ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the wellbeing of people worldwide, potentially increasing maladaptive psychological responses of vulnerable populations. Although young adults with multiple sclerosis (yawMS) might be at greater risk of developing psychological distress linked to the pandemic, they might also be able to adapt to stress and find meaning in adverse life events. The aim of the present study was to explore benefit finding in response to the pandemic in a sample of yawMS. As part of a larger project, data were collected using a cross-sectional, web-based survey. Benefit finding was analysed using a qualitative thematic approach;descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to describe the sample and compare sub-groups. Out of 247 respondents with mostly relapsing-remitting MS, 199 (31.9 +/- 6.97 years) reported at least one benefit. Qualitative analysis showed that during the pandemic yawMS found benefits related to three themes: personal growth, relational growth, and existential growth. No differences in benefit finding were found between age sub-groups (18-30 vs. 31-45). Participants reported a wide range of benefits, some of which seem to be specific to MS or the pandemic. Results have been transformed into tips to be introduced in clinical practice to promote resilience in yawMS through meaning making.
ABSTRACT
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is giving rise to a relevant impact on the wellbeing and mental health of several Health Care Providers (HCPs). Among HCPs, those who work in the field of obstetrics repre-sent a particular group of HCPs who are susceptible to stressful events, given the stress derived from a physically, emotionally, and intellectually demanding work, the difficulty in reschedul-ing and postponing daily activities during a health emergency, and the special ability to develop personal resilience. Based on this background, the aim of the present study is to assess the acute psychological and professional impact of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on this group of HCPs at four University Hospitals in Italy (Verona, Roma Policlinico Gemelli, Varese, Brescia). For this purpose, a 104-items survey named Impatto PSicologico Covid in Ostetricia (IPSICO) has been developed and administered with a web-based platform. This survey, divided into four sections, will collect demographic data and information about past personal and mental health history, the impact of the epidemic on the personal and professional life, and the outcomes of this health care emergency. The results of this survey will help to plan effective strategies in order to face the psychological consequences of possible future new health care emergencies of this type.