scholarly journals Perceived efficacy of COVID-19 restrictions, reactions and their impact on mental health during the early phase of the outbreak in six countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 200644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Jensen Mækelæ ◽  
Niv Reggev ◽  
Natalia Dutra ◽  
Ricardo M. Tamayo ◽  
Reinaldo A. Silva-Sobrinho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Effective School ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
School Closings ◽  
Life Habits

The COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of people to drastically change their social life habits as governments employed harsh restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus. Although beneficial to physical health, the perception of physical distancing and related restrictions could impact mental health. In a pre-registered online survey, we assessed how effective a range of restrictions were perceived, how severely they affected daily life, general distress and paranoia during the early phase of the outbreak in Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Israel, Norway and USA. Most of our over 2000 respondents rated the restrictions as effective. School closings were perceived as having the strongest effect on daily life. Participants who believed their country reacted too mildly perceived the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 to be higher, were more worried and expressed reduced beliefs in the ability to control the outbreak. Relatedly, dissatisfaction with governmental reactions corresponded with increased distress levels. Together, we found that satisfaction with one's governmental reactions and fear appraisal play an important role in assessing the efficacy of restrictions during the pandemic and their related psychological outcomes. These findings inform policy-makers on the psychological factors that strengthen resilience and foster the well-being of citizens in times of global crisis.

scholarly journals Perceived efficacy of COVID-19 restrictions, reactions and their impact on mental health during the early phase of the outbreak in six countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Jensen Mækelæ ◽  
Niv Reggev ◽  
Natalia Bezerra Dutra ◽  
Ricardo M. Tamayo ◽  
Reinaldo A. Silva-Sobrinho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Effective School ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
School Closings ◽  
Life Habits

The COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of people to drastically change their social life habits as governments employed harsh restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus. Although beneficial to physical health, the perception of physical distancing and related countermeasures could impact mental health. In a pre-registered online survey, we assessed how effective a range of countermeasures were perceived, how severely they affected daily life, general distress and paranoia during the early phase of the outbreak in Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Israel, Norway and US. Most of our over 2000 respondents rated the countermeasures as effective. School closings were perceived as having the strongest effect on daily life. Participants who believed their country reacted too mildly perceived the risk of contracting Sars-CoV-2 to be higher, were more worried and expressed reduced beliefs in the ability to control the outbreak. Relatedly, dissatisfaction with governmental actions corresponded with increased distress levels. Together, we found that satisfaction with one’s governmental actions and fear appraisal play an important role in assessing the efficacy of countermeasures during the pandemic and their related psychological outcomes. These findings inform policy-makers on the psychological factors that strengthen resilience and foster the well-being of citizens in times of global crisis.

scholarly journals Psychological Effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-29
Author(s):  
Sreeja R. Kuppam ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
School Students ◽  
Verbal Form ◽  
Fear And Anxiety

Background This qualitative study investigated the psychological effects on 21 U.S. high school students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Aim The study aimed to identify and assess the pandemic’s effect on the mental health of these students. Method To determine the stress and anxiety students faced during the pandemic, an online survey used five open-ended questions that focused on awareness of the pandemic surrounding the major themes of insight, stress, anxiety, social support, and adapted coping strategies. NVivo software analyzed the raw data. Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological analysis method converted the quantitative results into a visual/verbal form. Based on the analysis, the researcher identified the pandemic’s effects on students’ mental health and well-being. Results All 21 participants responded to each of the five questions. Of the participants, 72% demonstrated a negative outlook on their future. Seventy percent (70%) of the participants felt that COVID-19 hurt their social life because of safety precautions, such as social distancing. Even though schools and their faculty tried to keep students engaged and active, 64% of the participants found it challenging to be physically distanced from friends and teachers while learning from home. Of the students, 62% worried about missing out on sports and activities canceled due to the pandemic. 63.14% of the students felt the pandemic stressed them to the point that fear and anxiety overwhelmed them with many questions about the future. Conclusion This study’s results may help create programs that better meet students’ mental and social needs.

scholarly journals The Impact of Social Support on Students’ Behavior in the Context of Iraqi Medical Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (E) ◽  
pp. 1553-1559
Author(s):  
I. D. Al-Hasani ◽  
H. S. Salih ◽  
A. T. Abdul Wahid ◽  
Mohammed Jabarah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are reflected and linked to human behavior in many aspects. Medical students are susceptible to a wide variety of events that compromise their mental well-being, social life as well as their academic achievements. AIM: This study aimed to find the impact of social support on medical students’ behavior in Iraq via assessing their depression, anxiety, and stress status. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey-based study targeted all medical students in Iraq. The employed questionnaires covered mental health status of participants by evaluating their perceptions of depression, anxiety, and stress using. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant influence of social support on students’ perceptions of depression and anxiety, but not of their perception of stress. CONCLUSION: Lending social support to medical student is crucial to improve their depression and anxiety with all the positive results that the support brings to their behavior and social life. However, they need more than the social support to keep them safe from academic and daily life stressors.

The Burden of Cold Agglutinin Disease on Patients’ Daily Life: an Online Survey of 50 American Patients (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Joly ◽  
Lisa Anne Schmitt ◽  
Patricia Ann McGee Watson ◽  
Emilie Pain ◽  
Damien Testa
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cold Agglutinin ◽  
Cold Agglutinin Disease ◽  
Household Finances ◽  
Experienced Fatigue ◽  
Patients Perspective

BACKGROUND Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare and poorly understood disorder affecting 15% of patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Few studies have assessed CAD symptoms and their impact on daily life, and these did not address the patients’ perspective. OBJECTIVE The aim of this research is to increase the knowledge on CAD through a patient-centric survey and to gain a better understanding of the burden of this disease. METHODS We conducted an internet-based survey in September 2020 among American patients registered on the CAD Unraveled website and members from the Cold Agglutinin Disease Foundation. RESULTS Fifty respondents were included in the study. Ninety percent of patients reported having experienced fatigue. Fatigue was mainly reported on a daily basis, and almost a third said it was constant through the day. It has also been shown that CAD had a great impact on physical well-being, emotional well-being, social life, and patients’ household finances. The disease varies over time, with or without symptoms. Eighty-eight percent of patients reported previous episodes of increased intensity/sensitivity of their CAD symptoms, with a mean number of episodes reported of 4.5 during the past year. More than half of the patients considered their disease as moderate or severe, and over 40% of the study group reported that their symptoms had worsened since the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study has raised new data on CAD symptoms, in particular on the importance and type of fatigue, and the fluctuation of CAD symptoms.

scholarly journals Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health Based on a German Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Lingelbach ◽  
Daniela Piechnik ◽  
Sabrina Gado ◽  
Doris Janssen ◽  
Martin Eichler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Health Related

Objective and Background: To contain the COVID-19 pandemic, public health actions have changed the everyday life with an inevitable impact on individuals and their social life. Since intact (socio-)psychological functioning and mental health are protective factors contributing to the immune system and preventing diseases, it is crucial to identify individuals with increased vulnerability.Methods: We conducted a German online survey from April until August 2020 investigating health-related, social, behavioral, and psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred and seventy three adults participating in the survey were analyzed (39.9% male, age: M = 44.81±13.31). We explored effects on mental health by (a) clustering participants in two clusters and (b) analyzing the clusters using correlations and regression models.Results: Participants belonged either to a cluster characterized by higher general well-being or to a more concerned cluster depending on their responses. The correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relation between age and well-being with younger participants revealing higher depression scores in the concerned cluster. Furthermore, multiple regression models revealed that the number of risk factors only has a significant influence on psychological well-being in the concerned but not in the comfortable cluster.Conclusion: We found that especially participants at (a) younger age and (b) greater risk of a severe course of disease reported reduced mental well-being and seemed to be weakened in their psychological protective factors in our sample. These insights allow to provide tailored recommendations for preventive and immediate actions to promote psychological well-being and reduce stress.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Working Conditions, Employment, Career Development and Well-Being of Refugee Researchers

Societies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Ourania Tzoraki ◽  
Svetlana Dimitrova ◽  
Marin Barzakov ◽  
Saad Yaseen ◽  
Vasilis Gavalas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Appropriate Technology ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Home Setting ◽  
The Public ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
The Impact

The ongoing ‘refugee crisis’ of the past years has led to the migration of refugee researchers (RRs) to European countries. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RRs often had to work from home and/or to continue their social, cultural and economic integration process under new conditions. An online survey carried out to explore the impact of the pandemic on the refugee researchers showed that RRs found it difficult to adapt their everyday working life to the ‘home’ setting. The majority have had neither a suitable work environment at home nor the appropriate technology. Although they stated that they are rather pleased with the measures taken by the public authorities, they expressed concern about their vulnerability due to their precarious contracts and the bureaucratic asylum procedures, as the pandemic has had a negative impact on these major issues. The majority of RRs working in academia seem not to have been affected at all as far as their income is concerned, while the majority of those employed in other sectors became unemployed during the pandemic (58%). Recommendations are provided to the public authorities and policy makers to assist RRs to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic on their life.

Psychiatric symptoms among migrants to Malaysia from the southernmost provinces of Thailand

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402198973
Author(s):  
Kathleen Ford ◽  
Aree Jampaklay ◽  
Aphichat Chamatrithirong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Self Reporting Questionnaire ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Migrant Groups

Aim: The objective of this paper is to examine the level of psychiatric symptoms and associated factors among Thai migrants from the southernmost Thai provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narithiwat who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons will be made with the sending population in the southernmost provinces of Thailand. Methods: Data are drawn from survey and in-depth interviews with Thai migrants who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons are made with a probability sample of working age adults in Thailand. The twenty item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was the measure of mental health. Results: The study found that the migrants, on average, have normal levels of psychiatric symptoms. However, although about 24% of migrants reported more eight or more symptoms that may indicate a need for evaluation. There are many stressors in their lives including distance from families, reduced social support, legal matters surrounding immigration, and discrimination/exploitation of migrant groups. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for policy makers and non-governmental organizations to give attention to migrants’ mental health, well-being and sustainable livelihoods.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Greenness, and Nature Related Behaviors in the Adult Population of Stockholm County during COVID-19-Related Restrictions

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3303
Author(s):  
Mare Lõhmus ◽  
Cecilia U. D. Stenfors ◽  
Tomas Lind ◽  
André Lauber ◽  
Antonios Georgelis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stockholm County ◽  
Cognitive Stress ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
International Data

International data suggest that exposure to nature is beneficial for mental health and well-being. The restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have created a setting that allows us to investigate the importance of greenness exposure on mental health during a period of increased isolation and worry. Based on 2060 responses from an online survey in Stockholm County, Sweden, we investigated: (1) whether the COVID-19 pandemic changed peoples’ lifestyle and nature-related habits, and (2) if peoples’ mental health differed depending on their exposure to greenness. Neighborhood greenness levels were quantified by using the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within 50 m, 100 m, 300 m, and 500 m buffers surrounding the participant’s place of residence. We found that the number of individuals that reported that they visited natural areas “often” was significantly higher during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Higher levels of greenness surrounding one’s location of residence were in general associated with higher mental health/well-being and vitality scores, and less symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived and cognitive stress, after adjustments for demographic variables and walkability. In conclusion, the results from the present study provided support to the suggestion that contact with nature may be important for mental health in extreme circumstances.

scholarly journals Mental health and preventive behaviour of pregnant women in China during the early phase of the COVID-19 period

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Wang ◽  
Phoenix K. H. Mo ◽  
Bo Song ◽  
Jiang-Li Di ◽  
Feng-Rong Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Regression Analyses

Abstract Background The COVID-19 has caused significant toll over the globe. Pregnant women are at risk of infection. The present study examined the frequency of washing hands with soap and wearing face mask when going out, prevalence of depression and anxiety, and identified their associated factors among pregnant women during the early phase of COVID-19 outbreak in China. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 24 February and 3 March 2020. A total of 15 428 pregnant women who were using maternal health care services in China completed a questionnaire which assessed their socio-demographic and pregnancy-related characteristics, contextual, cognitive and social factors related to COVID-19, frequency of washing hands and wearing face masks, and depression and anxiety. Logistics regression analyses were performed to identify the associated factors of preventive behaviours and mental health. Results The prevalence of probable anxiety and depression was 28.2% and 43.6% respectively. 19.8% reported always wearing face mask when going out, and 19.1% reported washing hands with soap for more than 10 times per day. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that older age was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (OR = 0.42–0.67) and higher frequency of washing hands (OR = 1.57–3.40). Higher level of education level was associated with probable depression (OR = 1.31–1.45) and higher frequency of wearing face mask (OR = 1.50–1.57). After adjusting for significant socio-demographic and pregnancy-related factors, place of residence being locked down (aOR = 1.10–1.11), being quarantined (aOR = 1.42–1.57), personally knowing someone being infected with COVID-19 (aOR = 1.80–1.92), perception that COVID-19 would pose long term physical harm to human (aOR = 1.25–1.28) were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, while the perception that the disease will be under control in the coming month was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (aOR = 0.59–0.63) and lower tendency of always wearing face mask (aOR = 0.85). Social support was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (aOR = 0.86–0,87) and higher frequency of washing hands (aOR = 1.06). Conclusions The mental health and preventive behaviours of pregnant women during COVID-19 outbreak was associated with a range of socio-demographic, pregnancy-related, contextual, cognitive and social factors. Interventions to mitigate their mental health problems and to promote preventive behaviours are highly warranted.

scholarly journals Embitterment as a Specific Mental Health Reaction during the Coronavirus Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Beate Muschalla ◽  
Clio Vollborn ◽  
Anke Sondhof
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Affective State ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Perceived Injustice

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Embitterment can occur as a reaction to perceived injustice. During the pandemic and restrictions in daily living due to infection risk management, a range of many smaller or severe injustices have occurred. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study is to investigate what characterizes persons with high embitterment, mental illness, embitterment and mental illness, and those without embitterment or mental health problems. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We conducted an online survey including persons from the general population in November 2020 and December 2020, the phase during which a second lockdown took place, with closed shops, restaurants, cultural and activity sites. 3,208 participants (mean age 47 years) gave self-ratings on their present well-being, burdens experienced during the pandemic, embitterment, wisdom, and resilience. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Embitterment occurred among 16% of the sample, which is a high rate in comparison with 4% during pre-pandemic times. Embitterment was weakly correlated with unspecific mental well-being. There were more persons with embitterment than those with embitterment and a mental health problem. Persons with embitterment reported less coronavirus-related anxiety than persons without embitterment. However, embittered persons reported more social and economic burdens and more frequent experiences of losses (job loss and canceling of medical treatments). Embittered persons perceive their own wisdom competencies on a similar level as persons with mental health problems or persons without mental health problems. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Embitterment is a specific potentially alone-standing affective state, which is distinguishable from general mental health and coping capacities (here: wisdom). The economic and social consequences of pandemic management should be carefully recognized and prevented by policy.

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