Adaptive Coping Strategies Research Articles

Unlocking sustainable agriculture: climate adaptation, opportunity costs, and net revenue for Nigeria cassava farmers

Climate change continues to affect food production and farmers incur additional costs to adopt appropriate adaptation strategies to combat its effects and attain food security. To enhance adaptive and sustainable coping strategies and food security, it is necessary to study the opportunity costs of implementing climate adaptations and how they influence the net revenue of farmers. Therefore, the study empirically investigates adaptation to climate change and the net revenue of cassava farmers in Southwest Nigeria. The primary data used for this study were collected through a well-structured questionnaire for 221 respondents. The analytical methods used were descriptive statistics, paired sample tests, and multiple regression. Analysis revealed that the majority (55%) of the sampled cassava farmers employed planting different varieties and using agrochemicals as their main adaptation strategies. The results revealed that insufficient funding and labour shortage were the main barriers to adaptation in the study area. The results of opportunity cost on net revenue and costs using paired samples test revealed that cassava farmers derived and perceived the utility and the net benefits using adaptation measures than when it is not used. The result of the regression showed that climate variables such as adaptation options, rainfall, and access to climate information are co-joint with socioeconomic and production factors to determine the average net revenue in the area. Therefore, the study suggests that the costs of adaptation resources should be subsidized by the government at affordable prices for the farmers.

Comparison of changes in stress coping strategies between cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy.

Coping refers to conscious responses to negative circumstances, with the intention of ameliorating these situations. Few studies have compared the differences between psychotherapy and medication treatment for coping strategies for depression. In this study, we investigated the differences in coping strategies between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with medication (CBT group) and medication alone (pharmacotherapy group) among outpatients with depression. A prospective observational study was conducted among 50 patients with major depression (24 and 26 in the CBT and pharmacotherapy groups, respectively). Stress coping strategies (Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations [CISS]) and depression severity (Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition [BDI-II]) were assessed at baseline and 16 weeks later. Changes in the CISS and BDI-II scores in both groups were tested using repeated analysis of variance. Inverse probability weighting with propensity score analysis was applied to address potential selection bias. At 16 weeks, the CBT group exhibited increased CISS task-oriented coping, distraction, and social diversion scores, which differed from those of the pharmacotherapy group. The CBT group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms than the pharmacotherapy group. This study was not a randomized controlled trial and thus may have selection bias. Gaining adaptive coping skills, including task-oriented coping, distraction, and social diversion skills, by combining CBT with medication may lead to greater improvement in depression symptoms. These findings suggest that clinicians should evaluate coping strategies and facilitate the acquisition of adaptive coping strategies in patients with depression to reduce their symptoms.

Burnout and coping mechanisms among healthcare professionals in central Uganda.

The escalating global prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals poses a serious health concern. Recent studies focus on prevalence and predictors of burnout among healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for well-being interventions. This study investigates burnout and coping mechanisms among healthcare professionals in central Uganda, addressing the dearth of knowledge about coping strategies specific to the region. An analytical facility cross-sectional study was conducted in five healthcare facilities in central Uganda between June to July 2023. Participants included physicians, nurses, and technicians actively engaged in direct patient care. Data were collected using socio-demographic surveys, the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-5), and the Brief-COPE tools. The study revealed a high prevalence of burnout, with 39.8% of participants experiencing significant levels. Active coping, positive reframing, and denial were negatively correlated with low burnout levels. Dysfunctional coping, specifically self-distraction and denial, showed positive correlations with average and high burnout levels. Emotion-focused coping mechanisms were not employed across burnout levels. The results emphasize the demanding nature of healthcare roles in the region and highlight the need for comprehensive, context-specific interventions to address burnout globally. While some healthcare professionals utilized adaptive strategies such as seeking social support, engaging in self-care activities, and utilizing problem-solving skills, others resorted to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance use and avoidance behaviors. This dichotomy highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote adaptive coping strategies and mitigate the negative impact of maladaptive behaviors on individual well-being and patient care.

Burdens and resources of Austrian clinical psychologists: results of a qualitative study two years into the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic increased the mental health burden in the general population, enhancing the demands placed on mental healthcare professionals.MethodsThis study aimed to assess the burdens and resources of clinical psychologists that emerged since the beginning of the pandemic. N = 172 Austrian clinical psychologists participated in a cross-sectional online survey between April and May 2022. The burdens and the sources of support that emerged during the pandemic were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsMental health-related issues were identified as the greatest burden, followed by work-related themes and restrictions imposed by the government to combat the spreading of the virus. The most important resources mentioned by the clinical psychologists were social contacts and recreational activities. Practising mindfulness and focusing on inner processes and work-related aspects were further important resources mentioned.ConclusionOverall, it seems that clinical psychologists have a high awareness of mental health-related problems related to the pandemic and use adaptive coping strategies to deal with them.

“The job changes you”: a reflexive thematic analysis of Australian correctional officer mental health

ABSTRACT Correctional officers (COs) work under stressful conditions and experience high rates of potentially psychologically traumatic critical incidents, and yet understanding of their mental health is limited. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore how correctional work impacts CO mental health. Twenty-two Australian COs (12 men, 10 women) working predominantly in high security prisons (91%) with male prison residents (50%) were interviewed about their mental health and workplace experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis of these interviews generated three key themes: the job changes you, it’s a stressful job, and coping strategies. Officers showed both positive and negative changes to their sense of self, daily functioning, and mental health which were generally consistent with experiences of psychological wellbeing, posttraumatic growth, and burnout. These changes were impacted by a variety of operational and organizational stressors and were managed through adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies like social support, humor, and alcohol consumption. The findings support existing theories of the non-dichotomous nature of mental health and mental illness. Along with deepening understandings of CO mental health, this study provides guidance on how COs can be supported to be healthy and productive in the workplace.

The Potential Mediating Effect of Symptom Burden on Demoralization Through Locus of Control and Coping Strategies in Chinese Patients With Cancer.

Demoralization is a psychological syndrome that is highly prevalent in patients with cancer and detrimental to individuals' physical and mental health. To explore effective intervention, we first determined the relationships between locus of control, coping strategies, symptom burden, and demoralization. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between symptom burden, locus of control, coping strategies, and demoralization in patients with cancer. In this descriptive-correlational study, 273 valid patients were selected with convenience sampling method from a hospital in China. Data were collected using the Chinese version of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Chinese version of the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, and the Mandarin version of the Demoralization Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and AMOS. A total of 115 patients (42.12%) experienced clinical demoralization (Mandarin version of the Demoralization Scale > 30). Symptom burden (β = 0.295, P < .001), confrontation (β = -0.117, P = .028), and resignation (β = 0.456, P < .001) had direct effects on demoralization. Symptom burden also had an indirect effect on demoralization through the mediating role of resignation (β = 0.026, P = .002). Meanwhile, locus of control can affect demoralization entirely through the indirect mediating role of coping strategies (chance locus of control via resignation [β = 0.138, P < .01], powerful locus of control via confrontation [β = -0.017, P < .05]). Symptom burden affects demoralization not only directly but also indirectly. Coping strategies play an important mediating role between symptom burden, locus of control, and demoralization in patients with cancer. It is urgent to screen demoralization and identify patients with high symptom burden, maladaptive locus of control, or coping strategies. For the patients targeted, a more comprehensive and systematic approach to symptom management and more appropriate guidance related to adaptive coping strategies are needed.

Mental health in times of pandemic from the perspective of professors and students

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic brought profound societal changes and disruptions, including in the education system, which underwent swift modifications. It presented unique challenges for both professors and students, contributing to an increase in the prevalence of mental health-related symptoms.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of mental health disorders symptoms, coping strategies, and concerns among students (≥18 years) and professors at different times during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was an online cross-sectional study (Student: N = 6,609; Phase 1 = 3,325; Phase 2 = 1,402; Phase 3 = 1,882; Professor: N = 9,096; Phase 1 = 3,924; Phase 2 = 2,223; Phase 3 = 2,949). Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Impact of Event Scale-revised (IES-R), and BriefCOPE inventory were used. The probability of presenting the symptoms was calculated by multiple logistic regression and odds ratio (OR).ResultsThe prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and distress symptoms among students and professors was high (≥59.5% and ≥ 33.5%, respectively). Students, women, and those diagnosed with a mental disorder were more likely to have symptoms or distress. In the face of the pandemic, professors used more adaptive coping strategies than students. Health was the focus of professors’ concerns, while for students, future and labor market uncertainty were concerns derived from the health core.ConclusionThe results point to the need to strengthen psychosocial support for both professors and students.

Daily and Momentary Associations Between Gender Minority Stress and Resilience With Alcohol Outcomes.

Minority stressors have been linked with alcohol use among transgender and gender diverse (TGD); however, no ecological momentary assessment studies have examined daily links between minority stress and alcohol use specifically among TGD. This study examined gender minority stressors and resilience as predictors of same-day or momentary alcohol-related outcomes. Feasibility and acceptability of procedures were evaluated. Twenty-five TGD adults (mean age = 32.60, SD = 10.82; 88% White) were recruited Canada-wide and participated remotely. They completed 21 days of ecological momentary assessment with daily morning and random surveys (assessing alcohol outcomes, risk processes, gender minority stressors, resilience), and an exit interview eliciting feedback. Gender minority stress had significant and positive within-person relationships with same-day alcohol use (incidence risk ratio (IRR) = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.02, 1.23]), alcohol-related harms (IRR = 1.14, 95% CI [1.02, 1.28]), and coping motives (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.03, 1.08]), as well as momentary (past 30-min) alcohol craving (IRR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.18, 1.47]), coping motives (IRR = 1.35, 95% CI [1.21, 1.51]), and negative affect (IRR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.20, 1.36]). Gender minority stress indirectly predicted same-day drinking via coping motives (ab = 0.04, 95% CI [0.02, 0.08]). Resilience was positively associated with same-day alcohol use (IRR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.03, 1.51]) but not harms. TGD adults may use alcohol to cope with gender minority stress, which can increase the risk for alcohol-related harms. Interventions are needed to eliminate gender minority stressors and support adaptive coping strategies.

Coping with Age-Related Vision Loss to Maintain Occupational Engagement: A Narrative Account

Introduction This narrative inquiry study aimed to explore older adults’ stories about how they have coped to maintain occupational engagement, despite living with age-related vision loss (ARVL). Methods Six older adults, ≥ 60 years of age with ARVL participated in three interviews each, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Coping was grouped into three overarching themes namely psychological, social, and behavioral coping strategies. Conclusion Results from this study have identified how older adults with ARVL cope to maintain participation in occupations. Findings highlight the need for increased healthcare support, including occupational therapists, to help older adults aging with vision loss identify and integrate adaptive coping strategies to enhance their occupational lives.

A qualitative study of military service members undergoing medical separation.

Little research explores military perspectives on medical disability-related transition. A qualitative study sought to understand transition experiences of United States military Service members found unfit for duty following medical and physical evaluation boards (MEBs and PEBs). Confidential telephone interviews were conducted with 25 current and prior Service members. Participants were asked to share their experiences before, during, and after the MEB and PEB processes. Interview questions explored (1) health conditions that prompted the medical disability evaluation, (2) reactions to being recommended for separation, (3) transition-related stress and challenges, and (4) coping strategies. Salient themes were identified across chronological narratives. Participants expressed that debilitating physical (e.g., injury) and/or mental (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) illnesses prompted their medical evaluation. In response to the unfit for duty notice, some participants reported emotional distress (e.g., anxiety, anger) connected to uncertainty about the future. Other participants reported relief connected to a sense of progression toward their medical disability claim status. Transition stress included the length of the MEB/PEB process, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the process, financial stress, impact on family life, and compounded effect of these stressors on emotional distress, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Participants reported using adaptive (e.g., psychotherapy) and maladaptive (e.g., excessive drinking) strategies to cope with stress. Preliminary reports of emotional distress and transition stress following unfit for duty notices highlight the need for increased support and interventions to facilitate adaptive coping strategies during this vulnerable period.

Legal casuistry and problems of professional burnout of judges

The legal casuistry of law enforcement is aimed at studying the historical, philosophical, logical, psychological and legal foundations that are interrelated. The dynamics of public relations and the expansion of the sphere of rule-making actualize research in the field of legal psychology, in relation to the psychological and legal aspects of legal casuistry. The subject of the study is the professional burnout of representatives of the judiciary. Special attention is paid to the severity of all three symptoms of professional burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduction of personal achievements. The aim of the study is to identify the relationship between the symptoms of professional burnout, manifestations of perfectionism and coping strategies of representatives of the judiciary. A theoretical analysis of scientific research on the problem of emotional burnout of representatives of the judiciary allows us to conclude that almost every representative of this professional field faces huge problems of a different nature, which leads to chronic stress, flowing into emotional burnout. Maladaptive coping strategies and various manifestations of perfectionism can exacerbate this condition. To determine the symptoms of professional burnout, the questionnaire of the level of mental burnout (MBI), developed by K. Maslach and S. Jackson, adapted by N.E. Vodopyanova and E.S. Starchenkova, was used. The questionnaire "Copping strategies" by R. Lazarus was used to study coping mechanisms. The three-factor questionnaire of perfectionism by A.B. Kholmogorova and N.G. Garanyan reveals the manifestations of perfectionism.The main conclusions of the study are presented in the following provisions: the representatives of the judicial corps have the most pronounced symptom of emotional exhaustion, which manifests itself in a decrease in mental tone, increased fatigue. Manifestations of perfectionism, which are associated with fixation on negative information and excessively high demands on oneself, can become a risk for the development of a symptom of emotional exhaustion of the judicial corp. Preventive and adaptive coping strategies are: positive reassessment, a high level of self-control and planning in solving problems that prevent the development of symptoms of professional burnout. We see the prospects for research on this topic in expanding diagnostic tools to assess a wider range of personal qualities of representatives of the judiciary and their interrelationships with the symptoms of professional burnout. The results of the study can be used in the analysis of subjective aspects in matters of legal qualification.

Multifaceted Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on Physical and Mental Health: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionThe global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have significantly impacted global wellbeing and highlighted the close link between mental and physical health. Social isolation and quarantine have proven to be major stressors, leading to emotional distress and unpredictable psychological consequences.ObjectivesWe explored the pandemic’s impact on individuals’ physical and mental health and social relationships.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire which included among other socio-democratic questions, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ).ResultsA total of 511 adults (55.1% males) participated in this study. Participants reported increased social media use (more than 4-5 times/week) during the lockdown, which was associated with increased fear of COVID-19 and negative effects on mental and physical health, and social relationships (p&lt;0.01). Conversely, non-work-related outings (once a week) were associated with lower fear (p&lt;0.01) and better well-being (p&lt;0.05). Higher fear, particularly for loved ones, was associated with negative effects. The level of physical health was moderate to high, with varying levels of satisfaction in different areas. Empathy correlated with increased fear (p&lt;0.01) and reduced mobility (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns significantly affected physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of tailoring interventions for vulnerable populations and promoting adaptive coping strategies in times of crisis.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

'My goal was to become normal'-A qualitative investigation of coping with stigma, body image and self-esteem long-term after bariatric surgery.

Improved self-esteem and body image, as well as reduced experiences of weight stigma are important patient-reported obesity treatment outcomes. However, more knowledge is needed about how individuals who have undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) perceive themselves and their bodies and use different coping strategies in relation to body image and self-esteem long-term after MBS. In this qualitative study body image, self-esteem, weight stigma and coping strategies were explored among 18 individuals who underwent MBS more than 10 years ago when interviewed. Using reflexive thematic analysis, two primary themes were identified: 'Experiences of living with a stigmatised body' and 'Coping with weight stigma, body image and self-esteem', and eight sub-themes. Findings capture frequent experiences of weight stigma before bariatric surgery, the need for coping with stigma and body dissatisfaction before and after MBS, and how different coping strategies are related to participants' perceptions of their bodies and self-concepts. More adaptive coping strategies, such as confrontation and cognitive restructuring may facilitate more positive body image outcomes, than more ruminative and avoidant strategies. Understanding adaptive coping strategies can be useful to develop interventions to reduce negative consequences of weight stigma on body image and self-esteem.

Психоэндокринные корреляты стресс-реагирования курсантов ОВД с учетом фактора адаптивности к учебно-профессиональному процессу

Introduction. The relevance of studying the features of self-regulation and selfcontrol, protective mechanisms, ways of coping with stressful situations and determining the specifics of the psychoneuroendocrine correlates of the stress response of cadets of law enforcement agencies, taking into account the adaptability to the educational and professional process, is due to the high requirements for the personal and professional qualities of cadets, who are already included in the professional service activities. Methods. The following research methods were used in the study: testing, clinical laboratory, experiment. The diagnostic complex included: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the «Comprehensive assessment of stress manifestations» by Yu. V. Shcherbatykh, «Ways of Coping Questionnaire, WCQ» from S. Folkman and R. Lazarus, «The Life Style Index, LSI» questionnaire of R. Plutchik, the Grasmick Scale (Grasmicket al., 1993; adapted by V.G. Bulygina, A.M. Abdrazyakova, 2008), «Self-regulation profile questionnaire – SRPQM» by V. I. Morosanova. Results. The adaptive group is distinguished by the development of all stages of conscious regulation of behavior, which is mediated by adaptive coping strategies. Individual typological characteristics ensure high self-control. The detected significantly higher cortisol level before a stress stimulus that does not go beyond the normative level, and an increase inDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) after a stress stimulus are associated with a low severity of signs ofstress. The maladaptive group of cadets is distinguished by the predominance of maladaptive copingstrategies, less mature forms of psychological protection that are not mediated by conscious regulatory systems. DHEA, as a key buffer hormone of stress resistance, does not perform a protective function, because its initially high background level significantly decreases after exposure to stressful stimuli.

Illness Perception, Coping, and Self-Care Adherence Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Understanding the key factors in managing type 2 diabetes over the long term has become necessary. This study aims to explore the association between illness perception, coping, and self-care adherence among adults with type 2 diabetes and find the influence of illness perception and coping on self-care adherence. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 123 adults with type 2 diabetes aged between 30 and 55 years. The questionnaires included the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Brief COPE, Self-Care Inventory-Revised (SCI-R), and a personal information sheet. A significant correlation was found between illness perception, maladaptive and adaptive coping strategies, and self-care adherence. Adaptive coping, illness perception, and maladaptive coping strategies together explained a 59.9% variance in self-care adherence (F(3, 119) = 59.29, p &lt; .001). The study highlights the importance of developing a less threatening perception of the illness and enhancing the practice of adaptive coping strategies for achieving better self-care adherence among people with type 2 diabetes. This study signifies the need for a collaborative approach by healthcare professionals, mental health providers, and policymakers to provide accurate diabetes self-management knowledge and develop interventions tailored to individuals’ needs.

Adaptive-to-maladaptive gradient of emotion regulation tendencies are embedded in the functional-structural hybrid connectome.

Emotion regulation tendencies are well-known transdiagnostic markers of psychopathology, but their neurobiological foundations have mostly been examined within the theoretical framework of cortical-subcortical interactions. We explored the connectome-wide neural correlates of emotion regulation tendencies using functional and diffusion magnetic resonance images of healthy young adults (N = 99; age 20-30; 28 females). We first tested the importance of considering both the functional and structural connectome through intersubject representational similarity analyses. Then, we employed a canonical correlation analysis between the functional-structural hybrid connectome and 23 emotion regulation strategies. Lastly, we sought to externally validate the results on a transdiagnostic adolescent sample (N = 93; age 11-19; 34 females). First, interindividual similarity of emotion regulation profiles was significantly correlated with interindividual similarity of the functional-structural hybrid connectome, more so than either the functional or structural connectome. Canonical correlation analysis revealed that an adaptive-to-maladaptive gradient of emotion regulation tendencies mapped onto a specific configuration of covariance within the functional-structural hybrid connectome, which primarily involved functional connections in the motor network and the visual networks as well as structural connections in the default mode network and the subcortical-cerebellar network. In the transdiagnostic adolescent dataset, stronger functional signatures of the found network were associated with higher general positive affect through more frequent use of adaptive coping strategies. Taken together, our study illustrates a gradient of emotion regulation tendencies that is best captured when simultaneously considering the functional and structural connections across the whole brain.

Does coping style mediate the relationship between knowledge and psychosocial outcomes in women with atrial fibrillation?

In patients affected by atrial fibrillation (AF) disease-specific knowledge and coping style may be associated with psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to determine if coping style (problem-focused, emotion-focused, avoidance-focused) mediated the relationship between patient knowledge and three psychosocial outcomes (anxiety, depression and life satisfaction). In 2021a total of 188 women with reported AF, and ages ranging from 18 to 83 years (mean 48.7, sd 15.5 years), completed an online questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic, clinical and AF knowledge questions and psychosocial instruments (Anxiety and depression, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) scale; life satisfaction, Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS); and coping style (Brief COPE). Using Jamovi statistical software three individual mediational models (for anxiety, depression and life satisfaction) were constructed assessing the direct and indirect relationships between knowledge, coping style and each psychosocial outcome. Age was a covariate in each model. The mediation analyses demonstrated significant direct negative associations between AF knowledge and HADS anxiety and depression and positive associations with SWLS. There were also direct associations between each of the three coping styles and the three psychosocial outcomes. There were significant indirect effects of coping style between AF knowledge and each of the three outcomes confirming partial mediation effects. These findings highlight the crucial role of coping style in mediating the association between AF knowledge and psychosocial outcomes. As such, interventions aimed at increasing patient knowledge of AF may be more effective if adaptive problem-solving coping strategies are also demonstrated to these patients. Additionally, modification of maladaptive coping strategies as part of the psychological management of patients with AF is highly recommended.

The perceived helpfulness and acceptability of a bespoke psychological therapy service for registered nurses experiencing psychological distress: A qualitative study.

To understand the perceived helpfulness and acceptability of a bespoke psychological therapy service for registered nurses. The service provided a free and confidential specialist mental health service to all healthcare professionals, including nurses and nursing students. An exploratory study using a descriptive qualitative approach. A purposive sample of 20 registered nurses accessing a bespoke psychological therapy service in Wales participated in audio-recorded semi-structured interviews in January 2022. Transcribed data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four interrelated themes were identified from the data analysis: COVID [SARS-CoV-2] changed things; You're a nurse, you're human; I've got 'me' back; and pretty close to miracle workers. Participants attempted to live up to an idealized image of a nurse, generating self-stigmatizing beliefs that negatively affected their mental health. The psychological therapy service enabled participants to put their roles into perspective, that is, separate themselves from their role, be vulnerable, and develop confidence and adaptive coping strategies. Participants valued the minimal barriers and ease of access to support. The complex relationship between nurse identity and the challenges of the workplace needs to be central to nurse education. Nurses can benefit from rapid access to a timely, confidential, and independent self-referring psychological therapy service. This qualitative study explored the helpfulness and accessibility of psychological support for nurses. The main themes were that COVID changed things; You're a nurse, you're human; I've got 'me' back; and pretty close to miracle workers. The findings will impact how nurses are supported in the United Kingdom and worldwide. This report adheres to the standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR). No patient or public contribution.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons Living with HIV in Western Washington: Examining Lived Experiences of Social Distancing Stress, Personal Buffers, and Mental Health

Pandemic-related stressors may disproportionately affect the mental health of people with HIV (PWH). Stratified, purposive sampling was used to recruit 24 PWH who participated in a quantitative survey on COVID-19 experiences for in-depth interviews (IDIs). IDIs were conducted by Zoom, audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to develop an adapted stress-coping model. Participants experienced acute stress following exposure events and symptoms compatible with COVID-19. Social isolation and job loss were longer-term stressors. While adaptive coping strategies helped promote mental health, participants who experienced multiple stressors simultaneously often felt overwhelmed and engaged in maladaptive coping behaviors. Healthcare providers were important sources of social support and provided continuity in care and referrals to mental health and social services. Understanding how PWH experienced stressors and coped during the COVID-19 pandemic can help healthcare providers connect with patients during future public health emergencies, address mental health needs and support adaptive coping strategies.

Knowledge and stress level in pregnant women: A cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Pregnant women are vulnerable to COVID-19 due to weakened immunity, leading to heightened stress amidst uncertainties about its impact. Research indicates increased levels of depression, stress, and anxiety in pregnant women since the pandemic declaration. This study explores the link between COVID-19 knowledge and stress levels among pregnant women.Methods: Data collection involved the administration of a questionnaire addressing COVID-19 knowledge and stress levels. A total of 255 respondents voluntarily participated in the study. Quantitative methods were utilized, employing a descriptive correlation design within a cross-sectional approach. The accidental sampling technique was used to select participants.Results: Univariate analysis results obtained 78.4% have a good knowledge, and 40.4% experienced moderate stress levels. Bivariate analysis using the Spearman rank indicated a relationship between knowledge and stress levels (P-value &lt;0.001, r 0.732).Conclusions: The study proposes that hospitals implement an educational approach using online seminars, audiovisual materials, and free telemedicine services to facilitate training and counseling on stress management and adaptive coping strategies. Keywords: knowledge; pregnant women; stress level