A Cross-Sectional Study on the Psychological Changes of Medical Personnel in Hospitals Who Experienced Special COVID-19 Situations.

The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to an increase in mental health issues; Psychological changes occur in health professionals who are more susceptible to infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate health professionals' levels of anxiety, rage, and depression in COVID-related special circumstances. A general hospital in Korea experienced a widespread COVID-19 outbreak. There was a total of 149 involved frontline and non-frontline health professionals surveyed. The State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, General Anxiety Disorder-7, and Korean Screening Tool for Depressive Disorders were utilized in the evaluation of their rage, anxiety, and depression. Anxiety and depression were found to be significantly higher among health professionals by occupation than among non-health professionals. Frontline workers were more depressed than non-frontline workers, according to type of work. These psychological changes can cause PTSD, so it is necessary to check and care for the mental health of health care workers working in medical institutions in the event of mass infections. These issues have been confirmed through studies related to the occurrence of mass infections such as SARS and MERS that the occurrence of mass infections can cause PTSD. The findings proved that the COVID-19 pandemic had a psychological impact on healthcare workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder among healthcare professionals.

The impacts of physical activity on psychological and behavioral problems, and changes in physical activity, sleep and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in preschoolers, children, and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the level of physical activity (PA). However, little is known about its effect on health outcomes. Methods: Articles without language restrictions published from the database inception through March 16, 2022, were retrieved using the CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases. High-quality articles assessing the effect of PA on psychological and behavioral problems. Additionally, PA, QoL, and/or sleep problems before and during the pandemic were included. Articles without data regarding PA or involving non-general populations were excluded. The PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Data quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and GRADE approach. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and sensitivity analysis if heterogenicity was high (I 2 ≥ 50%). The relationship between PA and psychological and behavioral problems; and changes in PA, QoL, and sleeping patterns before and during the pandemic in preschoolers, children, and adolescents were investigated. A meta-analysis was conducted; odds ratios (ORs), mean differences (MD), and standardized MDs (SMDs) were calculated. Results: Thirty-four articles involving 66,857 participants were included. The results showed an overall significant protective effect between PA and psychological and/or behavioral problems (OR = 0.677; 95% CI = 0.630, 0.728; p-value <0.001; I 2 = 59.79%). This relationship was also significant in the subgroup analysis of children (OR = 0.690; 95% CI = 0.632, 0.752; p-value <0.001; I 2 = 58.93%) and adolescents (OR = 0.650; 95% CI = 0.570, 0.741; p-value <0.001; I 2 = 60.85%); however, no data on the relationship in preschoolers were collected. In addition, the overall time spent on PA significantly decreased by 23.2 min per day during the COVID-19 pandemic (95% CI = -13.5, -32.9; p-value <0.001; I 2 = 99.82%). Moreover, the results showed an overall significant decrease in QoL (SMD = -0.894, 95% CI = -1.180, -0.609, p-value <0.001, I 2 = 96.64%). However, there was no significant difference in sleep duration during the COVID-19 pandemic (MD = 0.01 h per day, 95% CI = -0.027, 0.225; p-value = 0.125; I 2 = 98.48%). Conclusion: During the pandemic, less PA was contributed to poor QoL and sleep quality. However, increases in PA are associated with reduced occurrences of psychological and behavioral problems. Implementing recovery plans to address the health effect of the pandemic is essential.

Examining the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on international migrants' repatriation intention using structural equation modeling

Purpose: COVID-19 pandemic has shattered the economic systems all around the world while creating numerous problems which were faced by all, especially international migrants. The present study offers a qualitative and quantitative perspective on the distress of international migrants and their repatriation intention during the pandemic period. Design/methodology/approach: In-depth semi-structured interviews of 30 respondents belonging to five host nations, Australia, the USA, the UK, New Zealand and Canada, revealed diverse issues. Based on qualitative study findings and past literature, 22 purposeful statements about six constructs – financial issues, social issues, mobility constraints, psychological problems, healthcare issues, and repatriation intentions – were developed. These statements were measured on a seven-point Likert scale and shared online with international migrants from India residing in the host nations. Data collected from 496 international migrants from October 2020 to July 2021 were used to analyze the influence of various determinants on the repatriation intentions by partial least square-structural equation modeling using SmartPLS software. Findings: The analysis results revealed that the role of financial, social, mobility, psychological and healthcare issues was significant in strengthening the repatriation intentions of the migrants. There is a need to create job opportunities, retrain laid-off workers and formulate migrant inclusive policies. Originality/value: Although some studies have highlighted a few problems faced by international migrants, their impact on repatriation intentions has not been studied yet. The present study fills this gap and analyzes the repatriation intention of international migrants in light of different problems they faced during the pandemic. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2022-0233. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Challenges faced by anesthesiologists during the cesarean section of COVID-19 patients – An observational study

The health-care system has encountered exceptional circumstances, experiencing unique challenges, and manifesting as acute challenges in health-care services due to the spread of COVID-19. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to report the difficulties faced by the anesthetists while performing a cesarean section under the subarachnoid block (SAB) in COVID-19 patients at a dedicated COVID Level 3 hospital. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy anesthetists (six consultants and 14 postgraduate) aged 20–40 years performed 60 elective or emergency cesarean sections of known COVID-19-positive gravida patients aged 20–35 years with no comorbidity and no spine abnormality under the SAB. Anesthetist;s responses to the challenges faced while performing procedures wearing the Level 3 personal protective equipment were recorded using a pre-structure self-administered questionnaire. To quantify the intensity of these problems, all the physical and psychological difficulties were graded as mild, moderate, and severe. Results: In the present study, 75% experienced moderate-to-severe sweating, and 60% experienced moderate-to-severe headaches. A total of 45% experienced moderate-to-severe breathlessness. Though there was little difficulty in communication among doctors and staff, almost 75% of anesthetists faced it. The fear of contracting the disease and spreading it to the family members was expressed by 75–80% of anesthetists. Conclusion: The present scenario has increased physical stress and other psychological problems among health workers. Therefore, hospital support with regular psychological counseling sessions is needed for healthcare workers to cope with the current situation. [ FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological problems in tunisian children during the covid-19 pandemic

Introduction: The Covid-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown have profoundly impacted families' daily life. Children may be among the most exposed to the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic. Objective(s): To assess the psychological well-being of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): This was a descriptive study shared on social media during the period from 8 to 20 April 2021, targeting mothers of children aged 2 to 18 years. The first part included sociodemographic data of mothers and children. Then, to assess the behavior and coping skills of children and adolescents, we administered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Result(s): Our study included 65 middle-aged moms = 35.28 years. Among mothers, 1.5% reported having at least one child with a psychiatric, medical or genetic illness. The average age of the children was 8.54 years, the sex ratio was 1.03 and they were in primary school in 52.3%. Moms had talked to their child about COVID in 93.8%, using scientific data in 69.4% of cases. The total average SDQ score was 10.82;and overall mental health was at risk in 15.4% of the children. They had risky emotional symptoms in 9.2%, risky aggressive behaviors in 12.3%, risky hyperactivityinattention symptoms in 16.9%, relationship behaviors with at-risk pairs in 24.6%, and risky prosocial behavior in 9.2% of cases. Conclusion(s): Researchers and government officials should be more concerned about the mental health of children who are often neglected as a result of the pandemic due to their comparatively lower mortality than older adults.

INTERACTING WITH ART: HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Can visual interaction with artwork prompt healing? Can the brain recover from traumatic experiences and help heal the whole body? Since the 1940s, art therapists have claimed that the production of art can help heal past traumas. Similarly, occupational therapists have employed techniques from arts and crafts since the end of World War II to retrain soldiers helping them recover from the trauma of war. The global Covid-19 pandemic has caused health-related and psychological problems-isolation, increased anxiety, and fear-for people of all ages, with the rates of such traumas affecting children tripling over the past two years. According to the Nebraska-based quilting company, Accuquilt, during the first six months of pandemic isolation in 2020, sales more than doubled as new customers showed a desire to participate in arts and crafts from home. This essay explores various approaches to the arts to determine how art may restore dignity and health following traumatic experiences.

Examining the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on international migrants' repatriation intention using structural equation modeling

Purpose - COVID-19 pandemic has shattered the economic systems all around the world while creating numerous problems which were faced by all, especially international migrants. The present study offers a qualitative and quantitative perspective on the distress of international migrants and their repatriation intention during the pandemic period. Design/methodology/approach - In-depth semi-structured interviews of 30 respondents belonging to five host nations, Australia, the USA, the UK, New Zealand and Canada, revealed diverse issues. Based on qualitative study findings and past literature, 22 purposeful statements about six constructs - financial issues, social issues, mobility constraints, psychological problems, healthcare issues, and repatriation intentions - were developed. These statements were measured on a seven-point Likert scale and shared online with international migrants from India residing in the host nations. Data collected from 496 international migrants from October 2020 to July 2021 were used to analyze the influence of various determinants on the repatriation intentions by partial least square-structural equation modeling using SmartPLS software. Findings - The analysis results revealed that the role of financial, social, mobility, psychological and healthcare issues was significant in strengthening the repatriation intentions of the migrants. There is a need to create job opportunities, retrain laid-off workers and formulate migrant inclusive policies. Originality/value - Although some studies have highlighted a few problems faced by international migrants, their impact on repatriation intentions has not been studied yet. The present study fills this gap and analyzes the repatriation intention of international migrants in light of different problems they faced during the pandemic.

COVID-19 backlash: Psycho-social impacts of outbreak in Pakistan

Purpose: This paper aimed to examine the psycho-social aspects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Pakistan. The study was conducted in Pakistan by using an online survey technique. The rationale to opt for this method was mainly based on the country's lock-down situations, social distancing and for the care of respondents. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 1,536 individuals participated from different parts of the country. An attitudinal scale was administered consisting of statements to measure (dis)agreement of the individuals facing the current situations of COVID-19. The ethical considerations and confidentiality of the respondents were opted by describing the purpose of research on the first page of the questionnaire. Findings: The study findings showed that the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE), social isolation and loss of intimacy have favourable positive effects on the psychological problems of individuals through the mediation of fake news and misinformation during COVID-19. Furthermore, the study findings were interpreted as per the effects of current situations of epidemic, i.e. COVID-19 on the psycho-social life of individuals. Research limitations/implications: This paper is purely limited to the quantitative approach including variables, i.e. COVID-19, risk of infection, social distancing, cost of PPE, social isolation, fake news and psychological problems. Practical implications: The present research will enhance the awareness and knowledge regarding psychological problems faced by the individuals during COVID-19. It will be a significant addition to the existing body of knowledge in the field of health and well-being. It will also provide guidelines to students, research scholars, policymakers and academicians to develop policies in future to improve the health of people during epidemics such as COVID-19 and similar nature of outbreak in the future. Originality/value: This paper focused on an important gap in the research on COVID-19 in the country in the context of COVID-19, risk of infection, social distancing, cost of PPE, social isolation, fake news and psychological problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Positive Orientation and Fatigue Experienced by Polish Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediatory Role of Emotional Control.

This study aimed to investigate the mediatory role of emotional control with respect to the control of anger, depression, and anxiety in the relationship between positive orientation and tiredness/fatigue occurring in a group of Polish nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 894 nursing students from six universities in Poland. A diagnostic survey was applied as the research method, and the data were collected using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS) and the Positive Orientation Scale (SOP). The mean participant age was 20.73 years (SD = 1.81). More than half of the students in the study showed a low level of positive orientation. Correlational analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between positive orientation and tiredness/fatigue experienced by the students participating in the study (r = -0.336; p < 0.001), and correlation between positive orientation and the overall emotional control index (r = -0.317; p < 0.001), and the indices of control of anger (r = -0.154; p < 0.01), depression (r = -0.376; p < 0.001), and anxiety (r = -0.236; p < 0.01). Analysis of the results also revealed the occurrence of significant, positive links between the controlled emotions and their components and the tiredness/fatigue experienced by nursing students. It is important to take action associated with the prevention of tiredness/fatigue among students and to reinforce a positive orientation and the capacity to control emotions to effectively minimize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students.

New Work Arrangements - A Review of Concepts and Theories

[...]articles from the special issue are assigned to three categories: (1) New Organization, (2) New Leadership, and (3) New Learning. [...]studies have shown that such arrangements do not necessarily benefit all groups of workers equally (Kossek & Lautsch, 2017) and may come with new challenges like blurring work-life boundaries or protecting leisure time and psychological detachment. [...]New Work arrangements may require new forms of leadership (Banks et al., 2019;Sheninger, 2019). Ute Rademacher, Ulrike Weber, and Cassandra Zinn focus on informal rules and social practices that are established in the work-related use of smartphones. Since professional use of the smartphone can significantly blur the line between work and leisure, communication rules are important to ensure psychological detachment after working hours. Future work may be dedicated to studying these technological developments, which have the potential to spur profound transformations in a wide range of HR and organization processes. [...]the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an unintended global 'field experiment', and new unforeseen issues have emerged, such as the phenomenon of 'Zoom-fatigue', or the prevalence of psychological problems related to social isolation in virtual settings (Brunsbach, Kattenbach & Weber, 2021).

Factors associated with the mental health status of isolated COVID-19 patients in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has a substantial impact on the physical and mental health status of patients with COVID-19. This study's objective was to evaluate the factors associated with mental health in patients isolated with COVID-19. METHODS: It is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. One hundred and two patients discharged from COVID-19 hospitalization in Korea were analyzed. The primary outcome was the correlation between psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and fear of stigma and physical symptoms such as respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, and fever. Mental and physical symptoms were ascertained using closed and multiple-choice questions. The secondary outcome was the correlation between mental issues, demographic factors, and disease severity. Hypoxia and the need for oxygen therapy, a need for remdesivir antiviral treatment, and indications of pneumonia progression on chest x-ray were confirmed through a review of medical records and used to measure disease severity. RESULTS: Patients with COVID-19 indicated feelings of depression (48.1%), anxiety (49.1%), and fear of stigma (60.45%), and some continued to experience physical symptoms even after discharge. Logistic regression revealed that gastrointestinal symptoms positively correlated with depression (p < .05) and headache positively correlated with fear of stigma (p < .05), while the other factors were not statistically significant (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that psychological symptoms persisted even after discharge. Gastrointestinal symptoms and headache were influential factors in predicting depression and fear of stigma. Based on this, dedicated COVID-19 hospitals should provide mental health support and preventive management.

Concerns and reactions to COVID-19 in the confined population according to age and sex

Given the situation of lockdown implemented because of the COVID-19 virus, there is a need to study the sociodemographic variables and risk factors associated with psychological problems and greater difficulty with adapting to the situation, which could in turn help in the development of psychological treatment offered during and after isolation. The objective of this study is to analyse whether age and sex are related to the concerns and reactions experienced by the population. Fifteen days after the official lockdown order, we sent out an online survey comprising 23 questions. A sample of 1,711 was collected, which included participants' sociodemographic data, previous personal traits, psychological reactions, health habits, concerns and health activities. The results of the analyses showed a statistically significant association between age and feeling overwhelmed or claustrophobic, tiredness, concern that a family member becomes infected with the disease, irritability, fear and sadness, and between sex and concern that a family member becomes infected with the disease, sadness and fear. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Spanish) Ante la situacion de confinamiento provocada por el virus COVID-19, surge la necesidad de conocer cuales son las variables sociodemograficas y los factores de riesgo que se relacionan con problemas psicologicos y con una menor adaptacion a la situacion, lo que puede ayudar en el tratamiento psicologico que se puede ofrecer durante y despues del aislamiento. El objetivo del trabajo es estudiar si la edad y el genero se relacionan con las preocupaciones y las reacciones experimentadas por la poblacion. A los quince dias del decreto oficial de confinamiento se realizo una encuesta telematica de 23 preguntas a poblacion espanola. Se reunio una muestra de 1,711 sujetos, se recogieron datos sociodemograficos, rasgos personales previos, reacciones psicologicas, habitos de salud, preocupaciones y actividades de salud realizadas. Los resultados de los analisis indican una asociacion positiva entre la edad y sentimientos de agobio o claustrofobia, cansancio, preocupacion porque un familiar contraiga la enfermedad, irritabilidad, miedo y tristeza, asi como entre el genero y preocupacion porque un familiar contraiga la enfermedad, tristeza y miedo. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND VACCINE NATIONALISM: IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

The study examined the literature on Psychological and Social Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccine Nationalism: Implications for Psychological Services in Sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers used secondary data and mixed method of data collection for the study. On line searching tools, including: African Journals Online, PsycINFO, African Index Medicus, Eastern Mediterranean Index Medicus, PubMed, and Web of Knowledge were used to search for the data used for the study. The results indicated that, the most exposed and vulnerable groups, including: children, college students, health workers, and other frontline professionals, are more likely to develop psychological symptoms, including: post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of distress. Furthermore, the results showed that, the pharmacological and non-pharmacological protocols, put in place to checkmate the Covid-19 pandemic, including: physical and social distancing, travel restrictions, hand washing and sanitizer, wearing of face mask, coughing under a curved elbow and other security measures have impacted people's psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships, as well as their perception of empathy toward others. Also, covid19 and vaccine nationalism have implications on how psychologists and other health care workers manage the pandemic. Psychologists and other frontline health workers have shifted from more traditional-conventional methods of interventions to unconventional methods, using technologies. In doing so, telepsychology and other technological devices assume very important roles in combatting psychological and social impacts of covid-19 pandemic and vaccine nationalism. Findings indicates that, the use of technologies have proved to be very effective, because both clients and health professionals can still participates in scheduled therapeutic sessions unhindered using online technological tools. In doing so, technologies have improve the professionals' psychological interventions and social support skills during the pandemic. Also, technologies have made it possible for psychologists and other health professionals to meet clients' needs working from home or from the workplace, thereby saving money and time and maintaining the interpersonal relationship between therapists and clients. Therefore, it was concluded that, the use of technologies by health professionals should continue even after the pandemic.

Analysing the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Turkish Immigrants

Cindik-Herbruggen and Demirkol focus on the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic among Turkish immigrants. The pandemic has already triggered a variety of psychological problems including fear, depression, anxiety, and suicidal attempts. The authors aim to investigate Turkish immigrants' psychological conditions and top concerns in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographics and current psychological conditions of participants were collected and analyzed by means of a structured survey. The results demonstrated that Turkish immigrants with low income and education level as well as an unemployment status were worried more during the Pandemic. Moreover, the risk of elderly people getting infected by COVID-19 was one of the top concerns of participants.

Comparison of demographic profile and psychological problems related to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak among the general public (18 years and above) in a Northern State of India: A web-based cross-sectional survey

Background: The psychological impact of the general public during a pandemic is complex and incompletely understood. There is a dearth of studies reporting the psychological problems in the general public during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in India, including a comparison as per demographic profile. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted from April 17, to May 1, 2020 using the principles of the snowball recruiting technique. The psychological problems of the potential study subjects were evaluated using the Hindi version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) scale. There were a total of 1826 responses, out of which 391 were excluded from the analysis. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 41.95 years (Median = 50, SD = 19.05, range: 18-86 years) and around 45% of respondents were with an age range of 18-39 years. The mean and standard deviation of the PHQ-4 was 1.81 (2.34), and the overall prevalence of psychological problems was 30% as per the cutoff of PHQ-4. The estimates of anxiety and depression among study subjects were 11% (158/1435) and 16.1% (232/1435), respectively. Younger age, female gender, unmarried, and rural residential status were significantly associated with increased psychological problems in this setting. Conclusion: The psychological response to the COVID-19 varies with sociodemographic status, and about one-third of the people reported having psychological problems in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in this setting. There is a need to expand the mental health services to each stratum of the society with a focus to provide personalized care as per the sociodemographic profile.

Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression and Self-Care Behaviour during the Covid-19 Pandemic in the General Population

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has affected not only physical health but also devastated mental wellbeing. The government of India ordered a nationwide lockdown limiting movement of the entire 1.3 billion populations. The impact of the pandemic on depression, anxiety and self-care behaviour among the general population was investigated. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was carried out with an anonymous questionnaire using validated instruments. Multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out to find the role of each variable in determining the relevant scores. Result: The mean age of the 1052 participants was 30.52 (SD ± 13.42) years. The mean score of depression and anxiety was 5.96 and 5.27 respectively. Moderate to severe depression was noted among 18.68% and moderate to severe anxiety was noted among 16.1% of the respondents. Gender was a significant predictor of all three (depression, anxiety, and coping) scores, while the civil status predicted both depression and anxiety scores and age predicted only the depression score. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of the surveyed population in our setting has manifested symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gender, civil status and age predicted various scores. © The Journal retains the copyrights of this article.

Domestic violence and psychological problems in married women during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown: A community-based survey.

BACKGROUND: Following the declaration of Coronavirus disease-2019 as a pandemic, a nation-wide lockdown was announced in India. This led to increase in psychological problems, especially in women. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of psychological problems and domestic violence (DV) in married women during the pandemic and lockdown in a panchayat in Southern India and to study the association of socio-demographic and clinical variables with psychological problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 209 married women of 18-55 years residing in a village panchayat of northern Kerala, India. Socio-demographic variables and clinical variables, like depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress and DV, among others, were evaluated. The participants were interviewed by trained community health workers in the post-lockdown period. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was found to be 10.0 %, anxiety symptoms 7.2 % and perceived stress 66.0 %. Severe DV was reported by 6.2 %; but at least one form of DV was experienced by 25.8 % of the women. Significant positive correlation was observed for DV with depression and anxiety. DV was also found to be a significant predictor of depression (adjusted OR [aOR] = 4.26, P = 0.006) and anxiety (aOR=4.34, P=0.02). Being a homemaker (aOR=4.51, P = 0.03) and having past history of mental illness (aOR=5.39, P = 0.03) were also found to increase the risk for depression significantly. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of psychological problems in married women during the pandemic and lockdown. DV was found to be a significant predictor of depression and anxiety in this population.

Alarming rates of psychological problems among caregivers of pediatric kidney patients admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

INTRODUCTION: Caregivers of children with comorbidities suffer from various psychological problems. We envisage more such complications during this COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study to assess psychological issues in caregivers of children with kidney diseases, admitted during lockdown period in India was done. Psychological tools including Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI), Insomnia Severity Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS II), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and a new "COVID Stress Survey Questionnaire" were used. Standard statistical analysis using SPSS Statistic 23 (IBM SPSS Statistics, New York, United States) was done. RESULTS: Forty-seven caregivers (33 mothers; 14 fathers) were included. Of these, 33 (70.2%) experienced psychological distress. On PANAS, 45 (95.7%) scored below cut off on a positive affect and 42 (89.4%) scored above cut off on a negative effect. The DASS II score revealed that 38 (80.9%) reported mild stress, 23 (48.9%) severe anxiety, and 37 (78.7%) had moderate depression. Upper middle socioeconomic status caregivers reported more insomnia. Further, parents of children with acute kidney injury (AKI) or prolonged hospital stay scored higher on subjective distress and aversive feelings. CONCLUSION: We observed an alarming level of distress, insomnia, and anxiety among caregivers, more so in upper middle socioeconomic status, children with AKI and prolonged hospital stay. We suggest due counseling should be done.

A living systematic review of the psychological problems in people suffering from COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the psychological problems on people infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. METHODS: In this living systematic review and meta-analyses, we searched seven electronic databases for cross-sectional studies and longitudinal studies on psychological problems on COVID-19 patients from Jan 1, 2020 to Oct 7, 2020. The primary outcome was prevalence of various psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, somatization, and fear. We pooled data for prevalence with their 95% confidence interval (CI) using random effect models and assessed the study quality based on the 11-item checklist recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. RESULTS: Fourty-four studies, including studies from China(35), Italy(2), Iran(2), India(1), Korea(1), Ecuador(1), Switzerland(1), Germany(1), were identified by comprising a total of 8587 completed questionnaires and 38 studies for meta-analyses. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), insomnia, somatization, and fear in patients with COVID-19 was 16.6% (10.1%-23.1%), 37.7% (29.3%-46.2%), 41.5% (9.3%-73.7%), 68.3% (48.6%-88.0%), 36.5% (20.2%-52.8%), 47.6% (9.4%-85.7%), respectively. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in severe COVID-19 patients (intensive care unit inpatients) was higher than mild or clinically stable COVID-19 patients. LIMITATIONS: A significant degree of heterogeneity in terms of populations, sampling methods, scales was noted across studies. CONCLUSIONS: There existed high proportions of COVID-19 patients with psychological problem. The prevalence of psychological problems was closely related to the patients themselves, their surroundings and social support. It is imperative to provide ontime psychological care service for COVID-19 patients and to follow-up them for a longer period.

The Prevalence of Psychological Status During the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The COVID-19 is creating panic among people around the world and is causing a huge public mental health crisis. Large numbers of observational studies focused on the prevalence of psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic were published. It is essential to conduct a meta-analysis of the prevalence of different psychological statuses to insight the psychological reactions of general population during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Sixty six observational studies about the psychological statuses of people during the COVID-19 were included, searching up to 1 December 2020. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. OpenMeta[Analyst] was used for the data analysis. High prevalence of acute stress and fear symptoms were observed in the early period of the epidemic. Additionally, anxiety and depression symptoms continued at a high prevalence rate during the epidemic. It should alert the lasting mental health problems and the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD 42020171485.