ABSTRACT
Previous studies have demonstrated that religiosity may be a predictive factor for anxiety related to death among adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic;however, current study variables have not been examined among Palestinians. This correlational study was the first to test the association between religiosity and death anxiety among Palestinians in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sample data consisted of 548 Palestinian adults. Data was collected through online advertisements, e-mail, and social media campaigns. Findings confirmed that death anxiety negatively correlated with religiosity (r = -.31, p<0.01). Regression analysis for predicting anxiety related to death determined that religiosity accounted for statistical and significant variance in death anxiety (B=-.191, SE=.040, fl=-.20). It is recommended that further studies be conducted to explore the correlation between our current study variables and other related variables. This study also recommends the development of intervention programs to decrease death anxiety during pandemics or crises and enhance the protective factors of individuals.
ABSTRACT
This study translated and validated the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in a Palestinian context. The FCV-19S is a newly emerging internationally standardized measure of anxiety related to being exposed to or contracting COVID-19. This research begins to identify factors that affect this phenomenon including gender (with females having more fear than males), education (individuals without college degrees demonstrating higher levels of fear) and smoking status (with smokers demonstrating higher levels of fear than non-smokers). The FCV-19 confirmed a one-factor structure in assessing fear of COVID-19 in the Palestinian context. Moreover, the measure demonstrated high levels of validity and reliability in a Palestinian context and therefor can be considered for future studies as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. Further investigations using the Arabic Language of FCV-19S may have far-reaching implications for measuring and combating the fear of COVID-19 at a personal and societal level for uniquely at-risk populations such as in the occupied territories of Palestine. © 2022 Michigan Publishing. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND We tested the association between the stress of COVID-19 and mental distress manifested by anxiety, depression, and stress, and whether well-being and resilience mediate the relationship between the two variables in a population of Palestinian adults. Namely, we hypothesized that stress of COVID-19 will be positively associated with mental health problems (anxiety, depression, and stress);well-being and resilience will be negatively associated with mental health problems (anxiety, depression, and stress);and well-being and resilience will mediate the association between the stress of COVID-19 and mental health problems (anxiety, depression, and stress). PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, the Resilience Scale for Adults, the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and the COVID-19 Stress Scales were administered to 860 participants via online survey. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to address the study hypothesis. RESULTS Participants recorded a mild level of stress of COVID-19 and high scores for resilience and well-being. A conceptual model depicting COVID-19 stress as a predictor, mental distress as an outcome variable, and resilience and subjective well-being as mediators was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS Palestinians are exposed to mental distress in an environment characterized by ongoing stressors. Conversely, the capability of Palestinians to conserve good levels of wellbeing and resilience protects them from mental distress even in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. On the other hand, COVID-19 can be considered a new critical event demanding and diminishing the people's resiliency recourses in Palestine. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: One of the most affected groups during the COVID-19 pandemic was health-care providers due to the direct and continuous exposure to the virus and a lack of sufficient medical equipment. Palestinian health-care providers were exposed to several challenges related to their work environment as they worked in war-like conditions;therefore, this study aims to explore health-care providers’ perceptions, perspectives, challenges and human rights-related concerns during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Palestine. Design/methodology/approach: The sample comprised 30 health-care providers 26–35 years, who were purposively selected from among health-care providers in two Palestinian cities, Nablus and Tulkarm, located in the north of the West Bank. Thematic content analysis was applied to transcripts of interviews with the practitioners to identify key themes. Findings: The thematic content analysis showed that the pandemic and quarantine negatively affect the mental health outcomes, daily routine and social relations of health-care providers. The main challenges related to human rights violations and faced by the health-care providers include a lack of sufficient infrastructure, lack of medical equipment’s and protective gear, military occupation and a shortage of health-care providers in general, especially those who practice in speciality fields such as neurology, oncology, pediatric surgery and clinical psychology. Practical implications: Further investigations are recommended to test different variables related to health-care providers’ work during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper also recommends conducting studies targeting Palestinian health-care providers’ training and supervision services to improve their skills and resiliency in dealing with future crises. Originality/value: The present work is the first to examine health-care providers’ perceptions, perspectives, challenges and human rights concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Palestine. This novel sample resides in a political and social environment characterized by high environmental stressors due to decades of military and political violence (e.g. militarization, poverty, lack of employment opportunities, cultural pressures, human rights violations, etc.). © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.