Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions on psychosocial and behavioural outcomes among Australian adults with type 2 diabetes: Findings from the PREDICT cohort study.

AIM: To examine psychosocial and behavioural impacts of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and lockdown restrictions among adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Participants enrolled in the PRogrEssion of DIabetic ComplicaTions (PREDICT) cohort study in Melbourne, Australia (n = 489 with a baseline assessment pre-2020) were invited to complete a phone/online follow-up assessment in mid-2020 (i.e., amidst COVID-19 lockdown restrictions). Repeated assessments that were compared with pre-COVID-19 baseline levels included anxiety symptoms (7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7]), depressive symptoms (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-8]), diabetes distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes scale [PAID]), physical activity/sedentary behaviour, alcohol consumption and diabetes self-management behaviours. Additional once-off measures at follow-up included COVID-19-specific worry, quality of life (QoL), and healthcare appointment changes (telehealth engagement and appointment cancellations/avoidance). RESULTS: Among 470 respondents (96%; aged 66 ± 9 years, 69% men), at least 'moderate' worry about COVID-19 infection was reported by 31%, and 29%-73% reported negative impacts on QoL dimensions (greatest for: leisure activities, feelings about the future, emotional well-being). Younger participants reported more negative impacts (p < 0.05). Overall, anxiety/depressive symptoms were similar at follow-up compared with pre-COVID-19, but diabetes distress reduced (p < 0.001). Worse trajectories of anxiety/depressive symptoms were observed among those who reported COVID-19-specific worry or negative QoL impacts (p < 0.05). Physical activity trended lower (~10%), but sitting time, alcohol consumption and glucose-monitoring frequency remained unchanged. 73% of participants used telehealth, but 43% cancelled a healthcare appointment and 39% avoided new appointments despite perceived need. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 lockdown restrictions negatively impacted QoL, some behavioural risk factors and healthcare utilisation in adults with type 2 diabetes. However, generalised anxiety and depressive symptoms remained relatively stable.

Examining models of psychologists' telepsychology use during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to apply the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and technology acceptance model (TAM) to psychologists' telepsychology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A sample of 2619 US-licensed psychologists completed a survey assessing telepsychology use and aspects of both models in May 2020. RESULTS: Cross-sectional TRA and TAM path models evidenced excellent fit in explaining psychologists' telepsychology use. The TRA indicated that psychologists' attitudes concerning telepsychology and subjective norms were associated with intentions to use telepsychology, which related to percentage of clinical work performed via telepsychology. The TAM showed that perceived usefulness of telepsychology and perceived ease of use were associated with attitudes toward telepsychology. Perceived usefulness was associated with psychologists' intention to use telepsychology, as was perceived ease of use. CONCLUSION: Efforts to facilitate telepsychology provision during the pandemic and broadly may benefit from trainings and campaigns to address attitudes toward telepsychology, subjective norms, and perceived ease of use.

Are We Coping Well with COVID-19?: A Study on Its Psycho-Social Impact on Front-line Healthcare Workers.

BACKGROUND: Global pandemics have a profound psycho-social impact on health systems and their impact on healthcare workers is under-reported. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey with 13 Likert-scale responses and some additional polar questions pertaining to dressing habits and learning in a university hospital in the midwest United States. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed. RESULTS: The 370 respondents (66.1% response rate, age 38.5±11.6 years; 64.9% female), included 102 supervising providers [96 (25.9%) physicians, 6 (1.6%) mid-level], 64 (17.3%) residents/fellows, 73 (19.7% nurses, 45 (12.2%) respiratory therapists, 31 (8.4%) therapy services and others: 12 (3.2%) case-managers, 4 (1.1%) dietitians, 39 (10.5%) unclassified]. Overall, 200 (54.1%) had increased anxiety, 115 (31.1%) felt overwhelmed, 159 (42.9%) had fear of death, and 281 (75.9%) changed dressing habits. Females were more anxious (70.7% vs. 56%, X2 (1, N=292)=5.953, p=0.015), overwhelmed (45.6% vs. 27.3%, X2 (1, N=273)=8.67, p=0.003) and suffered sleep disturbances (52% vs. 39%, X2 (1, N=312)=4.91, p=0.027). Administration was supportive; 243 (84.1%, N=289), 276 (74.5%) knew another co-worker with COVID-19, and only 93 (25.1%) felt healthcare employment was less favorable. Residents and fellows reported a negative impact on their training despite feeling supported by their program. CONCLUSION: Despite belief of a supportive administration, over half of healthcare workers and learners reported increased anxiety, and nearly a third felt overwhelmed during this current pandemic.