New Research Snapshot: Focus on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Applying learnings from past outbreaks

New Research Snapshot: Focus on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Applying learnings from past outbreaks

User profile image Rupi - EENet Yoda Master

in Research, tools, and information resources |

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 you need to know?
Researchers conducted a literature review to evaluate and study similar outbreaks from the past related to ARS, MERS, influenza, and Ebola. Their goal was to understand the adverse effects pandemics have on people’s mental health and well-being and to identify strategies and interventions that can be implemented, including information on psychological first aid. The authors found that learnings from past outbreaks can help determine what steps government officials, policy-makers, and medical organizations and regulatory bodies need to take to minimize the effect of COVID-19 on the mental health and well-being of all individuals.

 

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.

Read more…

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.

0

User profile image Emma Firsten-Kaufman - EENet Super Ninja

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"

0