Mental Illness in the General Population and Health Professionals During Covid-19: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective: to map the literature on mental illness in the general population and in health professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: scoping review in the MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Science Direct databases and in the medRxiv, bioRxiv and PsyArXiv preprint servers, using the descriptors “Covid-19”, “coronavirus infection”, “coronavirus”, “2019-nCoV”, “2019 new coronavirus disease”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “health personnel”, “general public” and “mental health”. Results: 1,168 articles were found, among which 27 were analyzed. 19 (70%) dealt with the prevalence of mental illness in the general population, six (22%) in doctors and nurses, one (4%) in other health professionals and one (4%) in the general population and nurses. 19 symptoms of mental illness were identified. Conclusion: the Covid-19 pandemic triggered anxiety, depression, stress and post-traumatic stress disorders in the general population and health professionals more often. Women, students and nurses are among the most affected.

Psychological Impact on the Nursing Professionals of the Rioja Health Service (Spain) Due to the SARS-CoV-2 Virus

“…Soon, it was declared an international public health emergency and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic on 11 March, 2020. Across the world, the virus has had an intense negative impact, the rapid increase in demand for health facilities and professionals has caused many healthcare systems to not function effectively [ 2 ]. Since the start of the pandemic to 18 November 2020, 1,291,808 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Spain [ 3 ].…”

Emotions and Coping Strategies of Men to the Covid-19 Pandemic in Brazil

“…20 In relation specifically to the context of the pandemic in which the number of people with Covid-19 is spreading, there is a lack of research studies in the field of coping strategies such as, for example, emotional regulation, which draws the attention given the problematic context caused by anxiety to the population health on the planet. 13,[21][22][23] When the apparent acceptance, in a responsible manner, was unveiled, the determinations of the health authorities of the country and the world denoted the search for the strengthening and maintenance of the measure of social support as a means of actively facing the resolution of the problem. In theorizing the coping strategies, social support is configured in the strategy in which the individuals add efforts in the search for support in their emotional/affective, professional, and social network.…”

“…12 In the current pandemic context for the new coronavirus, studies are beginning to point to the possible negative effects on the mental health of men and women in the short-and long-term. 13 Evidence was found demonstrating similar levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in Spanish women and men in the early stages of contagion in their territory, 14 highlighting the importance of monitoring the raising trend of these levels over time, as well as the need for a contingency plan that would take into account aspects associated with the population's mental illness. In China, in turn, moderate to severe levels of psychological impact related to depression, anxiety, and stress have been recognized, further highlighting gender as a risk factor for higher levels of these symptoms.…”

“…Thus, a significant psychological impact on the population was identified, with great emphasis on stress, intrusive and negative thoughts, as well as preventive behaviors, but which, from a scientific point of view, was not considered as satisfactory or advantageous for people. 13 Such implications can lead to persistent pessimism, compromising psychological well-being and the worldview perception.…”

“…6 In this light, it is recommended to strengthen strategies to protect mental health, both during the course of the pandemic and in the post-pandemic period. 13 The study is limited by the use of the data collection strategy via the web, considering the impossibility of access to men with lower schooling level, qualification for the use of information and communication technologies, and who have cognitive, visual and other limitations that make it impossible for them to answer the survey. In addition, although the study was carried out in all the Brazilian regions, most of the participants were concentrated in the Northeast Region, which makes it impossible to make generalizations about the phenomenon.…”