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Coping Strategies and Quality of life: Reaction to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Romanian physicians
- R.-M.-A. Stretea, Z. Milhem, A.-I. Forray, C.-A. Crișan
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S597
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Introduction
The COVID‑19 pandemic has raised multiple psychological challenges among most healthcare workers, from anxiety to depression, burnout, sleep disorders, and substance use disorders. Thus, the burden caused by this prolonged medical crisis has inevitably drastically lowered the quality of life of the medical staff. In order to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic, healthcare workers resorted to various coping strategies, with better or worse outcomes.
ObjectivesThe present study aims to identify Romanian physicians’ main coping mechanisms and evaluate the role of positive and negative stress-reducing strategies on quality of life.
MethodsA cross‑sectional national survey was conducted using a web-based questionnaire among physicians practicing in Romania (n=265). In addition to socio-demographic and professional information, the questionnaire addressed participants’ coping mechanisms using the COPE inventory and quality of life with the WHOQOL-Brief scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regressions were used in the statistical analysis.
ResultsIn total, 265 physicians consented to their participation in the survey. Of those who responded, 84.5% identified as female, 92.1% had a permanent residence in a urban setting, 63.8% were married and 55.1% attained a master’s degree, a PhD diploma or equivalent level of education. The results showed that optimism was higher in male professionals, while avoidance coping was higher in female health professionals. The mean values of QoL subscales were: 74.7± 18.3 for the general quality of life, 70.8± 20.7 for health satisfaction, 64.0± 14.2 for the physical area, 61.7± 16.2 for the psychological area, 61.2± 20.3 for the social relationships area and 64.7± 12.7 for the environment area. Specific coping mechanisms (emotional venting, behavioral and mental disengagement) were associated with lower quality of life. In contrast, emotion-focused (positive reinterpretation and acceptance), problem-focused strategies (planning, active coping, suppression of competing activities) and humor were associated positively with most QoL subscales scores.
ConclusionsOur data points to specific protective characteristics and some detrimental factors on physicians’ quality of life during the pandemic, with the implication that these factors may be important considerations for mitigating distress and psychiatric disorders for healthcare workers during times of high stress. Concerted initiatives to improve wellness in healthcare workers ought to develop targeted programs to ensure adequate psychological support.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Aripiprazole Once-monthly is Superior to Paliperidone Palmitate in a Randomized, Head-to-head Clinical Study
- D. Naber, K. Hansen, C. Forray, R.A. Baker, C. Sapin, M. Beillat, T. Peters-Strickland, A.G. Nylander, P. Hertel, H. Steen Andersen, A. Eramo, J.Y. Loze, S. Potkin
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 30 / Issue S1 / March 2015
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 15 April 2020, p. 1
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Introduction
This study directly compares the effectiveness of aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg (AOM) and paliperidone palmitate once-monthly (PP) on the validated and symptom-focused Heinrichs-Carpenter Quality-of-Life Scale (QLS) in schizophrenia.
MethodsA 28-week, randomized, open-label rater-blinded, head-to-head study (NCT01795547) of AOM and PP in adult patients (18-60 years) needing a change from current oral antipsychotic treatment for any reason. The study comprised oral conversion, initiation of AOM or PP treatment according to labels, and treatment continuation with injections every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint assessed non-inferiority and subsequently superiority on change from baseline to week 28 in QLS total score analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measurements.
ResultsOf 295 randomized patients, 100/148 (67.6%) of AOM and 83/147 (56.5%) of PP patients completed 28 weeks of treatment. In treated patients, adverse events (AEs) were the most frequent reason for discontinuation; AOM: 16/144 (11.1%), PP: 27/137 (19.7%). The difference in change from baseline to week 28 on QLS total score was statistically significant (4.67 [95%CI: 0.32;9.02], p=0.036), confirming non-inferiority and establishing superiority of AOM compared to PP. The respective changes were 7.47±1.53 for AOM and 2.80±1.62 for PP. AEs occurring at rates ≥5% in either group in the treatment continuation phase were weight increased (AOM: 12/119 [10.1%]; PP: 17/109 [15.6%]), psychotic disorder (AOM: 3/119 [2.5%]; PP: 6/109 [5.5%]) and insomnia (AOM: 3/119 [2.5%]; PP: 6/109 [5.5%]).
ConclusionSuperior improvements on the clinician-rated QLS and lower rates of all-cause discontinuation suggest greater overall effectiveness for aripiprazole once-monthly vs paliperidone palmitate.