New Research Snapshot: Focus on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Applying learnings from past outbreaks
Check out this new Research Snapshot!
A look at past outbreaks and how they can help with our current situation!
Here is a sneak peek:
What is this research about?
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that first emerged in China in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Nearly 118,000 cases were detected in over 114 countries by March 17, 2020.
COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact and causes mild, moderate, or severe respiratory illness. Cough, fever, and difficulty breathing are the most common symptoms. Currently, there is no vaccine available. Governments in various countries have declared national emergencies and recommend measures such as social distancing and quarantine to stop the spread.
Little attention has been paid to how this pandemic is affecting the mental health and well-being of patients, at-risk population groups, health care professionals, and the general public. Knowing the impact of past epidemics and how they affected the mental health of community members and health care workers can help countries implement effective interventions during COVID-19.
Download the PDF version of the research snapshot here
Thanks very much, Rupi, for spotlighting this systematic review on the mental health effects of pandemics and potential treatment strategies.
I think the findings about limiting exposure to media coverage and focussing on reputable sources of information are especially important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is clearly a vast amount of reporting on this pandemic, which some have dubbed an "everything story." And, given the newness of COVID-19, the story understandably changes frequently and is underpinned by much uncertainty. Furthermore, the disease and its impacts are beyond the control of any of us individually. Such situations can precipitate and perpetuate anxiety for many people.
Unfortunately, we also currently face a media and social media environment that is encumbered by a great deal of unfounded, or at least very preliminary, information, a substantial portion of which can be confusing, alarming, or misleading.
A recent op-ed by Ivan Oransky, a prominent medical journalist, speaks to this issue. Dr. Oransky indicates that a contributing factor may be that many reporters (and I presume other commentators) who do not have a background in science or medicine are now reporting on COVID-19, a rapidly-developing and complex scientific topic. He also offers some useful tips (or reminders) on science communication.
Really good points [@mention:336116034136246360]! People interested in this topic of confusing/misleading health information found in the media may be interested in this upcoming free webinar being hosted by Australia’s Research Impact Academy: "Connecting People and Society in the Disinformation Age"