COVID-19 Related Anxiety Research Articles

COVID-19 led work environment disruption in India and its impact on the workers’ mental wellbeing

This study is designed to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental wellbeing of remote e-workers. The study opts for a survey-based research and measures anxiety related to Covid-19 and job stress through Covid-19-related Anxiety Stress (CAS-7) and new Job Stress Scale (JSS-22) standardized instruments. For a sample of 79 respondents, a moderate Covid-19 related anxiety and Job Stress was observed. The mean score for the CAS was 18.31 ± 3.46 indicating a moderate Covid-19 related anxiety. Further, a noticeable trend was observed in the subscales of the Job Stress Scale where mean Job Stress was 12.32 ± 3.87; and Role Expectation Conflict was 13.86 ± 4.87. Coworker Support was 15.92 ± 4.54 and for Anxiety the score was 12.39 ± 5.15. The overall results of job stress scale indicate a moderate occupational anxiety and stress. Age, gender and the work experience are seen to have varied impacts on the anxiety and stress in e-workers. The study adds support to extending the literature that emphasizes implementation of policies for an improved mental and psychological well-being in the situation like COVID-19 pandemic and in such future disruptive events.

COVID-19 vaccine related anxiety mediates the association between COVID-19 related anxiety and student adjustment to college during the pandemic: Correspondence

This is a correspondence on published article on COVID-19 vaccine related anxiety mediates the association between COVID-19 related anxiety and student adjustment to college during the pandemic.

Risk Perception and Maternal Prenatal Depressive Symptoms in the Early Stage of COVID-19 Pandemic in China: Role of Negative Emotions and Family Sense of Coherence.

Prenatal depression is associated with adverse health outcomes for both mothers and their children. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has presented new risks and challenges for expectant mothers. The aims of the study were to investigate the underlying mechanism between COVID-19 risk perception of Chinese pregnant women and their prenatal depressive symptoms and potential protective factors such as family sense of coherence (FSOC). A total of 181 Chinese pregnant women (Mage = 31.40 years, SD = 3.67, ranged from 23 to 43) participated in an online survey from April 22 to May 16, 2020. Risk perception and negative emotions (fear and anxiety) related with COVID-19, FSOC, and prenatal depressive symptoms were assessed. The experience of maternal COVID-19 related negative emotion fully mediated the positive relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and prenatal depressive symptoms of pregnant women (β = 0.12, 95% CI [0.06, 0.19]). When confronting COVID-19 related fear and anxiety, expectant mothers from higher coherent families experienced a significantly lower level of prenatal depressive symptoms. Contextual negative emotional experience was demonstrated to explain how risk perception impacts depressive symptoms during severe public health crisis for pregnant women. FSOC may be a psychological resource protecting pregnant women from experiencing adverse psychological outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccine related anxiety partially mediates the association between COVID-19 related anxiety and student adjustment to college during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe disruptions in living and learning to millions of college students. Here we investigated using mediation analysis two dimensions of anxiety that were specific to the pandemic – COVID-19 related anxiety and COVID-19 vaccine anxiety – to evaluate their relationship to college adjustment during the pandemic. Using cross-sectional survey data across three semester waves (Spring 2021, Fall 2021, and Spring 2022) we probed whether anxiety functioned as a challenge or hindrance stressor on adjustment. We found that although anxiety decreased in both COVID-19 dimensions across semesters, student adjustment to college remained consistently low. Our mediation analysis revealed that both COVID-19 related anxiety and COVID-19 vaccine-related anxiety functioned as challenge stressors, elevating academic, social, personal-emotional, and institutional adjustment during the pandemic. We discuss the role of positive COVID impacts on college adjustment, including enhanced social support.

Acupressure: a possible therapeutic strategy for anxiety related to COVID-19: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

From the end of 2019 to December 2023, the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. The scope and ultimate repercussions of the pandemic on global health and well-being remained uncertain, ushering in a wave of fear, anxiety, and worry. This resulted in many individuals succumbing to fear and despair. Acupoint massage emerged as a safe and effective alternative therapy for anxiety relief. However, its efficacy was yet to be extensively backed by evidence-based medicine. This study aimed to enhance the clinical effectiveness of acupoint massage and extend its benefits to a wider population. It undertakes a systematic review of the existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of acupoint massage on anxiety treatment, discussing its potential benefits and implications. This research aims to furnish robust evidence supporting anxiety treatment strategies for patients afflicted with COVID-19 disease and spark new approaches to anxiety management. This study evaluates the evidence derived from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quantifies the impact of acupressure on anxiety manifestations within the general population, and proposes viable supplementary intervention strategies for managing COVID-19 related anxiety. This review included RCTs published between February 2014 and July 2023, that compared the effects of acupressure with sham control in alleviating anxiety symptomatology as the outcome measure. The studies were sourced from the multiple databases, including CINAHL, EBM Reviews, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. A meta-analysis was performed on the eligible studies, and an overall effect size was computed specifically for the anxiety outcome. The Cochrane Collaboration Bias Risk Assessment Tool (RevMan V5.4) was employed to assess bias risk, data integration, meta-analysis, and subgroup analysis. The mean difference, standard mean deviation, and binary data were used to represent continuous outcomes. Of 1,110 studies of potential relevance, 39 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The majority of the studies reported a positive effect of acupressure in assuaging anticipatory anxiety about treatment. Eighteen studies were evaluated using the STAI scale. The acupressure procedures were thoroughly documented, and studies exhibited a low risk of bias. The cumulative results of the 18 trials showcased a more substantial reduction in anxiety in the acupressure group compared to controls (SMD = -5.39, 95% CI -5.61 to -5.17, p < 0.01). A subsequent subgroup analysis, based on different interventions in the control group, demonstrated improvement in anxiety levels with sham acupressure in improving changes in anxiety levels (SMD -1.61, 95% CI: -2.34 to -0.87, p < 0.0001), and blank controls (SMD -0.92, 95% CI: -2.37 to 0.53, p = 0.22). In the clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of anxiety, acupressure demonstrated effectiveness in providing instant relief from anxiety related to multiple diseases with a medium effect size. Considering the increasing incidence of anxiety caused by long COVID, the widespread application of acupressure appears feasible. However, the results were inconsistent regarding improvements on physiological indicators, calling for more stringent reporting procedures, including allocation concealment, to solidify the findings.

Psychological Impact of Working in a COVID-19 Treatment Facility on the Mental Well Being of Health Care Workers

The health care infrastructure has witnessed new norms and protocols which evolved rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding confusion in the minds of one and all. Working for the sick COVID-19 patients in the middle of the raging pandemic can have long lasting and deep mental health issues among the health care workers. If not timely addressed, it can have repercussions on the quality of patient care. A cross-sectional study was conducted through online Google survey forms on the health care workers deputed to different COVID-19 hospitals and COVID Care centers in Odisha, India. The study group included doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedical staffs and others. A link to the form was sent through the different Whatsapp groups. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic and information on self-perceived psychological distress concerning the pandemic. 97.5% of the participants confirmed COVID-19 related anxiety. 41.8% slept lesser than usual. 61.1% intended to seek psychosocial support.70.6% experienced fear about their health. 89.1% had fear of passing on infection to their loved ones.49.3% had to deal with work frustration. Younger age and lesser years of work experience were factors for decreased work satisfaction. This study highlights the mental health status of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to identify vulnerable subsets among them and allay their anxieties and implement effective measures in order to keep the quality of patient care uncompromised in similar future scenarios

Evaluation of Mental Health Status of the Pregnant Women Working in Hospitals During Covid-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Many of women and pregnant women are front-line health care workers in the COVID-19 era and are worried about the possible impacts of COVID-19 on their fetus. Due to the pressure and high working load on the healthcare workers during the COVID-19 crisis, the healthcare workers were potentially at risk of different types of mental health disorders. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the correlation between mental health status and the level of COVID-19 related anxiety in pregnant healthcare workers in the COVID-19 era in Iran from August 2020 to December 2020. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 64 pregnant clinical residents, general physicians, nurses and other medical staff who worked in the hospitals in Iran, from August 2020 to December 2020 using an anonymous online survey available on Google Form platform. The online survey consisted of socio-demographic questions, pregnancy-related questions, and questions about medical/drug history. The Persian versions of General Health Questionnaire – 28 [GHQ-28], and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale [CDAS] were also filled by the participants. Results: The mean age and gestational age of the participants were 31.3±3.9 years, and 24.5±10.1 weeks respectively. Psychological problems were moderate [total score GHQ-28&gt; 40] in 9.4% [n: 6] of the pregnant healthcare workers. The frequency of moderate/severe problems in the four subclasses, including somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression were 9[14.1%], 25[39.0%], 7[10.9%], and 10[15.6%], respectively. According to CDAS, 26.5% of participants had moderate to severe COVID-19 related anxiety. COVID-19 related anxiety and its subclasses, physical and psychological, were significantly correlated with GHQ-28 total score and its subclasses, including somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression among pregnant health care workers [P&lt;0.01]. Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, over 25% of the pregnant health care workers have moderate to severe COVID-19 related anxiety; so, it is crucial for policymakers to focus on the mental health of the pregnant health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

대학생의 코로나19 스트레서와 진로불안의 관계

Objectives The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the mediating effect of the sub-factors of work volition, volition and constraints and the moderating effect of intolerance of uncertainty in the relationship between COVID-19 stressors and career anxiety.&#x0D; Methods 288 college students aged 19 to 28, who were enrolled in a 4-year university, were surveyed online through the survey company INVIGHT from January 17th to January 20th, 2022, during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the collected data, the parallel multiple mediated effect was examined using Model 4 of PROCESS MACRO 3.5, and the mediating and moderating effects were examined using Model 5.&#x0D; Results First, the results confirmed a parallel multiple mediated effect of the sub-factors of work volition, volition and constraints, in the relationship between COVID-19 related stressors and career anxiety, indicating that constraints mediated the relationship. However, the mediating effect of volition was not significant. Second, it was found that intolerance of uncertainty moderated the relationship between COVID-19 related stressors and career anxiety.&#x0D; Conclusions As Korean college students experience more COVID-19 related stressors, their perception of constraints increases, leading to higher levels of career anxiety. Additionally, higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty intensify the impact of COVID-19 related stressors on career anxiety. Based on findings, the implication of the current finding in counseling practice, limitations of the study, and suggestions for further research were discussed.

Sporcu ve Sporcu Olmayan Üniversite Öğrencilerinde Covıd-19 Kaygısı, Tükenmişlik, Mental İyi Oluş ve Dayanıklılık Arasındaki İlişkiler

The COVID-19 pandemic process has been associated with particularly strong declines in the academic, social, and psychological conditions of university students. Concerns about COVID-19 have often been correlated with worsening well-being. Besides the burdens most university students face, student-athletes have also been exposed to these psycho-social consequences. Therefore, it is important to examine the protective factors against psychological adjustment skills. Concepts such as resilience and endurance, which are defined as one's ability to react to difficulties, can also be protective factors. With the ongoing pandemic process, resilience and endurance in university students who are athletes and non-athletes have not yet been examined in this context. For this reason, this study aims to examine the mediator role of resilience in the relationship between mental well-being, COVID-19 anxiety, and burnout. 778 university students, 412 athletes and 366 non-athletes, studying in different departments of the university participated in the study. As data collection tools, COVID-19 related anxiety scale, short psychological resilience scale, Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale short form and maslach burnout scale student form were used. The relationships between the anxiety, burnout, mental well-being and psychological resilience levels of the athletes and non-athletes were determined by the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. Structural equation modeling was used in data analysis to determine the direct and indirect predictive effects between variables. During the research process, all analyzes were made using SPSS 22.00 and AMOS package programs. The results showed that resilience was negatively related to COVID-19 anxiety and burnout, and positively related to mental well-being in both groups. Resilience mediated significant effects on COVID-19 anxiety, burnout, and mental well-being for students in both groups.

COVID-19-related anxiety and the role of social media among Canadian youth.

Current literature indicates that safety measures, including lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, severely disrupted our lifestyle, marked by increased screen time. The increased screen time is mostly associated with exacerbated physical and mental wellbeing. However, the studies that examine the relationship between specific types of screen time and COVID-19-related anxiety among youth are limited. We examined the usage of passive watching, social media, video games, and educational screen time and COVID-19-related anxiety at the 5-time points (Early-Spring 2021, Late-Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, and Spring 2022) among youth in Southern Ontario, Canada (N = 117, mean age = 16.82, male = 22%, non-White = 21%) and investigated the role of 4 types of screen time in COVID-19 related anxiety. COVID-related anxiety was measured using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). Descriptive statistics examined the binary relationships between demographic factors, screen time, and COVID-related anxiety. Also, partially adjusted and fully adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between the types of screen time and COVID-19-related anxiety. During the late Spring of 2021, when the provincial safety restrictions were most stringent, screen time was the highest among the 5 data collection time points. Further, adolescents experienced the highest COVID-19-related anxiety during this period. On the other hand, young adults experienced the highest COVID-19-related anxiety during Spring 2022. In a partially adjusted model (accounting for other types of screen time), engaging in 1-5 h per day on social media increased the likelihood of experiencing COVID-19-related anxiety compared to those who spend less than 1 h per day (OR = 3.50, 95%CI = 1.14-10.72, p < 0.05). Other types of screen time was not significantly associated with COVID-19-related anxiety. In a fully adjusted model (accounting for age, sex and ethnicity besides four types on screen time), 1-5 h per day of social media remained significantly associated with COVID-19-related anxiety (OR = 4.08, 95%CI = 1.22-13.62, p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that COVID-19-related anxiety is associated with youth engagement in social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians, parents, and educators should work collaboratively to provide developmentally appropriate approaches to reduce the negative social media impact on COVID-19-related anxiety and promote/foster resiliency in our community during the recovery period.

The association between risk perceptions, anxiety, and self-reported changes in tobacco and nicotine product use due to COVID-19 in May-June 2020 in Israel

BackgroundEarly in the COVID-19 pandemic, reports about a possible protective effect of nicotine on COVID-19 conflicted with messaging by public health organizations about increased risks of COVID-19 due to smoking. The ambiguous information the public received, combined with COVID-19-induced anxiety, may have led to changes in tobacco or other nicotine product use. This study examined changes in use of combustible cigarettes (CCs), nargila (hookah/waterpipe), e-cigarettes, and IQOS and home-smoking behaviors. We also assessed COVID-19 related anxiety and perceptions regarding changes in risk of COVID-19 severity due to smoking.MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from a population telephone survey that was conducted in Israel in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (May–June 2020) and included 420 adult (age 18+) individuals who reported having ever used CCs (n = 391), nargila (n = 193), and/or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes)/heated tobacco products (e.g., IQOS) (n = 52). Respondents were asked about the effect that COVID-19 had on their nicotine product use (quit/reduced use, no change, increased use). We assessed changes in product use, risk perceptions, and anxiety using adjusted multinomial logistic regression analyses.ResultsMost respondents did not change their frequency of product use (CCs: 81.0%, nargila: 88.2%, e-cigarettes/IQOS: 96.8%). A small percentage either decreased use (CCs: 7.2%, nargila: 3.2%, e-cigarettes/IQOS:2.4%) or increased use (CCs:11.8%, nargila:8.6%, e-cigarettes/IQOS:+ 0.9%). 55.6% of respondents used a product in the home prior to COVID-19; but during the first lockdown COVID-19 period, a greater percentage increased (12.6%) than decreased (4.0%) their home use. Higher levels of anxiety due to COVID-19 were associated with increased home smoking (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI:1.04–2.42, p = 0.02). Many respondents believed that increased severity of COVID-19 illness was associated with CCs (62.0%) and e-cigarettes/vaping (45.3%), with uncertainty about the association being lower for CCs (20.5%) than for vaping (41.3%).ConclusionsWhile many respondents believed that nicotine product use (particularly CCs and e-cigarettes) was associated with increased risk of COVID-19 disease severity, the majority of users did not change their tobacco/nicotine use. The confusion about the relationship between tobacco use and COVID-19 calls for clear evidence-based messaging from governments. The association between home smoking and increased COVID-19-related stress suggests the need for campaigns and resources to prevent smoking in the home, particularly during times of stress.

Hazardous alcohol use, drinking motives and COVID-19-related anxiety in college students

Objective This study examined the associations of anxiety and drinking motives with hazardous and binge alcohol use among young adults. Participants We recruited young adults (N = 182, mean age 25) between November 2020 and December 2020. Methods Linear regressions were used to evaluate relationships among hazardous alcohol use (US Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-C [USAUDIT-C]), binge drinking (Alcohol Intake Questionnaire [AIQ]), PROMIS-Anxiety, COVID-19 related anxiety (CAS), and the drinking to cope with depression and anxiety subscales of the Modified Drinking Motives Questionnaire. Results Sixty-two percent of participants reported hazardous drinking (USAUDIT-C score > 4). PROMIS Anxiety and CAS scores were 63.7 and 1.0, respectively. Scores were positively associated with drinking patterns. However, the drinking to cope with depression motive significantly mediated these associations. Conclusions After the onset of the pandemic, hazardous and binge drinking patterns among young adults were associated with drinking to cope with depression rather than anxiety.

A confirmatory factor analysis of a cognitive model of COVID-19 related anxiety and depression

The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant, with many regions across the globe reporting significant increases in anxiety, depression, trauma, and insomnia. This study aims to validate a potential cognitive model of maintenance factors of COVID-19 related distress by examining psychological predictors of distress, and their goodness-of-fit as a coherent model. Participants from the general population (n = 555) were recruited using a cross-sectional on-line survey design, assessing Demographic factors, Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness, COVID-19 related distress, Trauma Cognitions related to COVID-19, Rumination, Safety Behaviours, Personality Factors, and Mental Effort related to COVID-19. A series of stepwise linear regressions found that components of the model were significant and accounted for a large percentage of variance when examining Covid-19 related distress (R2 = 0.447 Covid Stress Scale), Anxiety (R2 = 0.536 DASS-Anxiety Subscale) and Depression (R2 = 0.596 Depression DASS-subscale). In a confirmatory factor analysis, Loneliness, Post-Traumatic Cognitions about Self, Post-Traumatic Cognitions about the World, Emotional Stability, and Mental Effort related to COVID-19 loaded onto a single factor. The final model showed adequate fit (CFI = 0.990, TLI = 0.983, RMSEA = 0.053 (0.027–0.080), GFI = 0.986, SRMR = 0.0216, χ2 = 23.087, p = .006). The results highlight the importance of cognitive factors, such as post-traumatic cognitions, rumination, and mental effort in maintaining COVID-19 related distress.

Intimate Partner Violence Among South Asian Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Prevalence and Risk Factors.

The goal of this study was to understand the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among South Asian women during COVID-19, and to identify predictors of IPV presence and severity. We recruited South Asian women (n = 132) to complete an online survey about their mood, experiences with COVID-19, and IPV. 47% of South Asian women (n = 132) reported experiencing any IPV, most commonly economic abuse. Women experiencing IPV had higher rates of COVID-19 related worry (t=-1.3, p = .001) and anxiety (t=-2.2, p = .027). The following variables were associated with greater odds of experiencing IPV: COVID-19 related worry (OR: 1.44 [1.11, 1.87]) and full-time employment status (OR: 0.13 [0.02, 0.99]). Depressive symptoms were a significant positive predictor of economic abuse severity (b = 0.80, p = .002). Future research should examine cultural and environmental factors that interact with the experience of IPV among South Asian women to better inform interventions for survivors.

Efficacy of Virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on COVID-19 Pandemic Related Anxiety in a Middle Eastern Country: An Interventional Study.

Emotional stress and anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic has gained a lot of attention. The capacity to withstand from the manipulated thinking and COVID-19 related stress and anxiety depends on the resilience level of an individual. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has patronizing benefits for people affected with altered mental health. Relieving COVID-19 related anxiety using CBT has beneficial impact on health and improves quality of life of people. Aimed to relieve the anxiety of Omani population during COVID-19 pandemic using CBT. This research utilized a pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to select 96 Omani people who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The pre-anxiety level was assessed using CAS (Corona virus Anxiety Scale). The participants who scored above nine in the scale were given three sessions of CBT. Post-anxiety level was assessed using CAS after three CBT sessions. The study revealed that the level of anxiety reduced during post-test (6.35) after intervention when compared to pre-test (13.22). The CBT intervention was effective in reducing the anxiety in the post-test at p ≤ .000. CBT is effective in reducing COVID-19 related anxiety among the Omani population. Therefore, this strategy is highly recommended in people having mental health issues.

Mental health, loneliness and stress of Asian, Black and White UK university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of UK university students. However, the knowledge on the impact on students from different ethnic groups is limited. We investigated mental health, loneliness, and perceived stress in 656 university students with an Asian, Black and White ethnic background across three cohorts, before (2019-2020), during (2020-2021), and at the end of the pandemic (2021-2022). Students at City, University of London completed an online study, including the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms, the UCLA loneliness scale, the perceived stress scale, and questions about COVID-19. Substance-use concerns were highest before the pandemic compared to during the pandemic. Academic distress and loneliness were higher during the pandemic than before. COVID-19 related anxiety was significantly related with poor mental health across groups. Students with an Asian or Black ethnic background had slightly lower reported mental health difficulties than White students, which appeared to be partly driven by lower substance-use concerns. However, students from an Asian or Black ethnic background reported being more financially impacted by the pandemic and reported more loneliness than White students. The findings reflect pandemic-related changes in student life, characterized by reduced socializing with fellow students and suggest that overall students adapted well to these changes in terms of their mental health.

Prevalence of anxiety among the adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uttar Pradesh

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health of the global population. The purpose of this study is to investigate anxiety levels of adult population in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: The study utilized a web-based cross-sectional survey design. A total of 236 participants were enrolled via snowball sampling method. Standardized tool coronavirus anxiety scale was used to collect the data regarding COVID-19 related anxiety. The data was collected during August-November 2021.Results: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The mean age of the participants was 26.64+8.38 years, with the majority being female (65.3%). Approximately half (48.3%) of the participants were healthcare professionals (HCWs). The results revealed that only 5.5% of the participants were anxious about COVID-19, with healthcare workers being the most anxious.Conclusions: During the COVID-19 crisis, appropriate supportive interventions should be implemented with the goal of providing targeted mental health services to those who are more likely to suffer from mental disorders. The psychosocial intervention and support strategy should cover specifically frontline workers who are tasked with the role of combating virus.

Does the practice of mindfulness reduce somatic symptoms and COVID-19-related anxiety? A community-based survey.

Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have shown an increase of psychological distress in the general population. Previous research demonstrated that high levels of anxiety are associated with reporting more somatic symptoms. The ability to adaptively regulate emotions is essential to deal with stressful situations, and it is one of the main components of mindfulness practice. The aim of the present study was to document the effect of mindfulness practice on somatic symptoms and psychological distress in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. The study has a descriptive cross-sectional design. During the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, between November 2020 and January 2021 participants living in France responded to an online survey on the impact of COVID-19 on psychological distress and physical health. The questionnaire included the assessment of COVID-19-related anxiety, mindfulness practice and experience, dispositional mindfulness, somatization, depression, generalized anxiety, and emotion regulation. A total of 569 people (mean age = 39.8 years, 90% women) were included in the study. COVID-19 related anxiety was associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms, generalized anxiety, and depression. About half of the sample (n = 318, 56%) reported moderate to severe somatic symptoms that were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, lower levels of dispositional mindfulness and to the use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. Overall, 164 subjects (28.8%) reported practicing meditation. No differences were found in dispositional mindfulness (MAAS score) between beginners and advanced practitioners, regardless of the type, years, frequency, and length of practice. Participants with less experience in mindfulness practice reported a significant higher number of somatic symptoms than non-practitioners and a higher use of rumination. Moreover, mindfulness experience was associated with the use of more adaptive emotion regulation strategies. Mindfulness meditation has been promoted as a practice enhancing well-being and helping to cope with the psychological impact of stressful events. However, in a distressing situation as COVID-19 pandemic, a limited experience in mindfulness practices might result in the development or endurance of somatic symptoms. Adequate training and a focus on mindful acceptance, may contribute to enhance the effectiveness of mindfulness practice.

Development and initial validation of the attitudes toward face mask use scale (ATFMUS)

Despite availability of instruments for measuring attitudes towards mask use, the psychometric properties of many available instruments are not adequately established which limits their research usefulness across contexts. In three studies, we developed the Attitudes Towards Face Mask Use Scale (ATFMUS) in three phases: item generation, scale development, and scale evaluation. Phase one and two were addressed in study 1 while phase three was addressed in studies 2 and 3. In Study 1, a combined online and pen-and-paper sample of 174 (78% university students) completed a questionnaire with 19 items regarding attitudes towards face mask use derived from theory, previous research, and experience. Responses were subjected to item reduction analysis, exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis. In Study 2, a student sample of 674 (70.5% high school) completed the new scale together with measures of COVID-19 related anxiety and obsession, personality, affect, social media use, and social desirability. Data from the ATFMUS were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and pertinent revisions done. The ATFMUS was then validated using correlation analyses, measurement invariance analyses, and known-group comparisons. In study 3, two samples of university students from Ghana (n = 242) and Kenya (n = 199) were involved in testing the cross-country invariance of the ATFMUS. The results reveal that the 5-item ATFMUS is a reliable and valid scale for assessing attitudes towards face mask use. Invariance analysis revealed that the ATFMUS is fair to use across participants of different age, level of education, and countries. The scale is also sensitive to participants’ actual use of face masks as well as their beliefs about COVID-19 and efficacy of the facemasks. This study offers a foundation for further psychometric evaluation of the ATFMUS.

COVID-19 related anxiety and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study on older adults in Bangladesh

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in serious mental health conditions, particularly among older adults. This research explored the prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety and its associated factors among older adults residing in Bangladesh.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,045 older Bangladeshi adults aged ≥ 60 years through telephone interviews in September 2021. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data on participants’ characteristics and COVID-19-related anxiety. The anxiety level was measured using the Bengali version of the five-point Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). A linear regression model explored the factors associated with COVID-19-related anxiety.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety was 23.2%. The regression analysis revealed that the average COVID-19-related anxiety score was significantly higher among females (β: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.81), and among those who faced difficulty getting medicine (β: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.97), felt isolated (β: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.95), and felt requiring additional care during the pandemic (β: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.91). Alternatively, the average COVID-19-related anxiety score was significantly lower among those who were widowed (β: -0.46, 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.04) and living distant from the health centre (β: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.17).ConclusionThe findings of the present study suggest providing immediate psychosocial support package to the older adults, particularly females and those who are vulnerable to receive health and social care support during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.