Helping the Helpers: Mental Health Challenges of Psychosocial Support Workers During the Russian-Ukrainian War.

OBJECTIVE: The ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war has been linked to mental health problems in the Ukrainian general population. To date, however, scarce research has examined the mental health of psychosocial support workers (PSWs) in Ukraine who have a burdensome workload in the context of ongoing conflict. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of burnout, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation (SI) in PSWs in Ukraine during the Russian-Ukrainian war. METHODS: One hundred seventy-eight PSWs in Ukraine completed a survey assessing war exposure, mental health, and psychosocial characteristics. RESULTS: A total 59.6% of PSWs screened positive for burnout, 38.2% for PTSD, and 10.7% for current SI. Lower optimism was associated with greater odds of burnout. Greater distress from witnessing war-related destruction, lower optimism, lower presence of meaning in life, and lower levels of close social relationships were associated with greater odds of burnout. Lower presence of meaning in life was associated with greater odds of SI. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study highlight the mental health challenges faced by PSWs in Ukraine during the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. They further suggest that interventions to foster meaning in life and promote social connectedness may "help the helpers" during this ongoing conflict.

FEAR AND STIGMATIZATION IN THE GENERAL POPULATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the feeling of fear and stigmatization in the general population, during the pandemic. . PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 1076 people attending a vaccination center in the Region of Argos, a prefecture of Peloponnese Region. The study was conducted from May 2021 to August 2021. In this study we used the Fear Investigation Scale(FCV-19S) and the COVID-19 Stigma scale. RESULTS: Results: A total of 1076 participants took part in the study. Vaccinated participants for Sars Cov-2 had higher levels of fear (U=117,569.00, p<0.001) and individuals with unspecified employment status had a higher level of fear compared to civil servants, pensioners, unemployed, private employees and freelancers (H = 17.225, p=0.004). Higher levels of fear were also seen by those who reported that they were uncertain that the COVID-19 pandemic was likely to be treated soon compared to those who believed it would be treated soon and those who did not believed this (H = 31.299, p<0.001). Vaccinated citizens showed a higher stigmatization rate of health professionals. Professional uncertainty and unemployment shows that they are a factor for increased fear. Strong social and family ties also indicate the reduced presence of stigmatization. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: An important imprint of the pandemic was the stigmatization of population's groups, such as health professionals, foreigners, as well as the infected by COVID-19. It is evident in society, that it was the fear of contracting the disease that contributed to stigmatization and isolation.

CLINICAL AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICES OF PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PHYSICIANS IN ANTIBIOTICS PRESCRIBING IN GREECE.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To evaluate primary health physicians' clinical and behavioral practices towards antibiotics administration in a specific region in Greece. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire in all structures of primary health care (PHC) of the Peloponnese Region. The study was conducted in May-October 2020. RESULTS: Results: In total, 306 out of 404 primary healthcare physicians completed the questionnaire (response rate of 75.8%). Our results showed that most of physicians used to prescribing antibiotics empirically in common diseases, except for the prevention of secondary respiratory tract infection. Overall, 66.3% answered that they do not feel diagnostic uncertainty that would lead them to prescribe antibiotics. Approximately 40% of the physicians stated an increase on antibiotics use and patients demand for antibiotic prescribing, however 71.4% "rarely/never" affected by this requirement. 51.9% of the sample used to prescribed brand name antibiotics. Statistically significant differences were found between demographic and professional characteristics, and physicians' clinical and behavioral practices (p≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Our findings could provide decision makers with information on how to manage antibiotic prescribing in primary health care in the country, focusing mainly on the use of specific diagnostic tests as well as relevant guidelines and protocols for changing prescription behavior.

BURNOUT AND DEPRESSION OF GREEK HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN REFUGEES' RECEPTION CENTERS AND ACCOMMODATION PROGRAMS.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The investigation of health professionals' burnout and depression, working in refugees' reception centers and their possible intercorrelation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A descriptive correlation study was carried out in health professionals, who worked in refugees' reception centers and accommodation programs throughout Greece. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire through online Google Forms. The questionnaire contained demographics, the Copenhagen Burnout Questionnaire (CBI-Gr) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The SPSS 22.00 was used for the statistical analysis and the significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Results: The sample consisted of 125 healthcare professionals working in refugees' reception centers and accommodation programs, the majority of tchem were women (62.4%), aged between 30-39 years (39.2%) nurses (24.8%) and with a master's degree (28%). A strong linear positive correlation was found between depression and burnout (r=0.542, p=0.000). A statistically significant correlation was also recorded between burnout and female gender (p=0.001), the age group of 30-39 (p=0.042) and nursing profession (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: A strong linear relationship between burnout and depression was revealed, a finding indicating that it is imperative to implement interventions to strengthen the resilience of health professionals working in refugees' reception centers.

MENTAL HEALTH, QUALITY OF LIFE, SPIRITUAL DRYNESS AND ACEDIA SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC DISEASES.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to examine mental health, quality of life, acedia and spiritual dryness in patients suffering from chronic diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and method: Data were collected by special design instrument for the needs of the present study. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were applied and the analysis was carried out with IBM SPSS 26 and JASP 0.14.01. RESULTS: Results: From the total of 210 participants, 106 (50.4%) were male, the mean age was 62.9 years, and the majority of them were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 50 (23.8%) of the participants suffer from anxiety and 39 (18.6%) from depression. In addition, 17.1% experience phases of spiritual dryness frequently or regularly. Physical quality of life component, was associated with the following variables: live from faith, psychological wellbeing, type of disease and age. This model can predict 31.1% of the variance. In terms of psychological wellbeing, the variables living arrangement, awe/gratitude, anxiety, and spiritual dryness can interpret 41.5% of the variance. When it comes to depression, we found that wellbeing, awe/gratitude are predictors of depressive symptoms, explaining at least 14.1% of the variance. Finally, anxiety can be predicted by wellbeing, awe/gratitude, and the type of the disease, interpreting 17.2% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Patients suffering from chronic diseases are experiencing spiritual dryness and acedia symptoms, and those aspects can be associated with various domains of health and wellbeing.

MAPPING AND IDENTIFYING BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT INTERVENTIONS FOR WAR-AFFECTED CHILDREN.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: to map MHPSS interventions for war-affected children, and to identify the barriers and facilitators for interventions target¬ing different layers of the MHPSS pyramid; to assess differences in methodology and study design to give a general outlook for potential future evaluation of interventions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A scoping review was conducted by utilising PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO scientific databases (765 articles were found). In addition to IASC MHPSS intervention pyramid as our framework, we used a combination of inductive and de¬ductive coding to find common themes in facilitators and barriers to the effectiveness of interventions within each layer. To geographically illustrate the locations of war-affected areas and their correlating intervention types, we developed a visual map. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The phenomenon of unequal distribution of interventions (concentrated in West Asia, North and sub-Saharan Africa, with no interventions (found in literature) in South American or South-East Asia). III-rd level of IASC MHPSS Pyramid "focused, non-specialized supports", received great deal of efforts in MHPSS interventions conducted for children in war-affected areas. Main barriers: increasing trauma-related symptoms; lack of parental or caregiver support impaired successful intervention out¬comes for war-affected children; lack of political will and financial resources, difficulties in priority-setting, or an insufficient health workforce ongoing conflicts. Main facilitators: culturally appropriate design and collaboration with local stakeholders; caregiver involvement in interventions for war-affected children.

MAPPING MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. A COMPARISON REVIEW OF CHINA AND WESTERN EUROPE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To map and compare mental health interventions during the Covid-19 pandemic in China and Western-Europe. The focus was specifically on the availability, duration, target group, content, setting, and outcomes of the interventions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A scoping review was conducted by utilising several scientific databases. A total of 479 articles were found after removing the duplicate records. After screening, 36 articles were included in the study. Relevant intervention characteristics were systematically mapped, and compared within and among countries. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: All interventions had shared aims to improve the psychological resilience and to reduce psychological distress. In particular, anxiety- and depression-related symptoms were commonly addressed. On average, interventions in China were larger scaled, had longer durations, and often used combinations of strategies such as therapies and exercises both in-person and remotely. Interventions in Western-Europe tend to be locally implemented on a smaller scale, and often used a single strategy. Most Chinese interventions targeted adolescents, while all interventions in Western-Europe were meant for adults. Most interventions were assessed using quantitative methods using various mental health scales, showing statistically significant effects in improving mental health.

THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SUBJECTIVE HAPPINESS AND RELIGIOUS COPING ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF NURSING STUDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of psychological distress and religious coping in quality of life of nursing students during the second wave of the pandemic in Greece. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among nursing students. Data were collected via an e-survey consisting of five parts including HADS Questionary, SF-36, B-RCOPE and Subjective Happiness scale. RESULTS: Results: From the total of 200 nursing students the 86.5% were female, 35.5% were in their first year of study, 54% were single and 65.5 were urban residents. 51.9% of the students were experiencing anxiety and 31,5% were depressed. In regard to subjective happiness, the mean value was 4.51±1.27. In addition, the majority of the students consider themselves unhappy (67.5%). Finally, in regard to SF-36 scores, we observed that PCS mean score was 68.49±13.19, MCS56.12±24.23. Depression, as well as negative religious coping, can have a negative effect on both physical and mental health components of quality of life. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Nursing students experience very high levels of stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and need support and guidance to better manage stress and fear in this unusual situation.

MANIFESTATIONS OF EXCESSIVE DAYTIME SLEEPINESS AND GHRELIN LEVEL IN CASE OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH UNDIFFERENTIATED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to discover the interrelation between the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, acid exposure time (AET), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and the level of active blood plasma ghrelin in the patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study included 120 patients with GERD. All the patients were divided in two groups: Group I - GERD was not accompanied by the signs of connective tissue disease (n=45) and Group II - GERD developed on the background of UCTD syndrome (n=75). Daily transnasal pH monitoring was performed to determine the nature of pathological refluxes. EDS was detected by The Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Active ghrelin in blood plasma samples was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Results: 80% of the patients of Group II and 35.48% of Group I suffered from EDS (p<0.05). The mean daily AET index was 5.48±0.4% in Group II and 6±0.2% in Group I, in the night hours mostly when patients were in the upright position. This phenomenon contributed to a deterioration of sleep quality and the appearance of EDS and was supported by a connection between AET and EDS (r=+0.827 for Group I and r=+0.768 for Group II). The mean De Meester index was higher in the patients of Group II (23.01±2.24 in Group I vs 31.08±2.4 in Group II; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: GERD manifestations are strongly related to the level to AET and intensity of EDS. The EDS symptoms depend on circulating ghrelin level.

ON SOCIAL NETWORKS, DIGITAL MEDIA, AND MENTAL HEALTH.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The paper attempts to investigate the impact of social networks and digital media on mental health and psychological well-being. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The data collection was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar databases. Research papers were identified according to the search terms "cyberspace", "cyberpsychology", "digital media", "virtual reality", "social networks", "mental health", "psychological well-being", "beauty", "beauty standards". The authors used integrative anthropological approach, interpretive research paradigm, and multidisciplinary analysis. CONCLUSION: Conclusion: The digital world is a relatively recent phenomenon, therefore, the potential relationship between its use and mental health and psychological well-being has not yet been adequately explored. Most of the research has been conducted over the last decades; and until now the scientific community has not been able to fully interpret the obtained results and come to final conclusions. As Timpano and Beard rightly pointed out, the future research should be focused on types and motivations for the use of social networks; identify potential mechanisms linking the social media use and mental health symptoms; reveal an impact of social networks on declines in face-to-face social interactions; understand the link of social networks with maladaptive coping strategies and health behaviors. The relationship between social networks, digital media use and psychological functioning is not straightforward and depends on many factors. However, we should not forget that there is nothing new under the sun. The same people act in both digital and physical spaces. And the psychological problems that are revealed in the digital universe are the same that "accompany" the actors of the digital communication process in the real, physical world. Anyway, we cannot avoid cyberspace, so we have to learn how to interact within this challenging world.

YOUTH AND MENTAL HEALTH: LIFE SATISFACTION, WELLBEING, AND SOCIETAL PARTICIPATION IN THE CONTEXT OF A TRANSITIONING STATE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Youth are important societal actors. This is especially relevant when considering countries in transition such as Ukraine. This study examines well-being and societal participation - both key signifiers of mental health - of youth in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey with open and closed questions was utilized (n= 1562). Participants were asked to reflect on social concerns and to evaluate their well-being in different life spheres and their own mental health through activities such as interpersonal communication, self-perception and relaxation. RESULTS: Results: Students showed positive mental health through their daily activities, but mental health indicated by life satisfaction ranged according to activities, age, gender and environment. Willingness to volunteer and connection to life can be attributed to feelings of learned helplessness in the face of problems deemed too complex, and participation in volunteering was linked to positive mental health and feelings of empowerment. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The study contributes to understanding the status of Ukrainian youth's mental health and the ways in which mental health is expressed. The results of the research assist in identifying avenues to reduce the impact of social frustration, improve mental health of citizens of transitional countries, and encourage social stability.

PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN FORMAL MEDICINE: CURRENT CONTEXT.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To explore the current context and the main factors of public confidence in formal medicine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The article is based on the outcomes of a cross-sectional survey designed to reflect varied dimensions of individual/population' perception of healthcare services, namely: socio-demographic information, reflection on individuals' own health, confidence in healthcare services. A total of 2478 self-referred respondents took part in the survey. RESULTS: Results: The study outcomes evidenced that the vast majority of respondents trusted in formal medicine. High level of public confidence in formal medicine is correlated with the lack of confidence in alternative methods. Amongst the factors influencing formation of public confidence in formal medicine are "satisfaction of basic needs and physical condition of the body", as well as "healthy behavior". It was identified that the most significant influence on the level of public confidence in medicine is made by the individual's satisfaction with the level and quality of physical exertions, satisfaction with the individual's physical condition, and satisfaction with the quality of food. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The survey outcomes provide the background for outlining specific ways to enhance public confidence in formal medicine, contribute to optimization of funding provided to public health care projects and programs.

COVID-19 IMPACT: NEW TENDENCIES AND TRENDS IN MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To provide an analysis of contemporary investigations in the area of Mental Health Care for the individual \ population; to define the main trends, tendencies, key concepts of these investigations during \ after Covid -19 pandemic and established restrictions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A literary review (163 research publications totally) of relevant articles was performed (a scoping review method) based on the followings criteria: publication year (2020-2021), publication source (only PubMed and Open Access), mental health issues in regards of individual \ population. We used "mental health," "covid19 mental health", "impact of covid 19 on mental health," and "covid 19 mental health impact" keywords for searching related research papers in the Pubmed database. Additionally, the clinical case of social restrictions' impact on a patient' mental health is described. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The main trends of modern research are determined by: the search for more modern scientific terms and categories (E - Mental Health, digital Mental Health, Tele-Mental Health, etc.); study of risks and benefits of widespread use of virtual and information technologies in the field of Mental Health Care; diagnosis and treatment of new mental health disorders; reassessment of traditional values, active search for new meanings in the field of interpersonal and intergroup relationships; development of health-responsive economy and health-responsive society.

Assessment of the relation between religiosity, anxiety, depression and psychological resilience in nursing staff.

The nursing profession is considered to be an emotionally demanding profession often lead to various psychological difficulties and extend level stress. Religiosity and religion in general, have been associated with positive outcomes in an individual's life such as higher self-esteem, better quality of life and psychological wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between nurses' religiosity, psychological resilience, and psychological wellbeing. In this cross-sectional study, 378 nurses participated. Dada were collected by using Centrality of Religiosity Scale, The Patient Health Questionnaire Two-Item Depression Scale, The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25. Percentages, means, and standard deviations were calculated. In addition the parametric t-test and ANOVA were used. Also, logistic regression analyses were used to determine which factors affect the depression and anxiety of nurses. Results indicated differences with a probability of less than or equal to 0.05 were accepted as significant. For statistical analysis, we used the statistical program SPSS 25. According to our results although religious practices can be a protective factor for both depression and anxiety, religious beliefs and experiences can increase the levels of depression and anxiety as well.

Predicting Factors of Depression and Anxiety in Mental Health Nurses: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The nursing profession is characterized as one of the most stressful and emotional dementing professions. It is widely agreed that many nurses are experiencing anxiety and depression as a results of their profession. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety among mental health nurses working in public psychiatric hospitals, in order to identify independent predictors of mental health disorders risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in which 110 mental health nurses who were working in public psychiatric hospitals of Greece participated. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) questionnaire along with a sheet with basics demographic, social, and work characteristics, including gender, age, marital status, educational level, working experience in nursing, working position and shift, were used as instrument for data collection. RESULTS: The mean age of the nurses was 42.64 years (SD = 5.87 years) and working experience in nursing 15.73 years (SD = 5.64 years). Most participants were women 64.5%, married 59.1% and nursing assistant 53.6%, while 48.2% of them held a higher education degree. A very large percentage found to be classified as depressed (52.7%) and anxious (48.2%) and factors that found to be associated were age, marital status and educational level (for depression and anxiety) and working experience (only for depression). CONCLUSIONS: Mental health nurses are in high risk for developing psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Being single, divorced or widowed, older, with many years of experience and a higher education degree can be predicting factors associated with depression and anxiety in mental health nurses.