Psychological Support Services Research Articles

Psychological impact and associated factors of the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women in Fafan Zone health institutions, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021

BackgroundDespite pregnant women's vulnerability to respiratory illnesses and pregnancy complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, research on its psychological impact in the study area, is limited.ObjectiveThis study aims to fill this gap by examining the prevalence and factors linked to the psychological impact among pregnant women in the Fafan zone, Somali region of Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study conducted from April 1st to April 30th, 2021, randomly selected health facilities for inclusion. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) assessed psychological impact, and data were analyzed using SPSS V 22. Variables with a p-value ≤ 0.25 in bivariate analysis were considered for multivariate analysis via multiple logistic regressions with the backward elimination method.ResultsThe study involved 294 pregnant women, constituting 73% of the respondents. The prevalence of psychological impact attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic was 27.2%. Factors such as being in the first trimester of pregnancy (AOR: 5.32), travel history to infected areas (AOR: 3.71), obtaining COVID-19 information from television (AOR: 4.81), and using social media for 1 to 2 hours daily for updates (AOR: 1.35) were significantly associated with this impact.ConclusionWhile the psychological impact among pregnant women in this study was relatively lower compared to other research, factors such as gestational age, TV media exposure, travel history, and social media usage for COVID-19 updates were strongly linked to this impact, highlighting the necessity for psychological support services for pregnant women during challenging times.

Integrated psychological intervention programme for frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic put at risk the resilience of healthcare professionals by exposing them to high levels of stress. Our aim was to identify key elements for implementing the STEP programme, a psychological support service for healthcare professionals. qualitative design. The study participants were hospital healthcare staff. Anonymous questionnaires and transcriptions of group interventions and focus groups were used to identify professionals' preferences to receiving psychological support, needs, concerns, resilience (STEP1.0); constrained emotions and associated thoughts (STEP1.5); perception of self-efficacy on managing emotions (STEP2.0); and the professionals' profile requiring individual therapy. Three hundred professionals participated in the study, 100.0% in STEP 1.0 , 27.3% in STEP 1.5, 2.7% in STEP 2.0, and 10.0% in individual interventions. Two hundred and three (67.7%) participants reflected in the survey that they would prefer access to a face-to-face psychological service during working hours. Three consecutive phases with specific needs and concerns were identified: The "cognitive" phase, at the beginning of the pandemic, when infection and self-efficacy were major concerns, the "ventilation" phase, when constrained emotions associated with several factors were expressed; and the "recovery" phase, when the clinical overload decreased and professionals were able to focus on emotion management training. Several personal characteristics associated with referral to individual therapy were identified. Conclusions: The key characteristics of a psychological support service are proximity, face-to-face interaction during working shifts, and a chronological phase system adapted to different emerging needs.

Exploring the Relationship between Neuroticism and Perinatal Depressive Symptoms: Findings from a 2-Year, Multicenter Study in Italy.

Neuroticism is a personality trait associated with the risk of affective disorders and perinatal depression. We investigated the relationship between different levels of neuroticism, psychological characteristics, and depressive symptoms in a sample of pregnant women (N = 2631) who accessed the gynecology departments in the Puglia Region (Italy) from July 2020 to November 2022. Women were assessed for depressive symptoms and associated risk factors in their third trimester of pregnancy (T0) and after childbirth (T1), and followed-up at 6 months and 1 year after delivery if presenting signs of depression (T2-T3). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen depressive symptoms, and neuroticism was assessed through the subscales of the NEO Five Factor Inventory. Standardized measures of resilience, coping strategies, partner attachment, and quality of life were also employed. Higher levels of neuroticism were significantly associated with: (a) higher scores on the EPDS; (b) higher anxiety in the experience of close relationships; (c) lower psychological wellbeing; (d) lower levels of resilience; (e) lower levels of active coping; and (f) higher levels of self-blame. Our findings may suggest that neuroticism is a specific associated factor of perinatal depression and should be routinely assessed in the clinical screening of pregnant women in order to promote an early referral to psychological or psychiatric support services.

Mothers’ experience of virtual education during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

This qualitative study was conducted with the aim of investigating the experience of mothers in Tehran in the field of virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants in this study were 17 mothers of school children who experienced virtual education in Tehran during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews, over the phone, and lasted for approximately 30–45 min. The interviews were audio recorded with the permission of the participants, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the method of conventional content analysis. For this study, 17 mothers were interviewed. Of those, 7 had one school-age child, 8 had two, and 2 had three. All of the children lived with both their mother and father. The majority of the mothers (16 out of 17) held bachelor's degrees. On average, the students were 11.76 years old. Fourteen of the students attended public schools, while 3 attended private schools. Most of the mothers (14 out of 17) reported their financial status as average. Data analysis led to the identification of 3 main themes and 12 subthemes. The three main categories were family-related factors, student-related factors, and school-related factors. The 4 themes related to family included 1) the role of family as a teacher, 2) the importance of direct and indirect supervision in family education, 3) the cost, and 4) the peace of mind. Factors related to students included 5 themes; 1) the advantages and disadvantages of virtual learning environments, 2) time management in education, 3) the consequences of failing to acquire necessary skills and knowledge, 4) issues of indifference and fraud in education, 5) physical, mental, and social problems affecting students. Factors related to schools included 3 themes; 1) the role of the teacher in virtual teaching and learning, 2) the challenges of lack of prior experience in education, 3) inequality in access to education and opportunities. The findings of this study have several implications for policymakers. Paying attention to technological and educational challenges related to virtual education and providing adequate support to parents are important things that should be prioritized. In addition, psychological support services should be made available to parents so that they can cope with the emotional challenges of virtual education. Finally, the positive experiences reported by mothers suggest that virtual education can be an effective and flexible option for future education, provided that the challenges are adequately addressed. Moreover, no work has been done on this issue comprehensively and the few studies that have followed this method have had some limitations. Therefore, schools, parents, and policymakers should explore innovative ways of integrating virtual education into the educational system to provide flexible and effective learning opportunities for students.

The Effects of a Healthy Lifestyle on Depressive Symptoms in Older Chinese Adults: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience.

Objectives This study aimed to validate the interrelationships and potential pathways of influence between healthy lifestyles, psychological resilience, and depressive symptoms in the Chinese elderly population. Methods We utilized data from the Chinese Elderly Health Influential Factors Tracking Survey 2018 and included 9448 samples for the study after screening according to the qualifying conditions. The interrelationships among healthy lifestyles, psychological resilience and depressive symptoms were analyzed using stepwise regression, and the robustness of mediation effects was assessed using Sobel and Bootstrap test. Results Among Chinese older adults, healthy lifestyles were negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = -0.310, 95% CI: -0.405, -0.215), positively associated with psychological resilience (β = 0.137, 95% CI:0.071, 0.023), and psychological resilience was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = -1.014, 95% CI: -1.037, -0.990). Conclusions Psychological resilience partially mediated the association between healthy lifestyles and depressive symptoms, with the mediating effect accounting for 44.8% of the total effect. Our study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between healthy lifestyles and depressive symptoms in the elderly population and emphasizes the important role of psychological resilience. It is recommended that the government and policymakers improve depressive symptoms among older adults through comprehensive measures such as promoting healthy lifestyles and education, providing psychological support services, and creating a favorable environment.

DEVELOPMENT OF METHODS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

. The purpose of the study is to organize psychological services that ensure their quick and optimal integration into the normal process by increasing the effectiveness of special conditions focused on students with special educational needs in educational organizations. Modern psychological strategies focused on the free development, effective socialization and successful learning of students with special educational needs were used and as a result of conducting experiments, a methodology of psychological support was developed. This has led to new results-oriented work of educational organizations, supplementing psychological and pedagogical support services for students with special educational needs with innovations. Expected results from the implementation of the tasks set within the framework of the research: achievement indicators of students with special educational needs will be compiled; educational organizations create psychological models for improving the interaction of "special" students with the environment; effective psychological strategies to influence them positively are created; a series of individual and group trainings focused on the "special" student and learners’ classmates will be prepared; programs for regulating behavior problems of "special" students will be created; neuropsychological strategies to overcome their learning difficulties are developed; modern technologies of professional-psychological support of families and teachers are created.

INCLUSION AND LEARNING: FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

The purpose of the article is to identify the factors affecting the educational activity of students with intellectual disabilities, under the conditions of the principle of universal formation of learning, which will provide an opportunity to develop the practical orientation of the pedagogical and psychological support services provided to them.
 Research conducted among 119 teachers and 32, students with intellectual disabilities (8-10-year-old) from 25 general basic schools in Yerevan, Lori, Ararat, Tavush, Kotayk regions of the Republic of Armenia has allowed us to identify the factors affecting the learning process of students with intellectual disabilities, which cause many psycho-pedagogical problems in school.
 The research was based on the issues identified during the additional special pedagogical support provided to these students, the complaints registered by the parents and the difficulties of the educators working with them, which are mainly related to the organization of joint learning and insufficient pedagogical conditions.

Adaptation of Young Doctors to Professional Activity in Outpatient Medical Organizations

Introduction. Currently, there is a challenging issue related to adaptation of young doctors to professional activities in healthcare organizations. The first years of work are considered as of one of the most difficult stages of a doctor's career, and the decision to continue clinical practice or give up it largely depends on this period. This, in turn, is one of the reasons for the increase in staff turnover, which negatively affects the activity of a medical organization and the quality of medical care.Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop proposals for optimizing the process of adaptation of young doctors to professional activities in medical organizations upon the results of a study identifying fac-tors that positively and negatively affect it.Methods and materials. Within the framework of this study, a questionnaire survey with participation of young doctors aimed at identifying factors affecting the process of adaptation to professional activity was conducted. Also, a social-hygienic image of a young specialist, motivation, reasons for career choice were an-alyzed, as well as the most common challenges emerging at the beginning of career and during the studies were identified, evaluated and compared.Results. Our research allowed us to identify the most important factors influencing the adaptation process such as convenient work schedule; competitive salary; friendly working environment; modern medical equip-ment; image of a medical organization; opportunities for professional training; career growth opportunities; job stability; job independence and responsibility and creative work. The results show that the adaptation of a young doctor to professional activity in healthcare organizations is crucial to keep human and economic resources in balance. The existing programs are not as efficient as expected. Young specialists note that among the difficulties affecting the quality of medical care are such as lack of knowledge and skills required for their job. Moreover, lack of specialized programs for professional training concerning medical information system and legal and regulatory framework in healthcare, as well as lack of psychological support services leads to staff turnover.

Parents' experiences of living with a child with cancer undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a qualitative content analysis study.

Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) profoundly impacts the physical, psychological, and social aspects of parents' lives. Thus, this study aimed to explore the experiences of parents living with a child with cancer who undergoes HSCT. This qualitative study involved 20 parents of children with cancer who were undergoing HSCT at a referral hospital in Iran. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants from February 2023 to November 2023. In-depth semi-structured interviews, featuring open-ended questions, were utilized for data collection. Data analysis was performed using conventional content analysis. Data analysis revealed two main themes. "Surrounded by hardships" and "Self-actualization." The first theme encompassed participants' experiences of facing difficulties in life after being aware of their child's need for HSCT. This theme consisted of four categories: "uncertainty about the child's future," "exhaustion from the child's treatment process," "worrying about the healthy child(ren)," and "helplessness." The second theme "self-actualization" included with two categories: "transformation in life's philosophy" and "acquisition of new capabilities." These categories highlighted the positive outcomes experienced by the participants following their child's HSCT. Our findings underscore the importance of healthcare providers being attuned to parents' experiences throughout their child's HSCT trajectory. It is crucial for healthcare providers to encourage parents to articulate their concerns and feelings and seek support from healthcare providers, family, and friends. The development of psychological support services in healthcare settings can facilitate tailored interventions to alleviate parents' difficulties.

Prevalence of burnout and psycho-emotional disorders among non-health workers: a single tertiary care pediatric oncology center experience.

According to scientific literature, burnout can be described as a multidimensional syndrome with three fundamental dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. Every day, clown-doctors, play therapists, teachers and volunteers, such as ceramic art therapists, work in pediatric cancer wards to improve the quality of life of hospitalized children and activate positive resources during their therapeutic journey. This study investigated burnout levels and the relationship between work-related stress and resilience in a total of 36 operators (clown-doctors, in-hospital teachers, play therapists, and ceramic art therapists), working at the Unit of Pediatric Oncology of IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation in Rome, Italy. All participants completed a battery of questionnaires to evaluate burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory) and resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale). The results of this study show that these workers are exposed to work-related stress and that the burnout levels are not homogeneous across the various groups considered. The results also show the need to provide non-health hospital workers with a psychological support service or ensure the presence of a mental health professional to help them avoid the risk of burnout. The heavy emotional burden endured by these operators makes them vulnerable and exposes them to burnout.

Exploring the implementation of a novel community pharmacist-led support service for people living with severe and persistent mental illness

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists are well-placed to promote and provide mental health medication management services. However, literature evaluating the impact of pharmacy services in supporting people living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) is currently limited. An individualised, goal-oriented pharmacist-led support service that focused on improving the physical and mental health of consumers living with SPMI, namely the PharMIbridge intervention, was provided to consumer participants as part of the PharMIbridge Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). Objective(s)To explore the experiences of the participants who delivered and supported the implementation of the PharMIbridge intervention and propose ideas and supports needed for broader implementation and sustainability of pharmacist-led support services for people living with SPMI. MethodsInterviews and focus group discussions were undertaken with PharMIbridge pharmacists and mentors, respectively. Audio-recordings were de-identified and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was conducted using an iterative, inductive approach. The key themes identified were furthered divided into subthemes. Subthemes were then mapped to the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment) framework. ResultsData were collected from one focus group involving six RCT mentors and 16 semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists. Five overarching themes emerged: “Training needs”, “Pharmacist integration within the healthcare system”, “Environmental factors”, “Attitudes and behaviour” and “Pharmacy operations”. Twelve subthemes were mapped to EPIS phases “Preparation”, “Implementation” and “Sustainment” and EPIS constructs “Outer” context, “Inner” context and “Bridging” factors. ConclusionAdequate remuneration and supports to encourage healthcare professional collaboration are necessary to establish and sustain functioning, integrated pharmacy mental health services. A shift in pharmacy business and workflow models is necessary to support community pharmacies to implement mental health services. In addition, there is a need to promote psychological support services to ensure that pharmacists are well supported while delivering pharmacy mental health services.

Modern Ways of Educating Parents of Children with Adhd

The relevance of the study is substantiated by the lack of modern programs of psychological and pedagogical education of parents of children with ADHD, taking into account the psychological characteristics and expectations of modern parents, against the backdrop of a growing number of children with these developmental characteristics who experience significant difficulties in the educational process. The main goal set by the authors is to identify effective modern methods of psychological education of parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, applicable in the context of inclusive education. Methodology. In the course of the study, an analysis of current domestic and foreign scientific publications and scientific and methodological sources was carried out, the method of expert assessments was applied (a survey of specialists of the psychological and pedagogical support service of inclusive schools of the Novosibirsk region and employees of the Regional Center for Diagnostics and Counseling) and a method of studying pedagogical experience (an analysis of programs that are laureates of the “All-Russian competition of the best Psychological and pedagogical programs and technologies in the educational environment” 2021 and 2022 using the methodology of the evidence-based approach). Results. Theoretical analysis and a survey of experts confirmed the relevance of the problem of psychological and pedagogical education of parents, without whose active and competent participation in the organization of educational activities of children with attention deficit and hyperactivity, the efforts of specialists in psychological support of this specific group of children do not give the necessary effect. In addition, difficulties in organizing work with parents are identified and described, and it is shown that specialists face problems when choosing effective methods of education that take into account such features of modern parents as lack of time, orientation to digital sources of information, the need for active dialog interaction with specialists and visual provision of necessary information. It is confirmed that specialists of inclusive educational organizations need additional knowledge about the psychological characteristics of children with ADHD and their parents and in program and methodological materials with proven effectiveness. The results of the analysis of the programs-winners of the All-Russian competition led to conclusions about a clear shortage of program and methodological materials on psychological education of parents of children with ADHD, taking into account, among other things, the psychophysiological characteristics of parents of this group of children. It is shown that so far not all the award-winning programs provided in the register of the best psychological and pedagogical programs of the Federation of Educational Psychologists of the Russian Federation fully meet the criteria of practice with empirically proven effectiveness (evidence-based approach).

Pandemic fear and psychological resilience in pregnant women after the pandemic - a study in Turkey.

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of pandemic-related fear, depression, stress and anxiety in pregnant women in different trimesters after the pandemic and to examine their relationship with psychological resilience.Methods:A total of 250 women were included in the study, including 125 pregnant women and 125 healthy controls. The participants were divided into three groups according to their trimester of pregnancy. The Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), the Epidemic Disease Anxiety Scale (EDAS) and the Short Psychological Resilience Scale (SPRS) were used to measure depression, anxiety, stress and psychological resilience.Results:Pregnant women had significantly higher DASS-21 total scores [19 (4-42) ] than healthy controls [11 (1-42) ], P = 0.001. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 23.2%, 44% and 20% respectively in pregnant women compared to 12.8%, 31.2% and 9.6% in healthy controls. DASS-21 total scores were highest in the 1st(21.2 ± 5.8) and 3rd(22.8 ± 8.9) trimesters and lowest in the 2nd(16.1 ± 6.9) trimesters. The DASS-21 total score was positively correlated with the EDAS total score and the pandemic perception subscale. SPRS total score was negatively correlated with anxiety, stress and DASS-21 total score.Conclusion:Pregnant women experienced higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and pandemic anxiety than non-pregnant women in the post-pandemic period. Psychological resilience was negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant women. These findings indicate that the pandemic negatively affects the mental health of pregnant women and the importance of providing psychological support services to protect their mental health.

Psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary healthcare professionals in Turkey: One year into the pandemic.

This study aimed to determine the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals working in primary care settings in the first year of the pandemic. The healthcare industry has faced an unprecedented burden in the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary care professionals experienced the high level of psychological problems. A total of 793 healthcare professionals from different regions of Turkey participated in this cross-sectional study. The STROBE (Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) checklist was used in the study. Data were collected online. It has been found that more than half of healthcare professionals experienced severe depression, three-quarters experienced anxiety, and almost half experienced stress. It was also found that about half of the participants experienced a high degree of acute and chronic fatigue, and one-fifth experienced low inter-shift recovery. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of primary care professionals, especially nurses and midwives, are alarming. The problems that arise from the flawed healthcare delivery models and gender inequality, which worsen the usual psychological effects of the pandemic on primary care professionals, should be addressed urgently. Psychological support and rehabilitative services should be expanded to eliminate the short- and long-term psychological effects of the pandemic on healthcare professionals.

Teachers during COVID-19: Examining burnout levels and their work-life.

In March 2020, with the scope to reduce the spread of COVID-19, most national governments around the world canceled in-person education and moved to online learning. Therefore, teachers and students had to adapt a new way of teaching. Most of Italian teachers never had such an experience before and encountered difficulties in effectively carrying out this process on their own. Difficulties that can naturally increase anxiety and stress, leading, in situations perceived as extreme, to burnout syndrome. This paper endeavored to verify levels of job stress and burnout of Italian teachers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory-General. This study aimed to measure the association among the three main dimensions of burnout and the variables of teachers' personal and working lives that changed due to COVID-19. The aim of this paper was to verify burnout state and to measure the association among the three dimensions of burnout and the personal and working lives of Italian teachers using structural equation model analysis. The analysis was conducted in December 2021 and considered the situation in which the Italian teachers (from primary to middle and upper school) are working since March 2020. The results showed that teachers were emotionally exhausted; they did not feel able to fully fulfill their task towards the students. This involved a high absenteeism, a lower quality of work performance and the impossibility of making an objective evaluation of the students with an inevitable flattening of the class level. In contrast, the study shows that teachers who experienced few problems had relatively low levels of burnout. The findings brought out some proposals to reduce the risk of burnout and increase the individual well-being of schoolwork organization with positive effects on the lives of students: to strengthen social identity, to avoid a full-time online connection, to promote a psychological support service and to promote resilience training.

Psychological distress as a mediator between workplace violence and turnover intention with caring for patients with COVID-19.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak exacerbated workplace violence and turnover intention among nurses, particularly affecting greater levels of psychological distress. This study aimed to examine psychological distress as a mediator of the relationship between workplace violence and turnover intention among clinical nurses, and to investigate whether caring for patients with COVID-19 moderates this relationship through the lens of the affective events theory. We conducted an online survey of 325 Korean registered nurses (mean age = 30.75; female = 92.6%) who work in clinical settings between August and October 2021 using the convenience sampling method. Psychological distress was measured using the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and workplace violence using one dichotomous item adopted from the Workplace violence questionnaire. We measured turnover intention using the six-item Anticipated Turnover Scale. Caring for patients with COVID-19 was determined using one dichotomous item. The research hypotheses assume that the relationship between workplace violence and turnover intention could be mediated by psychological distress and moderated by caring for patients with COVID-19 among Korean nurses. We performed a moderated mediation analysis with workplace violence as the independent variable, turnover intention as the dependent variable, psychological distress as a potential mediator, and caring for patients with COVID-19 as a potential moderator. The analysis revealed that nurses' psychological distress among 308 nurses had a statistically significant mediating effect on the relationship between workplace violence and turnover intention. Furthermore, caring for patients with COVID-19 had a significant further moderating effect on this relationship. These findings highlight the need for psychological support services for clinical nurses at institutional and organizational levels amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is hoped that these findings can contribute to the development of tailored interventions for nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 to attenuate their psychological distress in a timely and effective manner.

Determination of aging anxiety in middle-aged women.

The aim of this study was to determine the state of aging anxiety in middle-aged women. The study was collected from women between the ages of 40 and 59 years by an online survey method. While collecting the data of the participants, the women's personal characteristics diagnostic form and the Aging Anxiety Scale for Middle-Aged Women were used. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 26 statistical software. The aging anxiety of the women was found to be moderate (53.05±16.26). A significant correlation was found between women's menopausal status, household income, education level, and total score of aging anxiety (p<0.05). In addition to working outside the home, women are also burdened with duties inside the home. To improve their quality of life, women need to share many of the tasks imposed on them with other family members. To reduce the anxiety experienced by women during the climacteric period, it is recommended to provide psychosocial support to women and consider this issue in health policies. Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, have important duties to reduce anxiety and stress, which constitute the basis of many chronic diseases. It is recommended that nurses, who are health ambassadors, direct women with anxiety to psychological support services through screenings they will conduct for women during this period.

Building a Multi-layered Support System for Students in Psychological Distress: Insights from Indonesian Faculty Members

Recent studies have noted a rising prevalence of common mental health issues, including suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors, among college students globally. However, limited attention has been given to the preparedness of educational institutions in addressing these concerns. This study aims to comprehensively assess the landscape of mental health support within Indonesian universities, with a particular focus on uncovering the availability of policies and training as well as faculty members’ perceptions of students’ mental health challenges, the identification of responsible parties for providing assistance, and the specific support needs of faculty members prior to the pandemic. Employing a mixed exploratory method, the research engaged 172 faculty members from 72 universities in Indonesia who completed an online survey. The quantitative data underwent descriptive analysis, while the free-text responses were thematically categorized. The findings revealed that (1) most universities still lack formal policies on dealing with students in psychological distress; (2) there is a gap between faculty members’ willingness to discuss students’ mental health and their decision to refer students to mental health services; and (3) there is a necessity for building a multi-layered support system for this issue. Hence, universities are advised to proactively institute formal policies to address students in psychological distress, implement comprehensive mental health training for both students and faculty, and enhance the accessibility of professional psychological support services, thereby creating a robust framework for promoting and safeguarding the mental well-being of students.

The Reflections of Earthquakes on Education: Insights From School Managers

Earthquakes are natural disasters that can affect the performance of schools, educators, and student success. In light of the recent earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, efforts by both authorities and researchers are underway to assess the effects of the earthquake on the education, staff, and students. In this regard, the perspectives of school managers who remained in their positions following the earthquakes and diligently fulfilled crucial responsibilities hold significant value. A limited number of studies have narrowly examined past educational crises caused by earthquakes. However, the effects of these earthquakes, labeled by government officials as the disaster of the millennium, on education services in the zone have not been fully clarified. Consequently, the current study concentrates on the educational conditions, practices, and expectations within the earthquake-devastated zone. The study was conducted in Elbistan district of Kahramanmaraş, known to be one of the two epicenters of the earthquake. The methodology of phenomenological design was employed during the investigations. The views of 10 school managers (four principals and six vice principals) were obtained for the purpose of the study. The results unveiled insufficiencies in the educational environment within the earthquake zone, with limited and challenging educational practices prevalent. However, respondents highly appreciated the efforts made. Findings uncovered that the educational services in the earthquake zone were incapacitated due to physical problems and managerial inefficiencies. Participants had significant expectations regarding enhancing physical conditions, receiving psychological support services, and improving staff procedures (such as payments, transfers, and professional development). Based on the results, some recommendations were made for the researchers and authorities.

Drought impact on peri-urban farmers’ mental health in semi-arid Ghana: The moderating role of personal social capital

Drought represents a major climate hazard in semi-arid regions. Existing literature has extensively documented drought's economic and environmental impacts across Africa with little attention to the psychological impact of drought. Our study examined the impact of drought on farmers' mental health in the Talensi district, Ghana. In addition, we investigated the moderating effects of personal social capital on the relationships between drought impact and three mental health outcomes-depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on a survey of 507 farmers, drought impact has a positive statistically significant relationship with depression (β = 0.51, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = 0.24, p < 0.05), and stress (β = 0.36, p < 0.001), implying that extended drought and increased severity adversely affect farmers' mental health. Personal social capital was found to be a moderator between drought impacts and mental health outcomes, which suggests that personal social capital is an essential resource to deal with mental health challenges associated with drought. Policy-wise, we submit that integrating psychological support services in climate adaptation initiatives, weaving social capital with other forms of capital (e.g., human, physical, economic, and cultural), and implementing sustainable livelihood diversification programs could mitigate the underlying issues that exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities associated with drought.