Mental health over nine months during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic: Representative cross-sectional survey in twelve waves between April and December 2020 in Austria

Abstract

Background There is accumulating evidence about detrimental impacts of the pandemic on population mental health, but knowledge on risk of groups specifically affected by the pandemic and variations across time is still limited. Methods We surveyed approximately n =1,000 Austrian residents in 12 waves between April and December 2020 ( n =12,029). Outcomes were suicidality (Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale), and domestic violence. We also assessed the perceived burden from the pandemic. Demographic and Covid-19 specific occupational and morbidity-related variables were used to explain outcomes in multivariable regression analyses, controlling for well-established risk factors of mental ill-health, and variations over time were analyzed. Results Young age, working in healthcare or from home, and own Covid-19 illness were consistent risk factors controlling for a wide range of known mental health risk factors. Time patterns in the perceived burden from Covid-19-related measures were consistent with the time sequence of restrictions and relaxations of governmental measures. Depression and anxiety were relatively stable over time, with some increase of depression during the second phase of lockdowns. Domestic violence increased immediately after both hard lockdowns. Suicidal ideation decreased slightly over time, with a low during the second hard lockdown. Mental health indicators for women and young people showed some deterioration over time, whereas those reporting own Covid-19 illness improved. Limitations Data from before the pandemic were not available. Conclusions Among mental health outcomes, increases in domestic violence and, to some smaller extent, depressive symptoms, appeared most closely related to the timing of hard lockdowns. Healthcare staff, individuals working from home, those with Covid-19, as well as young people and women are non-traditional risk groups who warrant heightened attention in prevention during and in the aftermath of the pandemic. Keywords: Covid-19, pandemic, mental health, survey, Austria

Exploration and Strategy Analysis of Mental Health Education for Students in Sports Majors in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

“…Studies in the early 21st century believed that the main contents of mental health education should include publicizing the concept of psychological and physical health, realizing mental health through acceptance and respect for self, social communication, learning psychological adjustment, and introducing psychological counseling ( Marques and Braidwood, 2021 ). Some studies pointed out that the content of mental health education of college students should include the outlook on life and values, the formation of self-awareness, personality cultivation, learning habits and abilities, interpersonal communication, love and sexual psychology, emotional experience and control, the requirements of facing setbacks, job hunting, and so on, which basically covers all aspects of the college life of the students, as well as psychological test and evaluation, psychological counseling, and psychotherapy ( Niederkrotenthaler et al, 2021 ). The latest research by Kim and Hong (2021) shows that the basic contents of mental health education for Chinese college students include health concepts, self-awareness, interpersonal communication, learning, personality, emotion, frustration, sexual psychology, love, network, job selection, psychological counseling, and psychotherapy.…”

A Global Call for Action to Prioritize Healthcare Worker Suicide Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

“…Existing literature has highlighted the rates of healthcare worker nonfatal suicidal behavior at different time points in the pandemic. A longitudinal Austrian study that was conducted between April and December 2020 by Niederkrotenthaler et al (2022) showed that healthcare workers were at higher risk of experiencing suicidal ideation than nonhealthcare workers, even after controlling for occupational risk of exposure to COVID-19. However, a cross-sectional study conducted by Mamun et al, (2020) in Bangladesh (April 2020) did not show any increased risk of nonfatal suicidal behavior in healthcare workers compared to the general population.…”

A Violência Doméstica Contra as Mulheres Durante a Pandemia Da Covid-19: Causas E Consequências

“…O risco aumentado das ocorrências de violência doméstica durante a pandemia da Covid-19 deu-se pelo aumento da proximidade física entre as pessoas durante a quarentena. Outros fatores de risco são: morar em grandes famílias; com outras pessoas com Covid-19 ou trabalhar em casa (NIEDERKROTENTHALER et al, 2021). Ou seja, a falta de espaço pessoal aumenta o nível de pressões interpessoais, o que pode levar ao conflito (UZOBO et al, 2021).…”

“…É importante ressaltar que a violência doméstica é fator de risco para ideação e comportamento suicida, o que indica comprometimento da saúde mental (NIEDERKROTENTHALER et al, 2021). Se esta situação permanecer, muitas mulheres morrerão em suas casas (UZOBO et al, 2021).…”

“…Durante a pandemia da Covid-19, muitos países adotaram medidas para conter o vírus, como por exemplo, o lockdown e a quarentena, o que restringiu o fluxo de pessoas e aumentou o tempo das pessoas em casa. Porém, foi observado na população um aumento do estresse doméstico e potencialmente, dos indicadores da violência doméstica e impactos negativos na saúde mental das mulheres(NIEDERKROTENTHALER et al, 2021). É sabido, por meio de experiências anteriores, que em crises como pandemias, desastres naturais ou conflitos armados, as relações de gênero mostram-se muito distorcidas, prejudicando majoritariamente, as mulheres.…”