The Role of Resilience as an Emotional Protective Factor to Mental Fatigue During the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Experience of Undergraduate Medical Students in Oman

The impact of COVID-19 on mental health across the globe has been colossal. Student mental health and well- being during the pandemic has caused increasing concern due to the drastic transition to online classes, lowered opportunities for socialization and stress related to COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of mental fatigue among undergraduate medical students at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (COMHS), National University of Science and Technology, Sultanate of Oman and study the impact of resilience as a protective factor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicated that participants experienced mild levels of mental fatigue. Normal levels of resilience capacity were seen among medical students. Significant negative correlation was seen between Mental Fatigue and Resilience. Linear regression analysis indicated that gender was a moderate predictive factor in the experience of mental fatigue. Post-lockdown survey results indicated that medical students continued to experience signs of mental fatigue, though restrictions have eased. They also continued to exhibit normal levels of resilience capacity. Students at the COMHS experienced mild levels of mental fatigue during the pandemic lockdown period. Normal level of resilience capacity effectively contributed as an emotional protective factor. Medical students continue to experience mild levels of mental fatigue, though lockdown restrictions have eased. Enhancing campus-based counselling support services to target COVID-19 related psychological distress and improve resiliency capacity is vital

Coping Strategies in Egyptian Ladies with Breast Cancer

Introduction A diagnosis of breast cancer regardless of the stage can be stressful, impact multiple spheres of life, and disrupt physical status, emotional and spiritual well-being, and personal relationships for the patient and family. In order to adapt, the patient ought to employ certain coping mechanisms. Individuals with terminal illness who utilize coping strategies have better quality of life compared to those who do not. Patients and Methods This study aimed to determine the strategies used by females with breast cancer to cope with such stress by using Brief COPE scale and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. The study included 56 female patients diagnosed with operable breast cancer at Mansoura Oncology Center before surgery. Results Large proportion of patients used acceptance, religion, and emotional support in coping with the stress of having breast cancer. Patients with depressive symptoms scored significantly higher venting while those with anxiety scored higher positive reframing, planning, and venting. Conclusion Efforts should be made to encourage women with breast cancer to use coping strategies that have been found to be helpful (eg, acceptance, emotional support, distraction, and active coping strategies)