| 1. |
- Al Omari, Omar, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence and predictors of loneliness among youth during the time of COVID-19 : A multinational study
- 2021
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In: Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. - 1078-3903 .- 1532-5725. ; , s. 1-11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Given the restrictions associated with COVID-19, feelings of loneliness among youth may increase.AIMS: The aims of the current study were to assess the prevalence of loneliness among young people at the time of COVID-19 and to identify whether selected variables related to the pandemic predicted the level of loneliness.METHOD: A cross-sectional study using WhatsApp and Facebook social media platforms was conducted to survey 1,057 young people aged 15 to 24 years from six Middle Eastern countries. Participants completed survey items including demographic and COVID-19-related questions; the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS); the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS); and the UCLA Loneliness Scale.RESULTS: The prevalence of experienced loneliness was 1 (0.1%), 625 (59.1%), 429 (40.6%), and 2 (0.2%), reflecting low, moderate, moderately high, and high experiences for loneliness, respectively. History of depression or anxiety, being dissatisfied with life, and having depression at the time of COVID-19 were significant predictors of loneliness among youth. The model was significant (F = 44.95, p < .05) and accounted for 29.8% of the variance in UCLA Loneliness Scale scores.CONCLUSIONS: We found that the high prevalence rate of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic was correlated with depression and impaired life satisfaction among Middle Eastern youth. Thus, special attention and interventional action plans need to be developed taking into consideration the youths' special situation during COVID-19.
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| 2. |
- Al Omari, Omar, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence and predictors of loneliness among youth during the time of COVID-19 : A multinational study
- 2021
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In: Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. - : SAGE Publications Inc.. - 1078-3903 .- 1532-5725. ; , s. 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Given the restrictions associated with COVID-19, feelings of loneliness among youth may increase. AIMS: The aims of the current study were to assess the prevalence of loneliness among young people at the time of COVID-19 and to identify whether selected variables related to the pandemic predicted the level of loneliness. METHOD: A cross-sectional study using WhatsApp and Facebook social media platforms was conducted to survey 1,057 young people aged 15 to 24 years from six Middle Eastern countries. Participants completed survey items including demographic and COVID-19-related questions; the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS); the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS); and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of experienced loneliness was 1 (0.1%), 625 (59.1%), 429 (40.6%), and 2 (0.2%), reflecting low, moderate, moderately high, and high experiences for loneliness, respectively. History of depression or anxiety, being dissatisfied with life, and having depression at the time of COVID-19 were significant predictors of loneliness among youth. The model was significant (F = 44.95, p <.05) and accounted for 29.8% of the variance in UCLA Loneliness Scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the high prevalence rate of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic was correlated with depression and impaired life satisfaction among Middle Eastern youth. Thus, special attention and interventional action plans need to be developed taking into consideration the youths’ special situation during COVID-19.
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| 3. |
- Al Omari, Omar, et al.
(author)
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A comparison of knowledge and attitude toward mental illness among secondary school students and teachers
- 2022
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In: BMC psychology. - : BioMed Central Ltd.. - 2050-7283. ; 10, s. 2-10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: The current study aimed to assess and compare the level of knowledge and attitude towards mental illness between secondary school students and their teachers in Oman. Methods: An online survey was carried out to collect data from 400 students and 411 teachers about their knowledge and attitudes toward people with mental illness. Two independent case studies about depression and schizophrenia were also tested. Results : Students have a poor knowledge of mental illness compared with their teachers, as more than half scored less than 60% compared with 16.5% of the teachers. More than two-thirds of the students (80%) and teachers (76.4%) have a low or minor positive attitude toward people with mental illness. The study identified significant differences in knowledge in favour of teachers, although the opposite was found regarding attitudes. Conclusions : Since students spend a significant amount of time in school, bridging the gap between teachers' and students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental illness is an essential part in enhancing the knowledge and attitudes of the students. In addition, knowledgeable teachers with positive attitude can assist in early identification of mental illnesses and help students when needed. In turn, students who possess knowledge and positive attitude toward mental illness can share their concerns with their teachers. In the presence of such accepting and cooperative environment, the stigma can be decreased and early detection of mental illness and help-seeking behaviour can be promoted.
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| 4. |
- Al Omari, Omar, et al.
(author)
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Facilitators and barriers of mental health help-seeking behaviours among adolescents in Oman : a cross-sectional study
- 2022
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In: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry. - : Informa Healthcare. - 0803-9488 .- 1502-4725. ; 76:8, s. 591-601
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: This study aimed to explore and identify facilitators and barriers to help-seeking behaviours among adolescents in Oman, by exploring the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and behaviour towards mental health help-seeking. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was used and 424 adolescents were recruited to participate in the study. Participants were asked to complete five self-reported questionnaires, including two open-ended questions about the main motivations and barriers to seeking professional help for mental problems. Results: It was found that those with positive help-seeking attitudes towards mental health were more knowledgeable about mental health, had more positive attitudes towards mental illness, and had higher intention to help seeking. On the contrary, those with higher help-seeker stereotypes had more negative attitudes towards mental illness. Having an adequate support system, being positive and knowledgeable about mental illness, and the reputation of mentalhealth are the main factors facilitating seeking professional help. However, fear, lack of family support, and the time-consuming procedures were the main barriers emerging from the open-ended questions. Conclusions: This study contributes by identifying facilitating factors as well as barriers in an Arabic context (Oman) to fill the exiting knowledge gap; both need to be considered when planning interventions targeting the younger individuals in this society.
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| 5. |
- Al Omari, Omar, et al.
(author)
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Insomnia thresholds and associated factors among Omani university students
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences. - : Elsevier Ltd.. - 2214-1391. ; 17, s. 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Insomnia is the most predominant sleep disorder affecting the general population and is a significant health concern. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and predictors of insomnia among Omani university students. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Six hundred and thirty-two university students were recruited through convenience sampling and completed four self-reported surveys: (1) Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale; (2) Smartphone Addiction scale; (3) Insomnia Severity Index, and (4) demographics sheets, accessed through the Google Forms link posted on Twitter. Results: Almost two thirds of the participants suffered from insomnia, of whom a third part suffered from sub-threshold insomnia, another third had moderate insomnia, and a tenth part suffered from severe insomnia. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, preparing for exams, smartphone addiction, and stress were significant associated factors of insomnia. Conclusion: Althoughthe study identified high level of insomnia and significant associations between insomnia and exam preparation, smartphone addiction, and stress; insomnia is a far more complex phenomenon. We therefore recommend further studies to follow up the development of this population and to identify actions to combat this high level of insomnia. Nurses, public health workers, health coaches, and other clinically active professionals could collaborate to build programs to promote healthy use of smartphones in young individuals in order to combat insomnia.
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| 6. |
- Al Omari, Omar, et al.
(author)
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Translating and Testing the Validation of the Arabic Peer Mental Health Stigmatization Scale
- 2023
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In: Iranian Journal of Psychiatry. - : Tehran University of Medical Sciences. - 1735-4587 .- 2008-2215. ; 18:3, s. 311-318
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective : Attitudes toward mental difficulties are influenced by culture, and different cultural backgrounds have different effects on people's behavior. This study aimed to prepare the Arabic version of the Peer Mental Health Stigmatization Scale (PMHSS) and validate it among Omani adolescents. Method : The study was conducted from October 2020 to the end of February 2021. The 24-items PMHSS was translated into Arabic and tested in a sample of 369 adolescents from different governmental schools in Oman. Both exploratory factor analysis (a principal component analysis (PCA) technique with Varimax rotation) and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to examine the construct validity of the PMHSS. Results : Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to examine the construct validity of the PMHSS. Cronbach’s α was 0.86 for the total scale and 0.84 and 0.81 for awareness and agreement, respectively. Therefore, the goodness-of fit-indicators support the two-correlated factor 16-item model to measure stigma (χ2 / df = 2.64 (p > 0.001), GFI = 0.92, AGFI = 0.89, CFI = 0.90, IFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.067). Conclusion : The Arabic version of the Peer Mental Health Stigmatization Scale (PMHSS) could assess adolescents’ stigmatizing attitudes toward various types of mental health problems within the Arabic context, and it can be utilized by researchers in Arab countries to screen for stigmatizing attitudes and to suggest suitable, effective, and outcome-focused interventions based on its results.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Al Hashmi, Iman, et al.
(author)
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Development, feasibility and acceptability of a self-efficacy-enhancing smartphone application among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus : single- arm pilot clinical trial
- 2022
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : BioMed Central Ltd.. - 1471-2393. ; 22:1, s. 1-15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: There is growing attention to the use of mHealth technologies to promote glycemic control for women with GDM around the world, but research on promoting a change in health behaviors is lacking. This study aimed to document the process of designing, developing, and testing the feasibility and acceptability of the SEESPA. Methods : This single-arm pilot clinical trial study included 15 pregnant women with GDM. Following SEESPA development (e.g., goal setting and action plan, role modeling, motivational messages, mastery of experiences, and tracking healthy behaviors), all participants were provided access to use the SEESPA for 4 weeks. Feasibility outcomes assessed were rates of recruitment, retention rate, success rate of transmitting motivational text messages, rate of participants acknowledging receipt of text messages, and success rate of recording healthy behaviors. Acceptability outcomes were determined by asking open-ended questions through telephone interview at 4-week post-intervention. Results : Fifteen randomly selected women consented to participate in the study, with a 60.0% (n = 9) retention rate at post-trial intervention and 40.0% (n = 6) trial dropout. Two motivational text messages per week were sent to all participants. Of these, 68.1% were acknowledged by the participants. Study participants reported that SEESPA is useful, effective, and they felt satisfied about it. In addition, they brought few suggestions that will be integrated on the final version of the app. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance .: The developed innovative SEESPA is a feasible and acceptable intervention for behavioral modifications among women with GDM, and is ready to be tested in a larger RCT study which is expected to inform the health policymakers to integrate SEESPA with the antenatal health care practice of women with GDM, specifically in developing countries where there is a greater risk of developing GDM complications among mothers and their infants. Trial registration. The study is registered on September 16, 2019 (ACTRN12619001278123p) by the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.
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| 9. |
- Khalaf, Atika, 1973-, et al.
(author)
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The relationship between body appreciation and self-esteem and associated factors among Omani university students: An online cross-sectional survey
- 2021
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In: Journal of Obesity. - 2090-0708 .- 2090-0716. ; 2021, s. 1-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Given the rapid pace of globalization and the fact that the Sultanate of Oman is experiencing a significant impact of social media on specifying appearance norms among youth in the country, research into positive body images and self-esteem among young individuals has become a national priority. Whilst body image has been well studied across cultures, both positive body image and the relationship between positive body image and self-esteem among Omani youth have been neglected. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between positive body image and self-esteem and associated sociodemographic factors among Omani university students based on gender. Methods. This cross-sectional study used an online survey consisting of the two questionnaires that are Body Appreciation Scale-2 and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. A total of 237 students were recruited from Sultan Qaboos University’s different colleges. Results. The results indicated that positive body image has a significant relationship with an individual’s self-esteem (β = 0.122, t = 2.197, p = 0.038), Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) (β = 0.140, t = 2.306, p = 0.022), body mass index (BMI) (β = −0.414, t = −6.930, p < 0.001), monthly household income (β = −0.129, t = 2.467, p = 0.029), and the number of social media accounts (≥2, β = −0.132, t = −2.232, p = 0.027). In addition, an individual’s self-esteem was significantly associated with an individual’s cGPA (β = 0.231, t = 3.592, p < 0.001) and mothers’ educational level (β = −0.130, t = −2.065, p = 0.040) besides body appreciation (β = 0.160, t = 2.491, p = 0.013). Conclusions. The findings of this study shed light on the current status of positive body image among university students of Oman. In light of the new knowledge, we propose health interventions that include strategies such as involvement of family, to maintain and/or promote positive body image perceptions among young individuals and subsequently promote healthy appreciation of the physical appearance and self-esteem.
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| 10. |
- Khalaf, Atika, et al.
(author)
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The relationship between body appreciation and self-esteem and associated factors among Omani university students: An online cross-sectional survey
- 2021
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In: Journal of Obesity. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2090-0708 .- 2090-0716. ; 2021, s. 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Given the rapid pace of globalization and the fact that the Sultanate of Oman is experiencing a significant impact of social media on specifying appearance norms among youth in the country, research into positive body images and self-esteem among young individuals has become a national priority. Whilst body image has been well studied across cultures, both positive body image and the relationship between positive body image and self-esteem among Omani youth have been neglected. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between positive body image and self-esteem and associated sociodemographic factors among Omani university students based on gender. Methods. This cross-sectional study used an online survey consisting of the two questionnaires that are Body Appreciation Scale-2 and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. A total of 237 students were recruited from Sultan Qaboos University's different colleges. Results. The results indicated that positive body image has a significant relationship with an individual's self-esteem (β = 0.122, t = 2.197, p=0.038), Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) (β = 0.140, t = 2.306, p=0.022), body mass index (BMI) (β = -0.414, t = -6.930, p<0.001), monthly household income (β = -0.129, t = 2.467, p=0.029), and the number of social media accounts (≥2, β = -0.132, t = -2.232, p=0.027). In addition, an individual's self-esteem was significantly associated with an individual's cGPA (β = 0.231, t = 3.592, p<0.001) and mothers' educational level (β = -0.130, t = -2.065, p=0.040) besides body appreciation (β = 0.160, t = 2.491, p=0.013). Conclusions. The findings of this study shed light on the current status of positive body image among university students of Oman. In light of the new knowledge, we propose health interventions that include strategies such as involvement of family, to maintain and/or promote positive body image perceptions among young individuals and subsequently promote healthy appreciation of the physical appearance and self-esteem.
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