Need For Mental Health Support Research Articles

Household job insecurity, food insufficiency, and children’s mental health needs: Household Pulse Survey in June 2023

BackgroundEconomic hardships have far-reaching implications for families with children, impacting their well-being and development during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to household financial problems following job loss and reduced income. As parents or caregivers face financial difficulties, children may experience emotional distress through heightened anxiety and a sense of helplessness. This study examined the effects of household job insecurity and food insufficiency due to the pandemic's aftermath on the mental well-being of children in the United States.MethodThis study utilized data from the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) during June 7–19, 2023 (Phase 3.9). The prevalence and effect of job insecurity, delineated by recent household job loss and employment status, and food insufficiency, measured through levels of food insufficiency, were analyzed across households with different age groups of children: under 5 years, 5–11 years, and 12–17 years, with an overall perspective on children under 18. We calculated unweighted observations, survey-weighted proportions, and survey-weighted 95% confidence intervals to analyze the impact of job insecurity and food insufficiency on children’s mental health treatment needs.ResultsThis study highlighted differences in economic hardships due to household job insecurity and food insufficiency across households with children in multiple age groups. There were almost twice as many respondents with no work in the last 7 days (33.68%) compared to those who experienced job loss within the last 4 weeks (14.82%). Additionally, 51.68% of respondents reported food insufficiency over the last 7 days, with more than half of the households experiencing food insufficiency due to the inability to afford more food. Mental health treatment needs among children were significantly higher in households experiencing job loss and food insufficiency. The need for mental health support for children increased with age in households facing job loss or no employment.ConclusionsThis study enhances our understanding of post-pandemic economic hardships and their influence on children’s mental health needs across different age groups. By identifying disparities and patterns, policymakers and practitioners can design targeted interventions to address employment opportunities and food access in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing mental health treatments is crucial, especially for children aged 5–11 and 12–17, who are at higher risk of experiencing emotional distress due to household economic hardships.

The Opportunities and Risks of Large Language Models in Mental Health.

Global rates of mental health concerns are rising, and there is increasing realization that existing models of mental health care will not adequately expand to meet the demand. With the emergence of large language models (LLMs) has come great optimism regarding their promise to create novel, large-scale solutions to support mental health. Despite their nascence, LLMs have already been applied to mental health-related tasks. In this paper, we summarize the extant literature on efforts to use LLMs to provide mental health education, assessment, and intervention and highlight key opportunities for positive impact in each area. We then highlight risks associated with LLMs' application to mental health and encourage the adoption of strategies to mitigate these risks. The urgent need for mental health support must be balanced with responsible development, testing, and deployment of mental health LLMs. It is especially critical to ensure that mental health LLMs are fine-tuned for mental health, enhance mental health equity, and adhere to ethical standards and that people, including those with lived experience with mental health concerns, are involved in all stages from development through deployment. Prioritizing these efforts will minimize potential harms to mental health and maximize the likelihood that LLMs will positively impact mental health globally.

Examining the relationship between proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and LGBTQ+ college student mental health: findings from the Healthy Minds Study, 2021–2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and depressive symptoms among LGBTQ+ college students. Participants: Participants (N = 72,135) included LGBTQ+ college students (N = 21,466) from over 530 colleges and universities, including technical and community institutions, across the United States who took part in the Healthy Minds Study (HMS). Methods: Data on proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced in 2021–2022 were collected from all 50 US states, categorized, and analyzed. Individual-level data for 2021–2022 were obtained from the HMS, and a multilevel analysis was conducted to assess the association between proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and depressive symptoms while considering individual factors. Results: A significant positive association between proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and increased depressive symptoms among LGBTQ+ college students was found. This association remained significant after controlling for individual-level stressors and identities, including a sense of belonging, campus environment perceptions, first-generation student status, and transgender or gender non-conforming identity (TGNC). Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for mental health support and inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ college students, particularly in regions where anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is proposed or enacted, to mitigate the potential negative impact of multiple factors on their mental well-being.

Unlocking the Truth: Exploring the Impacts of Solitary Confinement on Recidivism and the Need for Mental Health Support for Individuals with Mental Illnesses

Unlocking the Truth: Exploring the Impacts of Solitary Confinement on Recidivism and the Need for Mental Health Support for Individuals with Mental Illnesses

Analysis of Parental Stress and Anxiety Symptoms during COVID-19 Pandemic in Khulna City

Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic tremendously increases mental health risk among parents due to extreme anxiety and stress. This study focuses on examining the variables related to parental stress and anxiety amid the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 118 parents in three wards (18, 27, and 28) of Khulna city, Bangladesh. Parental stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic were measured using the GAD-7 and PSS-10 scales. Socioeconomic and demographic data were also collected from households. The association between stress and anxiety and their contributing factors was analyzed using the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results: The results showed that 27.5% of parents aged over 40 years and 35.6% of those who faced unemployment during COVID-19 experienced severe stress and anxiety. The regression analysis results confirmed this result. Furthermore, educational status, type of family, marital status, and total household income were found to be significant factors affecting parental stress and anxiety symptoms. The study demonstrated a significant impact of COVID-19 on elderly parents. Conclusions: These findings suggest that COVID-19 has significantly impacted elderly parents. Therefore, the study highlights an urgent need for mental health support to assist this vulnerable group in urban areas of Bangladesh.

Assessing the ripple effects of natural disasters on healthcare systems: a narrative review.

Natural disasters are on the rise, driven by shifts in climatic patterns largely attributed to human-induced climate change. This relentless march of climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of these disasters, heightening the vulnerability of communities and causing significant harm to both lives and socio-economic systems. Healthcare services are particularly strained during extreme weather events, with impacts felt not only on infrastructure but also on patient care. This narrative review explored the overarching impact of natural disasters on healthcare infrastructure. We delved into how these disasters impact diverse health conditions, the healthcare systems of low and middle-income countries (LMICs), the psychological toll on both clinicians and survivors, and the ramifications for end-of-life care. Natural disasters significantly impact healthcare, especially in LMICs due to their limited resources. Patients with cancer or chronic diseases struggle to access care following a natural disaster. Those in need for palliative care experience delay due to shortages in medical resources. Psychological consequences like posttraumatic stress disorder on disaster survivors and healthcare providers highlight the need for mental health support. Addressing challenges requires proactive disaster preparedness policies and urgent public policy initiatives are needed for optimal disaster response.

Psychosocial burden of autoimmune blistering diseases: A comprehensive survey study.

Autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs) are severe dermatologic disorders known for their debilitating physical impact. Recent research has reported that AIBDs lead to psychosocial impairment, including depression and anxiety. Missing from the extant literature is an examination of the impact of AIBDs on body image and related psychological constructs. The current study seeks to characterize the psychological and social consequences of AIBD diagnosis, with particular attention to body image dissatisfaction. We conducted a survey study of adults with AIBDs. The survey was open from February 2023 to March 2023. Validated self-report questionnaires assessed depressive symptomatology, body image disturbance and quality of life. Demographic information and self-reported psychiatric history before and after AIBD diagnosis were collected via self-report. Participants were 451 adults with AIBDs, recruited through the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation newsletters, email distribution lists and social media. Participants reported increased incidence of psychiatric disorders following AIBD diagnosis. Participants reported high levels of depressive symptomatology and impairments to quality of life compared to other patient groups. The sample reported extremely high levels of body image disturbance, more so than other patients with disfiguring diseases or injury. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between body image variables and quality of life, even after controlling for depression. Current treatment guidelines for AIBDs focus primarily on the management of disease flares and the consequences of immunosuppression, without consideration of the psychosocial consequences of the disease. The current study underscores the need for mental health support for patients with AIBDs.

IJCM_69A: Attitudes and perceptions among undergraduate students towards psychiatry and psychiatric illness in a medical college in Mangalore, India

Background: Mental illness poses a significant global health burden, with negative attitudes towards mental illness contributing to treatment gaps and disparities in care. Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of medical students towards psychiatry and psychiatric illness is crucial for addressing these challenges. This study aimed to assess attitudes and perceptions among undergraduate medical students in an Indian medical college, particularly focusing on the impact of clinical exposure to psychiatry. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 MBBS undergraduate students using a composite questionnaire comprising sections on demographics, attitudes towards mental illness and psychiatry, perceived need for mental health support, perceptions of treatment effectiveness, and interest in pursuing psychiatry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Results: Overall, students exhibited a negative attitude towards mental illness based on the Opinion of Mental Illness (OMI) scale, particularly in factors such as Authoritarianism, Benevolence, and Interpersonal Aetiology. However, exposure to clinical psychiatry postings led to a significant improvement in attitudes. Despite positive attitudes towards psychiatry as a specialty, attitudes towards its inclusion in the curriculum were less positive after clinical exposure. There was significant support for peer counselling among students. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of clinical exposure in shaping attitudes towards psychiatry among medical students. Efforts should be made to address negative perceptions and enhance the integration of psychiatry in undergraduate medical education. The potential for peer counselling also signifies a need for supportive mental health services within medical colleges. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a more positive attitude towards mental illness and psychiatry among future physicians.

Depression care integration in tuberculosis services: A feasibility assessment in Pakistan.

The co-occurrence of depression among tuberculosis (TB) patients is a critical issue, contributing to poor treatment outcomes, prolonged hospitalisations and increased healthcare expenses. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of delivering a co-designed depression care pathway within TB services in Pakistan. Mixed-method study. Routine depression screening for TB patients was conducted at three TB facilities in Peshawar, Pakistan, encompassing primary, secondary and tertiary care settings. All patients aged 18 or above (male and female) attending the three TB facilities between November 2021 and February 2022 were included in the study using the consecutive sampling technique. A total of 301 people with confirmed TB, within the past 4 weeks, visited the three TB care facilities; 191/301 patients were screened for depression. Approximately 35% of the 191 TB patients screened positive for depression, with varying severity levels. Qualitative findings highlighted the acceptability of integrated depression care, emphasising the importance of open communication and empathetic attitudes. Barriers to integration include stigma, logistical challenges, patient noncompliance and cost burdens. Facilitators included the empathetic attitude of healthcare providers and the availability of mental health services within the same facility. There is a high burden of depression in patients with TB, highlighting the pressing need for mental health support in this population. Acceptability of integrated care was evident, with factors such as co-located mental health services, training healthcare providers and provider empathetic attitudes playing a crucial role. Further research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated TB-depression screening systems towards improved health outcomes, implementation, scalability and impact on the broader healthcare system. To create a more inclusive and comprehensive TB and depression care pathway, we gathered input from both service providers and service users (TB patients, their carers). Reflective meetings with community leaders, social activists and health professionals from various sectors were also conducted during pathway delivery to get their insights. Power, gender and age imbalances were addressed by encouraging participation of patients and carers across gender and age groups. This approach ensured that the perspectives of all stakeholders were considered in the development of the care pathway.

Feasibility of combining spatial computing and AI for mental health support in anxiety and depression

The increasing need for mental health support and a shortage of therapists have led to the development of the eXtended-reality Artificial Intelligence Assistant (XAIA). This platform combines spatial computing, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide immersive mental health support. Utilizing GPT-4 for AI-driven therapy, XAIA engaged participants with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression in biophilic VR environments. Speaking with an AI therapy avatar in VR was considered acceptable, helpful, and safe, with participants observed to engage genuinely with the program. However, some still favored human interaction and identified shortcomings with using a digital VR therapist. The study provides initial evidence of the acceptability and safety of AI psychotherapy via spatial computing, warranting further research on technical enhancements and clinical impact.

The unmet need for mental health support among persons with disabilities in Somalia: Principal correlates and barriers to access.

Disability and mental ill-health may be especially prevalent in Somalia, largely due to a protracted armed conflict and its consequent humanitarian crises. Little, if any, research to date, however, has simultaneously explored disability- and mental health-related factors in the Somali context. Using both descriptive and regression analytical techniques, we aimed to determine how increasing levels of functional impairment reported across different disability domains (i.e., visual, hearing and cognition), number of concomitant disabilities, and other empirically supported variables (such as employment and sex) are associated with the likelihood of self-identifying the need for mental health support among a sample (N=1,355) of Somalis with disabilities, as well as identify the common barriers to such support. Despite most participants self-identifying a need for mental health support, only 15% were able to access it, with the most common barriers being the cost of services and the unavailability of local services. Being female, married, and having increasing levels of functional difficulty in the cognitive, mobility and self-care domains of disability were each significantly associated with an increased likelihood of the self-identified need for mental health support. This study's findings highlight potential points of prioritisation for mental health policy and programming in Somalia. A Somali version of this abstract can be found in the SupplementaryMaterial.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Anxiety, and Preventive Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Among Healthcare Providers: A Developing Country's Perspective.

Background In early 2020, the rapid global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presented healthcare workers (HCWs) with an unprecedented challenge. The constant influx of new information about the virus created knowledge gaps, and the relentless demands of their work schedules left many feeling overwhelmed. This paper explores the knowledge, attitudes, anxiety levels, and preventive behaviors of HCWs in the twin cities of Pakistan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of this crisis, it is essential to gain insights into the experiences and needs of these frontline heroes. Methodology We conducted a descriptive web-based cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals to delve into the multifaceted aspects of their experiences. This included analyzing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge levels, attitudes, practices, and the psychological implications of the pandemic. By employing both quantitative and qualitative analysis, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of these parameters. Results Out of the 1150 responses collected, it became evident that breathing problems were the most recognized symptom of COVID-19 among HCWs. Impressively, 95.7% of participants believed in the primarily symptomatic nature of treatment, although 37% held the misconception that antibiotics were effective against the virus. Another noteworthy discovery was that 68.2% of HCWs favored testing before initiating treatment, yet a concerning 22.7% of treated patients received no testing. A significant proportion, approximately 19.6%, experienced heightened anxiety levels during the pandemic, leading to an increased frequency of handwashing. In terms of preventive behaviors, a majority of respondents displayed a heightened sense of caution. Nearly 59.1% reported avoiding the use of others' accessories and emphasized not reusing face masks. Furthermore, 84.1% of participants preferred staying at home during quarantine. Conclusion The study reveals the profound impact of COVID-19 on healthcare providers in Pakistan's twin cities, highlighting elevated anxiety levels among most. This underscores the urgent need for mental health support. Beyond physical effects, the pandemic significantly strains their psychological well-being. To address this stress, vital strategies include workload reduction, structured shifts, stressor minimization, and improved knowledge sharing. Cultivating a healthy work environment is equally crucial for healthcare providers' overall well-being. These insights are essential for crafting policies and interventions to better protect and support frontline workers in a developing nation like Pakistan, demonstrating healthcare professionals' resilience and dedication amid unprecedented challenges.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Spanish healthcare workers: a systematic review of prevalence and wave-based patterns

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of the entire population, and especially of the healthcare, due to their close contact with the virus and the health emergency. However, the diversity of studies makes it difficult to determine the prevalence of mental health problems in Spanish healthcare workers. This study aims to examine the studies carried out during COVID-19 with the Spanish healthcare population to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and burnout symptomatology. A systematic search of the articles in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed following PRISMA criteria. Pooled prevalence was obtained for all the mental health symptomatology from moderate to severe, as well as divided by wave. Our data revealed that 50.54% of healthcare workers reported stress, 41.02% burnout, 35.25% anxiety, 29.76% depression, and 25.82% PTSD symptomatology. Anxiety, depression, PTSD and burnout symptomatology diminished in the second and/or the third waves but increased in the following waves. However, stress showed the maximum prevalence during the second wave. Our study highlights a significant impact on the mental health of healthcare workers during health crises, and emphasizes the immediate need for mental health support for healthcare workers during and after pandemics. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout symptomatology exhibit a “valley” effect, initially decreasing but increasing with prolonged exposure to the COVID-19 health crisis. This underscores the necessity to implement prevention strategies to enhance stress management, emotional regulation skills, and coping abilities.

Employee assistance program for healthcare workers in the post-COVID era: Program development, challenges, and future directions

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented need for mental health support for hospital employees. To address these rising needs, members of the Psychiatry Department of Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital created a brief, behavioral skills-based mental health crisis intervention program termed “CopeNYP.” Due to the success of CopeNYP’s treatment model in reducing anxiety and depression, NewYork-Presbyterian adopted and expanded this model as its Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This EAP provides access to short-term counseling for over 38,000 employees and their household members. We describe the transition from a brief intervention to an expanded internal EAP. We report on user characteristics including client demographics and work-related variables. Our program yielded a utilization rate of 4.25% from July 2021 to March 2022. Nurses, administrative staff, and professional and allied health staff were the top three employee groups to utilize the services. The most prevalent presenting problem was Anxiety/Stress. Creating an internal EAP to support healthcare worker needs, including high quality mental health interventions, is feasible. We found that our EAP utilization rates were on par with other internal EAPs. In the era of healthcare burnout, internal EAPs can be beneficial for frontline staff who seeks intervention for mental health and relational issues.

PREVALENCE OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS IN THE NORTHWEST REGION OF CAMEROON

This article investigates the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among healthcare professionals in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, a region marked by armed conflicts and unique challenges. A cross-sectional study involving 90 healthcare professionals from three selected hospitals revealed that 27.8% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Nurses exhibited the highest prevalence, followed by doctors and support staff. Exposure to traumatic events, particularly those related to armed conflict and life-threatening illnesses, was significantly associated with an increased risk of PTSD. This study establishes a strong association between exposure to traumatic events, particularly those related to armed conflict and life-threatening illnesses, and an elevated risk of developing PTSD. The findings emphasize the urgent need for mental health support and tailored interventions to address the well-being of healthcare professionals in this region, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided to the community.

Mental health and psychosocial support for children with upper limb musculoskeletal conditions.

This study describes mental health and psychosocial screening processes, access to care and interventions provided to children with upper limb musculoskeletal conditions. A cross-sectional e-survey study was conducted of 107 healthcare professionals who work with children with congenital hand and upper limb differences and brachial plexus birth injuries. Of them, 41 (38%) reported that they routinely screen for mental health and psychosocial concerns. Few (12%) reported the use of standardized outcome measures. In total, 51 (48%) healthcare professionals reported that there was a waiting list for mental health services at their institution. Collectively, healthcare professionals were unsatisfied with the staffing, access to care and types of interventions available. Reported barriers to care included the growing need for mental health support, lack of resources and poor continuity of care after referrals. Future research should focus on identifying and validating a mental health screening tool and investigating the processes affecting access to mental health care.Level of evidence: IV.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers and Job Loss From a Gender Perspective in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant stress and anxiety among the general population and healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. India is one of the countries severely impacted by the pandemic. This review explores the gender perspective of mental health conditions among HCWs and job loss during the pandemic in India. Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for articles published till March 2021. Studies that reported the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and worry among HCWs in India during the pandemic and job loss in both males and females due to COVID-19 were included. We used a random-effects model to estimate pooled prevalence rates with 95% CIs. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. The meta-analysis included 11 studies; the pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and worry among HCWs was 34.9% (95%CI 27.33, 42.47), 35.4% (95%CI 24.46, 46.33), 32.9% (95%CI 25.43, 40.37), and 42.87% (95%CI 25.83, 59.91), respectively. The pooled prevalence of job loss due to COVID-19 was 16.6% (95%CI 8.34, 19.66). We employed meta-regression and Egger's regression for publication bias. The meta-analysis findings suggest that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and worry among HCWs in India during COVID-19 was high. Furthermore, job loss due to COVID-19 has also been prevalent in India. These findings emphasize the need for mental health support for HCWs and those who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. It is essential to prioritize mental health and job creation policies in India to support individuals affected by COVID-19.

Psychological burden in individuals with chronic kidney diseases: A cross sectional study

Recent studies underlined the impact that chronic kidney disease (CKD) has on patients' well-being and the need for mental health support. However, literature suggests that psycho-logical support is not often requested by patients, and barriers and prejudices that impede them to access mental health care are not well-known. This study aims to analyse the CKD patient's level of well-being and explore their demand of psychological care, beside possible barri-ers/levers that motivate them to search for psychological support. A cross-sectional study in-volved 361 Italian patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease was conducted. Patient's health engagement was measured by the Patient Health Engagement Scale (PHE-s); anxiety and depression were assessed by the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale and Zung Self-rating Depression Scale respectively. Quality of life was measured with an ad hoc item. Demograph-ic characteristics were also collected. Most patients were male (66.9%) and the mean age was of 57 years old. Overall, the 19% of patients reported a low level of health engagement and almost 30% of the sample reported a low level of quality of life. The 61.9% reported depres-sive symptoms and the 11.6% of the respondents referred the presence of anxiety. However, only the 40.5% referred to have thought of asking for a psychological support. Although study participants frequently reported psychological needs, it seems that is difficult for them to translate these needs into an actual psychological demand, due to prejudices against psycholo-gists and the stigma attached to patients undergoing psychological treatment.

Psychohygienic evaluation of depression level among Ukrainian youth forced to emigrate to Canada due to the war in Ukraine

the ongoing war in Ukraine since 2014 has led to the forced migration of thousands ofpeople, resulting in a range of social and psychological problems, including depression. In light of this,the purpose of the research was to investigate the level of depression among youth who were forced toemigrate abroad due to the war. The study was conducted in Canada in 2023 using the Patient HealthQuestionnaire-9 of young people aged 16 to 30 years old who emigrated from Ukraine due to the war
 escalation on the 24th of February 2022. The PHQ-9 is a questionnaire used to assess the level of de-pression symptoms in the last two weeks based on 9 questions which show the level of the depression
 disorder or indicate the risks of its development. The research aims to raise awareness of the psycholog-ical well-being issue among war-displaced people between Russia and Ukraine to determine the level of
 depression, which allows providing practical recommendations for managing depression in the contextof migration and developing psychological support and rehabilitation programs for this population.The study’s findings suggest that a moderate level of depression, with increased levels of the moderateoption, was observed among Ukrainian refugees aged 16 to 30 years old who migrated to Canada. Theresults also showed that the number of respondents who did not have signs of depression decreased dueto the war. The average value of the sample slightly increased from 9.4 in 2022 to 10.9 in the currentstudy. However, values of 9 and 10 are borderline for distinguishing «mild» and «moderate» levels ofdepression, so it can be assumed that this year was transitional between these conditions. The resultsof studying the most popular answers to some survey questions show that problems with falling asleep,poor sleep quality or too much concern more than half of the respondents almost every day. It can beargued that the stress associated with migration and war significantly affected the quality of sleep amongyoung people. One-third of respondents reported poor appetite or overeating, which can be resolvedwith simple recommendations and advice. These findings highlight the potential need for mental healthsupport for this population. The data obtained can be useful for government agencies in Canada andUkraine, social services, psychological counsellors, and all those working with military and civilianrefugees in the territories of North America and Europe.

When perceived physician burnout leads to family burnout: How secondary emotional trauma impacts physician spouses

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of perceived physician burnout on psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and secondary traumatic stress) in physician spouses. Two‐hundred and three physician spouses participated in the study between April and May 2021. Physician spouses completed a burnout measure on behalf of their physician partner, and psychological distress measures for themselves. Results showed perceived physician burnout was positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.24), depression (r = 0.13), and secondary traumatic stress (r = 0.14) in physician spouses. A covariate analysis including eight demographic variables did not significantly contribute to the relationship between perceived physician burnout and psychological distress in physician spouses. Moderation analyses showed no significant interactions when the personality trait agreeableness, total score on a resiliency questionnaire, and compassion fatigue were included as moderators in the relationship between perceived physician burnout and psychological distress in physician spouses. These findings indicate that physician spouses experience secondary psychological distress when they believe their partner (the physician) is experiencing burnout, emphasizing the need for mental health support during medical training.