No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
An urgent call for measures to fight against increasing suicides during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal
... Previous studies have shown that COVID-19 increased the risk of loneliness [13], suicidal ideation [14], unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles [15] as well as worsened sleep quality [16]. Given the severity of such issues, intervention strategies are needed to protect young adults from the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on mental health and to improve their quality of life [17,18]. Providing appropriate social support is important in reducing the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health. ...
... The score of each domain was computed by summing scores of items within each domain and then multiplying by 2, resulting in a total score from 0 to 42 in each domain. Each domain of DASS-21 was divided into five levels [27]: Depression: normal (0-9), mild (10-13), moderate (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20), severe (21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27) and extremely severe (� 28), Anxiety: normal (0-7), mild (8)(9), moderate (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), severe (15)(16)(17)(18)(19), and extremely severe (� 20), and Stress: normal (0-14), mild (15)(16)(17)(18), moderate (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25), severe (26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33) and extremely severe (� 34) Respondents with mild conditions or above were classified into the "Having depression/ anxiety/stress" group. We choose this cutoff as there may be social desirability bias of underreporting of psychological distress. ...
... The score of each domain was computed by summing scores of items within each domain and then multiplying by 2, resulting in a total score from 0 to 42 in each domain. Each domain of DASS-21 was divided into five levels [27]: Depression: normal (0-9), mild (10-13), moderate (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20), severe (21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27) and extremely severe (� 28), Anxiety: normal (0-7), mild (8)(9), moderate (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), severe (15)(16)(17)(18)(19), and extremely severe (� 20), and Stress: normal (0-14), mild (15)(16)(17)(18), moderate (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25), severe (26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33) and extremely severe (� 34) Respondents with mild conditions or above were classified into the "Having depression/ anxiety/stress" group. We choose this cutoff as there may be social desirability bias of underreporting of psychological distress. ...
Background
Concerning rates of psychological disorders are increasingly recognized in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the associations of different structural and functional social supports on depression, anxiety, and stress among young adults in Vietnam.
Methods
An online cross-sectional study was performed on 236 respondents aged 16 to 30 years in Vietnam from June to July 2020. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—21 Items (DASS-21); the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the LUBBEN Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) was used to measure psychological health, functional and structural social support characteristics. Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify associations between social support and anxiety, depression, and stress.
Results
The rate of at least mild depression, anxiety, and stress were 30.1%, 34.8%, and 35.6%, respectively. Structural supports measured by LSNS-6 were not associated with the likelihood of having depression, anxiety, and stress (p>0.05). Respondents having friends with whom they could share joys and sorrows were less likely to have anxiety (aOR = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.41–0.90) and stress (aOR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.45–0.96). Having family support in decision-making was also negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Meanwhile, those having family and friends who tried to help them were more likely to suffer stress (aOR = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.16–3.24) and depression (aOR = 2.09; 95%CI = 1.11–3.92), respectively.
Conclusion
This study highlighted a high rate of psychological problems among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. Emotional support from friends and advice support from family were important components that should be considered in further interventions to mitigate the psychological problems in young adults.
... Identified risk factors for suicide, including loneliness, discrimination, financial problems, and mental health problems [7], are exacerbated during epidemics and disasters. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has a substantial impact on the mental health of the general population [1,8] and is associated with increased suicide cases [9]. Moreover, irresponsible reports of suicide surges have also instilled fear in peopleʹs minds [10]. ...
... Most studies about entrapment and COVID-19 have dealt with suicides during COVID-19 [9,14], depression and anxiety [15], self-harm [16], and primarily report negative studies. However, Tesimann and Brailovkaia (2020) note said that suicide ideation is not an inevitable consequence of feelings of entrapment [17]. ...
... Lockdown system or situation during the COVID-19 [3,6,18,26,29,[35][36][37][38][39][40][41], impairment to social and occupational functioning [9] Restricted situation Social consequences of COVID-19 [3], restrictions [35], physical distancing and self-isolation [36], isolation [29,42], reduced social opportunities [42], social restriction [38], isolation and loneliness/reduced contact with key individuals/ living alone/cessation or reduction of service (including absence of face to face support) [16], limited/restricted [43], social distancing [6,18,29,40,43], losing direct social and physical contact [9], restricted in a situation [44] Uncertain future ...
This study aimed to analyze the concept of the “feelings of entrapment” during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic using a systematic review. We included literature based on content and outcomes related to feelings of entrapment, such as antecedents, attributes, and consequences. The exclusion criteria were studies that did not have inappropriate subject, content, conceptual definition, and degree thesis was excluded. Walker and Avant’s process of concept analysis was used in this systematic literature review. The attributes of the concept of feelings of entrapment during the COVID-19 pandemic were found to be feelings of: (1) being out of control, (2) no escape, (3) being trapped, (4) being robbed, and (5) hopelessness. The causes for these were identified as (1) the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) lockdown system, (3) restricted situation, (4) uncertain future, (5) economic hardship, and (6) poor coping abilities. Consequences of the concept were: (1) increased suicide, (2) decreased mental health, and (3) decreased well-being. In situations such as COVID-19, it is important need to know what feelings of entrapment’s antecedents and attributes are to prevent suicide and enhance mental health and well-being. Based on the results of this study, counseling services, policies, and systems for relieving feelings of entrapment in the COVID-19 situation are recommended.
... However, Thapa (2011) had previously emphasized that ICT could help to fill the education gap by engaging students in self-learning activities. During COVID-19, Singh et al. (2020) argued students utilize the Internet to share educational messages with family, friends, and instructors to minimize stress, depression, and health-related difficulties. ...
... During the study, students pointed out that they utilized Internet to connect with national and international people, communicate ideas and participate in discussions. Internet availability can be much more productive in higher education studies particularly for research activities (Singh et al., 2020). The findings of the study suggest that students' awareness of Internet and openly available massive information is significant in the proper utilization of online facilities. ...
The Internet has significant impact on students’ learning outcomes. This paper outlines an examination of school students’ understanding of using Internet facilities. As qualitative research, it employed Internet-based semi-structured interviews to accumulate data and the investigation of various archived documents allocated a ground for analysis. The study examined how school students use Internet to improve collaborative learning, advance technological skills, and explore digital resources. The Internet has become an alternative means to physical classrooms to continue educational activities during the COVID-19 crisis. During the study, limited ICT infrastructure, weak Internet services, parents’ unreliable source of income and teachers’ inadequate ICT skills have been recognized as major challenges to supplying education for all through online mode. The findings indicated that students from disadvantaged and marginalized groups in rural areas can get support in distance learning and foster equal access to high-quality education if the concerned authority develops a minimal ICT skilled workforce and infrastructure.
... 7,8 Since the lockdown, an increase in the suicide rate has been reported in Nepal. 3 The association between fear and fear related health behaviours is complex, however ...
... In addition, due to the lockdown, people have lost jobs and income, which may have increased their stress and anxiety. There is some evidence to suggest that people are more afraid due to the economic uncertainty rather than the disease itself and that there has been an increase in people taking their lives during the pandemic.3 There is a possibility for bidirectional relationship between fear and household income loss, however further research is needed. ...
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique crisis-psychological problems like fear and
... Concerns surrounding the COVID-19 crisis in Nepal are continuing to unfold daily. Some challenges include, but are not limited to, analyzing the uncertain impacts of the pandemic on agriculture and food systems throughout Nepal (Adhikari et al., 2021); raising awareness around rising suicide rates, anxiety, and depression during lockdowns (Singh et al., 2020); and calling upon national and international communities for more collaboration to develop transparent plans for rapid detection and testing of COVID-19 (Giri & Rana, 2020). Some other concerns include the challenges of providing economic security for displaced Nepali workers in international settings who were out of work and could not return to Nepal due to international lockdowns (Barker et al., 2020); gaining access to more intensive care resources (Paneru, 2020); and ...
The Himalayan region of Nepal consists of some of the world's most remote villages. Yet with globalizing agendas stressing the need for all children under the age of 18 to have access to formal education and ethical work arrangements extending throughout Nepal, young people have been increasingly migrating to pursue opportunities both domestically and internationally. Despite many young migrants intending to return, this out-migration leaves many villages with immediate labour shortages for sectors such as agriculture and healthcare, as has been widely documented. This dissertation explores those moments when young people return to their birth villages to engage in work that could fund their higher education or contribute to social-change initiatives, and how such processes factor into larger and new circular migration patterns across the Himalayas. The dissertation engages Participatory Action Research (PAR) with 148 Himalayan youth participants (including four youth co-researchers) in order to explore the effects of youth return migration on remote Himalayan villages. I also pair PAR with semi-structured interviews, focus groups sessions, and art-based methods to gain a deeper understanding of the Life Course Transitions (LCTs) of youth participants, with a focus on education and work experiences. I first iii engage with a call for more participation of young people in research by complicating the social variable of age in the (sub)discipline of Children's Geographies. Through collaborative PAR with co-researchers, I present complex LCTs of Himalayan young people in ways that operate outside of chronological age-based logics of transition, such as unidirectional transitions from education to work. I then engage how embodied connections of complex configurations and sometimes inseparable relationships between education and work lead participants to describe such lived experiences as education-work dynamics. This dissertation ends with co-researchers and participants using PAR to participate in disaster management responses by mobilizing youth-led initiatives during the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal, primarily in the Himalayas. Through the initiatives, participants also engage their education-work dynamics to address concerns and promote changes regarding social inequalities related to gender, age, and caste-based discrimination, and inadequate educational and healthcare access across remote Himalayan villages. iv
... A ausência de interações sociais presenciais e o suporte emocional resultante desse isolamento prolongado têm alimentado sentimentos de solidão, tristeza e desesperança. Esses sentimentos intensificados levaram pessoas a comportamentos como a automutilação como uma forma de aliviar a dor emocional que enfrentam (3,4) . ...
Objective: to analyze occurrence of self-harm, sociodemographic profile of victims and referrals in the first 24 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in São Paulo.
Method: cross-sectional study carried out by the Notifiable Diseases Information System with data on self-harm in São Paulo. The period outlined was March 2020 to February 2022. R (4.0.2) software and chi-square test were used.
Results: there were 15,946 incidents. Victims were young, white, single, heterosexual women. There was high incidence of people with previous mental disorders more than once and without clear motivation. The method used was poisoning/intoxication. There was a considerable number of referrals to the health network, although not totalitarian.
Conclusion: the years of greater insecurity in relation to the pandemic have given rise to self-harm cases with peculiar characteristics. Agile health policies must be applied in atypical conditions, such as pandemics, especially for adolescents/young people with previous mental disorders.
Descriptors: Violence; Suicide; Attempted; Epidemiology; Health Information Systems; Public Health Surveillance
... The lack of in-person social interactions and emotional support that comes with this prolonged isolation have fueled feelings of loneliness, sadness, and hopelessness. These heightened feelings have led people to engage in behaviors such as self-harm as a way to alleviate the emotional pain they are experiencing (3,4) . ...
Objective: to analyze occurrence of self-harm, sociodemographic profile of victims and referrals in the first 24 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in São Paulo.
Method: cross-sectional study carried out by the Notifiable Diseases Information System with data on self-harm in São Paulo. The period outlined was March 2020 to February 2022. R (4.0.2) software and chi-square test were used.
Results: there were 15,946 incidents. Victims were young, white, single, heterosexual women. There was high incidence of people with previous mental disorders more than once and without clear motivation. The method used was poisoning/intoxication. There was a considerable number of referrals to the health network, although not totalitarian.
Conclusion: the years of greater insecurity in relation to the pandemic have given rise to self-harm cases with peculiar characteristics. Agile health policies must be applied in atypical conditions, such as pandemics, especially for adolescents/young people with previous mental disorders.
Descriptors: Violence; Suicide; Attempted; Epidemiology; Health Information Systems; Public Health Surveillance
... In their research, Singh et al. concluded that suicide deaths in Nepal during the years 2017-2019 were 5124, 5317 and 5785, respectively, which had an upward trend. During the COVID-19 disease, suicide cases increased by 20% [31]. In their research, Isumi and colleagues examined the monthly suicide statistics of children under 20 years of age between January 2018 and May 2020. ...
Background
Suicide, as one of the most important psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, can be a threat to public health. Understanding the changes in suicide rates before and after the pandemic provides insights into the psychological effects of such crises on communities. This study aimed to compare the trends in suicide and suicide attempt rates in Southeast Iran before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, covering the period from 2016 to 2023.
Methods
This descriptive-analytical study was conducted through a census method on 5676 individuals who attempted suicide from 2016 to 2023. Medical records of those who attempted suicide were collected from the integrated system of the Ministry of Health (SIB) during the specified years. The data was collected using a checklist and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical tests at the significance level of P < 0.05.
Results
The findings indicate a significant increase in suicide rates after the COVID-19 pandemic, with 61.8% of the total 5,676 cases occurring post-pandemic compared to 38.2% before. The most affected demographic was young adults aged 19 to 34, whose suicide rates increased by a factor of 9.8, while women experienced a notable rise of 28.2 times in suicide rates after the pandemic. Additionally, uneducated individuals had the highest suicide rates, with a dramatic increase of 35.8 times among illiterate individuals after COVID-19, highlighting the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems.
Conclusion
A significant increase in suicide rates after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among young adults and women, highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions, especially for vulnerable groups such as housewives and single individuals. Additionally, the correlation between education levels and suicide rates underscores the importance of addressing educational disparities as part of comprehensive mental health strategies.
... The Southeast Asian region, accounting for 26% of the world's population, has the highest regional suicide rate of 17.7 per 100,000 [15]. This significant rise in the suicide trend calls for urgent attention to address the underlying causes and implement effective prevention strategies [16]. ...
Background: Suicide is a global, preventable public health issue, with nearly more than 700,000 people dying by suicide annually. The majority of suicides occur in developing countries, including Nepal. This study is aimed at examining the trends and patterns of suicide in Nepal over the past 5 years in the federal context.
Methods: Using the Nepal Police suicide database, we analyzed data from 2019 to 2023 based on age, gender, methods of suicide, and provincial distribution. Trends in suicide rates over the past 5 years were examined, with graphs and tables created to represent the observed trends and patterns visually. Excel was used to support the data analysis.
Results: Overall, the suicide rate was found to be higher among males (59.1%). However, the suicide rate varied by gender and age group, with females having a higher suicide rate below 18 years of age, while males had a higher suicide rate above 18 years of age. Hanging has consistently been the preferred method of suicide over the past 5 years. The national suicide rate showed an increasing trend. Similarly, an increasing trend in suicide was observed in all seven provinces of Nepal, with Koshi, Madhesh, and Gandaki provinces showing significant growth over the past 5 years.
Conclusion: The increasing trend in suicide rates at both the national and provincial levels highlight the necessity to prioritize this issue and it is imperative for all levels of government to formulate targeted policies, programs, and strategies to prevent suicide.
... According to the World Health Organization [13] stress ranks among the leading causes of death. In extreme circumstances, stress is adaptable and controllable. ...
Academic stress among Radiologic Technology students in Iligan City, Philippines, significantly impacts their well-being and academic success. This research aims to measure and address this stress by developing tailored stress management activities. The study utilizes an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative interviews with Radiologic Technology students identify the key stressors, including academic demands, interpersonal conflicts, and societal expectations. Based on the qualitative findings, a stress management program is developed, that incorporates self-awareness, self-care, and goal setting. Stress levels are measured using questionnaires before and after participating in stress management activities. Participants include second-, third-, and fourth-year Radiologic Technology students who have completed at least one semester in the Radiologic Technology program. Sampling methods include simple random and purposive sampling. Thematic analysis identifies coping mechanisms such as binge eating, exercise, and entertainment. Quantitative analysis shows a significant decrease in stress levels post-intervention, highlighting the effectiveness of stress management activities. Students express positive feedback, acknowledging the benefits of the stress management workshop. This study contributes to understanding academic stress among Radiologic Technology students and highlights the importance of tailored stress management strategies. It emphasizes the significance of self-awareness, self-care, and goal-setting, and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions.
... COVID-19 not only came with a high death toll and long-term consequences for many people, it was also accompanied by a wave of hidden pandemics caused by the unprecedented containment strategies to rein in its spread, such as lockdowns or physical distancing measures [1]. Lockdowns and social distancing measures interrupted people's lives in many significant ways, leading to social isolation, loss of income, loneliness, inactivity, limited access to basic services, food insecurity, increased alcohol use, online gambling, and decreased family and social support, especially in older and vulnerable people, all potential predictors for a decline in mental health [1,2]. It was therefore not surprising that a hidden mental health crisis was emerging early in the COVID-19 pandemic, both for previously healthy people but especially for those with pre-existing conditions [3]. ...
The COVID-19 outbreak had a profound impact on all countries in the world, leading governments to impose various forms of restrictions on social interactions and mobility, including complete lockdowns. While the impact of lockdowns on the emerging mental health crisis has been documented in high income countries, little is known whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic also effected mental health in settings with few or no COVID-19 restrictions in place. Our study therefore aimed to explore the impact of few and no COVID19 restrictions on the self-reported mental health of women in Mwanza, Tanzania. The longitudinal study integrated a nested phone survey with two time points into an existing longitudinal study in Mwanza, Tanzania. In total, 415 women who were part of an existing longitudinal study utilizing face-to-face interviews participated in both phone interviews, one conducted during COVID-19 restrictions and once after the restrictions had been lifted about the prior three months of their lives. They also participated in a face-to-face interview for the original longitudinal study three months later. Using a random effects model to assess changes in symptoms of poor mental health, measured through the SRQ20, we found a significant difference between the time during COVID-19 restrictions (20%) and after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted (15%), and after life resumed to pre-COVID-19 times (11%). Covid-19 related factors associated with poor symptoms of mental health during restrictions and after restrictions were lifted related to COVID-19 knowledge, behaviour change, economic livelihoods challenges, increased quarrels and intimate partner violence with partners and stress due to childcare issues. Despite Tanzania only imposing low levels of restrictions, the COVID-19 pandemic still led to an increase in women’s reports of symptoms of poor mental health in this study, albeit not as pronounced as in settings with strict restrictions or lockdown. Governments need to be aware that even if no or low levels of restrictions are chosen, adequate support needs to be given to the population to avoid increased anxiety and challenges to economic livelihoods. In particular, attention needs to be given to the triple burden that women face in respect to reduced income generating activities, relationship pressures and increased childcaring responsibilities.
... Studies have shown that people with less mindfulness have poor selfregulation and low self-compassion (Du et al., 2019;Hafeman et al., 2020). They tend to be easily overwhelmed by stressful stimuli, feelings, or circumstances and easily feel stressed, depressed, dissatisfied, and anxious (Kabat-Zinn & Hanh, 2009;Singh et al., 2020a). Therefore, it is postulated that the trait of mindfulness may be affected by Covid-19 stress and reduced mental well-being. ...
The virus known as Covid-19 caused a global pandemic in 2019 and was found to have a devastating impact on mental well-being. Individuals around the world had difficulty retaining positive emotions such as gratitude, mindfulness, and hope in the face of this disaster. These feelings diminished their sense of mental well-being. This study examined the mediational model of gratitude, mindfulness, and hope as parallel mediators of the relationship between Covid-19 stress and mental well-being. In total, 289 adults from the general population completed the scales of Covid stress, gratitude, mindfulness, hope, and mental well-being. Results indicated that Covid-19 stress was related to mental well-being, with mindfulness and hope acting as mediators. Gratitude, on the other hand, did not mediate the relationship. The study provides evidence that targeting gratitude, mindfulness, and hope may have a meaningful effect on Covid-19 stress as a related symptom and potentially have a negative impact on mental well-being during the pandemic.
... Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted mental health as depicted by an increased incidence of depression, suicide, sexual assault, and domestic violence [32][33][34][35]. Interestingly, several studies have shown the emergence of new mental health issues (i.e. ...
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused severe medical emergencies, economic depression, inflation, social distress, and research burden worldwide. Despite the severity of the spreading COVID-19, individual governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) have mandated several safety protocols including quarantine, physical distancing, advanced research in decoding the disease mechanism to build an effective vaccine, and promoting mental health to achieve the aim of coping through this infectious pandemic. Around the globe, mental health research emphasizes how social isolation impacts anxiety and depression, however, the cause of mental health depletion due to the type of individual's living accommodation (apartment and house) during a pandemic remains unexplored. The apartments have high elevation and high population density while the houses have low elevation and low population density as they are more spaced apart. This paper presents a novel hypothesis to maintain/enhance individuals’ mental health during the pandemic, known as “Modi’s Pandemic Infrastructure Hypothesis”, which suggests that individuals residing in varying living accommodations (i.e. apartment or house) would exhibit a significant difference in the experienced pandemic (i.e. COVID-19) anxiety due to varying amount of experienced “silent stress”. Hence, any type of infrastructure (medical, residential, educational, or corporate) should be designed following the public survey of that geographic area based on hypotheses laid in this paper, to minimize the magnitude of “silent stress”. “Silent stress” can be defined as the stress that is unknowingly experienced in the assimilated living accommodation, which is responsible for depleting individuals’ mental health and affecting the ability to cope with the pandemic. In support of this novel hypothesis, previous research has demonstrated that the number of coronavirus per unit area has a positive association with elevation above the ground level while a negative association with the population density. Although the scientific data supports the idea that there would be an equal trade-off in the quantity of coronavirus around an individual in both types of accommodation, however, psychologically the public would perceive it differently. Along with the two key variables (i.e. elevation and population density), other influencing factors would be taken into account while determining the magnitude of silent stress, pandemic anxiety, and the best type of infrastructure. In conclusion, this promising hypothesis will not only help the government to build anxiety-free infrastructure for pandemic times but also increase the effectiveness of medical treatments as mental health and strength is the best medicine to defeat severe diseases.
... Suicidal attempt was a desperate cry for help in most of the cases. This goes parallel with a study in Nepal that depicts that the issue of mental health during COVID-19 pandemic has come to the forefront with extremely concerning impact of increased suicidal deaths and suicidal 9 ideation. 10 Study by Varshney suggests that, during the initial stages of COVID-19 in India, almost one-third respondents had a signicant psychological impact. ...
Aim: To study cases presenting with suicidal attempt to Psychiatry set up of a tertiary care hospital to assess psychopathology and impact of the Covid pandemic, in precipitating suicidal attempts. Settings: Patients admitted with suicidality during lockdown in 2021,in department of Psychiatry of our tertiary care hospital. This hospital in urban Pune has a 30 bedded Psychiatry ward and outpatient psychiatry services. Methods And Material: Medical record-based study of the admitted patients in the stipulated period of time. Results: 71%(5) cases were new onset psychiatric illness with suicidal attempt precipitated due to various psychosocial, nancial or other unique factors secondary to pandemic situation or pre-morbid personality problems or interpersonal adjustment. Most common mode of suicide was consumption of easily available poisonous substance or medicines, followed by hanging. Conclusions: Vigilant suicidal ideation assessment, individual/family counselling would be important in management. Further larger studies are needed to assess harmful mental health effects of nationwide lockdown in the pandemic situation are necessary.
... Several publications from Nepal have summarised media reporting of official (police data) suicide death statistics [12,22,[38][39][40], and we hereby present the evidence from the most comprehensive publication [12]. The original data source was not accessible, but the report indicates that there were 20% more suicide deaths during the first month of the pandemic compared to a pre-pandemic period. ...
There is widespread concern over the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide and self-harm globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where the burden of these behaviours is greatest. We synthesised the evidence from the published literature on the impact of the pandemic on suicide and self-harm in LMIC. This review is nested within a living systematic review (PROSPERO ID CRD42020183326) that continuously identifies published evidence (all languages) through a comprehensive automated search of multiple databases (PubMed; Scopus; medRxiv, PsyArXiv; SocArXiv; bioRxiv; the WHO COVID-19 database; and the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset by Semantic Scholar (up to 11/2020), including data from Microsoft Academic, Elsevier, arXiv and PubMed Central.) All articles identified by the 4th August 2021 were screened. Papers reporting on data from a LMIC and presenting evidence on the impact of the pandemic on suicide or self-harm were included. Methodological quality was assessed using an appropriate tool, and a narrative synthesis presented. A total of 22 studies from LMIC were identified representing data from 12 countries. There was an absence of data from Africa, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. The reviewed studies mostly report on the early months of COVID-19 and were generally methodologically poor. Few studies directly assessed the impact of the pandemic. The most robust evidence, from time-series studies, indicate either a reduction or no change in suicide and self-harm behaviour. As LMIC continue to experience repeated waves of the virus and increased associated mortality, against a backdrop of vaccine inaccessibility and limited welfare support, continued efforts are needed to track the indirect impact of the pandemic on suicide and self-harm in these countries.
... Despite this potential limitation, the data we used is the most comprehensive data currently available. The suicide data from Nepal police has been used in several studies [41,[50][51][52]. The suicide dataset we used was monthly aggregated data which means that we were not able to capture the variation in suicides in finer time intervals (e.g. ...
Background
Past works have linked the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health responses such as isolation, quarantine, and lockdown to increased anxiety, sleep disorders, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Only a few studies, mostly carried out in high-income countries, have investigated the association between the pandemic and suicide rate. We seek to investigate the changes in the monthly suicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal, compared to the pre-pandemic suicide rates.
Methods and findings
This is a retrospective study investigating the changes in suicide rates in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic period (April 2020 to June 2021), compared to the pre-pandemic period (July 2017 to March 2020), adjusted for seasonality and long-term trend in the suicide rate. We performed analysis for the entire country as well as sub-sample analyses stratified by gender and provinces. A total of 24350 suicides deaths during four years of the study window were analyzed. We found an overall increase in the monthly suicide rate in Nepal with an average increase of 0.28 (CI: 0.12,0.45) suicide per 100,000 during the pandemic months. The increase in suicide rate was significant both among males (increase in rate = 0.26, CI: 0.02,0.50) and females (increase in rate = 0.30, CI: 0.18,0.43). The most striking increments in suicide rates were observed in June, July, and August 2020. The pattern of increased suicide rates faded away early on among males, but the effect was sustained for a longer duration among females. Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces had the highest increase in suicide rates associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased suicide rate in Nepal. The findings may inform policymakers in designing appropriate public health responses to the pandemic that are considerate of the potential impact on mental health and suicide.
... Concerns surrounding the COVID-19 crisis in Nepal are continuing to unfold daily. Some leading challenges extend to, but are not limited to, analyzing uncertainties of impacts on agricultural and food systems resilience throughout Nepal (Adhikari et al. 2021); raising awareness around rising suicide rates, anxiety, and depression during lockdowns (Singh et al. 2020); and calling upon national and international communities for more collaboration to develop transparent plans for rapid detection and testing of COVID-19 (Giri and Rana 2020). Some other concerns include challenges with finding economic solutions for displaced Nepalese workers in international settings who were out of work and could not return to Nepal due to international lockdowns (Barker et al. 2020); access to more intensive care resources (Paneru 2020); and shifts to digital environments for education alternatives during lockdowns, thus perpetuating discrepancies that exist in their availability and in turn widening the gaps in access and quality of education for young people across Nepal (Dawadi et al. 2020). ...
During certain crises, displacement of populations seeking safe refuge elsewhere can occur without the certainty of a return, if at all. Children and young people in such contexts often face the additional challenge of restrictions or disregard towards engaging their agency in migration decision-making processes. Through 60 in-depth interviews with 30 trans-Himalayan participants (ages of 16–23) and multi-sited ethnography throughout Nepal, this paper investigates multiple experiences of crises experienced by young people and the effects on their life course trajectories. From focusing on the Civil War in 1996–2006, the 2015 earthquake, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper proposes that initial displacements from the Civil War, when connected with other crises later on in a participant’s life course, better prepared them to deal with crises and enabled them to create a landscape of resilience. Furthermore, a landscape of resilience that connects past and present life course experiences during crises prepared some participants for helping their larger communities alleviate certain crises-related tension. Overall, this paper extends analysis on an under-researched group of young migrants by connecting crises that shaped their (im)mobility and life trajectories, rather than approaching crises as singular, isolated experiences.
... Further, the affordability and ease of social Internet use across the globe is associated with several health and social issues including sleep deprivation (Xanidis & Brignell, 2016), anxiety, depression and stress (Wong et al., 2020), self-esteem (Tian et al., 2020), and increased loneliness (Singh et al., 2020;Yao & Zhong, 2014). Similarly, a study conducted among adolescents in Italy and the United States showed that social Internet addiction is significantly associated with low self-esteem and decreased life satisfaction (Błachnio et al., 2019). ...
... Several publications from Nepal have summarised media reporting of official (police data) suicide death statistics (12,22,(38)(39)(40), and we hereby present the evidence from the most comprehensive publication (12). The original data source was not accessible, but the report indicates that there were 20% more suicide . ...
There is widespread concern over the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide and self-harm globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where the burden of these behaviours is greatest. We synthesised the evidence from the published literature on the impact of the pandemic on suicide and self-harm in LMIC.
This review is nested within a living systematic review that continuously identifies published evidence (all languages) through a comprehensive automated search of multiple databases (PubMed; Scopus; medRxiv, PsyArXiv; SocArXiv; bioRxiv; the WHO COVID-19 database; and the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset by Semantic Scholar (up to 11/2020), including data from Microsoft Academic, Elsevier, arXiv and PubMed Central.) All articles identified by the 4th August 2021 were screened. Papers reporting on data from a LMIC and presenting evidence on the impact of the pandemic on suicide or self-harm were included.
A total of 22 studies from LMIC were identified representing data from 12 countries. There was an absence of data from Africa. The reviewed studies mostly report on the early months of COVID-19 and were generally methodologically poor. Few studies directly assessed the impact of the pandemic. The most robust evidence, from time-series studies, indicate either a reduction or no change in suicide and self-harm behaviour.
As LMIC continue to experience repeated waves of the virus and increased associated mortality, against a backdrop of vaccine inaccessibility and limited welfare support, continued efforts are needed to track the indirect impact of the pandemic on suicide and self-harm in these countries.
... Each age group, ethnic and cultural background should be cared for. Religious leaders and school councils can also play an important role to ensure that young people are not hesitant in such situations [41,42]. ...
The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) keeps infecting and causing more deaths daily [1, 2]. As of March 29th, 2021, the world had registered 127,674,594 confirmed cases with 2,793,319 deaths, amongst which 562,292 occurred in the United States alone [3]. Since the virus is contagious and spreads easily, many countries started issuing lockdown orders at the start of the pandemic [4]. People of all age groups experienced drastic changes in their daily lives. The economic well-being of several countries, especially those relying on travels and tourism, global social and political relationships, pedagogical, and educational systems have all been heavily influenced [1, 4, 5].
... Additionally, movement restrictions increased mental health problems both in adults and children, resulting in negative impacts on SDG 3, 4, and 16. For example, more people lost their lives due to suicide during the lockdown period than the previous year, that is, an aver-age16.5 people per day within 74 days of the first lockdown compared to 15.8 person per day in 2019 (Singh et al., 2020). During the lockdowns, domestic violence incidences, mainly against children and women, also increased (SDG 5 and 16). ...
The COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted social, economic, and environmental systems worldwide, slowing down and reversing the progress made in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs belong to the 2030 Agenda to transform our world by tackling humankind's challenges to ensure well‐being, economic prosperity, and environmental protection. We explore the potential impacts of the pandemic on SDGs for Nepal. We followed a knowledge co‐creation process with experts from various professional backgrounds, involving five steps: online survey, online workshop, assessment of expert's opinions, review and validation, and revision and synthesis. The pandemic has negatively impacted most SDGs in the short term. Particularly, the targets of SDG 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13 have and will continue to have weakly to moderately restricting impacts. However, a few targets of SDG 2, 3, 6, and 11 could also have weakly promoting impacts. The negative impacts have resulted from impeding factors linked to the pandemic. Many of the negative impacts may subside in the medium and long terms. The key five impeding factors are lockdowns, underemployment and unemployment, closure of institutions and facilities, diluted focus and funds for non‐COVID‐19‐related issues, and anticipated reduction in support from development partners. The pandemic has also opened a window of opportunity for sustainable transformation, which is short‐lived and narrow. These opportunities are lessons learned for planning and action, socio‐economic recovery plan, use of information and communication technologies and the digital economy, reverse migration and “brain gain,” and local governments' exercising authorities.
... Further, the affordability and ease of social internet use across the globe is associated with several health and social issues including sleep deprivation ( Xanidis & Brignell, 2016 ), anxiety, depression and stress ( Wong et al., 2020 ), self-esteem ( Tian et al., 2020 ) and increased loneliness ( Singh et al., 2020 ;Yao & Zhong, 2012 ). Similarly, a study conducted among adolescents in Italy and the US showed that social internet addiction is significantly associated with low self-esteem and decreased life satisfaction (B ł achnio et al., 2019). ...
The goal of this study was to examine the mediating role of social internet use on the correlation of parental efficacy, peer influence and social functioning of adolescents. Methodologically, data was collected from a sample of 496 adolescents (Male = 18.5%; Female = 81.5%, Mage = 15.9), the idea that the relationship between parental efficacy, peer influence and social functioning of adolescents could be influenced by the mediating power of social internet use was tested. Consistent with this hypothesis, the results revealed positive and significant relationships between social functioning, social internet use (r = .373, p<.01), parental efficacy (r = .153, p<.05) and peer influence (r = .170, p<.01). Moreover, when social internet use was introduced as a mediator to determine the strength of the relationships, the prediction of parental efficacy on social functioning increased from 2.33% variance to 13.7%, while that of peer influence improved from 2.88% to 15.23%. Further, the results showed that the indirect effect of parental efficacy was greater than its direct effect on social functioning (IE = .0035> DE= .0033), but that of peer influence was lesser (IE = 0015 < DE = .0033) on the social functioning of adolescents in this current study. In conclusion, findings established that social internet use was a prominent construct in adolescents’ developmental processes for optimal social functioning.
... This pandemic is said to promote mental illnesses and to raise suicide rates. 43 While clinical treatment of people with Covid-19 exist, the assets to treat the subsequent and related mental effects are insufficient. The physical infection can be seen, however, the mental effects are frequently not seen until it is too late. ...
Fear is an indispensable characteristic of any infectious disease, and the alarm will be further amplified when the infection spreads
uncontrollable, unpredictable, and global. The novel corona virus (SARS CoV-2) lead Covid-19, has been declared as a global emergency
by WHO as it has affected millions of people with a high mortality rate. The non-availability of medicine for Covid-19 and the various control
measures such as social distancing, self-isolation, house quarantine, and the new normal implementation by different nations across the world
to control the spread of Covid-19 made people vulnerable to fear and anxiety. As a result, considerable number of Covid-19-related suicidal
deaths has been reported across the world during this pandemic. There have been several studies which describe the psychosocial aspects
of suicidal ideation. However, the research on the biological aspects of suicidal ideation/suicidal risk factors that are related to pandemic are
unreported. Hence this review article is intended to provide a comprehensive analysis of suicidal deaths during Covid-19 and also aimed to
addresses the possible link between suicidal ideation and different factors, including psycho-social, behavioral, neurobiological factors (proximal,
distal, and inflammatory) and immunity. The alterations in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmitters had upregulated the GABARB3,
GABARA4, GABARA3, GABARR1, GABARG2, and GAD2 gene expressions in suicidal victims. The changes in the Kynurenine (KYN) pathway,
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA axis) hyperactivation, and dysregulation of serotonin biosynthesis would significantly alter the brain
chemistry in people with suicide ideation.
... The knock-on consequences of lockdown also included problems relating to food production and distribution, 18 mental health and wellbeing, 19-21 gender-based violence, and an increased rate of suicide. 22 Even though there were substantial numbers of suicides pre-COVID, the rate increased during (as did reporting of them in the media). In addition, misinformation and disinformation related to COVID-19often spread by social media -has created concern and anxiety amongst many people. ...
A new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by a novel pathogen (SARS-CoV-2) spread rapidly around the world in the early months of 2020, and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March. COVID-19 has, and continues to have, large implications for individuals, societies, and for national health systems across the globe. Due to its novelty and impact, it has challenged all health care systems where the virus has taken hold. The ways in which governments and health systems have responded have varied widely across the world. In the case of Nepal, the pandemic represented a major test for the newly decentralised health system, created as a result of the implementation of the 2015 federal constitution. This paper, which forms a part of our large on-going study of the decentralisation of the health system in the country, presents some of the early evidence on the effectiveness of the actions taken by Federal, Provincial and Local Governments and the levels of cooperation and coordination between them.
... This pandemic is said to promote mental illnesses and to raise suicide rates. 43 While clinical treatment of people with Covid-19 exist, the assets to treat the subsequent and related mental effects are insufficient. The physical infection can be seen, however, the mental effects are frequently not seen until it is too late. ...
Fear is an indispensable characteristic of any infectious disease, and the alarm will be further amplified when the infection spreads
uncontrollable, unpredictable, and global. The novel corona virus (SARS CoV-2) lead Covid-19, has been declared as a global emergency
by WHO as it has affected millions of people with a high mortality rate. The non-availability of medicine for Covid-19 and the various control
measures such as social distancing, self-isolation, house quarantine, and the new normal implementation by different nations across the world
to control the spread of Covid-19 made people vulnerable to fear and anxiety. As a result, considerable number of Covid-19-related suicidal
deaths has been reported across the world during this pandemic. There have been several studies which describe the psychosocial aspects
of suicidal ideation. However, the research on the biological aspects of suicidal ideation/suicidal risk factors that are related to pandemic are
unreported. Hence this review article is intended to provide a comprehensive analysis of suicidal deaths during Covid-19 and also aimed to
addresses the possible link between suicidal ideation and different factors, including psycho-social, behavioral, neurobiological factors (proximal, distal, and inflammatory) and immunity. The alterations in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmitters had upregulated the GABARB3,
GABARA4, GABARA3, GABARR1, GABARG2, and GAD2 gene expressions in suicidal victims. The changes in the Kynurenine (KYN) pathway,
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA axis) hyperactivation, and dysregulation of serotonin biosynthesis would significantly alter the brain
chemistry in people with suicide ideation.
... This pandemic is said to promote mental illnesses and to raise suicide rates. 43 While clinical treatment of people with Covid-19 exist, the assets to treat the subsequent and related mental effects are insufficient. The physical infection can be seen, however, the mental effects are frequently not seen until it is too late. ...
Fear is an indispensable characteristic of any infectious disease, and the alarm will be further amplified when the infection spreads uncontrollable, unpredictable, and global. The novel corona virus (SARS CoV-2) lead Covid-19, has been declared as a global emergency by WHO as it has affected millions of people with a high mortality rate. The non-availability of medicine for Covid-19 and the various control measures such as social distancing, self-isolation, house quarantine, and the new normal implementation by different nations across the world to control the spread of Covid-19 made people vulnerable to fear and anxiety. As a result, considerable number of Covid-19-related suicidal deaths has been reported across the world during this pandemic. There have been several studies which describe the psychosocial aspects of suicidal ideation. However, the research on the biological aspects of suicidal ideation/suicidal risk factors that are related to pandemic are unreported. Hence this review article is intended to provide a comprehensive analysis of suicidal deaths during Covid-19 and also aimed to addresses the possible link between suicidal ideation and different factors, including psycho-social, behavioral, neurobiological factors (proximal, distal, and inflammatory) and immunity. The alterations in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmitters had upregulated the GABARB3, GABARA4, GABARA3, GABARR1, GABARG2, and GAD2 gene expressions in suicidal victims. The changes in the Kynurenine (KYN) pathway, Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA axis) hyperactivation, and dysregulation of serotonin biosynthesis would significantly alter the brain chemistry in people with suicide ideation.
... In Nepal, the first case of Corona virus was detected on 23rd January, 2020. 3 Since then, cases have been increasing and the government has requested stayat-home order in Nepal since 24 th March, 2020. 4 As the modalities of lockdown order have been changed by the government, the clinical practice has started opening up. In view of high transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2 virus, reopening dermatological services remains a challenge. ...
Introduction: Novel Coronavirus disease has caused a substantial halt to the ongoing world in every aspect. There are medical and social implications of the disease. Cutaneous manifestations have been reported to be a part of the disease as well. Dermatologists globally are in dilemma with the clinical practice because of the fear of acquiring the disease. Objectives: This article aims to recommend best practice measures that can be followed in local scenario for re-opening up of dermatological services in the context of Nepal. Materials and Methods: A preliminary draft for guidance on Dermatological services based on recommendations of American Academy of Dermatology, International league of Dermatological societies, National recommendations from Ministry of Health, Nepal was sent to a panel of national experts to determine the level of consensus in first week of April, 2020. A preliminary survey was sent to all the members of Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and leprologists of Nepal on first week of June and a second draft was subsequently formed which was sent again to experts and revised based on the opinions of national experts. Results: A total of 19 experts participated in the preparation of draft and reached a national consensus after a series of revisions in preliminary draft. Conclusion: Agreements regarding the opening of practice in dermatology discipline have been summarized. Recommendations have been made for opening of dermatological services – opening of outpatient department, performing dermatosurgical and cosmetic procedures as well as strategies on triage of patients and use of masks.
... Mental health: Loneliness, depression and anxiety has increased because of social isolation and lock-down. 14 There has been a substantial increase in cases of suicide in Nepal. The healthcare workers dedicated to pandemic have witnessed a lot of fatigue which can adversely affect their performance and even leave a long-term effect on their mental well- being. ...
Nepal’s challenges in combating the COVID-19 pandemic include a fragile
economy, inadequate preparedness, open borders with India, and China.
So far, Nepal has a toll of 22972 cases with 75 deaths as of August 10,
2020. Although, certain postulates like innate factors and the difference
in virulence among different strains may have some protective effect as
shown by the mild clinical picture in COVID-19 affected Nepalese citizens;
the escalation of the daily number of cases is very alarming when the
active cases in most of the countries are decreasing. So far, the cases have
an increasing trend which shows that the government’s strategies are not
working in favor of limiting the disease. This paper reviews how Nepal is
tackling pandemic, comparing its strategy with the global scenario and
reviewing efficiency of our previously adopted measures with an aim to
understand the paradox of unique trend of pandemic in the South Asian
region. With unsatisfactory results of current steps and injured economy,
Nepal needs revise its strategy especially addressing the areas that need
strengthening and incorporate this with the current re-opening plans as
we move towards normalcy. Therefore, the government needs to come
up with effective strategies including mitigation, preparedness, response,
and recovery to manage this global pandemic in the future.
Keywords: COVID-19, Novel coronavirus infection, Quarantine, pandemic,
Nepal
... On one hand, the suspension of academic activities along with COVID-19 control measures including social distancing and travel restrictions create a risk to loneliness and psychological problems among students 4 . On the other hand, uncertainty about their clinical education and future due to the pandemic would not only lead to a considerable loss of learning time for nursing students, it would also lower their self-esteem, confidence and loss of clinical skills 5 . ...
COVID-19 pandemic has affected nursing education globally, with more impact in nations like Nepal with limited resources. Although, the use of technology and virtual platforms has long history in nursing education, it is relatively very new for teaching hospitals in Nepal where the health system is fragile. The challenges seen in nursing education have depicted an urgent need to address nation's gaps in educational infrastructure including capacity building of faculties and enabling nursing students to utilize technology effectively. In fact, the pandemic has unveiled underlying structural vulnerabilities and existing disparities in educational settings between nations, particularly in nursing education.
... Mental health: Loneliness, depression and anxiety has increased because of social isolation and lock-down. 14 There has been a substantial increase in cases of suicide in Nepal. The healthcare workers dedicated to pandemic have witnessed a lot of fatigue which can adversely affect their performance and even leave a long-term effect on their mental well- being. ...
Nepal's challenges in combating the COVID-19 pandemic include a fragile economy, inadequate preparedness, open borders with India, and China. So far, Nepal has a toll of 22972 cases with 75 deaths as of August 10, 2020. Although, certain postulates like innate factors and the difference in virulence among different strains may have some protective effect as shown by the mild clinical picture in COVID-19 affected Nepalese citizens; the escalation of the daily number of cases is very alarming when the active cases in most of the countries are decreasing. So far, the cases have an increasing trend which shows that the government's strategies are not working in favor of limiting the disease. This paper reviews how Nepal is tackling pandemic, comparing its strategy with the global scenario and reviewing efficiency of our previously adopted measures with an aim to understand the paradox of unique trend of pandemic in the South Asian region. With unsatisfactory results of current steps and injured economy, Nepal needs revise its strategy especially addressing the areas that need strengthening and incorporate this with the current reopening plans as we move towards normalcy. Therefore, the government needs to come up with effective strategies including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery to manage this global pandemic in the future.
... COVID-19 has demonstrated the potential for mental health risks to emerge as a result of both disaster-related trauma and the public health safety measures implemented to reduce transmission. This has been highlighted in Nepal, where widespread job loss and economic insecurity arising from government lockdown measures during the pandemic has resulted in a tragic spike in suicides, with 1200 deaths reported due to suicide during the 74 day lockdown [70,71]. Established mental health services in Nepal are working to provide helpline services through telephone and social media and further improve the capacity of community psychosocial workers to respond to individuals experiencing psychological distress [42]. ...
Addressing the psychological mechanisms and structural inequalities that underpin mental health issues is critical to recovery following disasters and pandemics. The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network was established in June 2020 in response to the current disaster climate and to foster advancements in disaster-oriented mental health research, practice and policy across the region. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Thematic Platform for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM), the network brings together leading disaster psychiatry, psychology and public health experts. Our aim is to advance policy, research and targeted translation of the evidence so that communities are better informed in preparation and response to disasters, pandemics and mass trauma. The first meetings of the network resulted in the development of a regional disaster mental health agenda focused on the current context, with five priority areas: (1) Strengthening community engagement and the integration of diverse perspectives in planning, implementing and evaluating mental health and psychosocial response in disasters; (2) Supporting and assessing the capacity of mental health systems to respond to disasters; (3) Optimising emerging technologies in mental healthcare; (4) Understanding and responding appropriately to addressing the mental health impacts of climate change; (5) Prioritising mental health and psychosocial support for high-risk groups. Consideration of these priority areas in future research, practice and policy will support nuanced and effective psychosocial initiatives for disaster-affected populations within the Asia Pacific region.
Introduction: Radiography students experience high levels of stress due to demanding academic studies and clinical training. Expanding this study to different settings could provide insights for customized interventions. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and causes of stress experienced by radiography students across university settings in Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan, with particular attention to gender-based differences. By analyzing stress levels across these diverse academic environments, the study seeks to identify key stressors specific to each region, as well as any differences in stress impact related to gender, academic demands, and cultural contexts. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 608 radiography students from accredited programs in Egypt, UAE, and Jordan, selected through convenience and snowball sampling. A 96-question online survey, developed following CHERRIES guidelines, was distributed via university channels and social media. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS. The questionnaire's reliability was confirmed through a test-retest method, yielding a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.82. Results: Out of 608 radiography students surveyed, stress levels differed by gender. Specifically, 11.7 % of students reported extremely high stress, with 5 % of males and 14.4 % of females. Gender disparities were evident that females experienced significantly higher stress than males in areas such as quality of education , exams, GPA, fear of mistakes, clinical factors, patient care, lack of relaxation time, and health problems (p < 0.001). In the UAE, 41.8 % of students believe a lack of time with family and friends significantly affects their stress, followed closely by 41.7 % in Egypt and 30.5 % in Jordan (p ¼ 0.001). Conclusion: The study identifies gender-specific discrepancies in stress among university students, demonstrating that female students experience higher stress levels, influenced by factors such as academic standards, examinations, GPA, and work-life balance. Furthermore, students in Jordan and the UAE are facing academic workload stress, while Egyptian students deal with career uncertainty and family-related stress. Impact on practice: The study emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse stressors among radiography students to provide insights that can inform tailored support strategies to enhance the well-being and academic performance of radiography students in these regions.
Background and Objectives: Medical students are considered a high-risk group for COVID-19 anxiety due to their
health and medical activities. The aim of this study was to determine the level of anxiety caused by the COVID-19
epidemic among medical students in rafsanjan.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, 400 students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences were
selected by regular stratified sampling and participated in the study. The data collection tool was a standard
questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and non-parametric
Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: 228 (57%) were girls and the rest were boys. 29% (116 people) had a history of corona. 62.3% (249 people)
of family members or relatives of participants had a history of infection or death due to corona. 25.3% (101 people)
of the participants were active in the field of corona control. The mean scores of anxiety and psychological and
physical subscales were 12.97±8.03, 10.06±5.07, and 2.91±3.69, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that there was anxiety among students. The reasons were more
exposure to patients, contaminated work environment, wearing protective clothing and masks, and fear of
contamination of oneself and family. Greater awareness of the disease, access to personal protective equipment, and
vaccination are strategies that can be effective in reducing anxiety.
Introdução: O suicídio constitui-se em uma das principais causas de morte evitáveis. A pandemia da COVID-19 pode contribuir para reforçar os fatores de risco e a ideação suicida em razão da diminuição da capacidade de enfrentamento emocional ante a crise sanitária mundial. Ao mesmo tempo, os serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) foram demandados a construir uma resposta rápida a questões relacionadas à saúde mental. Objetivo: Refletir sobre os fatores de risco e as possíveis intervenções para a prevenção do suicídio na atenção primária no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa pautada na construção de uma análise crítica da literatura internacional sobre os fatores de risco e a prevenção do suicídio na APS durante a pandemia do novo coronavírus. Esta revisão foi construída por meio do levantamento de evidências na literatura internacional, feito pelo acesso às bases de dados científicas Web of Science, Science Direct e Scopus usando os descritores suicide AND prevention AND COVID-19 AND Primary Health Care. Foram incluídos artigos científicos disponibilizados entre dezembro de 2019 e setembro de 2020 e publicados em português, inglês e espanhol. Resultados: O corpus de análise foi composto de 15 artigos, com predominância da descrição de fatores de risco, da implementação e das adaptações de estratégias de intervenções específicas mediadas por recursos de tecnologia da informação e comunicação para oferecer cuidados de saúde mental. Conclusões: Os cuidados colaborativos pautados pelos atributos essenciais da APS destacaram-se como estratégias prioritárias para ofertar cuidados contínuos e longitudinais no contexto da pandemia.
Research on the effectiveness of mental health and psychosocial support interventions for
common mental disorders in global mental health provides controversial results. These results
are based on mean values for different groups, often without due consideration of individuallevel
characteristics and contextual factors. Against this background, and based on the recent
development of a precision theoretical framework in clinical psychology, which is calling for a
renewed perspective on the development and implementation of trial designs, we propose to
develop a precision psychology paradigm in global mental health, with emphasis not only on
individual clinical and socio-demographic data, but also on the social determinants of mental
health. A precision psychology paradigm would require a coordinated action of academics,
stakeholders and humanitarian workers in planning a global mental health research agenda,
including the design of trials aimed at reliably approximate prediction of intervention
response at individual level.
Background and Objectives: Several studies on the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic have indicated mental
health disorders that can trigger suicidal behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the possible effects
of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal behavior using a structured review.
Materials and Methods: This study is a structured review. For reteriving the related articles keywords such as
Pandemic COVID-19, Suicide, Attempted Suicide and their Farsi equivalents were used to search MEDLINE,
PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Due to the novelty of this pandemic and its great
effects on people's mental health, it was tried all related articles be retrieved and placed in the following four groups:
1) Commentary and points of view, 2) Review articles, 3) Case report and case series, and 4) Original research
articles.
Results: About 1560 articles were obtained. 1507 articles were not related to our subject, which were
deleted.Finally, 53 related articles were reviewed. In addition to physical problems, psychological disorders such as
suicide, economic problems, and disruption of social interactions are the most important consequences of this
pandemic, which result from social distancing, segregation, quarantine, and limitations associated with the disease.
Conclusion: It seems that easy access to and mental health services, avoiding publishing information, film and
images from unreliable sources, getting help from crisis hotlines, activating the labor market, support and assistance
by government funding, and providing adequate equipment for hospital and health center staff can be effective in
reducing suicides.
Key words: COVID-19 pandemic, suicide, suicide attempt
For free access to this article, click on this link and download the paper before September 08, 2021
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1dRaE_ggEwJea8
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable morbidity, mortality and disruption to people’s lives around the world. There are concerns that rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour may rise during and in its aftermath. Our living systematic review synthesises findings from emerging literature on incidence and prevalence of suicidal behaviour as well as suicide prevention efforts in relation to COVID-19, with this iteration synthesising relevant evidence up to 19 th October 2020.
Method: Automated daily searches feed into a web-based database with screening and data extraction functionalities. Eligibility criteria include incidence/prevalence of suicidal behaviour, exposure-outcome relationships and effects of interventions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes of interest are suicide, self-harm or attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts. No restrictions are placed on language or study type, except for single-person case reports. We exclude one-off cross-sectional studies without either pre-pandemic measures or comparisons of COVID-19 positive vs. unaffected individuals.
Results: Searches identified 6,226 articles. Seventy-eight articles met our inclusion criteria. We identified a further 64 relevant cross-sectional studies that did not meet our revised inclusion criteria. Thirty-four articles were not peer-reviewed (e.g. research letters, pre-prints). All articles were based on observational studies.
There was no consistent evidence of a rise in suicide but many studies noted adverse economic effects were evolving. There was evidence of a rise in community distress, fall in hospital presentation for suicidal behaviour and early evidence of an increased frequency of suicidal thoughts in those who had become infected with COVID-19.
Conclusions: Research evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on suicidal behaviour is accumulating rapidly. This living review provides a regular synthesis of the most up-to-date research evidence to guide public health and clinical policy to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on suicide risk as the longer term impacts of the pandemic on suicide risk are researched.
Suicide remains a major public health concern, with around 804,000 deaths per annum worldwide (World Health Organisation, 2014), yet our knowledge of the specific markers of risk is still relatively limited (Franklin et al., 2017). There is growing recognition that psychiatric disorders alone are insufficient to predict suicide risk, and therefore there is a need to move beyond mental disorders and adopt more sophisticated explanatory models of suicide; highlighting the complex interplay of risk and protective factors (O’Connor & Nock, 2014). In line with this, the Integrated-Motivational Volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behaviour incorporates major components from psychopathology, suicide research and the health psychology literature to delineate the final common pathway to suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour (Figure 1; O’Connor, 2011; O’Connor et al., 2016; O’Connor & Kirtley, 2018). Specifically, the IMV model is a tri-partite (pre-motivational, motivational and volitional phases) diathesis-stress model that endeavours to understand the emergence of suicidal ideation and the transition from ideation to suicide attempt. In the present chapter, we provide a brief overview of the IMV model, its core premises and empirical status.
Suicide is a major public health concern accounting for 800 000 deaths globally each year. Although there have been many advances in understanding suicide risk in recent decades, our ability to predict suicide is no better now than it was 50 years ago. There are many potential explanations for this lack of progress, but the absence, until recently, of comprehensive theoretical models that predict the emergence of suicidal ideation distinct from the transition between suicidal ideation and suicide attempts/suicide is key to this lack of progress. The current article presents the integrated motivational–volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behaviour, one such theoretical model. We propose that defeat and entrapment drive the emergence of suicidal ideation and that a group of factors, entitled volitional moderators (VMs), govern the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal behaviour. According to the IMV model, VMs include access to the means of suicide, exposure to suicidal behaviour, capability for suicide (fearlessness about death and increased physical pain tolerance), planning, impulsivity, mental imagery and past suicidal behaviour. In this article, we describe the theoretical origins of the IMV model, the key premises underpinning the model, empirical tests of the model and future research directions.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Evolutionary thanatology: impacts of the dead on the living in humans and other animals'.
The current article addresses the issue of warning signs for suicide, attempting to differentiate the construct from risk factors. In accordance with the characteristic features discussed, a consensus set of warning signs identified by the American Association of Suicidology working group are presented, along with a discussion of relevant clinical and research applications.
We review the evidence on effectiveness of interventions for the treatment and prevention of selected mental disorders in low-income and middle-income countries. Depression can be treated effectively in such countries with low-cost antidepressants or with psychological interventions (such as cognitive-behaviour therapy and interpersonal therapies). Stepped-care and collaborative models provide a framework for integration of drug and psychological treatments and help to improve rates of adherence to treatment. First-generation antipsychotic drugs are effective and cost effective for the treatment of schizophrenia; their benefits can be enhanced by psychosocial treatments, such as community-based models of care. Brief interventions delivered by primary-care professionals are effective for management of hazardous alcohol use, and pharmacological and psychosocial interventions have some benefits for people with alcohol dependence. Policies designed to reduce consumption, such as increased taxes and other control strategies, can reduce the population burden of alcohol abuse. Evidence about the efficacy of interventions for developmental disabilities is inadequate, but community-based rehabilitation models provide a low-cost, integrative framework for care of children and adults with chronic mental disabilities. Evidence for mental health interventions for people who are exposed to conflict and other disasters is still weak-especially for interventions in the midst of emergencies. Some trials of interventions for prevention of depression and developmental delays in low-income and middle-income countries show beneficial effects. Interventions for depression, delivered in primary care, are as cost effective as antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS. The process and effectiveness of scaling up mental health interventions has not been adequately assessed. Such research is needed to inform the continuing process of service reform and innovation. However, we recommend that policymakers should act on the available evidence to scale up effective and cost-effective treatments and preventive interventions for mental disorders.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having a profound effect on all aspects of society, including mental health and physical health. We explore the psychological, social, and neuroscientific effects of COVID-19 and set out the immediate priorities and longer-term strategies for mental health science research. These priorities were informed by surveys of the public and an expert panel convened by the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and the mental health research charity, MQ: Transforming Mental Health, in the first weeks of the pandemic in the UK in March, 2020. We urge UK research funding agencies to work with researchers, people with lived experience, and others to establish a high level coordination group to ensure that these research priorities are addressed, and to allow new ones to be identified over time. The need to maintain high-quality research standards is imperative. International collaboration and a global perspective will be beneficial. An immediate priority is collecting high-quality data on the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic across the whole population and vulnerable groups, and on brain function, cognition, and mental health of patients with COVID-19. There is an urgent need for research to address how mental health consequences for vulnerable groups can be mitigated under pandemic conditions, and on the impact of repeated media consumption and health messaging around COVID-19. Discovery, evaluation, and refinement of mechanistically driven interventions to address the psychological, social, and neuroscientific aspects of the pandemic are required. Rising to this challenge will require integration across disciplines and sectors, and should be done together with people with lived experience. New funding will be required to meet these priorities, and it can be efficiently leveraged by the UK's world-leading infrastructure. This Position Paper provides a strategy that may be both adapted for, and integrated with, research efforts in other countries.
Many people with mental, neurological and substance-use disorders (MNS) do not receive health care. Non-specialist health workers (NSHWs) and other professionals with health roles (OPHRs) are a key strategy for closing the treatment gap.
To assess the effect of NSHWs and OPHRs delivering MNS interventions in primary and community health care in low- and middle-income countries.
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (including the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group Specialised Register) (searched 21 June 2012); MEDLINE, OvidSP; MEDLINE In Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, OvidSP; EMBASE, OvidSP (searched 15 June 2012); CINAHL, EBSCOhost; PsycINFO, OvidSP (searched 18 and 19 June 2012); World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Library (searched 29 June 2012); LILACS; the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO); OpenGrey; the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (searched 8 and 9 August 2012); Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index (ISI Web of Knowledge) (searched 2 October 2012) and reference lists, without language or date restrictions. We contacted authors for additional studies.
Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies and interrupted-time-series studies of NSHWs/OPHR-delivered interventions in primary/community health care in low- and middle-income countries, and intended to improve outcomes in people with MNS disorders and in their carers. We defined an NSHW as any professional health worker (e.g. doctors, nurses and social workers) or lay health worker without specialised training in MNS disorders. OPHRs included people outside the health sector (only teachers in this review).
Review authors double screened, double data-extracted and assessed risk of bias using standard formats. We grouped studies with similar interventions together. Where feasible, we combined data to obtain an overall estimate of effect.
The 38 included studies were from seven low- and 15 middle-income countries. Twenty-two studies used lay health workers, and most addressed depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The review shows that the use of NSHWs, compared with usual healthcare services: 1. may increase the number of adults who recover from depression or anxiety, or both, two to six months after treatment (prevalence of depression: risk ratio (RR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.64; low-quality evidence); 2. may slightly reduce symptoms for mothers with perinatal depression (severity of depressive symptoms: standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.42, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.26; low-quality evidence); 3. may slightly reduce the symptoms of adults with PTSD (severity of PTSD symptoms: SMD -0.36, 95% CI -0.67 to -0.05; low-quality evidence); 4. probably slightly improves the symptoms of people with dementia (severity of behavioural symptoms: SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.60 to 0.08; moderate-quality evidence); 5. probably improves/slightly improves the mental well-being, burden and distress of carers of people with dementia (carer burden: SMD -0.50, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.15; moderate-quality evidence); 6. may decrease the amount of alcohol consumed by people with alcohol-use disorders (drinks/drinking day in last 7 to 30 days: mean difference -1.68, 95% CI -2.79 to -0.57); low-quality evidence).It is uncertain whether lay health workers or teachers reduce PTSD symptoms among children. There were insufficient data to draw conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of using NSHWs or teachers, or about their impact on people with other MNS conditions. In addition, very few studies measured adverse effects of NSHW-led care - such effects could impact on the appropriateness and quality of care.
Overall, NSHWs and teachers have some promising benefits in improving people's outcomes for general and perinatal depression, PTSD and alcohol-use disorders, and patient- and carer-outcomes for dementia. However, this evidence is mostly low or very low quality, and for some issues no evidence is available. Therefore, we cannot make conclusions about which specific NSHW-led interventions are more effective.
COVID-19 and suicide -COVID-19 Special Report
- R A Clay
Clay, R.A., 2020. COVID-19 and suicide -COVID-19 Special Report. 51(4).
Suicide Cases Remain a Challenge for Law Enforcement Agency Even During Lockdown
- S Dhungana
Dhungana, S., 2020. Suicide Cases Remain a Challenge for Law Enforcement Agency Even
During Lockdown. (Accessed 16 June 2020). https://kathmandupost.com/national/
2020/04/16/suicide-cases-remain-a-challenge-for-law-enforcement-agency-evenduirng-lockdown.
Suicide Leading Cause of Deaths
- P P Khatri
Khatri, P.P., 2019. Suicide Leading Cause of Deaths. (Accessed 16 June 2020). https://
therisingnepal.org.np/news/31328.
Suicide Cases on the Rise, Mental Health Experts Warn of a 'Grim Situation
- My Republica
My Republica, 2020. Suicide Cases on the Rise, Mental Health Experts Warn of a 'Grim
Situation'. (Accessed 16 June 2020). https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/
news/suicide-cases-on-the-rise-mental-health-experts-warn-of-a-grim-situation/.
Warning signs for suicide: Theory, research, and clinical applications
- M D Rudd
- A L Berman
- T E Joiner
- Jr
- M K Nock
- M M Silverman
- M Mandrusiak
Rudd, M.D., Berman, A.L., Joiner, T.E., Jr., Nock, M.K., Silverman, M.M., Mandrusiak, M., et
al., 2006. Warning signs for suicide: Theory, research, and clinical applications. Suicide and
Life-Threatening Behavior. 36(3), 255-262.
Over 1,200 people killed themselves during 74 days of lockdown in Nepal
- Jakarta The
- Post
The Jakarta Post., 2020. Over 1,200 people killed themselves during 74 days of lockdown in
Nepal. https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/06/15/over-1200-people-killed-themselvesduring-74-days-of-lockdown-in-nepal.html
Mental Health in Nepal -A Backgrounder
- S Uprety
- B Lamichhane
Uprety, S., Lamichhane, B., 2016. Mental Health in Nepal -A Backgrounder. HERD,
Kathmandu. https://www.herd.org.np/uploads/frontend/Publications/
PublicationsAttachments1/1480578193-Mental%20Health%20in%20Nepal%20-%
20A%20Backgrounder.pdf.
COVID-19 and Suicide -COVID-19
- R A Clay
Clay, R.A., 2020. COVID-19 and Suicide -COVID-19 Special Report 51 (4). https://www.
apa.org/monitor/2020/06/covid-suicide.