![]() Large scale outbreaks as previously seen in the SARS epidemic have been associated with higher prevalence of psychological symptoms, emotional disturbance, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress symptoms and irritability. Movement restriction, separation from family or friends, limited freedom and fear of an uncertain future are all factors that may exacerbate negative psychological impact. Historically, quarantine has been a successful measure adopted worldwide in infectious diseases outbreaks however, it represents an unfavorable experience for the population. Consequently, it is crucial to understand the extent of impact for such pandemics on mental health and other aspects of life. The MERS-CoV outbreak was associated with tremendous public anxiety in the affected countries, and it resulted in thousands of mortality cases, fear, anxiety, and psychosocial stress among the population, in addition to economic losses. The spread of MERS-CoV across the Middle East was linked to the transmission of the pathogen from Dromedary camels to humans. ![]() In 2012, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first identified in Saudi Arabia. SARS-related psychological problems have been reported to be prevalent mainly among healthcare workers and SARS survivors. Moreover, psychological impact is considered to be more profound in comparison to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003, due to the extensive social media exposure and increased global connectivity. While the WHO and worldwide health authorities are actively working on containing the outbreak, such a period of health crisis has significant repercussions on human health and welling, accompanied by psychological distress and related symptoms such as stress, panic and anxiety in the general population. Further measures included suspension of flights, avoidance of large gatherings, mandatory use of face mask in many countries, social distancing, teleworking, home-schooling of children and health orders to stay at home. In response to this global health crisis, quarantine and lock down measures were implemented by international and government health organizations to contain the rapid spread of the virus. By 14 February 2021, over 108 million cases were confirmed worldwide, of which 5.99 million cases were reported in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Following its emergence, it manifested as an outbreak that led to serious public health concerns by the World Health Organization (WHO), and by mid-March 2020, the WHO declared a global pandemic due to the substantial global-wide spread of the disease affecting many countries. It emerged initially in the city of Wuhan in China in late December 2019, when cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology were reported. The novel coronavirus, later designated as COVID-19, is an infectious disease that can spread among humans. Clinical interventions targeted towards vulnerable groups such as females and younger adults are needed. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with mild psychological impact while it also encouraged some positive impact on family support and mental health awareness among adults in the MENA region. About 42% reported receiving increased support from family members, 40.5% were paying more attention to their mental health, and over 40% reported spending more time resting since the pandemic started. Higher IES-R scores were found among females, participants aged 26–35 years, those with lower educational level, and participants residing in the North Africa region ( p<0.005). Furthermore, over 40% reported increased stress from work and financial matters. Most participants (45%–62%) felt horrified, apprehensive, or helpless due to COVID-19. The IES-R mean score was 29.3 (SD = 14.8), corresponding to mild stressful impact with 30.9% reporting severe psychological impact. Psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the social and family support impact was assessed with questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). ![]() A total of 6142 adults from eighteen countries within the MENA region completed an online questionnaire between May and June 2020. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life among the general population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis that has changed the life of millions globally.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |