Loneliness and social isolation: exploring the experiences of older women during the pandemic in terms of social connection, feeling of loneliness, and the impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Objectives: To investigate the unique challenges faced by older women during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding social connection, feelings of loneliness, and their subsequent impact on mental health and well-being. Method: A qualitative research methodology is used to examine how older women experienced loneliness, social relationships, and mental health consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The results are discussed in terms of two main themes each with their sub-themes; 1. Social Connection amidst Physical Distancing Measures, 2. Impact on Mental Health and Well-being. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of loneliness and social isolation on the mental health of older women during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and support systems.

Exploring psychiatric patient restraints: Balancing safety, ethics, and patient rights in mental healthcare.

Restraint, often linked with limiting an individual's freedom of movement, has become a focal point of extensive discussion and evaluation within the realm of mental healthcare. Striking a delicate balance between ensuring individual safety and minimizing reliance on restraint methods poses a significant challenge. In mental health inpatient settings, the prevalent forms of restraint encompass physical, chemical, environmental, and psychological methods. Paradoxically, the consequences of employing restraint can be severe, ranging from injuries and cognitive decline to sedation and, in extreme cases, fatalities. This paper seeks to offer a nuanced exploration of the landscape surrounding psychiatric patient restraints, considering both global perspectives and specific insights from the Indian context. The guidelines outlined in India's Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, which governs the use of restraint on individuals suffering with mental illnesses, are also examined in detail.

Stress, Coping, and Resilience Among Home-Quarantined Persons During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From a Community Study.

Objective: To assess stress, coping, and resilience among home-quarantined individuals via a community survey during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a combined list was generated of all contacts of positive COVID-19 cases, traced by a contact tracing team, and international travelers who had entered the country after March 8, 2020 (2 weeks before the air travel shutdown on March 22, 2020 in India). This community-based study was conducted among people who were quarantined in their homes and international travelers who arrived in the country after declaration of lockdown. Stress and coping were assessed via the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale. The participants with higher perceived stress scores (≥ 14) were asked to seek help from telemedicine services. Study data were collected from April 8, 2020, to May 20, 2020.Results: The mean age of the 153 study participants was 40.10 years, and 41.8% were women. Poor coping was identified in 25.5% of the sample, and moderate/high stress was present in 49.7%. Significantly higher stress was noted in women (P = .007). Higher age, joint family structure, and contacts of COVID cases were significant predictors of moderate/severe perceived stress in the logistic regression.Conclusions: Adequate psychological supportive services should be provided to home-quarantined persons through provision of information, rapid communication, and timely supplies of general and medical items.