Prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among home isolated COVID-19 patients in Western Nepal

Psychometric properties of the Turkish reduced morningness and eveningness questionnaire

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the 5-item Turkish Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) for the first time. The study involved 875 university students in an adaptation and validation study. Participants completed the rMEQ, MEQ, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Short Form (BIS-SF), and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form (OHQ-SF). The factor structure, convergent validity, internal consistency, sensitivity, and specificity of the rMEQ were examined. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the rMEQ had a one-dimensional structure with good fit indices (χ2/df = 2.94, CFI = 0.990, TLI = 0.979, RMSEA = 0.047, and SRMR = 0.019). There was a significantly strong correlation between rMEQ and MEQ. In addition, we found a significantly weak correlation between rMEQ and DASS-21, ISI, BIS-SF, and OHQ-SF. The internal consistency coefficients of rMEQ were Cronbach's α = 0.706 and McDonald's ω = 0.740. The sensitivity and specificity of rMEQ were 83.3%-92.7% for morning types and 86.3%-87.3% for evening types. The Turkish rMEQ has adequate psychometric properties and can be used to assess an individual's chronotype.

Mental health impact on patients with COVID-19 in the community under a long period of full lockdown in Vietnam

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the impact on the mental health of patients with COVID-19 in a centralized isolation facility in the community who experienced a long period of full lockdown during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study among 125 patients with COVID-19 in a centralized isolation facility in the community of Ho Chi Minh City from September to November 2021. We collected data on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, as indicated by scores on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, as well as sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among patients with COVID-19 was 14.4%, 20.8%, and 20.0%, respectively. Depression scores were significantly and positively correlated with body mass index whereas stress scores were significantly and positively correlated with age.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated an increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among patients with COVID-19 who were in a centralized isolation facility during the fourth COVID-19 wave in Vietnam. Overweight and older age were identified as risk factors for adverse mental health in patients with COVID-19. Psychological intervention programs should be implemented in isolation facilities for individuals with COVID-19 infection.

Lessons from China's Experience: Legal Analysis of Health Risks and Medical Obstacles of Personnel in COVID-19 Control Areas

Purpose

Individuals in controlled areas often face restrictions on their personal freedom, and if they are unable to receive medical treatment when needed, it can significantly increase their health risks. However, current epidemic prevention and control policies do not provide clear guidelines on how to ensure individuals in controlled areas to seek medical attention when faced with health problems. By implementing specific measures that local governments must take in order to protect the health of those in controlled areas, the risks to their health can be greatly reduced.

Patients and Methods

Our research utilizes a comparative approach to analyze the measures adopted by various regions for safeguarding the health of individuals in control areas, and the diverse outcomes they produce. We conduct empirical analysis and present examples of severe health risks that individuals in control areas face due to inadequate health protection measures. Furthermore, we conduct a critical evaluation of China's legal management of control areas, identifying both its principles and shortcomings.

Results

The lack of unified legal regulations has led some local governments to make some shortcomings in making decisions on epidemic prevention and control. Specifically, some governments have neglected to provide adequate medical protection for individuals in controlled areas, limited the authority of specific implementers of prevention policies, and failed to establish fair punishment mechanisms. These shortcomings have a direct impact on the health of those in controlled areas and can even lead to tragic outcomes.

Conclusion

Effective management of individuals in control areas during public health emergencies is crucial in reducing health risks. To achieve this, China needs to establish unified regulations and requirements, particularly with regards to medical protection, for individuals in control areas. Such measures can be achieved through the improvement of legislation, which can significantly reduce health risks faced by individuals in control areas during public health emergencies.