Economic, Psychological, and Emotional Well-Being of Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The intersection between perinatal mental health and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains of significant public health importance. The current study examined the emotional and financial well-being and predictors of elevated depressive symptoms among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This online survey was conducted with 2118 women ≥18 years old who were pregnant at the time of the survey and living in the United States or Puerto Rico. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, with scores ≥10 indicative of elevated depressive symptoms. The final logistic regression model included housing insecurity, financial distress, COVID-19 diagnosis, exposure to COVID-19, and demographic covariates. RESULTS: More than half the sample (53.8%) had elevated depressive symptoms. In logistic regression analyses, the odds of having elevated depressive symptoms were significantly higher for participants reporting housing insecurity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.22-2.01), financial distress (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.17-2.12), COVID-19 diagnosis (aOR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.53-4.17), and COVID-19 exposure (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.07-1.86), after adjusting for covariates. The association of elevated depressive symptoms with housing insecurity was especially strong among those who experienced COVID-19 (aOR, 6.04; 95% CI, 2.15-17.0). DISCUSSION: Our findings are consistent with previous literature revealing that diagnosis, exposure, concerns about family, and effects on financial stability were related to depressive symptoms during the pandemic. The relationships between financial and housing concerns with elevated depressive symptoms, independent of concerns about infection in family members, suggest that there may be direct and indirect effects of the pandemic on mental health.

Entrepreneurial mental health in the wake of COVID-19 in China with an emphasis on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a global mental health crisis, with a particularly pronounced impact on the entrepreneurial sector. This paper presents a comparative analysis of mental health challenges among entrepreneurs in China during the pandemic, with a specific focus on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Dyslexia. The study assesses the prevalence of ADHD and dyslexia symptoms among established and emerging entrepreneurs in China, finding notable occurrences within this group. The research also examines the self-care practices of these entrepreneurs, shedding light on their approaches during the pandemic period. The findings highlight a complex interplay between mental health issues and entrepreneurial activities, suggesting that certain ADHD and dyslexia traits may offer unexpected benefits in the entrepreneurial realm. These insights are critical for developing supportive frameworks that leverage the strengths of neurodiverse entrepreneurs while mitigating associated challenges, especially in a post-pandemic economic landscape. The study concludes with policy and practice recommendations to bolster the wellbeing and resilience of entrepreneurs facing the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic.

Sleep quality and mental health differences following Syria-Turkey earthquakes: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the lasting mental health impact of the Syria-Turkey earthquakes in 2023 on a population affected by conflict and trauma. It analyzes pre- and post-event mental health and sleep quality differences, identifying predictors of outcomes. AIMS: Studying the 2023 Syria-Turkey earthquakes' enduring mental health impact on conflict-affected individuals, this research informs better support and interventions for disaster survivors. METHODS: This longitudinal, cross-sectional study examined the enduring mental health impact of the Syria-Turkey earthquakes. The present study involved N = 1,413 Syrian survivors, aged 18 years or older, who actively participated by contributing both pre- and post-earthquake data. A meticulously designed digital questionnaire with established metrics assessed sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and anxiety levels. Stratification variables (age, gender, education, marital status) were used for subgroup analysis. Arabic versions of PHQ-9, PSQI, and GAD-2 proved reliable for measuring depression, sleep quality, and anxiety. RESULTS: The majority of participants were female (73.6%) with tertiary education (83.3%). Post-earthquake, a higher percentage reported poor sleep quality (67.7% vs. 59.7%, p < .001) and increased prevalence of MDE (66.1% vs. 56%, p < .001). GAD did not differ significantly. Post-earthquake, women had a higher likelihood of poor sleep quality (OR: 1.58, 95% CI [1.19, 2.10], p < .001) and MDE (OR: 1.55, 95% CI [1.18 to 2.04], p = .003). Predictors varied before and after earthquakes; age and education were significant predictors of poor sleep quality, MDE, and GAD. CONCLUSION: This study reveals higher rates of poor sleep quality and major depressive episodes among earthquake-affected individuals, especially women. Age, education, and gender contribute to these outcomes. Targeted interventions and comprehensive mental health support are crucial for post-earthquake recovery.

Understanding the mental health impact of COVID-19 in the elderly general population: A scoping review of global literature from the first year of the pandemic.

Self-isolation was common in the first year of COVID-19. While necessary, it also increased vulnerability to adverse mental health among elderly (i.e. aged 60 and above). This review seeks to summarise the outcomes, measures, and protective and risk factors of elderly mental health in the first year of COVID-19. Four international databases were systematically searched from inception to August 2021. Forty-five studies examining elderly mental health outcomes specific to COVID-19 were included - one was qualitative, 29 used cross-sectional quantitative methods, and 15 were longitudinal. Anxiety and depression were examined most commonly and consistently, largely with well-validated scales. Older age, female sex, poor financial status, being unmarried, high loneliness, low social engagement, low resilience and more severe pandemic measures were associated with poor elderly mental health outcomes. Ten of 13 longitudinal studies found deteriorations in elderly mental health outcomes over time. More consistent measures are needed to understand the pandemic's impact on elderly mental health. Our findings also suggest that socialising through digital mediums may not be helpful, and might even exacerbate loneliness. While the elderly are generally considered a high-risk population, higher-risk subpopulations were identified. We conclude by suggesting a multilevel approach to safeguard elderly mental health for future crises.

Unequal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health: Role of the neighborhood environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on people's mental wellbeing. Few studies have investigated how the neighborhood environment might help to moderate the mental health impact in a natural disaster context. We aim to investigate the unequal impact of the pandemic on mental health between different population groups, and the role of the neighborhood environment in alleviating this impact. We collected survey data (n=2,741) on mental health, neighborhood environment, and pandemic-related behaviors in Beijing metropolitan region between July 10 and 28, 2020, and then applied the partial proportional odds model. Overall, we found that the pandemic has disproportionately affected the lower-income people. The lower-income residents experienced a greater psychological impact than the higher-income residents. We further found that distance to an urban park was a key built environment variable that moderates mental health impact. Residents who lived near urban parks were 4.2 to 4.6% less likely to report an increase in negative emotions, and therefore are more resilient to the mental health impact. In addition to the built environment, a cohesive neighborhood environment may have also helped to mitigate the negative mental health impacts. These findings can inform planning policies that aim to promote healthy and resilient communities.

A prospective study of transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms associated with burnout and functional difficulties in COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVE: Frontline healthcare workers (FHCWs) responding to the COVID-19 pandemic develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms. Such symptoms are associated with burnout, occupational and relational difficulties. In the current study, we examined the prospective association between acute transdiagnostic COVID-19-related PTSD, MDD, and GAD symptoms at pandemic outset, and burnout and functional difficulties several months later in FHCWs in New York City. METHODS: Wave 1 symptoms of COVID-19-related PTSD, MDD, and GAD, were assessed in 787 FHCWs from April 14 to May 11th, 2020. Burnout and occupational difficulties were assessed at wave 1 and wave 2, approximately 7 months later. RESULTS: After adjusting for wave 1 burnout, wave 1 MDD symptoms, particularly sleep difficulties, loss of interest, and feeling tired/having little energy, collectively explained 42% incremental variance in this outcome. After adjusting for wave 1 work difficulties, MDD and PTSD symptoms, particularly feeling tired/having little energy, loss of interest, and negative expectations of self/world, collectively explained 42% incremental variance in this outcome. After adjusting for wave 1 relationship difficulties, MDD, GAD, and PTSD symptoms, particularly depressed mood, irritability, and appetite disturbance, explained 26% incremental variance in this outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight psychiatric symptoms assessed during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic that may help predict burnout and work and relationship difficulties in FHCWs. Early interventions aimed at ameliorating transdiagnostic symptoms of MDD, PTSD, and GAD may help mitigate risk for burnout and functional difficulties in this population.

Impact on Sleep Quality, Mood, Anxiety, and Personal Satisfaction of Doctors Assigned to COVID-19 Units.

The SARS-CoV-2 health emergency has led to a restructuring of health care systems and the reassignment of medical specialists from their usual duties to attend COVID-19 patients. The aim of this paper is to describe the levels of insomnia, anxiety, depression, and the impact on quality of life of doctors who were on the frontline of COVID-19 during the first two waves of the pandemic. Self-report surveys were conducted on said physicians during both waves, with 83 and 61 responses in the first and second waves, respectively. The reported presence of insomnia was frequent (71.8%), although it decreased in the second survey. Anxiety was moderate, decreasing from 57.1% to 43.1% between measurements. Overall, depression rates decreased between the two surveys. Substance use was found to have an indirect correlation with personal and professional satisfaction. In the light of the unforeseeable evolution of the pandemic and the medium- to long-term repercussions on professionals, we believe the adaptation of health resources is crucial to meet the new unpredictable mental health needs of this group.

Finding the right words: Articulating the value of mental health promotion. A focus group study.

The Lapinlahti Hospital initiative in Helsinki has transformed a disused psychiatric hospital into an open site for mental health promotion. The current study uses qualitative methods to explore how the initiative may promote population mental health. The phenomenological study comprised of data from 7 focus group including 28 participants. Resulting data were thematically analysed to articulate how the initiative supports mental wellbeing in different ways. Mental health benefits were categorized into three themes; mental health value, civil values and common values which were comprised of nine subthemes; paradigm shift, social inclusion, personal meaning, regeneration, ambience, stigma, sustainability, democracy and environment. Mental health promotion emphasises the impact of daily environments in which people live their lives. Results from this study support the use of broad based actions which promote different components of mental wellbeing simultaneously. Psychiatric hospitals may offer historically meaningful sites for such actions.

Mental health impact of COVID-19 in frontline healthcare workers in a Belgian Tertiary care hospital: a prospective longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: A prospective longitudinal single-centre study to assess the mental health impact of COVID-19 on nurses working in the frontline during the first wave of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Belgium, 2020. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed between April 1st and 30 June 2020. Nurses who were actively and daily involved in the care of COVID-19 patients on selected intensive care units (ICU) and non-ICU wards were included. Depression, somatization, anxiety and distress scores were calculated using the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ). The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and Brief-COPE questionnaires were used to assess respectively the psychological impact and coping strategies. Participants were asked to fill in the questionnaire at the start of inclusion, 4 weeks later and 8 weeks later. RESULTS: In total, 39/42 included nurses participated in the study. 4DSQ results showed low rates of depression, anxiety and somatization with a declining trend over time. Distress scores however were high throughout the study period. A past history of stress symptoms was significantly associated with higher distress scores at the inclusion and one month follow-up. As major psychological impact, more participants experienced 'intrusion' compared to 'avoidance' specifically among nurses working on ICU. In 10% of participants, IES-R-scores were predictive for post-traumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSION: Healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19 patients during the pandemic reported high and enduring distress scores and experienced a major impact on mental health, especially when employed at ICU. These results highlight the importance of psychological support and proper long-term follow-up to mitigate this impact.

COVID-19 psychological impact, knowledge and perceptions of healthcare professionals in Greece: Α nationwide cross-sectional study.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare professionals is currently under research and prevalence of mental health symptoms across the world vary a lot. Moreover, knowledge and perceptions of healthcare professionals towards the new coronavirus is yet to be explored since very few data have been published to date. Thus, we decided to conduct a cross-sectional, web-based survey to measure the levels of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. The knowledge and perceptions of healthcare professionals towards the new coronavirus were also examined with a self-constructed questionnaire. Data were collected between April 19th and May 31st 2020. In total, 1484 professionals participated in the survey and 1064 completed it in full; 60.8% were females, 66.5% were physicians and 24.3% were first-line healthcare workers. The prevalence of at least moderate symptoms was 13% for depression, 11.9% for anxiety, and 11.3% for stress. Women, younger participants, residents in urban areas, having lower income and worse self-reported health status had higher scores in all outcomes. First-line healthcare workers also indicated higher anxiety scores compared to those who were not first responders. Regarding knowledge and perceptions, most participants agreed with the asymptomatic nature of the virus and its heightened danger for older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. Different views were expressed regarding the possibility of airborne transmission, its similarity to common flu, and the statements that the new coronavirus is manufactured and serves a specific purpose and that it is out of control. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that the prevalence of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms in Greek healthcare professionals is placed in the lower end of the range reported from various recent studies across the world. Nevertheless, professionals at risk should be monitored closely and supported when needed.airborne transmission, its similarity to common flu, and the statements that the new coronavirus is manufactured and serves a specific purpose and that it is out of control. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that the prevalence of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms in Greek healthcare professionals is placed in the lower end of the range reported from various recent studies across the world. Nevertheless, professionals at risk should be monitored closely and supported when needed.

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.

Mental health impact on a humidifier disinfectant disaster victim: a case report.

In Korea, the cause of lung disease of unknown origin was identified as humidifier disinfectants in November 2011. In February 2017, the 'Special Act on Remedy for Damage Caused by Humidifier Disinfectants' was promulgated. Even though emotional and mental injuries caused by humidifier disinfectants have been reported, the focus of the special act has been on physical injury only, and criteria for recognizing mental health impact have not been considered. This case considers emotional and mental injury caused by humidifier disinfectants. After a humidifier disinfectant was used from January 2005 to April 2006, the patient's son aged 20 months was hospitalized with respiratory symptoms, and he died within two weeks. Also, the patient was hospitalized for a month with the same symptoms, and then she led a normal life with no symptoms. After both mother and son were diagnosed with definite (level 1) humidifier disinfectant lung injury (HDLI) in 2017, she took to drinking alcohol because of extreme guilt over her son's death. In March 2018 she died from acute liver failure due to alcohol use disorder. The patient's death was caused by continuous alcoholism, due to emotional and mental trauma caused by her son's death after HDLI was revealed as the cause. The government did not acknowledge her death was due to humidifier disinfectants, but the company that sold the humidifier disinfectants recognized her as a victim and compensated the family of the victim. There are still lots of psychological responses among humidifier disinfectant disaster victims. Mental health impact on humidifier disinfectant victims should be considered more carefully, and institutional improvements should be made into establish psychological interventions and measures.

The association between visa insecurity and mental health, disability and social engagement in refugees living in Australia.

Background: The vast majority of the world's refugees and people seeking asylum live in a state of sustained displacement. Little is known, however, about the mental health impact of prolonged insecurity. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between insecure visa status and mental health, suicidality, disability and social engagement in a sample of refugees and asylum-seekers living in Australia Method: Participants were 1,085 refugees with secure (i.e. permanent residency or Australian citizenship, n = 826, 76.1%) and insecure (i.e. asylum-seeker claim, bridging visa, temporary visa, n = 259, 23.9%) visa status who had arrived in Australia since January 2011, and were from Arabic, Farsi, Tamil or English-speaking backgrounds. Participants completed an online survey assessing pre- and post-migration experiences, mental health, disability and social engagement. Results: Results indicated that, after controlling for background factors, refugees with insecure visas had significantly greater PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, thoughts of being better off dead and suicidal intent compared to those with secure visas. There were no group differences in disability. Refugees with insecure visas received support from significantly more groups in the Australian community than those with secure visas. Further, refugees with insecure visa status who had low group membership showed greater depression symptoms and suicidal intent than those with secure visa status who had low group membership. Conclusion: Findings highlight the negative mental health consequences of living in a state of protracted uncertainty for refugees and people seeking asylum, and the key role of social engagement in influencing mental health amongst insecure visa holders. Results also underscore the importance of designing and implementing policies and services that facilitate improved mental health for those with visa insecurity.

Antecedentes: la mayoría de los refugiados del mundo y las personas que solicitan asilo viven en un estado de desplazamiento sostenido. Sin embargo, se conoce muy poco sobre el impacto en la salud mental de la inseguridad prolongada.Objetivo: este estudio investiga la asociación entre el estatus inseguro de la visa y la salud mental, la suicidalidad, la discapacidad y la participación social en una gran muestra de refugiados y solicitantes de asilo que viven en Australia.Metodología: Los participantes fueron 1.085 refugiados. Un grupo tenía un estatus seguro de la visa (como por ejemplo residencia permanente o ciudadanía australiana n=826, 76.1%) y otro grupo tenía un estatus inseguro de su visa (como por ejemplo solicitantes de asilo, visa puente1, visas temporales, n = 259, 23,9%). Los sujetos llegaron a Australia desde Enero de 2011, y eran de origen árabe, farsi, tamil o angloparlante. Los participantes completaron un cuestionario online que evaluaba las experiencias pre y post migración, salud mental, discapacidad y participación social.Resultados: Los resultados indican que después de controlar factores contextuales importantes, los refugiados con visas inseguras tuvieron síntomas de TEPT significativamente mayores (ß=0.15, 95%; intervalo de confianza (IC) = 0,05-0,26), síntomas depresivos (ß=0.22, 95% CI=0.069-0.34), pensamientos de estar mejor muerto (OR=1.9, 95% CI=1.26-2.89) e intentos suicidas (OR=2.41, 95% CI=1.03-5.62), comparados con aquellos que contaban con visas seguras. No existen diferencias entre grupos para la discapacidad. Los refugiados con visas inseguras recibieron el apoyo de muchos más grupos que aquellos que tenían visas seguras (Chi ­ cuadrado de Wald= 33.01, p <.001). Además, los refugiados con estatus de visa inseguro con baja pertenencia al grupo mostraron mayores síntomas de depresión (B=0.17, t=3.85, p <.001) e intentos suicidas que aquellos que tenían un estatus de visa seguro y una baja pertenencia a un grupo (B=−1.25, OR=0.29, p =0.006).Conclusión: Los resultados destacan las consecuencias negativas para la salud mental de vivir en un estado de incertidumbre prolongada para los refugiados y las personas que solicitan asilo, y el papel clave de la participación social para influir en la salud mental entre los titulares de visas inseguras. Los resultados también subrayan la importancia de diseñar e implementar políticas y servicios que faciliten una mejor salud mental para las personas con visas inseguras.