Due to the need to hospitalize a large number of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, the psychological conditions of hospitalized patients were often overlooked. This study focuses on the qualitative analysis of the subjective experiences of patients with a severe COVID-19 disease in Slovakia during hospitalization. A total of 27 Slovak participants (11 men and 16 women, mean age 57.10 years) who were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 disease were interviewed about their subjective experiences during hospitalization. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The main themes included negative emotions such as distress, discomfort with the illness, discomfort with the medical environment and helplessness. The main sources of distress were the sense of isolation, witnessing the death of another patient, own death concerns, and concerns for others. Sources and strategies used by patients to improve their mental state included interpersonal resources such as contact with relatives and friends, instrumental support from them, mutual help among patients and professional psychological support. Interpersonal resources included optimism, hope, religion and spirituality, recollection of significant others, and reconciliation with the possibility of death. The results have implications for medical staff as they help them to understand the psychological state of COVID-19 patients during hospitalization and can inform psychological interventions to improve hospital care for these patients.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) not only causes direct physical harm but also severely impacts mental health, increasing the risks of psychological disorders, behavioral issues, and suicidal tendencies. With the widespread use of the internet and electronic communication tools on smartphones, such as social media and instant messaging applications, cyberbullying has become increasingly prevalent. However, research on the relationship between cyberbullying and NSSI remains relatively limited at present.

This research was conducted in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, from July to September 2024, utilizing a convenience sampling method with 1,751 participants. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was employed to control for confounding factors, while causal mediation analysis was used to assess the mediating effects of anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness between cyberbullying and NSSI.

In this study, 557 participants (31.8%) reported having experienced cyberbullying, Cyberbullying significantly increases NSSI odds through direct and indirect effects, mediated by anxiety (ACME = 0.08, ADE = 0.22, mediated proportion = 0.28), loneliness (ACME = 0.04, ADE = 0.26, mediated proportion = 0.14), stress (ACME = 0.05, ADE = 0.24, mediated proportion = 0.18), and depression (ACME = 0.06, ADE = 0.24, mediated proportion = 0.19).

This study explores the relationship between cyberbullying, mental health issues (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness), and NSSI. Findings show cyberbullying directly and indirectly increases NSSI risk, with loneliness as a key mediator. Despite insights, the study has limitations, suggesting a need for more rigorous designs and comprehensive data.

The aim of the study was to identify, among university students, profiles featuring severity of depressive symptoms, academic stress, and perceived social support and to compare the profiles by gender and current use of professional support. An online cross-sectional study of 1,519 college students in Poland was conducted between March and April 2021. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R), perceived social support was gauged with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and academic stress was determined using a short scale of the author's own design. The main analysis used in the study was latent profile analysis (LPA), which represents a person-centered approach. It allows researchers to identify the structure of the research sample due to the presence or severity of the variables included in the analysis. Four profiles emerged from the analysis: (1) low intensity of depressive symptoms and academic stress with social support (53%); (2) average intensity of depressive symptoms and academic stress with reduced social support from a significant other (19%); (3) high intensity of depressive symptoms and academic stress with low perceived social support (10%); and (4) high intensity of depressive symptoms and academic stress with support from a significant person (18%). Gender and current use of support were factors that significantly differentiated the profiles. Capturing the diversity of the subjects in terms of the severity of depressive symptoms and academic stress in the context of perceived social support provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of their situation and, consequently, to take more appropriate measures to improve their situation.

SARS-CoV-2 and its subvariants continue to spread globally. People living with HIV (PLWH), who have weakened immune systems, have heightened concerns about the virus. Thus, the relationship between COVID-19 and HIV remains unclear, and the risks of COVID-19 for PLWH have yet to be fully understood. The study conducted a retrospective cross-sectional survey on the Wenjuanxing platform to identify lifestyle risk factors and epidemic phenotypes associated with the severity of COVID-19 in PLWH. All respondents were over 18 years old and were receiving antiretroviral therapy. The survey included questions about their health status during the COVID-19 illness, and questions about basic sociodemographic information, lifestyle factors, and HIV treatment history. This study included 984 HIV patients with a mean age of 54.44 ± 14.4 years. Among the participants, 635 (64.53%) were male. A total of 33 (3.35%) respondents were unvaccinated, while 951 (96.65%) had received at least one vaccine dose, with 868 (88.21%) participants having received three or more vaccine doses. The association between the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and CD4 count (p = 0.652) and HIV viral load (p = 0.916) was found to be statistically insignificant. In reduced multivariate logistic model, passive smoking increased the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms compared with non-smokers (odds ratios [OR] 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.48). Mild (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.55-3.24) and moderate/severe anxiety (OR 5.22; 95% CI 2.36-13.28) were also positively associated with severe COVID-19 symptoms compared to individuals with no anxiety. Comorbidity (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.04-2.17) demonstrated a significant association with severe COVID-19 symptoms. Moderate/severe anxiety was significantly associated with a higher hospital admission rate (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.27-5.37) compared to those without anxiety. Patients who consumed whole grains more than three times per week had a lower risk of hospital admission (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.41-0.89). However, both anxiety and wholegrain intake were nonsignificant for hospitalization rates in individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 through real-time PCR or antigen test. In full multivariate logistic model for SARS-CoV-2 infection of hospitality, CD4 count (> 500 cells/mm3) (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.41-0.99) and the CD4 count (200-500 cells/mm3) (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.45-1.04) were significantly associated with hospital admission rates compared to CD4 count (< 200 cells/mm3), but the results were inconsistent in the reduced logistic models and analysis of Group B. This study indicates that anxiety is positively associated with worsened COVID-19 symptoms and higher hospitalization rates, suggesting a significant link between anxiety and the severity of COVID-19. However, the study did not find evidence of a correlation between CD4 count, HIV viral load, and the severity of COVID-19 or hospitalization rates.

There is limited information on new-onset mental disorders in adults with metabolic diseases following the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we aimed to examine the changes in mental health following the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with the development of new-onset mental disorders. Among 90,580 UK Biobank participants diagnosed with COVID-19 between Jan 31, 2020 and Oct 31, 2022, those who completed both baseline and follow-up mental health questionnaires in 2016-2017 and 2022-2023 were included in the analysis. New-onset depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as changes in mental health scores, were assessed. Furthermore, their association with sociodemographic, clinical, and self-perceived emotional state-related exposures was examined. Prevalent metabolic diseases were significantly associated with a higher risk of new-onset depression (hypertension: odds ratio [OR], 1.22; 95% CI 1.01-1.47; diabetes: OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.25-2.6; obesity: OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.43-1.95) and anxiety (hypertension: OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.06-1.63; diabetes: OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.06-2.62; obesity: OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.99-1.44) following COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant increase of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; beta, 0.32; 95% CI 0.29-0.35) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7; beta, 0.10; 95% CI 0.06-0.13) scores throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) score decreased over time (beta, - 0.24; 95% CI - 0.30 to - 0.18). Preexisting metabolic diseases were associated with the accelerated increase in the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores following the pandemic. Adults with metabolic diseases are associated with an increased risk of new-onset depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suicidal ideation (SI) is one of the strongest predictors of suicide attempts, yet reliable prediction models for suicide risk remain scarce. A key challenge is that SI can fluctuate over time, potentially reflecting different subgroups that may offer important insights for suicide risk prediction. This study aims to build upon previous approaches that averaged SI trajectories by adopting a method that respects the temporal nature of SI.

First, we applied longitudinal clustering to ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data on SI, with five daily assessments over 28 days from 51 psychiatric patients (61% female, mean age = 35.26, SD = 12.54). We used the KmlShape algorithm, which takes raw SI scores and the measurement occasion index as input. Second, we regressed each identified subgroup against established clinical risk factors for SI, including a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, hopelessness, depression diagnosis, anxiety disorder diagnosis, and history of abuse.

Four distinct subgroups with unique SI patterns were identified: (1) "High SI, moderate variability" (high mean, medium variability, high maximum); (2) "Lowest SI, lowest variability" (lowest mean, lowest variability, lowest maximum); (3) "Low SI, moderate variability" (low mean, medium variability, high maximum); and (4) "Highest SI, highest variability" (highest mean, highest variability, highest maximum). Furthermore, these subgroups were significantly associated with clinical characteristics. For instance, the subgroup with the least severe SI ("lowest SI, lowest variability") showed the lowest levels of hopelessness (beta = -0.95, 95% CI = -1.04, -0.86), whereas the subgroup with the most severe SI ("highest SI, highest variability") exhibited the highest levels of hopelessness (beta = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72, 0.95).

Applying longitudinal clustering to EMA data from patients with SI enables the identification of well-defined and distinct SI subgroups with clearer clinical characteristics. This approach is a crucial step toward a deeper understanding of SI and serves as a foundation for enhancing prediction and prevention efforts.

10DL12_183251.

To investigate the changes in lifestyle and mental conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown pre- and post-COVID-19 epidemic by analysing 0.1 million in the general population.

A questionnaire was used to collect demographic, lifestyle and mental condition information. Descriptive and χ2 tests were utilized to analyse the differences among the three groups. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the impact of mental status.

This study involved a total of 141 250 participants, with 68 533 individuals in 2019 (pre-COVID-19), 53 956 in 2021 (lockdown period) and 18 761 in 2023 (post-COVID-19). During the period of lockdown and post-COVID-19, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of male smokers, decreasing from 39.2% before the epidemic to 36.6% during the lockdown period and to 34.8% after the epidemic. The proportion of people with good dietary habits increased slightly during the lockdown period (71.2% vs 68.4%) and remained at 71.8% after the epidemic. The 30- to 39-y age group had the greatest increase in engaging in physical activity. Multiple regression analysis showed that mental health status is associated with age, gender, dietary habits, physical activity and sleeping condition.

The general population is well adapted to the COVID-19 epidemic and can actively face the impact of the epidemic. Furthermore, the alarm triggered by the outbreak has cause people pay more attention to a healthy lifestyle.

Psychological symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period require special attention, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to evaluate the trajectory of psychiatric symptoms from pregnancy to the postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic. This prospective study was conducted at Babol University of Medical Sciences from February 2020 to September 2021. A total of 252 pregnant women completed the Symptom Checklist 25 (SCL-25), the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale, and the Post-Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale at both prenatal and postpartum time points. Results indicated that the mean total score of psychological symptoms decreased modestly from pregnancy to postpartum (39.61 ± 11.67 vs. 32.78 ± 12.15, p < 0.001). Additionally, symptoms of somatization, depression, anxiety, and phobia significantly declined from pregnancy to postpartum (p < 0.05). However, levels of depression, anxiety, and phobia remained significantly higher among women with a positive history of COVID-19 infection compared to those without, during both pregnancy and postpartum. While the overall mean score of psychological symptoms showed a slight reduction from pregnancy to postpartum, many symptoms persisted, particularly in individuals with a COVID-19 infection history or post-traumatic stress symptoms. The study recommends that healthcare providers, including obstetricians, nurses, and midwives, implement timely screening and treatment for psychological symptoms from pregnancy through postpartum.

In nursing education, there have been several studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability of nursing students to cope while in nursing school.

The goal of this study is to assess undergraduate nursing students' support mechanisms as predictors of stress, anxiety, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic within a Hispanic-serving institution in South Texas.

Across-sectional design was used in this study. An online survey using self-reported questionnaires was used to gather data from an undergraduate nursing student cohort during the Fall 2021 semester. Linear regression was used to identify the predictors of student mental health.

Higher resilience and spiritual well-being were associated with reduced perceived stress, anxiety, and depression. Higher family functioning was associated with reduced perceived stress, and student employment as a salaried worker in a healthcare facility was associated with reduced depression. Finally, recovering from a symptomatic COVID-19 infection was associated with increased perceived stress.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental effect on nursing students' mental health, exacerbated by the transition to virtual learning. Fostering resilience and spiritual well-being in addition to targeted faculty support to nursing students that recovered from COVID-19 may promote improved mental health in a pandemic context, for nursing students immersed in the predominantly Hispanic-American culture of South Texas.

We evaluated the hospitalization rate, length of stay, and management of patients with ureteric lithiasis admitted under emergency conditions at a single institution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A retrospective study was conducted on 219 patients with ureteral lithiasis, divided into pre-COVID-19 (1.10.2019-29.02.2020) and COVID-19 groups (1.10.2020-29.02.2021). The study examined patient and stone characteristics, hospitalization duration, surgical interventions, creatinine levels, and associated urinary tract infections. It also evaluated the complications related to delayed treatment during the pandemic.

The study found a 73.41% reduction in admissions for obstructive ureteral lithiasis during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. Notable differences were observed in age (61.5 vs 46 years, p=0.000), gender (p=0.046), stone laterality (p=0.024), location (p=0.002), serum creatinine levels (1.59 vs 1.09 mg/dL, p=0.000), and urine cultures (45.65% vs 23.12%, p=0.002). During the pandemic period, the rate of primary stone extraction procedures decreased (32.6% vs 59%, p<0.001), while operative time (52.89 vs 39.84 minutes, p<0.001) and hospital stay significantly increased (13.09 vs 3.76 days, p<0.001).

The pandemic resulted in fewer hospitalizations for ureteral lithiasis and an increase in complications, likely due to reduced access to medical care and a greater tendency for upper urinary tract drainage.

The easing of COVID-19 policies in China appears to have been inadequately prepared, leading to a profound shift in the mental wellbeing of healthcare professionals following the lifting of these measures. Our study aims to investigate the pathways underlying negative emotions experienced by healthcare professionals due to perceived inadequate system preparedness, aiming to enhance their mental health protection and facilitate more effective responses during future large-scale public health crises.

A total of 826 healthcare professionals were enrolled. Depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, resilience, perceived inadequate system preparedness were measured in our research.

The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among healthcare professionals were 32.1 and 16.2%, respectively, during the concentrated outbreak of COVID-19 in China after easing policy. The chain mediation analysis reveals that perceived inadequate system preparedness significantly directly predicts depression or anxiety symptoms among healthcare professionals, indirectly through the mediating role of stress, as well as via the chain mediation of stress and resilience. However, it does not predict these symptoms through the mediator of resilience alone. Furthermore, contracting COVID-19 directly predicts depression symptoms.

Perceived inadequate system preparedness can have a detrimental impact on negative emotions through various channels. When facing the potential outbreak of a large-scale public health event in the future, it is crucial to implement measures such as providing psychological counseling, increasing risk allowances, and ensuring an adequate supply of personal protective equipment to be better prepared. Additionally, psychosocial interventions should be implemented to enhance the resilience of healthcare professionals and safeguard the mental wellbeing of those infected with COVID-19, etc.

The COVID-19 lockdown had significant consequences on the mental health of millions of people, leading to the increasing prescription and use of psychotropic drugs. Due to the lack of data in the current literature, this study aims to estimate the trends in the consumption of anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants before and during the pandemic on people in the South Italian region. We conducted a retrospective observational study, retrieving prescriptions of anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants dispensed in pharmacies of the Basilicata region (South Italy) for the period 2019-2021. We presented the data, expressed in Daily Defined Doses (DDDs) for 1000 persons/day (DHD), on a total resident population of 95,021, dividing the age groups into categories <30, 30-50, 50-70, and >70 years. We conducted a linear regression model to examinate consumption trends across years. Software XLSTAT was used for statistical analysis. During the study period, more than 85,000 boxes of psychotropic medications were dispensed. The research showed an increase in the sales of all three categories of drugs examined, with a greater rise in benzodiazepines (88.5%) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (81.9%) in 2021 compared to 2019, especially among women under 30 years. The COVID-19 pandemic had led to an increase in the consumption of psychotropic drugs, confirming the significant impact on the population's mental health.

Adolescent mental health issues were surging during COVID-19 pandemic. Yet it is unclear whether the pandemic amplified pre-existing vulnerabilities for psychiatric disorders.

Using the longitudinal data from Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study© (n = 7,560, 2~3 waves of assessments before pandemic and 2~3 waves after first nation-wide pandemic lock-down), we evaluated associations of the pandemic, genetic liabilities to psychiatric disorders, and their interactions with 20 different measures of psychopathology. Genomic common factor models aggregated genomic effects across eight psychiatric disorders, summarizing into four latent factors. Analyses were stratified by genetic ancestry and sex.

In European-like ancestry adolescents, each 1 standard deviation increase in Neurodevelopmental (ND) or Internalizing (INT) PRS significantly associated with increment in most psychopathologies by 3% to 19%. After controlling for individuals PRS, pandemic periods were significantly associated with accelerated rates in parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) withdrawn depressed and rule-breaking syndrome scores, CBCL DSM-oriented conduct, somatic, and attention deficit/hyperactivity problems, and all corresponding youth-reported Brief Problem Monitor (BPM-Y) scores. In sex stratified analysis, CBCL DSM-oriented affective problem scores significantly worsened in early pandemic among females (21% increase; 95%CI 13%-29%; P=2.6×10 ) but not males. Females have stronger associations between INT PRS and rate of increment on CBCL DSM-oriented affective problem scores (15%; 95%CI 10%-21%; P=6.4×10 1 ), comparing to males (10%; 95%CI 6%-15%; P=4.2×10 ). The multiplicative interactions between PRS and pandemic periods were at-most trending, showing positive interactions between ND PRS and early pandemic among females for CBCL conduct (15%; 95%CI 7%-23%; P=5.17×10 ) and aggressive behavior scores (9%; 95%CI 4%-14%; P=5.09×10).

A wide range of adolescent mental health symptoms intensified during the pandemic period. Both genetic vulnerabilities and pandemic-related factors are associated with increased psychiatric symptoms. The genetic liability and the pandemic periods were associated with mental health issues independently, meaning genetically at-risk individuals saw a higher relative increase in mental problems during the pandemic. Females exhibited higher levels of mental health symptoms and more sustained increases across the duration of the pandemic compared to males. Youth with genetic vulnerability to neurodevelopmental phenotypes required special attention due to heightened mental health risks during stressors like COVID-19.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that significantly disrupt daily life. Medical students may be uniquely susceptible to obsessive compulsive symptoms due to their constant exposure to potential contaminants and infectious diseases during their training. Obsessive Compulsive symptoms among medical students are often overlooked, which can significantly impact their academic performance, well-being, and future career prospects. The prevalence and factors of obsessive compulsive symptom is not widely studied in low and middle income countries and there are limited studies in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of obsessive compulsive symptoms among medical students.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 370 students. The outcome variable was assessed using the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised scale (OCI-R). The collected data were entered using kobo collect tool box version 1.3 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with Obsessive Compulsive symptoms and variables with P-values less than 0.05 were considered to have significant association with 95% confidence interval.

The probable prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder among medical and health science students was 28% with (95% CI: 26.4-32.7). Being female [AOR = 1.33(95%CI: 1.09, 2.18)], Depressive symptoms [AOR = 2.12(95%CI: 1.95, 4.06)], Maladaptive coping mechanism [AOR = 1.74 (95%CI: 1.23, 2.50)], and Poor sleep quality [(AOR = 1.48(95%CI: 1.08, 2.24)] were significantly associated with obsessive compulsive symptoms.

Obsessive Compulsive Symptom has a high probable prevalence among medical and health science students. Being female, experiencing depressive symptoms, employing maladaptive coping mechanisms, and having poor sleep quality were significantly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, early detection, screening, and appropriate intervention for obsessive-compulsive symptoms in medical students are crucial.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health, with healthcare professionals being particularly vulnerable. This study explores the emotional distress experienced in Serbia, focusing on factors that contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. A total of 3328 participants from the general and healthcare populations were surveyed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-Short Form (DASS-21). The analysis revealed that certain groups, such as women, non-psychiatrist doctors, individuals with a history of mental disorders, and those dissatisfied with their financial, familial, and living circumstances, were more likely to experience heightened levels of emotional stress. Moreover, healthcare professionals, especially those working in challenging conditions, may be at increased risk for mental health issues. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and ongoing support for those most affected, particularly within the healthcare sector, to mitigate the long-term mental health impacts of the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic threatened mental health. This study examined the longitudinal associations among pandemic-related media use, sympathy for people infected with COVID-19 (PIWC), and death anxiety. 132 Chinese adults completed measures three times, one week apart during the initial phase of COVID. The results showed that media use, sympathy, and death anxiety decreased significantly over the first month of the outbreak. Pandemic-related media use predicted increased future sympathy for PIWC, and sympathy predicted increased future death anxiety. The study identified the short-term effects of media use on sympathy and death anxiety, and suggests that reduced media exposure may be beneficial.

This study explores the relationship between cyberbullying, mental health, and sexual minority groups, focusing on the specific impact of cyberbullying on these individuals' mental wellbeing. Previous research has indicated that sexual minorities face higher levels of cyberbullying on social media. Therefore, this study aims to gain deeper insights into the mental health consequences and potential mitigating factors for this vulnerable population.

We employed a questionnaire survey method and convenience sampling to collect data. Participants' psychosocial traits were assessed using established scales measuring stress, anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, loneliness, and sleep quality. Data analysis included Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and causal mediation analysis.

Of the participants, 204 identified as belonging to sexual minority groups, constituting 7.1% of the overall sample. The correlation results indicated that individuals in the sexual minority group experienced higher levels of cyberbullying (r = 0.276, p < 0.001). Cyberbullying was found to partially mediate the relationship between sexual minority status and several mental health issues, including depressive symptoms (0.32, 95% CI 0.19-0.53; P < 0.001), anxiety symptoms (0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.88; P < 0.001), and loneliness (0.40, 95% CI 0.23-0.69; P < 0.001). Additionally, cyberbullying fully mediated the relationship between sexual minority status and both stress and sleep quality.

These findings highlight that cyberbullying serves as a significant mediator in the mental health challenges faced by sexual minorities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant global disruption, resulting in increased stigma and discrimination towards certain communities and populations affected by the virus. Given that psychiatrists play a crucial role in both preventing and treating the complications associated with disease-related stigma, this study aims to examine their attitude towards the stigma associated with COVID-19.

This research utilized a cross-sectional survey design to evaluate psychiatrists' attitudes towards COVID-19 stigma. We used a 15-item researcher-made questionnaire with scores ranging from 15 to 75. The questionnaire was distributed to 131 psychiatrists in Tehran (capital city of Iran) from April 9, 2023 to May 26, 2023, with responses collected voluntarily. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA to evaluate stigma attitudes across demographic variables using SPSS software (version 25).

The Cronbach's alpha for the COVID-19 Stigma Attitude Scale for Psychiatrists (CSASP) was determined to be 0.861, indicating strong reliability. Moreover, all questions achieved acceptable corrected item-total correlation values above 0.2. It was revealed that the highest and lowest recorded scores were 68 and 25, respectively (average 51.16 ± 8.83). Also 19 individuals (14.5%) exhibited a weak attitude, 41 individuals (31.3%) displayed a rather weak attitude, 54 individuals (41.2%) showed a rather strong attitude, and 17 individuals (13%) demonstrated a strong attitude toward the presence of COVID-19 stigma. Furthermore, 96 individuals (73.3%) recognized stigma surrounding COVID-19 at the onset of the pandemic; of these, 11 (11.5%) disagreed with the idea of current stigma, while 18 (18.7%) had no opinion. Thus, 67 participants (69.8%) still believe such a stigma exists. Finally, 83 respondents (63.3%) acknowledged stigma related to AIDS and leprosy, with 53 (63.8%) of them also believing in the stigma surrounding COVID-19.

The findings highlighted various attitudes towards the ongoing stigma associated with COVID-19, with most psychiatrists recognizing its persistence throughout the pandemic. The research also points to the interconnectedness of stigma across different diseases, emphasizing common societal factors like fear, misinformation, and cultural biases. This underscores the crucial role psychiatrists play in addressing stigma and its effects on society.

To explore the association between smoking status (current vs former), changes in smoking habits (among current smokers only) and negative changes in dietary and physical activity habits during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in Israel.

A secondary analysis of an online cross-sectional study (6 April 2020 to 28 April 2020). Dependent variables included deteriorations in dietary habits score and odds of reporting worsening of physical activity habits during the first COVID-19 lockdown. The study analysed the association between these variables and 'smoking status' (current vs former) and, within smokers, changes in smoking habits, using multivariate logistic and linear regression models. For changes in physical activity habits, there was a significant interaction with baseline physical activity levels (p=0.04), therefore, analysis was stratified accordingly.

Online data collection.

660 participants, current or former smokers in Israel, Hebrew speakers and ≥18 years old.

Self-reported negative changes in dietary habits and physical activity during the first COVID-19 lockdown.

The sample (n=660) included 66.2% (n=437) current smokers and 33.8% (n=223) former smokers. Among current smokers, 43.5% (n=190) indicated an increase in their smoking habits. Of all respondents, 25% (n=170) reported a negative dietary change and 48% (n=192) spent less time engaging in physical activity, with 66% (n=437) reporting increased levels of stress. No significant association was found between smoking status and the dietary habits score in the multivariate linear regression (B=-0.046, CI -0.493 to 0.401, reference group: former smokers). This indicates that being a current smoker was associated with a non-significant 0.046 point decrease in the dietary habits score compared with former smokers. Similarly, no significant association was found between smoking status and odds of reporting worsening of physical activity, even after stratifying by baseline physical activity levels. Among participants who currently smoke, no significant association was found between changes in smoking habits and the dietary habits score (B=0.391, 95% CI -0.061 to 0.843, p=0.090, reference group: those who smoke the same or less) or with odds of reporting worsening of physical activity (OR=1.16, 95% CI 0.688 to 1.956, p=0.577, reference group: those who smoke the same or less).

Among current and former smokers, high rates of negative health habit changes were found, emphasising the need for interventions during future crises. Smoking status and/or changes in smoking habits among current smokers were not associated with negative changes in dietary and physical activity habits.

This study aimed to understand the experiences of adolescents regarding the perceived impact of COVID-19 on their mental health in Catalonia (Spain). A qualitative exploratory methodology was used with a purposive sample of 30 high-school students regarding their experiences of the self-perceived impact of COVID-19 on their mental health. Data were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke method. Three main themes emerged from the data: (a) the challenge of living confined, (b) the footprint of COVID-19 on adolescents' mental health, and (c) school dynamics during the lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted adolescents' mental health, and adolescents perceived a lack of emotional support from educational centers. Therefore, incorporating emotional support in educational centers and offering emotional self-management tools to young students should be a priority. School nurses can play an essential role in recognizing and managing emotional needs and being the natural link between educational and primary care centers.

Although COVID-19 was experienced as a traumatic event with long-lasting effects, there is limited data on its traumatic impact in relation to factors that can promote or threaten young people's mental wellbeing. This study investigated the association between sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS), resilience, and life satisfaction with COVID-19 trauma-related stress and whether resilience mediates the relationship between SPS and COVID-19 traumatic stress in a young sample. A total of 441 individuals aged between 16 and 25 years (Mage = 19.26, SD = 1.65) participated in an online survey in the UK between November 2021 and April 2022. We found that SPS was positively correlated, and resilience was negatively correlated with COVID-19 trauma-related stress. Life satisfaction was not significantly related to COVID-19 trauma-related stress. A mediation analysis showed that the relationship between SPS and COVID-19 trauma-related stress was mediated by resilience. Our findings suggest that resilience can be a protective factor against the traumatic effect of COVID-19 in young people, but other factors should also be considered. Our study makes implications about the potential benefits of including resilience in interventions which target young people's mental wellbeing.

The distinctive mental health features associated with COVID-19 have gained importance as the psychological effects of the pandemic on the community become more visible. This study aims to assess the COVID-related stress status and associated factors in the community sample of Turkey. The sample of this cross-sectional study is composed of 2.065 people between the ages of 18-90. Data were collected through an online survey prepared by Google.docs between October-December, 2020. Mild to moderate stress was found in the community with the most common symptoms of the fear of contamination and danger. Some variables, such as being female and the severity of COVID-19 illness, were associated with higher COVID-related stress. Vulnerable groups associated with high stress should be monitored during the pandemic. The findings of this study will guide the practices of professionals working in the field of public health, healthcare, or mental health in possible future pandemics.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents globally. This comprehensive narrative review synthesizes current research on the pandemic's psychological effects on young people, examining emotional distress, behavioral changes, sleep disturbances, educational disruptions, and the exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science, covering articles published from January 2020 to December 2024. Studies focusing on children and adolescents (aged 0-18 years) that examined mental health outcomes related to the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Data extraction was performed using a standardized form, and a narrative synthesis approach was employed to analyze and integrate the findings. Key findings reveal a substantial increase in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among children and adolescents during the pandemic. School closures, social isolation, and disrupted routines have contributed to these mental health challenges. Sleep patterns have been notably affected, with delayed bedtimes, increased sleep disturbances, and a higher prevalence of insomnia and nightmares. The pandemic has widened educational disparities, particularly affecting children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions have experienced exacerbated symptoms and faced challenges in accessing care. Various interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, social-emotional learning programs, and digital mental health support, have shown promise in mitigating the pandemic's psychological impact on young people. Children were more affected, as they faced a global crisis for the first time with limited coping skills. Disruptions in routine, social isolation, and family stressors heightened anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, making them more affected. This review emphasizes the need for continued research, targeted interventions, and policy development to address the long-term mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents.

People in Croatia have recently experienced two major earthquakes in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, which are possible sources of increased fear. In order to capture and understand the effects of the simultaneously occurring threatening events, the aims of this study were threefold. First, we aimed to examine the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Croatian version of the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). Second, bearing in mind that there is a lack of instruments for measuring fear of earthquakes, the study aimed to develop and examine the psychometric properties the Fear of Earthquake Scale (FES), as a version of FCV-19S, modified for the earthquake experience. Finally, the study aimed to examine differences in well-being indicators (life satisfaction, positive and negative affect) between four groups of participants who either had/did not have COVID-19 disease or had experienced/did not have experienced earthquake. The study was conducted among 1136 participants adults who took part in the fourth year of the Croatian longitudinal study on well-being. Among them, N = 665 participants experienced earthquake and responded to additional questions regarding that experience. The analyses demonstrated valid psychometric properties and one-factorial structure of FCV-19S and FES scales. The findings showed that people who went through earthquake experience (vs. those without earthquake experience and COVID-19 infection) reported higher negative affect and lower positive affect, indicating that people in Croatia seem to have been more fearful of earthquakes than COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest the long-term negative effects of earthquake on fear and well-being in comparison to COVID-19 pandemic.

Postpartum depression is a significant health problem that negatively affects maternal and fetal health and should be carefully evaluated by health professionals in extraordinary situations such as disasters and pandemics. This study aimed to examine the effects of fear of COVID-19, perceived social support, and some socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics of women on the risk of postpartum depression during the pandemic period using path analysis.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 226 women over 18 years of age, literate, gave birth at term, were between 2 weeks and a year postpartum, could use smartphones, and had not had COVID-19. The data were collected using the instruments Personal Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data were collected via online survey method between 14 November 2020 and 30 December 2020.

The prevalence of risk of postpartum depression was 35.8%. The mean FCV-19S score was 19.72 ± 6.75, the mean MSPSS score was 56.69 ± 17.49, and the mean EPDS score was 10.03 ± 6.21. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors associated with postpartum depression risk in postpartum women during the pandemic family type (OR: 0.316, p = 0.05), satisfaction with childbirth experience (OR: 5.907, p = 0.003), fear of COVID-19 (OR: 1.104, p < 0.001), and perceived social support (OR: 0.942, p < 0.001). According to the path analysis, the χ2/degree of freedom value of the model is 1.35 and GFI: 0.99, AGFI: 0.96, CFI: 0.98, RMSEA: 0.040, NFI: 0.94, NNFI: 0.93, SRMR: 0.041 for path analysis. Path analysis revealed that having a nuclear family (β = 1.33), perceived social support (β = -0.13), having a history of depression (β = 3.61), fear of COVID-19 (β = 0.14), and satisfaction with the birth experience (β = -2.56) had a direct negative effect on the risk of PPD during the pandemic.

The findings suggest that strengthening social support, helping her cope with the fear of COVID-19, having a good birth process, and reasonable evaluation of their mental health history can alleviate the risk of PPD during the pandemic period. On the other hand, our findings may guide the development of prevention and intervention approaches for factors that directly and indirectly affect women's PPD risk during the pandemic period.

Objectives: During the second COVID-19 pandemic wave in Israel, we examined COVID-19-specific stressors and academic and financial challenges as potential risk factors for anxiety and depression among university students in Israel. Based on conservation of resources (COR) theory, we hypothesized that the threat of resource loss within the personal domain, academic challenges, and financial concerns would increase the likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression. Participants: We sampled 18,686 students who responded to an online questionnaire. Methods: Data collection occurred from September 6 to November 8, 2020. Anxiety and depression were assessed by the GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively. We conducted multiple hierarchical logistic regression analyses predicting depression and anxiety symptoms at the clinical level. Results: Greater positive learning experiences were associated with a 38% reduction in the odds of experiencing depression (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.59-0.65). Conclusions: Developing integrated services for students addressing their mental health during disasters is necessary.

Adverse situations can affect the mental health and support of pregnant women and their partners, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting confinement periods. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the protective factors in the mental health of pregnant women and their partners, as well as the interrelationships of these factors, in an adverse situation, through the assessment of resilience, perceived support, anxiety, depression and stress.

The sample consisted of 38 women with no pregnancy risk and 25 partners evaluated between gestation weeks 24 and 31. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study.

The pregnant women presented lower resilience, greater social support (especially family support), and greater intensity of depression, anxiety and stress than their partners. Moreover, a mutual relationship was found, both in depression and general support, between the members of the couple.

During the confinement, pregnant women have presented greater vulnerability in mental health, despite perceiving greater social support than their partners. Greater resilience in the partners could be a relevant factor to cope with situation of adversity during pregnancy, as indicated by the relationship detected between the risk and protective factors. It would be desirable to improve the attention and care of pregnant women during prolonged periods of adversity, including the couple, and to strengthen mutual support.

In order to gain a deepened understanding of the impact of public health emergency and to develop effective interventions and preventions, this study aimed to evaluate risk and protective factors associated with anxiety in children and adolescents and to explore potential moderators in the background of COVID-19 within the framework of socio-ecological model.

A literature search was conducted in Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Emerald, and CNKI for studies published from early 2020 to early 2023 that examined factors associated with anxiety among children and adolescents with age range of 6 to 17 years old. Random effects models and a three-level meta-analytic approach were used.

In total, 141 articles and 1,018,171 subjects were included, with 1002 effect sizes extracted. 32 protective factors and 48 risk factors were examined, yielding significance for 14 protective factors and 29 risk factors, including individual factors (e.g., gender, logOR = -0.37, 95 % CI [-0.47, -0.27], p < 0.001; age, logOR = -0.12, 95 % CI [-0.22, -0.02], p = 0.02; emotional functioning, logOR = -1.45, 95 % CI [-1.84, -1.05], p < 0.001; pre-existing condition logOR = 0.94, 95 % CI [0.58, 1.30], p < 0.001; electronic device or internet addiction, logOR = 1.81, 95 % CI [0.74, 2.88], p < 0.001), family factors (e.g., family socioeconomic status, logOR = -0.25, 95 % CI [-0.39, -0.10], p < 0.001; family functioning, logOR = -1.31, 95 % CI [-1.60, -1.02], p < 0.001; anxiety level of caregiver, logOR = 1.06, 95 % CI [0.75, 1.37], p < 0.001), community factors (e.g., overall social support, logOR = -0.93, 95 % CI [-1.84, -1.05], p < 0.001; school burden, logOR = 0.56, 95 % CI [0.21, 0.90], p = 0.002), and COVID-19-related factors (e.g., higher exposure risk in local community or city, logOR = 0.48, 95 % CI [0.17, 0.78], p = 0.002; distant learning, logOR = 0.73, 95 % CI [0.19, 1.28], p = 0.008; COVID-19-related distress, logOR = 1.42, 95 % CI [0.55, 2.29], p = 0.001;). The majority of studies showed no publication bias. Age group moderated the relationship between gender and level of anxiety (F (1,96) = 4.42, p = 0.038), and no other moderator showed significance.

This study does not reveal causality but correlation in nature, and our findings should be interpretated with caution.

Public health emergencies could bring challenges to the mental health of children and adolescents. Prevention and intervention strategies for children and adolescents with high risks, and family-based and community-based programs should be encouraged to buffer the adverse impact on children and adolescents. This study has been prospectively registered at PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022316746).

This work is a descriptive cross-sectional study that aimed to assess by means of an online survey the well-being and psychological impact, mainly depression, anxiety, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experienced by the general population after the end of lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we used the PCL-S scales to assess PTSD and the DASS scale to assess depression, anxiety, and stress related to end of quarantine. Our study found that following the decontamination related to COVID-19, the psychological impact was not negligible with a significant prevalence of occurrence for several psychological disorders. We found depression (68.8%), anxiety (57.47%), stress (45.50%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (31.5%) in the subjects of our study. Following the decontamination related to COVID-19, the psychological impact was found to be as important or even more serious than the other situations that preceded it. The development of a database allowing us to understand the effect of the decontamination on the mental health of Moroccans could be useful in order to watch and prevent the occurrence of complications for psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress or even a state of post-traumatic stress.

Understanding how lifestyle factors impact psychiatric well-being is essential for supporting recovery in COVID-19 survivors, yet their influence on long-term outcomes remains underexplored. This cross-sectional study evaluates associations between depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation (SI), and syndromic common mental disorder (CMD) with lifestyle factors in 730 moderate to severe COVID-19 survivors. Lifestyle factors included physical activity, alcohol and substance use and during COVID-19 infection, and dietary intake, with assessments conducted 6 to 11 months post-hospitalization. Multiple logistic regression was employed for each of the five dependent variables. Of the participants, 51.9% were male, with a mean age of 55. Previous COVID-19 sedative use and the severity of alcohol use were correlated with increased depression (sedative, OR = 2.43, P = .011; alcohol OR = 1.09, P = .017), GAD (sedative, OR = 2.13, P = .007; alcohol OR = 1.08, P = .009), PTSD (sedative, OR = 2.10, P = .008; alcohol OR = 1.08, P = .004), and sedative for CMD (OR = 1.97, P = .005). Opioid use was linked to increased GAD (OR = 2.23, P = .042), and "fruits and vegetables" consumption 2-3 times/week was associated with lower odds for depression (OR = 0.19, P = .021). No lifestyle behaviors were found to be associated with suicidal ideation. These results underscore the importance of lifestyle-specific behaviors in mitigating psychiatric symptoms during the extended recovery period from COVID-19. This is particularly pertinent with respect to minimizing the consumption of sedatives and alcohol in the context of depression, GAD, and PTSD, as well as the use of opioids for GAD and the increased intake of fruits and vegetables to depression. These findings may have substantial implications for the formulation of lifestyle strategies aimed at the prevention of mental health disorders subsequent to severe acute viral infections.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition with considerable impacts on both individuals and society, associated with high healthcare costs and reduced quality of life. Linked to a range of genetic, psychological, and social factors, GAD also frequently coexists with other mental health conditions. This study investigates the socio-demographic, environmental, and psychosocial risk factors for GAD symptoms in an urban Iranian population, addressing a key research gap and guiding targeted interventions.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of GAD symptoms among adults in Tehran. Using multi-stage sampling, participants completed questionnaires on socio-demographic characteristics, recent stressors, and DSM-5 criteria for GAD. Descriptive statistics identified prevalence patterns, and logistic regression models evaluated associations and adjusted for confounders (p < 0.05). Analyses were conducted in STATA v.14, with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals reported.

Of 970 participants, 26% met criteria for GAD (CI 95%: 22%-32%). Individuals with GAD were more likely to be single, dissatisfied with life, of low socioeconomic status, and to report non-healthy status and recent stressors. In multivariable regression, significant risk factors for GAD included female gender (AOR = 1.4, p < 0.01), experiencing at least one recent stressful event (AOR = 1.9, p = 0.01), and poor health status (AOR = 2.8, p < 0.05).

This study highlights the prevalence of GAD symptoms in Tehran and underscores the critical roles of policymakers and healthcare providers in addressing it. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach, including individual treatment, social integration, and community support. Future research should focus on culturally sensitive interventions and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma. Overall, the study enriches the literature on GAD in Iran and encourages collaborative efforts to enhance mental health outcomes and community well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as an international public health emergency and threat to individual psychological resilience.

To examine the prevalence of psychological issues and identify key associations with mental health indicators in young adults (ages 18-28) worldwide during the initial phase of the pandemic.

Through a cross-sectional online survey utilizing convenience sampling, we collected data on demographics, COVID-19-related questions, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), stress/trauma (Impact of Event Scale-Revised), and fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 scale) between September 2020-January 2021. A total of 183 were eligible analysis. All statistical analyses were set at alpha = 0.05.

Over 70% of participants reported mild anxiety (n=129), 80% mild depression (n=136), 40% pandemic-related trauma (n=61), and 50% high fear (n=88). Female respondents reported higher anxiety (t(173)=-3.352, <.001), depression (t(166)=-3.310, P=.001), and trauma from COVID-19 ((t(151)=-2.004, P=.047). Hispanic/Latino/a/x participants reported higher depression (F(2,156)=7.761, P<.001) and trauma scores (F(2,143)=3.999, P=.020). Age in 2020 was associated with trauma total scores (F(1,154)=4.230, P=0.041, R2 = 0.027). Individuals who were mandated a quarantine were linked to lower levels of anxiety (F(2,175)=3.442, P=.034) and depression (F(2,170)=3.092, P =.048) than those not mandated. Those quarantined with close contacts were linked to lower anxiety (t(162.184)=2.705, P =.008) and trauma (t(149)=2.169; P=.032). Close contacts' hospitalization from COVID-19 infections were linked to lower anxiety (t(127)=2.855, P=.005), depression(t(123)=3.111, P=.002), and trauma (t(152)=-1.975, P=.050).

The findings highlight the significant effect COVID-19 had on mental health in young adults worldwide.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranks among the leading causes of global mortality, and COVID-19 has intensified its challenges. Beyond the evident physical effects, the long-term psychological effects of COVID-19 are not fully understood.

This study aims to unveil the long-term psychological trends and patterns in populations with COPD throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond via large-scale Twitter mining.

A 2-stage deep learning framework was designed in this study. The first stage involved a data retrieval procedure to identify COPD and non-COPD users and to collect their daily tweets. In the second stage, a data mining procedure leveraged various deep learning algorithms to extract demographic characteristics, hashtags, topics, and sentiments from the collected tweets. Based on these data, multiple analytical methods, namely, odds ratio (OR), difference-in-difference, and emotion pattern methods, were used to examine the psychological effects.

A cohort of 15,347 COPD users was identified from the data that we collected in the Twitter database, comprising over 2.5 billion tweets, spanning from January 2020 to June 2023. The attentiveness toward COPD was significantly affected by gender, age, and occupation; it was lower in females (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.87-0.94; P<.001) than in males, higher in adults aged 40 years and older (OR 7.23, 95% CI 6.95-7.52; P<.001) than in those younger than 40 years, and higher in individuals with lower socioeconomic status (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.60-1.72; P<.001) than in those with higher socioeconomic status. Across the study duration, COPD users showed decreasing concerns for COVID-19 and increasing health-related concerns. After the middle phase of COVID-19 (July 2021), a distinct decrease in sentiments among COPD users contrasted sharply with the upward trend among non-COPD users. Notably, in the post-COVID era (June 2023), COPD users showed reduced levels of joy and trust and increased levels of fear compared to their levels of joy and trust in the middle phase of COVID-19. Moreover, males, older adults, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status showed heightened fear compared to their counterparts.

Our data analysis results suggest that populations with COPD experienced heightened mental stress in the post-COVID era. This underscores the importance of developing tailored interventions and support systems that account for diverse population characteristics.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a significant impact on sexual health and human behavior, revealing a widespread decline in sexual function and behaviors.

To summarize these findings and highlight their importance for public health, this article discusses the changes observed in sexual function and behavior during the pandemic, as well as potential explanations for these trends.

This study followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, using the keyword search commands: "sexual function" AND ("SARS-CoV-2" OR "COVID-19" OR coronavirus) and "sexual behavior*" AND ("SARS-CoV-2" OR "COVID-19" OR coronavirus) in the Scopus and PubMed databases. The search was conducted on 10 March 2024, including articles published from January 2019 to March 2024. Inclusion criteria required studies focusing on sexual health/function during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, excluding non-English articles and non-adult populations. Studies were screened based on relevance, methodological rigor, and sample size, with data extraction focusing on sexual behavior/function metrics. Results were synthesized to identify trends and propose explanatory models.

While some individuals experienced reductions in sexual desire and activities, others reported increases, indicating varied individual responses to stressors such as a pandemic. Two hypotheses are presented to explain these changes: terror management theory and the dual control model of sexual response. The critical role of public health in addressing sexual health and well-being needs during a health crisis is discussed, emphasizing the importance of providing clear information, ensuring access to remote sexual health services, and reducing stigma. The need to integrate sexual health into the global response to future health crises is highlighted to ensure a comprehensive approach to human well-being.

This review shows the multifaceted impact of the pandemic and social distancing in people's sexual function and behaviors, underscoring the importance of considering sexual health as an integral part of the emergency health planning and response, to promote the physical and mental well-being of the population during crises such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

This study investigates the association between chronic diseases and depressive inclinations among middle-aged and older adults in rural Northwest China, emphasizing the moderating role of social relationships. Data collected via face-to-face surveys in a cross-sectional design conducted in March 2021, encompassing 395 participants aged 45 and above, were analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. The results indicate that, excluding metabolic diseases (such as dyslipidemia and diabetes), other chronic diseases significantly increase depressive inclinations, particularly eye diseases, chronic lung diseases, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally, a greater number of chronic diseases show a positive association with depressive inclinations. Among social relationships, spousal trust and intergenerational relationship satisfaction were associated with a mitigation of the association between chronic diseases and depressive inclinations, whereas skipped generational caregiving exacerbated this association. Other social relationships, including kinship and friendship network size, neighbor relationships, and villager relationships, exhibited no significant moderating associations. These findings underscore the critical role of positive family relationships and robust social support systems in improving the mental health of rural middle-aged and older adults. They provide practical insights for designing targeted policies and interventions to promote healthy aging and mental well-being in resource-limited rural settings.

This study investigated whether the relationship between perceived health and somatic anxiety is moderated by religious involvement among a sample of Hispanic Seventh-day Adventists (n = 365) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using PROCESS moderation analysis, we examined the interaction between perceived health and religious involvement on somatic anxiety. Results indicated a significant interaction effect, suggesting that the inverse relationship between perceived health and somatic anxiety was stronger when religious involvement was present.

As the prevalence of mental health issues continues to rise, the impact of widespread diseases on mental health has garnered increasing attention. This study employs bibliometric analysis to evaluate the state of research on mental health concerns associated with four infectious diseases: COVID-19, mpox, dengue fever, and Ebola. Utilizing Citespace, we conducted an in-depth analysis encompassing publication trends, author networks, institutional affiliations, and international collaborations, alongside themes in references and keywords. Our findings reveal that each of these diseases has significantly affected mental health over the last two decades. Notably, the volume of mental health literature related to COVID-19 far surpasses that of the other diseases, with 34 833 documents compared to 36 for mpox, 62 for dengue, and 279 for Ebola. The United States emerges as the most influential country in this field. International cooperation during infectious diseases was not strong, and the contribution of low-middle income countries was lower than that of high income countries. Our research underscores the growing societal relevance of mental health, influenced by factors including social distancing and mortality due to these diseases. Looking ahead, there is a crucial need for enhanced international cooperation and a focused attention on the mental health of vulnerable populations during pandemics.

Due to the deleterious effects on psychological health and wellbeing spurred by the pandemic, utilization of telehealth-based care increased over the past few years. The rapid transition from in-person to telehealth-based health service delivery has yet to be fully understood. The aim of the current study was to examine telehealth use for psychological help-seeking among college students using the Multi-theory Model of health behavior change (MTM) as a theoretical framework.

A cross-sectional and survey-based study was conducted among students at a large US university (N = 356). Valid and reliable scales were used to measure domains of psychological distress and MTM constructs. Participants were grouped based on past 12-month utilization of telehealth for any mental, emotional, or substance use problems.

Roughly 67% of the sample reported that they needed help dealing with psychological distress, and 56.1%,43.3%, and 38.7% screened positive for anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, respectively. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation were positively associated with past 12-month telehealth-based help-seeking. Past 12-month telehealth users reported greater advantages, confidence, and emotion direction toward telehealth-based psychological help-seeking than their counterparts. Participants also perceived higher exhibition of behavioral skills and greater social support to aid help-seeking than their counterparts. Advantages and disadvantages as well as behavioral confidence predicted intentions for telehealth-based help-seeking after controlling for anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, perceived stigma, and perceived need for help among both groups.

The MTM theoretical framework is a valuable framework for predicting telehealth-based psychological help-seeking among college students. Such framework can be used to design and implement mental health programing.

This study aimed to determine the death anxiety, anxiety, and depression levels of the individuals staying at the hospital due to COVID-19. The study recruited 300 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were staying at specialized clinics in the hospital. Three tools - A Patient Information Form, the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-were used to collect data. The findings of the present study revealed that 28.7% of the participants were at a high risk for developing anxiety and 45.0% were equally at a high risk for developing depression. 33.3% of the participants suffered from high level of death anxiety. There was a positive and highly significant correlation between their death anxiety and their anxiety and depression scores (p < .001). Accordingly, more evidence-based studies need to be conducted that examine how effective non-pharmacological practices are at helping COVID-19 patients by identifying their anxiety, depression, and death anxiety. Furthermore, nurses need to take care of patient care in a holistic manner that would include addressing patients' psychological needs alongside their physical problems.