Prevalence Of Prolonged Grief Disorder Research Articles

Pathological Grief in Geriatric Age Group Affected by COVID-19 Deaths: A Community-Based Study

Background: Deaths by COVID-19 have left behind nearly 12 million recent bereaved individuals worldwide and researchers have raised concerns that the circumstances of COVID-19 related deaths will lead to a rise in prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) cases. Nevertheless, no research has looked at the PGD incidence among older Indians who have lost a loved one to COVID-19. The aim this research is to determine the prevalence of PGD and the demographics of older people who have experienced COVID-19-related bereavement. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and house to house survey was conducted between August 2022 and August 2023. Forty geriatric adults aged above 60 years, who consented to participate were assessed for PGD. Demographic details and loss-related information were collected. Self-reported prolonged grief symptoms were measured using Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS) and Traumatic Grief Inventory Self Report (TGI-SR). Anxiety and depression were measured using Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of grief symptoms. Results: Our study indicates that individuals who experienced loss due to COVID-19 exhibited higher levels of grief. Most of the participants were females (65%). Prevalence of PGD was 10% by TGI-SR. HAM-A scores (14.28 +/- 1.42) were higher than HAM-D scores (12.02 +/- 1.58). Conclusion: It is essential to counsel families early and offer supportive services to prevent pathological grief associated with COVID-19 deaths.

Prevalence of Prolonged Grief Disorder and Related Clinical Factors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey

IntroductionProlonged grief disorder has recently been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5, Text Revision. To understand the health burden and then allocate economic and professional resources, it is necessary to provide epidemiological data for this new disorder. More information on the characteristics of people suffering from PGD is also beneficial to better identify individuals at risk.ObjectivesThis study, therefore, aimed to estimate the prevalence of the PGD criteria in a special period such as the Covid-19 pandemic and in a representative population-based sample, evaluate the sociodemographic, and loss-related correlates of PGD caseness and explore possible predictors.MethodsThe study included 126 people (97 females/29 males) who lost a relative for any reason during the Covid-19 pandemic period (March 2019-January 2022) in Turkey.We used self-reported data from articipants who all completed questions on socio-demographic and loss-related characteristics plus Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale (PG-13), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA-27).ResultsMedian age was 34 years, range (18-63); 12 participants were diagnosed with PGD (9.5%). No difference was detected between deaths due to COVID-19 and its complications and deaths due to other causes in terms of PGD diagnosis and PGD symptom severity. When we divide the participants into two groups according to PGD diagnosis (PGD and nonPGD):The average age of the PGD group was higher (Z=-2.068; p=0,31) and they had more additional medical conditions (χ²=7.21; p=0,007). Thoughts of guilt were more common in the PGD group (χ²=7.92; p=0,005). Additionally, HADS-total, HADS -depression, HADS -anxiety and ASA-27 were higher in the PGD group (respectively: Z=-4.047; P=0,00, Z=-4.209; P=0,00, Z=-3.437; P=0,001, Z=-1.975; P=0,048). PGD occurred most frequently after first-degree losses (χ²=13.67; p=0,00) and was inversely proportional to the age of the loss (Z=-1.979; P=0,04). In the nonPGD group, the rate of believing in any religion (χ²=5.807; p=0,016). and the level of fulfilling the requirements of the religion were higher ( χ²=10.584; p=0,05). In the linear regression analysis examining the predictors associated with the severity of prolonged grief; the deceased person was a first-degree relative (t= 6.23; p<0,001) and younger in age (t=-3.71; p<0,001), the presence of guilt (t= 3.28; p=0,001), and increased separation anxiety (t= 4.13; p<0,001) and depression scores (t= 4.29; p<0,001) were significant boost of prolonged grief severity.ConclusionsAlthough higher PGD rates were expected in deaths due to Covid-19 compared to deaths due to other causes, we did not detect any significant difference in this study. However, this study identified some possible predictors associated with PGD.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prevalence of prolonged grief disorder and its symptoms among bereaved individuals in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and its symptoms among the bereaved population in China vary considerably.AimsThis meta-analysis aims to estimate the prevalence of PGD and its symptoms among...

Cross-national analysis of the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder

BackgroundProlonged grief disorder (PGD) is now included as a diagnosis in international classification systems. Most research on PGD is based on Western populations, but first data from non-Western countries have recently become available. Little is still known about country-related effects on PGD's prevalence. ObjectiveDetermining possible causes of variations in the prevalence of PGD as defined by DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 within and between countries. MethodsWe retrieved data from 24 prevalence studies, the World Bank and the 2022 World Risk Report. Negative binomial regressions were used to explore methodological, loss-related and country context characteristics as predictors of PGD. The average rate of PGD was calculated using random effects models. ResultsThe included studies comprised 34 samples from 16 countries (20,347 participants). Non-probability sampling and older mean age of the sample as well as lower country vulnerability were associated with higher PGD rates. The average PGD prevalence was 13 % (95 % CI [11, 22]), varying from 5 % (95 % CI [3, 11]) in probability to 16 % (95 % CI [13, 25]) in non-probability samples. LimitationsSamples from Europe and North America were overrepresented. For about half of the countries, data were available from only one sample. ConclusionsWhile confirming the importance of studies' methodological quality, the results show that PGD is of public health relevance around the world, but especially common in less vulnerabled countries with better access to daily necessities and healthcare services, highlighting sociocultural impacts on grief processing. Further investigations of cross-national differences are needed.

GRIEF SYMPTOM PROFILES OF OLDER SPOUSES BEREAVED BY COVID-19

Abstract Many older adults lost their spouse or life partner to COVID-19. Despite the anticipated rise in the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder, the association between COVID-19 bereavement and symptoms of complicated (or pathological) grief in community-dwelling older adults remains unclear. This study compared six clinically meaningful complicated grief symptom profiles between older spouses who were and were not bereaved by COVID-19. Participants included 80 adults aged 60+ years (20% men, 10% Black/minority status) who lost their spouse or life partner within the previous 12 months (M time since loss=6.6 months [SD=3.4 months]) and were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial for depression prevention. Grief symptom profiles were assessed with the Inventory of Complicated Grief. At the time of enrollment, older spouses bereaved by COVID-19 (n=18) reported more shock and disbelief (M = 7.11 [SD=3.16] versus M=3.83 [SD3.30], F=13.84, p<.001) and more hallucinations (M=1.56 [SD=1.29] versus M=0.45 [SD=0.88], F=17.12, p<.001) compared to older spouses bereaved by other causes of death (n=62). The two groups were similar in terms of yearning, anger and bitterness, estrangement from others, and avoidance behaviors. In addition, older spouses bereaved by COVID-19 had over 3 and a half times the odds of screening positive for probable prolonged grief disorder (OR=3.84 (95% CI = 1.28 -11.53, p = 0.016). These symptom clusters, particularly hallucinations, map to the highest level of prolonged grief disorder severity. These findings suggest that clinical treatment for prolonged grief disorder may be warranted for surviving spouses who lost their loved one to COVID-19.

The smoldering pandemic: Prevalence of prolonged grief disorder. A cross-sectional study of bereaving adults during the COVID pandemic in Pakistan

The world continues to face unprecedented psycho-social challenges after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a young psychiatric condition describing grief exceeding standard cultural, social, and religious norms. We assessed the prevalence of PGD in Pakistan along with its correlation to anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. The prevalence of PGD was estimated to be 15 % with grief intensity correlating with depression, anxiety, and serious mental illness. People who were closely related to the deceased were more likely to experience severe PGD symptoms. Discussions about grief and measures to curb its psychological effects are crucial in the post-pandemic world.

Prolonged grief during and beyond the pandemic: factors associated with levels of grief in a four time-point longitudinal survey of people bereaved in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a devastating and enduring mass-bereavement event, with uniquely difficult sets of circumstances experienced by people bereaved at this time. However, little is known about the long-term consequences of these experiences, including the prevalence of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and other conditions in pandemic-bereaved populations. A longitudinal survey of people bereaved in the UK between 16 March 2020 and 2 January 2021, with data collected at baseline (n = 711), c. 8 (n = 383), 13 (n = 295), and 25 (n = 185) months post-bereavement. Using measures of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) (Traumatic Grief Inventory), grief vulnerability (Adult Attitude to Grief Scale), and social support (Inventory of Social Support), this analysis examines how participant characteristics, characteristics of the deceased and pandemic-related circumstances (e.g., restricted visiting, social isolation, social support) are associated with grief outcomes, with a focus on symptoms of PGD. At baseline, 628 (88.6%) of participants were female, with a mean age of 49.5 (SD 12.9). 311 (43.8%) deaths were from confirmed/suspected COVID-19. Sample demographics were relatively stable across time points. 34.6% of participants met the cut-off for indicated PGD at c. 13 months bereaved and 28.6% at final follow-up. Social isolation and loneliness in early bereavement and lack of social support over time strongly contributed to higher levels of prolonged grief symptoms, while feeling well supported by healthcare professionals following the death was associated with reduced levels of prolonged grief symptoms. Characteristics of the deceased most strongly associated with lower levels of prolonged grief symptoms, were a more distant relationship (e.g., death of a grandparent), an expected death and death occurring in a care-home. Participant characteristics associated with higher levels of prolonged grief symptoms included low level of formal education and existence of medical conditions. Results suggest higher than expected levels of PGD compared with pre-pandemic times, with important implications for bereavement policy, provision and practice now (e.g., strengthening of social and specialist support) and in preparedness for future pandemics and mass-bereavement events (e.g., guidance on infection control measures and rapid support responses).

Prevalence of Prolonged Grief Disorder and Related Clinical Factors Among Turkish Psychiatric Outpatients During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a new diagnosis in some classification systems, has gained prominence due to the high mortality rates observed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Herein, the prevalence of PGD (diagnosed with structured clinical interviews), death-related features, and associated clinical factors were investigated among outpatient psychiatric patients who lost a first-degree relative within the past 12-24months. PGD was diagnosed in 30/68 patients (44.1%). PGD development did not differ based on cause of death (Covid-19-related vs. other causes) but was associated with higher age of the bereaved, younger age of the deceased, and degree of kinship. Higher rates of depression, insomnia, and anxious attachment were also observed in PGD patients. Finally, the unexpectedness of death predicted the development of PGD. Due to the high prevalence of PGD among psychiatric patients, clinicians should be aware of the disorder, monitor grief processes in high-risk patients, and consider PGD in treatment planning.

Prolonged grief disorder treatment: An approach to COVID-19 grief

Background. It has been estimated that COVID-19 grief will affect approximately sixteen million people worldwide, while the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) could rise to 40%. Objective. To review treatments that can be administered to patients with PGD due to COVID-19. Method. PUBMED and Google Scholar were searched with the following keywords: prolonged grief disorder, complicated grief, grief and psychotherapy, and treatment of prolonged grief, complicated grief or persistent complex grief. Results. Fifty articles were reviewed on the efficacy of interpersonal therapy, rational emotional-behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, humanistic therapy, systemic family therapy, group therapy, writing therapy, Internet-based intervention, and a modality of cognitive behavioral therapy used with prolonged grief, metacognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Discussion and conclusion. There is no consensus on the psychotherapeutic treatment of choice for people with PGD due to the loss of a family member to COVID-19. Group therapy is effective in reducing the intensity of uncomplicated grief, cognitive-behavioral therapy is highly efficacious in reducing the severity of grief, metacognitive therapy specifically designed for PGD has a positive impact on depression, anxiety, stress, rumination, and quality of life while Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is helpful for restoring spirituality. Psychotherapy is most effective when combined with drug therapy. It is suggested that comparative studies be undertaken of psychotherapeutic techniques for managing patients with PGD associated with COVID-19 and the adaptation of these techniques to virtual settings.

Validity and Reliability Study of the Prolonged Grief Disorder- Caregiver Turkish Form.

The aim of this study was to adapt the Prolonged Grief Disorder - Caregiver Form (PG-12), which is used to measure grief symptoms of caregivers providing care to their relatives with a chronic diseases that cause functional disability to Turkish and to investigate its psychometric properties. We also aimed to investigate the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder in the caregiver sample. The sample consisted of 120 adult participants (70.8% female) who acted as caregivers. The participants were administered Prolonged Grief Disorder-Caregiver Form, Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Life Satisfaction Scale. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the single-factor structure of PG-12, consistent with the original form, was supported. PG-12 scores showed a positive correlation with depression and caregiver burden scores and a negative correlation with life satisfaction scores. The internal consistency coefficient of the scale was 0.85. The prevalence of prolonged grief disorder calculated using PG-12 was found to be 31.66%. The results showed that PG-12 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the grief symptoms of people who provides care for a relative. In addition, the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder in our study population was high. Additional studies are needed in Turkey to confirm this rate and develop new strategies for caregivers.

Prevalence of prolonged grief disorder and its symptoms in Chinese parents who lost their only child: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundParents who lost their only child and cannot have a second child (“Shidu”) have been a large population in China. Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) in Shidu parents is of clinical and public health concern but the reported PGD prevalence varies widely. To facilitate the planning of grief counseling services, this meta-analysis estimated prevalence of PGD and its symptoms and identified subgroups at elevated risk for PGD.MethodsWe searched English and Chinese literature databases to identify cross-sectional surveys reporting prevalence of PGD or PGD symptoms in Chinese Shidu parents. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data (“JBI”) was used to assess risk of bias of included studies.ResultsSeven studies with a total of 2,794 Shidu parents were included and their JBI scores ranged from five to eight. The pooled prevalence of PGD and PGD symptoms was 20.9% and 75.0%, respectively. Greater risk of PGD was observed in mothers [vs. fathers, OR (odds ratio) = 1.89, P = 0.001] and in parents with religious beliefs (vs. without religious beliefs, OR = 1.65, P = 0.040). More severe PGD symptoms were presented in parents whose only child died from accidents [vs. illness, MD (mean difference) = 3.99, P < 0.001]. Deceased children of PGD parents were older than those of non-PGD parents (MD = 1.64, P = 0.035) and PGD parents had a shorter duration since the loss than non-PGD parents (MD = −3.26, P = 0.013).ConclusionsPGD is prevalent among Shidu parents. Grief counseling services for Shidu parents would be more effective if they target those who are mothers and have religious beliefs and those whose children died from accidents, lost children are older, and loss occurs more recently.

Let's talk about grief: Protocol of a study on the recognition and psychoeducation of prolonged grief disorder in outpatients with common mental disorders.

BackgroundRecognition that the loss of a loved one may result in prolonged grief disorder (PGD) has gained broad attention recently. PGD may disturb daily functioning to such a degree that mental health treatment is required. Because PGD symptoms often resemble symptoms of common mental disorders (CMD) such as anxiety, depressive, and post-traumatic stress disorder, clinicians may not consider a PGD diagnosis. Moreover, cultural varieties in expression of PGD may complicate recognition. This study explores the prevalence of PGD among both natives and refugees with anxiety, depressive, or trauma- and/or stressor-related disorders as well as clinicians' awareness and knowledge of PGD symptoms. In addition, a psychoeducation module on PGD symptoms is developed through patient expert collaboration.MethodsPrevalence of PGD symptoms is investigated among 50 participants who are referred to outpatient clinics for anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, using the Traumatic Grief Inventory—Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+) and the Bereavement and Grief—Cultural Formulation Interview (BG-CFI). Clinicians will be interviewed on knowledge (gaps) with respect to PGD symptoms. Finally, focus groups with patient experts are held to develop a psychoeducation module tailored to the patients' needs, norms and values.ResultsThis study will show prevalence of PGD among patients who are referred for anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, awareness and knowledge of clinicians on PGD symptoms, and will offer patient expert informed psychoeducation.DiscussionResearch on prevalence and recognition of PGD is vital. Study results of the prevalence of PGD will be compared to previous studies. Recognition of PGD as distinct disorder from CMDs requires clinicians' awareness of symptoms related to the loss of a loved one. Thereby, clinicians need to take cultural aspects related to death, bereavement and mourning into consideration.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol will be carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. Exploratory research to assess the prevalence of PGD in patients suffering from CMDs will facilitate adequate diagnosis by increasing clinician's awareness of PGD symptoms. Tailored PGD psychoeducation, co-created by culturally diverse patient experts and clinicians will be made publicly available.

Beliefs About Causes and Cures of Prolonged Grief Disorder Among Arab and Sub-Saharan African Refugees.

BackgroundMany refugees have experienced the death of a loved one under traumatic circumstances. Accordingly, the prevalence of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) among refugees is high. Culture-specific symptoms of PGD have been described previously, but beliefs about causes and cures of PGD among refugees remain unknown. We therefore aimed at identifying illness beliefs and treatment expectations regarding PGD among refugees.MethodWe focused on refugees from Arab countries (n = 14) and from Sub-Sahara Africa (n = 9) and applied qualitative and quantitative methods. In a semi-structured interview, participants first answered questions about assumed causes and potential cures for prototypical PGD symptoms according to ICD-11 that were presented in a vignette as representatives of their own culture. In the quantitative part, they completed the Cause Subscale of the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) that included additional culture-specific items. Interviews were analyzed with Qualitative Content Analysis.ResultsIn both groups of refugees, PGD symptoms were predominantly attributed to a close relationship to the deceased, lack of social support, personal vulnerabilities, and circumstances of the death. Participants also named a number of flight-related causes (e.g., inability to perform or participate in rituals, feeling isolated in the host country). None of the participants attributed PGD symptoms to supernatural causes. Descriptive analyses of responses on the IPQ-R indicated that participants predominantly attributed PGD symptoms to psychological causes. Participants believed that PGD can be cured and predominantly mentioned social and religious support. Psychological help was only mentioned by a minority of participants. In both groups, participants emphasized that a therapist must be familiar with the patient's culture and rituals. Participants also mentioned stigma associated with seeking psychological help.ConclusionResults suggest specific beliefs of refugees regarding causes and cures of PGD as well as similarities with Western conceptualizations. A culture-sensitive approach to the treatment of PGD in refugees that can include knowledge of culture-specific rituals and incorporating religious beliefs as well as decreasing stigma and increasing mental health literacy seem important. The study is limited by its focus on only two groups of refugees and its small sample size.

Predictors of prolonged grief disorder in Chinese elderly shidu parents: The role of perceived stigma and perceived stress.

Parents who have lost their only child and over the age of 60 are known as elderly shidu parents. This study aimed to investigate predictors of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) among Chinese elderly shidu parents. Two hundred and ninety-eight elderly shidu parents from Shenyang were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed a questionnaire including the Prolonged Grief questionnaire-13 (PG-13), the PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scales (CES-D), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Multiple linear regression was used to examine socio-demographic, bereavement-related and perceived stress associated with PGD symptoms. The prevalence of PGD among Chinese elderly shidu parents was 13.8%. Among the 41 PGD patients, 29, 39, 36 patients had comorbidity of PTSD, depressive symptoms and anxiety, respectively. Perceived stress, higher educational level, lower annual household income, perceived stigma, violent death of the child, and being in debt were associated with severer PGD symptoms. The present study revealed the prevalence of PGD and the important role of PGD in diagnosing other mental disorders in Chinese elderly shidu parents. Providing financial help, eliminating social stigma, and stress should be included in PGD prevention among Chinese elderly shidu parents.

Prolonged Grief and Bereavement Supports Within a Caregiver Population Who Transition Through a Palliative Care Program in British Columbia, Canada.

Objective:To determine the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD), and self-reported resilience among bereaved caregivers within a palliative care program that serves a large region of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, to discern effective bereavement supports utilized by caregivers following the loss of a loved one.Methods:A descriptive study using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Sociodemographic information (n = 427) was collected from bereaved caregivers 3 months after their loss. PGD and resilience were prospectively assessed 12 months post-loss using the prolonged grief scale (PG-13, n = 212) and brief resilience scale (BRS, n = 215), respectively. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on responses to the open-ended question on what bereavement services or activities caregivers found helpful in coping with the loss of a loved one.Results:Of the 212 individuals that completed the PG-13, 4.7% met diagnostic criteria for PGD, 27.4% were moderate risk, and 67.9% were low risk for PGD. Of the 215 caregivers that completed the BRS, 48.4% had low resilience, 51.6% had normal resilience, and 0% had high resilience. The major themes of formal supports, informal supports, and self-care activities emerged from caregiver comments regarding effective bereavement supports.Conclusion:The incidence of PGD in caregivers is low within the Fraser Health Palliative Care program. Bereaved caregivers mainly utilize existing social networks and activities to cope with their loss. Focusing on a community-based approach to supports may improve bereavement experiences and lower rates of prolonged grief.

Family caregiver grief and post-loss adjustment: A longitudinal cohort study.

In order to better understand the different grieving trajectories of the family caregivers (FCs), this study aims to examine the evolution of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) symptoms and the predictive role of the caregiving-related factors in the FCs' grieving trajectory from pre- to post-death. A prospective cohort study was carried out with advanced cancer FCs evaluated before death (T1) and 6-12 months post-loss (T2). Participants in T1 (n = 156) were mostly female, adult child, or spouse of the care recipient, with a mean age of 51.78 (SD = 13.29). At T2, 87 FCs participated in the survey. PGD prevalence was higher pre-death (38.6%) than in bereavement (33.7%). Of those who met the PGD criteria before death, most also met these criteria after death (n = 26, 61.9%). Psychological distress and caregiver burden were highly correlated with pre-death grief, which in turn played a critical role in mediating the link between psychological distress and bereavement outcome. Great emotional closeness in the relationship was predictive of PGD symptoms persistence. In contrast, the long-term consequences of caregiver burden were not confirmed. This study provides evidence for the diversity of individual FC responses and the complex pattern of interactions between caregiving-related factors, relationship quality, and PGD symptoms evolution from pre- to post-death.

Prolonged grief disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression following traffic accidents among bereaved Balinese family members: Prevalence, latent classes and cultural correlates

IntroductionQualitative studies have described the rather unique styles of Balinese people to adjust to adversity. No quantitative research assessing psychopathology among bereaved individuals has been performed yet. This study estimated the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among bereaved individuals after traffic deaths in Bali and the relations between subgroups sharing the same symptoms and cultural, socio-demographic characteristics and posttraumatic growth (PTG). MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 301 participants participated in questionnaire-interviews assessing PGD, PTSD, depression, PTG and cultural and socio-demographic characteristics. On average, the time since loss was 16 months. The purpose of the rituals was examined by a thematic qualitative analysis. We performed latent class analyses and subsequently calculated the odds ratios between membership of classes and characteristics with a multivariate 3step analysis. ResultsPrevalence rates of PGD (0%), PTSD (1%) and moderate depression (2%) were low. Most participants followed the bereavement rituals characteristic for Balinese culture. The purpose of these rituals was mainly the expression of caring for the deceased. We found a large resilient class (76%) and two smaller classes, one characterized by elevated PGD symptoms (11%) and one by elevated PTSD symptoms (13%). Loss of close kin was associated with membership of the PTSD class. ConclusionsPrevalence rates of PGD, PTSD and depression in the Balinese community were remarkably low. Participants appeared to be quite homogeneous in following religious and cultural habits. Aspects of the Balinese culture might protect bereaved individuals for developing mental health issues and could be used for an informed refinement of bereavement rituals in other cultures.

Prolonged grief disorder prevalence in adults 65 years and over: a systematic review

BackgroundProlonged grief disorder (PGD) is a recently recognised mental health disorder with an estimated prevalence of 10% in the bereaved adult population. This review aims to appraise and summarise evidence...

Who suffered most after deaths due to COVID-19? Prevalence and correlates of prolonged grief disorder in COVID-19 related bereaved adults

BackgroundDeaths by COVID-19 have left behind nearly 12 million recent bereaved individuals worldwide and researchers have raised concerns that the circumstances of COVID-19 related deaths will lead to a rise prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) cases. However, to date, no studies have examined the prevalence of PGD among people bereaved due to COVID-19. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PGD and investigated demographic and loss-related factors associated with prolonged grief symptoms among Chinese individuals bereaved due to COVID-19.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional online survey conducted between September 1 and October 3, 2020. A total of 422 Chinese participants (55.5% males; 32.73 [9.31] years old) who lost a close person due to COVID-19 participated in the study. Demographic and loss-related information was collected, and self-reported prolonged grief symptoms were measured by a 13-item International Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale (IPGDS: 1–65) and a 17-item Traumatic Grief Inventory Self Report (TGI-SR: 1–85). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of levels of grief symptoms.ResultsPrevalence of PGD was 37.8% screened by IPGDS and 29.3% by TGI-SR. No difference was found in levels of grief symptoms between participants whose close one died more than 6 months ago and those who experienced the loss less than 6 months ago. More severe prolonged grief symptoms assessed by IPGDS was associated with losing a close person by COVID-19 rather than complications (B: 5.35; 95% CI: 0.54–10.05), losing a partner (B: 7.80; 95% CI: 3.24–12.37), child (B: 8.15; 95% CI: 1.03–15.26), and parent (B: 5.49; 95% CI: 1.49–9.48) rather than losing a relative or a person with other relationship, feeling more traumatic about the loss (B: 1.71; 95% CI: 0.52–2.90), being closer with the deceased (B: 1.60; 95% CI: 0.34–2.86). Moreover, Losing a grandparent (B: 6.62; 95% CI: 0.53–12.71) and having more conflicts with the deceased (B: 1.05; 95% CI: − 0.008–2.11) were related to higher levels of grief symptoms assessed by TGI-SR.ConclusionsEchoing researchers’ concerns, the prevalence of PGD is high among people bereaved due to COVID-19. Individuals with a higher risk of developing PGD should be identified and bereavement support should be offered as early as possible.

COVID-19: using ‘knitted hearts’ in end-of-life care to enable continuing bonds and memory making

International Journal of Palliative NursingVol. 26, No. 8 CommentCOVID-19: using ‘knitted hearts’ in end-of-life care to enable continuing bonds and memory makingBridget Johnston, Sandra BladesBridget JohnstonCorrespondence to:E-mail Address: [email protected]Florence Nightingale Foundation Clinical Professor of Nursing, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowSearch for more papers by this author, Sandra BladesAssociate Chief Nurse, NHS Greater Glasgow and ClydeSearch for more papers by this authorBridget Johnston; Sandra BladesPublished Online:17 Dec 2020https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2020.26.8.391AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. 2019. COVID-19 situation update worldwide, as of 9 November 2020. 2020. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarKlass D, Silverman PR, Nickman SL. Continuing bonds: new understandings of grief. New York: Routledge; 1996 Google ScholarLundorff M, Holmgren H, Zachariae R et al.. Prevalence of prolonged grief disorder in adult bereavement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2017; 212:138e149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.01.030 Google ScholarNHS England. Five year forward view. 2014. www.england.nhs.uk/publication/nhs-fiveyear-forward-view (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarRiegel M, Randall S, Buckley T. Memory making in end-of-life care in the adult intensive care unit: a scoping review of the research literature. Australian Critical Care. 2019; 32:442e447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2018.12.002 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarScottish Government. Coronavirus (COVID-19): daily data for Scotland. 2020. https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/vital-events/general-publications/weekly-and-monthly-data-on-births-and-deaths/deaths-involving-coronavirus-covid-19-in-scotland (accessed 10 November 2020) Google ScholarSelman LE, Chao D, Sowden R et al.. Bereavement support on the frontline of COVID-19 recommendations for hospital clinicians. J Pain Symptom Manag. 2020; 60(2):e81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.024 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarThornton R, Nicholson P, Harms L. Creating evidence: findings from a grounded theory of memory-making in neonatal bereavement care. Au J PedNurs. 2020; 53:29–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2020.04.006 Google ScholarWallace C, Wadkowski P, Gibson A, White P. Grief during the COVID-19 pandemic: considerations for palliative care providers. J Pain Symptom Man. 2020; 6(1):e70-e76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.012 Crossref, Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited bySmart health rehabilitation in palliative care during the COVID-19 eraAksh Chahal, Pooja Chaudhuri15 December 2022 | International Journal of Palliative Nursing, Vol. 28, No. 12 2 December 2020Volume 26Issue 8ISSN (print): 1357-6321ISSN (online): 2052-286X Metrics History Published online 17 December 2020 Published in print 2 December 2020 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download