High Levels Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Associations between Socioeconomic Status and Psychological Distress: An Analysis of Disaggregated Latinx Subgroups Using Data from the National Health Interview Survey

Differences in socioeconomic status (SES), including income, education, and employment, continue to be significant contributors to health disparities in the United States (US), including disparities in mental health outcomes. Despite the size and diversity of the Latinx population, there is a lack of literature describing differences in mental health outcomes, including psychological distress, for Latinx subgroups (e.g., Dominican, Puerto Rican, Cuban). Therefore, we used pooled data from the 2014-2018 National Health Interview Survey to examine variations in psychological distress among Latinx subgroups as compared to other Latinx subgroups and non-Latinx whites. Additionally, we conducted regression analyses and tested whether race/ethnicity modified the relationship between SES indicators and psychological distress. Findings indicate that individuals categorized as Dominican and Puerto Rican were among the Latinx subgroups with the highest levels of psychological distress when compared to other Latinx subgroups and non-Latinx whites. Additionally, results demonstrate that SES indicators, such as higher levels of income and education, were not necessarily significantly associated with lower levels of psychological distress for all Latinx subgroups when compared to non-Latinx whites. Our findings discourage the practice of making broad generalizations about psychological distress or its associations with SES indicators to all Latinx subgroups using results garnered from the aggregate Latinx category.

Who seeks sex therapy? Sexual dysfunction prevalence and correlates, and help-seeking among clinical and community samples.

Sexual dysfunctions (SD; e.g., female sexual interest/arousal disorder, erectile disorder, female orgasmic disorder, delayed ejaculation, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, etc.) affect up to a third of individuals, impairing sexuality, intimate relationships, and mental health. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of SDs and their sexual, relational, and psychological correlates between a sample of adults consulting in sex therapy (n = 963) and a community-based sample (n = 1,891), as well as examine barriers to sexual health services for SD and the characteristics of individuals seeking such services. Participants completed an online survey. Analyses showed that participants in the clinical sample reported lower levels of sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction and higher levels of psychological distress than participants in the community-based sample. Moreover, higher SD rates were related to lower relational satisfaction and higher psychological distress in the community sample, and to lower sexual satisfaction in both samples. Among participants in the community sample who sought professional services for SD, 39.6% reported that they were unable to access services, and 58.7% reported at least one barrier to receiving help. This study provides important data regarding the prevalence of SD and the link between SD and psychosexual health in clinical and nonclinical samples, as well as barriers to treatment access.

Mitigating the impacts of racism on Indigenous wellbeing through human rights, legislative and health policy reform.

Mitigating the impacts of racism on Indigenous wellbeing through human rights, legislative and health policy reform.

Satisfaction at work as a determinant of the mental health of electricians

IntroductionThe workplace environment influences employees’ health. Authors widely recognise job dissatisfaction as a workplace. Work satisfaction can influence employees’ psychological health statuses.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the impact of satisfaction at work on the mental health of electricians.MethodsThe study concerned a group of electricians who agreed to answer a face-to-face interview concerning working conditions and mental health status. Data was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire that included socio-professional characteristics, a 10-point scale of job satisfaction, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) between January and June 2022.ResultsOur study included 74 male electricians. The mean age was 39.3 ± 10.5 years. The average job tenure was 15.5 ± 11.2 years. The mean score of K6 was 5.4±4.8 (range = 0–22). The proportion of respondents with high levels of psychological distress (K6 score of 13 or greater) was 9.5 %. The mean score of satisfaction at work was 7.7±1.8. Low satisfaction at work was correlated with high levels of psychological distress (p = 0.012; r = -0.29).ConclusionsHigh job satisfaction was correlated with low levels of psychological distress. Policies and practices should focus on improving working conditions to enhance the mental health of employees.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Association between perceived workload and mental health among electricians

IntroductionThe work conditions of electricians have been associated with heavy physical and psychological workloads. It is essential to know the impact of this perceived workload on the mental health of workers.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the relationship between perceived workload on the mental health of workers.MethodsThe study was conducted among a group of electricians. Data were gathered between January-June 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). To assess the perceived workload, we choose the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). In this study, we evaluated raw NASA-TLX scores.ResultsSeventy-four workers participated in the study. They were married in 67,6% of cases. The mean age was 39,3 ± 10,5 years. The average job tenure was 15,5 ± 11,2 years. The mean score of K6 was 5,4±4,8. The proportion of respondents with high levels of psychological distress (K6 score of 13 or greater) was 9.5 %. The mean score of mental demand, physical demand, performance, effort, frustration level and temporal demand were respectively 88.8±14, 60.8±23.6, 85.2±13.1, 82.7±15.4, 34.3±29.3 and 61.8±29.2. The frustration level was correlated with high levels of K6 (p = 0.002, r = 0.36).ConclusionsA high perceived workload was correlated with the altered mental health of workers. Hence, practices and policies should focus on improving working conditions to enhance the mental health of the employees.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Psychological distress in Portuguese university students during COVID-19 pandemic: relationship with stress, sleeping and emotion regulation strategies

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, psychological distress, anxiety and depression reached new highs associated with a number of variables such as pandemic related-stress and sleep difficulties. These later two are known to be the precipitant and risk factors for psychological distress/mental disorders, respectively, and negative cognitive emotion regulation strategies can also have a key role on psychological/mental health problems generation and maintenance.ObjectivesTo study stress, sleep difficulties and the use of cognitive emotion regulation strategies by groups of students with different levels of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods496 university students (mean age ± SD=20.99 years ± 2.27; 78.6% women) completed an online questionnaire between January and April, 2021, which included the Mental Health Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, as well as three questions from the Insomnia Scale to evaluate Difficulties in Initiating Sleep (DIS), Maintaining Sleep (DMS) and Early Morning Awakening (EMA). A Sleep Difficulties Index (SDI) was calculated by summing the scores of these three items.Results18.3% of the students showed high levels of psychological distress (group 1; scores 1 SD =/< Mean), 62.7% average levels (group 2), and 19% low levels (group 3; Scores 1SD =/>Mean). The group 1, compared with group 3, showed higher levels of sleeping difficulties (DIS, DMS, EMA and SDI), greater stress levels and an increased use of negative emotion regulation strategies, as well as a lesser use of positive emotion regulation strategies. Furthermore, the group 2, with average levels of psychological distress is significantly distinct from the group with better mental health when comparing these same variables.ConclusionsAlmost one fifth of the Portuguese university students report elevated levels of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical interventions to promote psychological/mental health in this population should focus on reducing stress, promoting adequate sleep habits, reducing the use of negative cognitive emotion regulation strategies and increasing the use of positive ones.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and comorbid psychiatric disorders: preliminary results of an 8-year retrospective study using real data

IntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. In Portugal, it is estimated to afflict 14.2% of the population over the age of 45 and is one of the most common causes of morbidity, with a significant social impact and excessive expenses. Moreover, COPD is associated with high levels of psychological distress and diverse psychiatric disorders that heighten the disease burden as they are associated with increased risk of exacerbations and frequent hospitalizations. Despite this overview, psychiatric conditions remain understudied compared to comorbid general medical conditions, and few studies have assessed their effect on COPD hospitalization outcomes.ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the occurrence of a vast array of psychiatric comorbid diagnoses in COPD hospitalizations and to understand their impact on hospitalization outcomes.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted. All inpatient episodes from 2008 to 2015 of patients with at least 40 years and a primary diagnosis of COPD (ICD-9-CM codes 491.x, 492.x and 496) were selected from a national administrative database that included all hospitalizations in mainland public hospitals. From these sampled episodes, secondary psychiatric diagnoses were identified (ICD-9-CM codes 290.x-319.x). Age at hospitalization, sex, psychiatric comorbidities, length of stay (LoS) in days, admission type and date, destination after discharge, in-hospital mortality and hospital charges were analyzed.ResultsFrom a total of 66,661 COPD hospitalizations, 17,652 (26.5%) corresponded to episodes with a secondary psychiatric diagnosis. Patients with a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis were on average younger at admission (70.3 vs. 75.9 years, p<0.001), had a longer median LoS (9.89 vs. 9.33 days, p<0.001) and higher urgent admission rates (96.2% vs. 95.7%, p=0.009). There was also a significant association between discharge destination and psychiatric diagnoses (p<0.001).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that mental disorders have an adverse and quantifiable impact on COPD hospitalization outcomes. With this in mind, to provide optimal treatment for patients with both conditions, psychiatric disorders should become a matter of routine evaluation and follow-up.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among community members in Nepal

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had huge impact on social, psychological, and economic well-being of general community people in Nepal. Objectives: To assess the extent of psychological distress, fear, and level of coping strategies among community members in Nepal. Methods: A nationwide analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among Nepali residents aged >=18 years using an online structured questionnaire during 2020 December to 2021 January. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) were used in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to adjust for potential confounders. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional review committee of Kathmandu Medical College. Results: Among 311 respondents, 167 (53.7%) were female. Median age (IQR) 31.3 (13) years with age range 18-69 years. Mean age was 31.4 ± 10.3 years. Being above 30 years old (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 2.13-6.84) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Being a female (AOR 0.55, CI 95% 0.30-0.99), moderately improved working situation due to change of employment (AOR 0.39, CI 95% 0.20-0.76), having little perceived distress due to change of employment status (AOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27-0.97), having positive impact of COVID-19 on financial situation (AOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13-0.61) were associated with lower levels of fear based on the FCV-19S scale. Conclusions: This study identified individuals who were at higher risk of psychological distress, level of fear, and low coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. These findings would assist in exploring the strategies to support mental health of vulnerable population during pandemic and post-pandemic periods.

Violent Radicalization, Mental Health, and Gender Identity: Considerations for Future Research.

This study examines the association between gender identity, mental health, social adversity, and sympathy for violent radicalization (VR). Data were collected through an online survey in Canada. A total of 6003 eligible participants who were residents of Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, or Edmonton and aged from 18 to 35 years were included. We used Fisher exact test to assess gender differences in gender-based discrimination and we used analysis of variance tests to assess differences in scores on bullying, mental health, and sympathy for VR. We used linear regression to assess the relationship between mental health, social adversities, and sympathy for VR. Individuals who self-identified as trans and gender diverse had greater sympathy for VR than females did, experienced online victimization more frequently, and reported higher levels of psychological distress than both male and female participants. Our findings indicate that more research is needed on the association between social adversity and support for VR among this vulnerable population.

Does Religiosity Buffer the Adverse Mental Health Effects of Work-Family Strain? Examining the Role of an Overlooked Resource

North American employees face substantial challenges in managing their work and family lives. Drawing from Hobfoll’s 2001 conservation of resources (COR) theory, work-family scholars have argued that some resources can be effective in buffering conflict in the work-family interface. We analyze data from a national sample of Canadian workers ( N = 3,431) to assess how two components of religion/spirituality—religious attendance and divine control—buffer the mental health effects of work-to-family conflict (WFC) and family-to-work conflict (FWC). Results suggest that both work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Our results further reveal that religious attendance buffered the pernicious effects of both WFC and FWC for psychological distress, while divine control only buffered the effects of FWC. These patterns did not appear to differ by gender. Given increasing rates of work-family strain in the North American context, out findings call for a broadening of the literature on the work-family interface, one that takes into consideration the overlooked role of religion and spirituality.

Abstract P6-05-08: Distress Screening for Family Caregivers of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an incurable disease that affects over 168,000 women in the US. Family caregivers play a critical role in patients’ adjustment to MBC by providing practical and emotional support. However, the extensive involvement of caregivers in patient care places them at increased risk for clinically significant psychological distress symptoms. In fact, research has shown that distress is as prominent for caregivers as it is for patients and that it can adversely affect caregiver support to the patient. Distress screening with appropriate triage and follow-up for psychosocial concerns is recognized by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) as critical for ensuring high-quality comprehensive cancer care. However, clinical tools to assist with recognizing caregiver distress are sparse, creating a practical barrier for caregivers to obtain needed psychosocial support. The NCCN Distress Thermometer (DT) is a validated single-item self-report measure that was developed to screen for cancer patient distress. It is often used with the NCCN 42-item Problem List (PL) which identifies sources of distress to help guide providers in making appropriate referrals. Although the DT has been validated for use with caregivers, most adult oncology practices have yet to establish protocols for identifying caregivers with high distress levels. Part of the problem is that many PL items ask about physical and other concerns that are related to either having or undergoing treatment for cancer. Developing a caregiver-focused PL could thus not only improve clinical uptake of distress screening for cancer caregivers, but also enable greater integration of family-centered support services as part of routine cancer care. With these goals in mind, this mixed-methods study sought to inform development of a PL to address the unique concerns of cancer caregivers. Methods: Caregivers of MBC patients completed a short survey containing sociodemographic questions and the NCCN DT. They also participated in semi-structured interviews about their role in symptom management, psychosocial impacts of cancer, and unmet needs. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. The five NCCN problem domains (i.e., physical, emotional, family, practical, and religious/spiritual concerns) that have been identified as sources of distress were used to guide thematic analysis. Results: Nineteen caregivers (63.2% female; 47.4% racial/ethnic minorities) participated. Most were middle aged (M = 54.4, SD = 16.4) and either spouses (42.1%) or adult children (31.6%). Surveys revealed that caregivers had moderate distress levels (M=4.4 out of 10, SD=3.1); 53% exceeded the DT cut-off of 5, warranting further psychological evaluation. In the interviews, caregivers reported an average of 7.7 concerns (Range = 0 to 17 concerns). The most common issues were worry (63.2%), coping with the patient’s emotions (57.9%), providing emotional support to the patient (52.6%) and assisting with activities of daily living (47.9%). Caregivers also expressed problems coordinating care with other family members, feelings of guilt, and unmet needs for information. Caregivers reporting more concerns reported significantly (p<.05) higher levels of psychological distress. Conclusion: Many of the concerns raised by MBC caregivers did not align with the NCCN PL, suggesting that development of a caregiver-specific PL is warranted. Additional study is needed to determine whether such a PL could help to efficiently route caregivers to information and resources matching their needs and ultimately help to alleviate their distress. Citation Format: Ashley Buchanan, Astrid Sarfo, Hoda Badr. Distress Screening for Family Caregivers of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-05-08.

Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australian nurses and midwives: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses and midwives working in acute care settings, specifically psychological distress, self-reported concerns, and perceived impact on their work and personal lives. Background: Little is known about the psychosocial impact of the pandemic on nurses and midwives in Australia, a country with a substantially lower number of COVID-19 cases and deaths than many others. Few studies investigating the prevalence of psychological distress among nurses during the pandemic have been conducted in more than one setting, especially in the Australian context. Study design and methods: Cross-sectional survey design (STROBE checklist). Nurses and midwives (n=1,611) at four metropolitan tertiary health services in Melbourne, Australia completed an anonymous online survey between 15 May and 31 August 2020, which assessed symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21); concerns related to COVID-19; and other effects of COVID-19. Space was provided for free-text comments. Results: Approximately one fifth of respondents reported moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Fewer years of clinical experience were significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress. More than half of the respondents were extremely/very concerned about passing COVID-19 on to family members and about their family's health, and almost half were concerned about caring for a patient who had confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Respondents reported that certain precautionary measures such as personal protective equipment (PPE) interfered with their ability to provide optimal patient care. Positive aspects of the pandemic were also reported including a sense of togetherness and cooperation among staff. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the psychological wellbeing and work and personal lives of nurses and midwives working in acute care settings in Melbourne, Australia, particularly those with less clinical experience. Implications for nursing and health services research, policy and practice: Nurses and midwives, particularly those with less clinical experience, would benefit from additional, targeted wellbeing and support initiatives. For those with less experience, initiatives could include being partnered with more experienced colleagues and educators who can provide practical and emotional support and monitor their stress levels. What is already known about the topic? Nurses and midwives have experienced more psychological distress than other healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most studies about the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses and midwives have been conducted in a single health service. Few studies have concurrently investigated the experiences of nurses and midwives from different health services during the COVID-19 pandemic especially in the Australian context. What this paper adds Despite the relatively low number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the psychological wellbeing and work and personal lives of Australian nurses and midwives. About one in five of the nurses and midwives surveyed reported moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress during the first wave of the pandemic. Nurses and midwives with fewer years of clinical experience experienced higher levels of psychological distress than those with more experience.

Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australian nurses and midwives: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses and midwives working in acute care settings, specifically psychological distress, self-reported concerns, and perceived impact on their work and personal lives. Background: Little is known about the psychosocial impact of the pandemic on nurses and midwives in Australia, a country with a substantially lower number of COVID-19 cases and deaths than many others. Few studies investigating the prevalence of psychological distress among nurses during the pandemic have been conducted in more than one setting, especially in the Australian context. Study design and methods: Cross-sectional survey design (STROBE checklist). Nurses and midwives (n=1,611) at four metropolitan tertiary health services in Melbourne, Australia completed an anonymous online survey between 15 May and 31 August 2020, which assessed symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21); concerns related to COVID-19; and other effects of COVID-19. Space was provided for free-text comments. Results: Approximately one fifth of respondents reported moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Fewer years of clinical experience were significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress. More than half of the respondents were extremely/very concerned about passing COVID-19 on to family members and about their family's health, and almost half were concerned about caring for a patient who had confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Respondents reported that certain precautionary measures such as personal protective equipment (PPE) interfered with their ability to provide optimal patient care. Positive aspects of the pandemic were also reported including a sense of togetherness and cooperation among staff. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the psychological wellbeing and work and personal lives of nurses and midwives working in acute care settings in Melbourne, Australia, particularly those with less clinical experience. Implications for nursing and health services research, policy and practice: Nurses and midwives, particularly those with less clinical experience, would benefit from additional, targeted wellbeing and support initiatives. For those with less experience, initiatives could include being partnered with more experienced colleagues and educators who can provide practical and emotional support and monitor their stress levels.

Compassion and gender diversity: evaluation of an online compassion-focused therapy group in a gender service

ABSTRACT Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people may experience minority stress and internalised transnegativity, leading to increased psychological distress. Self-compassion has been suggested as a protective factor which can buffer against the impact of minority stress and stigma. This service evaluation study examined the outcomes of a novel compassion-focused therapy group intervention delivered online in a Gender Service. Twenty-one TGNC adults participated in the group and completed pre-group and post-group measures of psychological distress, internalised transnegativity, and compassion to self, to others, and from others. Participants had high levels of psychological distress and low levels of self-compassion pre-group. At the group level, there was a significant increase in levels of compassion to self and from others, and a significant decrease in pride (reverse scored) and alienation internalised transnegativity subscales. At an individual level, compassion to self and compassion from others were the most frequent areas where significant change was observed post-group. The compassion-focused therapy group appears to be effective in increasing levels of self-compassion and reducing aspects of internalised transnegativity, but without clear impact on psychological distress. This is preliminary evidence in support of the use of compassion-focused therapy groups within gender services, but further research is warranted and encouraged.

Resettlement, mental health, and coping: a mixed methods survey with recently resettled refugee parents in Canada

BackgroundResettlement experiences of refugee parents are under-researched despite evidence indicating higher risk of poor mental health. The current study integrates family systems and social determinants of refugee mental health frameworks to examine: (1) Refugee parents’ experiences of resettlement stressors and mental health; (2) Perceived impacts of resettlement stressors on individual and family indicators of well-being; and (3) Refugee parents’ coping strategies and resources.MethodsThe study draws on data from a mixed methods survey conducted with 40 Government-Assisted Refugee parents who had resettled to Hamilton, Canada within the past 4 years. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately and then integrated at the results stage using a weaving approach.ResultsResults indicate significant exposure to economic and social stressors across multiple domains of daily life, as well as high levels of parental psychological distress. Parents drew linkages between resettlement stressors and negative mental health impacts that were compounded by intersecting risk factors of ill health, caregiving burden, single parenthood, and low levels of education and literacy. Most parents rated themselves as coping well or very well and described various coping strategies such as positive reframing, problem solving, planning, and turning to religion. Quantitative and qualitative findings indicate high frequency of positive parent-child interaction and low frequency of family conflict, and highlight the importance of family as a protective resource for coping with adversity. Exploratory regression analyses suggest that longer stay in Canada, poorer self-rated health, higher levels of resettlement stressors, and more conflict between adults in the household may be associated with greater psychological distress.ConclusionStudy findings highlight both the resilience of refugee parents and the psychological toll of navigating their families through a new and challenging environment. Policies and programs to provide comprehensive social and economic supports to refugees beyond the first one to two years after arrival are necessary to mitigate the mental health impacts of displacement over time and strengthen individual and family resilience. Such programs should include culturally responsive and family-based models of mental health care that acknowledge collective experiences and impacts of adversity, as well as harness family resources to overcome past and present challenges.

The effects of a two-generation English as a second language (ESL) intervention on immigrant parents and children in Head Start

We present results of a randomized control trial of a two-generation English as a Second Language (ESL) program in which all families participated in Head Start while treatment parents also enrolled in a high dosage, family-focused ESL curriculum with supportive services. Examining 197 parent-child dyads among Spanish- (89%) and Zomi-speaking (11%) immigrant families, we found improvements in participant parents’ English reading skills and engagement with their child’s teacher after one year. Parents with low levels of English proficiency (57%) at program start reported more positive parenting skills and lower levels of psychological distress whereas parents with more advanced English proficiency (43%) reported more parenting stress and higher levels of psychological distress. We did not find main effects on children’s language and cognitive skills. We conclude by discussing policy implications of a two-generation approach for immigrant families.

Exploring the Psychosocial and Wellbeing Needs of Staff Accessing Trauma Support in Forensic Mental Health Services in the UK: Relations with Demographic, Occupational and Trauma Event Characteristics

Healthcare professionals in secure psychiatric services are frequently exposed to service user distress and aggression. Consequently, staff trauma services (STS) have been developed to mitigate the detrimental impact of these experiences. Whilst the increased focus on occupational wellbeing is welcomed, such services have typically evolved in the absence of robust investigations exploring the breadth of the trauma-related needs of healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study explored the profiles of staff referred to an STS and the sequelea of physical and psychological incidents, with a view to improving understanding of need and informing the provision of STSs. Retrospective analyses of demographic characteristics, incident details and psychosocial impacts were conducted. Participants were staff from a secure psychiatric hospital who had received 1:1 support from a dedicated STS. Overall, approximately 4.6% (n = 154) of the workforce accessed the STS. Both clinical (n = 142, 92.2%) and non-clinical staff (n = 12, 7.8%) received support for physical and psychological incidents, occurring in and outside of the workplace. Compared to the general UK population, people who were referred to the STS were less likely to have social support. Staff most frequently accessed the service for work-based physical (n = 65, 42.2%) and psychological (n = 63, 40.9%) incidents. Whilst staff referred following a psychological incident were less likely to be absent from work, they presented with significantly higher levels of psychological distress. This study provides novel insight into factors associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes following trauma exposure, in an understudied occupational population.

Mental health status of public health nurses and its related factors under the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the mental health status of public health nurses (PHNs) in public health centers (PHCs) and to clarify its related factors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan. Methods: Participants were 1,320 full-time PHNs in PHCs, and self-administered structured questionnaire regarding individual factors, work environment factors, and mental health status measured using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was surveyed. The survey period was from June 10 to July 15, 2021. We asked the respondents for a response regarding the situation during the fourth wave of COVID-19 infectious spread. For analysis, participants were divided into two groups according to a cut-off point of the GHQ-12 score, and the χ2 test was conducted. Afterward, stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: The data of 640 participants were analyzed (valid response rate: 48.5%). Of the 640 participants, 64.2% worked in the infectious diseases section. Among the participants, 63.6% reported working overtime every day, and 38.3% reported working every weekend. Regarding the mental health status, the mean GHQ-12 score was 6.3±3.4, and 75.5% of the participants had a higher level of psychological distress. As shown in the result of the logistic regression analysis, the items "belonging to the infectious disease section" (OR = 1.73), "frequency of working overtime" (OR = 2.23), "frequency of working on the weekends" (OR = 2.11) and "workplace social support" (OR = 0.31) affected the PHNs' mental health. Conclusions: This study revealed that the mental health status of PHNs was at a critical level during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the needs for immediate mental health support for PHNs was suggested.

A qualitative study of patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary: Perceptions of communication, understanding of diagnosis and genomic testing, and information needs.

Patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) commonly report poor understanding of their illness and high levels of psychological distress. Despite the potential benefits to CUP patients, there is a paucity of research exploring the reasons behind poor understanding of a CUP diagnosis. The aim of this study was to understand patients' experiences of communication with doctors, their understanding of diagnosis and the role of genomic testing, as well as their information needs. Semi-structured interviews explored CUP patients' perceptions of communication with their doctors, understanding of their illness, and their needs regarding medical information. Qualitative inductive thematic analysis of transcribed audio-recordings was employed. Nineteen patients were recruited from within a prospective cohort study involving routine genomic testing of CUP patients. CUP patients had varied perceptions of communication with doctors as well as different levels of need, readiness, and capacity for information. Some patients felt well understood and supported by their doctors while others did not. Many patients reported feeling overwhelmed and shocked when receiving their cancer diagnosis and emphasized the importance of family support in receiving and understanding medical information. While patients understood the implications of genomic testing for treatment and diagnosis, few had a detailed understanding of genomic testing. Patients' experience of communication and understanding of CUP could be potentially improved by clinicians' assessment of the communication style preferred by each patient and their family and the development of online resources to meet their evolving information needs.

A Snapshot of Hate: Subjective Psychological Distress After a Hate Crime: An Exploratory Study on Victimization of Muslims in Canada

Across Canada, hate crimes, especially those motivated by race, ethnicity, or religion, are still prevalent. For example, in 2019, 46% of police-reported hate crimes were motivated by race or ethnicity, and 32% were motivated by religion (Moreau, 2021). In Canada, Muslims are the second most targeted religious group in terms of hate crimes. However, Canadian research on the nature of hate crime victimization amongst Muslims and the impacts on their health and well-being is limited. The present study sought to use exploratory survey data to assess the demographic characteristics of those experiencing both verbal and physical assaults based on their religion. Further, we assessed whether those that experienced these assaults also experienced psychological distress (such as feeling nervous or hopeless). Based on a sample of 230 participants (58% women), it was found that individuals that self-identified as visibly Muslim were 3 times more likely, and those living in Vancouver were 9 times more likely, to report having been physically assaulted. Furthermore, having been physically assaulted, being a woman, residing in Vancouver, or self-identifying as visibly Muslim were factors associated with higher levels of psychological distress. This study is the first of its kind exploring the effects of hate crimes on Muslims across Canada. The impacts of hate crime on the psychological well-being of this marginalized population, especially for Muslim women, suggests a need for more research on the psychological distress of these individuals