A recent study, funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program (ECHO) at the National Institutes of Health, has revealed the development of a new scale that effectively measures stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Known as the Pandemic-related Traumatic Stress Scale (PTSS), this tool can identify individuals, both children and adults, who are experiencing higher levels of stress and may require additional mental health support.
The study encompassed a significant sample size of 17,830 individuals, consisting of pregnant or postpartum individuals, adult caregivers, adolescents aged 13 to 21, and children aged 3 to 12. Conducted between April 2020 and August 2021, participants or their caregivers completed surveys on various aspects, including pandemic-related traumatic stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, general stress, and life satisfaction.
The results indicated that, on average, caregivers reported the highest PTSS scores, followed by adolescents, pregnant or postpartum individuals, and children. Moreover, the researchers identified additional differences based on age and gender. Adolescents, females, and caregivers of children under 5 displayed higher PTSS scores compared to younger children, males, and caregivers of children aged 5 and older, respectively. Furthermore, higher levels of pandemic-related traumatic stress were linked to increased symptoms of distress and lower life satisfaction.
These findings highlight the significance of assessing and addressing pandemic-related stress in both children and adults. The PTSS scale serves as a useful tool to accurately measure the impact of such stress, enabling healthcare professionals to identify individuals who may require extra support for their mental well-being. By understanding these stressors, appropriate interventions and resources can be provided to mitigate the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
