RESUMO
Confidence in the central UK Government has declined since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while this may be linked to specific government actions to curb the spread of the virus, understanding is still incomplete. Examining public opinion is important, as research suggests that low confidence in government increases the extent of non-compliance with infection-dampening rules (for instance, social distancing); however, the detailed reasons for this association are still unclear. To understand public opinion on the central UK government during COVID-19, we used structural topic modelling, a text mining technique, to extract themes from over 4000 free-text survey responses, collected between 14 October and 26 November 2020. We identified eleven topics, among which were topics related to perceived government corruption and cronyism, complaints about inconsistency in rules and messaging, lack of clear planning, and lack of openness and transparency. Participants reported that elements of the governments approach had made it difficult to comply with guidelines (e.g., changing rules) or were having impacts on mental wellbeing (e.g., inability to plan for the future). Results suggested that consistent, transparent communication and messaging from the government is critical to improving compliance with measures to contain the virus, as well as protecting mental health during health emergencies.
RESUMO
BackgroundPeople with mental health conditions have been identified as particularly vulnerable to poor mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, why this population have faced these adverse effects, how they have experienced them and how they have coped remains under-explored. AimsTo explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health of people with existing mental health conditions, and to identify coping strategies for positive mental health. MethodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews with 22 people with mental health conditions. Participants were purposively recruited via social media, study newsletters and third sector mental health organisations. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsParticipants were aged 23-70 (mean age 43), predominantly female (59.1%) and of white ethnicity (68.2%). Fifty percent were unable to work due to illness and the most frequently reported mental health condition was depression. Five pandemic related factors contributed to deteriorating mental health: i) feeling safe but isolated at home ii) disruption to mental health services, iii) cancelled plans and changed routines iv) uncertainty and lack of control, v) rolling media coverage. Five coping strategies were identified for maintaining mental health: i) previous experience of adversity ii) social comparison and accountability iii) engaging in hobbies and activities, iv) staying connected with others, v) perceived social support. ConclusionsChallenges were identified as a direct result of the pandemic and people with severe mental illnesses were particularly negatively affected. However, some found this period a time of respite, drew upon reserves of resilience and adapted their coping strategies to maintain positive wellbeing.
RESUMO
ObjectivesTo explore the psychosocial well-being of health and social care professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignThis was a qualitative study deploying in-depth, individual interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used for coding. ParticipantsThis study involved 25 participants from a range of frontline professions in health and social care. SettingInterviews were conducted over the phone or video call, depending on participant preference. ResultsFrom the analysis, we identified 5 overarching themes: communication challenges, work-related stressors, support structures, personal growth, and individual resilience. The participants expressed difficulties such as communication challenges and changing work conditions, but also positive factors such as increased team unity at work, and a greater reflection on what matters in life. ConclusionsThis study provides evidence on the support needs of health and social care professionals amid continued and future disruptions caused by the pandemic. It also elucidates some of the successful strategies (such as mindfulness, hobbies, restricting news intake, virtual socialising activities) deployed by health and social care professionals that can support their resilience and well-being and be used to guide future interventions. Strengths and limitations of this studyO_LIThis is the first study in the UK to interview both health and social care professionals working in a range of settings on their experiences working through COVID-19. C_LIO_LIThis study used a strong theoretical approach to inform the topic guide, and one-to-one interviews allowed in-depth analysis of the psychosocial experiences of health and social care professionals, complementing the wider availability of quantitative evidence. C_LIO_LIWe interviewed a wide range of professions, which provided breadth of experience but might limit the specificity of findings. C_LIO_LIGiven the fluctuating nature of the pandemic, attitudes of health and social care professionals may change over time. This can be challenging to capture during a single interview, however we did ask questions on how their experience had progressed longitudinally. C_LIO_LIOur sample may have been biased towards people who had more free time to participate and so were coping better than others. However, our sample still described a number of stressful experiences during the pandemic, and it is also possible that workers who were frustrated or stressed wished to express their views. C_LI
