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COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 58466

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Alexander Bäuerle

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR-University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany
Interests: eHealth; e-mental health; eHealth literacy; RCT; test development; COVID-19; public health; psych oncology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For a long time, the COVID-19 pandemic has represented a public health crisis of unimaginable proportions. Not only has the physical health of many people been severely affected, but also their mental health too. To keep the upper hand in these pandemic, multiple measures have been taken to address these challenges. However, non-pharmaceutical interventions, in particular, have led to even more constraints and burdens.

To gain a more differentiated insight on the ongoing burdens and developing issues after nearly two years of a global pandemic, this Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) focuses on different aspects of mental health burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Articles addressing the mental health burden caused by COVID-19, particularly in at-risk groups for severe disease progression and other vulnerable groups (e.g., healthcare professionals), are of particular interest to this Special Issue. Furthermore, articles presenting data on mental health burden at later stages of the pandemic and review articles on mental health burden are particularly welcome. In addition, this Special Issue will also address the central issue of persistent mental health burden following corona infection.

Dr. Alexander Bäuerle
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • mental health
  • long COVID
  • post-COVID
  • mental disorders
  • interventions
  • protective factors
  • public health
  • risk groups
  • behavior

Published Papers (21 papers)

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16 pages, 838 KiB  
Article
Positive Impacts of a Four-Week Neuro-Meditation Program on Cognitive Function in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Christophe Hausswirth, Cyril Schmit, Yann Rougier and Alexandre Coste
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021361 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3999
Abstract
Study objective: Long COVID patients can experience high levels of impairment in their cognitive function and mental health. Using a parallel randomized control trial, we evaluated the effectiveness of a neuro-meditation program to reduce cognitive impairment in patients with long COVID. Methods: A [...] Read more.
Study objective: Long COVID patients can experience high levels of impairment in their cognitive function and mental health. Using a parallel randomized control trial, we evaluated the effectiveness of a neuro-meditation program to reduce cognitive impairment in patients with long COVID. Methods: A total of 34 patients with long COVID were randomized to an intervention group (G-Int; n = 17) or a control group (G-Con; n = 17) and 15 healthy participants were constitutive of a normative group (G-Nor). The intervention consisted of ten 30-min sessions of Rebalance® over a period of five weeks. Each session included sound therapy and coach-guided meditation associated with light stimulations (i.e., chromotherapy). Primary outcomes were performance on five computerized cognitive tasks (choice response time, pattern comparison, Simon, pursuit rotor task, and Corsi block-tapping task), mental and physical fatigue (Chalder fatigue scale), perceived stress (perceived stress scale) and mood (profiles of mood states). Secondary outcomes were anxiety and depressive symptoms (hospital anxiety and depression scale), muscular pain, joint pain, and headaches using visual analog scales (VAS) as well as sleep quality (Spiegel sleep questionnaire). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 1–2 and 7–8 days of follow-up. Results: Compared to healthy subjects, long COVID patients showed significant differences at baseline on all the self-report questionnaires, and a Rebalance® program improved all the subjective reports, as well as cognitive performances, especially on reaction time-based tasks. In particular, only the G-Int group revealed shortened reaction times in the choice reaction time (RTbaseline = 593 ± 121 ms vs. RTpost2 = 521 ± 86 ms, p < 0.001), Simon (RTbaseline = 539 ± 123 ms vs. RTpost2 = 494 ± 134 ms, p < 0.01), and pattern comparison tasks (RTbaseline = 1244 ± 315 ms vs. RTpost2 = 1079 ± 213 ms, p < 0.001). Conclusions) Initial evidence suggests that neuro-meditation reduces cognitive impairment and improves physical and mental fatigue, muscle and joint pain, symptoms of depression and anxiety, mood disturbances as well as sleep quality. The Rebalance® program hence constitutes a promising non-pharmacological intervention for the treatment of long-term psychological/cognitive outcomes of COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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13 pages, 1141 KiB  
Article
Proposed Cut-Off Score for the Japanese Version of the Fear of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Scale (FCV-19S): Evidence from a Large-Scale National Survey in Japan
by Haruhiko Midorikawa, Hirokazu Tachikawa, Miyuki Aiba, Yuki Shiratori, Daichi Sugawara, Naoaki Kawakami, Ryo Okubo and Takahiro Tabuchi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010429 - 27 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2294
Abstract
The Fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Scale (FCV-19S) is a seven-item self-administered psychological scale for measuring the fear of this disease. The scale has been widely adapted and validated worldwide. This study aimed to propose a cut-off score for the validated Japanese [...] Read more.
The Fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Scale (FCV-19S) is a seven-item self-administered psychological scale for measuring the fear of this disease. The scale has been widely adapted and validated worldwide. This study aimed to propose a cut-off score for the validated Japanese version of the FCV-19S. We conducted a nationwide online survey and included 26,286 respondents in the analysis. Respondents answered questions on their sociodemographic characteristics, and using the FCV-19S and six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, we measured psychological distress and assessed whether the fear of COVID-19 interfered with their daily lives. A total score of ≥21 points was considered adequate to identify those with psychological distress or difficulties in daily living because of the fear of COVID-19. This cut-off score will contribute to mental health assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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12 pages, 742 KiB  
Article
Empathy and Post-Traumatic Growth among Chinese Community Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Roles of Self-Disclosure and Social Support
by Jinhua Dou, Chang Liu, Ruoyu Xiong, Hongguang Zhou, Guohua Lu and Liping Jia
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315739 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1834
Abstract
Given the prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term psychological impacts, this study aimed to explore how empathy leads to post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Chinese community workers. Guided by the revised PTG model, this study identified the relation between empathy and [...] Read more.
Given the prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term psychological impacts, this study aimed to explore how empathy leads to post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Chinese community workers. Guided by the revised PTG model, this study identified the relation between empathy and PTG using a multiple mediation model that included self-disclosure and social support as hypothesized mediators. This study utilized data from 414 Chinese adults aged 20 years or older who completed an online survey during the pandemic. Self-disclosure and social support were measured as mediating variables. The study variables were positively correlated with PTG. Empathy was positively correlated with self-disclosure and social support. After controlling for demographic covariates, the results indicated that self-disclosure and social support mediated the link between empathy and PTG in both parallel and sequential fashion. Empathy, self-disclosure, and social support played important roles in the growth of Chinese community workers. The present findings have been useful in increasing our understanding, policy programs, and interventions by governments or regional bodies to ameliorate community workers’ PTG. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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12 pages, 763 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Predictors of Somatization in Peruvian Undergraduate Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Angel Christopher Zegarra-López, Giancarlo Luna-Victoria, Daniella Romero-Montenegro, Brian Florentino-Santisteban, Diego Eduardo Prieto-Molinari and Mitchell Montoya-Cuadrao
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15576; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315576 - 24 Nov 2022
Viewed by 2233
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact on mental health. Multiple studies report the alarming prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions due to the lockdown measures. Nevertheless, somatization has been an overlooked topic in current literature despite its strong relationship with most [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact on mental health. Multiple studies report the alarming prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions due to the lockdown measures. Nevertheless, somatization has been an overlooked topic in current literature despite its strong relationship with most mental health conditions. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of somatic symptoms and their associated factors in a sample of 3218 undergraduate students from Lima, Peru. A cross-sectional design was carried out. The prevalence of somatic symptoms was measured with the PHQ-15. As predictors of somatic symptom severity, we included psychopathological (depression, anxiety, and stress), psychological (perceived social support, resilience, satisfaction with life, and academic self-efficacy), and sociodemographic (e.g., age, sex, employment status, relationship status, daily hours of sleep) variables. A generalized linear model from a binomial family and a logit link function were applied based on a Factor Score Regression approach, with half of the sample presenting moderate-to-severe somatic symptoms. Anxiety was the strongest predictor of somatic symptom severity, followed by academic self-efficacy. Significant differences were found regarding sex, relationship status, daily hours of sleep and COVID-19 risk-related variables. In conclusion, interventions on reducing anxiety and promoting academic self-efficacy may have a stronger impact on somatic symptom severity and should focus on more vulnerable specific demographic groups such as females. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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15 pages, 2138 KiB  
Article
Public Discourse Surrounding Suicide during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Unsupervised Machine Learning Analysis of Twitter Posts over a One-Year Period
by Shu Rong Lim, Qin Xiang Ng, Xiaohui Xin, Yu Liang Lim, Evelyn Swee Kim Boon and Tau Ming Liew
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192113834 - 24 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1705
Abstract
Many studies have forewarned the profound emotional and psychosocial impact of the protracted COVID-19 pandemic. This study thus aimed to examine how individuals relate to suicide amid the COVID-19 pandemic from a global perspective via the public Twitter discourse around suicide and COVID-19. [...] Read more.
Many studies have forewarned the profound emotional and psychosocial impact of the protracted COVID-19 pandemic. This study thus aimed to examine how individuals relate to suicide amid the COVID-19 pandemic from a global perspective via the public Twitter discourse around suicide and COVID-19. Original Twitter tweets from 1 February 2020 to 10 February 2021 were searched, with terms related to “COVID-19”, “suicide”, or “self-harm”. An unsupervised machine learning approach and topic modelling were used to identify topics from unique tweets, with each topic further grouped into themes using manually conducted thematic analysis by the study investigators. A total of 35,904 tweets related to suicide and COVID-19 were processed into 42 topics and six themes. The main themes were: (1) mixed reactions to COVID-19 public health policies and their presumed impact on suicide; (2) biopsychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on suicide and self-harm; (3) comparing mortality rates of COVID-19, suicide, and other leading causes of death; (4) mental health support for individuals at risk of suicide; (5) reported cases and public reactions to news related to COVID-19, suicide, and homicide; and (6) figurative usage of the word suicide. The general public was generally concerned about governments’ responses as well as the perturbing effects on mental health, suicide, the economy, and at-risk populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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10 pages, 656 KiB  
Article
Fear of Death during COVID-19 Does Not Explain Post-Infection Depression Symptoms beyond Reported Symptoms during the Infection in COVID-19 Survivors
by Leoni-Johanna Speichert, Adam Schweda, Oliver Witzke, Margarethe Konik, Hana Rohn, Mark Stettner, Venja Musche, Klaas Herchert, Madeleine Fink, Sheila Geiger, Alexander Bäuerle, Eva-Maria Skoda, Martin Teufel and Hannah Dinse
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192113773 - 23 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1667
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented global burden to the general population and, in particular, to individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. In the context of the discussion about “post COVID-19”, the aim of the study was to advance research on mental [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented global burden to the general population and, in particular, to individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. In the context of the discussion about “post COVID-19”, the aim of the study was to advance research on mental health and long-term consequences after COVID-19. In total, 214 COVID-19 survivors (female: 54.2%; hospitalized: 36.7%) participated in the repeated cross-sectional assessment. In addition to demographic data, mental and somatic symptoms, fear of death at the time of infection, and depressive (PHQ-8) and generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD-7) were assessed. Results showed an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms and symptoms of generalized anxiety compared to observations in the general population prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological symptoms of depression and reported levels of fear of death during the SARS-CoV-2 infection showed a negative association with the time interval since COVID-19 diagnosis. Furthermore, although fear of death during the acute COVID-19 was related to depression and generalized anxiety, this association was predominantly explained by the presence of mental and somatic symptoms. In conclusion, initial fear of death does not impact mental health beyond the overall symptom burden. Furthermore, depressive symptoms appear to vanish across time since infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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24 pages, 1982 KiB  
Article
Mental Health and Substance Use of Farmers in Canada during COVID-19
by Rochelle Thompson, Briana N. M. Hagen, Margaret N. Lumley, Charlotte B. Winder, Basem Gohar and Andria Jones-Bitton
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013566 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3840
Abstract
Farmers in Canada faced higher levels of mental distress than the general public prior to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and are generally less likely than the public to seek help. However, the mental health impacts of COVID-19 on farmers in Canada [...] Read more.
Farmers in Canada faced higher levels of mental distress than the general public prior to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and are generally less likely than the public to seek help. However, the mental health impacts of COVID-19 on farmers in Canada remain unexplored. Our objective was to investigate mental health outcomes among farmers in Canada by gender and within the context of COVID-19. We conducted a national, online, cross-sectional survey of farmers in Canada (February–May 2021). The survey included validated scales of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, burnout (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, professional efficacy), alcohol use, resilience, and questions regarding participants’ perceived changes in these outcomes during the pandemic. Data were also collected on the impact of COVID-19 specific social and economic factors on mental health, help-seeking, and sense of community belonging through the pandemic. Descriptive statistics were summarized, and Chi-square analyses and t-tests were conducted to compare survey results between genders and to data collected in our similar 2016 survey and normative population data. A total of 1167 farmers participated in the survey. Participants scored more severely across scales than scale norms and the general Canadian population during COVID-19. Scale means were consistent between the 2016 and 2021 samples. Most participants with moderate to severe scores for any outcome reported worsening symptoms since the pandemic began. Women fared significantly worse than men across measures. Over twice as many women reported seeking mental health or substance use support during the pandemic than men. Participants rated the mental health impacts of all social and economic factors related to COVID-19 examined significantly (p < 0.05) differently than the Canadian public. The pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of farmers in Canada and in ways that differ from the general population. National level and gender-specific mental health supports are needed to help improve the mental health of farmers in Canada. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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17 pages, 964 KiB  
Article
Affective Attitudes in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Dynamics of Negative Emotions and a Sense of Threat in Poles in the First Wave of the Pandemic
by Anna Szuster, Miroslawa Huflejt-Łukasik, Dorota Karwowska, Maciej Pastwa, Zuzanna Laszczkowska and Kamil K. Imbir
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13497; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013497 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1457
Abstract
For millions of people, the COVID-19 pandemic situation and its accompanying restrictions have been a source of threat and confrontation with negative emotions. The pandemic’s universal and long-term character, as well as the ensuing drastic limitation of control over one’s life, have made [...] Read more.
For millions of people, the COVID-19 pandemic situation and its accompanying restrictions have been a source of threat and confrontation with negative emotions. The pandemic’s universal and long-term character, as well as the ensuing drastic limitation of control over one’s life, have made it necessary to work out adaptive strategies that would reduce negative experiences and eventually lead to the restoration of well-being. The aim of this research was to identify strategies that people use in response to a long-term threat that restore affective balance and a subjective sense of security. We registered selected manifestations of affective reactions to the pandemic situation. The researchers focused on the dynamics of changes in the areas of (1) experienced negative emotions (asked in an indirect way) and (2) a subjective feeling of threat regarding the pandemic (in three different contexts: Poland, Europe, and worldwide) during the first phase of the pandemic in Poland. It was expected that both the negative emotions and the sense of threat would decrease with time. In addition, it was anticipated that the physical distance would modify the assessment of the situation as threatening depending on the geographical proximity: in Poland, Europe, and worldwide. We used the mixed quasi-experimental design in the series of four studies conducted by Internet in March, May, June, and July 2020. The intensity of negative emotions and the sense of threat caused by the pandemic situation in Poland, Europe, and worldwide were measured. Despite the objective number of confirmed COVID-19 cases during each of the stages of the study, both the intensity of emotions attributed by participants as well as the feeling of threat were found to have decreased. In addition, surprisingly, a reversed effect of the distance was revealed: namely, a sense of threat experienced towards distant locations (Europe and the world) was found to be more acute when compared with the threat experienced in Poland. The obtained results are interpreted as a manifestation of adaptive perception of the threat that lies beyond one’s control, which takes the form of unconscious, biased distortions: unrealistic optimism. The decrease in the intensity of negative emotions explains unrealistic absolute optimism, while the perception of the situation in Poland as less threatening than in Europe and around the world is predicted by unrealistic comparative optimism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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21 pages, 1528 KiB  
Article
Becoming More Resilient during COVID-19: Insights from a Process Evaluation of Digital Resilience Training
by Wei How Darryl Ang, Han Shi Jocelyn Chew, Yew Hui Nicholas Ong, Zhongjia James Zheng, Shefaly Shorey and Ying Lau
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912899 - 8 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3751
Abstract
Resilience training is gaining attention as a strategy to build students’ resistance to adversity and promote their mental well-being. However, owing to inconsistencies and variations in the content and delivery of resilience training, more work is needed to examine students’ experiences and preferences [...] Read more.
Resilience training is gaining attention as a strategy to build students’ resistance to adversity and promote their mental well-being. However, owing to inconsistencies and variations in the content and delivery of resilience training, more work is needed to examine students’ experiences and preferences to address issues relating to intervention fidelity. This study adopted a qualitative approach in exploring students’ experience of synchronous and asynchronous versions of a digital resilience training program. Seventeen students were interviewed using a semi-structured virtual face-to-face interview via Zoom. The thematic analyses unveiled four themes: embarking on a journey toward resilience, discovering strategies to develop resilience, finding a balance to benefit from resilience skill enhancement, and instilling resilience in the everyday. Future resilience training should consider students’ workload and interactivity to enhance their engagement. As being resilient is associated with better mental well-being, the findings of this study may support the development of future wellness programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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16 pages, 1161 KiB  
Article
Brain Fog and Quality of Life at Work in Non-Hospitalized Patients after COVID-19
by Zaneta Chatys-Bogacka, Iwona Mazurkiewicz, Joanna Slowik, Monika Bociaga-Jasik, Anna Dzieza-Grudnik, Agnieszka Slowik, Marcin Wnuk and Leszek Drabik
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912816 - 6 Oct 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3375
Abstract
Background: There is still a need for studies on the quality of life (QoL) at work among COVID-19 survivors. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between the brain fog symptoms and the QoL at work in non-hospitalized patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. [...] Read more.
Background: There is still a need for studies on the quality of life (QoL) at work among COVID-19 survivors. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between the brain fog symptoms and the QoL at work in non-hospitalized patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: Three hundred non-hospitalized patients (79.33% women; median age, 36 years; interquartile range, 30–48 years) were included in the final analysis. An anonymous neuropsychological questionnaire containing eight different questions on the presence of brain fog symptoms in four time intervals, i.e., pre-COVID-19 and 0–4, 4–12, and >12 weeks after infection, was retrospectively introduced to patients and staff of the University Hospital in Krakow. Additionally, a four-point Likert scale was used to evaluate QoL at work in four time periods. Included were participants aged ≥ 18 years in whom the diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by the RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swab and the first symptoms occurred no earlier than 3 months before the completion of the questionnaire. Results: Before SARS-CoV-2 infection, 28.00% (n = 84) of patients reported poor QoL at work. Within 4, 4–12, and >12 weeks after infection, a decrease in QoL was observed in 75.67% (n = 227), 65.00% (n = 195), and 53.66% (n = 161) of patients, respectively (p < 0.001). With increasing deterioration of the QoL at work, the number of brain fog symptoms increased, and patients with severe QoL impairment exhibited a median of five symptoms for <4, 4–12, and >12 weeks post-COVID-19. In the multivariable logistic regression model, predictors of the deterioration of the QoL at work depended on the time from COVID-19 onset; in the acute phase of the disease (<4 weeks), it was predicted by impairment in remembering information from the past (OR 1.88, 95%CI: 1.18–3.00, p = 0.008) and multitasking (OR 1.96, 95%CI: 1.48–2.58, p < 0.001). Furthermore, an impairment in the QoL at work 4–12 weeks and >12 weeks after COVID-19 was independently associated with age (OR 0.46, 95%CI: 0.25–0.85, p = 0.014 and OR 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01–1.05, p = 0.025, respectively), problems with multitasking (OR 2.05, 95%CI: 1.40–3.01, p < 0.001 and OR 1.75, 95%CI: 1.15–2.66, p = 0.009, respectively), answering questions in an understandable/unambiguous manner (OR 1.99, 95%CI: 1.27–3.14, p = 0.003 and OR 2.00, 95%CI: 1.47–2.36, p = 0.001, respectively), and, only for the >12 week interval, problems with remembering information from the past (OR 2.21, 95%CI: 1.24–3.92, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Certain brain fog symptoms, such as impaired memory or multitasking, are predictors of a poorer QoL at work not only during the acute phase of COVID-19 but also within more than 12 weeks after the onset of infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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11 pages, 918 KiB  
Article
Differences in the Course of Depression and Anxiety after COVID-19 Infection between Recovered Patients with and without a Psychiatric History: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Megumi Hazumi, Kentaro Usuda, Emi Okazaki, Mayumi Kataoka and Daisuke Nishi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11316; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811316 - 8 Sep 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2012
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to examine the course of depression and anxiety in COVID-19 survivors with a psychiatric history compared with those without a psychiatric history. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey for COVID-19 survivors was conducted from July to September 2021. A total [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to examine the course of depression and anxiety in COVID-19 survivors with a psychiatric history compared with those without a psychiatric history. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey for COVID-19 survivors was conducted from July to September 2021. A total of 6016 COVID-19 survivors, the accuracy of whose responses was determined to be assured, were included in analyses. Exposures included psychiatric history and time since COVID-19 infection, and the main outcomes and measures included severity of depression and anxiety, as assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Results: Mean severity of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were significantly higher in participants with a psychiatric history than in those without a psychiatric history. Two-way analysis of covariance for PHQ-9 showed a significant main effect of the presence of psychiatric history and a significant interaction effect of psychiatric history × time since infection. Two-way analysis of covariance for the GAD-7 score revealed a significant main effect of the presence of psychiatric history and time since COVID-19 infection and the interaction effect of these factors. Conclusions: The course of depression and anxiety was more severe in COVID-19 survivors with a psychiatric history than in those without a psychiatric history. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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13 pages, 380 KiB  
Article
Mental Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Women Receiving the Comprehensive Social Security Allowance in Hong Kong
by Jialiang Cui, Vanessa Hoi Mei Cheung, Wenjie Huang and Wan Sang Kan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10279; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610279 - 18 Aug 2022
Viewed by 1356
Abstract
Welfare recipients were often considered the least deserving of COVID-related support. Despite the recent attention paid to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, few studies have explored the mental distress experienced by welfare recipients. This cross-sectional study on female Comprehensive Social [...] Read more.
Welfare recipients were often considered the least deserving of COVID-related support. Despite the recent attention paid to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, few studies have explored the mental distress experienced by welfare recipients. This cross-sectional study on female Comprehensive Social Security Allowance recipients in Hong Kong aimed to explore their level of mental distress and its association with a range of risk factors specific to welfare recipients. Hence, 316 valid cases from a local community center responded to our online survey. We found that 52.3%, 23.4%, and 78% of the participants showed moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, respectively. A higher level of mental distress was associated with having a psychiatric diagnosis, poorer social, and greater concerns over disciplining children, the living environment, daily expenses and being infected by COVID-19. Unexpectedly, being married, having a permanent residence, and having a job were not significant protective factors for this group. The models explained 45.5%, 44.6%, and 52.5% of the overall variance in the level of depression, anxiety, and stress (p < 0.01), respectively. Our findings have important implications for supporting female welfare recipients during a public health crisis and may help frontline staff and professionals provide prompt assistance to this group in need. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
11 pages, 337 KiB  
Article
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and Mental Health of African Immigrants in the United States
by Korede Kafayat Yusuf, Ednah Madu, Salome Kutchava and Sun Kei Liu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10095; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610095 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1611
Abstract
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrants in the United States is understudied. We investigated the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of African immigrants in the United States and if subjective religiosity was a protective factor. We analyzed primary [...] Read more.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrants in the United States is understudied. We investigated the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of African immigrants in the United States and if subjective religiosity was a protective factor. We analyzed primary data collected using an online survey (n = 260). The study’s outcome variable was incident mental health disorder associated with the pandemic, and the primary independent variable was religiosity. Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare the distribution of variables by incident mental health disorders. Logistic regression models were used to quantify the association between predictors and the outcome. There were 39 (15.0%) new cases of mental health disorders related to the pandemic. The median scores in the three domains of religiosity of those who developed a mental health disorder and those who did not were not significantly different. Significant predictors of this outcome included having a strong religious support network and loss of household employment income. African immigrants experienced an increased rate of mental health disorders during the pandemic. Implementing community-based strategies to provide social support during a disaster may be essential in promoting mental health in the African immigrant community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
11 pages, 536 KiB  
Article
Effects of Pre-Existing Mental Conditions on Fatigue and Psychological Symptoms Post-COVID-19
by Stefanie Homann, Marie Mikuteit, Jacqueline Niewolik, Georg M. N. Behrens, Andrea Stölting, Frank Müller, Dominik Schröder, Stephanie Heinemann, Christina Müllenmeister, Iman El-Sayed, Christine Happle, Sandra Steffens and Alexandra Dopfer-Jablonka
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9924; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169924 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2378
Abstract
Background: Patients who are post-COVID-19 will require more treatment soon. Therefore, it is important to understand the root cause of their psychological and somatic conditions. Previous studies showed contradictory results on the influence of pre-existing mental conditions. The present study examines the influence [...] Read more.
Background: Patients who are post-COVID-19 will require more treatment soon. Therefore, it is important to understand the root cause of their psychological and somatic conditions. Previous studies showed contradictory results on the influence of pre-existing mental conditions. The present study examines the influence of these pre-existing conditions and their pre-treatment on the severity of post-COVID-19 symptoms. Methods: This analysis employs questionnaire data from a large study sample in Germany. Overall, 801 participants were included. All participants rated their health status on a scale from 0 to 100. Fatigue, depression, and anxiety were measured using the FAS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scales. Results: All pre-pandemic values showed no significant differences between the groups. The current health status was rated similarly by the recovered patients (μ = 80.5 ± 17.0) and the control group (μ = 81.2 ± 18.0) but significantly worse by acutely infected (μ = 59.0 ± 21.5) and post-COVID-19 patients (μ = 54.2 ± 21.1). Fatigue, depression, and anxiety were similar for recovered patients and the control group. By contrast, there were significant differences between the control and the post-COVID-19 groups concerning fatigue (45.9% vs. 93.1%), depression (19.3% vs. 53.8%), and anxiety (19.3% vs. 22.3%). Conclusion: Fatigue and psychological conditions of post-COVID-19 patients are not associated with pre-existing conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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13 pages, 991 KiB  
Article
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Trajectories the Year after COVID-19 Hospitalization
by Riccardo Serra, Cristian Borrazzo, Paolo Vassalini, Chiara Di Nicolantonio, Alexia E. Koukopoulos, Cecilia Tosato, Flavio Cherubini, Francesco Alessandri, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Claudio Maria Mastroianni, Gabriella D’Ettorre and Lorenzo Tarsitani
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8452; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148452 - 11 Jul 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2077
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hospitalization has been related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Available information is limited by insufficient follow-up and lack of longitudinal studies. Baseline factors (e.g., sex; obesity) have been related to PTSD, but post-hospitalization factors have not been studied. [...] Read more.
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hospitalization has been related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Available information is limited by insufficient follow-up and lack of longitudinal studies. Baseline factors (e.g., sex; obesity) have been related to PTSD, but post-hospitalization factors have not been studied. Objective: This study aimed to analyse prevalence, baseline, post-discharge factors and possible clinical courses of PTSD after hospitalization for COVID-19. Method: 109 patients (94.7% of the original sample) completed a programme of three follow-up telephone assessments during the year following hospitalization. Data included clinical and sociodemographic factors as well as psychometric tools assessing PTSD, social support, and perception of threat to life (PTL). Mixture model analysis was performed to study the longitudinal course of PTSD symptoms. Chronic (>6 months) PTSD predictors were also analysed. Results: 1-year PTSD period prevalence was 23.9%, peaking at six months; 11% of the patients suffered chronic PTSD. Pre- and post-hospitalization factors influenced the onset and course of PTSD over time. These included working status, PTL, and lack of social support. Interestingly, obesity, pulmonary diseases and family cluster infection seem specifically related to PTSD following COVID-19. Inversely, clinical interventions, older age and male gender were protective. Conclusions: PTSD following COVID-19 hospitalization is common. The analysed demographic, social, clinical, and psychological factors predict PTSD symptomatology over time and can modify odds of a chronic course. Clinicians could better identify cases at risk of a chronic PTSD course. Finally, treatment as usual appeared related to a better outcome and should be proposed to patients with PTSD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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16 pages, 3218 KiB  
Article
A Network Comparison of Motives behind Online Sexual Activities and Problematic Pornography Use during the COVID-19 Outbreak and the Post-Pandemic Period
by Xiaoliu Jiang, Yingfei Lu, Youjuan Hong, Ying Zhang and Lijun Chen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 5870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105870 - 12 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2533
Abstract
Many researchers have considered whether online sexual activities (OSAs) increased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether these have led to an increase in problematic pornography use (PPU). This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on PPU through pornography use motivations [...] Read more.
Many researchers have considered whether online sexual activities (OSAs) increased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether these have led to an increase in problematic pornography use (PPU). This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on PPU through pornography use motivations (PUMs) and OSAs to develop a better understanding of the mechanism and changes affecting PPU. Two groups of Chinese adults were recruited during the initial months of the pandemic (April 2020, n1 = 496) and the post-pandemic period (October 2021, n2 = 504). A network analysis was conducted to compare the structures of PPU symptoms among the two groups. The results showed that PUMs and OSAs were stronger predictors of PPU during the pandemic than post-pandemic (R2pandemic = 57.6% vs. R2post-pandemic = 28.7%). The motives of fantasy, sexual pleasure, stress reduction, and self-exploration were the prominent motivations during these two periods, but we found distinct PPU-related communities. PPU, sexual pleasure, and viewing sexually explicit materials (a type of OSAs) constituted a community during the pandemic but not in the post-pandemic’s network. The present study indicated that the pandemic may not have been the only factor impacting the higher rate of PPU. Instead, the higher frequency of OSAs during the pandemic may have been a strategy to cope with stress and to safely satisfy sexual desire. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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14 pages, 1192 KiB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Canadian and Australian Adolescents’ Perceived Experiences of COVID-19: Gender Differences and Mental Health Implications
by Riana Marie, Audrey-Ann Journault, Rebecca Cernik, Paul Welch, Sonia Lupien, Brett McDermott, Joseph V. Moxon and Zoltan Sarnyai
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4407; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074407 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2743
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic has been associated with adverse psychological outcomes. This cross-cultural study (N = 1326, 71% female) aimed to investigate Canadian and Australian adolescents’ subjective experiences of COVID-19, gender differences, and psychological implications. Mixed-methods analyses were used to examine [...] Read more.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic has been associated with adverse psychological outcomes. This cross-cultural study (N = 1326, 71% female) aimed to investigate Canadian and Australian adolescents’ subjective experiences of COVID-19, gender differences, and psychological implications. Mixed-methods analyses were used to examine differences in COVID-19 experiences and mental health outcomes between country and gender in a Canadian (N = 913, 78% female) and an Australian sample (N = 413, 57% female) of adolescents. Canadian adolescents reported increased COVID-19 discussions and more concerns related to their COVID-19 experiences compared to Australian adolescents. Girls consistently reported more concerns related to COVID-19 and poorer psychological outcomes compared to boys. School lockdown for the Canadian sample may have played a role in these country differences. Further, girls might be at significantly more risk for mental health concerns during COVID-19, which should be considered in adolescent mental health initiatives during the pandemic. Although school disruption and separation of peers due to the pandemic likely have a role in adolescent perceived stressors and mental health, the differences between Canadian and Australian adolescents were less clear and future investigations comparing more objective pre-COVID-19 data to current data are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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14 pages, 1389 KiB  
Article
The Mental Health of Employees with Job Loss and Income Loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Perceived Financial Stress
by Carlota de Miquel, Joan Domènech-Abella, Mireia Felez-Nobrega, Paula Cristóbal-Narváez, Philippe Mortier, Gemma Vilagut, Jordi Alonso, Beatriz Olaya and Josep Maria Haro
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063158 - 8 Mar 2022
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6916
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak, which was followed by home confinement, is expected to have had profound negative impact on the mental health of people. Associated factors, such as losing jobs and income, can be expected to lead to an increased risk of suffering from [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 outbreak, which was followed by home confinement, is expected to have had profound negative impact on the mental health of people. Associated factors, such as losing jobs and income, can be expected to lead to an increased risk of suffering from psychopathological problems. Therefore, this study was aimed at researching the associations of job and income loss with mental health, as well as the possible mediating role of perceived financial stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. The sample included 2381 Spanish workers who were interviewed right after the first COVID-19 lockdown. Measures were taken for generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, working conditions, sociodemographic variables, and perceived financial stress. Logistic regression models were calculated with psychological variables as outcomes, and with job loss and income loss as predictors. Mediation analyses were performed by adding the financial threat as a mediator. Nineteen point six percent and 33.9% of participants reported having lost their jobs and incomes due to the pandemic, respectively. Only income loss was related to a higher risk of suffering from depression and panic attacks. When adding financial stress as a mediator, the indirect effects of job and income loss on the mental health measures were found to be significant, therefore indicating mediation. These findings pinpoint the vulnerability of this population, and highlight the need for interventional and preventive programs targeting mental health in economic crisis scenarios, such as the current one. They also highlight the importance of implementing social and income policies during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent mental health problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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23 pages, 1968 KiB  
Article
Telework and Mental Health during COVID-19
by Inês Mendonça, Franz Coelho, Paulo Ferrajão and Ana Maria Abreu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052602 - 24 Feb 2022
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5565
Abstract
COVID-19 has come to change societal organization. Due to lockdowns, work typologies have been rethought and telework has gained strength. However, the impact of the constant use of information and communication technologies on the mental health of workers needs to be considered. We [...] Read more.
COVID-19 has come to change societal organization. Due to lockdowns, work typologies have been rethought and telework has gained strength. However, the impact of the constant use of information and communication technologies on the mental health of workers needs to be considered. We aimed to investigate the impact of different work conditions on mental health, to which end we disseminated an online questionnaire during lockdowns to assess imagined surveillance, mobile maintenance expectation, communication overload, feelings of entrapment, depression, anxiety, stress, and flourishing in four groups (employed in telework, employed on-site, employed in layoff, and unemployed). We computed mean comparisons and serial mediations. We show that depression and anxiety were more prevalent in women; parents flourished more than people without children; and people with a higher level of education feel more entrapment. Crucially, we show that telework was associated with imagined surveillance and communication overload, which mediated the association with mobile maintenance expectations and entrapment (which was exacerbated by parenthood), impacting mental health and the quality of life. However, this was also partially observed in the remaining work conditions. Finally, flourishing worked as a protector against mental health issues in all work conditions. We discuss this given the massification of digital migration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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15 pages, 988 KiB  
Article
Levels, Predictors, and Distribution of Interpersonal Solidarity during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Theodor Kaup, Adam Schweda, Julia Krakowczyk, Hannah Dinse, Eva-Maria Skoda, Martin Teufel and Alexander Bäuerle
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2041; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042041 - 11 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1880
Abstract
Since introducing the first non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to decelerate the spread of the virus, European governments have highlighted the role of “solidarity”. However, the role and levels of solidarity, especially during the past lockdowns, is uncertain. The present study thus explores the levels, [...] Read more.
Since introducing the first non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to decelerate the spread of the virus, European governments have highlighted the role of “solidarity”. However, the role and levels of solidarity, especially during the past lockdowns, is uncertain. The present study thus explores the levels, the role, and the distribution of received and demonstrated interpersonal solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pooled cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to March 2021 in Germany, including 19,977 participants. Levels of solidarity between the first and the second lockdowns in Germany were compared, possible predictors were examined, and three clusters were defined to unveil distributional patterns of solidarity reception and/or demonstration. To compare solidarity levels between the first and the second lockdowns in Germany, a dummy-coded lockdown variable was introduced and regressed on the two solidarity items. To identify predictors of received and demonstrated solidarity, two multiple linear regression models were computed, testing several demographic and psychological factors. For further exploratory analyses, clusters of “helpers”, “non-helpers”, and “help-receivers and helpers” were computed based on a k-means cluster analysis. Results revealed a lower level of solidarity during the second lockdown compared with the first one. Demonstrated solidarity was positively predicted by adherent safety behavior to avoid COVID-19 infection and by middle age, and negatively by depression symptoms, male gender, and high age. Received solidarity was positively predicted by higher age, by both adherent and dysfunctional safety behavior in avoidance of COVID-19 infection, and by lower educational level. “Helpers” reported little received solidarity but demonstrated high solidarity, “non-helpers” showed both little demonstrated and received solidarity, and “help-receivers and helpers” showed middle–high received and demonstrated solidarity. The three clusters differed the most regarding the variables of age, adherent and dysfunctional safety behavior, fear of COVID-19, subjective risk perceptions regarding contraction of COVID-19 and the respective consequences, and trust in governmental interventions in response to COVID-19. The decrease in interpersonal solidarity over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its predictors, should be considered regarding prospective impositions. Furthermore, as depressive symptoms were identified to negatively predict interpersonal solidarity, the adequate provision of mental health services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, becomes even more important. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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9 pages, 341 KiB  
Brief Report
Youth Psychiatric Hospitalization in Israel during COVID-19: A Multi-Center Study
by Chen Dror, Nimrod Hertz-Palmor, Yael Barzilai, Schoen Gila, Bretler-Zager Tali, Gizunterman Alex, Lahav Tal, Kritchmann-Lupo Maya, Saker Talia, Gothelf Doron and Yuval Bloch
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169870 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1364
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic there have been numerous reports of increases in psychiatric morbidity and a deterioration of status among existing patients. There is little information about how this increase has affected youth and rates of adolescent psychiatric hospitalization. Our study was aimed [...] Read more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic there have been numerous reports of increases in psychiatric morbidity and a deterioration of status among existing patients. There is little information about how this increase has affected youth and rates of adolescent psychiatric hospitalization. Our study was aimed at examining trends in youth psychiatric hospitalization during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We used medical records to compare trends in hospitalization rates from 2019 to 2020, among psychiatric youth wards from five different centers in Israel. Results: The number of patients that were hospitalized in youth psychiatric wards decreased significantly from 2019 (Mean ± SD=52.2 ± 28.6 per month) to 2020 (M ± SD = 40.8 ± 22.0; unstandardized B = −11.4, 95% CI = −14.4 to −8.3, p < 0.0001). There was a significant decrease in the number of patients that were hospitalized due to internalizing disorders from 2019 (M ± SD = 22.3 ± 9.3 per month) to 2020 (M ± SD = 16.8 ± 7.7; B = −5.5, 95% CI = −8.0 to −3.0, p = 0.0002) and a marginally significant increase in the number of restraints per month (2019: M ± SD = 2.8 ± 6.8, 2020: M ± SD = 9.0 ± 14.5; Z = −1.96, Rosenthal’s r = 0.36, p = 0.07). Conclusions: There was a significant decline in psychiatric hospitalizations during the pandemic, specifically among patients suffering from internalizing disorders. The reasons for this decline, and the future impact these changes had on hospitalizations during the pandemic demand further research. Study limitations: This is a retrospective multicenter study from five medical centers in Israel, therefore generalizability of our findings is limited. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Mental Health Burden)
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