Perceptions and Experiences of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesSince March 2020, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pandemic has affected the global community, but poses unique challenges for individuals with cancer. Patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies undergo aggressive therapies followed by hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) as a potential curative treatment. HCT recipients can be immunocompromised for extended periods of time, and even pre-pandemic, transplant patients reported depression and anxiety due to restrictions and infection prevention measures they had to adhere to as part of transplant precautions. This study aimed to understand psychological distress and capture perspectives on coping strategies and access to healthcare in the HCT population during the COVID-19 pandemic.Data SourcesAdult patients who received a transplant or were awaiting transplant and had a scheduled appointment at the transplant clinic were eligible to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed an online survey that included questionnaires, clinical data and demographic information.ConclusionFifty-four participants completed the survey. HCT participants reported relatively high psychological distress during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, but indicated use of healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress.Implication for Nursing PracticeStudy data informs healthcare providers that psychological distress and mental health warrants increased attention during periods of heightened stress. Education and resources on healthy, beneficial coping strategies should be provided to support HCT patients. Nurses and advanced nurse practitioners are well poised to interact with HCT patients and provide necessary support or appropriate referral during routine clinical interactions, preparing patients for prolonged effects of the pandemic and similar future events.     

The COVID-19 pandemic – A focus on nurse managers’ mental health,coping behaviours and organisational commitment

BackgroundThe emergence of COVID-19 has substantially impacted frontline health care workers, including nurse managers. To date, no studies have been conducted to examine the impact COVID-19 has had on Nurse Managers’ mental health, coping strategies and organisational commitment.AimTo investigate the mental health, coping behaviours, and organisational commitment among Nurse Managers during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsCross-sectional study involving 59 Nursing Managers from one Local Health District in Sydney Australia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected relating to demographics, anxiety, coping strategies and organisational commitment.ResultsOverall, approximately three quarters of the Nurse Managers had high anxiety scores. Managers who had worked longer as a nurse had higher scores for adaptive coping strategies and 41% of Nurse Managers considered leaving their jobs.ConclusionsStrategies to minimise anxiety and enable coping as part of organisational disaster, emergency or crisis planning for Nurse Managers may result in decreased anxiety and stress levels, increased use of adaptive coping strategies and lower intent to leave the organisation and the nursing profession.     

The impact of covid-19 on psychosocial well-being and learning for australian nursing and midwifery undergraduate students: a cross-sectional survey

AimTo explore the impact of COVID-19 on psychosocial well-being and learning for nursing and midwifery undergraduate students in an Australian university.BackgroundThe World Health Organization has reported a substantial psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare professionals to date. Evidence is lacking, however, regarding university nursing and midwifery students of the pandemic and its impact on their educational preparation and/or clinical placement during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignCross-sectional survey of nursing and midwifery undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing suite of courses from the study institution in August- September 2020.MethodsA cross-sectional self-administered anonymous online survey was distributed to current nursing and midwifery undergraduate students. The survey included three open-ended questions; responses were thematically analysed.ResultsOf 2907 students invited, 637 (22%) responded with 288 of the respondents (45%) providing a response to at least one of the three open-ended questions. Three major themes associated with the impact of the pandemic on psychosocial well-being and learning were identified: psychosocial impact of the pandemic, adjustment to new modes of teaching and learning, and concerns about course progression and career. These themes were underpinned by lack of motivation to study, feeling isolated, and experiencing stress and anxiety that impacted on students’ well-being and their ability to learn and study.ConclusionsStudents were appreciative of different and flexible teaching modes that allowed them to balance their study, family, and employment responsibilities. Support from academic staff and clinical facilitators/mentors combined with clear and timely communication of risk management related to personal protective equipment (PPE) in a healthcare facility, were reported to reduce students’ stress and anxiety. Ways to support and maintain motivation among undergraduate nursing and midwifery students are needed.     

“Finding My Own Way”: The lived experience of undergraduate nursing students learning psychomotor skills during COVID-19

BackgroundLittle is known about how nursing students learned psychomotor skills during the COVID-19 pandemic.AimsWhat is the lived experience of undergraduate nursing students learning psychomotor skills during the COVID-19 pandemic?MethodsUsing a phenomenological approach, eight undergraduate nursing students were interviewed about their experiences learning psychomotor skills during the pandemic.ResultsThematic analysis revealed three main themes. “Finding My Own Way” described adapting learning styles and advocacy for learning. Sub-themes included perseverance and comradery. “Learning the Skills” described modifications to skills learning. Sub-themes included grace by professors, smaller group sizes, less practice, and “my brain is split in half,” describing the challenges of giving dual attention to COVID-19 and skills learning. “Stress of the Pandemic” described the stress of quarantine, isolation and online learning.DiscussionFindings of this study may help nurse educators understand the challenges of learning skills during the pandemic. Implications are discussed.     

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgeons' and Surgical Residents' Caseload,Surgical Skills,and Mental Health in Kuwait

IntroductionThe onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in governments implementing new regulations to divert healthcare resources, which in return led to the postponement of elective and semi-elective surgical procedures. Therefore, many surgeons and as well as surgeons in training reported feeling redundant, which eventually resulted in psychological distress. This study aimed to assess the sociodemographic differences in the psychological impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and outline the effect it had on surgical training.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted in Kuwait. Data were collected by distributing a questionnaire electronically to surgeons and surgeons in training. The survey included questions aimed at assessing both the effect of the pandemic on surgical training and the psychological impact it had on surgeons, assessing the latter using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 screening tool.ResultsThe response rate for the study was 52%, with the majority being junior male surgeons. A majority of surgeons in training reported postponement of their scheduled academic teaching sessions (78.9%) and pre-assigned surgical rotations (65.8%). In terms of the psychological impact of the pandemic, a majority of the participants reported an element of depression and stress, 61.2% and 55%, respectively, while approximately half, 48.1%, had symptoms associated with anxiety.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic had a negative association with the psychological well-being of a significant proportion of surgeons and associated surgical training programs.     

Nurses' pandemic lives: A mixed-methods study of experiences during COVID-19

BackgroundThe US healthcare settings and staff have been stretched to capacity by the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 continues to threaten global healthcare delivery systems and populations, its impact on nursing has been profound.ObjectivesThis study aimed to document nurses' immediate reactions, major stressors, effective measures to reduce stress, coping strategies, and motivators as they provided care during COVID-19.DesignMixed-methods, cross sectional design. Participants responded to objective and open-ended questions on the COVID-19 Nurses' Survey.ParticipantsThe survey, was sent to nurses employed in health care settings during the pandemic; 110 nurses participated.ResultsImmediate reactions of respondents were nervousness and call of duty; major stressors were uncertainty, inflicting the virus on family, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and protocol inconsistencies. Effective measures to reduce stress identified were financial incentives and mental health support. Most frequently used coping strategies were limiting televised news about the virus, talking with family and friends, and information, Motivators to participate in future care included having adequate PPE and sense of duty. Bivariate analysis of outcomes by age group, education, work setting, and marital status was performed. Nurse respondents with higher advanced degrees had significantly less fear than those with BSN-only degrees (p < .05).Of respondents who were married/living with a partner, 85.9% listing “uncertainty about when the pandemic will be under control” as a major stressor (p < .05), while 62.8% of those who were single/divorced/widowed (p = .015) did so. Further, 75% of respondents working in critical care listed “mental health services” as important (p = .054). Four major qualitative themes emerged: What is going on here?; How much worse can this get?; What do I do now?; What motivates me to do future work?ConclusionThe study found nurses were motivated by ethical duty to care for patients with COVID-19 despite risk to self and family, leaving nurses vulnerable to moral distress and burnout. This research articulates the need for psychological support, self- care initiatives, adequate protection, information, and process improvements in the healthcare systems to reduce the risk of moral distress, injury and burnout among nurses.     

The effect of a group discussion about premature newborns between mothers and healthcare team on mother’ stress and coping in neonatal intensive care unit

BackgroundPremature birth is a source of severe stress for parents. The current study aimed to determine the effect of group discussion between mothers and the healthcare team on mothers' stress and coping strategies.MethodsThis non-randomized, prospective, interventional study was conducted in 2017. Eighty mothers with premature infants were enrolled in the study (40 mothers in each group). Four sessions of group discussion focusing on family-centered care were conducted for the intervention group. Parental Stress Scale and the Brief COPE were completed for the first three days and two weeks later, and the data were analyzed using t-test and repeated measure ANOVA.ResultsDifferences in maternal stress reduction between the intervention and control groups were statistically significant (p=0.002). Problem-focused coping strategies were increased significantly in the intervention group (P = 0.01).ConclusionsGroup discussions between mothers and healthcare team members as a way to improve the quality of care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can help mothers stress reduction and improving positive coping strategies.     

Geschlechtsunterschiede beim Fibromyalgiesyndrom

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate how sex differences affect psychological measures and coping with pain of patients with fibromyalgia. Gender differences in pain coping strategies would require different gender-specific interventions.

Methods

Men with fibromyalgia were matched to women with fibromyalgia. Data were collected using the German pain questionnaire (DSF), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) and the questionnaire for assessment of level of coping with pain (FESV). Multivariate variance models were used for data analysis.

Results and conclusions

No gender differences were found in pain measures. Differences were found regarding psychological measures and coping strategies. Women showed more psychological strains and used more adaptive coping strategies on the scales “cognitive restructuring”, “perceived self-competence”, “mental diversion” and “counterbalancing activities” than men. This implies that women need more treatment for psychological aspects and men need assistance in pain management.     

Coping strategies and chiropractic student perceived stress

ObjectiveTo investigate coping strategies adopted by chiropractic college students and how these strategies affect student-perceived stress levels.MethodsFour hundred seven (407) 1st-quarter students were recruited during 2014 and 2015. The validated Brief COPE inventory was used to assess coping strategies during the 1st week of classes. Perceived Chiropractic College Stress (PCCS) was assessed via a modification of Vitaliano Perceived Medical School Stress survey instrument. The modified coping instrument was administered during the 1st quarter (PCCS1) and 6 months later during the 3rd quarter (PCCS2).ResultsMean perceived stress levels were greater after 6 months. Although perceived stress increased more for females than for males over that period, it was not statistically significant. Male and female coping strategies differed only in the preferential use of emotional support by females. Students generally adopted active coping strategies (eg, active coping and planning) rather than avoidant strategies (eg, substance abuse). Regression analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between avoidant-emotion coping and PCCS1 with a weaker positive correlation between problem-focused coping, sex, and PCCS1. Avoidant-emotion coping also demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with PCCS2. Neither sex nor the 3 coping strategies were predictors of PCCS change (PCCS2 – PCCS1).ConclusionThis study is a starting point for exploring the relationship between perceived stress and coping behaviors in a chiropractic training institution. Students generally used healthy adaptive coping strategies with minimal sex differences. Avoidant-emotion coping appears to be a reliable predictor of PCCS, with sex being a poor predictor.     

The Relationship among Young Adult College Students’ Depression,Anxiety, Stress,Demographics, Life Satisfaction,and Coping Styles

Recent research indicates that young adult college students experience increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. It is less clear what strategies college health care providers might use to assist students in decreasing these mental health concerns. In this paper, we examine the relative importance of coping style, life satisfaction, and selected demographics in predicting undergraduates’ depression, anxiety, and stress. A total of 508 full-time undergraduate students aged 18–24 years completed the study measures and a short demographics information questionnaire. Coping strategies and life satisfaction were assessed using the Brief COPE Inventory and an adapted version of the Brief Students’ Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relative influence of each of the independent variables on depression, anxiety, and stress. Maladaptive coping was the main predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. Adaptive coping was not a significant predictor of any of the three outcome variables. Reducing maladaptive coping behaviors may have the most positive impact on reducing depression, anxiety, and stress in this population.     

Factors associated with nurses emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundNurses are among the frontline healthcare workers directly impacted by the burden of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of emotional distress and the associated factors among nurses practicing in South Dakota during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was conducted among practicing, licensed nurses in South Dakota during the pandemic (July 2020 – August 2020). Emotional distress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Logistic regression models were performed to examine the association of emotional distress and the three DASS-21 subscales with: sociodemographic and work environment factors (e.g., work setting, job satisfaction, number of COVID-19 cases seen at the facility, preparedness, concerns with worsening pre-exiting mental health conditions due to the pandemic, and contracting the illness).ResultsAmong 1505 participants, overall emotional distress was reported by 22.2%, while anxiety, depression and stress were 15.8%, 14.5% and 11.9%, respectively. Factors associated with moderate to severe emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and stress were as follows: concerns for worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions, job dissatisfaction, encountering higher number of COVID-19 cases at one's work facility, feeling unprepared for the pandemic, and concern for contracting the illness (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur study suggests a high prevalence of emotional distress among nurses and highlights the factors associated with emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting appropriate support is imperative to reduce nurses' emotional distress and promote psychological well-being during the COVID-19 world health crisis and in future pandemics.     

The effect of anxiety on thriving levels of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, university students struggle with unexpected changes in their lives, which have adverse effects on their levels of anxiety and thriving. Thriving with its two subdimensions, namely vitality and learning, is a prominent concept for university students due to contributing the academic achievement and wellbeing.AimThis study aimed to examine the effect of anxiety on thriving levels of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted between December 1, 2020 and January 6, 2021. Data were collected using online surveys with convenience sampling method. The sample consisted of 322 university students from a health sciences school of a public university in Turkey.FindingsThe students’ anxiety and thriving levels were found to be moderate with 10.38 ± 5.24 and 3.41 ± 0.85, respectively. The results also indicated that anxiety had negative and significant effect on thriving and its subdimensions of vitality and learning. In addition, anxiety level differed significantly according to gender, worried about getting COVID-19 virus and following the COVID-19 cases on a daily basis while thriving level only differed significantly according to the gender.DiscussionConsistent with previous literature, university students experienced high level of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the current study. The students with high level of anxiety had lower vitality and learning scores comparing to their peers with low level of anxiety. This result is crucial, because students with high levels of thriving can cope with stress and feel themselves better psychologically than others.ConclusionThis study showed that the students exhibited higher anxiety symptoms and had lower levels of thriving. Therefore, interventions, psychological support, and instrumental support are recommended to improve psychological health of university students.