Psychiatric morbidity, burnout and distress in Australian physician trainees

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Carmen Axisa ◽  
Louise Nash ◽  
Patrick Kelly ◽  
Simon Willcock
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Speciality Training ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Seeking Help

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity, alcohol use, burnout and compassion satisfaction among physician trainees in New South Wales, Australia, and examine links between personal, demographic and lifestyle factors. Methods A total of 67 physician trainees were recruited to the study. Fifty-nine completed the online survey (88% response rate). Outcome measures included the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Professional Quality of Life Scale and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Results Approximately half the respondents met screening criteria for depression (53%), stress (51%) and anxiety (46%). Secondary traumatic stress was exceptionally high across the cohort, with higher scores in females (P=0.001). The main reasons for not seeking help for depression or anxiety were lack of time (81%), fear of lack of confidentiality or privacy (41%), embarrassment (39%) and effect on registration (27%). Eighty-eight per cent of respondents agreed that doctors feel they need to portray a healthy image, but only 54% engaged in regular exercise and 24% slept ≤6h each day. Conclusion The results demonstrate high levels of non-psychotic psychiatric morbidity among physician trainees and a need to improve their well-being. Workplace systems need to promote healthy work environments and support physician trainees through good mentorship and supervision. What is known about the topic? Doctors’ health and patient care can be affected when doctors experience burnout and psychiatric morbidity. What does this paper add? This paper adds to the evidence of psychiatric morbidity, burnout, secondary trauma and increased demographic data on a cohort of junior doctors undertaking speciality training. In addition, it provides reasons for not seeking help and positive and negative coping methods used by these junior doctors. What are the implications for practitioners? The level of distress is high and requires system changes to support both individual health measures and structural change to work and study programs.

scholarly journals Covid-19 Pandemic and its Effect on Residents' Mental Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anwar Yazdani ◽  
Hend Esmaeili ◽  
Abdulla K AlSaleh ◽  
Ahmed Sultan ◽  
Esam Alamad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Time ◽  
The Impact

Concerns about COVID-19's long-term consequences on the mental health of frontline health professionals are mounting as the entire world strives anew to contain it. The primary objective of this research is to describe the impact of working during the COVID-19 pandemic on junior doctors' mental health and to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on junior doctors' training and professional performance. A cross-sectional online survey using the Google Forms platform was conducted from May 1st to May 30th , 2021, in 311 healthcare workers who were currently enrolled in a residency program at the Kuwait Institutional of Medical Specialization (KIMS). Socio-demographic details of each health worker were collected and the scores related to depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the previously validated depression anxiety stress scale-21 (DASS-21). Higher stress scores were seen in those who were devoid of the option to work with COVID-19 patients (adjusted β 5.1 (95%CI:1.2-9);p=0.01), who reported that working during the pandemic affected their study schedule (adjusted β 4.8 (95%CI:1.6-8.1);p= 0.004), and who lost off service training time (adjusted β 2.7 (95%CI:0.13-5.2); p=0.034). Further, the anxiety scores were significantly higher in females. The impact of the ongoing pandemic on residents' mental health is grave, necessitating psychological treatment and support. The study discovered various factors linked to depression, anxiety, and stress. As a result, these aspects must be regarded to protect the residents' mental health.

scholarly journals Demographic and psychological predictors of alcohol use and misuse in autistic adults

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1469-1480
Author(s):  
Maya Bowri ◽  
Laura Hull ◽  
Carrie Allison ◽  
Paula Smith ◽  
Simon Baron-Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Predictors ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Shaped Pattern ◽  
Significant Factors

This study explored demographic and psychological predictors of alcohol use and misuse in a high-functioning, community sample of 237 autistic adults aged 18–75 (mean = 41.92 and standard deviation = 13.3) recruited in the United Kingdom. An online survey measured demographic information, autistic traits, depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, mental well-being, social camouflaging and alcohol use with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The sample was divided into three groups (non-drinkers, non-hazardous drinkers and hazardous drinkers) and multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between alcohol use and demographic factors, autistic traits, mental health variables and social camouflaging. Our results demonstrated a U-shaped pattern among autistic adults, with non-drinkers and hazardous drinkers scoring significantly higher than non-hazardous drinkers on levels of autistic traits, depression, generalised anxiety and social anxiety. In multivariate analysis, autistic non-drinkers were less likely to be male (odds ratio = 0.44; 95% confidence interval = 0.22–0.87) and had more autistic traits (odds ratio = 2.50; 95% confidence interval = 1.19–5.28). Gender and level of autistic traits may be the most significant factors in predicting alcohol use in the autistic community. Lay abstract Alcohol use and misuse are associated with a variety of negative physical, psychological and social consequences. The limited existing research on substance use including alcohol use in autistic adults has yielded mixed findings, with some studies concluding that autism reduces the likelihood of substance use and others suggesting that autism may increase an individual’s risk for substance misuse. This study investigated demographic and psychological predictors of alcohol use and misuse in a sample of 237 autistic adults. An online survey was used to obtain data on demographic information, autistic traits, depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, mental well-being, social camouflaging and alcohol use. The sample was divided into three groups (non-drinkers, non-hazardous drinkers and hazardous drinkers) in order to investigate associations between alcohol use and demographic factors, autistic traits, mental health variables and social camouflaging. Our results demonstrated a U-shaped pattern among autistic adults, with non-drinkers and hazardous drinkers scoring higher than non-hazardous drinkers on levels of autistic traits, depression, generalised anxiety and social anxiety. Autistic non-drinkers were less likely to be male and had more autistic traits. Gender and level of autistic traits may be the most significant factors in predicting alcohol use in the autistic community.

scholarly journals Levels and Prevalence of Mental Health Functioning in Canadian University Student-Athletes

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krista J. Van Slingerland ◽  
Natalie Durand-Bush ◽  
Scott Rathwell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Situation ◽  
Mental Health Functioning ◽  
Health Functioning ◽  
The Impact

We examined the level and prevalence of mental health functioning (MHF) in intercollegiate student-athletes from 30 Canadian universities, and the impact of time of year, gender, alcohol use, living situation, year of study, and type of sport on MHF. An online survey completed in November 2015 (N = 388) and March 2016 (n = 110) revealed that overall, MHF levels were moderate to high, and more student-athletes were flourishing than languishing. MHF levels did not significantly differ across time based on gender, alcohol use, living situation, year of study, and type of sport. Eighteen percent reported a previous mental illness diagnosis and yet maintained moderate MHF across time. These findings support Keyes’ (2002) dual-continua model, suggesting that the presence of mental illness does not automatically imply low levels of well-being and languishing. Nonetheless, those without a previous diagnosis were 3.18 times more likely to be flourishing at Time 1 (November 2015).  

Portfolio careers for medical graduates: implications for postgraduate training and workforce planning

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harris A. Eyre ◽  
Rob D. Mitchell ◽  
Will Milford ◽  
Nitin Vaswani ◽  
Steven Moylan
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Health Service Provision ◽  
Skill Sets ◽  
Speciality Training ◽  
Medical Career

Portfolio careers in medicine can be defined as significant involvement in one or more portfolios of activity beyond a practitioner’s primary clinical role, either concurrently or in sequence. Portfolio occupations may include medical education, research, administration, legal medicine, the arts, engineering, business and consulting, leadership, politics and entrepreneurship. Despite significant interest among junior doctors, portfolios are poorly integrated with prevocational and speciality training programs in Australia. The present paper seeks to explore this issue. More formal systems for portfolio careers in Australia have the potential to increase job satisfaction, flexibility and retention, as well as diversify trainee skill sets. Although there are numerous benefits from involvement in portfolio careers, there are also risks to the trainee, employing health service and workforce modelling. Formalising pathways to portfolio careers relies on assessing stakeholder interest, enhancing flexibility in training programs, developing support programs, mentorship and coaching schemes and improving support structures in health services. What is known about the topic? Portfolio careers are well understood as a career structure in general business. However, in medicine little is known about the concept of portfolio careers, their drivers, benefits and risks. There are significant issues faced by the Australian junior medical workforce such as a need for diversified skill-sets (e.g. increased involvement in research, public health and leadership), low job satisfaction for junior doctors and an increasing emphasis of work-life balance and mental well-being. What does this paper add? This paper critically analyses the concept of portfolio careers in the postgraduate setting by critiquing literature on the international and national experiences in this field. This paper outlines potential benefits of portfolio careers requiring further research, such as a diversification in the workforce and improved job satisfaction. Risks include reducing the health service provision capacity of junior doctors and drawing doctors away from a medical career. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper has substantial educational and workforce implications for medical students, junior doctors and medical managers. For medical students and junior doctors this paper frames the possibilities in a medical career, as well as benefits and risks of aiming for a portfolio career in medicine. For medical managers, this paper suggests strategies for further research, enhancing workforce job satisfaction and potential pitfalls of increasing opportunities for medical portfolio careers.

Preventing Sexual Abuse: Perspectives of Minor-Attracted Persons About Seeking Help

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 991-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill S. Levenson ◽  
Melissa D. Grady
Keyword(s):  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
General Mental Health ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Therapeutic Encounters ◽  
Ethical Counseling ◽  
Treatment Priorities

The primary aim of this exploratory research was to gain information from minor-attracted persons (MAPs) about their (a) formal and informal experiences with help-seeking for minor attraction, (b) perceived barriers to seeking help for concerns about minor attraction, and (c) treatment priorities as identified by consumers of these services. A nonrandom, purposive sample of MAPs ( n = 293, 154 completed all questions) was recruited via an online survey. Results show that 75% of participants did seek formal help from a professional; however, just less than half of them found the experience to be helpful. Characteristics of helpful therapeutic encounters included nonjudgmental attitudes, knowledge about minor attraction, and viewing clients in a person-centered and holistic way. Barriers to help seeking included uncertainty about confidentiality, fear of negative reaction or judgment, difficulties finding a therapist knowledgeable about MAPs, and financial constraints. Understanding or reducing attraction to minors were common treatment goals, but participants also prioritized addressing general mental health and well-being related to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Implications for effective and ethical counseling and preventive interventions for MAPs are discussed.

Burnout and distress in Australian physician trainees: Evaluation of a wellbeing workshop

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Axisa ◽  
Louise Nash ◽  
Patrick Kelly ◽  
Simon Willcock
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Screening Criteria ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Life Scale ◽  
Workshop Intervention ◽  
And Control

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a workshop intervention to promote wellbeing for Australian physician trainees using a randomized-controlled design. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group attended a half-day workshop. Outcome measures included depression anxiety stress scale, professional quality of life scale and alcohol use disorders identification test. Demographic and work/life factors were measured. Measurements were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and the workshop was evaluated by participants. Results: High rates of burnout (76%) and secondary traumatic stress (91%) were detected among study participants and around half met screening criteria for depression (52%), anxiety (46%) and stress (50%) at baseline. Workshop evaluations showed that participants agreed that the training was relevant to their needs (96%) and met their expectations (92%). There was a small reduction in alcohol use, depression and burnout in the intervention group compared with the control group at 6 months, but these changes did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: High rates of psychological morbidity detected in the study suggest that physician trainees are a vulnerable group who may benefit from initiatives that promote wellbeing and changes in the workplace to reduce distress.

scholarly journals The Role of Coping Behavior in Healthcare Workers' Distress and Somatization During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Franck ◽  
Filip Haegdorens ◽  
Eva Goossens ◽  
Yannic van Gils ◽  
Michael Portzky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Coping Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Constantly searching for a balance between work demands and their own physical and psychological health has challenged medical and nursing staff during the immediate wake of this COVID-19 viral epidemic leading to acute stress reactions and psychosomatic symptoms. Coping behavior might be a buffer for work-related stress in relation to mental well-being. The present study aims to evaluate the role of positive and negative stress-reducing activities on healthcare workers' mental and physical well-being.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using an online survey that was sent out using our network of healthcare workers at the University of Antwerp and through social media. Socio-demographic data, coping behavior with the Palliative Pallet Scale (P3), and distress and somatization using the Four-dimensional symptom checklist were collected. Surveys were completed by 1,376 participants.Results: The results clearly showed that positive stress-reducing activities are related to fewer symptoms of distress and somatization. Providing direct care to COVID-19 patients was associated with a higher decrease of applying positive stress-reducing activities during the peak of the pandemic compared to the ideal situation. Finally, fewer symptoms of distress and somatization were associated with the following activities: reading, mind sports games, keeping a hobby collection, studying; engaging in sexual activities with your partner; cleaning the house, tidying up, working in the garden, doing household chores; exercising alone; walking, or taking a trip together with someone; exercise together with someone; watching TV, listening/playing (to) music/, playing computer games; playing a card game or other board game; and preparing something extra tasteful outside regular meals.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated an association between concrete coping behaviors and distress and somatization in healthcare workers during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide relevant and additional insights to develop and investigate interventions among others in personal leadership and resilience.

scholarly journals Psychiatric morbidity and dietary habits during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study among Egyptian Youth (14–24 years)

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roa Gamal Alamrawy ◽  
Noha Fadl ◽  
Asmaa Khaled
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Changes ◽  
Coping Methods ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is influencing all segments of society, including youth. Although the physical complaints in the time of COVID-19 are broadly-studied, a paucity of research targeted psychological ones on the precious youth population. This study aimed to describe the real-time state of Egyptian youth’s psychiatric morbidity, dietary changes, and coping methods during this pandemic and explore probable factors influencing them. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey among 447 Egyptian participants aged 14–24 years. Sociodemographic data, dietary habits, and coping methods during COVID-19 were collected. The Arabic versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to assess depression, anxiety and insomnia, respectively. Results Overall, 80.5%, 74.0%, and 73.8% of the participants had different grades of depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms. 37.4% gained weight. Emotional and night eating emerged as new habits during the pandemic among 17.9% and 29.3% of the participants, respectively. Each of depression, anxiety, and insomnia was significantly associated with each other, female gender and having a COVID-19 infected relative. Adolescents had significantly higher scores of depression and anxiety. Those with a history of physical illness had significantly higher scores of anxiety and insomnia. Bodyweight and dietary changes were significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Participants reported various positive and negative coping methods. Conclusion Psychiatric morbidity and dietary changes are evident in young people during COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological well-being and dietary habits are important but often overlooked components of youth well-being especially in challenging times. Depression, anxiety, and insomnia were almost always present and dietary changes were significantly associated with the presence of them.

scholarly journals Inner Harmony as an Essential Facet of Well-Being: A Multinational Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
David F. Carreno ◽  
Nikolett Eisenbeck ◽  
José Antonio Pérez-Escobar ◽  
José M. García-Montes
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Country Level

This study aimed to explore the role of two models of well-being in the prediction of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely PERMA and mature happiness. According to PERMA, well-being is mainly composed of five elements: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning in life, and achievement. Instead, mature happiness is understood as a positive mental state characterized by inner harmony, calmness, acceptance, contentment, and satisfaction with life. Rooted in existential positive psychology, this harmony-based happiness represents the result of living in balance between positive and negative aspects of one's life. We hypothesized that mature happiness would be a more prominent protective factor during the present pandemic than the PERMA composite. A total of 12,203 participants from 30 countries responded to an online survey including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the PERMA-Profiler, and the Mature Happiness Scale-Revised (MHS-R). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that PERMA and mature happiness were highly correlated, but nonetheless, they represented two separate factors. After controlling for demographic factors and country-level variables, both PERMA Well-being and MHS-R were negative predictors of psychological distress. Mature happiness was a better predictor of stress, anxiety, and general distress, while PERMA showed a higher prediction of depression. Mature happiness moderated the relation between the perceived noxious effects of the pandemic and all markers of distress (depression, anxiety, stress, and total DASS-21). Instead, PERMA acted as a moderator in the case of depression and stress. These findings indicate that inner harmony, according to the mature happiness theory, is an essential facet of well-being to be taken into consideration. The results of this study can also orient policies aimed to alleviate the negative effects of the pandemic on mental health through the promotion of well-being.

Quality of Life in Prosthetic Voice Users

2005 ◽  
Vol 133 (5) ◽  
pp. 685-688 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Gerwin ◽  
Gerald L. Culton
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Voice Restoration ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Life Scale ◽  
The University

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to measure the efficacy of prosthetic voice restoration for laryngectomees in relation to various quality-of-life parameters. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The University of Washington Quality of Life Scale, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale, and a demographic data form of our own design were completed by 16 laryngectomees who had undergone prosthetic voice restoration in our private practice by Blom-Singer methodology. RESULTS: More than 80% of the respondents were positive in their assessment of each category on all three surveys. CONCLUSION: Prosthetic voice restoration in private practice resulted in achieved expectations, satisfaction with speech, and good quality of life as measured by physical, functional, social, and emotional well-being parameters. SIGNIFICANCE: Laryngectomees may be offered prosthetic voice restoration with a high likelihood that they will be satisfied.

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