1. International survey of audiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic: effects on mental well-being of audiologists.
- Author
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Bennett RJ, Manchaiah V, Eikelboom RH, Badcock JC, and Swanapoel W
- Subjects
- Anxiety diagnosis, Anxiety epidemiology, Anxiety psychology, Audiologists, Cross-Sectional Studies, Depression diagnosis, Depression epidemiology, Depression psychology, Humans, Pandemics, Stress, Psychological epidemiology, COVID-19 epidemiology
- Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the mental well-being of audiologists in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic., Design: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, between 23 June and 13 August 2020. A self-report survey included screening measures for psychological distress (PHQ-4: anxiety and depression) and loneliness (UCLA-3)., Study Sample: 239 audiologists from around the world., Results: The prevalence of psychological distress was 12.1% (subscales for anxiety 16.3% and depression 10.4%), and loneliness 32.2%. Depression and loneliness were higher in those participants self-reporting perceived job insecurity, with psychological distress (anxiety and depression) higher in those from South Africa. Accessibility to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) appears to be a protective factor., Conclusions: Well-being interventions, such as EAPS, are needed to support audiologists during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Published
- 2022
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