Fear Of Isolation Research Articles

A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITIES IN PATIENTS ADMITTED FOR COVID-19 IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NEW DELHI

Context: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel Corona virus has impacted more than 200 countries. COVID-19 patients are frequently isolated and quarantined due to high infectivity thus adding to further mental stress, uncertainty, anger, confusion, stress and insecurity. It has given rise to various psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, fear of isolation, fear of dying, feeling of helplessness, insomnia and many more. The aim of this study is to investigate stress, anxiety, and depression in COVID-19 positive patients during the Corona pandemic in India. Aims: To study the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients admitted for COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Settings and Design: This cross sectional study was conducted on 82 COVID-19 patients admitted in covid ward of Hamdard institute of medical sciences, Hakeem Abdul Hameed Centenary Hospital (HAHC)Hospital, New Delhi. Subjects and Methods: The data was collected on socio demographic parameters and assessment was done using the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) questionnaire in COVID-19 admitted patients in the hospital. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 16 version for Microsoft Windows. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.21 ± 12.23 years. 59.8% patients (N=49) were men and 40.2% (N=33) were women. Depression was more 40 to 60 years age group (12%). (P=0.333). Anxiety and stress was more in age group of 60 years and above. (14%) (P=0.313) and (14%) (P=0.011) respectively. Depression was more in females patients.(P=0.039) while anxiety and stress was also found in male patients. (P=0.014) and (P=0.148) respectively Anxiety and stress was more common in patients with less oxygen saturation while depression was more in patients with more higher oxygen saturation levels. Conclusions: COVID-19 patients score higher on comorbid anxiety and depression. Mild to Moderate level of depression is commonly seen among female, married, less educated, middle age and above group and low oxygen saturation. Anxiety is more amongst male, married, less educated and elderly group and stress is more common in male, widow, tobacco smokers and patients with less oxygen saturation in COVID-19 patients.

Sexual Violence at Music Festivals and the ‘Theory of Silence’: Unravelling the ‘Hideous’ Sexual Assault Problem in Nigerian Open-air Musical Events

This study confronts the prevailing culture of silence that trails sexual victimization in Nigeria to explore the scale of the problem of sexual violence at open-air music festivals. In-depth interviews involving 47 female attendees of musical concerts, who had experienced different forms of sexual violence, were conducted. Findings revealed high severity of sexual assault, low reportage, and strong influence of rape myth acceptance. Refusal to report sexual victimization is informed by the fear of isolation, stigmatization, self-blame and low confidence in the police. Cultural-shift that will change negative social perception towards rape survivors and women attending music festivals is suggested.

Prevalence of anxiety and depression among COVID-19 patients admitted to tertiary care hospital

Context: COVID-19 patients undergo myriad of psychological problems such as mood swings, depression, fear of isolation, fear of dying, feeling helpless, insomnia, anxious forebodings, and nervousness. These are commonly seen among isolated and quarantined patients who experience notable levels of anxiety, uncertainty, anger, confusion, stress and insecurity. Aims: This study aims to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among these infected patients admitted to tertiary care center. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 COVID-19 patients admitted to DMC&H, Ludhiana. Subjects and Methods: The data were collected on sociodemographic parameters and assessment was done using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) at the time of discharge from the hospital. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 21 version for Microsoft Windows. Results: Majority of the patients were males and in the age group of 31–50 years. 48% patients had comorbid depression. Moderate-to-severe levels of depression were found more in males (25%) as compared to females (15%). Comorbid anxiety was seen commonly in females (60%) than male patients (28.75%), though the moderate-to-severe level of anxiety was more in males (71.25%) as compared to females (40%). On symptom checklist of HDRS and HARS, patients had high scores on insomnia (75%), psychic anxiety (45%–50%), somatic symptoms (gastrointestinal [50%], muscular [56%], and respiratory [81%]) and loss of weight (40%). Conclusions: COVID-19 patients score higher on comorbid anxiety and depression. Moderate-to-severe level of anxiety and depression is commonly seen among male patients than female patients.

Prevalence, Intensity and Manifestation of COVID-19 Fear: A Cross Sectional Analysis.

Pandemics are direct antecedent of distinctive physical, psychological, social and financial impacts. A large number of researches are being conducted regarding previous epidemics and pandemics and lot more is currently in progress vis-?-vis COVID-19. The current research is an attempt to explore psychological impacts of COVID-19 specifically to find out the existence, intensity and dynamics of COVID-19 fear in non-clinical educated population. A cross sectional online study was conducted with non-clinical educated Pakistani citizens. Self-structured questionnaire comprising close and open ended questions was used for data collection from different cities of Pakistan. N=317 participants (men=121, women=196) were the sample for this study. Demographic information was also sought. The age range of sample was 18 to 50+ years. Most of the participants fall in the category of age group 23-28 of sample. All the participants were educated from Intermediate till PhD but majority of participants had 16 years of education. SPSS 22 was used for quantitative data analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and content analysis. Results yield significant age wise and profession wise difference in existence of COVID fear. Nine major themes were extracted regarding nature of fear i.e. Corona Fear, Loss, fear of isolation or quarantine, religion related fear, death, consequences of COVID-19, Under developed country, Psychological component of fear and empathy. Those who denied fear were asked the reasons and six major themes were extracted here i.e Religion, Inevitability of death, Precautions, Belief in self, Myths or misinterpretation of disease and Avoidant approach. Age and profession significantly influenced fear of COVID-19. Gender-wise exploration of themes yields interesting insights. Participants reflected positivity and empathy in crisis situation.

“The Body Becomes Closed and Squeezed up in a Narrow Frame”: Loneliness and Fears of Isolation in the Lives of Older People in Rural Areas in Karelia During COVID-19.

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Violence against doctors: before and during the pandemic of COVID-19

Work-place violence has been on rise in recent years. Hospitals and medical fraternity are not spared of it either. Initially there were instances of such acts in hospitals only. The health care professionals are not spared even on fields as evidenced by recent attacks on frontline workers who are involved in contact tracing and screening amid Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV2). In order to find the different causes leading to violence against doctors and to recommend solutions for them, relevant articles published in last five years in English language from India were included. High patient load, lack of necessary facilities, insufficient number of trained staff are few of the drawbacks of our hospital setting. While long waiting hours, delays in referrals, high out of pocket expenditure are troubling issues from a patient’s perspective. In view of the rising pandemic, stigmatization, fear of isolation are few reasons giving rise to such events. In order to curb such workplace menace and to deliver health services at peace, there is a dire need for controlling such ruthlessness. The medical council, hospital administration, government and media, all have an indispensable role to make doctors feel safe and to furnish smooth services. Incorporation of critical communication in syllabus, increasing specialty seats for emergency medicine, strengthening pre-hospital services, changing the setup of emergency room are the need of the hour. With the recent amendment to Epidemic disease Act, 1897 offering protection to frontline workers, there is a light towards the end of tunnel.

SUICIDE RELATED RISK FACTORS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

In India, media and press report frequent suicidal death in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Apart from known sociodemographic, psychological and mental health disorder related risk factors of suicide, a unique, different set of reasons seem to be noted among suicides during this pandemic. Notably, fear of being infected and infecting dear ones, lack of understanding about the disease, fear of isolation, distress from lockdown, boredom from excess time with self, uncertainty of cure, despair of being locked at home and socially isolated, all together compound emergence of preexisting new onset depression, panic, post-traumatic stress, psychoses and substance use. Complicated economic, social, and political instability due lockdown has worsened vulnerability to suicidal behaviours among general population and healthcare workers. Although the long-term evolution of the course of suicide and covid-19 disease is unpredictable, the first few months have identified few unique risk factors and research must work on specific tailored strategies that address these novel risk factors are needed to mitigate suicide now.

SUICIDE RELATED RISK FACTORS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

In India, media and press report frequent suicidal death in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Apart from known sociodemographic, psychological and mental health disorder related risk factors of suicide, a unique, different set of reasons seem to be noted among suicides during this pandemic. Notably, fear of being infected and infecting dear ones, lack of understanding about the disease, fear of isolation, distress from lockdown, boredom from excess time with self, uncertainty of cure, despair of being locked at home and socially isolated, all together compound emergence of preexisting new onset depression, panic, post-traumatic stress, psychoses and substance use. Complicated economic, social, and political instability due lockdown has worsened vulnerability to suicidal behaviours among general population and healthcare workers. Although the long-term evolution of the course of suicide and covid-19 disease is unpredictable, the first few months have identified few unique risk factors and research must work on specific tailored strategies that address these novel risk factors are needed to mitigate suicide now.

Non-Compliance with COVID-19 Screening in Pakistan

Objectives: To quantify the non-complaint portion of the general public – not wanting to be screened for COVID-19 and find the reason for this non-compliance, in the general public of Rawalpindi Pakistan.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.
 Place and Duration of Study: General public of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. From June 19, 2020, to June 21, 2020.
 Methodology: A questionnaire was constructed based on a local study, it was injected to the accessible online population through Google Forms. Surveyors collected data from the illiterate population on printed proforma. A sample of 1108 was collected. IBM® SPSS® was used for data analysis. For categorical data, frequencies and percentages were calculated. A Chi-square test was applied for statistical significance.
 Results: 45.3% of participants were females, 54.7% were males. 37.9% of participants were married and 62.1% were unmarried. 3.8% were illiterate, 40.4% were matriculated and 47.1% had education higher than intermediate. 38.3% was non-compliant population – didn’t want to get screened for COVID-19. 30.7% were non-compliant because of ‘fear of isolation/ quarantine with other COVID-19 patients, leading to worsening of disease’ followed by 26.9% who ‘don’t trust the reliability of the test’. Gender and Education level variables were statistically significant in determining non-compliance. Marital status was found non-significant.
 Conclusion: A significant portion of the population i.e. 38.3% showed non-compliance with COVID-19 screening, which was statistically associated with gender and education level.

The alternatives to being silent: exploring opinion expression avoidance strategies for discussing politics on Facebook

PurposeThis study integrates the spiral of silence (SoS) theory and theory of planned behavior (TPB) by examining Facebook users' opinion expression avoidance, the reactions to dissenting views without revealing one's true opinion, in the context of political discussions. The present integrative approach provides a more comprehensive framework that expands our understanding of online opinion expression and withdrawal.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional online survey was employed, which rendered 348 valid responses from US college students (61.5% female; average age 19.11) recruited from a northeastern university.FindingsThe results categorized two sets of opinion avoidance strategies from six Facebook features. The intention to adopt “proactive avoidance strategies” (filtering out unwanted information) is positively related to descriptive norms and perceived self-efficacy, but negatively related to fear of isolation and perceived control of the urge to debate. Regarding the intention to employ “reactive avoidance strategies” (less obtrusive articulations), fear of isolation and attitudes toward opinion expression avoidance are positive determinants, whereas perceived control of the urge to debate again exerts a negative influence.Originality/valueThis study examines the growing variety of features that users adopt to avoid expressing their true opinion in reacting to dissenting views, updating our understanding of opinion circumvention in social media environment. As one of the few theoretically driven empirical investigations of SoS theory and TPB, the findings not only elucidate the significance of perceived behavioral control as the common ground in association with user adoption intention but also identify distinct qualities of the two sets of strategies that affect the likelihood of adoption. That is, proactive avoidance is more susceptible to normative influences, while reactive avoidance reflects user attitude and belief. This theoretical integration also helps identify diverse levels of intentions to strategically avoid opinion expression influenced by fear of isolation.

Understanding President Trump supporters’ behaviors about a political controversy

PurposeThis study seeks to understand Trump supporters’ behaviors on social media in the wake of a political controversy: US President Trump’s continued support for Judge Roy Moore’s candidacy for the US Senate representing the state of Alabama despite several allegations of sexual assault against him.Design/methodology/approachFew days before the special election was held in Alabama, an online survey was conducted among 325 supporters of President Trump to explore Trump supporters’ social media behaviors, including the unfriending/unfollowing contacts and speaking out about the controversy.FindingsWe found a negative presidential image to influence individuals’ loss of face, and such loss of face to impact unfriending/unfollowing behaviors on social media, as well as outspokenness. Furthermore, the differences between strong issue supporters and weak issue supporters’ opinions of climate perceptions and outspokenness were investigated.Originality/valueRather than using fear of isolation as the mediator between opinion climate and willingness to speak out, as is generally the case in the spiral of silence model (Moy et al., 2001), this study investigated the role of another affective indicator, loss of face on two social media behaviors, outspokenness, and unfollowing/unfriending contacts on social media.

Finding community during a pandemic.

In early March, the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in my city, Boston. Suddenly, our university inundated us with emails encouraging good hygiene practices and social distancing. Then, a few days later, we were informed that all noncritical research should stop and that mandatory work-from-home policies would be implemented. Anxiety spread like wildfire. I had not expected my work life on campus to stop so suddenly. My lab mates and I think of our workspace as a home away from home, where we enjoy interacting at lab meetings and over coffee. I felt a pit in my stomach as I realized all that was over for now. I was afraid of feeling isolated. > “My sense of isolation has faded, and … I feel more connected than ever.” What worried me even more was the extent of the isolation. Within a few days of learning that I'd be working at home for at least 6 weeks, I found out that a conference I was planning to attend in June was canceled. Not only was I going to miss my work environment, but I was also going to lose a great opportunity to meet researchers from around the world, share ideas, and present my work. On the last day we were all in the lab together, my postdoc adviser mentioned he wanted to start an online seminar series. At first I felt relieved, thinking that virtual seminars would at least provide some respite from isolation. But I doubted they would measure up to the experience of in-person seminars. Together with another lab head, my adviser spread the word that they were starting a Slack group, where researchers in our field—the science of aging—could have discussions and sign up to give seminars. The group quickly amassed roughly 600 members, and the speaker list filled up. That seemed promising, but I still wondered how many scientists would actually tune in to the seminars, which were slated to take place once every workday. One week after our university closed, I settled into my makeshift work-from-home desk and logged on to my first virtual seminar. I was pleasantly surprised to see some familiar names online, some from as far away as Brazil and China. Midway through the talk, I noticed that more than 250 researchers were watching. As I took notes, jotting down intriguing experiments and impressive techniques, the unfamiliarity of the experience faded. I realized that despite being alone in my apartment, I was taking part in an event with researchers from around the world, some probably motivated by the same fear of isolation I had felt. We have continued the daily seminars in the weeks since then, hearing from senior scientists, Ph.D. students, postdocs, and others in our field. After each seminar, we ask the speaker questions on Slack and take part in a group discussion about their research. I've found the talks helpful for learning about new lab techniques and identifying researchers whom I might be able to collaborate with in the future. We've also used our Slack group to connect in more personal ways, such as by sharing updates on COVID-19 cases in our respective countries and commiserating about struggles that we're going through. I have been able to reconnect with colleagues whom I met at conferences years ago but had since lost touch with. My sense of isolation has faded, and—perhaps counterintuitively—I feel more connected than ever. I began my work-at-home experience worried about losing the opportunity to connect with my colleagues. But I now realize that I am part of a global research community that can thrive online. I plan to continue my conversations with colleagues via our Slack group long after the pandemic is quelled. That will allow us to connect year-round, not just during our field's annual conference, and to include researchers for whom travel is difficult. If you find yourself lonely working from home, I'd recommend starting your own online community with colleagues in your field. We're facing tough times and an uncertain future. But it's also an opportunity to rethink how we interact with one another, in ways that will benefit the scientific community in the long term.

Analysis of the Applicability of “the Spiral of Silence” in Weibo

“The spiral of silence” theory was first funded by Professor Elizabeth Noelle Neumann in 1972. This theory indicates that, if a person feels that his opinion is belonging to minority, he is less likely to express it, because he is afraid of being retaliated or isolated by majority. This theory assumes that people are always estimating what the public opinion is, and they often judge it through the media. The theory also assumes that we have an inherent fear of isolation and that we know what perspectives can lead us to isolation by majority. This theory also explains why there are always such minority groups in the society and they dare to raise different opinions. With the flash development of the Internet, more and more self media have broken the old pattern of mass media as the information publisher. So it is a big question whether “the spiral of silence” theory is still applicable to the Internet environment. This paper, from the perspective of the basic hypothesis and core theory of “the spiral of silence”, focuses on whether the theory is applicable to the communicative behavior in We-Media.

Negative influence of interpersonal dependency and fear of isolation on judgement ability for social problems

Negative influence of interpersonal dependency and fear of isolation on judgement ability for social problems

Constructing the Gendered Risk of Illness in Lyrica Ads for Fibromyalgia: Fear of Isolation as a Motivating Narrative for Consumer Demand.

Direct-to-consumer television advertisements for Lyrica in the United States create narratives of gendered domestic normalcy to which women with fibromyalgia are encouraged to aspire through pharmaceutical intervention. This paper unpacks images and narratives within these advertisements to demonstrate that they rely on metaphors that represent gendered expectations in order to evoke guilt and provoke a desire for what Joseph Dumit calls "health as risk reduction," and what I argue is an attempt to show disability being erased. Following Stuart Hall's Encoding/Decoding model of communication, viewers play a role in constructing societal expectations for women with chronic pain and for themselves.

SAĞLIK ÇALIŞANLARININ ÖRGÜTSEL SESSİZLİK, SESSİZLİĞİN NEDENLERİ VE SONUÇLARINA İLİŞKİN GÖRÜŞLERİ

Amaç : Bu çalışmanın amacı; sağlık çalışanlarının sessiz kaldığı konuların neler olduğunu, sessizleşme nedenlerini ve sessizleşmenin sağlık çalışanları açısından algılanan sonuçlarını ortaya koymaktır. Yöntem : Araştırmanın evrenini Ankara’da faaliyet gösteren bir kamu hastanesinde görevli 884 sağlık çalışanı, örneklemini ise 276 sağlık çalışanı (doktor, hemşire, diğer sağlık personeli ve idari personel) oluşturmaktadır.Bulgular : Sağlık çalışanlarının en fazla yönetsel ve örgütsel sebeplerden ötürü (3,10±0,92), yönetim sorunları (2,65±0,96) ve çalışanların performansı (2,64±0,88) konularında sessiz kaldıkları bulunmuştur. Sağlık çalışanları, sessizliğin performans ve sinerjiyi engelleyen sonuçlar (3,60±0,77) doğuracağı fikrine katıldıklarını ifade etmişlerdir. Ayrıca araştırma sonucunda; sağlık çalışanlarının sessiz kaldıkları konular alt boyutlarından “iyileştirme çabaları” alt boyutu yönetsel pozisyonun olup olmamasına göre, “etik konular” alt boyutu eğitim ve göreve göre, “çalışma olanakları ve sorumluluklar” alt boyutu yönetsel pozisyonun olup olmamasına göre, “yönetim sorunları” alt boyutu yaş, medeni durum ve hastanede çalışma süresine göre ve “çalışanların performansı” alt boyutu ise hastanede çalışma süresi ve yönetsel pozisyonun olup olmamasına göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıklar göstermiştir. Sağlık çalışanlarının sessiz kalma nedenleri alt boyutlarından “deneyim eksikliği” alt boyutu medeni durum, eğitim ve göreve göre, “iş ile ilgili korkular ve yalıtım korkusu” alt boyutu ise yaş, medeni durum, görev ve toplam çalışma süresine göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıklar göstermiştir. Son olarak; sessizliğin algılanan sonuçları alt boyutlarından “performans ve sinerjiyi engelleyen sonuçlar” alt boyutunun göreve göre, “işgöreni mutsuz kılan sonuçlar” alt boyutunun cinsiyet, medeni durum ve göreve göre ve “iyileşmeyi ve gelişmeyi kısıtlayan sonuçlar” alt boyutunun ise medeni durum ve toplam çalışma süresine göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıklar gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç : Bu çalışma sonucunda sessizliğin en önemli nedeni yöneticilerin tavır ve davranışları olarak bulunmuştur. Bu bağlamda, yöneticiler öncelikle işgörenlerine değer vermeli, onları dinlemeli, sorunları ile ilgilenmeli, işe ilişkin kaygılarını yok etmeye çalışmalıdır.

Opinião e cenários comunicativos: influência de fatores contextuais nos processos sociopsicológicos da espiral do silêncio

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar como fatores contextuais podem afetar os processos sociopsicológicos especificados pela teoria da espiral do silêncio, como o medo de isolamento e a congruência de opinião. Os contextos para este artigo foram divididos em ambientes on-line – sites de redes sociais, salas de bate-papo e fóruns de discussão on-line – e comunicação face a face. Os dados foram obtidos a partir da aplicação de questionários on-line sobre a opinião a respeito da união civil entre pessoas do mesmo sexo. Com um total de 226 formulários preenchidos, os dados coletados receberam tratamento estatístico para a realização do teste das hipóteses. A análise dos dados demonstrou que a expressão da opinião está ligada a fatores que se relacionam com as características específicas de cada meio/ambiente em que a opinião é expressa, em conjunto com os fatores sociopsicológicos que operam na espiral do silêncio. Ou seja, a configuração da comunicação afeta o desejo dos indivíduos em expressar seus pontos de vista, fazendo com que a espiral do silêncio aconteça de forma diferente em cada contexto específico.

Societal Majority, Facebook, and the Spiral of Silence in the 2016 US Presidential Election

The 2016 US presidential election was highly contentious, as both candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, received strong polarizing support and opposition with controversial campaigns, name-calling, and violence at campaign rallies. This may have contributed to an opinion climate where citizens were reluctant to express support for a candidate. This study tests the spiral of silence theory in the context of this election. We examine the interplay among opinion congruency, fear of isolation, and willingness to express support for a candidate. Data from an online survey show that opinion congruency for Clinton in society at large, and for Trump on Facebook, had indirect associations with willingness to express support for a candidate face-to-face, on Facebook, and in anonymous online settings through fear of isolation.

Who Expresses Opinions in a Hostile Online Forum Environment and When

This study examines the issue of who tends to speak out against the tide of opinions on an online discussion forum and which forum conditions facilitate an individual’s public expression of honest opinions. In response to the call for experimental research, this study employed simulated online forums to place participants in multifaceted hostile online discussion situations. The findings indicate that an individual’s race, issue involvement, issue knowledge, fear of isolation, and the revelation of identity influenced opinion expression online. In particular, fear of isolation, which has been pointed out as the main reason for silencing minority opinion holders, played an unexpected role as a motivator for frank expression of opinions online.

Does Fear of Isolation Disappear Online? Attention-Seeking Motivators in Online Political Engagement

This study investigated the effects of fear of isolation (FOI) on political content consumption and creation in the context of online communication. Using more than 1,000 respondents from South Korea, the study empirically tested a theoretical model of FOI on political content consumption and expressions with two mediators (i.e., attention/status-seeking, and anonymity-seeking). Results indicated that FOI is related to seeking attention and status in political outlets also connected to anonymity-preference that leads to political expression. Implications for political communication scholarship and for practitioners are that voters’ political participations can be understood in a framework different from traditional focus on persuasion, political ideology, or demographics because—in today’s virtual and interactive media environment—users are more content consumers or community participants.