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Healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of HCWs in India. We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review, which adopts a results-based convergent approach that incorporates quantitative and qualitative data. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in relevant databases: PubMed-Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ProQuest. All available full-text studies in the English language that assessed the mental health outcomes (anxiety, stress, and depression) of HCWs during the pandemic and published until 28 February 2022 were included. A total of 31 studies were included in this review (27 quantitative studies, three qualitative studies, and one mixed-method study). The pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among HCWs in India was 32.96%, 29.49%, and 33.47%, respectively. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings using social determinants of health framework resulted in various contributing factors and coping strategies. There is a need for a supportive work environment, mental health support, and mental health policies for HCWs in India.

A randomized control trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises on pain, disability, and sleep quality among patients with chronic tension-type headache. Of the 169 randomly selected patients, 84 performed the intervention and reported less pain severity and disability and better sleep quality after 12 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, heart failure (HF) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. Caregivers are essential and play an important role in bridging the gap in providing care to HF patients. Caregivers' demanding and difficult roles can result in a significant burden, which may lead to stress and symptoms of depression. Aim and Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of structured counseling on caregiver burden, stress, and depression among caregivers of HF patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty caregivers of patients with HF were selected using consecutive sampling and divided into control and experimental groups. A one-on-one, 30-min structured counseling session was delivered telephonically to caregivers of HF patients. A pretest was taken before the intervention and posttest 1 month later, through telephone, on caregiver burden, stress, and depression using the caregiver burden interview, Perceived Stress Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in caregiver burden (P = 0.001), stress (P = 0.001), and depression (P = 0.001) scores at 1 month. Female caregivers showed a significantly higher caregiver burden (P = 0.046) and depression (P = 0.019), and nuclear families showed a significantly higher caregiver burden (P = 0.016) and depression (P = 0.027). There was a significant positive correlation between stress and the presence of comorbidities (P = 0.021) and depression and the presence of comorbidities (P = 0.042). Conclusions: Structured counseling was effective in reducing caregiver burden and decreasing stress and depression in caregivers of HF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a skill-oriented training programme required to be practised and updated periodically by every healthcare provider. Methods. In an open-label randomized controlled trial, 81 fourth-year BSc Nursing students were randomized to experimental (n=41) and control (n=40) groups using a computer-generated table. The learning resource material was shared through a mobile-app with the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG) received the internet link for retrieving the learning resource material, 4 days before a 1-day training programme. Baseline knowledge and skills assessment of the students was done before the commencement of the training programme, using a pre- validated self-developed questionnaire based on standardized CPR guidelines of professional bodies. Post-intervention assessment of knowledge, skills, confidence and satisfaction of the students with the training methodology was done at the end of the training programme. The confidence and satisfaction of the students with the training methodology were assessed using a standardized confidence scale and a self-developed satisfaction scale, respectively. Results. The baseline knowledge and skills scores of the students were comparable (EG v. CG, knowledge: 16.04 [2.35] v. 15.52 [2.69], p=0.34; skill: 13.41 [5.28] v. 15.02 [4.66], p=0.16). A comparable improvement was seen in post-intervention knowledge and skills scores between the groups (EG v. CG, knowledge 17.78 [1.49] v. 17.70 [1.51], p=0.82; skill 29.85 [2.44] v. 30.08 [2.79], p=0.60). The post-intervention confidence in performing the skills (20.22 [2.76] v. 19.41 [3.63], p=0.331) and satisfaction with the method of dissemination of educational resource material (29.85 [2.4] v. 30.08 [2.79], p=0.73) were also comparable in both the groups. Conclusion. Both mobile app-based and internet link- based learning resource material along with hands-on sessions were effective in bringing comparable improvement in knowledge, skills, self-confidence and satisfaction of students in performing the selected skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background  The burden of cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairments after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is still not highlighted much, but its impact on caregivers is socio-economically relevant. The objectives of the study were to assess cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairments in patients of TBI and its impact on caregiver burden. Materials and Methods  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a total enumeration sampling technique. Mini-mental status examination, neuropsychiatric inventory and Rappaport's disability rating scale were used to assess patients' cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairments, respectively. Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale was executed to quantify the caregiver burden. Results  Fifty patients of TBI and their caregivers were enrolled. Among these, 24% had moderate cognitive impairments. Among behavioral symptoms, 40% had agitation, 24% had depression, 18% had anxiety, and 16% had irritability. Moderate functional disability was reported by 18% of the patients, while 2% reported severe functional disability. Moderate to severe caregiver burden was reported by 8% of caregivers. Patients' behavioral (r = 0.507, p < 0.001), functional (r = 0.473, p = 0.001), and cognitive (r = –0.438, p = 0.001) impairments had significant correlations with caregiver burden. Conclusion  Patients develop cognitive, behavioral, and functional disability after TBI. The caregiver burden increases significantly with cognitive dysfunction, behavioral symptoms, and impaired functional status of patients. Therefore, appropriate support is to be provided to caregivers as well as patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]