The impact of COVID-19 on mental health: A global perspective
Kirwa, Lilian; Ndegwa, Elizabeth (2022)
2022
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022052612339
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022052612339
Tiivistelmä
The emergence of COVID-19 and its spread across the globe has had adverse and far-reaching consequences across different population groups. It is the third outbreak of coronavirus preceded by the acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) recorded in 2002 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) witnessed in 2012. It was declared by the WHO as a global pandemic in March 2020 resulting in an increased focus on the outbreak. Various scholars have analyzed diverse aspects of the virus comparing it with various outbreaks in the past.
The aim of this thesis is to explore the psychological effects of COVID-19 on various population groups across the world. It evaluates the causes and triggers of mental health problems associated with the disease and consequently considers the strategies and mechanisms necessary to support various population groups in managing the condition. The thesis analyzes the concepts of COVID-19 and mental health outcomes on individuals. Focusing on mental health is critical based on the increasing cases of psychological issues following the emergence and spread of the virus across the globe. Aspects of stress, grief, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorders are on the rise.
This thesis focuses on an investigative literature search to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on mental health to support the adoption of interventions that could support management of COVID-19 mental health related issues in the face of increasing infections and adverse health outcomes among various population groups. One critical component for gaining a deeper understanding of this study area is the need to understand pandemics, coping strategies, coronaviruses, and global mental health.
A data search was conducted using five databases. After evaluation, 23 research articles were selected. Various assessment tools were used to assess the literature for trustworthiness, relevance, quality, transparency, and credibility.
The thesis applied an integrative literature review to obtain information regarding past research and critical insights into the current subject. Articles were selected based on the use of suitable keywords to ensure inclusivity. They were then analyzed to provide critical insights into the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.
The results indicate that COVID-19 poses critical and adverse effects on the mental health of various population groups. The triggers to these challenges are associated with the health protocols put in place to mitigate against the severity of the disease and the rising infections. These include social isolation and quarantine of populations which have been associated with adverse effects on individual wellbeing and overall health outcomes. Based on the availability of an enormous amount of information on the subject matter, there is a need to critically analyze the data to arrive at a reliable and conclusive output.
Keywords: COVID-19, mental health, coping strategies, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder
The aim of this thesis is to explore the psychological effects of COVID-19 on various population groups across the world. It evaluates the causes and triggers of mental health problems associated with the disease and consequently considers the strategies and mechanisms necessary to support various population groups in managing the condition. The thesis analyzes the concepts of COVID-19 and mental health outcomes on individuals. Focusing on mental health is critical based on the increasing cases of psychological issues following the emergence and spread of the virus across the globe. Aspects of stress, grief, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorders are on the rise.
This thesis focuses on an investigative literature search to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on mental health to support the adoption of interventions that could support management of COVID-19 mental health related issues in the face of increasing infections and adverse health outcomes among various population groups. One critical component for gaining a deeper understanding of this study area is the need to understand pandemics, coping strategies, coronaviruses, and global mental health.
A data search was conducted using five databases. After evaluation, 23 research articles were selected. Various assessment tools were used to assess the literature for trustworthiness, relevance, quality, transparency, and credibility.
The thesis applied an integrative literature review to obtain information regarding past research and critical insights into the current subject. Articles were selected based on the use of suitable keywords to ensure inclusivity. They were then analyzed to provide critical insights into the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.
The results indicate that COVID-19 poses critical and adverse effects on the mental health of various population groups. The triggers to these challenges are associated with the health protocols put in place to mitigate against the severity of the disease and the rising infections. These include social isolation and quarantine of populations which have been associated with adverse effects on individual wellbeing and overall health outcomes. Based on the availability of an enormous amount of information on the subject matter, there is a need to critically analyze the data to arrive at a reliable and conclusive output.
Keywords: COVID-19, mental health, coping strategies, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder