An exploratory qualitative study describing frontline nurses' experiences with Presenteeism due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic will have a long-lasting impact on healthcare workplaces and professionals alike. For that reason, it is necessarymore knowledge and insights about sickness presenteeism behaviour to provide appropriate occupational health services for all healthcare workers affected directly and indirectly by this pandemic. Objective(s): The aim of this study was to explore and describe presenteeism experiences among frontline nurses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): A qualitative thematic analysis was used to evaluate the perceptions of frontline nurses from different Portuguese hospital institutions joined in two Focus Groups. Using convenience sampling a total of 20 RNs participated in interviews. No restriction was given to their gender, age, career, and wards in charge so as to obtain diverse data on nurses' experiences of presenteeism. Result(s): The sample mean age was 36 years [range 25 - 42 years];they had a clinical career of 12 years on average [range 2 - 20 years]. The major theme was the metaphor of "the rotten orange". This theme implied the presence of a phenomenon that is invisible due to the ignorance of many, but which spreads through the members of a team, leading to an overload of its members for lack of one compassionate leadership. Consequently, leads to loss of the nursing spirit and nursing manpower. Conclusion(s): Our findings point to the development of workplace interventions targets to reduce healthcare worker presenteeism and to help employers foster a 'healthier' sickness culture during the pandemic and beyond.

Mental health status, hope and resilient coping in Portuguese higher education students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The current pandemic crisis disturbed the life of universities and college campuses leading to an overwhelming effect on the educational system, social life, and mental health of students. In this scenario, coping strategies like resilience and hope provide a counterbalance in periods of uncertainty and stress. Objective(s): This study aims to: a) evaluate the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress among higher education students during the COVID-19 pandemic;b) characterize the hope and resilient coping levels of graduate students. Method(s): Using a convenience sampling method, online selfreported data were collected between April 2020 to January 2021. The information gathered includes a Sociodemographic Form, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) and the Herth Hope Index (HHI). Result(s): A total of Portuguese 1522 students (75.1% women and 24.9% men) took part in this study. The sample mean age was 22.88+/-6.93 years [range 18-59 years]. We identified a significant prevalence of symptoms of stress (35.7%), anxiety (36.2%) and depression (28.5%) in our population. The BRSCS score indicated that 60.2% of students exhibited low, 22.7% moderate and 17.1% high levels of resilient coping. The HHI mean was 35.53+/-5.92 [range 12-48]. Conclusion(s): The study findings indicate a substantial portion of the students is at high risk of psychological consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study recommends that is needed to get a wider picture of today's "new normal" education and to develop supportive strategies to enhance students' mental health and wellbeing in future pandemics.

Mapping Interventions for Family Members Grieving the Loss of a Relative Who Died From COVID-19: A Scoping Review

Background/aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable disruptions to daily social routines and to the lived and subjective experience of grief and bereavement. We performed a scoping review of the scientific literature to understand the extent to which psychosocial and psychotherapeutic support for family members grieving the loss of a relative who died from COVID-19 are offered in health and social care facilities and community settings. Methods: The scoping review used Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the principles of the Joanna Briggs Institute. A systematic literature search is carried out to identify relevant evidence through the following research databases: PubMed, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Relevant grey literature, preprints and research protocols registries were retrievable through supplemental online resources. The database search is limited to studies from February 2020 [first death by COVID-19] to the study's start date. Results: From the 40 identified articles, 5 were included in the analysis. Efforts to aid the bereaved have increasingly focused on the physical and psychological morbidity and the spiritual suffering and social isolation associated with bereavement. Some psychosocial strategies are presented and include support groups, counselling, self-care or selfmanagement, educational programs, workshops, telehealth, and online support. In addition, psychotherapeutic interventions are mostly based on cognitive-behavioural components with the bereaved because they reduce the future probability of psychological or medical problems. Conclusions: Expressions of condolence, affection and spirituality tend to be important resources for many families, contributing to activating coping mechanisms and fostering adjustment and resilience in the face of loss. Healthcare professionals should be prepared for post bereavement support favouring the necessary referrals when there are risk factors for prolonged grief.

Mental health in time of pandemics: Study protocol to incorporate risk and protective factors contributing to psychological stress among portuguese and swiss higher education students

IntroductionThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is inducing fear, and a timely understanding of mental health status is urgently needed for society. Previous research has revealed a profound and wide range of psychosocial impacts on people at the individual, community, and international levels. On an individual level, people are likely to experience fear of falling sick or dying themselves, feelings of helplessness, and stigma. Currently, there is little understanding of mental well-being assessment under scenarios of pandemics that oblige to social isolation and quarantine.ObjectivesThis study aims to: a) establish the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms;b) identify risk and protective factors contributing to psychological stress;and c) identify coping strategies to promote better adjustment during and after the pandemic crisis.MethodsWe will adopt a mixed-method approach, firstly with a cross-sectional survey design (in both Portugal and Swiss context) to assess the higher education student’s psychosocial response during and after the pandemic, by using an anonymous online questionnaire. In a 2nd phase, and in order to gain more insight into the psychological stress faced by the students as a result of pandemic, a qualitative approach was chosen, focusing on the experiences of the participants.ResultsThis study has received ethical approval from both international and local institutional review boards. Data collection will start in November 2020 and will be completed at February 2021.ConclusionsThe findings of this study will provide important data to assist government agencies and healthcare professionals in safeguarding the psychosocial wellbeing of the community in the face of COVID-19 outbreak expansion.