In:
Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, Medknow, Vol. 39, No. 3 ( 2023), p. 286-291
Abstract:
This study intends to identify the newly emerging needs of the population and to obtain a comprehensive picture of the persons’ psychological state and experience during the COVID emergency in order to inform an increasingly appropriate response. Methods: Psychological support was provided remotely, using a semi-structured and stepped protocol, including, first, the collection of the demographic and personal data, second, a semi-structured interview with regard to the COVID-19 impact on their individual or family life and the related psychological distress, third, the General Health Questionnaire-12 items (GHQ-12), and finally, the selected psychological interventions provided by the psychologist. The sample consisted of 652 persons. Results: Based on the 652 surveys collected, we could learn that the most frequent themes identified as the source of stress and distress were isolation and loneliness, grief, anger, feeling of guilt, and stigma. Of the total 474 who fulfilled GHQ, the score of 15 persons (3.16%) was ≤3 (cutoff), implying psychological well-being, while the score of 459 people was higher than 3, revealing the presence of psychological distress. Conclusion: The present study suggests some priority actions recommended to the decision-makers: to design interventions informed by a rapid needs assessment to monitor and to mitigate the psychological and social impact of the pandemic, to address the distress of the general population and to prevent the development or the worsening of psychological conditions, and to strengthen the cross-sectorial collaboration among health social and education services.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0971-9962
,
2454-8316
DOI:
10.4103/ijsp.ijsp_157_22
Language:
English
Publisher:
Medknow
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3011774-4
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