Mental Health Status Research Articles

Mental health problems raise the odds of cognitive impairment in COVID-19 survivors.

COVID-19 survivors around the globe are suffering from mental health issues. While mental health problems can be an early warning sign of dementia, they may also increase the chances of developing the disease. In this study, we examined the mental health of COVID-19 survivors and mapped its associations with cognitive and demographic variables. COVID-19 survivors listed in the databases of three tertiary care hospitals in Kolkata were contacted sequentially. 376 willing patients were interviewed over the telephone. 99 COVID-19 patients and 31 matched controls participated in the in-person interviews that were arranged for a more detailed investigation. The participants were administered standardized tests that are widely used for the assessment of cognitive functioning and mental health status. 64.89% of COVID-19 survivors reported a deterioration in physical functioning. 44.95% reported a decline in mental health, whereas 41.49% reported a drop in cognitive performance. Detailed investigations revealed that they had an increased risk of having depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality by 91%, 68%, and 140%, respectively. 6.1% of the patients had mild cognitive impairment, and 4% had dementia. COVID-19 patients who had depression and anxiety were 8.6 and 19.4 times more likely to have cognitive decline, respectively. Compared to the matched controls, COVID-19 patients had greater depression (p<.001), anxiety (p<.001), stress (p =.003), and insomnia (p <.001). They also scored significantly lower on Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III (p =.009) and Picture Naming Test (p =.005) and took significantly longer to complete Trail Making Test-A (p =.002). COVID-19 survivors in this study had major mental health issues even one year after contracting the virus. They had significant cognitive deficits that might progress into dementia. Strict monitoring and systematic treatment plans should be implemented as soon as possible.

Correlation between social network and mental health in family-oriented older migrants: A study in two cities in China

BackgroundFamily-oriented mobility has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, leading to the emergence of a new demographic: older migrants. These individuals, who are often accompanied by their family members, relocate to another place of residence while retaining their household registration in their original location. The existing literature has largely neglected the social perspective on the mental health of this population group. MethodsThis study recruited participants from five communities in two cities and employed the Geriatric Social Network Scale, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale to assess their mental health and social networks. ResultsAmong the 317 qualified participants, 31.23 % reported experiencing anxiety and 15.77 % reported experiencing depression. The mean social network score was 3.83 ± 0.54 points. A negative correlation was observed between social network scores and both anxiety (r = −0.272, P < 0.001) and depression (r = −0.338, P < 0.001). Two distinct types of social networks were identified through latent profile analysis, with a low level of social support and a low-level social network being significantly correlated with depression (P < 0.001). ConclusionsMental health issues are prevalent among family-oriented older migrants. A medium-level social network was found to be negatively correlated with anxiety and depression. The presence of a low-level social network was found to be associated with depression. It is imperative to prioritize the mental health status of family-oriented older migrants. Collaboration between community nurses and social workers should be encouraged to aid in exploring more effective ways of promoting the mental health status and social networks of this population.

Effects of an online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for caregivers of children with allergic rhinitis.

The incidence of allergic rhinitis in children is high across the world, as well as in China. Allergic rhinitis in children has serious impact on physical and mental health of the children. At the same time, the caregivers of allergic rhinitis children have heavy burden of care, and their mental problems are severe. It is necessary to implement timely psychological intervention for the caregivers of allergic rhinitis children. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a safe and effective psychological therapy, and the effect of online intervention can be comparable to the traditional face-to-face intervention program. This study focused on the mental health status in the main caregivers of children with allergic rhinitis, and conducted a modified online MBCT intervention on the caregivers, in order to improve their adverse mental state, meanwhile, improve the quality of care they provide. The results show that online MBCT intervention is applicable to the main caregivers of children with allergic rhinitis, and can effectively reduce caregiver burden, relieve anxiety and depression, and improve the level of mindfulness in the caregivers.

Implementasi Manajemen Konseling Kesehatan Mental bagi Mahasiswa Institut Teknologi dan Kesehatan Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Barat

Undergraduate students are individuals who experience a transition period that focuses on searching for self-identity. During this transition period, students will experience changes in their behavior, emotions and cognition. This change will affect the mental health status of students. Mental health problems in students are a serious problem to be handled because students' mental health problems are invisible but can have bad consequences if not treated immediately. Negative stigma towards mental health has an impact on students' awareness and initiative to resolve their mental health problems. Students feel embarrassed and think that this mental health problem can heal by itself. In fact, mental health problems will get worse if they are not handled well. The importance of mental health counseling services for students as a medium for early detection of mental health problems. Mental health screening can detect several mental health problems so that existing problems can be prevented and students' mental health status can improve. The role of the academic community is very important to support the existence of mental health counseling services. Moreover, policies and service standards do not yet exist at ITEKES Muhammadiyah West Kalimantan. Thus, this underlies strategic planning activities for mental health services that can be beneficial for students and have an impact on student welfare in maintaining their mental status.

Preference for solitude paradox: The psychological influence of social isolation despite preference

BackgroundAlthough a preference for solitude (PS) may mitigate the negative effects of social isolation (SI) owing to the enjoyment of time alone, its impact on mental health and its underlying factors remain unclear. MethodsAn Internet survey was conducted with 9000 individuals aged 20–79 years in September 2023 and the analyses were performed across three generations. SI was defined as contact with non-cohabitating family members or relatives and friends/neighbors less than once a week. The PS scale, which was used to assess whether a person preferred spending time alone, stratified respondents into three PS-level groups. Mental health status was evaluated using the K6 (distress symptoms), the WHO-5 (well-being), and the UCLA Loneliness Score (severity of loneliness) as the main outcomes. The mediation analyses assessed whether troublesomeness in socializing, a potential negative aspect of PS, could explain the association between PS and mental health status. ResultsA mixed-design two-way analysis of covariance showed that both SI and PS had significant main effects on all outcomes without interactions across generations, indicating that SI and higher PS were associated with poor mental health status. The association between higher PS and poor mental status was mediated by socializing troublesomeness across generations. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design prevented making causal inferences from the results. Additionally, sampling bias from Internet surveys may limit the generalizability of the results. ConclusionsThe results confirmed that there is no protective effect of PS on social isolation-related poor mental health. The hassle of socializing may partly explain why people with a higher PS experience poor mental status, including greater loneliness.

The mental health of parent versus non-parent post-secondary students

Post-secondary students experience abnormally high levels of stress compared to the general population, and parents pursuing post-secondary education have additional demands that challenge their mental health. Understanding the mental health of parent versus non-parent students is imperative to support students in their academic pursuits. The purpose of this mixed-methods, cross-sectional paper was two-fold: (1) to investigate the mental health (flourishing/languishing) of parents pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario, Canada with children/youth aged 0–18 years compared to non-parent post-secondary students; and (2) to explore parents’ and non-parents’ lived experiences of mental health (flourishing/languishing) while pursuing post-secondary education. A total of 374 students (n = 86 parents; n = 288 non-parents) completed an online survey that included demographics and the previously validated Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. A subset of participants (n = 10 parents; n = 10 non-parents) participated in one of six focus groups (3 parent focus groups; 3 non-parent focus groups). Results from the independent sample t-tests indicated no significant differences between the overall mental health scores. Thematic analysis revealed 4 themes for student-parents: (1) factors that challenge mental health; (2) realities of being a student-parent; (3) social connectivity among family and friends; and (4) mental health fluctuations. A total of 6 non-parent specific themes were found: (1) social connectivity among peers; (2) factors that challenge mental health; (3) the bidirectional relationship between school and mental health status; (4) prioritizing academic roles; (5) finding purpose through academic pursuits; and (6) admiration for student-parents. Findings from the current study highlight the dichotomy in student-parent versus non-parent academic identities and are important for university personnel to understand to provide tailored supports.

Changes in indicators of well-being on moving from home to long-term care for Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand: A retrospective cohort study.

To investigate changes in well-being measures for older Māori after moving from community to long-term care (LTC). We undertook a retrospective cohort study of older Māori in New Zealand (NZ) who had received assessments for their health needs whilst living at home (interRAI-HC assessment) as well as a subsequent assessment after moving into a care facility (interRAI-LTCF). All interRAI-HC assessments from 01 July 2013 to 21 December 2018 were identified and matched to LTCF assessments that were undertaken at least 6 months later. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to determine the difference in proportion of variables of interest (indicative of movement, socialising, sleep and nutrition, alongside general physical and mental health status) between participants' HC and subsequent LTCF assessments. Changes in well-being measures were investigated among 1531 Māori (mean age 76.2 years, 61% female). Odds of having a fall (OR: 0.40 [95% CI 0.34, 0.48]), being lonely (OR: 0.13 [95% CI 0.09, 0.18]), sleeping difficulty (OR: 0.74 [95% CI 0.60, 0.91]) and fatigue (OR: 0.18 [95% CI 0.14, 0.23]) reduced on moving to LTC. However, the presence of depression (OR 3.96 [95% CI 2.58, 6.09]) and dependence with locomotion (OR 1.56 [95% CI 1.23, 1.97]) significantly increased when moving from home to LTC. Despite some indicators of functional and health-related decline, significant improvements are also apparent across multiple domains of well-being. Further investigation of resident and family perceptions of well-being in association with a move to LTC is warranted.

Comprehensiveness of State Insurance Laws and Perceived Access to Pediatric Mental Health Care

Many US children and adolescents with mental and behavioral health (MBH) conditions do not access MBH services. One contributing factor is limited insurance coverage, which is influenced by state MBH insurance parity legislation. To investigate the association of patient-level factors and the comprehensiveness of state MBH insurance legislation with perceived poor access to MBH care and perceived inadequate MBH insurance coverage for US children and adolescents. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using responses by caregivers of children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with MBH conditions in the National Survey of Children's Health and State Mental Health Insurance Laws Dataset from 2016 to 2019. Data analyses were conducted from May 2022 to January 2024. MBH insurance legislation comprehensiveness defined by State Mental Health Insurance Laws Dataset (SMHILD) scores (range, 0-7). Perceived poor access to MBH care and perceived inadequacy of MBH insurance were assessed. Multivariable regression models adjusted for individual-level characteristics. There were 29 876 caregivers of children and adolescents with MBH conditions during the study period representing 14 292 300 youths nationally (7 816 727 aged 12-17 years [54.7%]; 8 455 171 male [59.2%]; 292 543 Asian [2.0%], 2 076 442 Black [14.5%], and 9 942 088 White [69.6%%]; 3 202 525 Hispanic [22.4%]). A total of 3193 caregivers representing 1 770 492 children and adolescents (12.4%) perceived poor access to MBH care, and 3517 caregivers representing 1 643 260 of 13 175 295 children and adolescents (12.5%) perceived inadequate MBH insurance coverage. In multivariable models, there were higher odds of perceived poor access to MBH care among caregivers of Black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04-1.75) and Asian (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.01-2.84) compared with White children and adolescents. As exposures to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increased, the odds of perceived poor access to MBH care increased (aORs ranged from 1.68; 95%, CI 1.32-2.13 for 1 ACE to 4.28; 95% CI, 3.17-5.77 for ≥4 ACEs compared with no ACEs). Compared with living in states with the least comprehensive MBH insurance legislation (SMHILD score, 0-2), living in states with the most comprehensive legislation (SMHILD score, 5-7) was associated with lower odds of perceived poor access to MBH care (aOR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-0.99), while living in states with moderately comprehensive legislation (score, 4) was associated with higher odds of perceived inadequate MBH insurance coverage (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.49). In this study, living in states with the most comprehensive MBH insurance legislation was associated with lower odds of perceived poor access to MBH care among caregivers for children and adolescents with MBH conditions. This finding suggests that advocacy for comprehensive mental health parity legislation may promote improved child and adolescent access to MBH services.

Employees’ mental health: The secret behind business success

In today’s business world, the focus of many organizations is heavily skewed toward tangible assets – including profitability, revenue growth, cash-flow- as the primary drivers of success. However, another equally important area is frequently overlooked and deserves more attention, namely, employee mental health.The main aim of this review is to explore and better understand the ripple effects of employee’s mental states on firms’ outcomes. To meet this objective, we followed a specific methodological approach, initiating our research by scrutinizing the most recent and relevant scientific publications in several academic literature databases, in order to delve into the various ways in which mental health states can shape employee’s overall work functioning and firms’ outcomes, including productivity, performance, turnover rates, absenteeism, and much more. Following our analysis, we have concluded that employee’s mental health state isn’t just a personal matter, but it’s, on contrary, a strategic imperative for thriving businesses. Nurturing mentally strong minds in the workplace is a must, to evade substantial losses, and to prevent the deepening of mental illness.

Changes in Daily life due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Status in Korean Adolescents.

This study assessed the relationship between daily life changes and mental health in Korean adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from middle and high school students who responded to the relevant survey items the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey were analyzed (n = 53,868). The survey assessed changes in economic status, physical activity, skipping breakfast, drinking, smoking, and mental health, including stress, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal ideation, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall prevalence of perceived stress, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal ideation was 38.6%, 26.4%, 12.2%, and 12.4%. Adolescents whose economic status worsened due to COVID-19 had a higher risk of perceived stress, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal ideation. Changes in physical activity and breakfast consumption due to the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly associated with increases in perceived stress, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal ideation. Adolescents who increased their alcohol consumption had the highest risk of perceived stress, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal ideation. Changes in economic status and health behaviors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on the mental health of Korean adolescents. These results can be used to identify adolescents at high risk of developing mental health problems.

Socio-demographic factors and mental health trajectories in Australian children and primary carers: Implications for policy and intervention using latent class analysis.

Children's mental health status (MHS) is frequently influenced by their primary carers (PCs), underscoring the significance of monitoring disparities longitudinally. This research investigated the association between socio-demographic clusters and mental health trajectories among children and their PCs over time. Data from waves 6-9c2 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) were analyzed using Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify four socio-demographic classes among children aged 10-11 years at wave 6. Multinomial logistic regression and predictive marginal analysis explored associations between classes and mental health outcomes. PCs in Class 4 (disadvantaged and separated families with indigenous children) exhibited higher odds of borderline and abnormal MHS compared to Class 1 (prosperous and stable working families) across all waves. However, while MHS of PCs' impacted children consistently, the association with socio-demographic classes was significant only in wave 6. Class 4 children had elevated risks of mental illness compared to Class 1, while Class 3, characterized by educated working mothers, had lower risks. Reducing mental health risks entails addressing socio-economic disparities, supporting stable family structures, and offering tailored interventions like counseling and co-parenting support. Longitudinal monitoring and culturally sensitive approaches are crucial for promoting mental well-being across diverse groups.

Factors Influencing Lecturers' Organizational Commitment in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review

This paper analyzes 30 research articles published between 2018 and 2024 through a systematic literature review methodology to explore the multidimensional factors that influence organizational commitment among higher education lecturers. The research focused on individual subjective factors such as gender, age, emotional intelligence, personal values and beliefs, self-efficacy, career satisfaction, mental health status, and external environmental factors, including leadership style, managerial effectiveness, organizational support, and work environment. In addition, the article provides an in-depth examination of socio-cultural factors, such as societal values towards education, family support, and social support, and how these factors combine to contribute to lecturers' organizational commitment. The article reveals the complex interactions between these factors and highlights the joint importance of personal and external factors in shaping lecturers' organizational commitment. The findings of this study not only provide practical strategies for educational administrators to enhance lecturers' organizational commitment and point to the need for future research to consider wider cultural and geographical differences to contribute to the overall improvement of educational quality and teaching effectiveness.

Green infrastructure and community health: exploring the characteristics of campus users in three university towns in Texas

ABSTRACT Green infrastructure in college campuses and their surrounding communities can bring public health benefits. Using green infrastructure measures in three university towns in Texas, United States, this study explores if and how green infrastructure can impact the physical and mental health status of university campus users in the community. Campus users were estimated as the number of visitors to campus using the SafeGraph mobility data, green infrastructure was measured with land cover and Landsat 8 satellite images, and health status was measured with the CDC health status data. The results of spatial error models suggest a significant moderating effect of tree canopy coverage indicating that green infrastructure could potentially benefit campus users’ health. This gives indirect evidence supporting the health-significant roles of the campus environment. For city planners and policymakers, increasing tree canopy coverage stands out as a promising green infrastructure planning and management strategy that can contribute to the health of campus users/communities.

Tidligere kriminalitet og psykisk helsehjelp hos personer med soningserfaring som blir dømt til tvungent psykisk helsevern

In the period 2002-2020, a total of 431 people were sentenced to coercive mental health care. Many of these had served time in prison, either previously or in connection with the criminal acts that led to the current sentences. This study examines the background, criminal history and mental health status of individuals before they committed the offences that led to their imprisonment. Data from the Norwegian Correctional Service's Register of Imprisonments, the Register of Convictions, the Norwegian Patient Registry and Statistics Norway were used to study former prisoners who were sentenced to coercive mental health care in the period 2002-2020, who had served prison terms. Among 286 former prisoners who were sentenced to coercive mental health care, 246 (86.0%) had previous convictions, and 140 (49.0%) had previously had criminal charges dropped due to doubt as to criminal culpability. Previous psychiatric illness in the last two years was studied in 186 individuals. Of these, 151 (81.2%) had undergone treatment in the mental health service, with psychotic disorders (106/186 (57.0%)) and substance use disorders (109/186 (58.6%)) being the most common diagnoses. Former prisoners who are sentenced to coercive mental health care tend to have an extensive criminal and mental health care history prior to committing criminal acts that lead to coercive mental health care.

Technology-facilitated sexual harassment and mental health symptoms among young-adult female student sample in Bangladesh.

To assess the prevalence of technology-facilitated sexual harassment (TFSH) and its relationships to adverse mental health issues among young adult female students in Bangladesh. We collected data for this cross-sectional study from July to September 2022 from 455 female students at a large university in Bangladesh. The prevalence of TFSH, self-reported distress, stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts was assessed. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the identified relationships. This study found that nearly half of the respondents (46.1%) reported having experienced TFSH. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts, moderate to severe distress, stress, anxiety, and depression was 34.9%, 47.7%, 78.2%, 36.9%, and 59.8%, respectively. Results also reported that, compared to the respondents who did not experience TFSH, those who experienced it were more likely to report adverse mental health issues with higher odds. For example, after controlling for sociodemographic variables, the odds of moderate to severe distress (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.36-5.78), stress (AOR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.25-3.49), anxiety (AOR: 3.80; 95% CI: 2.40-6.03), depression (AOR: 3.32; 95% CI: 2.12-5.18), and having suicidal thoughts (AOR: 4.86; 95% CI: 2.29-7.89) were higher among female students experiencing TFSH than those who did not experience it. TFSH harassment among young adult female students is common and significantly associated with different adverse mental health issues. Attempts at primary intervention for improving mental health status are required to take TFSH into consideration.

Embodiment of structural vulnerability: illness experiences among Somali refugee women in urban displacement

ABSTRACT Objectives Forced migration and its subsequent sequelae have caused refugees to face significant adversities throughout the displacement process, making them susceptible to significant health issues. Refugees displaced in Africa are a group especially vulnerable to poor health outcomes, experiencing a documented decline in overall physical and mental health status and rise in mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite the heightened health risks experienced by Somali refugees, particularly women, research into their complex illness experiences and co-/multimorbid health conditions is scarce, leaving a gap in our understanding of the multifaceted health challenges of this population. Design Using structural vulnerability theory, this study explores how the broader host context shapes illness experiences for Somali refugee women in Kenya. Specifically, we describe the factors associated with illness experiences of urban Somali refugee women and how this compares with women with other similarly situated identities, such as Somali Kenyan women, other/non-Somali refugees, and Kenyan women. In-depth interviews were conducted with 43 women in Eastleigh, Kenya. Results Using hybrid thematic analysis, the emergent themes were grouped into three distinct domains: (1) multimorbid, complex illness experiences, (2) embodiment of structural vulnerability, and (3) distinct/shared vulnerability among refugee/non-refugee women. Results suggest that illness experiences of displaced refugee women are inextricably linked to traumatic experiences before displacement, as well as the experiences of transmigration stressors and the hostile socio-legal dynamics encountered post-displacement. Conclusions Our findings also have implications for the need to consider intersectional identities when examining for differential exposure to structural risks and the susceptibility to poor health experiences as well as supports the need for urgent change and improvement in systems of social protection and basic care for refugees experiencing prolonged displacement.

Association between vision-related quality of life and mental health status in myopia children using various optical correction aids

PurposeTo evaluate the relationship between vision-related quality of life and mental health in myopia children with various optical aids. MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled children aged 8–13 years, exhibiting myopia ranging from −4.50 to −0.75 D, and utilizing various optical aids for correction. Full ocular examinations and completion of two questionnaires were performed. Vision-related quality of life was evaluated using the Paediatric Refractive Error Profile (PREP), and mental health status was assessed utilising the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between vision-related quality of life and mental health status. ResultsThe study sample comprised 209 children with corrected myopia using single vision spectacles (100 [47.8 %]), soft contact lenses (66 [31.6 %]), and orthokeratology lenses (43 [20.6 %]). The mean age was 10.31 ± 1.65 y, and males accounted for 50.7 % of the sample. The distribution of demographic characteristics showed no significant difference among all correction types, except that the myopia duration was longer for orthokeratology lens wearers than those using spectacles (P=0.03). Contact lens showed clear benefits in almost all dimensions of vision-related quality of life, especially in appearance, satisfaction, activity and peer perceptions dimensions. The prevalence of anxiety disorders among spectacle wearers was 25.0 %, the highest among all groups. For myopia children with optical corrections, not being in the top 30 percent of their class rank, reporting lower PREP scores on symptoms, handling and peer perceptions dimensions were related with a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders. ConclusionsLower vision-related quality of life was associated with worse mental health status of myopia children with optical corrections. Identifying this association is crucial for protecting the mental health of myopia children and enhancing corrective measures.

Electronic device usage among preschool children and its association with mental health status in Saudi Arabian kindergartens.

To estimate the prevalence of electronic device usage and its association with mental health status among preschool children aged 3-6 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted among preschool children aged 3-6 years in kindergartens in Makkah city in 2023-2024, using an electronic questionnaire. An Arabic version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess mental health. We recruited a total of 399 children. The prevalence of electronic device usage was 91.5%. The number of hours spent using electronic devices ranged from 0 to 12 hour (h)/day, with a mean of 3.1h/day. We found a significant positive correlation between the number of hours spent using electronic devices and emotional problems (r=0.200, p<0.001), conduct problems (r=0.149, p=0.003), hyperactivity (r=0.279, p<0.001), peer problems (r=0.104, p=0.038), and total difficulty scores (r=0.263, p<0.001). We also found a significant negative correlation between the number of hours spent using electronic devices and the prosocial score (r= -0.128, p=0.011), and most of the included children had scores within the "close to average" category across all scales of mental health status. There was a high prevalence of electronic device usage among preschool children, which exceeded the recommended time limit. A significant correlation was observed between electronic device use and mental health scores. Further longitudinal studies are required to understand the nature of this association and its implications for child development.

Big Five personality traits and COVID-19 fear as mediated by anxiety and depression among male prisoners

ABSTRACT The goals of this cross-sectional study were to determine associations between Big Five personality traits and the fear of COVID-19 infection among male prisoners and to assess whether anxiety and depression helped explain any of these associations. The sample comprised 168 Caucasian male prisoners aged 20 to 69. We measured personality traits using the Polish version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory and fear of COVID-19 infection using an 11-point rating scale. We evaluated participants’ mental health status using the General Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scales. Fear of COVID-19 infection was negatively correlated with extraversion, openness, and agreeableness, and positively correlated with anxiety and depression. No correlations were observed between COVID-19 infection fear and emotional stability or conscientiousness. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that only low openness to experience significantly predicted COVID-19 infection fear. Anxiety and depression mediated the association between openness and COVID-19 infection fear. The importance of openness, anxiety, and depression may be considered in psychotherapy focused on reducing fear of COVID-19 infection among prisoners.

Critical Care Experience Shapes Respiratory Therapists' Attitudes toward Death: A Survey Study.

Respiratory therapists (RTs) frequently encounter death in their work with critically ill patients. Healthcare providers' attitudes toward death significantly affect their approach to caring for dying patients; however, there is a lack of knowledge on RTs' attitudes toward death. This study examines how the work environment and personal characteristics of RTs influence their attitudes toward death. Utilizing the Death Attitude Profile-Revised-Chinese questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey compared non-critical care RTs (non-CCRTs, N = 86) to critical care RTs (CCRTs, N = 85). Non-CCRTs displayed significantly lower scores in overall acceptance of death compared to CCRTs (p = 0.015) and a tendency to actively avoid thoughts about death (p = 0.005). CCRTs scored higher in "neutral acceptance" (p = 0.015), and non-CCRTs exhibited higher scores on items reflecting a negative attitude toward death. RTs with shorter professional tenures showed heightened fear of death and avoidance tendencies. Perception of life and death education correlated with higher "fear of death" and "death avoidance" scores (p = 0.001). The findings indicate that CCRTs demonstrate a more neutral acceptance of death. Additionally, experience, sex, mental health status, and life-death education exposure significantly influence RTs' attitudes toward death.