ABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on recovery housing (RH), an important resource for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). A cross-sectional survey was disseminated electronically between June and July of 2020 to RH owners and operators affiliated with Oxford House or the National Alliance of Recovery Residences nationwide. The survey intended to develop an understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on RH in terms of (a) resident housing access, (b) mitigation strategies to reduce COVID-19 spread, (c) RH financials, and (d) health and well-being of residents and staff. Impacts were assessed among all houses in the sample and then by rurality of RH location (rural vs. nonrural). Among 1,419 respondents, only 4.6% reported positive COVID-19 cases, and 85% reported having implemented centers for disease control-recommended policies. More than half (59%) reported financial impacts, and close to half (49%) reported COVID-19 had "a lot of impact" on residents attending meetings. Rural RH represented only 9% of respondents and a greater fraction of rural RH respondents reported spending more on all COVID-19 expense categories compared to nonrural RH respondents. Compared to nonrural RH, rural RH were significantly more likely to report having a process for evaluating COVID-19 (p = .007), wearing masks (p = .047), taking temperatures (p = .042), and spending more on food due to COVID-19 (p = .015). With SUD rates and the associated morbidity and mortality from SUD continuing to rise, addressing the financial viability of RH, an important resource supporting individuals in recovery is crucial. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This study suggests that recovery housing, an important resource for individuals seeking or in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD), is proactive in ensuring resident safety during national emergencies such as COVID-19. The most prominent impacts found in this study were financial (for the recovery home) and residents' ability to attend mutual aid recovery support meetings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
This study examined the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on 16 LGBTQ+ individuals 16 -18 years of age in rural Washington. Data were collected using semi structured virtual interviews, an Experience Questionnaire (EQ) and the Behavioral Assessment Scale for Children - Edition 3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3). A few major themes emerged from the data: changes in relationships, negative psychological impacts, resiliency, and challenges such as barriers, tensions, and routine changes. Participants found COVID-19 restrictions created barriers to accessing social outlets such as extracurricular activities, LGBTQ+ community center, and so on, as well as engaging with resources for mental and physical health. Participants reported that navigating the significant changes in routines due to school closings and social distancing measures negatively impacted their mental health. Online school, increased home responsibilities, lack of structure or routine, and pressure to maintain grades were the main stressors found to contribute to a decline in mental health. Tensions related to having differing opinions from family members were often triggered or exacerbated by increased proximity with family, due to being stuck at home. Tensions also included experiences of homophobia, transphobia, and racism. These tensions contributed to lower mental health, as many participants felt "trapped" in their own home and unable to reveal parts of their identity. Participants reported that COVID-19 restrictions also impacted their relationships positively in some ways. Some participants found that COVID-19 restrictions allowed them to get out of negative relationships, identify healthy or positive friendships, and be more intentional in their friendships. Although most participants experienced negative psychological impacts on their mental health, many were also able to identify areas of resiliency and improvement. Participants identified new methods for coping, found new and innovative ways to engage with support networks, and found that increased time alone allowed for self-improvement and unprecedented identity exploration. Results of the study add to the limited research currently available about the impact COVID-19 restrictions had on LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas and provide critical information for professionals who work with school-aged LGBTQ+ populations, especially those living in rural communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Sharp rises in overdose deaths nationally coincided with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural Appalachia, known for high rates of substance use and barriers to health care in general, was suspected to be disproportionately impacted in terms of recovery supports such as 12-step recovery meetings. This study investigated the availability of recovery meetings in South Central Appalachia before and after COVID-19 lockdowns. The number of confirmed recovery meetings was compared before and after COVID-19 lockdowns by geographic location (i.e., rural/nonrural and medium metro/small metro/micropolitan/noncore). Recovery meeting data were systematically collected through interviews with community contacts, reviewing social media and websites, making phone calls, and sending emails and surveys and updated longitudinally. There was no significant change in the number of meetings from pre- (n = 189) to post-COVID-19 (n = 178). There was no significant shift in meeting location when dichotomizing by rural/nonrural classification, chi2(1) = 2.76, p = .097, pi = -0.087. Chi-square test of independence did reveal a significant change in number of recovery meetings by location when using four location classifications, chi2(3) = 7.97, p = .047, Cramer's V = 0.147. There was a noteworthy rise in the meetings in small metro (36.5%-51.1%), with all other locations declining. The establishment and reestablishment of recovery meetings in rural communities should be prioritized to address the longstanding scarcity of recovery resources in rural locations, recent decline in such support, and the rise in overdose deaths. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This study highlights a significant barrier to recovery from problematic substance use in rural areas. Strategically establishing recovery meetings in areas with few or no meetings and facilitating access through addressing transportation is critical. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
There is growing concern about the availability of health care services for rural patients. This systematic literature review evaluates original research on health disparities among rural and urban populations with mental health (MH) conditions in North America. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reveiws and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we used four electronic databases (Pubmed, Cochrane, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science) and hand searches and included original research conducted in the United States or Canada before July 2021 that compared health outcomes of patients with any mental health disorder in rural versus nonrural areas. Both qualitative and quantitative data were extracted including demographics, mental health condition, health disparity measure, rural definition, health outcome measures/main findings, and delivery method. To evaluate study quality, the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used. Our initial search returned 491 studies, and 17 studies met final inclusion criteria. Mental health disorders included schizophrenia (4 studies), posttraumatic stress disorder (10), mood disorders (9), and anxiety disorders (6). Total sample size was 5,314,818 with the majority being military veterans. Six studies (35.2%) showed no significant rural-urban disparities, while 11 (64.7%) identified at least one. Of those, nine reported worse outcomes for rural patients. The most common disparities were diagnostic differences, increased suicide rates, and access problems. This review found mixed results regarding outcomes in rural patients with mental health disorders. Disparities were found regarding risk of suicide and access to services. Telehealth in addition to in-person outreach to these rural communities may be alternative to impact these outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This critical review of the literature highlights that health disparities such as suicide rates/ideation, access to care, and utilization of mental health services are essential factors that put some subsets of rural patients compared to urban patients at a disadvantage. There is still a significant need for more research post COVID-19 on the use of telepsychiatry and rural health populations with mental health conditions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
La eficacia de las estrategias de la administración pública se ha medido en la forma en que manejan las pandemias y los efectos en cadena que se producen en el medio ambiente o la sociedad, y en este caso, en el abastecimiento de agua rural en México en tiempos de pandemia. El acceso al agua en las zonas rurales de México y cómo el gobierno ha manejado el aumento de la demanda durante las pandemias se exploran mediante una revisión sistemática de 51 documentos. El sistema de agua de México está por debajo de la media y es necesario realizar más inversiones en los planes de gestión comunitaria. Se requiere la participación de la ciudadanía en el desarrollo de esquemas de gestión comunitaria para encontrar una solución a la demanda y oferta cambiantes.Alternate :The efficacy of public administration strategies has been gauged on how they handle pandemics and the knock-on effects that occur on the environment or society, and in this case, in the rural water supply in Mexico in times of pandemics. Water access in rural Mexico and how the government has managed the rise in demand during pandemics are explored using a systematic review into 51 documents. Mexico's water system is below par and there is a need for more investments to be pumped into community management schemes. The involvement of the public in the development of community management schemes is necessary to find a solution to the changing demand and supply.
ABSTRACT
Recent studies reveal adults 65 and over are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. However, this older generation is often vulnerable to exclusion, marginalization, and discrimination, made worse by the events and circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and disproportionate threats to the integrity and wellbeing of older adults, especially those living in rural communities. Nonetheless, little is known about the effects the pandemic had on rural older adults' wellbeing. This generic qualitative study explored rural older adults' wellbeing during the pandemic, using the theoretical frameworks of Erikson's stage theory of psychosocial development and Seligman's theory of wellbeing PERMA (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments) model. Criterion sampling and snowball approaches were used to recruit ten rural individuals, aged 70 years and older and living independently during the pandemic, to participate in semi structured interviews. Data were analyzed using a six-phase thematic analysis to identify themes and patterns and interpret these themes in connection to the study. Three core themes were identified from the data: (a) potential effects on wellbeing, (b) protecting independence, and (c) emotional effects of losing self. The results of the study can generate positive social change through awareness and an enhanced understanding of how this challenging time has affected rural older adults' wellbeing at a key period of psychosocial development with an aim to create better interventions for this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Global health crises impose considerable strain in health care systems worldwide that create mental health challenges among medical practitioners. Greater challenges are experienced by doctors practicing in rural areas of developing countries such as the Philippines that have weak healthcare infrastructures and meager resources for health services. Thus, this study sought to explore doctors' experiences of working in rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify contextual factors contributing to their mental health. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used in gathering and analyzing data from semistructured interviews with 12 doctors who worked in rural areas in Eastern Visayas, a region that has very few doctors and that experienced a rise in COVID-19 cases at the time of the study. The findings revealed challenges to doctors' mental health that include fear of exposure, burnout, scarcity of supplies, and patient-related challenges that reflected contextual realities in the area. The results also described coping strategies utilized by the rural doctors, e.g., communing with nature, diskarte (resourcefulness), social support from family and coworkers, and bayanihan (observed in this study as mutual support among doctors in the rural community to achieve collective goals). The findings highlight policy implications and other forms of support that will sustain rural doctors' mental health amid a pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement The sustainable development goals highlight the importance of promoting good health and well-being (SDG3). The wellness of healthcare workers is critical, especially amid a global pandemic, as they fulfill their duty of caring for others in the front line despite threats of exposure to the disease (Khoo et al., 2021;Luan et al., 2020). These challenges are exacerbated in rural areas where there are few doctors serving the entire community (Muzyamba et al., 2021), and there was lack of supplies, medicines, and equipment needed to provide proper healthcare even prior to the pandemic (Mohammadiaghdam et al., 2020;Vashist, 2017). Using the lens of interpretative phenomenological analysis, this study gathered insights from the experiences of doctors working with rural communities in the Philippines amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings will hopefully orient policies and efforts to sustain and enhance the mental health and overall wellness of rural doctors practicing underserved communities amid a global health crisis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
School-based telebehavioral health is one avenue to increase students' access to mental health services, especially for students who are less likely to access traditional community mental health settings due to a lack of transportation to distant sites, financial resources, and other barriers. With the shortage of child behavioral specialists in Kansas' rural and underserved communities, the Telehealth ROCKS (Regional Outreach to Communities, Kids, and Schools) program was created to address student behavioral health needs at school through telehealth. Since 2018, this program has provided approximately 1,600 mental health appointments. With public health mandates and a shift to online school, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid telehealth transition from services in rural supervised school settings to direct-to-consumer services in homes. The authors describe the challenges and opportunities experienced during this transition across telebehavioral health specialties: (a) developmental/autism assessments, (b) developmental behavioral interventions to address problem behaviors, (c) child and adolescent psychological services, (d) medical complexity services, and (e) child and adolescent psychiatry. The authors then describe the overall transition from school-based to home-based services based on national Guidelines for Evidence-Based Child Telebehavioral Health domains: Patient Appropriateness, Crisis Management/Safety, and Logistics/Administrative Protocols. This experience and lessons learned can inform other school-based telemental health programs considering expansion to home-based services. The authors also discuss evolving telehealth policy and the reimbursement environment, with continued relevance due to continued COVID-19 outbreaks impacting school services and future public health emergencies affecting schools. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This report shares lessons learned when rapidly transitioning the Telehealth ROCKS rural telebehavioral health services from the supervised school setting to the unsupervised home setting during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet escalating student behavioral health needs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became increasingly important to understand how licensed professional counselors used telemental health applications (apps) to establish therapeutic relationships in rural areas. In the past decade, technology has undergone significant changes in its purpose and design. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemental health was a tool that provided access to mental health services by developing and sharing innovative and effective treatments. The literature suggested that telemental health apps are effective for providing counseling services to clients living in rural areas. Therefore, this technology provided added support to individuals who faced treatment barriers. In this generic qualitative study, data were collected and analyzed regarding the perceptions of therapeutic relationship development among licensed professional counselors using telemental health apps in rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collected from the semi-structured interview were analyzed using inductive analysis, through which six themes emerged: (a) relational components of therapy, b) methods and approaches used to guide sessions, (c) client concerns about ethical and privacy issues, (d) barriers to engaging clients in the sessions, (e) the value of videoconferencing platforms to help connect with clients, and (f) evolving new roles and responsibilities. The themes that emerged helped answer the research question: "How have professional counselors used telemental health apps in rural areas to develop the therapeutic relationship during COVID-19?" Counselors may better understand, empathize, support, engage, connect, and develop therapeutic relationships with clients when utilizing these applications. In future research, it would be worthwhile to examine clients' viewpoints, since telemental health applications are designed with clients in mind. Also, associate-level professionals used telemental health to work with clients, and this experience may be useful to gain a perspective from counselors in training. Finally, when it comes to participation recruitment, it may be beneficial to reach out to various social networks, Listservs, and other professional organizations. Counselors may report different experiences regarding their engagement with clients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Guided by the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study investigated how regional variation in mental health needs and resources may have impacted early efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Publicly available data were analyzed to evaluate states' initial responses (i.e., February 2020-March 2020) to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of the 50 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia, were included in the analyses, providing a total sample size of N = 51. U.S. states with greater mental health needs and barriers to treatment tended to: be slower to implement shelter-in-place orders;have residents who showed less increase in time at their residences in response to the crisis;be more rural, economically disadvantaged, and more conventional;and have less access to the internet. Considering this cultural context provides insight for tailoring and implementing interventions in a culturally competent manner. Furthermore, mental health resource sharing across states and regions may be needed to address future mental health care gaps resulting from the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Rural and financially strained areas with fewer resources and greater mental health needs tended to spend less time under shelter-in-place orders and showed less increase in time spent at home during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Special attention is needed to strengthen community resources and health care infrastructure to support recovery from the pandemic. Access to finances and resources may facilitate more rapid and flexible change in routines required by future pandemics and large-scale threats. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
This chapter presents case examples of eco-anxiety in Africa. The rural communities in Zambia are highly dependent on agriculture, which has already been much affected by the climate crisis. The chapter examines various reactions and coping methods, along with gaps where further research is needed. It analyzes eco-anxiety and the anxiety and hysteria brought about by COVID-19. It has shown that although humans and nature have lived symbiotically for centuries, anthropogenic activities were detrimental to this relationship. Therefore, for humans to enjoy their ancient relationship with nature, their destructive activities on nature needed to be minimized. However, there have been some exaggerations regarding the effects of climate change. Predictions of doom, extinction, and other alarming words were more responsible for eco-anxiety. Despite these alarms and actual danger, humans could adapt. As the world was coming to terms with climate change and eco-anxiety, COVID-19 emerged with even more devastation and threats to humanity. Unlike climate change, COVID-19 was sudden, fast, and fatal while restricting human activities, thereby affecting all aspects of life. It was therefore more anxiety-causing than climate change. Future research should focus on reducing alarmism, enhancing human adaptation to climate change, minimizing its effects, and preparing for pandemics. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Background: As of June 2021, the United States had been greatly affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore self-care measures during the pandemic, the impact of the pandemic, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination among residents living in rural Alabama. Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted in designated local communities in the rural areas of Alabama in September 2020. Recruited from a pool of individuals living in a local community, focus group members voluntarily participated in this study after providing informed consent. A semi-structured interview revolved around the following topics: (1) the impact of the pandemic on participants' health and health care access, (2) self-care activities during the the pandemic, and (3) opinions on COVID-19 vaccination. Results: Three major themes and corresponding subthemes were identified: (1) self-care activities during the pandemic with four subthemes: physical health care, relationships with others, hygiene maintenance, and keeping informed;(2) impact of the pandemic with two subthemes: negative mental health and online services and activities;and (3) attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine with three subthemes: perceived challenges, suggestions about accessibility, and willingness to be vaccinated. Conclusion: Our findings warrant joint actions and efforts from policy makers and health care practitioners to engage in strategic intervention mapping to promote positive health behaviors and ultimately reduce COVID-19 transmission, number of cases, and adverse outcomes. For example, health care providers and practitioners may offer psychosocial services and regular mental health checkups. Increased infrastructure (e.g., funding and technology) is pivotal for providing online health services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Over the past decades, schools' academic success has been a major focus in the Department of Education beginning with the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) up to the current education reform, Every Student Succeeds Act (2015). The prominent factor in the establishment of the schools' academic success is collaboration. Collaboration is the ability to work together to reach and achieve a common goal. Collaboration has become a vital factor in education as have the establishment of internal and external learning partnerships. Learning partnerships are becoming more prominent in schools today. Internal learning partnerships are partnerships developed and established within an organization (Fullan, 2000). The participants build respectable relationships and trust, identify common goals, and develop and implement learning plans that are beneficial for the organization.This mixed-method case study was conducted to examine the levels of collaboration and internal learning partnerships within a high-performing rural intermediate school. This study focused on a partnership model by Reames and Kochan (2021) by viewing the key components of the model (relational factors, operational processes, and organizational structures). The purpose was to identify the extent of collaboration and internal partnerships through interviews and by analyzing network ties among the individuals within the school. This study was conducted within one rural high-performing school within one school semester during a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through electronic surveys and video-chat interviews. Surveys were emailed to all teachers and administrators although responses were not received by all. Out of thirty-one individuals within the network, sixteen responded to the survey. In this school, each grade level was identified as a community. The results of this study revealed that collaborative ties were strong throughout the entire network, especially in designated communities. Internal partnerships existed through various committees, departments, and celebrations. The key central actors in this study were the principal and counselor, which was a unique aspect. Furthermore, the findings supported the Reames and Kochan (2021) partnership model by identifying positive and effective characteristics under each component of the model. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Higher education institutions world-wide were impacted by the unprecedented novel coronavirus (COVID-19) beginning in early 2020. COVID-19 caused a disruption in services to students and resulted in pivots of teaching, learning, and student support. Community colleges differ from four-year counterparts through varying student demographics, funding sources, mission and foci, and student intentions. Community college enrollment is affected by economic, employment, and social trends. Enrollment management practices changes as campus operations for student support changed to remote support. COVID-19 forced administrators at colleges to make quick decisions. This study examined the perceptions of academic administrators at rural community colleges regarding how COVID-19 impacted enrollment management practices. This study aimed to determine the perceptions of changes occurring to enrollment management practices and the subsequent financial challenges resulting from COVID-19 within rural Virginia community colleges. Each rural community college in Virginia is included within the Rural Virginia Horseshoe, totaling 14 colleges. This study was a sequential explanatory study that was conducted in two phases. Phase One was a quantitative inquiry using a non-experimental survey to gather mid to senior-level administrators' perceptions of how COVID-19 was impacting enrollment management practices at their college. A total of 45 respondents completed the survey. The distribution included 102 mid to senior-level administrators. For the qualitative inquiry, the multiple case study research tradition was utilized. A total of 10 interviews were conducted with mid to senior-level administrators. Five themes emerged from the findings: (a) COVID-19 led to crisis management and operations in phases, (b) managing student onboarding during COVID-19, (c) COVID-19 created unique challenges for community college students, (d) COVID-19 affected decision-making procedures, and (e) COVID-19 resulted in work/life balance issues and COVID fatigue. Major implications in the current study suggest that colleges should be ready to pivot to remote instruction or back from it, review the onboarding processes and supports to ensure that they are adequately serving students, and advocate to reduce the digital divide. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
In the U.S., an estimated 16 million persons provide unpaid care for family and friends with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). These caregivers are experiencing challenges, such as lack social interaction, which further impacts their own health. Social isolation for caregivers is now considered to be another challenge due to living in a global pandemic. The purpose of this study was to address the gap in understanding rural informal caregiver by examining social connectedness through the use of story-guided dialogues among rural caregivers of PWD during a global pandemic. Story Theory guides intentional dialogue, to bring forward connecting with self-in-relation through use of story path, noting low, high, and turning points. The research design and analysis utilized an exploratory descriptive parallel mixed method approach with pre and post surveys and Story-Guided Dialogue (SGD). The study was guided by five research questions. The quantitative analysis employed paired samples t-test and Cronbach's Alpha. The qualitative approach consisted of structured interviews, and both contributed to the parallel mixed methods analysis.A convenience sampling of sixteen participants were recruited in rural sites. Story Theory narrative interviews were analyzed by content expert review of common themes. These themes derived from lack of social isolation displaying emotional distress of coping during and before COVID-19 and fear of their loved ones of contracting the virus during the pandemic were noted by the majority of the participants. Convergence of the data analysis using parallel mixed methods showed significant findings that during COVID-19, all caregivers experienced a lack of social networks, social connectedness, and emotional support. Participants expressed ease in feelings as the country moved forward with vaccines for their loved ones. The reflection of social interactions provided motivation for movement into the hopes of tomorrow, and towards resolution of these social connections. These shared stories identified common areas of social support and interaction by means of respite care, social interactions of attending church, and the workplace as informal support were helpful during this time. While not all quantitative findings were not significant. the study does support the need to further investigation of family/friend caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) in rural areas and their needs for healthier outcomes in the future. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Secondary students from a mid-sized school district in the rural Midwest who had chosen an asynchronous learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed to determine predictors of academic achievement and perceptions of their learning during the pandemic. An explanatory, mixed methods case study was conducted to sequentially analyze quantitative data and qualitatively analyze their experiences. Archival data from 288 students [F(7, 281) = 20.87, p < .001] was used predict grade point average (GPA) during virtual learning (M = 2.43, SD = 0.89) using a multiple linear regression (R2 = .326). This study was done to determine what factors help educators understand the variables that aide in student achievement while virtual learning. Predictor variables included race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, grade level, past attendance, past GPA, and number of parents/guardians in the home. Significant predictors were grade level, past GPA (M = 3.05), and sex. The focus of the qualitative research was on access to technology, digital literacy, attitude, motivation, and social connectedness prior to, during, and post-virtual learning. Four themes emerged. Results from this study suggest that schools should consider the type of virtual environment they provide, instructional design that includes social interaction, and professional development for staff prior to implementation of a virtual learning environment to increase achievement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic and a major health crisis affecting several nations. Such outbreaks are associated with adverse mental health consequences to any group of the population. Despite its negative effects, no study has addressed the potential psychological impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak among the pastoral community. This study aims to assess psychological experiences during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak and the factors that contributed to it among pastoral community residents in West Omo, South-West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from May to June 2020. The study subjects were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and entered into EpiData 3.1, then exported to SPSS version 24 for statistical analysis. The psychological impact was assessed by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). P-value < 0.20 during bi-variable analysis was considered as a candidate for multivariable logistic regression. Independent factors of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence level s at P-value < 0.05 cut-off point. Results: A total of 845 eligible pastoral residents were interviewed, with a 94.4% response rate. The prevalence of a positive response for anxiety, depression and stress was 30.8%, 26.3% and 24.4%, respectively. Being female was highly associated with developing anxiety and depression. Anxiety was found to be three times more prevalent among the respondents with >= 3 family members. Furthermore, participants with a history of mental illness, poor social support, and a high perceived life threat were also at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress. Conclusion: The prevalence of positive depression, anxiety and stress results were high. As a result, special attention should be paid, by governmental and non-governmental health organizations, to psychosocial and mental health programs for pastoral residentsduring the COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To better understand changes in and predictors of their mental and physical health, in the current study, we used three waves of data (two prepandemic and a third during summer 2020) from 329 Black men and women in the rural South. Results indicated that health worsened after the onset of the pandemic, including increased depressive symptoms and sleep problems and decreased self-reported general health. Greater exposure to COVID-19-related stressors was significantly associated with poorer health. Prepandemic stressors (financial strain, racial discrimination, chronic stress) and prepandemic resources (marital quality, general support from family and friends) were significantly associated with exposure to COVID-19-related stressors and with health during the pandemic. Findings underscore how the pandemic posed the greatest threats to Black Americans with more prepandemic psychosocial risks and highlight the need for multifaceted interventions that address current and historical stressors among this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Rodent pests can have major social, economic, and environmental impacts. Their management, therefore, represents a complex socio-ecological problem involving a network of stakeholders from across different sectors, with diverging and sometimes competing interests. Failure to incorporate stakeholder interests can result in ineffective or unsustainable management programmes, with unintended negative consequences for people and nature.Participatory approaches to decision-making have been proposed as suitable strategies to tackle complex problems, yet, these processes are often considered too difficult, costly, or time-consuming to implement.To facilitate a participatory approach to rodent control in Madagascar, we identified and mapped key stakeholders and developed a multisector framework for guiding rodent management programmes based on current literature and expert recommendations. We then carried out interviews and focus groups with stakeholders and end-users to validate the final framework.The final framework unifies stakeholder interests around the dimensions of People, Resources, Knowledge and Power. Combined application of the stakeholder map and framework provides decision-makers with the tools to identify stakeholder interests;to explore areas of conflict, as well as areas of agreement;and to ensure that these are addressed within the design of control programmes. As an assessment tool, the framework can also be used to evaluate the responsiveness of programmes to the needs of different stakeholders and assess whether objectives are being reached.We recommend the application of the stakeholder map and framework to encourage and strengthen participatory approaches aimed at rodent pest control. Due to the inclusive and interdisciplinary nature of the framework, it can be applied to address numerous complex social, environmental, and economic issues across scales, sectors, and systems.Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
ABSTRACT
Physical activity and social interaction are critical components in supporting health and well-being among older adults;therefore, there is significant merit in further exploration of the relationship between these concepts, particularly in rural settings where rates of physical activity are low. Social interaction is also associated with numerous health benefits to older adults;however, little research exists on the association between social interaction and physical activity among rural dwelling older adults. The current COVID-19 pandemic has also placed additional barriers on physical activity participation and social interaction, particularly among older adults who are considered a high-risk population where, in an effort to minimize transmission of the virus, self-isolation and physical distancing were recommended. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore what is known about social interaction and physical activity among older adults in rural communities through a scoping review of the literature, followed by a phenomenological study to better understand of the experience of social interaction and physical activity among the older adult population in a rural context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scoping review produced 990 results, where 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Although there were differences in the defining role and meaning of physical activity among the studies, findings indicated that physical activity and social interaction were important for many older adults in maintaining health;however, not all older adults preferred the social aspect of exercising with others. A rural environment often presented limited opportunities for participating in physical and social activities related to geographical location and other socio-economic factors. Using a social ecological model as a guide, data for the phenomenological study were collected from ten participants through individual telephone-based interviews. Findings revealed the inter-related aspects of individual and social factors that influence health promoting behaviours. For many, physical activity was socially motivated. The environment also had an impact on older adults' physical and social interaction, both positively and negatively. Participants in rural communities expressed a sense of community belonging, safety, and trust which fostered engagement;however, inhibiting factors included icy roads, lack of public transportation and limited services. COVID-19 restrictions also impacted the opportunities for many rural older adults to participate in physical activities and social events, leaving many participants feeling lonely and isolated. COVID-19 restrictions on social interaction provided some with a welcomed break from their usual daily responsibilities. Exploring social interaction and physical activity among rural dwelling older adults adds substantial value to rural-based research, targeting specific interventions that reflect the unique perceptions and experiences of rural older adults to support health and well-being throughout aging. The results of this research are useful in identifying modifiable factors to support and promote active engagement in physical and social activities;however, awareness of negative associations is needed when considering low physical activity rates and social interaction among rural older adults. As a scarcity of rural-specific studies was found in the scoping review, further research is needed to better understand the concepts in a rural environment as often physical and social interaction are experienced differently than in an urban setting. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)