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Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
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Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Coronaviruses (CoV) and COVID-19 Pandemic".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 March 2022) | Viewed by 69377

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Mariyana Schoultz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
Interests: mental health; mindfulness based therapies; depression; anxiety; wellbeing; psychological first aid

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

The COVID-19 pandemic has most likely impacted the mental health and wellbeing of the general population as well as the organisations providing mental health services across the world in various ways.

It is very likely that the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be seen through an increased prevalence of a number of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, there is a probability that the incidence of other mental health problems such as substance/alcohol abuse, gaming/internet/betting addiction and psychosis might increase. Furthermore, we envisage that due to the various quarantine and restriction policies across the world, the general population will have further psychological difficulties related to loneliness, financial and economic difficulties, changes to daily routine and habits, sleep, maladaptive coping strategies and social disconnect. We also anticipate an increase in mental health problems in healthcare professionals such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and burnout. These could lead to increased rates of suicide and domestic/social violence. All these events have the potential to  contribute to another pandemic—one of mental health problems. Due to the rapid increase in mental health problems and increased pressure on mental health services, we might need to rethink and modify how we address mental health and coping for the general population and healthcare providers. For this Special Issue, we welcome original studies carried out on the worldwide impact of COVID-19 on mental health and coping, in various contexts including responses from mental health professionals. In addition, studies looking at health behaviour and the psychological impact that can help improve clinical practice will be most welcomed.

Dr. Mariyana Schoultz
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Depression
  • anxiety
  • pandemic
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • stress
  • trauma
  • resilience
  • coping
  • burnout
  • wellbeing

Published Papers (18 papers)

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12 pages, 285 KiB  
Article
Coping, Social Support and Loneliness during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Effect on Depression and Anxiety: Patients’ Experiences in Community Mental Health Centers in Norway
by Zhanna Kan, Erik Ganesh Iyer Søegaard, Johan Siqveland, Ajmal Hussain, Ketil Hanssen-Bauer, Pia Jensen, Kristin Sverdvik Heiervang, Petter Andreas Ringen, Øivind Ekeberg, Erlend Hem, Trond Heir and Suraj Bahadur Thapa
Healthcare 2022, 10(5), 875; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10050875 - 9 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2009
Abstract
Background: Little is known about psychiatric patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations of coping strategies, social support and loneliness with mental health symptoms among these patients. Methods: We recruited 164 patients from Community [...] Read more.
Background: Little is known about psychiatric patients’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations of coping strategies, social support and loneliness with mental health symptoms among these patients. Methods: We recruited 164 patients from Community Mental Health Centers in June–July 2020. Participants responded to an online questionnaire on corona-related questions, Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experience, Crisis Support Scale, a 3-item Loneliness Scale, and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. We used linear regression models to investigate associations between these and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results: Almost 51% were aged 31–50 years and 77% were females. Forty-six (28%) participants reported worsened overall mental health due to the pandemic. The reported rates of clinical depression and anxiety were 84% and 76%, respectively. Maladaptive coping was independently associated with both depression and anxiety symptoms. Loneliness was independently associated with depression symptoms. Conclusions: Patients in Community Mental Health Centers in Norway reported high rates of depression and anxiety symptoms. Many of them reported worsening of their mental health due to the pandemic, even at a time when COVID-19 infections and restrictive measures were relatively low. Maladaptive coping strategies and loneliness may be possible explanations for more distress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
14 pages, 627 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients from a Bariatric Program: A Qualitative Analysis of Their Perceptions of Health and Well-Being
by Jennifer M. Klasen, Deborah M. Tynes, Caspar J. Peterson, Romano Schneider, Katharina Timper, Ralph Peterli, Cameron L. Randall and Tarik Delko
Healthcare 2022, 10(5), 780; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10050780 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1853
Abstract
Introduction: The study was conducted to explore the perceptions of patients from a bariatric program who have undergone or will undergo bariatric surgery during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, specifically as related to their struggles with health issues and their psychological well-being. Materials and [...] Read more.
Introduction: The study was conducted to explore the perceptions of patients from a bariatric program who have undergone or will undergo bariatric surgery during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, specifically as related to their struggles with health issues and their psychological well-being. Materials and Methods: We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with nineteen pre- or post-bariatric patients to generate data on their perceptions of COVID-19. Consistent with the methods of constructivist grounded theory, we collected and analyzed data iteratively through a constant comparative process for data coding and develop themes in the transcripts. Results: We identified themes to summarize the pandemic-associated experiences of our cohort as follows: their life structure before COVID-19, the turning point with changes and adaptations, and the impact of isolation on psychological well-being. We identified grief due to loss of social contacts as well as physical and psychological health impairment as consequences of pandemic-related lifestyle changes. Most participants were not aware of overweight and obesity being major risk factors for worse outcomes of COVID-19. We developed a theme-based theory on patients’ perceptions and fears regarding the pandemic as they live through phases of grief. Discussion: Most participants shared critical perceptions about their own somatic and psychological health. These findings may inform recommendations and strategies for both patients and healthcare professionals to manage the challenges potentially presented by this vulnerable patient group in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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12 pages, 439 KiB  
Article
Gender Risk Perception and Coping Mechanisms among Ghanaian University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by John Elvis Hagan, Jr., Frank Quansah, James Boadu Frimpong, Francis Ankomah, Medina Srem-Sai and Thomas Schack
Healthcare 2022, 10(4), 687; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10040687 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2141
Abstract
Recent research has shown that gender is an important driver of the risk of mortality and morbidity rates for people with COVID-19, with case fatality rates being higher for women than men. Despite this pattern, research is sparse on gender risk perception and [...] Read more.
Recent research has shown that gender is an important driver of the risk of mortality and morbidity rates for people with COVID-19, with case fatality rates being higher for women than men. Despite this pattern, research is sparse on gender risk perception and potential coping mechanisms. This study examined the role gender plays in the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and coping mechanisms among university students. Through the adoption of traditional and online surveys, 859 students from two public universities in Ghana were conveniently selected to respond to the survey instrument. The results from the multivariate regression analysis revealed that COVID-19 risk perception was positively related to active coping. The outcome of the moderation analysis showed that while males were more likely than females to adopt active and emotional support coping with heightened risk perception, a contrary outcome was observed for behaviour disengagement. This result is an indication that female students are likely to be overwhelmed with a high level of risk perception and easily give up trying to adopt effective strategies to reduce the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The findings highlight the need for different forms of intervention for male and female students for dealing with the effect of COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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17 pages, 1624 KiB  
Article
Health and Mindfulness during the Syndemic of SARS-CoV-2: An Ethnographic Study
by Javier Eloy Martínez Guirao, Fina Antón Hurtado, Fulgencio Sánchez Vera and Anastasia Tellez Infantes
Healthcare 2022, 10(4), 686; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10040686 - 6 Apr 2022
Viewed by 1915
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused physical and mental health problems for a large part of the population. In this context, the practice of mindfulness has become relevant due to its usefulness in channeling and mitigating these problems. The objective of this article is to [...] Read more.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused physical and mental health problems for a large part of the population. In this context, the practice of mindfulness has become relevant due to its usefulness in channeling and mitigating these problems. The objective of this article is to know the implications of the practice of mindfulness in physical and mental health in this syndemic period throh the perception of its practitioners. To achieve this purpose, we conducted an ethnographic study with fieldwork in three mindfulness training and practice groups. The techniques used were participant observation, open interview and survey. Participant observation was carried out from October 2019 to November 2021. A total of 22 open interviews were conducted. In addition, 44 surveys were carried out on a total population of 54. From the first sessions, 45.5% stated that they had felt beneficial effects on their health, and 100% perceived benefits in different aspects of their mental and physical health. The techniques perceived as most effective were those that focused on the body and emotions. The usefulness of mindfulness in managing the problems derived from the syndemic was unquestionable for 95.4%. In addition, a strong correlation is observed between the time spent practicing mindfulness and the reduction in the impact of the syndemic on the health of the practitioners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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15 pages, 743 KiB  
Article
The Behavioral Intention and Influencing Factors of Medical Staff toward COVID-19 Vaccinations
by Kuan-Chieh Tseng, Chao-Chien Chen, Jen-Min Huang, Tong-Hsien Chow and Chin-Hsien Hsu
Healthcare 2022, 10(4), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10040628 - 27 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1853
Abstract
This study mainly explored the behavioral intention and influencing factors of medical staff toward COVID-19 vaccinations. Medical staff were taken as the research subjects. This study selected 300 research subjects by the intentional sampling method and conducted a questionnaire survey. A total of [...] Read more.
This study mainly explored the behavioral intention and influencing factors of medical staff toward COVID-19 vaccinations. Medical staff were taken as the research subjects. This study selected 300 research subjects by the intentional sampling method and conducted a questionnaire survey. A total of 260 questionnaires were recovered (a recovery rate of 86%), and the number of valid questionnaires was 212, for an effective questionnaire rate of 81%. SPSS and AMOS were used for statistical analysis. As known from the research results: (1) medical staffs’ perception of COVID-19 vaccinations had a positive and significant impact on their behavioral intention for receiving COVID-19 vaccinations; (2) medical staffs’ perception of COVID-19 vaccinations had a negative and significant impact on the barriers to receiving COVID-19 vaccinations; (3) medical staffs’ motivation of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations had a positive and significant positive effect on their behavioral intention of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations; and (4) medical staffs’ motivation of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations had a positive and significant impact on the barrier to receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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13 pages, 1383 KiB  
Article
Adaptation to Change Questionnaire for Nurses: Validation and New Needs in the Context of COVID-19
by Ana Belén Barragán Martín, María del Mar Molero Jurado, María del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes, Azucena Santillán García, Diana Jiménez-Rodríguez, Elena Fernández Martínez, Iván Herrera-Peco, África Martos Martínez, Raquel Franco Valenzuela, Inmaculada Méndez Mateo and José Jesús Gázquez Linares
Healthcare 2021, 9(12), 1762; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9121762 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3838
Abstract
Background: The worldwide pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has challenged healthcare systems and the professionals who work in them. This challenge involves strong changes to which nurses have had to quickly adapt. Emotional and cognitive–behavioral factors influence the capacity for adaptation to [...] Read more.
Background: The worldwide pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has challenged healthcare systems and the professionals who work in them. This challenge involves strong changes to which nurses have had to quickly adapt. Emotional and cognitive–behavioral factors influence the capacity for adaptation to change. Based on this model, the objective of this study was to validate the Adaptation to Change Questionnaire (ADAPTA-10) for identifying professionals in a population of nurses who have problems adapting to adverse situations such as those caused by COVID-19. Methods: This study was performed with a sample of 351 nurses. (3) Results: The ADAPTA-10 questionnaire was found to have good psychometric properties, and to be an effective, useful tool for nurses in research and clinical practice. The two-dimensional structure proposed in the original model was confirmed. Scales are also provided by sex for evaluation of adaptation to change; the highest scores on the emotional component were among nurses who had not personally encountered the virus. Conclusions: This instrument will be able to detect of the needs for adaptation to the new reality associated with COVID-19, as well as other situations in which nurses are immersed that demand adaptation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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12 pages, 263 KiB  
Article
To Work or Not to Work, That Is the Question: The Psychological Impact of the First COVID-19 Lockdown on the Elderly, Healthcare Workers, and Virtual Workers
by Silvia Andreassi, Silvia Monaco, Sergio Salvatore, Gaetano Maria Sciabica, Giulio De Felice, Elena Petrovska and Rachele Mariani
Healthcare 2021, 9(12), 1754; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9121754 - 18 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2395
Abstract
The spread of COVID-19 created a state of emergency all over the world and played a big role in the decline of the mental health of citizens. The context of the workplace became an important variable in the impact of the lockdown on [...] Read more.
The spread of COVID-19 created a state of emergency all over the world and played a big role in the decline of the mental health of citizens. The context of the workplace became an important variable in the impact of the lockdown on individuals. In this study, we deepened the categories of healthcare workers (HWs), virtual workers (VWs), and the elderly, along with their emotional approach to this emergency. A sample of 257 participants (ElderlyN = 62; HWsN = 104; VWsN = 91) completed: a semi-structured interview on their experience during lockdown via telephone; an online survey with a sociodemographic questionnaire; the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS); and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Linguistic measures of the Referential Process were utilized to code the interviews. An independent ANOVA explored the variability among groups. The results show more affective language in the Elderly (M = 0.0310, SD = 0.0070) and a growth in spirituality (M = 4.16, SD = 3.17). HWs displayed a higher PTGI (M = 56.84, SD = 20.29), while VWs displayed a lower PTGI (M = 50.02, SD = 21.05). Moreover, VWs presented higher scores in Impulse on the DERS (M = 11.67, SD = 5.05) and a more cognitive/abstract narration (Reflection IREF M = 0.0260, SD = 0.0071; Reorganization IWRRL M = 0.5419, SD = 0.0032; Referential Activity IWRAD M = 0.4978, SD = 0.0029). This study aims to take the work context into consideration to create focused interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
14 pages, 309 KiB  
Article
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychosocial Coping Strategies in Health Sciences Students at the University of Seville: A Pilot Study
by Rocío de-Diego-Cordero, Cristina Martínez-del-Carmen, Patricia Bonilla Sierra and Ana-Magdalena Vargas-Martínez
Healthcare 2021, 9(12), 1661; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9121661 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1988
Abstract
The new infection by coronavirus has supposed a challenge to all health systems worldwide, affecting our psychosocial health. Education as we knew it has changed, which is why university students, attending Health Sciences courses in this case, have been affected by the pandemic. [...] Read more.
The new infection by coronavirus has supposed a challenge to all health systems worldwide, affecting our psychosocial health. Education as we knew it has changed, which is why university students, attending Health Sciences courses in this case, have been affected by the pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the preventative measures and restrictions associated with COVID-19 on multiple mental health and psychological well-being indicators in Health Sciences students at the University of Seville. A descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study in the University of Seville by means of an online questionnaire elaborated was conducted. Of the final sample (n = 68), more than 60% of the students acknowledged having received specific training by their university and/or health institution where they perform practices on COVID-19 measures; however, they negatively emphasized not having received psychosocial aid or support in most of the cases (94.12%). As the health situation imposed by COVID-19 is considered long-lasting, the proposal is to plan short- and long-term strategies for promotion and intervention in the mental health of students and future health care workers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
13 pages, 1211 KiB  
Article
Extreme Situation Experienced by Dental Students of the Medical University of Silesia Due to the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic during the First Lockdown
by Rafał Doniec, Sylwia Wójcik, Raul Valverde, Natalia Piaseczna, Szymon Sieciński, Konrad Duraj and Ewaryst Tkacz
Healthcare 2021, 9(11), 1513; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9111513 - 5 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1955
Abstract
The pandemic declared in many countries in 2020 due to COVID-19 led to the freezing of economies and the introduction of distance learning in both schools and universities. This unusual situation has affected the mental state of citizens, which has the potential to [...] Read more.
The pandemic declared in many countries in 2020 due to COVID-19 led to the freezing of economies and the introduction of distance learning in both schools and universities. This unusual situation has affected the mental state of citizens, which has the potential to lead to the development of post-traumatic stress and depression. This study aimed to assess the level of stress in dental students in the context of the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. A survey on the PSS-10 scale was prepared to measure the level of perceived stress. The study included 164 dental students at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. The results showed the impact of COVID-19 on the stress of students, with 67.7% reporting high levels of stress. The study also revealed that stress was higher among older female students. This paper recommends that the university provide more intensive psychological care as psychological first aid strategies in epidemics or natural disasters and to consider telemedicine in order to deliver services due to the limitations of the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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10 pages, 465 KiB  
Article
Predictors of Mental Health Status among Quarantined COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia
by Abdulaziz A. Alodhayani, Khalid M. Almutairi, Fahda A. Alshobaili, Adel F. Alotaibi, Ghadah Alkhaldi, Jason M. Vinluan, Hadeel Mohammed Albedewi and Lamis Al-Sayyari
Healthcare 2021, 9(10), 1271; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9101271 - 26 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2392
Abstract
Background: The negative psychological impact of COVID-19 in the general population has been well documented. Similar studies among those who were infected and who underwent quarantine remain scarce, particularly in the Arab region. The present study aims to fill this gap. Methods: In [...] Read more.
Background: The negative psychological impact of COVID-19 in the general population has been well documented. Similar studies among those who were infected and who underwent quarantine remain scarce, particularly in the Arab region. The present study aims to fill this gap. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, suspected/confirmed COVID-19 individuals who were quarantined in the Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities were invited to participate in an online survey. All consenting participants answered a generalized questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, as well as a five-part questionnaire that assessed the symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress. Results: A total of 335 suspected/confirmed COVID-19 individuals (198 males and 137 females) participated. Being female is associated with increased risk of depression (odds ratio OR 1.8 (confidence interval, CI 1.1–3.1; p = 0.03)) as well as being employed by the government (OR 2.8 (CI 1.1–7.0; p = 0.03)). Level of education (OR 2.3 (CI 1.0–5.4; p = 0.049)) and employment in government (OR 3.0 (CI 1.2–7.8; p = 0.02)) were significantly associated with distress. Increasing age (45 years and above) appeared to be protective against distress (OR 0.2 (CI 0.02–0.69; p = 0.008)), as well anxiety and sleep pattern (OR 0.3 p < 0.05). Conclusion: Findings of the present study highlight that infected COVID-19 populations are at higher risk for acute and detrimental psychological well-being during quarantine and/or self-isolation. Identification of the coping mechanisms of older adults during periods of distress may prove beneficial in the pandemic preparedness of younger generations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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10 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Putting into Words the COVID-19 Lockdown Experience: Psychological Symptoms and the Referential Process
by Rachele Mariani, Silvia Monaco and Michela Di Trani
Healthcare 2021, 9(9), 1100; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9091100 - 25 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2146
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic is a unique collective event which has affected the physical and psychological health of all individuals. Restrictions imposed by governments to counteract this situation have represented risk factors for developing psychopathological symptoms. This study aims to explore the relationship between [...] Read more.
The coronavirus pandemic is a unique collective event which has affected the physical and psychological health of all individuals. Restrictions imposed by governments to counteract this situation have represented risk factors for developing psychopathological symptoms. This study aims to explore the relationship between psychological symptoms and the referential process (RP). Forty-eight healthy participants (25 males, mean age = 39.3; SD = 16.6) completed a demographic questionnaire and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) through an online platform and wrote about their experience 3 weeks after the imposition of the lockdown. Different linguistic measures of the RP were applied to the narratives. The logical functions expressed through written narratives (The Italian Reflection Dictionary score, IREF) showed significant positive correlations with the SCL-90-R General Score Index (GSI) and different SCL-90-R subscales (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, and paranoid ideation). On the contrary, the reorganization and reflection function related to emotional events (The Italian Weighted Reflection and Reorganization List score, IWRRL) showed significant negative correlations with the SCL-90-R’s GSI and different subscales (obsessive-compulsiveness, depression, anxiety). The results highlight the relationship between psychological symptoms and complex defense mechanisms based on the intellectualization of negative emotions and a positive strategy of reorganization based on emotional elaboration. These results suggest the importance of supporting collective elaborations of citizens in the context of the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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15 pages, 1146 KiB  
Article
Who Is the Most Vulnerable to Anxiety at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Outbreak in China? A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Survey
by Bei Liu, Bingfeng Han, Hui Zheng, Hanyu Liu, Tianshuo Zhao, Yongmei Wan and Fuqiang Cui
Healthcare 2021, 9(8), 970; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9080970 - 30 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 15427
Abstract
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed people’s health behavior, but also induced a psychological reaction among the public. Research data is needed to develop scientific evidence-driven strategies to reduce adverse mental health effects. The aims of this study are to [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed people’s health behavior, but also induced a psychological reaction among the public. Research data is needed to develop scientific evidence-driven strategies to reduce adverse mental health effects. The aims of this study are to evaluate the anxiety reaction of Chinese people and the related determinants during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Evidence from this survey will contribute to a targeted reference on how to deliver psychological counseling service in the face of outbreaks. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based online survey was conducted from 28 January to 5 February 2020 using an open online questionnaire for people aged 18 years or above, residing in China and abroad. The socio-demographic information of the respondents was collected, and anxiety scores were calculated. A direct standardization method was used to standardize anxiety scores and a general linear model was used to identify associations between some factors (e.g., sex, age, education, etc.) and anxiety scores. (3) Results: A total of 10,946 eligible participants were recruited in this study, with a completion rate of 98.16% (10,946/11,151). The average anxiety score was 6.46 ± 4.12 (total score = 15); women (6.86 ± 4.11) scored higher than men (5.67 ± 4.04). The age variable was inversely and significantly associated with the anxiety score (β = −2.12, 95% CI: −2.47–−1.78). People possessing higher education (β = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.88–1.41) or a higher awareness of cognitive risk (β = 4.89, 95% CI: 4.33–5.46) reported higher levels of anxiety. There was a close association between poor subjective health and anxiety status (β = 2.83, 95% CI: 2.58–3.09). With the increase of confidence, the anxiety of the population exhibited a gradual decline (β = −2.45, 95% CI: −2.77–−2.13). (4) Conclusion: Most people were vulnerable to anxiety during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Younger women, individuals with high education, people with high cognitive risk and subjective poor health were vulnerable to anxiety during the epidemic. In addition, increasing confidence in resisting this pandemic is a protective determinant for individuals to develop anxiety. The findings suggest that policymakers adopt psychosocial interventions to reduce anxiety during the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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9 pages, 243 KiB  
Article
Questionnaire for Assessing Social Contacts of Nurses Who Worked with Coronavirus Patients during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Matea Dolić, Vesna Antičević, Krešimir Dolić and Zenon Pogorelić
Healthcare 2021, 9(8), 930; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9080930 - 23 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3429
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to develop and validate the psychometric characteristics of a scale measuring nurses’ experiences working with COVID-19 patients. (2) Methods: The participants were 180 Croatian nurses who worked in departments with COVID-19 patients, with a [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to develop and validate the psychometric characteristics of a scale measuring nurses’ experiences working with COVID-19 patients. (2) Methods: The participants were 180 Croatian nurses who worked in departments with COVID-19 patients, with a mean age of 36.8 years (ranging from 20 to 48). Research was conducted from March to June 2020. For the purpose of constructing the scale, 10 statements were developed. Factor analysis was used to determine the factor structure and construct validity of the scale. (3) Results: The scale consisted of nine statements divided into a three-factor structure: factor I—stigmatization and mistrusting (four items), factor II—social distancing (four items), and factor III—fear of infection (two items). Cronbach α was calculated to confirm the reliability of the scale: factor I—α = 0.80, factor II—α = 0.76, and factor III—α = 0.70. (4) Conclusion: The nurses’ pandemic-related experiences scale showed good psychometric properties and can be applied in future research as a standardized tool for measuring health care workers’ experience during COVID-19 or other infectious crises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
10 pages, 462 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Lockdown Effect on Not Institutionalized Patients with Dementia and Caregivers
by Rita Moretti, Paola Caruso, Mauro Giuffré and Claudio Tiribelli
Healthcare 2021, 9(7), 893; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9070893 - 15 Jul 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2633
Abstract
SARS-COV-2 is a severe medical condition. Old patients are very vulnerable, but they have been studied only as institutionalized patients. During the lock-down, little attention is dedicated to old, demented patients who lived at home. This study wants to examine their behavioral reactions [...] Read more.
SARS-COV-2 is a severe medical condition. Old patients are very vulnerable, but they have been studied only as institutionalized patients. During the lock-down, little attention is dedicated to old, demented patients who lived at home. This study wants to examine their behavioral reactions by video-phone follow-up. We conducted a longitudinal study in subcortical vascular dementia (sVAD) patients. We enrolled 221 sVAD, not institutionalized patients. We divided sVAD patients into low-medium grade sVAD (A) and severe sVAD (B), based on neuroimaging severity degree and executive alterations. At baseline, at the end of lock-down, and two months later, global behavioral symptoms were recorded for each patient. We found significantly higher scores of general behavioral deterioration, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations and apathy after controlling for sVAD severity. The direct consequence was a drastic increment of psychotropic drugs prescribed and employed during the lock-down. Moreover, caregivers’ stress has been evaluated, together with their anxiety and depression levels. During the lock-down, their scores increased and reflected a severe worsening of their behavior. Our data demonstrate that social isolation induces a severe perception of loneliness and abandonment; these fears can exacerbate behavior disturbances in old-aged frail persons. Thus, these can be considered as indirect victims of SARS-COV-2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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15 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Mental Health and Physical Activity in Health-Related University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Jasminka Talapko, Ivan Perić, Patricia Vulić, Emina Pustijanac, Melita Jukić, Sanja Bekić, Tomislav Meštrović and Ivana Škrlec
Healthcare 2021, 9(7), 801; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9070801 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 9497
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to increased negative emotional states among students. Physical activity is known to have positive impacts on mental health and well-being. However, due to the closure of gyms and other recreational facilities as a restrictive measure, students’ [...] Read more.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to increased negative emotional states among students. Physical activity is known to have positive impacts on mental health and well-being. However, due to the closure of gyms and other recreational facilities as a restrictive measure, students’ physical activity levels may decrease. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and physical activity among health-related students during the second partial COVID-19 lockdown. The study included 823 students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health of the University of Osijek in Croatia. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Questionnaire for Physical Activity (GSLTPAQ) questionnaires were used to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms as well as physical activity. Two-thirds (59.2%) of students in health-related fields were insufficiently active, while the prevalence of depression (50.8%), anxiety (50.9%), and stress (49.9%) symptoms were high. Also, female respondents had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than their male counterparts. Graduate students had higher levels of all three negative emotional states, but only anxiety levels were significant. This study shows that students in health-related fields had reduced physical activity and a high prevalence of negative emotional conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) during the second partial lockdown. The resulting symptoms were mostly of mild intensity; however, we consider this a significant mental health issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, it is crucial to control and support students’ mental health, especially in more affected female individuals, in order to reduce the pandemic’s negative impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
14 pages, 909 KiB  
Article
Mental Health, Information and Being Connected: Qualitative Experiences of Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic from a Trans-National Sample
by Mariyana Schoultz, Janni Leung, Tore Bonsaksen, Mary Ruffolo, Hilde Thygesen, Daicia Price and Amy Østertun Geirdal
Healthcare 2021, 9(6), 735; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9060735 - 15 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5881
Abstract
Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends [...] Read more.
Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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14 pages, 300 KiB  
Article
Assessing Knowledge, Preventive Practices, and Depression among Chinese University Students in Korea and China during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Cross-Sectional Study
by Bo Zhao, Fanlei Kong and Eun Woo Nam
Healthcare 2021, 9(4), 433; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare9040433 - 8 Apr 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3026
Abstract
To investigate the knowledge, preventive practices, and depression of Chinese university students living in South Korea and Mainland China during the COVID-19 outbreak and explore the determinants of depression among these students, an online cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted from 23 March to [...] Read more.
To investigate the knowledge, preventive practices, and depression of Chinese university students living in South Korea and Mainland China during the COVID-19 outbreak and explore the determinants of depression among these students, an online cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted from 23 March to 12 April 2020. The online questionnaire included questions on knowledge and preventive practices related to COVID-19, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to diagnose depressive symptoms. A total of 420 Chinese university students were finally included in the study (171 students from South Korea and 249 students from Mainland China). The majority of these students had a good level of knowledge of COVID-19. Students living in South Korea displayed better preventive practices than those living in Mainland China; however, the proportion of students (28.7%) with moderate-to-severe depression in this group was relatively higher than that (18.9%) of the Mainland Group (χ2 = 5.50, p < 0.05). More severe depression was related to high levels of concern about family members and contracting COVID-19 as well as suspecting themselves of having come into contact with patients. Displaying more preventive behaviors decreased the depressive symptoms in both groups. These data could be used as a reference for further studies in different regions to take measures (e.g., psychological counseling and encouragement for physical activities) to reduce depressive symptoms in university students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)

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8 pages, 500 KiB  
Brief Report
Difficulties and Psychological Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nationwide Patient Association Study
by Marc Scherlinger, Naimah Zein, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg, Marianne Rivière, Jean-François Kleinmann, Jean Sibilia and Laurent Arnaud
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 330; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/healthcare10020330 - 9 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2294
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the difficulties encountered by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients during the early COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate their impact on patient mental health. Methods: We conducted a nationwide survey including SLE patients from France, recruited by their treating [...] Read more.
Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the difficulties encountered by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients during the early COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate their impact on patient mental health. Methods: We conducted a nationwide survey including SLE patients from France, recruited by their treating specialist or through a patient association. The survey was administered online or in paper form between November 2020 and April 2021 and included questions aiming at evaluating the difficulties encountered during the early COVID-19 pandemic (March to August 2020). The impact on mental health was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Results: 536 SLE patients (91.9% women) of mean age 50 (±14.1) years responded to the survey. The main reported difficulties were issues regarding access to medical care (n = 136, 25.4%) or hydroxychloroquine treatment (n = 98/389, 25.2%), the loss of employment (n = 85/349, 24.4%), and financial difficulties (n = 75/536, 11%). In 328 patients with complete mental health assessments, 161 (47.2%) screened positive for anxiety, 141 (41.2%) screened positive for depressive syndrome, and 128 (38.7%) screened positive for PTSD. The multivariate analysis showed that female sex (OR = 4.29 [95%CI: 1.39–13.24]), financial issues (OR = 2.57 [1.27–5.22]), and difficulties accessing medical care (OR = 2.15 [1.26–3.69]) or hydroxychloroquine treatment (OR = 1.90 [1.06–3.40]) were independently associated with a positive screening for PTSD. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a severe burden in SLE patients, including difficulties accessing care and treatment along with high psychological distress. Better understanding these difficulties will allow for better prevention and care in times of crisis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19)
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