Assessment of Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Among COVID-19 Survivors After 40 Months in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: An Online Cross-Sectional Study

Background and aim: Secondary school students in Erbil City face various stressors and challenges that may impact their mental well-being. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practical application of psychological first aid (PFA) among these students. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 10th to June 25th, 2024, in six high schools in Erbil City, Iraq. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using two self-structured questionnaires, which included demographic information, a knowledge assessment, and a practical application assessment of PFA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Frequency and percentage were used for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables. Ordinal regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between demographic variables and PFA knowledge and practice. Spearman correlation was used to determine the relationship between knowledge and practice. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 412 students were enrolled in the study. The mean scores for knowledge and practice indicated fair levels, with mean scores of 7.66 ± 1.34 for knowledge and 7.01 ± 1.38 for practice. The analysis showed that 11 students (2.7%) had poor knowledge, 161 students (39.1%) had fair knowledge, and 240 students (58.2%) had good knowledge of PFA. In terms of practice, 15 students (3.6%) exhibited poor practice, 237 students (57.6%) demonstrated fair practice, and 160 students (38.8%) showed good practice of PFA. Significant associations were found between several demographic variables and PFA knowledge and practice. Males had higher knowledge scores (estimate = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.20, 2.24, P = 0.02), as did students from families with insufficient monthly income (estimate = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.10, 1.72, P = 0.03) and those residing in urban areas (estimate = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.17, 1.50, P = 0.01). For practice, the occupation of the father was significant, with unemployed fathers associated with lower practice scores (estimate = -1.08, 95% CI: -2.06, -0.09, P = 0.03). Conclusions: The study showed that students had fair knowledge and practice of PFA. To improve these scores, it is recommended that nurses and educators develop targeted interventions and training programs. These should focus on enhancing students' understanding and practical skills in PFA, ensuring they are better equipped to handle psychological distress among their peers.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice Regarding Psychological First Aid Among Secondary School Students in Erbil City

Mamand Akhagbaker,

Saber Kareem,

Ali Rasool

et al. 2024

Psychosocial and Sexual Aspects of Female Genital Circumcision in a Sample of Kurdish Women in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Hussein Hamad,

Mirkhan Ahmed,

Fattah hajimam

et al. 2024

Background and aim: Female genital circumcision (FGC), a prevalent practice in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has significant psychosocial and sexual implications for affected women. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these impacts among circumcised and non-circumcised Kurdish women. Method: This comparative study was conducted from January 2 to June 27, 2023, at the Al Mesalla for Human Rights Improvement organization in Erbil, Iraq. Purposive sampling was used to collect data using a comprehensive questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic information, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), and the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short Form (NSSS-S). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with frequency and percentage used for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables. Independent sample t-tests and Chi-square tests were conducted to compare groups. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 772 participants were enrolled in the study, including 382 circumcised and 390 non-circumcised women. The study found significant differences between the two groups in terms of depression, self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction. Circumcised women had higher mean scores for depression (12.19 ± 5.6 vs. 10.68 ± 5.3), lower mean scores for self-esteem (24.4 ± 12.1 vs. 30.3 ± 10.1), and lower mean scores for sexual satisfaction (52.4 ± 24.6 vs. 67.6 ± 20.4) compared to non-circumcised women (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study demonstrated that FGC is associated with higher levels of depression, lower self-esteem, and lower sexual satisfaction among Kurdish women. It is recommended for policymakers and healthcare providers to develop targeted interventions to address the psychosocial and sexual health needs of circumcised women in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The Psychological Burden of Surgery During a Pandemic: Evaluating Preoperative Anxiety in the COVID-19 Era

Prakash,

Baghel,

Raipure

et al. 2024

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unprecedented challenges to global healthcare systems, including heightened psychological stress among patients. This study evaluates the preoperative anxiety levels among patients scheduled for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study was conducted between April 2020 and March 2022. Adult patients aged 18-80 years, scheduled for elective or emergency surgery, were included. Exclusion criteria were mental illness, impaired communication, and hemodynamic instability. A pre-validated questionnaire addressing demographics, prior surgery exposure, surgery-related anxiety, and COVID-19-related fears was administered. Anxiety levels were scored on a 1-5 Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). ResultsA total of 112 patients participated, with a mean age of 42.3±14.2 years. The majority were female (61 patients, 54.5%), married (96 patients, 85.7%), and resided in urban areas (85 patients, 75.9%). Most patients had no prior surgical history (87 patients, 77.7%). Surgery-related fears were prevalent, with 110 patients (98.2%) fearing surgical complications and 111 patients (99.1%) fearing postoperative pain. COVID-19-related fears were also significant, with 108 patients (96.4%) fearing infection during hospital stay and 100 patients (89.3%) fearing infecting family members. Mild fear was the most common anxiety level (70 patients, 62.95%), followed by moderate fear (25 patients, 22.5%). DiscussionThe study highlights the dual stressors of surgery and the pandemic, contributing to heightened preoperative anxiety. Findings indicate that significant anxiety levels were present, driven by fears related to surgery, anesthesia, and COVID-19. This aligns with other studies that report high preoperative anxiety levels exacerbated by the pandemic. The comprehensive assessment of anxiety factors underscores the need for tailored interventions to mitigate these anxieties. ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased preoperative anxiety among surgical patients. Addressing both surgical and pandemic-related anxieties is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should implement psychological support programs to alleviate these anxieties. Understanding the multifaceted nature of preoperative anxiety during the pandemic can enhance patient care.