1
|
Tsironis C, Tatsis F, Konstanti Z, Mentis M, Stolakis K, Kotsia V, Mantzoukas S, Dragioti E, Gouva M. Resilience and Self-Compassion: Shields Against Age-Related Declines in Oral Health and Shame. Cureus 2024; 16:e66565. [PMID: 39252728 PMCID: PMC11382438 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the complex relationships between demographic factors, oral health indicators, self-compassion, and psychological well-being among elderly individuals by using a path model analysis. Methods The findings of this cross-sectional study are derived from data collected from a sample of 204 patients, including 120 females and 84 males, aged between 60 and 92 years, with an average age of 74.2 years (SD = 7.1). Participants took part in assessments including the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to measure oral health (physical function, psychosocial function, pain/discomfort), self-compassion scale, and measures of shame and "other as shamer" experiences. Demographic information including age and gender was also collected. Path analysis was employed to examine the direct and indirect effects of demographic variables, oral health indicators, and self-compassion on psychological well-being. Results Older age was consistently associated with poorer oral health outcomes across all GOHAI oral health subscales. However, resilience and self-compassion appear to exert a correspondingly large positive influence, neutralizing the negative effects of increasing age on physical and psychosocial aspects of oral health-related quality of life. Additionally, resilience was positively associated with better physical and psychosocial function related to oral health while oral health was confirmed to be related to internal and external (social) shame. However, resilience and self-compassion outperformed oral health as far as their effect on internal and external (social) shame is concerned. Gender had minimal effects on most outcome variables. Conclusions The findings underscore the importance of addressing both physical and psychological aspects of health in elderly care and oral health interventions. By promoting psychological resilience and self-compassion, healthcare providers can potentially enhance oral health-related quality of life and overall well-being among elderly populations. Our results also highlight that promoting social and leisure activities may be a means of improving mental well-being, enhancing oral health outcomes, and reducing shame-related distress among elderly individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Tsironis
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families and Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Fotios Tatsis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Zoe Konstanti
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families and Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Manolis Mentis
- Department of Educational Sciences and Social Work, University of Patras, Patra, GRC
| | - Konstantinos Stolakis
- Department of Educational Sciences and Social Work, University of Patras, Patra, GRC
| | - Vasiliki Kotsia
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families and Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Stefanos Mantzoukas
- Research Laboratory Integrated Care, Health and Well-Being, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Elena Dragioti
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families and Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Mary Gouva
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families and Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Elnakeeb M, Hallit S, Fekih-Romdhane F, Shaala RS, Mousa EFS, Khalil MIM. Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the resilience scale for older adults. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38915233 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2363360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A significant gap currently exists in the availability of reliable and scientifically rigorous measures for evaluating resilience among older Arabic-speaking populations. The primary objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of an Arabic adaptation of the 15-item Resilience Scale of Older Adults (RSOA) in a sample of Arabic-speaking Egyptian older adults. METHOD Using a cross-sectional design and a convenience sample of 539 Egyptian older adults, with 60.7% aged between 65 and 75 years (50.3% females), participants completed an online Google form-based anonymous questionnaire, including sociodemographic information, the RSOA, and the 10-item CD-RISC. To ensure accurate translation, the forward-backward translation method was employed. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and gender invariance in the RSOA were analyzed. McDonald's ω and Cronbach's α were calculated to assess internal consistency. RESULTS The results demonstrate that the Arabic RSOA and its subscales exhibit high internal consistency, with McDonald's ω and Cronbach's α values ranging from 0.83 to 0.93. CFA analysis revealed that the four-factor model fit of RSOA was acceptable. Measurement invariance was supported across genders. Furthermore, both genders exhibited no significant differences in all four RSOA dimensions. Convergent validity was supported by demonstrating that the four RSOA sub-scores and total scores correlated positively and significantly with the 10-item CD-RISC. CONCLUSION While further cross-cultural validation involving other Arab countries and communities is necessary, this study suggests that the Arabic RSOA may be used to measure resilience among broader Arabic-speaking older adults in clinical and research contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayar Elnakeeb
- Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry 'Ibn Omrane', Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aghaei A, Qiao S, Chi Tam C, Yuan G, Li X. Role of self-esteem and personal mastery on the association between social support and resilience among COVID-19 long haulers. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31328. [PMID: 38818142 PMCID: PMC11137413 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the COVID-19 mortality rate is declining, the number of individuals dealing with persistent COVID-19 symptoms is increasing worldwide, making long COVID a global public health concern. People with long COVID (long haulers) often deal with physical and mental stressors. Long haulers' psychological resilience could play a key role in coping with these stressors in intercorrelation with psychosocial resources. The current study aims to test a hypothesized relationship between social support and its functions (i.e., instrumental and emotional) and the resilience of long haulers through serial mediation by personal mastery and self-esteem. A cross-sectional and self-administered online survey was conducted among 460 individuals with long COVID recruited from COVID-19 Facebook support groups in the United States. Analyzing data indicated a positive correlation between social support and the resilience of long haulers. Structural equation modeling suggested that self-esteem and personal mastery fully mediated the association between social (instrumental) support and resilience. Personal mastery also mediated the association between self-esteem and resilience in social (instrumental) support models. However, in the emotional support model, the indirect effect was non-significant for the mediation by personal mastery and self-esteem. Findings suggest that social support, mainly instrumental support, may protect long haulers by promoting their resilience through self-esteem and personal mastery. This study emphasizes the importance of including social support services in designing programs for COVID-19 long haulers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Aghaei
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Cheuk Chi Tam
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Guangzhe Yuan
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Columbia, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Koppner J, Lindelöf A, Iredahl F, Tevell M, Nilsson S, Thorsell A, Faresjö Å, Israelsson Larsen H. Factors affecting self-perceived mental health in the general older population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:660. [PMID: 38429704 PMCID: PMC10905926 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18199-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health problems among older people are large public health concerns but often go unrecognized and undertreated. During COVID - 19 several restrictions regarding social contacts were launched, primarily for the old. The objective of this study is to investigate which factors that had the main negative affect on mental health in the older population during the pandemic. METHOD A cross-sectional cohort study set in Swedish primary care during the pandemic years 2021-2022. The population constitutes of 70-80-years-old, N = 260. Instruments used are Geriatric depression scale 20 (GDS20); Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and Perceived stress scale 10 (PSS10). Sociodemography and risk factors are explored. Outcome measures are factors independently associated with decreased mental health. Analyses were performed for the group as a whole and with logistic regression models comparing individuals who stated they were mentally affected by the pandemic to individuals who stated they were not. RESULTS Participants who stated they were mentally affected by the COVID - 19 pandemic reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), and stress (p = 0.026) compared to those who stated they were not mentally affected. Explanatory regression models of up to 50% showed that following factors were prominent among individuals who reported a decline in their mental health due to the COVID - 19 pandemic (n = 24); impaired social life (OR 20.29, p < 0.001, CI 4.53-90.81), change in physical activity (OR 5.28, p = 0.01, CI 1.49-18.72), perceived family situation (OR 31.90, p = 0,007, CI 2,53-402.42), mild/moderate and high anxiety (OR 4.94, p = 0.034, CI 1.13-21.60, OR 7.96, p = 0.035, CI 1.16-54.53 respectively), and female gender (OR 6.52, p = 0.029, CI 1.22-34.92). CONCLUSION Anxiety, family situation, social life and change in physical activity were the main factors influencing the 70-80-years-old's self-perceived mental health during the COVID - 19 pandemic. Long-term effects of social restrictions on mental health in the older population need to be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Koppner
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of General practice, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Ann Lindelöf
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of General practice, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Iredahl
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of General practice, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maxine Tevell
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of General practice, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of General practice, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Annika Thorsell
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences/Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åshild Faresjö
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health/Public Health, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hanna Israelsson Larsen
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of General practice, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pachi A, Tselebis A, Sikaras C, Sideri EP, Ivanidou M, Baras S, Milionis C, Ilias I. Nightmare distress, insomnia and resilience of nursing staff in the post-pandemic era. AIMS Public Health 2023; 11:36-57. [PMID: 38617404 PMCID: PMC11007420 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2024003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pandemic has led to notable psychological challenges among healthcare professionals, including nurses. Objective Our aims of this study were to assess insomnia and nightmare distress levels in nurses and investigate their association with mental resilience. Methods Nurses participated in an online survey, which included the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Demographic information, such as age, professional experience and gender, was also collected. Results The study included 355 female and 78 male nurses. Findings revealed that 61.4% had abnormal AIS scores, 7% had abnormal NDQ scores and 25.4% had low BRS scores. Female nurses had higher AIS and NDQ scores but lower BRS scores compared to males. BRS demonstrated negative correlations with both AIS and NDQ. Multiple regression analysis indicated that NDQ accounted for 24% of the AIS variance, with an additional 6.5% explained by the BRS. BRS acted as a mediator, attenuating the impact of nightmares on insomnia, with gender moderating this relationship. Conclusions Nursing staff experienced heightened sleep disturbances during the pandemic, with nightmares and insomnia being prevalent. Nightmares significantly contributed to insomnia, but mental resilience played a vital role in mitigating this effect. Strategies are warranted to address the pandemic's psychological impact on nursing professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Argyro Pachi
- Psychiatric Department, Sotiria Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tselebis
- Psychiatric Department, Sotiria Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Sikaras
- Nursing Department, Sotiria Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Paraskevi Sideri
- Emergency Department of General Hospital of Athens Korgialeneio-Benakeio Hellenic Red Cross, 11526, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Ivanidou
- Psychiatric Department, Sotiria Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros Baras
- Psychiatric Department, Sotiria Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Ilias
- Department of Endocrinology, “Elena Venizelou” Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zeidan RS, McElroy T, Rathor L, Martenson MS, Lin Y, Mankowski RT. Sex differences in frailty among older adults. Exp Gerontol 2023; 184:112333. [PMID: 37993077 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
By definition, aging is a natural, gradual and continuous process. On the other hand, frailty reflects the increase in vulnerability to stressors and shortens the time without disease (health span) while longevity refers to the length of life (lifespan). The average life expectancy has significantly increased during the last few decades. A longer lifespan has been accompanied by an increase in frailty and decreased independence in older adults, with major differences existing between men and women. For example, women tend to live longer than men but also experience higher rates of frailty and disability. Sex differences prevent optimization of lifestyle interventions and therapies to effectively prevent frailty. Sex differences in frailty and aging are rooted in a complex interplay between uncontrollable (genetic, epigenetic, physiological), and controllable factors (psychosocial and lifestyle factors). Thus, understanding the underlying causes of sex differences in frailty and aging is essential for developing personalized interventions to promote healthy aging and improve quality of life in older men and women. In this review, we have discussed the key contributors and knowledge gaps related to sex differences in aging and frailty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rola S Zeidan
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Taylor McElroy
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Laxmi Rathor
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Matthew S Martenson
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Robert T Mankowski
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Quattropani MC, Barbosa MLL, Lenzo V, Hope K, Toffle ME, Gafforelli LG, Sardella A, Islam-Zwart K. The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of resilience: cross cultural differences between Brazil, Italy, and the United States. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2278. [PMID: 37978480 PMCID: PMC10657012 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16687-4] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Restrictive measures consequent to the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant psychological impact on everyday life in the general population, even though differences between countries remain poorly investigated. The present study sought to examine the different psychological impacts and resilience of the pandemic among three of the most heavily hit countries: Brazil, Italy, and the United States. METHODS This cross-sectional study separately involved three national community populations, namely the Brazilian, the Italian, and the American population. Participants aged 18 years or older were recruited through a shared online survey. Participants self-completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D); post-traumatic stress was additionally assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Three separate Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVA) were performed in order to investigate differences in the levels of resilience, post-traumatic stress, and depression among the three populations. RESULTS The study included in total 734 participants (mean age = 27.60 ± 11.69 years; 77% of females). Results of ANCOVA comparisons showed significant differences between the three groups in the variable measuring resilience, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and depression. As for resilience, results of post-hoc tests showed significant differences between the groups from Brazil and Italy and between the groups from Brazil and USA. As for the post-traumatic stress symptoms, results showed significant differences between the USA and Brazil groups and between the USA and Italy groups. As for the depression symptoms, results showed significant differences between the USA and Brazil groups. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings may help to increase understanding of the psychological impact of COVID-19 in Brazil, Italy, and the USA. Interventions to prevent mental disorders among general populations should take into account these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Quattropani
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca 4, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca 4, 95124, Catania, Italy.
| | - Keely Hope
- School of Psychology, Professor, Eastern Washington University, 135 Martin Hall, Cheney, WA, 99004, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Toffle
- Department of Political and Juridical Sciences, University of Messina, Piazza XX Settembre, 4, 98122, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Sardella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Consolare Valeria St, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Kayleen Islam-Zwart
- School of Psychology, Professor, Eastern Washington University, 135 Martin Hall, Cheney, WA, 99004, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xin S, Ma X. Mechanisms of Physical Exercise Effects on Anxiety in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Analysis of the Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience and the Moderating Role of Media Exposure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3588. [PMID: 36834282 PMCID: PMC9959573 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of physical exercise on anxiety in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, as well as the mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating role of media exposure. An online questionnaire was used to survey older adults in Chengdu, Southwest China. A total of 451 older adults aged 60 years and older participated in the study (209 males and 242 females). The results suggest that physical exercise negatively influenced anxiety symptoms in older adults; psychological resilience mediated the effect of physical exercise on anxiety in older adults and negatively predicted it; furthermore, media exposure moderated the effects of physical exercise and psychological resilience on anxiety, and low levels of media exposure strengthened these effects. This study suggests that participation in physical exercise and reduced media exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown may have reduced anxiety in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Xin
- School of Wushu, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiujie Ma
- School of Wushu, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Chinese Guoshu Academy, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sardella A, Musetti A, Caponnetto P, Quattropani MC, Lenzo V. Prolonged Grief Disorder and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression among Bereaved Family Caregivers in the Context of Palliative Home Care. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:490-500. [PMID: 36826221 PMCID: PMC9955476 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13020037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the psychological comorbidity of PGD among bereaved family caregivers of palliative care cancer patients. We also examined the discriminant validity of two simple and reliable tools in correctly categorized individuals with PGD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 157 bereaved participants (77.1% females, mean age = 43.50 ± 14.04 years, mean time since the loss = 3.59 years) recruited from three palliative home care services. These participants completed the Prolonged Grief Scale (PG-13) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: The prevalence of PGD within the sample was 4.46% (i.e., = 7/157). Participants scored higher than the cut-off on the PG-13 and the HADS-D. Symptoms of PGD were positively correlated with depression levels. The ROC curve analysis showed that the HADS-D was outstanding in categorizing individuals with prolonged grief disorder from those without PGD. A HADS-D score of ≥7.5 was able to categorize participants with a sensitivity of 0.90 and a specificity of 0.73. Conclusions: Overall, these results highlight the relationship between grief and depression symptoms and their exceptional discriminant validity among correctly identified individuals with PGD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Sardella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Pasquale Caponnetto
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Post-COVID-19 Psychiatric Symptoms in the Elderly: The Role of Gender and Resilience. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12122016. [PMID: 36556237 PMCID: PMC9781422 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12122016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 represents an overwhelming stressor to mental health. Elderly individuals are particularly at risk, but it is still unclear whether the risk is equally distributed among men and women. The aim of this study was to define gender differences in persistent psychiatric symptoms after COVID-19 illness and to test their association with resilience factors. Methods: We assessed 348 individuals aged >65 years at a multidisciplinary post-COVID-19 service. Mood and anxiety symptoms were investigated, as well as psychological distress and resilience, as assessed with the Kessler-10 (K10) Scale and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), respectively. Multivariate and linear regression analyses were used to test the distribution patterns of psychiatric symptoms and resilience factors. Results: In the total sample, 214 (61.5%) were men (a mean age of 73.25 years ±6.04) and 134 (38.5%) were women (a mean age of 72.69 years ±6.43; p = 0.407). Men and women significantly differed in marital status (χ2 = 25.17; p < 0.001, more men were married), living alone (χ2 = 11.62; p < 0.01, fewer men were living alone), hospitalization during COVID-19 illness (χ2 = 12.35; p < 0.001, more men were hospitalized during COVID-19), and subjective health status before COVID-19 infection (χ2 = 4.32; p < 0.001, men reporting better subjective health than women). Women reported more psychiatric symptoms and fewer resilience factors than men. Low resilience levels significantly predicted psychological distress in both men and women. Conclusions: The female elderly population affected by COVID-19 showed a greater vulnerability to psychiatric symptoms. Our data point to the need to strengthen resilience resources, especially in women.
Collapse
|