Adequate Mental Health Research Articles

Perceptions of interprofessional collaboration at the intersection of child welfare and child and adolescent psychiatry in Germany

In Germany (and other countries) a significant proportion of children and young people in contact with the child welfare system do not receive adequate mental health care. Fragmented service delivery has been partially attributed to a lack of interprofessional collaboration between the child welfare system and providers of child mental health services. Child and adolescent psychiatric (CAP) clinics provide the majority of child mental health care for the child welfare population in Germany. In this paper, we present the first wave of data collected in a nonrandomized pretest–posttest intervention study, in which we examined the collaboration between child welfare services and CAP clinics in Northern Germany with a sample of N = 204 professionals in total, from both organizations. We used two standardized measurements. The general quality of collaboration was measured using an established tool, the “Perceptions of Interprofessional Collaboration Model – Questionnaire” (PINCOM-Q). Perceptions of collaboration around children with complex care needs were measured with a newly developed scale, the “Perceptions of Interprofessional Collaboration Scale for Children with Multiple and Complex Needs” (PICOCC). The results show that perceptions of interprofessional collaboration differed based on organizational and professional affiliation. Frontline workers employed in the child welfare system compared to those working in CAP clinics had a more negative perception of collaboration in general, and felt their organization provided less support for collaboration. Social workers in both CAP and child welfare services perceived less organizational support for collaboration compared to mental health professionals. In the overall group of social workers, those working in the child welfare system felt their organization supported collaboration the least. Mental health professionals working in CAP clinics, however, had a more negative perception of collaboration around children with complex needs. This suggests that attention should be paid to perceptions of interprofessional collaboration as an important process variable, which may impact on frontline workers’ responsiveness to organizational change.

Impact of Social Isolation on Older Adults in North Carolina

Adequate social engagement and good mental health are key to preventing the negative impacts of social isolation among older adults. Much work is still needed in the public sector to implement policy and programmatic solutions to a growing epidemic of loneliness in this population.

Predictors of suicidal ideation among female residents in a community impacted by multiple natural disasters.

IntroductionSuicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm continue to be challenging public health problems. It’s presently unknown what the prevalence and correlates of suicidal thoughts and self-harm are in female residents of Fort McMurray, a city that has endured wildfires, flooding, and the COVID-19 pandemic in the last five years.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm among female residents of Fort McMurray.MethodsA cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical information from the resident of Fort McMurray between April 24 to June 2 2021. Suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm among females were assessed using the ninth question of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a validated screening tool used to assess depression symptoms. Likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and low resilience were measured using standardized rating scales. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25 using Chi-Square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong Fort McMurray residents, 249 accessed the online survey, while 186 ultimately completed it, yielding a survey completion rate of 74.7%. Of these, 159 (85%) were females. After controlling for other variables in the regression model, respondents who expressed a desire to receive mental health counselling were more than seven times more likely to report suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm compared to the respondents who didn’t desire to receive mental health counselling (OR: 7.29; 95% CI: 1.19 – 44.58). Similarly, respondents who reported having abused alcohol in the past year were nearly four times more likely to report suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm compared to the respondents who said they had not abused alcohol in the past year (OR: 3.91; 95% CI: 1.05 – 14.57).ConclusionsHigh prevalence of suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm were reported among female residents of Fort McMurray. Timely access to adequate mental health support should be offered to female residents of communities impacted by multiple natural disasters, particularly residents who self-report alcohol abuse or desire to receive mental health counsellingDisclosure of InterestNone Declared

The efficacy of psychological interventions for university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: IntroductionMental health problems are increasingly prevalent among students, necessitating adequate mental health support both for those who with or at risk of developing a mental health disorder.ObjectivesThis systematic review examined the efficacy of psychological interventions delivered to student populations and whether interventions with some form of adaptation to the content or delivery of the intervention for students could improve outcomes compared to interventions which had no such adaptation.MethodsRandomised controlled trials of interventions for students with or at risk of mental health problems were included. Specific adaptation for students (or whether they utilised a student population as a convenient sample) was recorded. Meta-analyses were conducted and multivariate meta-regressions explored the effect of adaptation on the pooled effect size. Eighty-four studies were includedResultsPromising effects were found for both treatment and preventative interventions for anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders. PTSD and self-harm data was limited, and did not demonstrate significant effects. Relatively few trials adapted intervention delivery to student-specific concerns, and overall adapted interventions showed no benefit over non-adapted interventions. There was some suggestion that adaptions based on empirical evidence and provision of additional sessions, and transdiagnostic models may yield some benefitsConclusionsInterventions for students show benefit though uncertainty remains around how best to optimise treatment delivery and content specifically for students. It would be beneficial to understand how intervention content which is specific to underlying mechanisms of problems experienced by students as well as more transdiagnostic approaches could further support recovery and prevention of mental health problems while at university.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

He Who Has Hope, Has Everything.

He Who Has Hope, Has Everything.

ABORDAGEM AO PACIENTE EM RISCO E TENTATIVA DE SUICÍDIO: DO ACOLHIMENTO E INTERVENÇÃO PRECOCE À ABORDAGEM MULTIPROFISSIONAL EM SAÚDE

Suicide is considered an intentional and conscious act, in which the individual uses a means that he believes to be lethal with the objective of taking his own life. Its occurrence is related to several factors such as environmental, social, psychological, genetic and cultural, affecting not only the subject, but his family, friends and society as a whole. From this perspective, carrying out the early identification and assessment of the risk of suicide is a fundamental practice for prevention. Based on the theoretical framework on this topic, we sought to discuss and highlight the management of patients at risk of suicide and the psychological approach, integrated into the multidisciplinary team. It was concluded the importance of the approach of the specialist team, in the attempts, in the identification and evaluation of the risks, in the interventions carried out seeking to strengthen the protective factors, reduce the risk factors and enable access to the adequate mental health network for treatment. By integrating this team, the psychologist approaches the patient and family, enabling comprehensive care for people in situations of suicide, preventing the risk of suicide and promoting mental health care.

Racial-Ethnic Disparities in Outpatient Mental Health Care in the United States.

The authors aimed to compare national rates and patterns of use of outpatient mental health care among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White individuals. Data from the 2018-2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative survey of U.S. households, were analyzed, focusing on use of any outpatient mental health care service by non-Hispanic White (N=29,126), non-Hispanic Black (N=7,965), and Hispanic (N=12,640) individuals ages ≥4 years (N=49,731). Among individuals using any mental health care, analyses focused on those using psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, or both and on receipt of minimally adequate mental health care. The annual rate per 100 persons of any outpatient mental health service use was more than twice as high for White (25.3) individuals as for Black (12.2) or Hispanic (11.4) individuals. Among those receiving outpatient mental health care, Black (69.9%) and Hispanic (68.4%) patients were significantly less likely than White (83.4%) patients to receive psychotropic medications, but Black (47.7%) and Hispanic (42.6%) patients were significantly more likely than White (33.3%) patients to receive psychotherapy. Among those treated for depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or disruptive behavior disorders, no significant differences were found in the proportions of White, Black, or Hispanic patients who received minimally adequate treatment. Large racial-ethnic gaps in any mental health service use and smaller differences in patterns of treatment suggest that achieving racial-ethnic equity in outpatient mental health care delivery will require dedicated efforts to promote greater mental health service access for Black and Hispanic persons in need.

Forensic-Correctional Psychiatric Services in Abu Dhabi: Lessons From a Descriptive Analyis of the Attributes of a Sample of Service Users.

Forensic-correctional psychiatric services are an important component of the public mental health services that provide care to offenders with mental illness in the criminal justice system and conduct psycho-legal assessments. Although forensic-correctional psychiatric services have evolved in Abu Dhabi, more work is needed in providing adequate mental health care for offenders. This study provides a situational analysis of forensic-correctional psychiatric services in Abu Dhabi. We included a descriptive analysis of the data collected on service users admitted for psycho-legal assessments and treatment in the forensic-correctional units and those reviewed in the medical board units for issuing court reports. The study spanned the period between January 2019 to October 2020. A total of 398 males were included in the study. The participants' mean age was 35.3 (SD 9.27) years and were predominantly single, unemployed and high school graduates. The most prevalent diagnosis was schizophrenia spectrum disorder, (n=129, 31.6%). The mean length of stay in the forensic-correctional unit was 11.07 days. As many as 82.4% of the participants were referred for evaluation. The most common type of crime was categorized as "abnormal behaviour" under the code of practice number 511 of the list of crimes as per the general prosecutor of the United Arab Emirates followed by violence. Considering the level of demand for services and the limited number of forensic-correctional health professionals, there is a need for more resources to develop expertise, clinical services and infrastructures to expand the practice of forensic-correctional psychiatry. The creation of a universal database for all forensic-correctional psychiatric services is needed to better understand the unmet mental health needs. An additional investment of resources for research to inform mental health policy, laws and practice is indicated. Optimally, the lessons highlighted in this study can guide action plans for improving forensic-correctional mental health services in comparable settings.

Behavioral and Dietary Habits That Could Influence Both COVID-19 and Non-Communicable Civilization Disease Prevention-What Have We Learned Up to Now?

The massive expansion of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has urged countries to introduce lockdowns and set restrictive actions worldwide. The focus of the studies was to determine how COVID-19 induces damage to the lungs in order to find an alternative or adjuvant therapy that could lead to preventing COVID-19 or at least ameliorating it. This paper aims to survey the literature and provide new insights into behavioral and dietary habits that could influence the prevention of COVID-19. Maintaining an adequate mental health status, sleep, and taking moderate exercise are often disrupted in the conditions of lockdown and are followed by weakened immunity. Mediterranean and vegetarian diets are superior to other eating patterns in terms of immunity boosting and fighting COVID-19. Our study showed how adequate hydration, green tea intake, and supplementation with vitamins D, C, and E can increase our chances of avoiding the infection and even help us sleep better. Another focus of the research was on determining what level of hygiene really increases one's chances of not contracting SARS-CoV-2, but this seems a little counter-intuitive at first. Since an immunocompromised state is a familiar predisposing factor for all contagious diseases, maintaining healthy behavioral and dietary habits could be a crucial step in boosting immunity and preventing COVID-19.

Through the Lens of the UNCRC: Analyzing the Mental Health and Well-being of Refugee Children and Youth in Canada

To provide refugee children and youth with opportunities to build a prosperous future in Canada, there must be adequate mental health supports made available to this vulnerable population. This paper will demonstrate how Canada has aspired to uphold the mental health rights of refugee children in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as well as the heightened commitment that is required to evoke an improved realization of these rights. This will become evident through analyzing the state of mental health rights of refugee children by examining them through the UNCRC’s four guiding principles framework.

Mental health burden of patients with activity-limiting skin conditions: a national analysis

Cutaneous diseases are the fourth leading cause of nonfatal disease burden globally. In this study, we aimed to investigate the psychological symptom burden in patients with chronic activity-limiting cutaneous diseases. Our findings suggest that this patient population experience a wide range of interference with their daily lives and exhibit higher psychological burdens and lower quality of life. This study also identified that patients with activity-limiting skin conditions do not seem to seek more professional help or take more medications, which may suggest a potential gap in adequate mental health support and resources.

Mental Health Care Utilization Among Children and Adolescents With a Firearm Injury

Firearm injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among US children and adolescents. Despite evidence demonstrating mental health sequelae for children and adolescents who have experienced a firearm injury, little is known about mental health care utilization after a firearm injury. To evaluate mental health care utilization in the 12 months after a firearm injury among Medicaid-insured and commercially insured children and adolescents compared with propensity score-matched controls. This propensity score-matched retrospective cohort analysis assessed 2127 children and adolescents, aged 0 to 17 years, with a firearm injury that occurred between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, compared with 2127 matched controls using MarketScan Medicaid and commercial claims data. Claims data were analyzed 12 months before and after injury, with the total study period spanning from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018. Nonfatal firearm injury. The primary outcome of interest was a dichotomous variable representing any mental health care utilization in the 12 months after injury. Secondary outcomes included psychotherapy utilization, substance use-related utilization, and a psychotropic medication prescription. Logistic regression modeling was used to estimate relative risks with adjusted analyses of dichotomous outcomes. The overall cohort consisted of 4254 children and adolescents, of whom 2127 (mean [SD] age, 13.5 [4.1] years; 1722 [81.0%] male) had an initial encounter for a firearm injury and an equal number of matched controls (mean [SD] age, 13.5 [4.1] years; 1720 [80.9%] male). Children and adolescents with a firearm injury had a 1.40 times greater risk (95% CI, 1.25-1.56; P < .001) of utilizing mental health services in the 12 months after their injury compared with children and adolescents without a firearm injury, after controlling for potential confounders. Children and adolescents with a firearm injury had a 1.23 times greater risk (95% CI, 1.06-1.43; P = .007) of utilizing psychotherapy and a 1.40 times greater risk (95% CI, 1.19-1.64; P < .001) of substance use-related utilization. Among those who experienced a firearm injury, Black children and adolescents were 1.64 times more likely (95% CI, 1.23-2.19; P < .001) to utilize mental health care compared with White children and adolescents. This propensity score-matched cohort study found that children and adolescents with a firearm injury had a greater risk of utilizing mental health services in the 12 months after their injury compared with those without an injury, and significant racial disparities were associated with use of mental health services. The findings suggest that health care practitioners should be aware of this increased risk and ensure adequate mental health follow-up for these patients.

Predictors of Mental Health Literacy and Information Seeking Behavior Toward Mental Health Among University Students in Resource-Limited Settings.

This paper investigated mental health literacy level and information seeking behavior, and mental health-related information sources in limited-resource settings, in the case of Ethiopian university students. A cross-sectional, self-administered web-based survey was conducted among Dilla University students, from 1 January to 29 February 2022, with a total of 780 respondents. We presented descriptive statistics using mean, standard deviations, and proportions. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with mental health literacy and information seeking behavior of students. Further, path analysis was also employed. The result showed 71 (9.1%) respondents had a diagnosed history of mental illness. Overall, 397 (50.9%) respondents were identified as having adequate mental health literacy and 420 (53.8%) sought mental health information. In multivariate analysis, mental health literacy was significantly associated with: being female (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI (1.5-5.4)), higher digital health literacy (AOR=2.8; 95% CI (1.5-5.4), seeking mental health-related information (AOR=1.6; 95% CI: (1.1-2.5)), having family with mental illness, and students in health-related programs (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI (1.0-4.2)). Furthermore, health-related programs, level of mental health literacy, exposure to mental health problems in the family, and were associated with information seeking behavior regarding mental health. Further, path analysis revealed significant positive associations of information seeking behavior and digital health literacy with mental health literacy. The result indicated the status of university students' mental health literacy level and information seeking behavior were low and inadequate. This study suggests the need to improve students' digital health competencies by designing mental health literacy programs by collaboration of different stakeholders, and mental health literacy programs need to optimize access to internet and online resources in the university settings.

Self-Reported Alcohol Abuse and the Desire to Receive Mental Health Counselling Predict Suicidal Thoughts/Thoughts of Self-Harm among Female Residents of Fort McMurray.

Suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm continue to be challenging public health problems. It is presently unknown what the prevalence and correlates of suicidal thoughts and self-harm are in female residents of Fort McMurray, a city that has endured wildfires, flooding, and the COVID-19 pandemic in the last five years. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm among female residents of Fort McMurray. A cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical information from the residents of Fort McMurray between 24 April and 2 June 2021. Suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm among females were assessed using the ninth question of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a validated screening tool used to assess depression symptoms. Likely generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and low resilience were measured using standardized rating scales. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25 using chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Among Fort McMurray residents, 249 accessed the online survey, while 186 ultimately completed it, yielding a survey completion rate of 74.7%. Of these, 159 (85%) were females. After controlling for other variables in the regression model, respondents who expressed a desire to receive mental health counselling were more than seven times more likely to report suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm compared to the respondents who did not desire to receive mental health counselling (OR: 7.29; 95% CI: 1.19–44.58). Similarly, respondents who reported having abused alcohol in the past year were nearly four times more likely to report suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm compared to the respondents who said they had not abused alcohol in the past year (OR: 3.91; 95% CI: 1.05–14.57). A high prevalence of suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm were reported among female residents of Fort McMurray. Timely access to adequate mental health support should be offered to female residents of communities impacted by multiple natural disasters, particularly residents who self-report alcohol abuse or desire to receive mental health counselling.

A Descriptive Overview of Mental Health Services Offered in Post-Secondary Educational Institutions Across Canada.

Access to adequate mental health (MH) services is necessary for nearly half of Canadian youth (18-24 years) who enroll in post-secondary education given the relatively high risk of MH problems. Our objectives were to determine the status of MH services available to students in post-secondary institutions in Canada and to determine the extent to which these services are based on the principles of a high-quality youth MH (YMH) service. Information on MH services was collected from websites of a representative sample (N = 67) of post-secondary institutions across all provinces. Data were analysed descriptively according to four categories (universities with a Faculty of Medicine (FoM) n = 18, other large universities n = 15, small universities n = 16, and colleges n = 18). Most institutions provided 24-h crisis line support (84%) and indicated the availability of free counselling or psychotherapy (n = 62 of 67, 92.5%), while only a minority indicated provision of an initial clinical assessment (25%) and provision of multiple sessions of therapy (37%). Wait time for first contact was impressively low (<72 h) in the minority of institutions (40%) which provided this information. Access to either a prescribing physician or psychiatrist was infrequent, though several mentioned an unexplained model of "stepped care" and outside referrals. While relevant information was not uniformly easy to access, larger institutions both with and without a FoM appear to be better poised to provide MH services. None of the institutions appeared to follow all the principles of service delivery recommended for a high-quality YMH, with only two showing early identification activities. MH services in post-secondary institutions may need a transformation similar to YMH services, including a clear pathway to care, an initial clinical assessment, early identification of MHA disorders, and better utilization of institutional resources through greater collaboration and matching of timely interventions to the presenting problems.

Short and Long Term Impacts and Implications of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders on Cognitive Development in Childhood

Fetal alcohol syndrome disorders (FASD) represent a collection of disorders with which a child is born, due to maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Known as an invisible disability, its prevalence is difficult to capture, in part due to societal stigma and the lack of physical markers contributing to diagnostic difficulty. In Canada, FASD prevalence is estimated to be around 4%. The symptoms experienced by a child with FASD are typically classified into two categories: primary disabilities to describe functional deficits since birth as a result of the impact of alcohol on the brain; and secondary disabilities that occur later in life as a result of a child’s environment and primary disabilities. The impacts of FASD will affect each child differently in both the types and severity of disabilities. A major challenge faced by children and youth with FASD is receiving adequate mental health support, as well as evidence-informed practices involved in improving behavioural and cognitive functioning. COVID-19 has dramatically affected both children with FASD and their caregivers, likely exacerbating existing challenges. With increased rates of alcohol consumption and other mediating factors, experts are concerned about rising FASD rates during the pandemic.

Social media-based interventions for adolescent and young adult mental health: A scoping review

BackgroundMental health conditions are common among adolescents and young adults, yet few receive adequate mental health treatment. Many young people seek support and information online through social media, and report preferences for digital interventions. Thus, digital interventions deployed through social media have promise to reach a population not yet engaged in treatment, and at risk of worsening symptoms. ObjectiveIn this scoping review, we aimed to identify and review empirical research on social media-based interventions aimed at improving adolescent and young adult mental health. A secondary objective was to identify the features and functionalities of platforms described as social media. MethodsAdhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews, the search was conducted in PubMed MEDLINE; Embase Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley); PsycINFO (Ebsco); Scopus; Web of Science; IEEE Xplore; ACM Digital Library; and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until November 2021. Studies were included if they involved adolescents or young adults (10–26 years of age) that meet clinical, or subclinical, levels of a mental health condition and include a pre- and post-assessment of mental health outcomes. ResultsAmong the 18,380 references identified, 15 met full inclusion criteria and were published between 2017 and 2021–this included four randomized controlled trials, seven non-randomized pre-post trials, and four were experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Just five studies were delivered through an existing social media site (Facebook or Pixtori), with the remainder focused on purpose-built networks. Three studies involved adolescents or young adults who self-reported a mental health condition, seven involved young people diagnosed with a mental health condition by a clinician or who scored above a clinical threshold on valid clinical measure, three involved college students without a mental health inclusion criterion, and two studies focused on young people with a cancer diagnosis. ConclusionsThe review highlights innovations in the delivery of mental health interventions, provides preliminary evidence of the ability of social media interventions to improve mental health outcomes, and underscores the need for, and merit of, future work in this area. We discuss opportunities and challenges for future research, including the potential to leveragei existing peer networks, the use of just-in-time interventions, and scaling interventions to meet need.

To Hell and Back: A Performer's mental health journey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The COVID-19 pandemic has induced a considerable amount of mental health difficulties, ranging from anxiety and depression to psychosis. As services struggle to cope with the demand for support, the effect of such psychological challenges on quality of life remains a major concern. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a vast amount of research has focused on the physical consequences of the virus. Gradually, studies on the mental health effects related to the pandemic started to emerge, as it became clear that mental health difficulties were as present and as concerning as the physical ones. Whilst such studies commonly explore the prevalence and nature of the presenting mental health challenges, the publication of personal mental health experiences linked to the ongoing situation is lacking. Introducing the human element in literature is an important means of raising awareness on the mental health difficulties that can be triggered by the pandemic. Using public figures such as the individual in this paper is additionally powerful due to the role model effect. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The paper highlights the need for enhanced awareness and monitoring of mental health especially by health professionals who therefore need to receive adequate mental health training. Furthermore, mental health awareness efforts need to be considered as being a part of the role of the psychiatric and mental health nurse who is at a prime position to educate, monitor and support those receiving care.

Promoting Racial/Ethnic Equity in Psychosocial Treatment Outcomes for Child and Adolescent Anxiety and Depression.

Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent and least treated pediatric mental health problems. Racial/ethnic minority youths face greater risks for developing anxiety and depression and experience higher burden as they are less likely to receive adequate mental health services for these conditions or to have their needs met. Further, standard evidence‐based interventions for youth anxiety and depression may show diminished effects with racial/ethnic minority youths and with families of lower socioeconomic status. While community‐level interventions to combat structural racism and reduce population‐level risk are sorely needed, many youths will continue to require acute treatment services for anxiety and depression and interventionists must understand how to bring equity to the forefront of care. In this review, we adopt a health system framework to examine racial/ethnic disparities in system‐, intervention‐, provider‐, and patient‐level factors for psychosocial treatment of pediatric anxiety and depression. Current evidence on disparities in access and in efficacy of psychosocial intervention for anxious and depressed youths is summarized, and we use our work in primary care as a case example of adapting an intervention to mitigate disparities and increase equity. We conclude with recommendations for disparity action targets at each level of the health system framework and provide example strategies for intervening on these mechanisms to improve the outcomes of racial/ethnic minority youths.

PRACTICE OF SELF-MEDICATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE ASSESSMENT AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN ASSAM DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objectives: The aims of this study were to collect sociodemographic, clinical data regarding practice of self-medication and to assess quality of life in healthcare workers involved taking care of COVID-19 patients. Methods: The study population consisted of 104 healthcare workers from Gauhati Medical College and Hospital directly involved in management and control of COVID-19 Pandemic. It was a cross-sectional observational study using non-probability sampling. Data were collected in a questionnaire developed by the investigators which included age, sex, and occupation, COVID-19 such as symptoms, medicines used, contraction and confirmation of COVID-19 positive, and self-medication when COVID positive, symptomatic relief, and adverse effects and usefulness of self-medication. The data for mental health were obtained in a questionnaire based on the Professional Quality of Life Scale (Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue Version 5) with responses rated on a five-point Likert scale. Results: The study consisted of 104 participants. Males were n=42 (40%) and females were n=62 (60%). Doctors n=20 (19%), Laboratory Technicians n=22 (21%), Nurses n=44 (42%), Pharmacists n=13 (13%), Ward boys n=3 (3%), and Ward girls n=2 (2%) took part. Eighty-four (97.7%) respondents took paracetamol, 39 (45.3%) took cough syrup, 30 (34.9%) used nasal decongestants, 25 (29.1%) utilized throat gargle, 24 (27.9%) used azithromycin, 22 (25.6%) used cefixime, 13 (15.1%) took amoxyclav, 27 (31.4%) took ORS, 3 (3.5%) took Doxycycline, 4 (4.8%) used Ivermectin, 1 (1.2%) took Dexamethasone, and 1 (1.2%) used Multivitamin. About 68% (n=51) of COVID Positive respondents self-medicated with Azithromycin, 24% (n=18) with Ivermectin, 41.3% (n=31) with Doxycycline, 20% (n=15) with Dexamethasone, and 4% (n=3) with Levocetrizine and Paracetamol. The Mental Health Assessment Scores were obtained as the sum total of scores of answers to the 30 questions provided per respondent. About 7% (n=7) respondents with total score between 60 and 69, 12% (n=13) from 70 to 79, 29% (n=30) from 80 to 89, 22% (n=23) from 90 to 99, 16% (n=17) from 100 to 109, 13% (n=13) from 110 to 119, and 1% (n=1) between 120 and 129. This indicates that some participants had mild burnout, most had moderate burnout, and a few had severe burnout. Conclusion: Self-medication practices common among healthcare workers, increased during the COVID-19 Pandemic which must be appropriately managed to stay away from the ill effects. Providing adequate mental health resources and education to the affected health workers will motivate them increasing their productivity during the pandemic.