International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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Psychological Stress, Trauma and Resilience in COVID-19 Responders: Next Steps and New Directions

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Dr. Jonathan M. DePierro

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Center for Stress, Resilience, and Personal Growth, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10128, USA
Interests: stigma and barriers to mental health care; stress neurobiology; PTSD; resilience; health care worker well-being; disaster mental health; digital health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of frontline healthcare workers has been documented in many studies worldwide. Multiple protective factors, including leadership and emotional support, optimism, and active coping, have also been identified. With this work in mind, the current Special Issue aims to focus on expanding the literature beyond population surveys of frontline healthcare workers (such as physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers), exploring the ongoing stressors and needs of individuals who responded to waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, and documenting the impact of interventions and other programs on the responders. We invite submissions of research on the following topics: (1) system-, group-, or individual-level interventions emerging from the pandemic (e.g., outcomes of digital health interventions or healthcare-worker support programs, or modifications of evidence-based treatments); (2) studies on COVID-19 responders, such as research or support staff (e.g., hospital security), educators, and public service personnel whose needs have not been previously documented; (3) the impact of workforce shortages and increasing workplace violence on emotional wellbeing and recovery; and (4) systemic- and group-level vs. individual drivers of COVID-19-responder resilience, and/or other previously under-studied aspects of “resilience” in the context of the pandemic. Submissions of studies on the related topics will also be considered. The overarching question of the current Special Issue is: What are the best practices that may be improved and enhanced to sustainably respond to the needs, at present, of a demographically and geographically diverse cohort of COVID-19 responders?

Dr. Jonathan M. DePierro
Guest Editor

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11 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Pandemic Responses among National Guard Service Members: Stressors, Coping Strategies, Sleep Difficulties and Substance Use

by Holly B. Herberman Mash, Joshua C. Morganstein, Carol S. Fullerton and Robert J. Ursano

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(9), 5731; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20095731 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1937

Abstract

The National Guard (NG) served as a critical component of the US COVID-19 response while concurrently managing personal COVID-19 responses. Understanding pandemic-related concerns, sleep difficulties, increased substance use, and stress management strategies can promote readiness for subsequent disasters. We surveyed 3221 NG service members (75% Army; 79% enlisted; 52% 30–49 years; 81% male) during COVID-19 (August-November 2020). Almost half were activated in response to COVID-19 (mean = 18.6 weeks) and completed the survey 2–3 months post-activation. Service members indicated great concern about family health (39%), the indefinite nature of the pandemic (35%), and their financial situation (23%). Over one-third reported changes in usual sleep amount, 33% described poor sleep quality, and 21% had trouble falling/staying asleep. Increased substance use was reported by 30%, including increased alcohol (13.5%), tobacco (9%), and caffeine/energy drinks (20.1%) consumption. Chi-square analyses and analyses of variance found those who activated reported more increased tobacco and caffeine/energy drink use versus non-activated, with no sleep difficulties nor alcohol use differences. Helpful stress management strategies included spending time outdoors (53%), exercising (48%), talking to family/friends (38%), and having a daily routine (38%). Specific health-, financial-, and job-related stressors were associated with COVID-19. Incorporating stress management in planning/preventive efforts promotes resilience during disasters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Stress, Trauma and Resilience in COVID-19 Responders: Next Steps and New Directions)

9 pages, 949 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Predictors of Mental Health Service Utilization among Frontline Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Sydney Starkweather, Jonathan M. DePierro, Saadia Akhtar, Eleanore de Guillebon, Carly Kaplan, Sabrina Kaplan, Jonathan Ripp, Lauren Peccoralo, Jordyn Feingold, Adriana Feder, James W. Murrough and Robert H. Pietrzak

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(7), 5326; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075326 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2907

Abstract

(1) Background: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of factors associated with self-reported mental health service use in a longitudinal cohort of frontline health care workers (FHCWs) providing care to patients with COVID-19 throughout 2020. (2) Methods: The study comprised a two-wave survey (n = 780) administered in April–May 2020 (T1) and November 2020–January 2021 (T2) to faculty, staff, and trainees in a large urban medical center. Factors associated with initiation, cessation, or continuation of mental health care over time were examined. (3) Results: A total of 19.1% of FHCWs endorsed currently utilizing mental health services, with 11.4% continuing, 4.2% initiating, and 3.5% ceasing services between T1 and T2. Predisposing and need-related factors, most notably a history of a mental health diagnosis and distress related to systemic racism, predicted service initiation and continuation. Among FHCWs with a prior mental health history, those with greater perceived resilience were less likely to initiate treatment at T2. Descriptive data highlighted the importance of services around basic and safety needs (e.g., reliable access to personal protective equipment) relative to mental health support in the acute phase of the pandemic. (4) Conclusions: Results may be helpful in identifying FHCWs who may benefit from mental health services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Stress, Trauma and Resilience in COVID-19 Responders: Next Steps and New Directions)

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