Prioritization of factors related to mental health of women during an earthquake: A qualitative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: According to the fact that women account for the highest rate of victims of mental health loss during disasters, prioritization of their requirements is of remarkable signifi cance. Therefore, the present study was carried out with the aim to prioritize factors related to women's mental health during an earthquake. METHODS: This study was conducted using the Delphi method in 2017. Participants consisted of experts including psychologists, counselors and psychiatrists, social medicine specialists, and psychiatric-mental health nurses with experience in service and disaster awareness, especially earthquake. They were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The Delphi method was used in 2 rounds with 21 components and the fi nal attendance of 19 participants and the collective agreement of 75%. RESULTS: Of the 21 factors related to women's mental health during the earthquake, the following components were, respectively, preferred by the participants: psychological well-being training, group relationships and support of women in emergency situations, fair treatment in the provision of rights and services to women, crisis awareness and management of behavior and diffi cult conditions, and social security during disasters with the total mean standard deviation (SD) of 13.4 (2.4), 13.0 (2.4), 12.7 (2.5), 12.5 (2.4), and 12.3 (2.2), respectively. CONCLUSION: Training in the fi eld of psychology and disasters, and social and cultural factors were prioritized among factors related to women's mental health during an earthquake. Therefore, the results of this study can be applied by the planners and executives of mental health, women and disasters, and the women's community itself.

Women healthcare workers’ experiences during COVID-19 and other crises: A scoping review

“…Findings point to a number of important recommendations to better support women healthcare workers, including workplace mental health support, economic assistance to counteract widening pay gaps, and strategies to support families in their caregiving duties ( Jones et al 2020 ; Mann et al 2020 ; Mercer et al 2014 ; Samouei et al 2019 ). Additionally, strategies that support and advance women's careers and increase women's representation in leadership are an important way to combat gender-blindness in healthcare systems and ensure that the needs of women healthcare workers are addressed during the COVID-19 pandemic and in future health crises ( van Daalen et al 2020 ; Jones et al 2020 ).…”

“…As women fill the majority of frontline positions within the health system, there is a need for gender-sensitive interventions that specifically meet their mental health needs ( Samouei et al 2019 ). Evidence indicates that supporting women healthcare worker's mental health during crises is an important factor for recovering from disasters ( Samouei et al 2019 ).…”

“…As women fill the majority of frontline positions within the health system, there is a need for gender-sensitive interventions that specifically meet their mental health needs ( Samouei et al 2019 ). Evidence indicates that supporting women healthcare worker's mental health during crises is an important factor for recovering from disasters ( Samouei et al 2019 ). Samouei et al identify five priorities for addressing the mental health of women healthcare workers during crises: 1) Awareness of crisis and management of adverse behavior and circumstances (emergency decision-making, self-management during disasters, logical behavioural stability); 2) Social security; 3) Tackling harmful behaviors during disasters (violence against women, stigma, exploitation of unprotected women); 4) Policies that address the status of women during disasters (mental health policies for women who are at risk, transparency in policy-making, making space for women in decision-making for policies); and 5) Establishing appropriate rules during disasters (correct implementation of said rules, allowing women to participate in rule development, input from women in disaster-related organizations, insurance for women before the disasters) ( Samouei et al 2019 ).…”

Displaced Workers During Pandemic: Stories of Resilience and Recovery

“…One aspect of this, adhering to safety protocols, emerged as a pivotal strategy, ensuring a secure environment and maintaining resilience amid unprecedented disruptions, echoing findings from studies in diverse contexts [34], [35]. Prioritizing health and well-being, especially for historically marginalized groups, became paramount, focusing on diverse coping mechanisms and mental health support reflecting the unique challenges posed by the pandemic [36], [37]. Insights into reflections on overworking underscored the intricate relationship between work hours and well-being, necessitating interventions to address the negative impact of prolonged working hours on mental health [38], [39].…”