ABSTRACT
Introduction: The level of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) associated with the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms was assessed. Risk factors for mental health in the Polish population have been identified. Material and methods: Nine hundred and twenty-six respondents completed a set of questionnaires consisting of questions concerning COVID-19, PTSS related to the COVID-19 outbreak (Impact of Event Scale-Revised, IES-R), and their mental health status (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, DASS-21). Results: Most respondents reported severe PTSS related to the COVID-19 outbreak (44.06%), the normal intensity of depressive symptoms (52.38%), anxiety symptoms (56.05%), and stress (56.48%). Almost 20% of Polish respondents were characterized by a severe or extremely severe level of stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms. Every seventh respondent reported an extremely severe level of depressive symptoms. Female gender, parental status, having a relationship, at least a two-person household were associated with higher PTSS or DASS-21 subscales. A few physical symptoms, a medical visit, quarantine, negative health evaluation, chronic diseases, knowledge about the increase in the number of infected people or deaths were associated with higher levels of PTSS. Some of the precautions and the need for additional information on COVID-19, the certainty of a high COVID-19 contracting probability or of a low survival rate, and concerns about the loved ones were associated with higher PTSS. Conclusions: The indicated risk factors can be used for developing psychological interventions to improve mental health. It is necessary to conduct qualitative research on the psychological reasons for the occurrence of mental symptoms during the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Background: There is growing interest in parent-delivered interventions (PDI) for children with autism. Treatment fidelity has been associated with child outcomes in PDI but little is known about what impacts fidelity. One factor not previously examined is parents' resolution to the autism diagnosis which involves adjusting expectations about the child and sensitively responding to their cues, strengths and needs. Relatively little is known about resolution in the context of autism but there is evidence of an association between resolution and parent wellbeing. Method: The study adopted a mixed methods approach to examine whether there is an association between PDI fidelity and parent resolution to diagnosis, and whether resolution is associated with parent wellbeing. Parents of 31 preschool children diagnosed with autism who attended up to 12 Parent-delivered Early Start Denver Model (P-ESDM) coaching sessions participated in the study. A thematic analysis of parent interviews was also undertaken to identify themes raised by resolved and unresolved parents in interviews. Results: There was no difference in overall mean fidelity scores between resolved and unresolved parents. Those classified as resolved had lower depression scores and parenting stress scores than parents classified as unresolved. The qualitative analysis revealed that parents' perceptions of their child's progress and their hopes for the future appeared to distinguish resolved and unresolved parents. Conclusions: Findings suggest that parent wellbeing and child progress may predict resolution which was not related to parent treatment fidelity in this study. Parent wellbeing and resolution status should be assessed at entry to PDI.
ABSTRACT
Background: The development of depression and anxiety symptoms during long COVID may partly result from the biopsychosocial effects of COVID-19 that impact mental health, rather than from the infection alone. Aim: The present study examined the association of anxiety, depression, stress, and psychological distress levels with sociodemographic factors and symptom severity during and three months after the acute phase of COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 119 participants with a positive SARS-CoV-2 qPCR test. Three months after the acute phase of infection, participants completed an online survey to collect clinical information and sociodemographic data, followed by completion of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scales. Results: During and after infection, fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom. After the acute phase of COVID-19, substantial numbers of participants presented moderate to severe psychological distress (28.5%), severe to extremely severe depression (26.05%), and severe to extremely severe stress (31.09%). Female patients presented higher stress scores than males, while individuals who reported having lost a loved one presented high psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. The presence of physical symptoms after COVID-19 and other factors such as being a woman, being married, having children, or living with someone who suffers from a disease increased vulnerability to depression, stress, and anxiety. Conclusions: There are psychological consequences for survivors of COVID-19 associated with sociodemographic factors. Clinical strategies are needed to provide mental health care for individuals with long COVID symptoms. © 2022 IACFS/ME.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of this study was to summarize the available evidence on the prevalence of stress, burnout, anxiety and depression among healthcare providers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (KSA, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google scholar for related studies published between January 2020 and April 2021 and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: Of the 1815 identified studies, 29 met the inclusion criteria, and 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of prevalence for moderate to severe anxiety as reported using GAD-7 was 34.57% (95% CI = 19.73%, 51.12%), that for moderate to severe depression using PHQ-9 was 53.12% (95% CI = 32.76%, 72.96%), and that for moderate to severe stress using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scales was 81.12% (95% CI = 72.15%, 88.70%). Meta-analysis was not performed for burnout due to the small number of identified studies and the different tools used;however, the highest prevalence was reported at 76% (95% CI = 64%, 85%). Overall, a positive trend was observed over time for moderate to severe anxiety and depression, p = 0.0059 and 0.0762, respectively. Of note, the heterogeneity was significant among the studies, and many studies were of poor quality. Conclusion: The prevalence of mental health disorders during the current pandemic among healthcare workers in GCC countries is high. However, the results could be affected by the high heterogeneity and low quality studies. © 2022 [The Author/The Authors]
ABSTRACT
Stress during Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affects the physiological and immunological response to women's reproductive health. Meanwhile, Apium graveolens and Eucalyptus globulus are immunomodulators related to women's reproductive health. This investigation had a goal to examine the effectiveness of A. graveolens and E. globulus towards the expression of Heat Shock Protein-70 (HSP70) as the primary biomarker of stress, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) as a pro-inflammatory protein, along with Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF-9) as folliculogenesis markers. An experimental randomized controlled trial was utilized by using a pre-test and post-test control group design. Sixty women, who had stress based on DASS-21 questionnaire, were divided into two groups in Nusukan Health Center, Indonesia. The intervention group was orally administered with 300 mg A. graveolens capsules and E. globulus essential oil for 14 days, while the control group was given a placebo. Blood samples and stress levels were then evaluated before and after the intervention. No significant difference was found in the stress levels of the control and treatment groups at the pre-test. Meanwhile, the intervention group had the decreased HSP70, TNF-alpha, and stress levels (p<0.001). In contrast, increased LH and GDF-9 levels were displayed in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001). These findings revealed that A. graveolens supplementation and E. globulus essential oil have the ability to decrease stress and are able to protect folliculogenesis markers on women's reproductive health due to stressful conditions during pandemic COVID-19. Copyright © 2022 by Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy (IJP).
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: This research examined anxiety, depression, and stress levels in female medical students during the second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the association between these variables and family functioning, coping, and personality factors. Material(s) and Method(s): The cross-sectional online observational study was conducted using Google Forms. Anxiety, depression, and stress were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), family functioning using Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve, coping using Brief COPE, and personality using the Big Five Inventory 10-item version. Result(s): Out of 750 students, 500 thoroughly responded to the online survey. Based on the DASS-21 scores, 57.6% of participants had some stress, 63.4% had some anxiety, and 54.8% had some degree of depression. Anxiety, depression, and stress were highly correlated with each other. Stress, anxiety, and depression were weakly linked with problem-focused coping, moderately correlated with emotion-focused coping, and strongly correlated with avoidant coping. Better family functioning was associated with lesser self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression. Neuroticism was associated with higher anxiety, depression, and stress, while agreeableness and conscientiousness were with lower psychological distress. Conclusion(s): High level of psychological suffering was prevalent among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their anxiety, depression, and stress must be adequately managed. Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Covid-19 pandemic has had severe impact on mental health and well-being of people around the globe. The uncountable loss of life, disruption of face-to-face health services and the uncertainty that followed raised concerns over mental health of all people. The impact was much worse in hospitalised covid-19 individuals. Most of the studies done on Covid-19 and mental health were focused on general population and health care workers. In our clinical practise, we observed an increased level of anxiety, stress and depression among hospitalised covid-19 individuals. Hence, we aim to assess the prevalence of psychological distress in these patients and there by validate our observation. Aims and Objectives: To assess the psychological impact of mild to moderate covid-19 disease in hospitalised patients. Material(s) and Method(s): A cross-sectional study was conducted in mild to moderate Covid-19 patients admitted to the tertiary care centre. A total of 501 patients filled 2 questionnaires - Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21(DASS-21) and Psycho-Social Assessment scale (PSA), a self-structured questionnaire. Result(s): In the depression subscale of DASS-21, 141(28.1%) had mild depression, 101(20.2%) had moderate depression, and 8 (1.6%) had severe depression. In the anxiety subscale, 105(20.9%) had mild anxiety, 198 (39.5%) had moderate anxiety, 35 (7.0%) had severe anxiety and 3 (0.6%) had extremely severe anxiety. In the stress subscale, 132(26.4 %) had mild stress, 161(32.1%) had moderate stress and 51 (10.2%) had severe stress. Patients above 30 years of age had moderate anxiety and stress, with stress being statistically significant among all age groups and gender. There were about 70% prevalence rate in all subgroups in PSA scale with anxiety being highest with 78%. Conclusion(s): The present study is a frontrunner in exploring the spectrum of psychological distress in hospitalised individuals due to Covid-19 disease. The uncertainty that the pandemic has inflicted upon us and its associated social stigma and economic recession has led to widespread increase in stress, anxiety and depression on people, including youngsters. Government, policy-makers and treating physicians should continue to provide mental health evaluation as an essential health service in all covid-19 affected individuals for early risk stratification and prevention of any unfavourable outcome. Copyright © 2022 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: We aimed to assess sleep quality and psychological distress among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the context of mitigated governmental restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 370 HCWs from a single tertiary healthcare institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sleep quality and psychological distress were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21). Results: The median stress score for HCWs aged between 20 and 29 years was higher compared to HCWs aged between 30 and 39 years (p=0.002) and HCWs aged between 50 and 59 years (p<0.001). The median anxiety score of the age group between 20 and 29 years was also significantly higher compared to the age groups between 40 and 49 and 50-59 years (all p<0.05). HCWs living with family showed higher anxiety and depression scores compared to those living with non-family members (p=0.006 and p=0.005, respectively). Handling COVID-19 patients on multiple occasions during routine patient care was significantly associated with higher anxiety and depression scores among HCWs. The results also showed higher PSQI scores among younger HCWs (20-29 years) and trainees (all p<0.05). In addition, PSQI correlate significantly with depression (r=0.268) and anxiety (r=0.278) scores of DASS-21 scale (all p<0.001). Conclusion: Poor psychological well-being and sleep quality were observed among certain groups of HCWs, even after the mitigation of COVID-19 restrictions. This study highlights the need for strategies to manage HCWs at risk of developing psychological distress during future catastrophes.
ABSTRACT
Parents and students want their experiences to be life-changing. The years spent in college are often a period of learning and development for many students. But obstacles like sorrow, despair, anxiety, sadness depression, though, can stand in the way. The prevalence of anxiety and depression among college students has significantly grown since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent survey, severe depression and anxiety affect one in three college students. The early detection and treatment of depression can be aided by parents and students being aware of the risk factors and symptoms. In the present study, the validated DASS-21 scale was used as the evaluation tool. It was discovered that college students exhibit mild levels of stress, moderate levels of depression, and severe levels of anxiety. It was shown that female students were more likely than their male counterparts to experience psychological distress. Given the high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among students, support services and preventive measures must be put in place to assist all students, but especially those who are more prone to experiencing greater levels of these psychological illnesses. The present article is based on the study conducted among undergraduate students in Punjab. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Aim and objective: A study of prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among homemakers during the Covid pandemic. Background(s): Studies attempting to find out the mental health state among women in India, especially non-working class of women is very scarce but international studies suggest significant psychiatric morbidity among these class of population, and the current pandemic has had further negative impact on their mental wellbeing, hence this research is necessary to identify the pattern and severity of psychiatric illness which can further enlighten us in designing new protocols and special programs for the mental welfare of Women. materials and methodology: The current study was a cross-sectional, analytical study. This study was conducted from August 2020 to November 2020. This study had been conducted in three villages, which are located nearby our facility in Chennai, among homemaker women. This study had been proceeded after getting the ethical certificate from the institutional ethics committee. Once the study participants met the eligibility criteria, they were included in this study through convenient Sampling technique. The data tool consists of two parts: first, demographic variables like age, gender, place of residence, socio-economic status, and marital and employment status. Second, The DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety and Stress scale) questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among the study participants. The inferential statistics were done using SPSS version 21. Conclusion(s): During the COVID-19 pandemic, depression, stress, and anxiety were very common among housewives. Nearly one-third of stay-at-home moms are overweight. All of the psychiatric illnesses investigated in this study are associated with higher socioeconomic level. Stress is associated with higher levels of education among homemakers. Women who don't get enough sleep are more likely to experience depression. Therefore, all of these Psychiatric health conditions must be taken into consideration as significant entities in similar pandemic situations in the future, especially among homemakers. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Globally, COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on mental health. In Nepal, COVID-19 positive cases have to self-isolate at home in multi-generational and multi-family households. This could be strongly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress-related health outcomes. Additionally, COVID-19 related stigma and fear of transmission may intensify depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This study determined the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and their association with presence of COVID-19 symptoms and comorbid conditions among home isolated COVID-19 positives in the Karnali province, Nepal. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among 402 home isolated COVID-19 patients of Karnali province from January to May 2021 using "Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)". We interviewed patients to collect socio-demographic, DASS-21, COVID-19 symptoms, comorbid conditions, and self-treatment. We conducted a telephonic interview using a standardized questionnaire using Kobotoolbox. We calculated the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. We utilized univariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine their association with the presence of COVID-19 symptoms and comorbid conditions. In multivariate logistic regression, we adjusted sociodemographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, monthly family income, education level), smoking status and history of self-treatment. We reported adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals. All analyses were conducted in R (version: 4.0.3). Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among home isolated COVID-19 patients were 8.0% (95% CI: 5.5 to 11.1), 11.2% (95% CI: 8.3 to 14.7), and 4.0% (95% CI: 2.3 to 6.4) respectively. Higher odds of depression symptoms (aOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.10-7.44, p = 0.03), anxiety symptoms (aOR: 3.81; 95% CI: 1.62 to 8.93; p = <0.01) and stress symptoms (aOR: 7.78; 95% CI: 1.43 to 42.28; p = 0.02) were associated significantly with presence of COVID-19 symptoms in past week. Higher odds of anxiety symptoms were associated with the presence of comorbid conditions (aOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.09 to 7.80; p = 0.03). Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were present in a significant proportion of home isolated COVID-19 patients in western Nepal and positively associated with the presence of COVID-19 symptoms. In this global COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to provide timely counseling to high-risk groups like those with comorbidities and COVID-19 symptoms to maintain a high level of mental health among home isolated COVID-19 patients.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Abounding physical and mental exhaustion among the health care workers (HCW) during COVID-19 pandemic rekindled the need to acknowledge the psychological impact of this unprecedented stressful situation on the first-line warriors. The rising stress among the HCW during COVID duties for many months could have long-term effects on their personal and professional life. The situation necessitated presenting a feasible solution which can positively impact mental health. Patanjali's 'Kriya yoga' amalgamates several relaxation techniques, inclusively breath modulation, pranayama, mantra chanting, and asana holding, with a potential for stress management. The effects of 'Kriya Yoga' on EEG and perceived stress among the HCW were investigated. Method(s): Participants were recruited through digital advertisements. Those meeting the eligibility criteria were enrolled in either intervention or control groups. The complete set of 'Kriya yoga' was taught to the subjects in the intervention group by a yoga expert. It included a set of six techniques comprising Breath awareness (Ana pana), Complete breath, Anulom Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing), Om chanting, Gayatri Mantra, and Shavasan (Deep Relaxation). The participants were required to practice it for a period of 6 weeks. Result(s): Data for EEG, electrodermal activity (EDA), perceived stress scale (PSS) scores and depression, anxiety and stress scores were collected at different time points. EEG was quantitatively (QEEG) analyzed for delta, theta, alpha, and beta power over several regions. We found improvement in the DASS-21 and PSS scores at the end of the practice sessions. The mean power for alpha frequency was increased in the frontal, central, and parietal regions, and for delta range was raised over the central and parietal areas. The tonic skin conductance level revealed a reduction in stress among the practitioners. The participants reported a subjective feeling of calmness, well-being, and ease of practice. Conclusion(s): 'Kriya yoga' is an easily deliverable intervention for stress mitigation among the HCW. It leads to relaxation, a decrease in anxiety, and a reduction in perceived stress. The long-term psychophysiological effects of Kriya yoga practice are depicted by the changes in the power of brain waves and EDA. The proposed intervention can be a model for the mental health well-being of the HCW in stressful circumstances. Copyright © 2022
ABSTRACT
A global pandemic of Coronavirus appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan and spread globally. The objective behind the study was to find out the impact of COVID-19 on mental status and quality of life of physical therapists of Pakistan. This cross-sectional survey was carried out from August 2020 to January 2021. Data was collected online and personally from teaching and practicing physiotherapists working in universities and in departments of rehabilitation sciences of hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A sample of 110 physiotherapists was selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Standardized questionnaires including Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), World Health Organization-Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were used to assess depression, anxiety, stress, fear and quality of life. Out of 110 physiotherapists, 48 were males and 62 were females. Through DASS-21, it was assessed that the prevalence of psychological distress was 40.0%, anxiety was 57.3% and depression was 40%. Scores on all four sub-scales of WHOQOL depicted that COVID-19 also impacted the quality of life of physiotherapists including physical, psychological, social and environmental health related quality of life. Similarly, through IES-R, it was assess that 35.5% physiotherapists were having mild to severe level of fear regarding COVID-19. This study concludes us that COVID-19 has a great impact on mental health and quality of life of physiotherapists during this pandemic. Copyright © Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19-related physical isolation, fear and anxiety determined de novo mental illnesses, by potentially facilitating the emergence of Hikikomori traits (i.e., a severe social withdrawal condition). Objective(s): The present study aims at screening a cohort of university students for the Hikikomori traits and assessing a set of psychopathological determinants associated with Hikikomori, particularly boredom and loneliness dimensions. Method(s): A cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out by administering Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-11), Italian Loneliness Scale (ILS), Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Result(s): 1,148 respondents (767 women and 374 men, mean age: 23.2+/-SD=2.8 years old) were recruited. 70.7% declared to have experienced psychological distress. HQ-11 average total score was 18.4+/-SD=7.5 with statistically significant higher values in the males (p=0.017) and amongst students studying Informatics, Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry, Science of Communication and Engineering. The HQ-11 positively correlated with ILS (r=0.609), MSBS (r=0.415), TAS-20 (r=0.482) and DASS-21 (r=0.434). Conclusion(s): This study represents the first screening of the Hikikomori phenomenon in Italian university students. Hikikomori traits appear to be particularly represented in the Italian youth population and should be carefully investigated in future studies.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The highly infectious novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and soon became a global pandemic. COVID-19 is escalating medical staff psychological stress and creating an increasingly heavy professional burden. Fear of transmitting the virus to family, community perception of frontline workers as potential disease carriers, extreme workloads and moral dilemmas add additional stressors. In Novi Sad Clinical Centre of Vojvodina (CCV) for the past 2 years there has been a continuous struggle against the COVID-19 crisis. Both senior specialist doctors and newly hired young doctors, some without work experience, were hired immediately after completing their studies. Objective(s): To investigate the mental health of clinical first-line medical staff in COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): This is a cross-sectional study involving CCV staff who worked in the first line of patient treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were given a self-administered questionnaire which included information on demographic and socio-economic characteristics and the validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) instrument. A total of 190 medical workers were involved. Result(s): Sixty-two (32,6%) participants screened positive for anxiety, 38 (20%) for depression, 68 (35,8%) for stress, and 22 (11,5%) for clinical concern of PTSD. The most endangered are young nurses and doctors with less than 6 months of previous work experience. Conclusion(s): In conclusion, our results suggest frontline medical staff involved in treatment of COVID-19 patients should be closely monitored as a high-risk group for depression and anxiety, and given proper training before deployment.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Since March2019, successive waves of the COVID- 19pandemic have challenged the mental health of frontline healthcare workers, who have been shown in numerous studies to be at increased risk for characterized psychiatric disorders. However, healthcare professionals who were not directly involved in the care of patients withCOVID-19 were often not investigated. In Morocco, the literature dealing with the psychological impact of the pandemic on backline health professionals is still scarce. Objective(s): The purpose of our survey is to assess the stress, anxiety, and depression of health workers who were not on the front lines of care forCOVID-19 patients. Method(s): It is a survey developed on googleforms and disseminated via social networks targeting groups of health professionals in Morocco, during June2020. We used the DASS21 scale(depression, anxiety and stress scale with21 items). The results were analyzed using the JAMOVI application. Result(s): out of80 participants: 54%are men, 56%are aged between 31 and 40years old, 38%have been in practice for less than 5years of exercise, 66%are married, 41%are specialists 36%are residents and 21%are nurses, 44% work in psychiatric ward. Psychiatric symptoms: 64%have worries, 64% tired, 63% irritability, 59% sadness, 53% insomnia and 51% somatic complaints. 6.3%report substance use. DASS-21: 50%of participants have depression (7.5%mild, 26.25%moderate, 11.25%severe, 5%extremely severe), 48.75%have Anxiety (7.5%mild, 25%moderate, 8.25%severe, 7.5%extremely severe) and 30%report Stress (8.75%mild, 15%moderate, 6.25% severe, 0%extremely severe). Conclusion(s): The high level of job stress during the early months of the pandemic exposed health workers who were not on the front line of care forCOVID-19 patients to an increased risk of psychological decompensation.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: According to recent reports Covid-19 patients may exhibit psychiatric co-morbidities that cause dysfunction, loss of autonomy and emotional suffering even after the physical illness is treated. Considering the high impact Covid-19 may have on mental health, we have created a psychiatric consultation dedicated to the study, observation and support of patients that developed mental illness after being hospitalized due to Covid-19. Objective(s): We aim at 1) describe the profile of patients that developed psychiatric comorbidities following a hospitalization due to Covid-19 and 2) recognize and treat early psychiatric symptoms in Covid-19 patients. Method(s): Based on what was described in other epidemic crisis, we established a semi-structured interview to evaluate several dimensions of the patients' life thatmay have been affected byCovid-19 and that may impact on mental health. The interview included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Each patient was observed multiple times over several months.Our evaluation was done in parallel with consultations in Internal Medicine. Result(s): Most patients complained of symptoms directly related with the infection of SARS-CoV-2, namely fatigue, short breath and reduced tolerance to efforts. Importantly, many patients also reported de novo or aggravation of anxiety, stress, depression, sleep disturbances and grief often associated with feelings of existential emptiness and lack of purpose. Conclusion(s): Hospitalization due to Covid-19 has a high impact on mental health, raising important questions on purpose and emptiness. An early psychiatric intervention is highly recommended.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19 is associated with mental manifestations, Anxiety and depression appear to be common amongst people hospitalized for COVID-19. Objective(s): evaluate the emotional stress resulting from infection and assess its impact on the mental health of patients who recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia. Method(s): It is a cross-sectional study, The mental health assessment tool DASS2 (Arabic version) was applied in collecting the data for the study. Demographic characteristics, chronic disease status, COVID 19 pneumonia, oxygen saturation level were recorded at the follow-up visit, soon after the psychiatric evaluation. Psychological distress was assessed An Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to assess the mental health status. Statistical analysis by (SPSS, version 25). Result(s): 466 patients were consented prior to enrollment in the study, out of the total respondents;(53.2%) were females, anxiety rate was found in (18%), stress in (17%), and depression in (14%) of the patients, significantly elevated blood levels of the inflammatory marker in patients with depression and anxiety, increase in the rates of depression with male gender, increasing age and longer duration of ICUstay respectively, with non-significant p-values. Therewas also a small increase in the period stayed in ICU among those who developed depression and anxiety. Reduced oxygen saturation in COVID-19 patients with depression was 4 times those with no depression. Conclusion(s): prolonged ICU stays and reduced oxygen saturation was associated with a high rate of depression in patients with COVID-19, as well as elevated levels of the inflammatory marker D-dimer with depression and anxiety.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic brought enormous challenges for health professionals. As in past epidemics, the uncertainty, danger and fear of contamination and an excessive load of work under dramatic conditions may contribute to aggravate the mental health of health professionals. Objective(s): Explore how the Covid-19 crisis impacted the mental health of healthcare workers and how their mental status relates with perspectives on the recent past and near future. Method(s): A longitudinal study will be applied in two phases, Q1 and Q2, one year apart, to evaluate depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress among health professionals froma healthcare center in Portugal. Phase Q1 is concluded and comprised the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R) and a questionnaire about the past and the future. Result(s): The IES-R scale revealed that nurses are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than other professionals. The levels of depression and anxiety in the DASS-21 show no significant differences. Interestingly, professionals who worked almost exclusively at inpatient wards show higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress than those who worked at several hospital units (emergency, inpatient and outpatient units). A positive correlation was found between depression and anxiety and negative perspectives about the past and the future. Conclusion(s): Covid-19 posed a terrible challenge for health professionals. Its impact on the mental health of healthcare workers may be significant even after the pandemic is under control.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic currently remains the most significant stressor affecting the global population. Researchers continually report widespread mistrust and negative attitudes towards vaccination, but only a little focus on its association with the emotional well-being. Objective(s): We aimed to investigate the attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19, as well as its relationship with well-being and religiosity after one year of the pandemic duration amongst Polish students. Method(s): We conducted an anonymous online cross-sectional survey between 12th April - 1st June 2021 amongst Polish students (n=1202). To evaluate emotional distress, we used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), for measuring spirituality/ religiosity we used The Duke University Religion Index. Result(s): The highest rate of vaccinated individuals was noted in a group of medical students (69.9%), the lowest - among responders studying science (1.9%). Students who wanted to be vaccinated had higher levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms compared to those who were already vaccinated (p=0.04);they also had higher depressive symptoms than unvaccinated and unwilling participants (p=0.028). Students who didn't want to be vaccinated against COVID-19 showed the highest religiosity compared to those who would like to be vaccinated (p<0.001) or were vaccinated (p=0.003). There was a negative correlation between the level of religiosity and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms (p=0.002). Conclusion(s): 1. The attitudes towards vaccination against COVID- 19 depended on the fields of study. 2. Religiousness has been linked with the attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination as well as level of depression and anxiety amongst Polish students.