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Anteayer Journal of Advanced Nursing

A cross‐sectional study on social determinants of mental health during COVID‐19 among adults in California

Abstract

Aim

To explore the impact of structural and intermediary social determinants of health (SDoH) on Californian adults' mental health during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2020 cycle of the California Health Interview Survey, the largest US state-level population health survey.

Methods

Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Using a general social determinant of health framework, we operationalized different survey questions to measure structural and intermediary determinants of mental health.

Results

Mental health during the early phase of COVID-19 among adults in California was associated with age, gender, health conditions, delayed care, employment status (loss of job or reduced income) and discrimination. People in higher social strata were more likely to have better mental health for many of these factors.

Conclusion

This study supports the assertion that material circumstances (such as employment status) and discrimination are associated with experiencing mental health issues among adults in California during COVID-19. Racism is a public health issue, and as nurses, addressing racism is critical. In addition, much work is needed to address SDoH to improve health outcomes, especially among marginalized populations.

Impact

This study addressed the knowledge gap concerning the social determinants of mental health among Californian adults during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who had reduced income and those who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic were 46% and 56%, respectively, more likely to report mental health problems. Those who experienced discrimination in healthcare were 304% more likely to report mental health issues. This research will increase the understanding of the social determinants of health, particularly for those with chronic illnesses and mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution, as we used an existing US state dataset. However, California Health Interview Survey is the largest state health survey in the United States and interviews more than 20,000 households each year representing the health care needs of Californians.

Attitudes and experiences related to the deaths of COVID‐19 patients among nursing staff: A qualitative evidence synthesis

Abstract

Aim

To identify and synthesize the experiences and attitudes of nursing staff regarding the deaths of COVID-19 patients.

Review Methods

A qualitative evidence synthesis was carried out, using Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach. The review protocol was listed in PROSPERO (CRD42022330928). Studies published from January 2020 to January 2022 that met the criteria were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, CUIDEN and PsycInfo. A total of 12 articles were included.

Results

Thirty-three metaphors emerged, which were grouped into three main themes: Determining factors of care, Feelings about death and Strategies for coping with death. Nurses reported the high emotional toll, the absence of family and the lack of staff, protocol and training as determining factors. Furthermore, staff had doubts about the quality of care that COVID-19 patients received. As coping strategies, nurses developed avoidance behaviours towards COVID-19 patients, selective memories, resilience, and/or leaving the profession.

Conclusions

The difficulty in providing adequate nursing care and the high number of deaths has increased anxiety and stress among nurses. These factors, alongside their lived experiences of seeing patients suffering, many dying alone without family members, have had psychological repercussions on nursing staff.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The results demonstrate a high emotional toll and doubts surrounding their caregiving role caused by the lack of professional training needed to face a pandemic. This research shows what has been learned for future pandemics and highlights basic components that could provide a foundation for coping interventions for healthcare professionals.

Impact

What Problem did the Study Address?

The challenges posed by COVID-19 patient deaths for nursing staff around the world and also by the pandemic circumstances in which those deaths occurred.

What were the Main Findings?

The high number of deceased patients who were isolated from family members, communication with family members and doubts surrounding care given during the pandemic have created feelings of fear, stress and anxiety, as well as obsessive thoughts that have changed nursing staff's perception of death due to COVID-19.

Where and on whom will the Research have an Impact?

Results will be useful for preparing for future pandemics, and for policymakers and health staff in supporting healthcare professionals by creating programmes to help them cope with the emotional toll they have felt after dealing with death in such unprecedented circumstances.

Reporting Method

The authors have adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and the eMERGe Reporting Guidance.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Neonatal intensive care nurses' accounts of care for mothers/families with substance‐exposed pregnancies: A critical discourse analysis

Abstract

Aims

To explore the effects of power dynamics and hospital organizational structure upon neonatal intensive care nurses' experiences caring for infants and families from a substance-exposed pregnancy (SEP).

Design

This secondary data analysis further investigated the results of a primary study after the original analysis suggested differences in work environments may impact relationship-building opportunities between nurses and mothers/families. Critical discourse analysis served as both the theoretical lens and analytic technique.

Method

Nine (9) nurses from the southeast region of the United States (U.S.) were interviewed in 2019. Fifty-one (51) stories of caregiving experiences were analysed with a focus on narratives related to organizational structure and care delivery.

Results

Study findings revealed nurses experienced challenges providing high-quality, family-centered care for patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) affected by substances during pregnancy. Nurses described the central challenge of workload, exacerbated by power imbalances and structural constraints within the hospital's organizational structure. Findings suggest workload issues may endorse stigma by inhibiting opportunities to build relationships. Nurses report manageable workloads can support healthcare teams and recipients of care.

Conclusion

The study suggests power imbalances between nurses, families and adjacent healthcare professionals can inhibit the delivery of high-quality care. Supporting healthcare teams and recipients of care while centering the role of organizational structure is critical. Questions emerged about workload demands impacting the potential production of stigma in clinical environments.

Impact

This study examines the intersection of nurses' care experiences and hospital organizational structure. It identifies how the unique needs of caring for infants and families from a SEP increase the complexity of power imbalances and organizational constraints to further increase workload demands. Findings have implications for global healthcare organization leaders who build and maintain the structural integrity of clinical environments and nurse leaders who advocate and guide clinical teams to provide high-quality care in stressful healthcare environments.

Reporting Method

EQUATOR guidelines were followed, using the COREQ checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

NICU nurses were interviewed about their care-provision experiences. Interviews were analysed in the primary study and the current analysis of secondary data.

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