Abstract
BackgroundThe unprecedented changes and isolation measures to contain COVID-19 have had multiple psychological and social impacts, with implications for professional and personal functioning. Evidence-informed interventions that can be rapidly implemented under pandemic conditions to support mental health during such times are urgently needed.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a daily online mental health promotion program for tertiary education staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe “Victoria University (VU) Elevenses” program was delivered as an uncontrolled intervention at Victoria University (VU) in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne, Australia. In April 2020, an email invitation was sent to all academic and professional staff inviting them to: (1) participate in the program and (2) opt-in to the research component. The “VU Elevenses” program provided 10-15–minute microinterventions comprising lifestyle and well-being strategies to promote mental health via an online meeting platform at 11 AM each weekday. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the program, combining structured questionnaires with semistructured interviews to investigate the experiences of staff who participated in the program.ResultsBetween 16 and 90 participants provided weekly program feedback. A total of 106 university staff opted into the longitudinal research component and 10 staff participated in the interviews. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with sessions and perceived benefits for mental health. Approximately one quarter of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress at baseline, with significant reductions in these symptoms in the first 7 weeks of the program, corresponding with easing in mandatory isolation (“lockdown”) restrictions. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress all increased when lockdown measures were reintroduced, but not to the same levels as found during the initial lockdown period. Overall changes in depression and anxiety from baseline to the end of the program were explained by changes in COVID-19–related distress, whereas changes in self-compassion explained changes in stress.ConclusionsWe show that it is feasible and acceptable to develop and deliver a program of brief interventions in a timely manner, using a simple and accessible online platform. Although participation in the program was initially associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, participants’ mental health worsened with the reintroduction of a “lockdown” period. However, as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress did not return to levels observed at the start of the VU Elevenses program, participation in the uncontrolled intervention may have offered a protective benefit against the impact of the second significant lockdown period.
Highlights
The Australian national response to the global pandemic of COVID-19 has been consistent with international approaches recommending or mandating physical distancing and self-isolation
To promote and maintain physical and mental well-being for staff of a tertiary education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered an evidence-informed, timely, accessible, responsive online intervention comprising brief, daily microinterventions and strategies targeting six essential lifestyle areas for well-being [11]
Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the sessions during the first 13 weeks of the study (81.0% and 97.7% of weekly respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that they were satisfied with the sessions they attended that week), and found the sessions they attended helpful for their mental health and well-being (80.9% and 94.2% of weekly respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing)
Summary
The Australian national response to the global pandemic of COVID-19 has been consistent with international approaches recommending or mandating physical distancing and self-isolation. Using helpful coping strategies, maintaining daily structure, and staying connected were consistently endorsed by national (eg, Beyond Blue [6]) and international (eg, [5]) health organizations as critical to maintaining mental well-being during the COVID-19 crisis. To promote and maintain physical and mental well-being for staff of a tertiary education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered an evidence-informed, timely, accessible, responsive online intervention comprising brief, daily (weekday) microinterventions and strategies targeting six essential lifestyle areas for well-being (healthy eating, physical activity, reducing alcohol intake, improving sleep, healthy relationships and social connection, and stress management) [11]. Evidence-informed interventions that can be rapidly implemented under pandemic conditions to support mental health during such times are urgently needed
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