC
| | | | - Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, GRC
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Adzrago D, Walker TJ, Williams F. Reliability and validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 scale and its subscales of depression and anxiety among US adults based on nativity. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:213. [PMID: 38500115 PMCID: PMC10949792 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05665-8] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burdens of anxiety and depression symptoms have significantly increased in the general US population, especially during this COVID-19 epidemiological crisis. The first step in an effective treatment for anxiety and depression disorders is screening. The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4, a 4-item measure of anxiety/depression) and its subscales (PHQ-2 [a 2-item measure of depression] and Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-2, a 2-item measure of anxiety]) are brief but effective mass screening instruments for anxiety and depression symptoms in general populations. However, little to no study examined the psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and validity) of the PHQ-4 and its subscales (PHQ-2 and GAD-2) in the general US adult population or based on US nativity (i.e., foreign-born vs. the US-born). We evaluated the psychometric properties of the PHQ-4 and its subscales in US adults, as well as the psychometric equivalence of the PHQ-4 scale based on nativity. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 5,140 adults aged ≥ 18 years. We examined the factorial validity and dimensionality of the PHQ-4 with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA) was used to evaluate the comparability of the PHQ-4 across nativity groups. Reliability indices were assessed. Also, the scales' construct validities were assessed by examining the associations of both the PHQ-4 and its subscales' scores with the sociodemographic characteristics and the 3-item UCLA Loneliness scale. RESULTS The internal consistencies were high for the PHQ-4 scale (α = 0.92) and its subscales of PHQ-2 (α = 0.86) and GAD-2 (α = 0.90). The CFA fit indices showed evidence for the two-factor structure of the PHQ-4. The two factors (i.e., anxiety and depression) were significantly correlated (r = 0.92). The MCFA demonstrated measurement invariance of the PHQ-4 across the nativity groups, but the model fits the data better in the foreign-born group. There were significant associations of the PHQ-4 scale and its subscales' scores with the sociodemographic characteristics and the UCLA Loneliness scale (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The PHQ-4 and its subscales are reliable and valid measures to screen anxiety and depression symptoms in the general US adult population, especially in foreign-born individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Adzrago
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, 11545 Rockville Pike, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Timothy J Walker
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, The University of Texas School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Faustine Williams
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, 11545 Rockville Pike, 20852, Rockville, MD, USA.
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Buitrago DCC, Rattner M, James LE, García JFB. Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing a Community-Based Psychosocial Support Intervention Conducted In-Person and Remotely: A Qualitative Study in Quibdó, Colombia. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2024; 12:e2300032. [PMID: 38253391 PMCID: PMC10906549 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-23-00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Community-based psychosocial support group (CB-PSS) interventions using task-shifting approaches are well suited to provide culturally appropriate services in low- and middle-income countries. However, contextual barriers and facilitators must be considered to tailor interventions effectively, particularly considering the challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the barriers, facilitators, and psychosocial changes associated with implementing a CB-PSS group intervention delivered by local lay providers to conflict-affected adults in Quibdó, Colombia, using both in-person and remote modalities. Data were analyzed from 25 individual interviews with participants and a focus group discussion involving staff members, including 7 community psychosocial agent facilitators and 2 mental health professional supervisors. The analysis used a thematic approach grounded in a descriptive phenomenology to explore the lived experiences of participants and staff members during implementation. Participant attendance in the in-person modality was compromised by factors such as competing work and family responsibilities and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants in the remote modality faced challenges concerning unstable Internet connectivity, recurrent power outages caused by heavy rain, distractions, interruptions, and threats to confidentiality by family and coworkers. Despite these challenges, data revealed key contextual facilitators, including the community-based knowledge of facilitators and integration of traditional practices, such as the comadreo (informal talks and gatherings). Respondents shared that the CB-PSS groups promoted stronger community relationships and created opportunities for participants to exchange peer support, practice leadership skills, develop problem-solving skills based on peers' experiences, and enhance emotional regulation skills. Differences and similarities across in-person and remote modalities are discussed, as are key considerations for practitioners and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Carolina Chaparro Buitrago
- Department of Global Health, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Michel Rattner
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Palo Alto University, Department of Psychology, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Roberti J, Leslie HH, Doubova SV, Ranilla JM, Mazzoni A, Espinoza L, Calderón R, Arsenault C, García-Elorrio E, García PJ. Inequalities in health system coverage and quality: a cross-sectional survey of four Latin American countries. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e145-e155. [PMID: 38096887 PMCID: PMC10716623 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00488-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The premise of health as a human right in Latin America has been challenged by health system fragmentation, quality gaps, a growing burden of chronic disease, sociopolitical upheaval, and the COVID-19 pandemic. We characterised inequities in health system quality in Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay. We did a cross-sectional telephone survey with up to 1250 adults in each country. We created binary outcomes in coverage, user experience, system competence, and confidence in the system and calculated the slope index of inequality by income and education. Although access to care was high, only a third of respondents reported having a high-quality source of care and 25% of those with mental health needs had those needs met. Two-thirds of adults were able to access relevant preventive care and 42% of older adults were screened for cardiovascular disease. Telehealth access, communication and autonomy in most recent visit, reasonable waiting times, and receiving preventive health checks showed inequalities favouring people with a high income. In Uruguay, inequality between government and social security services explained a substantial proportion of disparities in preventive health access. In other study countries, inequalities were also substantial within government and social security subsectors. Essential health system functions are unequal in these four Latin American countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Roberti
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Epidemiology and Public Health Research Centre, National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Hannah H Leslie
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Svetlana V Doubova
- Epidemiology and Health Services Research Unit, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Agustina Mazzoni
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Espinoza
- School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, Peru
| | - Renzo Calderón
- School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, Peru; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Arsenault
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Bojórquez-Chapela I, López-Lalinde L, Regules-García R, Vieitez-Martínez I. Changes in mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexican youth: Insights from the Voces-19 study. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:2128-2138. [PMID: 37665221 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231194826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggests that the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were stronger during the first months of it. It has also been proposed that those impacts depended on gender and other social determinants. AIMS We aim to describe the change in prevalence of mental health problems (symptoms of common mental disorders [CMD], alcohol, and drug use) between two time periods during the pandemic, and the association of mental health problems with social determinants, in adolescents and young adults in Mexico. METHODS We conducted a repeated cross-section analysis of data from VoCes-19, an online survey in November 2020 to February 2021 and November 2021 to March 2022 (combined n = ×224,099). We assessed the change in the prevalence of mental health problems, the differences in prevalence and change in the prevalence by gender, and the association of social determinants and pandemic-related variables with mental health problems, by means of multivariate regression models. RESULTS The prevalence of CMD decreased (46.0% vs. 42.4%), while the prevalence of alcohol (frequent use 8.4% vs. 10.3%) and drug use (4.6% vs. 7.7%) increased. The three conditions increased more among girls/young women and trans/queer/non-binary participants than among boys/young men. CONCLUSIONS The results point to the importance of considering the gendered social context of young people. A better understanding of the social circumstances that relate with mental health is required to inform interventions for these age groups.
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Orozco MFS, de González WYE, Marín NP, Hernández JRC, Hernandez-Cabanillas JC, Acosta IO, Rider RM, Casillas Santana MA. Depression and opinion of dental students regarding the hybrid learning model during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:115. [PMID: 37060098 PMCID: PMC10103031 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01157-8] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global spread of COVID-19 forced schools at all educational levels to close, which was repeated in more than 60 countries. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of dental students world wide. This study hypothesizes that the prevalence of depression in dental students from El Salvador is higher than that reported in studies from Europe, Asia, and North America. METHODS This study was an online cross-sectional survey performed at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Salvador. The PHQ-9 questionnaire was applied to know the level of depression of the students, and a questionnaire focused on learning the opinion of the students on the hybrid teaching model adopted. Approximately 450 students participated in both questionnaires. RESULTS Regarding the levels of depression present in the students, 14% had minimal depression, 29% had medium depression, 23% had moderate depression and, 34% had severe depression. The students had an excellent opinion regarding the hybrid learning model. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of depression in dental students in El Salvador seems to be higher than that reported in studies in non-Latin American countries. Therefore, universities must generate care plans for mental health to avoid these harmful effects on students during future contingencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Felipe Salas Orozco
- Doctorado en Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, MFSO, C.P. 78290, Mexico.
| | - Wendy Yesenia Escobar de González
- Doctora en Cirugía Dental. Profesora de Cariología e Investigadora, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Nuria Patiño Marín
- Department of Clinical Research, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, C.P. 78290, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Carlos Hernandez-Cabanillas
- Doctorado en Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, MFSO, C.P. 78290, Mexico
| | - Ivan Olivares Acosta
- Doctorado en Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, MFSO, C.P. 78290, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Martinez Rider
- Department of Clinical Research, Facultad de Estomatología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, C.P. 78290, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Casillas Santana
- Maestría en Estomatología con Opción Terminal en Ortodoncia, Facultad de Estomatología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, C.P. 72410, Mexico.
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Muro A, Mateo C, Parrado E, Subirana-Malaret M, Moya M, Garriga A, Canals J, Chamarro A, Sanz A. Forest bathing and hiking benefits for mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mediterranean regions. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF FOREST RESEARCH 2023; 142:415-426. [PMID: 36779181 PMCID: PMC9896453 DOI: 10.1007/s10342-023-01531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Forest bathing (FB) has evidenced positive effects on individuals' mental health and well-being, but its benefits have mainly been studied in Asian biomes. The present study aimed to evaluate whether its benefits are also generalisable to other forests and biomes of the world, such as the Mediterranean. Eighty-six healthy adults of the general population were assessed before and after a FB near Barcelona (Spain) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A control-hiking group of participants was also analysed to contrast the FB effects on anxiety, affect, mood states and mindfulness. Results show that the guided practice of FB in Mediterranean-Catalan forests increases mindfulness states and positive affect and reduces anxiety and negative affect, with effect sizes being large to very large. Hiking also induced significant changes in all variables tested, but FB showed higher effect sizes. An exploratory analysis also revealed a different profile of the FB participants compared to the hiking practitioners, being highly educated women living in urban areas and with lower basal levels of psychological well-being. Accordingly, it is concluded that both Mediterranean FB and hiking (to a lesser degree) might be cost-effective strategies to promote and restore psychological well-being after the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote sustainable tourism in Mediterranean biomes of the European forested and protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Muro
- Departament of Basic, Developmental and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Office B5-111, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Serra Húnter Programme, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Corel Mateo
- Departament of Basic, Developmental and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Office B5-111, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Parrado
- Departament of Basic, Developmental and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Office B5-111, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Sport Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Adrià Garriga
- School of Nature La Muntada, Sant Llorenç Savall, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Canals
- Natural Park of Sant Llorenç, Catalan Net of Natural Parks, Barcelona Provincial Council, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrés Chamarro
- Departament of Basic, Developmental and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Office B5-111, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Serra Húnter Programme, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- Sport Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Sanz
- Departament of Basic, Developmental and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Office B5-111, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Level of Physical Activity in Colombian University Workers: A Longitudinal Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144104. [PMID: 35887867 PMCID: PMC9322187 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a strong influence on people’s quality of life, and the different restrictive measures during the phases of the pandemic have had consequences for physical and mental health. This study determined the changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sleep quality, depression symptoms (DS), and physical activity (PA) level of middle-aged Colombian university personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis was performed following a longitudinal design on a sample of 354 people at four points before and during the pandemic. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the SF-12v2, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) were included in an online survey. The measurements showed a decrease in quality of life with respect to PCS from 91.66 ± 10.78 to 83.64 ± 17.22 (p = 0.000) and MCS from 87.57 ± 12.23 to 80.90 ± 17.31, while poor sleep quality increased from 25.99% to 47.46% (p = 0.000), with DS reaching the peak during mandatory confinement (14.69%). Regarding the level of physical activity, the period of mandatory confinement inverted the proportion, highlighting active people as a minority (32.2%). In the multivariate analysis, we adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and socioeconomic level, discarding confounding effects and their interactions with the results obtained. In conclusion, this study showed that the pandemic has had a negative impact on sleep quality, HRQoL, DS, and PA level.
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Gómez-Acosta A, Ramos-Vera C, Sierra Barón W. Validation of an ultra-short version of the posttraumatic growth inventory in Colombian adults exposed to COVID-19. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 47:490-498. [PMID: 35822900 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2098415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate whether an ultra-short version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) has adequate psychometric properties, with a Colombian sample (N = 931) vulnerable to SaRS-CoV-2 infection. Results indicated that adequate indicators of goodness-of-fit, convergent validity, internal consistency, and factorial invariance. Therefore, this instrument is recommended for the screening of posttraumatic growth associated with the COVID-19 pandemic that may be present in the Colombian population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Willian Sierra Barón
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, Universidad Surcolombiana, Neiva, Colombia
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