Psychological Well-Being and Coping Strategies among Pakistani Heads of Households during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Survey.

Background: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic can affect mental health. Heads of the household are at higher risk of this effect because of their financial and social responsibilities. This study aimed to assess the psychological well-being and its associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic among heads of households in Pakistan. Methods: We conducted an online survey in May 2020. A convenience sampling strategy was used to enroll the heads of the households from all regions of Pakistan. A validated English and Urdu version of the WHO-5 well-being scale was used to assess well-being. The prevalence of poor well-being and its associated factors among heads of the households was measured using logistic regression. Results: A total of 509 heads of households participated in the survey. About 35% of the participants were dependent on financial sources other than salary. The news was considered a source of fear as 70% assumed that avoiding such news may reduce the fear. The most common coping strategies used during lockdown were; spending quality time with family, eating healthy foods, adequate sleep and talking to friends on the phone. The prevalence of poor well-being was found to be 41% (95% CI: 36.62-45.51). Individuals with any chronic illness were at a higher risk of poor wellbeing adjusted odds ratio of 1.64 (95% CI: 1.04-2.59). Worriedness was also found to be associated with a higher risk of poor wellbeing adjusted OR 1.13 (95% CI: 1.06-1.19). Reading books showed a protective association with poor mental wellbeing adjusted OR 0.64 (95% CI: 0.42-0.98). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of poor mental wellbeing among heads of households in Pakistan. Worriedness related to the pandemic and having chronic illness were significant predictors of poor psychological wellbeing. Actions are required in the form of targeted mass psychological support systems for the heads of the families to improve their mental health during the COVID-19 crises.

Perceptions Of Medical Students About Research At Undergraduate Level.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate (UG) research is new but important concept in modern science. It is considered as an effective educational tool for enhancing the undergraduate medical experience. The objectives of the study were to know the perceptions of UG medical students towards research, main motivating factors and barriers faced by the students. METHODS: It was Crosssectional study with both quantitative and qualitative portions conducted in Ayub Medical College (AMC) from November 2018 to April 2019. The quantitative portion of the study was based on a simple questionnaire with 9 closed ended questions completed by 215 participants selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.0. The Qualitative portion of the study was based on 8 Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), two from each year, with 6-10 participants. The interviews were recorded and reported by obtaining informed consent from each participant. The audio recording of the FGDs was transcribed verbatim and content analysis was done by conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Out of 215, 128 (59.5%) had a previous research experience mostly as a compulsory requirement of undergraduate curriculum; 134 (62.3%) were aware that research is a part of their curriculum. Lack of resources and lack of interest of students was main barrier, i.e., 152 (70.7%). For 133 (61.8%) participants, the main motivating factor was learning research methodology. CONCLUSIONS: Students were aware about research and their awareness about research increased with increasing year in medical school. Hardly any student had a research experience beforehand they took part in mandatory research in 4th year.

Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Quality Of Life Of Health Care Workers In Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) working on frontlines in COVID-19 pandemic are highly vulnerable to deteriorating physical and mental health. The quality of life of health care workers plays an important role in their skilful delivery of work. Our study assesses their quality of life (QOL) during COVID-19 pandemic so that appropriate measures can be taken to improve their well-being. METHODS: This was an online crosssectional survey among healthcare workers of COVID-19 designated government hospitals in districts Abbottabad, Manshera and Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan from 23rdJune till 25thJuly, 2020. QOL was assessed using validated WHO QOL BREF. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were used to assess the factors associated with QOL among HCWs. RESULTS: A total of 362 HCWs participated in the study. The mean scores of physical, psychological, social relationships, environmental domains were 60.7 (±17.40), 59.70 (±17.30), 67.90 (±17.90), and 58.20 (±18.40) respectively. Hospital where the respondents were working was the consistent predictor of QOL scores in all four domains with generally lower scores associated with other hospitals compared to Ayub Medical Hospital. Years of experience were positively associated with psychological, social relationship and environmental domains. Designation was associated with social relationship domain only. The scores were lower for trainee medical officers (adjusted ß - 11.5) and higher for house officer (adjusted ß 10.0) and nurses and technicians (adjusted ß 7.0) compared to heads of departments and specialists. CONCLUSION: Quality of life of health care workers has been affected negatively in hospitals of Abbottabad, Pakistan during COVID-19. This calls for hospital administrations, policymakers and the government to take necessary actions to protect the wellbeing of the backbone of the healthcare system.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic on Psychological Well-Being of the Pakistani General Population.

Background and Objectives: In order to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the countries took preventive measures such as lockdown and restrictions of movements. This can lead to effects on mental health of the population. We studied the impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being and associated factors among the Pakistani general population. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between 26th April and 15th May and included participants from all over the Pakistan. Attitudes and worriedness about COVID-19 pandemic were assessed using a structured questionnaire. A validated English and Urdu version of the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) was used to assess the well-being. Factor analysis was done to extract the attitude item domains. Logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with poor well-being. Results: A total of 1,756 people participated in the survey. Almost half 50% of the participants were male, and a similar proportion was employed. About 41% of the participants were dependent on financial sources other than salary. News was considered a source of fear as 72% assumed that avoiding such news may reduce the fear. About 68% of the population was worried about contracting the disease. The most common coping strategies used during lockdown were spending quality time with family, eating healthy food, adequate sleep, and talking to friends on phone. Prevalence of poor well-being was found to be 41.2%. Female gender, being unemployed, living in Sindh and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), fear of COVID-19, and having chronic illness were significantly associated with poor well-being. Similarly, coping strategies during lockdown (doing exercise; spending time with family; eating healthy food; having good sleep; contributing in social welfare work and spending time on hobbies) were also significantly associated with mental well-being. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence 41.2% of poor well-being among the Pakistani general population. We also investigated risk factors of poor well-being which included female gender, unemployment, being resident of ICT and Sindh, fear, chronic illness, and absence of coping strategies. This calls for immediate action at population level in the form of targeted mass psychological support programs to improve the mental health of population during the COVID-19 crises.

Association Of Cerebrovascular Accident With Polycythemia Vera.

Polycythemia Vera is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm usually having ischemic stroke/thrombotic episode as presenting complaint. The patient reported had history of Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) two years back but blood cell counts were normal that time with no Polycythaemia Vera.