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Vulnerabilities in Mental Health due to Covid-19 Pandemic: The Response of the Italian Physicians

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandra De Rose

    (Sapienza University of Rome)

  • Maria Felice Arezzo

    (Sapienza University of Rome)

  • Mario Amore

    (University of Genoa)

  • Alessandro Cuomo

    (University of Siena)

  • Sergio De Filippis

    (Villa Von Siebenthal)

  • Silvestro La Pia

    (ASL Napoli 3 Sud)

  • Marta Pasqualini

    (Sapienza University of Rome)

  • Alessandro Pirani

    (Health County of Ferrara)

  • Riccardo Torta

    (University of Turin)

  • Andrea Fagiolini

    (University of Siena)

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the pre-existing vulnerabilities and inequalities in societies. In this paper we analyse the categories that have suffered more than others from the pandemic and the restrictions on social life in terms of mental health. We rely on the Serendipity project based on a survey administered between November 2021 and February 2022 to a sample of Italian physicians (n = 1281). The survey aimed to assess the perception of general practitioners, paediatricians, geriatricians, and mental health specialists (psychiatrists, neurologists, child neuropsychiatrists), about changes in the mental health of the population as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown. The strategies implemented by the doctors interviewed in terms of the intensity of the prevention, emergence, and treatment of mental health interventions, and their association with physicians’ characteristics and their opinions on patient vulnerability have been illustrated by means of a multiple correspondence analysis. An overall result of the survey is the consensus of doctors on the worsening of mental health in general population, especially among their patients, due to the pandemic and on the onset of new discomforts. The most exposed individuals to the risk of onset or worsening of mental disorders include women, young people, and patients with psychiatric comorbidity. The paper also illustrates the interventions put in place by the physicians and deemed necessary from a public heath response perspective, that include providing psychoeducation to the general population, improving telehealth services, and increasing financial and human resources for community-based care.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandra De Rose & Maria Felice Arezzo & Mario Amore & Alessandro Cuomo & Sergio De Filippis & Silvestro La Pia & Marta Pasqualini & Alessandro Pirani & Riccardo Torta & Andrea Fagiolini, 2023. "Vulnerabilities in Mental Health due to Covid-19 Pandemic: The Response of the Italian Physicians," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 168(1), pages 539-556, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:168:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-023-03111-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-023-03111-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aleksander Aristovnik & Damijana Keržič & Dejan Ravšelj & Nina Tomaževič & Lan Umek, 2020. "Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Life of Higher Education Students: A Global Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-34, October.
    2. Emanuele Torri & Luca Gino Sbrogiò & Enrico Di Rosa & Sandro Cinquetti & Fausto Francia & Antonio Ferro, 2020. "Italian Public Health Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Report from the Field, Insights and Challenges for the Department of Prevention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-12, May.
    3. Francesca Luppi & Bruno Arpino & Alessandro Rosina, 2020. "The impact of COVID-19 on fertility plans in Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 43(47), pages 1399-1412.
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