Psychological Outcomes Associated with Stay-at-Home Orders and the Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Daily Life

Sustainable changes in beauty market trends focused on the perspective of safety in the post-coronavirus disease-19 period

BACKGROUND

In February 2020, WHO announced the outbreak of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in a global epidemic, and the COVID-19 vaccine has recently been developed and approved in many countries to release disease radio waves. Immediately distributed and used to control and control infections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world closed extensively in beauty and beauty services to control the spread of the virus.

OBJECTIVES

Therefore, this study for the first time that the perspective of safety in sustainable may be applied to the entire alteration of beauty industry market in the post-COVID-19 pandemic for literature review.

METHODS

A Narrative Review is proposed as a new report and commentary on the sustainable change of beauty market trends centered on safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2020. It was written with reference to keywords such as "Covid Beauty Market," "Covid Sustainable," "Covid clean beauty," and "Safety beauty." This study was performed by searching on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ResearchGate. A total of 383 papers were retrieved, of which 36 were successfully included in this study.

RESULTS

Analysis of customers and markets in the beauty industry since COVID-19 was absolutely required at this time. Harmful and safe edible ingredients of clean beauty perspective should be compared and analyzed. In addition, importance of sustainability value from a clean beauty perspective should be considered.

CONCLUSION

There is an era in which the perspective of safety in sustainable may be applied to the entire beauty industry today. In addition, depending on the customer's perception change, beyond the ingredients, raw material procurement of products, manufacturing process, product experiments, etc. are part of clean beauty to minimize carbon emissions, water use, recycle product containers, and reduce waste.

Loneliness and Depression in College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Role of Boredom and Repetitive Negative Thinking

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered increased rates of depression, especially among college students. Due to social distancing guidelines, loneliness has been suspected as a prominent factor in depression during the pandemic. Research is needed to identify possible mechanisms through which loneliness conveys risk for pandemic-era depression. Two potential mechanisms are boredom and repetitive negative thinking (RNT). This study examined cross-sectional associations between depression, loneliness, boredom, and RNT in a sample of college students (N = 199) in April 2020 immediately following campus closure. Results showed a serial indirect effect of loneliness on depression through boredom then RNT. Moreover, specific indirect effects of loneliness on depression were found through boredom and RNT, individually. Though limited by the cross-sectional design, these data align with cognitive-behavioral theory and identify boredom and RNT as possible mechanisms of the association between loneliness and depression in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of COVID-19 on the number of active small primary care businesses by severity of the pandemic: evidence from South Korea

BACKGROUND

Health systems have become financially fragile owing to the economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, small primary care businesses have received less policy attention than public health and secondary care. We aimed to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on the number of active small primary care businesses in South Korea.

METHODS

We selected clinics, dental clinics, oriental clinics, and pharmacies as primary care businesses. Our estimation took advantage of regional variations in COVID-19 cases in South Korea. We determined the number of active primary care businesses from 2019 1Q to 2021 1Q on a quarterly basis, and conducted interrupted time series analysis to estimate the effects of COVID-19 on this sector.

RESULTS

This study found no significant increase or decrease in the number of clinics, dental clinics, and oriental clinics immediately after the pandemic began or in the time trends after the pandemic. However, there was a significant increase in the number of pharmacies immediately after the pandemic. The most affected area presented different trends in the number of pharmacies, dental clinics, and oriental clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

Impact of the pandemic on the number of active small primary care business were low in South Korea. However, the impact varied according to the type of primary care setting and severity of the pandemic. The additional public health role of primary care could be associated with the sustenance of primary care businesses.

A Mixed-Methods and Prospective Approach to Understanding Coping Behaviors, Depression, Hopelessness, and Acute Stress in a U.S. Convenience Sample During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increases in U.S. residents' stressors while limiting many of the resources previously available to cope with stress. Coping behaviors may contribute to the prevention or proliferation of psychological distress during and after the pandemic. Understanding these coping behaviors and associated psychological outcomes can help health educators develop programs that encourage effective coping and promote mental health. This study used a sequential mixed-methods approach informed by Roth and Cohen's conceptualization of coping to understand the use of approach coping behaviors- which are active and directed toward the perceived threat-and avoidance coping behaviors-which include activity directed away from perceived threat during the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. residents (N = 2,987) were surveyed online in April 2020 and again in September 2021. Open-ended responses at baseline were thematically analyzed to illustrate coping behaviors in participants' own words. At baseline, more than half (56%) of the sample met criteria for probable depression, 51% for acute stress symptoms, and 42% for moderate to severe hopelessness. At follow-up, 45% meet criteria for probable depression and 23% for acute stress. However, the proportion of the sample who reported moderate to severe hopelessness increased to 48%. We used mixed-effects general linear models to examine changes over time and found that increases in approach coping behaviors were associated with decreases in depressive symptoms and hopelessness; increases in avoidance coping were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of hopelessness. Increases in both types of coping were associated with increases in acute stress symptoms related to COVID-19. Although there was some attenuation in distress in our sample between April 2020 and September 2021, our findings suggest a need for interventions that encourage the use of approach coping behaviors and that both increase access to and decrease stigma for mental health support.

A Global Longitudinal Study Examining Social Restrictions Severity on Loneliness, Social Anxiety, and Depression

Purpose

Social restrictions and government-mandated lockdowns implemented worldwide to kerb the SARS-CoV-2 virus disrupted our social interactions, behaviours, and routines. While many studies have examined how the pandemic influenced loneliness and poor mental health, such as depression, almost none have focussed on social anxiety. Further, how the change in social restrictions affected change in mental-health and well-being has not yet been explored.

Methods

This is a longitudinal cohort study in community dwellers who were surveyed across three timepoints in the first six months of the pandemic. We measured loneliness, social anxiety, depression, and social restrictions severity that were objectively coded in a sample from Australia, United States, and United Kingdom (n = 1562) at each time point. Longitudinal data were analysed using a multivariate latent growth curve model.

Results

Loneliness reduced, depression marginally reduced, and social anxiety symptoms increased as social restrictions eased. Specific demographic factors (e.g., younger age, unemployment, lower wealth, and living alone) all influenced loneliness, depression, and social anxiety at baseline. No demographic factors influenced changes for loneliness; we found that those aged over 25 years reduced faster on depression, while those younger than 25 years and unemployed increased faster on social anxiety over time.

Conclusion

We found evidence that easing social restrictions brought about additional burden to people who experienced higher social anxiety symptoms. As country-mandated lockdown and social restrictions eased, people are more likely report higher social anxiety as they readjust into their social environment. Mental health practitioners are likely to see higher levels of social anxiety in vulnerable communities even as social restrictions ease.

Embracing Technological Possibilities in the Telehealth Delivery of Interactive Music Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Given how many music therapists have shifted their practice to telehealth in accordance with COVID-19 public safety precautions, it is essential for clinicians not only to adjust to the virtual platform, but to embrace the therapeutic potential of technological tools. Just as music is considered a therapeutic agent in music therapy sessions, the authors assert that technology may also be conceptualized and utilized as a means of enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

METHOD

Referencing an interactive music therapy protocol adapted for telehealth as part of a pain management study, the authors examine ways in which different aspects of telehealth technology can be used by music therapists to support client goals and bolster the therapeutic relationship. Generalized clinical examples drawn from virtual sessions are incorporated to demonstrate the unique therapeutic possibilities for client agency, client self-efficacy, and the client-therapist relationship afforded by the telehealth platform.

RESULTS

Among the possibilities afforded by telehealth are enriched opportunities for client choice, reinforcement of learning and implementing new transferrable skills, and enhancing the therapeutic relationship through collaborative troubleshooting and adapted interactive music experiences.

DISCUSSION

Specific recommendations for music therapists are included to advance the conversation around best practices regarding telehealth. The authors discuss actionable items for music therapists such as utilizing screen-sharing options to enhance musical interactions, validating and exploring clients' use of technology for self-disclosure, and other strategies for harnessing the therapeutic potential of technology in virtual music therapy sessions.

Attachment style and mental health during the later stages of COVID‐19 pandemic: the mediation role of loneliness and COVID-19 anxiety

Background

An insecure attachment style is an important risk factor for psychological problems. The aim of this study was to use Bartholomew and Horowitz’s model (Bartholomew and Horowitz in J Pers Soc Psychol 61(2): 226, 2019) to test a sample of Italian individuals to determine the mediation role of loneliness and COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms in the relationship between attachment styles and mental health issues in the context of the pandemic.

Method

A cross-sectional research study was conducted using a sample of 330 Italian participants (82.1% women; mean age = 34.3 years; SD = 13.16) who completed online self-reported measures of attachment styles (RQ), loneliness (RULS), COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms (C-19ASS) and mental health problems (GHQ-12). Serial mediation analyses were performed, and bootstrap tests were included.

Results

Our results supported the hypothesized model with respect to each attachment style (p < 0.001). In particular, insecure attachment styles predict mental health problems both directly and indirectly, through loneliness and COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms. In addition, loneliness directly influences mental health problems and also mediates the relationship between insecure attachment styles and COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms which, in turn, positively predict mental health problems.

Conclusions

Our findings reinforce the importance of attachment in people’s processes of adapting to experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. The study makes an important contribution to developing effective prevention and intervention strategies to support people’s wellbeing in the context of the pandemic.

The Short- and Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Child Maltreatment

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new threat to child health and safety. Some studies suggest that social isolation and economic stress have exacerbated child abuse and neglect, whereas other studies argue that orders to stay at home are likely to promote parent–child relationships during this stressful time. Due to a lack of prospective studies including before–during–after lockdown assessments, the impacts of lockdown measures on child maltreatment are unclear. Methods: This study retrospectively investigated child maltreatment of 2821 Chinese children and adolescents from 12 to 18 (female, 59%) before, during and after lockdown, and identified risk factors. Potential predictors including socio-economic and individual mental health status were collected. Results: During Chinese lockdown, children and adolescents reported that the proportions of decrease (range 18–47.5%) in emotional abuse and neglect, physical abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, and witnessing domestic violence were greater than that of increase (range 5.1–9.1%). Compared with before lockdown (1.6%), the prevalence of sexual abuse significantly increased 8 months (2.9%) after the lifting of lockdown (p = 0.002). Being male, suffering from depression, state anhedonia, and experiencing psychotic symptoms at baseline were associated with increased sexual abuse after lockdown. Conclusions: The impact of lockdown on child maltreatment was beneficial in the short-term but detrimental in the long-term in China.

Family Relationships Under Work From Home: Exploring the Role of Adaptive Processes

Work-from-home (WFH) influences both work and life, and further impacts family relationships. The current study explored the impacts of WFH on family relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified effective adaptive processes for maintaining family relationships under WFH. Using the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation (VSA) model, the study examined the roles of adaptive processes (spending time with family members and balancing work and life) and demographic differences (gender, age, marital status, and education level) in the relation between WFH and family relationships. Path analysis results based on an online survey (N = 150) suggested that, overall, WFH improved family relationships through proper adaptive processes. WFH had a positive relation to time spent with family members, and this relation was especially salient for workers with lower education levels. While there was no statistically significant overall relation between WFH and work-life balance, older workers tended to engage in increased work-life balance during WFH. Both adaptive processes were positively related to family relationship quality. The findings advance the understanding of family relationships and WFH and provide practical recommendations to enhance family relationships under WFH.

The fear of COVID-19 and job insecurity impact on depression and anxiety: An empirical study in China in the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath

The employees' psychological health and resilience in times of emergency and general uncertainty was chosen due to the immense implications for economics, entrepreneurs, psychologists and psychiatrists, and policymakers. This study aims to provide an insight into uncertainty-induced anxiety and depression among Chinese employees in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. Analysis performed in the context of China in the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath is significant due to the universal nature of external shock impact on psychological welfare, applicable across nations and business sectors and in similar contexts. The statistical analysis was performed with SEM software AMOS version 23. The research model consisting of fear of COVID-19, job insecurity, anxiety, depression, was empirically tested. A purposive sampling technique was applied with the online questionnaire shared with employees in companies located in China. Respondents were working in educational services, information technology, engineering, electronics, and other sectors on white-collar jobs. The data collection was conducted from May to August 2020, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The research sample consisting of 283 respondents was used for analysis. Path analysis was performed, and standardized parameter estimates, standard errors, and p-values were calculated. The results indicate a positive and significant impact of job insecurity on depression and anxiety. Furthermore, results indicate that the fear of COVID-19 significantly impacts anxiety and depression but does not impact job insecurity. The findings can be used in a multidisciplinary effort to mitigate the psychological damage. Furthermore, they complement the ongoing epidemiological and scientific discourse on people's personal health and choice of coping.

Comparison of clinical features and perinatal outcomes between pre-variant and post-variant periods in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2: analysis of 1935 cases

Purpose

To compare the clinical features and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the pre-variant and post-variant periods.

Methods

This prospective cohort study includes pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 who were followed-up at Ankara City Hospital between 11, March 2020 and 15, September 2021. Demographic features, clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the pre-variant (n = 1416) and post-variant (n = 519) groups.

Results

The rates of severe and critical cases significantly increased in the post-variant group (9.7% vs 2%, p < 0.001). The rates of respiratory support (26.8% vs 7.3%, p < 0.001), ICU admission (12.9% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001) and maternal mortality (2.9% vs 0.4%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the post-variant group. A significant increase was observed for pregnancy complications in the post-variant group (45.6% vs 18.8%, p = 0.007). The rates of preterm delivery (26.4% vs 4.4%, p < 0.001) and NICU admission (34% vs 18.8%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the post-variant group. Positive, weak, statistically significant correlations were observed between the post-variant period, disease severity and maternal mortality (r = 0.19, r = 0.12 and p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Post-variant COVID-19 period was associated with a severe course of the disease and increased rates of adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnant patients.

Association of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions to Reduce the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 With Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms: A Multi-National Study of 43 Countries

Objectives: To examine the association of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) with anxiety and depressive symptoms among adults and determine if these associations varied by gender and age. Methods: We combined survey data from 16,177,184 adults from 43 countries who participated in the daily COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey via Facebook with time-varying NPI data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker between 24 April 2020 and 20 December 2020. Using logistic regression models, we examined the association of [1] overall NPI stringency and [2] seven individual NPIs (school closures, workplace closures, cancellation of public events, restrictions on the size of gatherings, stay-at-home requirements, restrictions on internal movement, and international travel controls) with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results: More stringent implementation of NPIs was associated with a higher odds of anxiety and depressive symptoms, albeit with very small effect sizes. Individual NPIs had heterogeneous associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms by gender and age. Conclusion: Governments worldwide should be prepared to address the possible mental health consequences of stringent NPI implementation with both universal and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups.

Emotional Status and Quality of Life in Women With ADHD During COVID-19

COVID-19 affects emotional status and quality of life (QOL) as reported in various countries. Less is known about the relations between gender, emotional status, and QOL in vulnerable groups. The objectives of this study is to compare emotional status and QOL between women with and without ADHD, during COVID-19, to correlate between emotional status, daily life, and QOL of women with ADHD, and to predict their QOL by COVID-19 constraints and emotional status. This cross-sectional online survey included 46 with ADHD and 183 typically functioning women, aged 19 to 60, who completed the sociodemographic-health and daily life during COVID-19 questionnaires; the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21, and the WHOQOL-BREF. Women with ADHD had significantly higher stress and anxiety and lower physical and psychological QOL. Emotional status and daily constraints predicted their QOL. COVID-19 emotional impacts should receive greater attention in vulnerable groups, as women with ADHD, to enhance resilience, participation, and QOL.

Impact of COVID-19 on consumers' impulse buying behavior of fitness products: A moderated mediation model

During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are found to be more impulsive to purchase fitness products online. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate a moderated mediation model of consumers' perception of COVID-19 and impulse buying behavior through fear moderated by income. A total of 608 responses were collected from consumers in the United States, and this study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the hypothesized relationships in the research model. The results showed that the perception of COVID-19 had a positive influence on fear, which in turn led to impulse buying behavior of fitness products. Moreover, consumers' income levels negatively moderated the positive relationship between fear and impulse buying behavior. The findings contribute to a better understanding of consumers' behavior and offer practical implications that enable marketers and retailers to predict consumers' behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pandemic Within the Pandemic: Unprecedented Rise in Alcohol-related Hepatitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The third leading preventable cause of death in the United States is excessive alcohol consumption. Our study sought to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on hospitalizations for alcohol-related hepatitis at a community hospital system. We hypothesized an increase in cases of alcohol-related hepatitis requiring inpatient management, mirroring the strain on economic and societal norms imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

APPROACH/RESULTS

We performed a retrospective chart review to study the incidence of alcohol-related hepatitis in patients presenting to 3 community hospitals in Fresno, California, before and during the COVID-19. Data including patient demographics, markers of disease severity, and clinical course were extracted from electronic medical records for 329 patients included in the study. There was a 51% increase in the overall incidence of alcohol-related hepatitis requiring hospitalization between 2019 and 2020 (P=0.003) and 69% increase (P<0.001) after implementation of the stay-at-home orders. In addition, 94% (P=0.028) increase in rehospitalizations was noted in 2020 (P=0.028), a 100% increase in patients under the age of 40 (P=0.0028), as well as a trend towards a 125% increase (P=0.06) of female patients admitted with this diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed drastic increases in severe alcohol-related hepatitis requiring inpatient management, specifically in patients under the age of 40 and in women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with severe alcohol-related hepatitis, these findings have far-reaching and lasting implications for our already strained health care system extending beyond the COVID-19 pandemic timeframe. Urgent public health interventions are needed to combat the rising misuse of alcohol and its consequences.

Perceived changes in social contact during COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions have led to a shift in how people connect with others. This study investigated (a) profiles of social contact change across social ties and modes of contact, (b) predictors of these profiles, and (c) the association between these profiles and mental health during the pandemic. Participants (N = 2,098; Age mean = 50.94, range = 18-98; 48.3% female) were surveyed online twice, once prior to the pandemic (January 31-February 10, 2020) and again early in the outbreak (March 18-29, 2020). A latent profile analysis identified profiles of social contact change across social ties and communication methods. Additional analyses identified predictors of group membership and their association with mental health. Three latent groups were identified: (1) the "majority group" (77%) slightly restricted in-person contact and had a small increase in phone and text use, (2) the "high technology use group" (13%) restricted in-person contact and increased the use of all technology-based methods, and (3) the "isolated group" (10%) decreased in both in-person and technology-based contact. Compared to the majority group, the high technology use group reported higher depression and anxiety, whereas the isolated group reported higher loneliness. There were three distinct profiles of how adults in the United States changed their communication patterns with others early in the pandemic that were linked to distinct patterns of mental health. The results have implications for the development and the delivery of mental health treatment in times of social (physical) distancing.

"Are people thinking I'm a vector…because I'm fat?": Cisgender experiences of body, eating, and identity during COVID-19

While a range of studies have shown the negative impact of COVID-19 on disordered eating and body image, few have engaged with how identity and social context interact with these domains. The current study used inductive codebook thematic analysis to understand experiences of body and eating during the pandemic among a diverse (sub)clinical sample of individuals with self-reported disordered eating. We interviewed 31 cisgender participants (18/31 Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), 24/31 women) with a history of disordered eating (diagnosed and undiagnosed). Five themes were identified: Body Surveillance and Dissatisfaction, Movement and Intake Fixation, Food Scarcity and Resource Concerns, Changes in Visibility of Body and Eating, and Bodies Are Vulnerable. We examined the extent to which themes pertained to certain identities over others. Notably, BIPOC, large-bodied, queer participants more commonly spoke to body vulnerability than White, small/medium-bodied, straight participants. BIPOC and large-bodied participants also particularly spoke to feeling relief from discrimination as social distancing and mask wearing reduced their public visibility. Participants related these themes to changed body and eating experiences that spanned distress and resilience. Our analysis offers insight into multifaceted and contextual impacts of COVID-19 on experiences of body, eating, and identity.

The Fear of Contagion and the Attitude Toward the Restrictive Measures Imposed to Face COVID-19 in Italy: The Psychological Consequences Caused by the Pandemic One Year After It Began

The pandemic nature of COVID-19 has caused major changes in health, economy, and society globally. Albeit to a lesser extent, contingent access to shops and places to socialize the imposition of social distancing and the use of indoor masks is measures still in force today (more than a year after the start of the pandemic), with repercussions on economic, social, and psychological levels. The fear of contagion, in fact, has led us to be increasingly suspicious and to isolate ourselves from the remainder of the community. This has had repercussions on the perception of loneliness, with significant psychological consequences, such as the development of stress, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, depressive symptoms. Starting from these assumptions, this research was developed with the aim of deepening the perceptions that the participants have of their own mental health, loneliness, fear linked to contagion, and attitudes toward imposed social distancing. In particular, we wanted to analyze whether there is a relationship between perceived fear and the perceived level of mental health, loneliness, and attitude toward social distancing. Finally, we wanted to analyze whether there are differences related to gender, age, marital status, current working mode, and educational qualifications. The research, performed after the diffusion of the vaccination in Italy, lasted 14 days. The participants were 500 Italians who voluntarily joined the study and were recruited with random cascade sampling. The research followed a quantitative approach. The analyzed data, from participants residing throughout the national territory, allow us to return the picture of the perceptions that Italians have of the fear of contagion, of their level of mental health, of loneliness and of their attitude toward social distancing. In particular, the data show that fear of COVID-19 is an emotional state experienced by the entire population and that young people have suffered more from loneliness and have been less inclined to accept the imposed social distancing. The data that emerged should make policymakers reflect on the need to find functional strategies to combat COVID-19 or other health emergency crises whose effects do not affect the psychological wellbeing of the population.

Mental Health and Quality of Life among Patients with Cancer during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Results from the Longitudinal ONCOVID Survey Study

PURPOSE

This longitudinal survey study aimed to investigate the self-reported outcome measures of COVID-19 peritraumatic distress, depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life (QOL), and their associated factors in a cohort of cancer patients treated at a tertiary care hospital during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

METHODS

Surveys were administered at four time points between 1 April 2020 and 18 September 2020. The surveys included the CPDI, DASS-21, and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires.

RESULTS

Survey response rates were high (61.0% to 79.1%). Among the 355 participants, 71.3% were female, and the median age was 62.2 years (IQR, 53.9 to 69.1). The majority (78.6%) were treated with palliative intention. An important proportion of the participants reported symptoms of COVID-19 peritraumatic distress (34.2% to 39.6%), depression (27.6% to 33.5%), anxiety (24.9% to 32.7%), and stress (11.4% to 15.7%) at any time point during the study period. We did not find clinically meaningful mental health and QOL differences during the study period, with remarkably little change in between the pandemic's first and second wave. We found no consistent correlates of mental health or QOL scores, including cancer type, therapy intention, and sociodemographic information.

CONCLUSION

This cohort of cancer patients showed considerable resilience against mental health and QOL deterioration during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Social Disconnection and Psychological Distress in Canadian Men During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly challenged many men’s mental health. Efforts to control the spread of the virus have led to increasing social disconnection, fueling concerns about its long-term effects on men’s mental health, and more specifically their experience of psychological distress. Social disconnection, psychological distress, and the relationship between them have yet to be formally explored in a Canadian male sample during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study examined whether reduced social connection among men was associated with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms (psychological distress) and whether this association was moderated by living alone. The sample consisted of 434 help-seeking Canadian men who completed standardized measures. Analyses controlled for the potentially confounding effects of age and fear of COVID-19. Findings revealed that less social connection was associated with increased psychological distress. This association was not moderated by living alone, nor was living alone directly associated with psychological distress. Younger age and fear of COVID-19 were each independently associated with psychological distress. Socially disconnected men were more likely to experience anxiety and depressive symptoms, suggesting the need for interventions focussed on men’s social connectedness, social support, and belongingness to help reduce some COVID-19-induced mental health risks.

The post-pandemic era: will physical distancing be a perceived way of life?

Background: This study aimed to determine whether people living in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia would prefer to continue the practice of physical distancing after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic or to return to their previous way of life. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 to October 2020 in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. A pre-tested questionnaire was sent electronically through social media. Data on participants' demographics and their perspectives regarding post-pandemic physical distancing were collected. The calculated sample size was 1,066; however, the total number of responses included in the analysis was 989. Results: The average age of the participants was 31.15±11.93 years. There were 435 men and 554 women in the study. Participants showed significantly high levels of disagreement with statements indicating that they were willing to use public transportation (61%), attend social gatherings (36%), and hug relatives or colleagues (40%) after the pandemic ( p<0.001); however, 43% agreed that they would spend time with family or friends ( p<0.001). The level of education was also found to be significantly related to the responses, and the level of disagreement increased as the level of education increased ( p<0.001). Conclusions: One-third of the study participants planned to continue engaging in physical distancing even after the current pandemic and if the COVID-19 related restriction will remain in place for longer, there is chance to increase in this proportion. However, it cannot be concluded whether or not this behavior will prevail in the long run, after the ease in restrictions. If so, it may greatly affect some businesses and perhaps some social norms and values as well.

Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Impacts in Michigan, USA

Racial disparities have been observed in the impacts of COVID-19 in the USA. In the present paper, we used a representative sample of adults in Michigan to examine differences in COVID-19 impacts on Blacks and Whites in four domains: direct, perceived, political, and behavioral. We found that in the initial wave of the outbreak in May 2020, Blacks experienced more severe direct impacts: they were more likely to be diagnosed or know someone who was diagnosed, and more likely to lose their job compared to Whites. In addition, Blacks differed significantly from Whites in their assessment of COVID-19's threat to public health and the economy, the adequacy of government responses to COVID-19, and the appropriateness of behavioral changes to mitigate COVID-19's spread. Although in many cases these views of COVID-19 were also associated with political ideology, this association was significantly stronger for Whites than Blacks. Continued investigation of racial disparities in COVID-19's impact is necessary; however, these preliminary findings of a race-by-ideology interaction are important because they suggest some racial disparities are restricted to conservatives, while more liberal Whites and Blacks exhibit few differences.

Evolution of the emotional impact in patients with early inflammatory bowel disease during and after Covid-19 lockdown

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Loneliness and mental well-being in the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

There is a growing concern that the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to increased loneliness and mental disorders, which are considered a major public health problem. The aim of the study was to assess loneliness, anxiety, depression and irritability in the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study. The study participants completed an online questionnaire using the computer-assisted web interview technique. Data were collected using Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

SETTING

Poland.

PARTICIPANTS

This study was conducted between 6 October and 12 October 2020, in a representative sample of 890 Polish residents.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported loneliness; sociodemographic and COVID-19 pandemic factors associated with loneliness, anxiety, depression and irritability.

RESULTS

The analyses showed a moderately high degree of loneliness in 22%, symptoms of anxiety in 27%, depression in 14% and irritability in 33% of the respondents. The increasing severity of anxiety, depression and irritation in the study group was accompanied by higher loneliness. Generally, younger people, both tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and those who experienced home quarantine, scored higher in both scales.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary to identify those most vulnerable to loneliness, anxiety and depression during a crisis to assess health needs and proactively allocate resources during and after the pandemic. Loneliness, anxiety, depression and irritability are important factors to consider in a population of younger, disadvantaged people, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, people who were quarantined at home, and people who believe that their physical and mental health is worse than in the pre-pandemic period. It is important to cater for the mental health of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote psychological interventions to improve mental well-being in potentially vulnerable social groups.

Social Distancing, Psychological Mood and Physical Activity Behavior During COVID-19 in the United States

Social distancing, during previous epidemics, has been shown to lead to poor mental health outcomes and reduced physical activity. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between self-reported psychological state and physical activity behaviors of individuals under social distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 199 individuals (29.85 ± 10.22 yrs) in the United States who had been in social distancing for 2-4 weeks participated in this study. Participants answered a questionnaire regarding feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, mood state, and physical activity. 66.8% of participants had depressive symptoms and 72.8% had symptoms of anxiety. Loneliness was correlated with depression (r = 0.66), trait anxiety (r = 0.36), fatigue (r = 0.38), confusion (r = 0.39), and total mood disturbance (TMD; r = 0.62). Participation in total physical activity was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (r = -0.16) and TMD (r = -0.16). State anxiety was positively associated with participation in total physical activity (r = 0.22). In addition, a binomial logistic regression was performed to predict participation in sufficient physical activity. The model explained 45% of the variance in physical activity participation and correctly categorized 77% of cases. Individuals with higher vigor scores had an increased likelihood of participating in sufficient physical activity. Loneliness was associated with negative psychological mood state. Individuals with higher feelings of loneliness, depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and negative mood state were observed to spend less time engaged in physical activity. Higher state anxiety was positively associated with engagement in physical activity.

The Effect of COVID-19 Outbreak on Older Adults' Hopelessness, Loneliness and Spiritual Well-Being in Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the hopelessness, loneliness and spiritual well-being of older adults and the relationship between these three concepts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research used a cross-sectional, descriptive approach. Data were collected between October 13 and November 13, 2020, with 476 individuals over 65 years living in three different cities in Turkey. Data were collected using a demographic information form, Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) and Spiritual Well-being Scale (FACIT-Sp). During the COVID-19 outbreak, it was found that there was a significant negative relationship between hopelessness, loneliness and spiritual well-being of older adults. In this study, it was found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of hopelessness and loneliness among older adults was below the average score, and their spiritual well-being levels were moderate. Based on the findings of the present study, it is recommended that practices which increase hope, strengthen social ties and spiritual support, should be implemented for older individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic period or any other times during which social distancing is mandatory.

Assessing customer financial risk perception and attitude in the hotel industry: Exploring the role of protective measures against COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has lead authorities from many countries to adopt crucial protective measures such as wearing face masks, lockdowns and social distancing. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationships among the protective measures against virus handled by hotels with financial risk perception, customer attitude, satisfaction and behavioral intention. The study also calculates the mean comparison across the demographic variables of hotel customer satisfaction and behavioral intention. Results reported a significant contribution of the protective measures implemented by Chinese hotels against COVID-19 on financial risk perception, and a customer attitude. It also demonstrates significant and positive interaction with customer satisfaction and behavioral intention. However, financial risk perception and customer attitude did not show effects on satisfaction, while they had effects on behavioral intention. The results suggest that protective measures are an important aspect of encouraging people to visit hotels safely and continually.

Post-traumatic stress symptoms during the first and second COVID-19 lockdown in Greece: Rates, risk, and protective factors

The aim was to (i) compare the rates of perceived stress, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and other potential correlates (i.e., resilience, social support, coping strategies, and loneliness) in the general population between the two COVID-19 lockdowns in Greece and (ii) explore risk and protective factors of PTSS. Online data were collected amid the first (timepoint 1-T1) and second lockdown (timepoint 2-T2) by 1009 and 352 participants, respectively. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Perceived Stress Scale measured levels of PTSS and perceived stress. The Brief Resilience Scale, the COPE, the revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument measured resilience, coping strategies, loneliness, and social support, respectively. Higher levels of PTSS and perceived stress were reported during T2, compared to T1. Clinically significant levels of PTSS were presented by 26.1% and 35.5% of the participants during T1 and T2, respectively. Higher levels of loneliness and use of maladaptive coping strategies and lower levels of social support, resilience and use of adaptive coping strategies were also found. During both lockdowns, PTSS were predicted by perceived stress, loneliness, reduced resilience and the coping strategies of denial and self-blame. PTSS were associated with younger age, female gender, being single, not having children, and the evaluation of the pandemic as a crisis. The findings highlight the significant public mental health concerns during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Understanding the risk and protective factors against PTSS and focusing on vulnerable populations should be prioritized by the governments worldwide in the development of evidence-based interventions.

The longitudinal effect of COVID-19 infections and lockdown on mental health and the protective effect of neighbourhood social relations

Rationale

The effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on mental health is a major concern worldwide. Measuring the impacts, however, is difficult because of a lack of data that tracks and compares outcomes and potential protective social factors before and during lockdowns.

Objective

We aim to quantify the impact of a second lockdown in 2020 in the Australian city of Melbourne on levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and analyse whether social relations in the neighbourhood may buffer against the worst effects of lockdown.

Methods

We draw on quasi-experimental data from a nationally-representative longitudinal survey conducted in Australia. We use a difference-in-difference approach with a number of control variables to estimate changes in mental health among respondents in Melbourne following the imposition of the lockdown. A measure of perceived neighbourhood social relations is included as an explanatory variable to analyse potential protective effects.

Results

Lockdown is estimated to have increased depressive symptoms by approximately 23% and feelings of loneliness by 4%. No effect on anxiety was detected. Levels of neighbourhood social relations were strongly negatively associated with mental health symptoms. A significant interaction between lockdown and neighbourhood social relations suggests that lockdown increased depressive symptoms by 21% for people with average perceived neighbourhood relations, compared with a 9.7% increase for people whose perceived relations is one standard deviation greater than average.

Conclusion

The results add to evidence of the harsh impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns on mental health. Importantly, neighbourhood social relations and social cohesion more broadly may be an important source of social support in response to lockdowns. These findings provide important insights for researchers and policy-makers in how to understand and respond to the mental health impacts of COVID-19.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Associated Interventions on Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of University Students

BACKGROUND

Mental health issues have continued to rise globally, including among university students. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the previously existing and concerning problem. Given that coping mechanisms have been proposed to mediate the relationship between stressors and mental health, the aim of our cross-sectional study was to investigate the mediation of coping mechanisms on the relationship between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health.

METHODS

University students (≥18 years old; N = 676; 31% male, 69% female) were administered an anonymous survey addressing current demographics, COVID-19 pandemic-related demographics, personal experiences, sources of stress and perceived effect on mental health, politics, sources of news/information, and various pre-validated scales addressing mental health (DASS-21), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (IES-R) and coping strategies utilized (Brief COPE).

RESULTS

Our results indicate a substantial proportion of our sample reporting scores in the severe and extremely severe DASS-21 categories, in addition to ~50% reporting a perceived deterioration in mental health relative to pre-COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, a substantial proportion of students reported IES-R scores at levels where PTSD is of clinical concern. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of females (~15%) reported scores reflecting potential long-term PTSD-related implications. Females tended to be more severely impacted in all mental health measures. Mediation analysis indicated that while dysfunctional coping mediated the relationship between the impact of the event (COVID-19 pandemic) and all three mental health outcomes, overall, this was not the case with the positive coping strategies.

CONCLUSION

Our study appears to indicate a reduced buffering influence on negative mental health outcomes by the positive coping mechanisms investigated in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and secondary interventions implemented. While the findings of this study pertain specifically to university students, they corroborate the existing extensive body of research (from physiological to behavioral, preclinical to clinical) pertaining to the response associated with major stressful events at every level of society. In this regard, the findings imply the necessity for health and other authorities, tasked with safeguarding public well-being, to avoid reactive interventions that do not appropriately balance the risks and benefits, potentially exacerbating pre-existing psychopathologies and compromising social order.

Mental Health During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review and Recommendations for Moving Forward

COVID-19 has infected millions of people and upended the lives of most humans on the planet. Researchers from across the psychological sciences have sought to document and investigate the impact of COVID-19 in myriad ways, causing an explosion of research that is broad in scope, varied in methods, and challenging to consolidate. Because policy and practice aimed at helping people live healthier and happier lives requires insight from robust patterns of evidence, this article provides a rapid and thorough summary of high-quality studies available through early 2021 examining the mental-health consequences of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our review of the evidence indicates that anxiety, depression, and distress increased in the early months of the pandemic. Meanwhile, suicide rates, life satisfaction, and loneliness remained largely stable throughout the first year of the pandemic. In response to these insights, we present seven recommendations (one urgent, two short-term, and four ongoing) to support mental health during the pandemic and beyond.

Daily uplifts during the COVID-19 pandemic: what is considered helpful in everyday life?

Background

Knowledge of what is uplifting and helpful during pandemics could inform the design of sustainable pandemic recommendations in the future. We have explored individuals’ views on helpful and uplifting aspects of everyday life during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

Participants answered a brief, daily survey via text messages during 14 consecutive days in July–August, 2020. The survey included the question: “During the past 24 hours, is there anything that has made you feel good or helped you in your life?” We used content analysis to compile responses from 693 participants, who provided 4,490 free-text answers, which resulted in 24 categories subsumed under 7 themes.

Results

Positive aspects during the COVID-19 pandemic primarily related to social interactions, in real life or digitally, with family, friends and others. Other important aspects concerning work, colleagues and maintaining everyday life routines. One theme concerning vacations, going on excursions and being in nature. Leisure and recreation activities, such as hobbies and physical exercise, also emerged as important, as did health-related factors. Bodily sensations, thoughts, feelings and activities that benefited well-being were mentioned frequently. Lastly, people commented on the government strategies for containing COVID-19, and whether to comply with restrictions.

Conclusions

To summarize, daily uplifts and helpful aspects of everyday life centered around social relationships. To comply with recommendations on physical distancing, people found creative ways to maintain social connections both digitally and face-to-face. Social interaction, maintenance of everyday life routines, hobbies and physical activity appeared to be important for well-being.

The applicability of the UCLA loneliness scale in South Africa: Factor structure and dimensionality

This study examines the generalisability of the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale Version 3 (UCLA-LS3) in a South African sample of young adults. In particular, it examined the normative data, reliability, and factor structure of this scale. The participants were young adults (N = 337) who were randomly sampled from a university population and they responded to the UCLA Loneliness Scale. It was found that the sample had higher loneliness scores than those reported in the literature, potentially suggesting that loneliness may be a significant mental health concern amongst this group. Women reported higher levels of loneliness than men. Reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha) and analysis of the influence of individual items on the mean, variance, and alpha demonstrated that UCLA-LS3 had highly satisfactory internal consistency in the sample. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test four conceptualisations of the factor structure of UCLA-LS3: a one-factor model, a correlated three-factor model, a bifactor model with two subscales, and a bifactor model with three subscales. Notably, CFA demonstrated that the two bifactor models are a better fit than the one-factor and correlated three-factor models and that the bifactor model with three subscales is marginally a better fit than the bifactor model with two subscales. Ancillary bifactor analysis confirmed the dimensionality of the scale as sufficient variance was accounted for by the three subscales, after the variance attributable to the total scale was partitioned out. Therefore, UCLA-LS3 is best conceptualised as comprising of three subscales (isolation, relational connectedness, collective connectedness), in addition to a total scale.

COVID-19-Related Psychological Trauma and Psychological Distress Among Community-Dwelling Psychiatric Patients: People Struck by Depression and Sleep Disorders Endure the Greatest Burden

COVID-19 has created a general state of worry and distress, especially among vulnerable groups such as those with psychiatric diagnoses. Worldwide, psychiatric care provision has drastically suffered during the pandemic, with many patients unable to access proper care, which may have implications for increased mental health consequences in patients with psychiatric disorders (e.g., relapse and suicide). This cross-sectional study used structural equation modeling to investigate COVID-19-related trauma and distress among Arab psychiatric population during COVID-19 quarantine. Patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders (N = 168) completed an online survey that comprised the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and a questionnaire on COVID-19-related attitudes/perceptions, sources of information, used protective measures, and socio-demographic information. Respondents commonly reported feeling down-hearted/blue, trouble concentrating, along with symptoms of avoidance and rumination related to the pandemic. Patients with depression and sleep disorders expressed higher COVID-19-related trauma than patients with other disorders. Perceived physical health mediated the effect of co-morbid chronic physical disorders on COVID-19 trauma, psychological distress, perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, and perceived likelihood of recovery in case of contracting COVID-19. Perceived physical health and perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 were strong direct predictors of COVID-19-related trauma and psychological distress. Staying at home negatively predicted COVID-19 trauma and exerted an indirect negative effect on psychological distress via COVID-19 trauma. COVID-19 trauma, age, and marital status directly predicted psychological distress, with COVID-19 trauma being the strongest predictor. Educational level, income, having family members working in the medical field, keeping up to date with the news on deaths/infected cases or the development of COVID-19 drugs or vaccines, satisfaction with available information on COVID-19, and using different protective measures were not associated with significant differences in COVID-19 trauma and psychological distress scores. Immuno-psychiatric interventions should be designed to target COVID-19-trauma and distress among younger single patients with perceived poor physical health, especially those diagnosed with depression and sleep disorders.

Psychometric evaluation of fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) among Chinese primary and middle schoolteachers, and their students

Utilizing a large-scale cross-sectional survey, the present study tested the advanced psychometric properties of Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in specific populations (i.e., primary and middle schoolteachers, and their students). The present study also examined the association between perceived fear of COVID-19 and psychological distress among home-room teachers (i.e., teachers who teach all their students in one classroom all day) and their students. The results among participants (11,134 teachers and 4,335 students) indicated good internal reliability of FCV-19S and excellent factorial validity with a two-factor structure utilizing these specific populations. Furthermore, the multilevel analysis showed that home-room teachers' psychological distress, but not fear of COVID-19, was positively associated with their students. In sum, the FCV-19S is a useful tool to assess the fear of COVID-19 on potentially vulnerable populations (i.e., primary/middle schoolteachers and their students). Future studies are encouraged to use the present study's findings to investigate possible underlying mechanisms for developing effective coping strategies and interventions.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-02471-3.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Self-Reported Frequency of Hospital Visits and Pediatric Care Outcomes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced various aspects of health care and its outcomes. Several studies conducted on different age groups from different countries have reported a decrease in the frequency of hospital visits during the pandemic.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the self-reported effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital visits and healthcare outcomes in the pediatric age group. We further aimed to assess the participants’ beliefs on the reasons for decreased frequency of hospital visits during the pandemic.

Methods

This was a quantitative analytical cross-sectional study. Data from the parents of children less than 14 years living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, self-reported frequency of hospital visits, and potential consequences on pediatric care outcomes during the pandemic. A total of 1,548 initial respondents filled the questionnaire, out of which only 1,311 had children aged less than 14 years. SPSS version 25 (IBM, New York, USA) was used for statistical analysis.

Results

We found that of the 1,311 eligible respondents, majority (75.1%) were mothers of the children while only 24.9% were fathers, and 34.4% of the respondents had two children less than 14 years. Majority (76.7%) of the respondents were from the central region and felt that the pandemic has reduced their frequency of hospital visits. Furthermore, majority (78.6%) of the respondents believed that the decreased hospital (emergency or clinic) visits did not have any negative effect on the health and care of their children. Moreover, 56.4% of the participants responded that lack of the need to visit the hospital during the pandemic was the reason for their decreased hospital visits frequency, and 51.6% were afraid of being infected by the virus. There was a significant association between decreased hospital visits and missing an appointment for vaccination, delayed diagnosis, deterioration of participants’ children’s condition, and running out of treatment and inability to refill.

Conclusion

This study was conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital visits and pediatric care outcomes in the KSA. We hypothesized that the pandemic has led to a reduction in pediatric hospital visits which might influence pediatric care outcomes.

We found that there was a decrease in the frequency of hospital visits. This decrease was attributed to the lack of the need to go to the hospital or to the fear of being infected by the virus. A significant association was found between the participants’ beliefs of the pandemic effect on hospital visits and its effect on the pediatric care outcomes.

The impact of stay-at-home orders on vulnerability assessments and precautionary intentions during a pandemic

In 2020, a novel emerging infectious disease - COVID-19 - became a global pandemic and prompted unprecedented social distancing measures. We examined the associations of voluntary stay-at-home (SAH) orders during the COVID-19 pandemic with vulnerability assessments and precautionary intentions (e.g. social distancing, hand washing). A quasi-experimental study using an online adult sample was conducted in U.S. states with and without voluntary SAH orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-report surveys assessed vulnerability assessments and precautionary intentions. Participants living in states with SAH orders showed inflated vulnerability assessments for contracting COVID-19, and this association was stronger for affect-laden than cognitively-based assessments. Moreover, only affect-laden vulnerability assessments were uniquely associated with precautionary intentions and accounted for the relationship between SAH orders and precautionary intentions. Our study was among the first to explore the impact of voluntary SAH orders on vulnerability assessments and precautionary intentions. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for health behavioral models and applications for promoting self-protective actions during a pandemic.

Emotional Resilience of Older Adults during COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Studies of Stress and Well-Being

OBJECTIVES

To examine post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and well-being in older adults under quarantine.

METHODS

A systematic review of CINAHL, Ovid EBM Reviews, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2000 to 2020 was conducted. Keywords included coronavirus, epidemic, quarantine, stress, mental health, and similar terms. Included studies enrolled participants under quarantine, quantitatively measured mental health or well-being, and characterized outcomes by age.

RESULTS

Of 894 initial results, 20 studies met the criteria and were included. Studies comprise 106,553 participants from eight countries, ages 6-100, two epidemics (COVID-19, SARS), and 27 assessment tools. One study found greater distress in older adults relative to younger adults, one found no significant differences, and 18 found lower negative outcomes in older participants in at least one metric.

CONCLUSIONS

Older adults in this review generally have lower stress and less negative emotions under quarantine than younger adults. It is unknown how this compares to pre-pandemic measures. More representative and longitudinal studies are needed to measure the impact of quarantine on the mental health of older adults.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

As existing scales may not capture the full extent of pandemic psychological effects on older adults, clinicians must vigilantly monitor older adults' mental health.

What Are Work-Related Predictors of Post-COVID-19 Home and Family Work Roles? A Cross-Sectional Survey

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent to which pre-and post-COVID-19 work-related factors can explain post-COVID-19 home and family work roles.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional survey. The primary outcome measure was the Home and Family Work Roles Questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods and multiple regression analyses were run. The significant predictors were further probed in a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model with a Tukey posthoc correction.

RESULTS

In our sample of 1447 participants, the two significant predictors of post-COVID-19 home and family work roles were pre-pandemic paid job status (F [3, 1401] = 5.66, P < 0.001), and pre-COVID-19 home and family work roles (F [1, 1401] = 2509.26, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Greater pre-pandemic home and family role responsibilities, full-time and part-time employment pre-COVID-19 were associated with greater post-COVID-19 home and family responsibilities.

Impacts of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Emotional and Physical Health of Older Adults Compared with Younger Cohorts

OBJECTIVES

This study compared emotional and physical health and overall well-being related to social restrictions during the pandemic among older, middle-aged, and younger adults in the United States (n = 276).

METHODS

Online surveys collected information on mental and physical health, as well as positive and negative impacts of the pandemic. One-way MANOVAs and hierarchical regressions were used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms and coronavirus anxiety differed significantly by age, with older adults reporting less depressive and anxious symptoms than younger cohorts. Negative COVID experiences significantly predicted higher levels of stress, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms in younger adults as compared to older cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that social restrictions had a more substantial negative impact amongst younger adults compared to older adults, particularly in terms of mental health and well-being.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Older adults may be more resilient to the impacts of the pandemic than younger cohorts and thus may serve as a critical resource for how to navigate crisis situations of this nature. Future studies should continue to monitor health outcomes as the pandemic subsides in conjunction with the vaccine rollout, as the long-term effects of social distancing and stay-at-home measures are yet to be determined.

The Social Bridging Project: Intergenerational Phone-Based Connections With Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Millions of Americans aged 65+ are socially isolated and millions more report feeling lonely. Social isolation and loneliness in older adults were compounded by stay-at-home orders and other COVID-19 prevention measures. Although many Americans experienced no difficulties transitioning to the use of electronic devices as their primary means of communication and connection, some older adults were not similarly able to espouse this shift. Our aim was to reduce the impact of social isolation on older adults, increase their comfort in expressing feelings of loneliness, and assist them in acquiring technology skills and accessing telehealth and community supports. Participants received wellness calls for conversation, resource access and technology-based support. Most participants reported decreased loneliness and increased connectedness after the calls; half reported increased ease in expressing their feelings. Programs that provide phone-based support for older adults may reduce loneliness and increase social connectedness.

Social participation and posttraumatic growth: The serial mediation of hope, social support, and reappraisal

In light of the global crisis created by the outbreak of the coronavirus and the disease it causes, coronavirus disease 2019, the goal of the study was to detect factors that might enhance people's ability to experience positive psychological change during traumatic events. As such, this study examined the relationship between social participation and posttraumatic growth (PTG) during the coronavirus outbreak and tested the mediating role of hope, social support, and cognitive reappraisal in explaining this relationship. The sample consisted of 275 participants (21.8% male, and 78.2% female, with an average age of 33.42, SD = 13.63), subjected to social-distancing regulations during this period. Results demonstrated a serial mediation model in which social participation predicted PTG directly and indirectly through hope (pathways and agency), social support, and cognitive reappraisal. The importance of social participation in nourishing personal resources and practical implications including the need for prevention programs are discussed.

Changes in rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in the United States, 2019-2020

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess differences in pregnancy outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the previous year.

STUDY DESIGN

In a cross-sectional study of delivery hospitalizations in the Premier Healthcare Database Special COVID-19 Release, we assessed differences in selected maternal and pregnancy outcomes occurring April-December in 2019 and 2020 in the United States.

RESULT

Among 663,620 deliveries occurring in 2019 and 614,093 deliveries occurring in 2020, we observed an increase in in-hospital maternal death from 2019 to 2020, which was no longer statistically significant after excluding deliveries with a COVID-19 diagnosis. Intensive care unit admission and preterm birth decreased from 2019 to 2020. There was no difference in the prevalence of most other outcomes examined.

CONCLUSION

The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and pregnancy outcomes remains to be understood. Most outcomes investigated experienced minimal change from 2019 to 2020.

Exploring the Longitudinal Relationship Between Lockdown Policy Stringency and Public Negative Emotions Among 120 Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mediating Role of Population Mobility

BACKGROUND

To limit the spread of COVID-19, governments worldwide have implemented a series of lockdown policies to restrict the social activities of people. Although scholars suggest that such policies may produce negative effects on public emotions, the existing research is limited because it only provides a cross-sectional snapshot of the effect of lockdown policies in small and local samples. Using large-scale longitudinal cross-country data, the current study aims to gain a better understanding of the dynamic effect of lockdown policies on public emotions and their underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Drawing on a large-scale longitudinal data from multiple sources, the study employs fixed-effects models to analyze the association between lagged lockdown policy stringency and public negative emotions among 120 countries from February to July 2020 (N = 9,141 country-day observations). The bootstrapping mediation test is used to examine the mediation effects of increased population mobility in residential areas.

RESULTS

The results show a statistically significant and positive association between lagged lockdown policy stringency and general public negative emotion (standardized coefficient = 0.32, CI = 0.30-0.35, p < 0.001). This pattern remains similar to other specific negative emotions, such as depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and helplessness. Moreover, the negative health effects of lockdown policy stringency are significantly mediated by increased mobility in residential areas (51-74% points, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings confirm that stringent lockdown policies have a negative effect on public emotions via confining population mobility residential areas. To tackle the COVID-19, future public health policies should pay more attention to the unintended negative consequences of lockdown measures on public emotions.

A thematic analysis into the experiences of people with a mild intellectual disability during the COVID-19 lockdown period

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a substantial impact on people with an intellectual disability. The goal of the current study was to explore the experiences and needs of people with a mild intellectual disability during the COVID-19 lockdown period in the Netherlands. Method. A descriptive qualitative methodology was conducted, using semi-structured individual interviews with six people with a mild intellectual disability. Data were analysed thematically. Results. Three overarching themes were found: (i) Missing social contact and having people close; (ii) Being housebound has changed my daily life; and (iii) Hard to understand the preventive measures. Conclusions. Important insights into the experiences and needs of people with a mild intellectual disability during the COVID-19 lockdown period were gained. These insights are valuable with respect to a potential second COVID-19 wave or a future infection-outbreak.

To Work or Not to Work, That Is the Question: The Psychological Impact of the First COVID-19 Lockdown on the Elderly, Healthcare Workers, and Virtual Workers

The spread of COVID-19 created a state of emergency all over the world and played a big role in the decline of the mental health of citizens. The context of the workplace became an important variable in the impact of the lockdown on individuals. In this study, we deepened the categories of healthcare workers (HWs), virtual workers (VWs), and the elderly, along with their emotional approach to this emergency. A sample of 257 participants (ElderlyN = 62; HWsN = 104; VWsN = 91) completed: a semi-structured interview on their experience during lockdown via telephone; an online survey with a sociodemographic questionnaire; the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS); and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Linguistic measures of the Referential Process were utilized to code the interviews. An independent ANOVA explored the variability among groups. The results show more affective language in the Elderly (M = 0.0310, SD = 0.0070) and a growth in spirituality (M = 4.16, SD = 3.17). HWs displayed a higher PTGI (M = 56.84, SD = 20.29), while VWs displayed a lower PTGI (M = 50.02, SD = 21.05). Moreover, VWs presented higher scores in Impulse on the DERS (M = 11.67, SD = 5.05) and a more cognitive/abstract narration (Reflection IREF M = 0.0260, SD = 0.0071; Reorganization IWRRL M = 0.5419, SD = 0.0032; Referential Activity IWRAD M = 0.4978, SD = 0.0029). This study aims to take the work context into consideration to create focused interventions.

Changes in mental health during three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: a repeated cross-sectional study among polish university students

BACKGROUND

Research indicates that mental health worsened during the Coronavirus crisis, in particular among women and university students. However, few longitudinal studies have so far investigated the changes in mental health outcomes across three subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to examine changes in mental health among university students.

METHODS

A total of 1,961university students from Poland, at mean age 23.23 years (SD = 3.16, 57.47% of women) were included in this repeated cross-sectional study across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: W1 (n = 657), W2 (n = 654), and W3 (n = 650). They completed the online survey with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), General Self-Rated Health (GSRH), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), as well as sociodemographic variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of people at high risk of anxiety and perceived stress, poorer physical health, and low life satisfaction changed significantly across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the two-way ANOVA showed that both the wave (W1W2, W1>W3), and genders (menW3, W2>W3), and was significantly worse in women than in men. The level of life satisfaction also decreased significantly in W3 (W1>W3, W2>W3), but did not differ between men and women. High GAD risk was presented two times more frequently among women and people who subjectively assessed their health as poor, three times more likely in participants dissatisfied with their lives, and seven times more probably in persons with high-stress levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study consistently indicate (using parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis) that there are significant differences in mental health problems across three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. It suggests that pandemic waves should be considered in future review studies and meta-analyses. Furthermore, these findings indicate a potential role for prevention and intervention programs aimed at alleviating life satisfaction and subjective assessment of health and improving coping skills to reduce stress and anxiety.

Fear, changes in routine and dental care for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey with Brazilian parents

AIMS

This study aimed to report the perception of parents of children/adolescents with autism regarding the parents' fear of the pandemic by COVID-19. Also, to report children's fear about the use of individual protective equipment (IPE) in dental appointments, and the impact on the daily routine during the pandemic.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cross-sectional study through an open online survey was addressed to parents of children/adolescents autistic, aged between 3 and 18 years. The questionnaire had questions regarding the parents' fear of the COVID-19 pandemic, the parents' perception about the children/adolescents' fear of the use of IPEs at dental care, and the impact of the daily routine during the pandemic and social impact after the pandemic. Parents' reports on the degree of ASD (mild, moderate, and severe) of the child/adolescent. A total of 1001 responses were obtained. 50.35% of parents had high fear of the pandemic by COVID-19, 59.34% believe that children/teenagers will be afraid of the dentist's IPE and 61.64% responded that the COVID-19 pandemic had a high impact on the daily routine of children/adolescents with ASD.

CONCLUSIONS

Most parents reported fear of the pandemic by COVID-19, that children/adolescents with autism may be afraid of IPE and had a high impact on their daily routine during the pandemic.