Students' mental health issues in Europe and other countries

This chapter describes and analyzes how different countries dealt with children and youth with mental health issues before and during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2020. The pandemic and measures worldwide to control the spread of the virus COVID-19, such as lockdowns, closures of schools and preschools, social distancing rules, restrictions of movement, contact limits, and quarantine, changed the daily life of millions of people, especially children and youth. The countries include: Germany, Greece, Portugal, Tanzania/Vietnam, and the Netherlands. The chapter also analyzes how fear of infection and death, high uncertainty, and the containment measures that were implemented on affected children and youth with mental health issues. Students with disabilities and students from disadvantaged backgrounds were particularly affected by school closures. Mental health systems in the various countries coped in different ways, also depending on how they operated before the pandemic. Developing prevention programs, building resiliency, peer support, online support measures, and raising awareness of mental health all seem to be useful strategies to address mental health problems in children and youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Public Health Importance of Emporiatrics: A Review.

People travel all around the world to explore, trade, sojourn, etc. Millions of individuals cross national and international borders. Travel medicine services are offered by general practitioners, specialized travel clinics, or immunization centers. Epidemiology, illness prevention, and travel-related self-treatment are all included in the interdisciplinary field of travel medicine. The main objective is to keep travelers alive and in good health, by reducing the effects of illness and accidents through preventative measures and self-care. The danger to a traveler's health and well-being must be understood, and the travel medicine practitioner's job is to help their patient or client recognize and manage those risks. The absence of any disease or symptom does not always indicate good health. Chronic illness sufferers, including those with cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, can maintain a reasonable level of health and mobility. Travel medicine is a rapidly developing, extremely dynamic, multidisciplinary field that calls for knowledge of a range of travel-related illnesses as well as current information on the global epidemiology of infectious and non-infectious health risks, immunization laws and requirements around the world, and the shifting trends in drug-resistant infections. Pre-travel consultation aims to reduce the traveler's risk of disease and harm while on the road through preventive counseling, education, recommended drugs, and essential vaccines. Specialized medical guidance can help reduce the potential health risks of travel. Emporiatrics is not only used for traveling advice or things to be done during the period of the journey but it also creates room in implementing the interdisciplinary subject with new methods or development of new policies, technologies, and various programs to reduce unnecessary problems of the travelers, which will boost tourism.

The relations between resilience and self-efficacy among healthcare practitioners in context of the COVID-19 pandemic - a rapid review

Purpose: The purpose of this rapid review was to present current evidence on relations between resilience and self-efficacy among healthcare practitioners in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: Literature searches were conducted in February/2022 in the online database MEDLINE EBSCO and not date/time limited. Eligibility criteria were as follows: population - healthcare practitioners, interest - relations between resilience and self-efficacy and context - COVID-19. Finding(s): Six eligible studies from Italy, China, United Kingdom, India, Pakistan and Spain, published between 2020 and 2021 were included in the review. All studies used quantitative methods. The relations between resilience and self-efficacy were identified in contexts of resilience programs, measuring mental health of frontline nurses, measuring nurses' and nursing students' perception of psychological preparedness for pandemic management, perception of COVID-19 severity and mediating roles of self-efficacy and resilience between stress and both physical and mental quality of life. Findings indicated limited research on this topic and a need for more research. Practical implications: Broader understanding of the relations between resilience and self-efficacy may help healthcare organizations' leaders/managers aiming to support resilience of their employers under challenging circumstances such as future pandemic. Originality/value: The latest COVID-19 pandemic presented the opportunity to research relations between resilience and self-efficacy and enrich existed research in a new and extraordinary context.Copyright © 2023, Joanna Barbara Baluszek, Kolbjorn Kallesten Bronnick and Siri Wiig.

Mental health at the workplace, person-organization-fit and labor productivity growth: evidence from the Egyptian soap and detergents industry during COVID-19

Purpose: This study seeks to examine the mediating role of mental health issues in the workplace (MHIW) in explaining the complex relationship between person-organization-fit (P.O-fit) dimensions and workers' productivity (WP) variance during COVID-19 in the Egyptian soap and detergents industry. Design/methodology/approach: Using a cross-sectional survey, the authors collected data from 373 frontline workers and supervisors working at ARMA soap and detergents (ASD) factories. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 production-lines and quality-control supervisors. The hypothesized model was analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling technique. Findings: The authors found a significant, high P.O-fit level among ASD workers. The need-supplies-fit and supplementary-fit controlled MHIW. The need-supplies-fit and supplementary-fit alongside MHIW explained the growth in WP during COVID-19. The MHIW mediated the relationship between P.O-fit dimensions and WP during the pandemic. Research limitations/implications: Limited attention was paid to investigating how the P.O-fit dimensions enable frontline workers to remain productive despite the MHIW associated with COVID-19. This study bridges the aforementioned research gap by elucidating how the supplementary-fit, demand-abilities-fit and need-supplies-fit manipulate MHIW and maintain WP growth during the pandemic. Practical implications: The findings provide clear guidelines for the first-line supervisors to foster the P.O-fit dimensions, control MHIW and sustain WP growth during COVID-19. Originality/value: This study is among the first to add significant information on how MHIW (as mediator) explains the relationship between P.O-fit and WP growth during the pandemic. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

The prevalence and severity of mental health problems and sexual dysfunction in hemodialysis patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of mental health problems and sexual dysfunction in hemodialysis patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 84 hemodialysis patients were evaluated in terms of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS: Poor sleep quality (79.8%) and poor mental health status (62.7%) and higher likelihood of having depression (31.0 vs. 61.9%, p < 0.001) were noted. The IIEF-5 (10.5 [5-25] vs. 7.5 [5-23], p < 0.001) and FSFI (12 [4-78] vs. 6 [4-66], p < 0.001) scores were significantly decreased during the pandemic with an increase in the likelihood of having erectile dysfunction (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate high prevalence of mental health issues, an impaired quality of life and an increase in prevalence and severity of suspected depression during pandemic in hemodialysis patients along with deterioration in erectile dysfunction among males.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children/Youth With Special Health Care Needs: A School Nurse's Perspective.

School nurses repeatedly have been stretched to the limits over the past few years with the COVID-19 pandemic-managing not only routine daily care of students but also juggling those unique needs of children and youth with special health care needs, especially for those who also lost a parent/caregiver from COVID-19. This article provides background demographic information on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected these children, along with a specific case report of a middle school student with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who also experienced the loss of a parent from COVID-19. Specific practical suggestions are discussed on how school nurses proactively and collaboratively can assist these students whose lives were permanently changed by the life-changing event of losing a parent/caregiver from COVID-19.

Anxiety And Fear of COVID-19 Among Shantytown Dwellers In The Megacity Of Lima

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is not only having a negative impact on individuals' physical health, but also on their mental health. Particularly, people living in disadvantaged communities in the developing world have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. They live precariously and are more vulnerable to mental health issues. Objective(s): In this study, we have evaluated COVID-19-related anxiety and fear and the predictors associated with them among shantytown dwellers in the Peruvian capital. Method(s): This is a cross-sectional study in which 816 shantytown dwellers participated. Anxiety and fear of the virus were assessed using the Corona Anxiety Scale (CAS) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Also, sociodemographic data were collected. Result(s): Stable and occasional workers were more likely to show the anxiety about the virus, whereas older adults presented higher levels of fear of COVID-19. Shantytown dwellers who were single, female, unemployed, had a relative at home who was infected with COVID-19 before the fieldworker's visit, and had a relative who died of the virus were more likely to display anxiety and fear of COVID-19. Conclusion(s): Targeted interventions should be made available to slum dwellers promptly when needed, to help them cope with their mental health problems and prevent dire consequences such as domestic violence and suicidal tendencies. Copyright © 2022 Sotomayor-Beltran et al.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Mental Stress within Diverse Sociodemographic Groups.

In this study, we surveyed 635 participants to determine: (a) major causes of mental stress during the pandemic and its future impacts, and (b) diversity in public perception of the COVID-19 vaccination and its acceptance (specifically for children). Statistical results and intelligent clustering outcomes indicate significant associations between sociodemographic diversity, mental stress causes, and vaccination perception. For instance, statistical results indicate significant dependence between gender (we will use term 'sex' in the rest of the manuscript) and mental stress due to COVID-19 infection (p = 1.7 × 10-5). Over 25% of males indicated work-related stress compared to 35% in females, however, females indicated that they were more stressed (17%) due to relationships compared to males (12%). Around 30% of Asian/Arabic participants do not feel that the vaccination is safe as compared to 8% of white British and 22% of white Europeans, indicating significant dependence (p = 1.8 × 10-8) with ethnicity. More specifically, vaccination acceptance for children is significantly dependent with ethnicity (p = 3.7 × 10-5) where only 47% participants show willingness towards children's vaccination. The primary dataset in this study along with experimental outcomes identifying sociodemographic information diversity with respect to public perception and acceptance of vaccination in children and potential stress factors might be useful for the public and policymakers to help them be better prepared for future epidemics, as well as working globally to combat mental health issues.

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN COVID-19

The new era pandemic which quivered the lives of people across the globe is COVID-19. This was epidemiologically connected to the Huanan Seafood wholesale market in the Hubei province of China and later advanced to all other parts of the world. Followed by the declaration of Covid-19 as pandemic by the WHO, several countries entered a complete lockdown. The symptoms of Covid-19 were invasive and took the lives of millions of people worldwide. Apart from the physical ailments associated with it, the disease had potential impacts in mental health of the patients and survivors which was similar to the conditions in Post-Traumatic Stress syndrome. Nevertheless, we could say that the social media had a greater influence in developing mental illness to the patients apart from the isolation and quarantine. More of a counseling and psychosocial education can help people to thrive from the mental health issues. © 2022 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

COVID-19 quarantine in adolescents with autoimmune rheumatic diseases: mental health issues and life conditions.

OBJECTIVES: To assess mental health and life conditions in adolescents with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) and healthy controls quarantined during COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: A cross-sectional study included 155 ARD adolescents and 105 healthy controls. Online survey included self-reported strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), and a semi-structured questionnaire with demographic data, daily home and school routine, physical activities, and COVID-19 information during the pandemic. RESULTS: Among patients, 56% had juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 29% juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), and 15% juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). No differences were found regarding sex, ethnicity, and current age between ARD patients and controls (p > 0.05). Abnormal emotional SDQ (38% vs. 35%, p = 0.653) were similar in both groups. Logistic regression analyses in ARD patients demonstrated that female (OR = 2.4; 95%CI 1.0-6.0; p = 0.044) was associated with severe emotional SDQ dysfunction, whereas sleep problems were considered as a risk factor for both worse total SDQ (OR = 2.6; 95%CI 1.2-5.5; p = 0.009) and emotional SDQ scores (OR = 4.6; 95%CI 2.2-9.7; p < 0.001). Comparisons between ARD patients with and without current prednisone use showed higher median scores of peer problems in the first group [3 (0-10) vs. 2 (0-7), p = 0.049], whereas similar median and frequencies between JIA, JSLE, and JDM (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one third of JIA, JSLE, and JDM patients presented abnormal total and emotional scores of SDQ during COVID-19 quarantine. Sleep problems were the main factor associated with emotional difficulties in these ARD adolescents. The knowledge of mental health issues rates in adolescents with ARD supports the development of prevention strategies, like sleep hygiene counseling, as well as the references of the affected patients to specialized mental health services, as necessary. Key Points • One third of ARD patients presented mental health issues during COVID-19 quarantine • Sleep problems were associated with emotional difficulties. • It is necessary to warn pediatric rheumatologists about the importance of sleep hygiene counseling.

Exploring the potential of delivering mental health care services using digital technologies in Bangladesh: A qualitative analysis.

Background: Bangladesh is a lower-middle-income country affected by a severe lack of mental health service availability due to a scarcity of mental health experts, limited mental health literacy, and community stigma. In other low and middle-income countries, the online provision of mental health care services has addressed issues affecting service availability, accessibility, mass awareness of services, and stigma. Objective: The current study sought to understand stakeholders' perceptions of the potential of digital media-based mental health care delivery in strengthening Bangladesh's mental health system. Method: Online in-depth interviews were conducted with seven psychiatrists and eleven people with lived experiences of mental health issues. In addition, two online focus groups were conducted with ten psychologists and nine mental health entrepreneurs. A thematic analysis of the audio transcriptions was used to identify themes. Result: Stakeholders perceived that the benefits of digital media-based mental health services included the potential of increasing the awareness, availability, and accessibility of mental health services. Participants recommended: the rehabilitation of existing pathways; the use of social media to raise awareness; and the implementation of strategies that integrate different digital-based services to strengthen the mental health system and foster positive mental health-seeking behaviors. Conclusion: Growing mental health awareness, combined with the appropriate use of digital media as a platform for distributing information and offering mental services, can help to promote mental health care. To strengthen mental health services in Bangladesh, tailored services, increased network coverage, and training are required on digital mental health.

COVID-19 Induced Economic Slowdown and Mental Health Issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has pressed a pause button on global economic development, and induced significant mental health problems. In order to demonstrate the progressed relationship between the pandemic, economic slowdown, and mental health burden, we overviewed the global-level gross domestic product changes and mental problems variation since the outbreak of COVID-19, and reviewed comprehensively the specific sectors influenced by the pandemic, including international trade, worldwide travel, education system, healthcare system, and individual employment. We hope to provide timely evidence to help with the promotion of policymakers' effective strategies in mitigating economic losses induced by the pandemic; we suggest different governments or policy makers in different countries to share information and experience in dealing with COVID-19-induced economic slowdown and promote COVID-19 vaccine popularization plan to protect every individual worldwide against the coronavirus essentially; and we appeal international information share and collaboration to minimize stigmatization related to adverse mental consequences of COVID-19 and to increase mental health wellbeings of people all over the world.

Stress Among the Nurses and Their Family Involved in COVID-19 Patient Management

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc and many deaths around the world. Coronavirus is highly contagious and spreads like wildfire in the community. The nurses and other frontline health-care workers (HCWs) bore the brunt of this pandemic with maximum effect because they all worked with infected patients. Direct exposure has caused stress, anxiety, and physical cum mental discomfort among them. Objective: This study aimed to assess stress among nurses and family members related to COVID-19 outbreak. Methodology: In this study, mixed method of prospective approach was used. The study was conducted virtually using social media platforms by online questionnaire. It included 150 participants and information was collected on demographic data, change in relationship with family, spouse, children, self-concept, and perceived stress among themselves and their family members. Results: All the nurses were involved in the direct care of COVID-infected patients. Many participants (47%) became anxious and worried about themselves. More than half (56.7%) respondents had no change in relationship, while 40.7% experienced change in relationship with their family. Majority of the participants (88%) had long travel hours and accommodation issues. Although the nurses working for COVID patients were stressed, frightened, and anxious, most of them took pride in their work as a contribution toward the nation during this current pandemic. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that frontline HCWs were at increased risk of mental health consequences such as stress, anxiety, and frustration. Their children developed behavioral changes such as agitation and aggressiveness. Many nurses got more family support than before for their contribution during COVID-19 pandemic.

A review and meta-analysis of machine intelligence approaches for mental health issues and depression detection

Cases of mental health issues are increasing continuously and have sped up due to COVID-19. There are high chances of developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and dementia after 2–3 months of COVID-19 diagnosis. In this paper, a review and meta-analysis of machine intelligence approaches—namely, machine learning, deep learning (deep learning with hybrid boosting), and machine vision methods—for mental health issues and depression detection were presented. Meta-analysis was performed in four parts. The first part focused on the publication trends, criteria for inclusion and exclusion, and the current methodological scenario. The second part was intended for the methods and their advantages and limitations. It covered mental health issues and depression detection techniques along with the challenges. The third part focused on the discussion and applicability of datasets. The fourth part focused on the complete analysis and discussion along with suggestive measures;moreover, it covered the overall analysis, including the methodological impact, result impact, current trends, and some suggestions based on the limitations and challenges. © The Authors.

The Continuing Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Well-Being and Mental Health of ICU Healthcare Workers in Turkey: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Later-Phase Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on physical well-being and mental health of ICU healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: A total of 51 ICU HCWs working at a tertiary care hospital were included in this cross-sectional study conducted before (January 2019-January 2020) and during (January 2021-April 2021) COVID-19 pandemic. Data on sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, COVID 19 history and current mental health issues via Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), Suicidal Ideation Scale (SIS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 62.7% of participants were nurses, heavy workload (working ≥200 h/month) was reported by 76.5% of participants and previous history of COVID-19 was confirmed by 62.7%. Current mental health issues involved poor sleep quality in majority (96.1%) of participants, anxiety (51.0%), depression (51.0%) in at least half of them and a moderate degree of emotional exhaustion Heavy workload was associated with more remarkable decrease in sleep duration (median change: -0.5 vs. -1.0 h/day, P = .020), Vit B12 (median change: 60[-48-293] vs. -65[-371-262] pg/mL, P < .001) and Vit D (median change: -1.6[-13.1-20] vs. -9.7[-39.7-21.8] ng/mL, P = .004) during pandemic, while working hours per month were also significantly higher in those with versus without anxiety (264[150-390] vs. 240[150-264] h, P = .003) and with versus without depression (264[150-390] vs. 240[150-264] h, P = .037). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate high prevalence of mental health issues including anxiety and depression as well as poor sleep quality and emotional burnout among ICU HCWs, particularly those with heavy workload.

Psychosocial and Mental Health Issues of the Migrants Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this review was to identify and synthesize the findings of the existing literature that highlighted the psychosocial and mental health issues of the migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploration of the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google search, and some other manual searches was undertaken so that no relevant study was missed. A search on Indian scientific literature and cross-references retrieved was also conducted to get further information. The period of the search has been one year from March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. The database was searched with the terms "migrants," "migrant workers," "COVID-19 pandemic," "lockdown," "migrant population," "mental health issues," "psychosocial issues" to retrieve the published literature. RESULTS: Initially, 48 research articles were retrieved and 10 of them were excluded as they had no sufficient information about mental and psychosocial challenges faced by the migrants. In the remaining 38 articles, 9 articles were original research work (n = 9) published from India related to the impact of COVID-19 on migrants. The second category consisted of editorials or commentary or letters to the editor or policy paper on psychosocial and mental health aspects of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 17). The third category was 11 articles on perspectives or opinions or viewpoints (n = 11) related to various psychosocial and mental health issues among migrants in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Predominantly psychosocial issues found among migrants were living conditions, basic needs, family concerns, and joblessness. The mental health issues found among migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic included psychological distress, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders. CONCLUSION: Existing literature from India has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the psychosocial and mental health status of the migrants in India. This review suggests the need for more research work from the affected states of India and the development of psychosocial and mental health intervention strategies to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants.

'Herd stupidity' as a result of 'irrational beliefs': The mental health issues in the COVID-19 outbreak.

Hopefully, this writing is an input to us all, particularly Indonesia, in order to stop the 'herd stupidity' phenomena soon by reducing 'irrational beliefs'. If we all conduct ourselves with discipline, all of these problems will definitely be handled appropriately.

The Psychological Consequences of COVID-19 Outbreak Among the German Population.

The world is currently facing an unprecedented pandemic crisis. The highly contagious coronavirus, or COVID-19, first occurred in Wuhan (China) in December 2019. The outbreak of the virus quickly spread all over the world, reaching Europe in January 2020. The first case in Germany was reported to be diagnosed on January 27. This study focuses on assessing the mental health consequences of the German public during COVID-19 outbreak. Psychological discomfort, generalized anxiety disorder, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms and threat perception are especially investigated with respect to demographics, security importance and negative affectivity. The psychological vulnerabilities that go along with the pandemic are evaluated in detail. The cross-sectional online survey conducted in Germany reveals a prevalence of depressive symptoms, psychological discomfort, threat perception, generalized anxiety disorder and sleep disturbances associated with the pandemic crisis. The results also indicate a relationship between mental health issues and negative affectivity as well as the perception of threat. This paper gives an outlook on long-term consequences and what could be the strategies to mitigate the negative mental health outcomes of the crisis.

Mental health issues among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic - A study from India.

Mental health issues among health care workers (HCWs) in treatment settings during COVID-19 remains understudied in India. This study examines its prevalence and correlates among HCWs in Karnataka State, India. HCWs who attended a workshop to improve mental health well-being during COVID-19 completed an anonymous online questionnaire. In addition to socio-demographics, domains assessed include occupational characteristics, COVID-19 related concerns, anxiety/depression, substance use, suicidality, lifestyle and family functioning. Of the 3083 HCWs who completed the survey (response rate-51.4 %), anxiety disorder and depression was highest among those with frontline COVID-19 responsibilities (anxiety disorder-26.6 %, depression-23.8 %). Prevalence was significantly higher among those with clinical responsibilities compared to those with supportive responsibilities (anxiety disorder: 23.9 % vs 15.5 %), (depression: 20.0 % vs 14.2 %). In the backward step-wise logistic regression analysis, HCWs with anxiety disorder were more likely to be doctors/nurses/hospital assistants, older, female, unmarried, without a leisure activity, report increased alcohol use and suicidal thoughts after pandemic onset, and having a history of receiving mental health interventions. Participants with depression additionally had family distress and hardly ever exercised. To conclude, mental health issues are common among HCWs in India. Interventions need to ensure that HCWs are protected from mental health consequences of working in COVID-19 treatment settings.