Assessment of Impact of Containment During the COVID-19 Epidemic and Coping Behaviours Using Newly Developed Assessment Tools

Background: The confinement measures during COVID-19 had a massive effect on physical and psychological health in public. This study assessed the impact of containment and coping behaviour among the Malaysia public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions assessing the impact of containment and coping behaviours were developed and psychometrically tested.Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with the items using principal component analysis extraction and Varimax rotation. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to determine the relationship between coping and impact.Results: The 13-item of impact and 10-item coping instruments were developed with three dimensions identified through EFA. Both scales demonstrated excellent composite reliability and good convergent validity. The survey findings revealed that the impact on individual psychological aspects was prominent, followed by well-being and lifestyle. Mindfulness and physical coping strategies were most commonly reported. Coping through seeking help from health professionals and hotlines had a positive direct effect on well-being and lifestyle (b = 0.231, p < 0.001), psychological (B = 0.132, p < 0.001), and employment-related (0.194, p < 0.001) impacts. Coping through mindfulness practise had a negative effect on well-being and lifestyle-related impact (B = −0.180, p < 0.001) and employment-related impact (B = −0.096, p = 0.008).Conclusions: Despite some limitation, the scales for measuring impact and coping behaviours have the potential to be used as a measurement tool in future studies. Findings highlight the enormous impact of the pandemic on psychological well-being and lifestyles. Health authorities should support individual coping as it was found to be an important resilience-related factor to mitigate the impacts of containment during the pandemic.

Stress and Maladaptive Coping of Italians Health Care Professionals during the First Wave of the Pandemic

Stress during the pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs). However, little is known about coping and “maladaptive” coping behaviours of this population. This study investigates “maladaptive” coping behaviours and their correlation with stress, anxiety and insomnia of Italian HCPs during the pandemic. It reports on a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study based on a survey of 1955 Italian HCPs. Overall participants reported increases in cigarette smoking, time spent online and video playing. Overall reported alcohol consumption decreased but increased in those reporting drinking more than once a week. Those reporting starting smoking during the pandemic were found to have higher SAS and PSS scores. Those reporting being online for 3 or more hours were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing video games were found to have higher PSS, ISS and SAS scores whilst nurses who reported playing video games were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing for longer than one hour had higher PSS scores. Online behaviours may be a coping behaviour of HCPs affected by the pandemic. However, this is an underexplored area for the wellbeing of HCPs. These deficits need to be addressed going forward.

Empirical study on mental stress among healthcare staffs and the influencing workplace stressors

This study provides empirical indicators on the presence of alarming mental stress levels among healthcare staffs as a result of the work environment. The study uses a comprehensive survey to identify work stressors and to addresses stress symptoms and coping behaviours among the healthcare givers in Jordan as a case study. The study aims to direct management’s attention to work conditions that largely contribute to increasing mental stresses among their healthcare staffs. Moreover, the study identifies out stress symptoms that employees, team leaders and managers should not ignore to help their fellow workers cope with their stresses through legitimate coping behaviours. A total of 300 responses from 176 nurses, 45 technicians and 79 physicians from three hospitals with high patient flows were included in the statistical analyses. Results demonstrate that stressors related to high job demands, especially long working hours, have the highest impact on the development of stress among surveyed caregivers. Job-demand stressors were the most significant predictor of the symptom recurrence level with a β = 0.334. Continual tiredness and frequent headaches were the most frequent stress symptoms. Taking unprescribed medications, smoking tobacco, and faking reasons to take time off were the most common behaviours to relieve stress. This study contributes to the literature theoretically and practically. From a theoretical perspective, the study provides a comprehensive survey that captures the symptoms, relieve behaviours and work-related causes of stress. From the practical perspective, the study helps care providers and healthcare managers address and resolve work stressors and help their staff adopt healthy behaviours to relieve their stresses.