Danger in danger: Interpersonal violence during COVID-19 quarantine

Examining the Changes in Bullying Discourse on Reddit: A Comparative Analysis Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Bullying, a type of power abuse, deserves to be addressed, and this study examines bullying-related discussions on Reddit before and after the pandemic to better understand its dynamics during this time. We analyzed 8,720 posts and 21,607 comments from the r/Bullying subreddit using static and dynamic topic modeling (DTM) to understand the major topics discussed in the subreddit. Based on static topic modeling, we discovered that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the topics surrounding bullying focused on bullying in the school context, cyberbullying, and help-seeking, but changed to bullying against minority groups, workplace bullying, relationships and communication, and coping strategies. The long-term impact of bullying has emerged for both periods, implying that more efforts to prevent and combat bullying are needed to reduce the negative impacts throughout an individual's lifecycle. We also discovered that the proportion of cyberbullying/antibullying, negative emotions, and self-esteem increased following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to DTM. Our findings suggest that following the pandemic, victims and places of bullying became more distinct. In addition to the widely studied and disseminated bullying research and policies concerning children at school, more assistance is needed to prevent and assist bullying victims who are racial and religious minorities in various settings.

Aesthetic Gynecology and Mental Health: What Does It Really Mean for Women?

Body image, a complex interplay of perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about one’s physical appearance, has been a subject of extensive research. It is a dynamic construct that evolves throughout a woman’s lifespan, influenced by a multitude of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. From adolescence, marked by the onset of puberty and societal pressures to conform to specific beauty standards, to adulthood and the physical changes associated with aging, women’s body image undergoes significant transformations. Aging is a universal process that affects all organs, including the female genitalia. The vaginal tract undergoes significant atrophy due to declining estrogen levels, particularly during and after menopause. Aesthetic gynecology offers a range of procedures to address both functional and aesthetic concerns related to aging genitalia. Aesthetic gynecology, a burgeoning field within women’s health, provides various procedures aimed at enhancing genital appearance and function. It also helps balance the hormonal and anatomical changes that every woman experiences over time. The goal is to strengthen each patient’s intimate well-being and self-esteem, enabling them to experience intimacy peacefully. While often driven by concerns about physical attractiveness and sexual satisfaction, the psychological implications of these procedures are complex and multifaceted. It is crucial to recognize the interplay between psychological factors and the decision to undergo these procedures. Collaboration between surgeons and mental health professionals can ensure that candidates are psychologically prepared and have realistic expectations. By adopting a patient-centered approach and conducting rigorous research, healthcare providers can ensure that aesthetic gynecology is used as a tool for empowerment rather than exploitation. This article explores the intricate relationship between psychological well-being and aesthetic gynecology, examining how these procedures can impact body image, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

Parental Mental Health and Child Maltreatment in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Importance of Sampling in a Quantitative Statistical Study

BACKGROUND

Results on parental burden during the COVID-19 pandemic are predominantly available from nonrepresentative samples. Although sample selection can significantly influence results, the effects of sampling strategies have been largely underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate how sampling strategy may impact study results. Specifically, we aimed to (1) investigate if outcomes on parental health and child maltreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic from a convenience sample differ from those of a specific representative sample and (2) investigate reasons for differences in the results.

METHODS

In 2020, we simultaneously conducted 2 studies: (1) a web-based survey using a convenience sample of 4967 parents of underage children, primarily recruited via social media, and (2) a study using a quota sample representative of the German adult population with underage children (N=1024), recruited through a combination of telephone interviews and computer-assisted web interviews. In both studies, the same questionnaire was used. To evaluate the impact of sampling, we compared the results on outcomes (parental stress, subjective health, parental mental health, general stress, pandemic-related stress, and the occurrence of child maltreatment) between the 2 samples. To explain differences in the results between the 2 studies, we controlled for sociodemographic data, parent-related risk factors, and COVID-19-related experiences.

RESULTS

Compared to parents from the quota sample, parents from the convenience sample reported significantly more parental stress (η2=0.024); decreased subjective health (η2=0.016); more anxiety and depression symptoms (η2=0.055); more general stress (η2=0.044); more occurrences of verbal emotional abuse (VEA; φ=0.12), witnessing domestic violence (WDV; φ=0.13), nonverbal emotional abuse (NEA; φ=0.03), physical abuse (φ=0.10), and emotional neglect (φ=0.06); and an increase of child maltreatment (VEA: exp(B)=2.95; WDV: exp(B)=3.19; NEA: exp(B)=1.65). Sociodemographic data, parent-related risk factors, and COVID-19-related experiences explained the differences in parental stress (remaining difference between samples after controlling for covariates: η2=0.002) and subjective health (remaining difference between samples after controlling for covariates: η2=0.004) and partially explained differences in parental mental health (remaining: η2=0.016), general stress (remaining: η2=0.014), and child maltreatment (remaining: VEA: exp(B)=2.05 and WDV: exp(B)=2.02) between the 2 samples. The covariates could not explain the difference in NEA (exp(B)=1.70). We discuss further factors that may explain the unexplained differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of studies can be heavily impacted by the sampling strategy. Scientists are advised to collect relevant explaining variables (covariates) that are possibly related to sample selection and the outcome under investigation. This approach enables us to identify the individuals to whom the results apply and to combine findings from different studies. Furthermore, if data on the distribution of these explanatory variables in the population are available, it becomes possible to adjust for sample selection bias.

Profile of female survivors of sexual violence in the first 6 months of the COVID-19 quarantine in the city of Campinas, Brazil: A cross-sectional retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

Describe the characteristics and changes in the profile of women who sought care after experiencing sexual violence (SV) during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian city.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional retrospective study. Data from emergency care and legal abortion requests of women assisted at the Women's Health Care Center Hospital (School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil) due to SV experienced between March 23 and August 23, 2020 (Quarantine Group, QG), were collected and compared with data from the same period of the previous biennium (Comparison Group, CG). χ2 and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare groups; the significance level was 5%.

RESULTS

Data for 236 women were analyzed; 70 women were included in the QG and 166 in the CG. In the QG, there was a restriction in the area of origin of women, with a higher proportion of women who lived in Campinas (P = 0.0007) and a higher frequency of chronic SV (P = 0,035). There were no rapes associated with the use of social media or apps in the QG, but 9.8% of women in the CG experienced rape associated with the use of social media or apps. There were higher rates of domestic violence (P = 0.022) and intimidation through physical force (P = 0.011) in the first two months.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 quarantine affected the profile of women who sought care after experiencing SV. The quarantine resulted in changes in the area of origin of patients, hindering access to health services and leading to higher rates of chronic and domestic SV, particularly in the first 2 months of the pandemic.

Evolution of Well-Being and Associated Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic was a global public health crisis with an unparalleled impact worldwide, presenting a significant challenge for both physical and mental health. The main objective of this study was to analyze the risk of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic and how this was affected by sociodemographic factors, pandemic fatigue, risk perception, trust in institutions, and perceived self-efficacy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Region of Murcia through two online surveys completed by 1000 people in June 2021 (Round 1) and March 2022 (Round 2). Risk of depression was measured using the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) questionnaire, and descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the risk of depression.

RESULTS

In Round 1, 35.2% of the sample presented a risk of depression, which increased to 39.1% in Round 2. Those at greater risk were women, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, those with less family support, lower trust in institutions, higher perceived risk of contracting the disease, and higher levels of pandemic fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying vulnerable populations facing mental health issues can help the authorities and institutions that are responsible for managing public health crises to develop and implement inclusive strategies and interventions tailored to the population's needs.

Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Violence During the First Year of the Pandemic: An Integrative Review

This integrative review aims to analyze and synthesize existing literature to inform our understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of domestic violence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a holistic and ecological framework. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) study design, searches were conducted on six databases, yielding a final sample of 58 articles. The study comprehensively overviews North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and worldwide research. The literature reveals an alarming increase in domestic violence victimization during the pandemic in most regions and studies, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities. The increase in domestic violence during the pandemic is linked to ecological factors such as lower physical and mental health, rising substance use, and financial stress, which heightened individuals' vulnerability. Lockdowns exacerbated these issues by increasing confinement in homes, disrupting support services, and limiting victims' access to help. Barriers to help-seeking and amplified personal and professional stressors at the care level are identified. Advocacy for improved awareness, cooperation, and inclusive national and institutional policies emerges. This study underscores the urgency of empirical research to generate reliable data on the pandemic's impact on domestic violence. The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding unique factors affecting specific groups, as well as informing prevention efforts and targeted interventions. Recognizing the mutual benefit of research-practice partnerships is crucial in addressing and preventing domestic violence. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of domestic violence during the pandemic's first year, guiding empirically informed interventions and policy changes.

Experienced Versus Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence and Psychological Maladjustment: The Role of Adaptive and Avoidant Coping

The present questionnaire study explores the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV), coping strategies, and psychological maladjustment for both female and male college students, as well as considering the effects of perpetrated IPV. College students are at risk for experiencing and perpetrating IPV, and coping skills may act as important risk and protective factors. In total, 333 (247 women, 86 men) undergraduate college students completed an online survey for research participation credit. Perpetrated intimate partner verbal aggression and experienced and perpetrated relationship violence were significantly correlated with somatization and depression, while for women, perpetrated verbal aggression was significantly correlated with somatization, depression, anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms. Experienced verbal aggression was significantly correlated with depression for women, while perpetrated verbal aggression was significantly correlated with anxiety for men. Path analyses with bootstrapped mediation tests found that, for men, the relationships between experienced violence and somatization and depression were significantly mediated by avoidant coping, while for women, the relationships between perpetrated verbal aggression and somatization, depression, anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms were significantly mediated by avoidant coping. Findings suggest that, particularly for women, the use of avoidant coping behaviors may exacerbate cycles of victimization by and perpetration of IPV that, in turn, lead to greater psychological distress. The present findings suggest that interventions to reduce IPV should put greater emphasis on the teaching of adaptive coping skills in couple relationships to help reduce the impulse to perpetrate violence, on top of coping skills to deal with experienced violence.

The pandemic within a pandemic: mental health and wellbeing of racially Minoritised women experiencing domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of domestic abuse is greater in times of humanitarian crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. Considerable evidence indicates that domestic abuse disproportionately impacts the mental health and wellbeing of racially Minoritised women. The present study aimed to explore racially Minoritised women's experiences of domestic abuse and mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

METHOD

An online cross-sectional survey was used with racially Minoritised women (n = 1202) in the UK during the third national lockdown.

RESULTS

Results demonstrate complex interplay of psychosocial factors, such as the roles of autonomy, resilience, self-silencing, family functioning, and social support as predictors of mental health and wellbeing during the 'shadow pandemic'.

CONCLUSION

Implications such as incorporating culturally competent mental health support, exploring the complex and multiple underpinnings of mental health in racially Minoritised victim-survivors of domestic abuse for future pandemic preparedness and support provision are discussed.

Global and Regional Prevalence of Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Determinants: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Domestic violence is one of the most significant global public health priorities. This social problem could be accelerated by global catastrophes such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The structural changes due to the imposition of health measures, combined with personal and social problems, may worsen the situation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the global and regional prevalence of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and its determinants.

METHODS

We will perform a comprehensive review of the literature in PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane COVID-19 Register, and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, up to July 2024. This review will adhere to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting guidelines. Observational studies will be considered eligible if they have a population-based design, report the number of cases or prevalence of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, and report potential determinants. Studies in languages other than English, those with unclear data, case reports, conference proceedings, reviews, and letters will be excluded. To assess the methodological quality, a standardized critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data will be used. A robust Bayesian approach will be applied using the STATA software package (version 14; STATA Inc) and JASP 0.19.1 (GNU Affero General Public License [GNU AGPL]) software.

RESULTS

The search and screening for the systematic literature review are anticipated to be finished in October 2024. Data extraction, quality appraisal, and subsequent data synthesis will begin in November 2024. The review is expected to be completed by April 2025, and the study results will be published in 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis will address significant gaps in understanding the pandemic's impact on domestic violence, providing a comprehensive assessment of its prevalence and contributing factors. Despite some limitations, the study incorporates diverse data sources and vulnerable groups to offer a detailed and accurate picture. The findings will inform targeted interventions and policy responses to mitigate the impact of future global crises on domestic violence rates.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022351634; https://tinyurl.com/yth37jkx.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/60963.

Is intimate partner sexual violence a singular violence?

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the specificities of intimate partner sexual violence among heterosexual partners, as well as to contrast them to the sexual violence perpetrated by strangers or acquaintances.

METHOD

A narrative review was conducted to identify relevant findings in the scientific and medical literature to inform about intimate partner sexual violence. Findings were also analysed with the lens of the clinical experience of the authors working with men convicted of intimate partner sexual violence.

RESULTS

Intimate partner sexual violence was legally recognized by article 222-22 of the French Penal Code in 2006. In France rape committed by intimate partners accounts for 34% of rapes of adult women. Intimate partner sexual violence is likely to be underestimated due to variables of individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. Despite a common perception that intimate partner sexual violence is located at the lower end of the severity continuum compared with other forms of sexual violence, studies have shown that intimate sexual violence is as or even more harmful to a woman. Compared to victims of other types of sexual violence, women sexually abused by an intimate partner experience more severe mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, anger, self-blame, increased feelings of shame, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse to cope or suicide attempt. Intimate partner sexual violence is also associated with humiliation and betrayal of trust, greater physical violence, greater risk of sexually transmitted infections, re-victimization, higher risk of serious injury or homicide. Beyond the legal definition of sexual rape, intimate partner sexual violence encompasses a wide range of subtle and complex behaviors such as coercive tactics, blackmail, implicit threat or reproductive control. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown seems to have played a "revealing" or "aggravating" role rather than a "triggering" of intimate violence. The treatment of intimate partner sexual violence is complex and should consider diverse therapeutic strategies to deconstruct the offenders' societal misrepresentations and to make them aware of their partner's inter-subjectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying and understanding intimate partner sexual violence need to be improved both to refine the treatment of the offender-victim dyad and to break down the toxic relational dynamics maintaining abusive behaviors.

Seclusion and mechanical restraint in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: an increased use in mental health settings

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions have significantly changed the environment and the delivery of direct care in all health services, including psychiatric hospitals. The aim of the study is two-fold: 1) to retrospectively assess the incidence of seclusion and mechanical restraint in a Quebec mental health hospital over 4 years; and 2) to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their incidence.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study based on medical records from a Quebec mental health hospital collected (a) from April 2016 to March 2019), (b) from April 2019 to March 2020 (pre-COVID onset), and (c) from April 2020 to March 2021 (post-COVID onset). Descriptive statistics, chi square tests, Mann-Kendall test and Welch's t-test were performed.

Results

Following several years during which the use of restrictive measures remained stable, we have noted a significant increase within the first year following the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase can be seen in the use of both seclusion and restraints, which have risen 205% and 170% respectively.

Conclusion

There are a multitude of factors associated with the incidence of seclusion and restraint that have the potential to be triggered during emergencies and global crisis situations, impacting in turn the rights of an already vulnerable population.

Experiences and actions of part-time firefighters' family members: a critical incident study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences and actions of part-time firefighters' family members in rural areas in Sweden.

DESIGN

The study had an inductive descriptive design and used the critical incident technique.

SETTING

Rural areas, primarily served by a part-time fire station, across Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 25 participants (21 females and 4 males) with experiences of being a family member of a part-time firefighter. Family members who themselves served as firefighters were excluded.

RESULTS

Being a part-time firefighter's family member was described into three main areas of experiences: 'affecting everyday life', 'dealing with uncertainty' and 'being in this together'. Actions taken were divided into two main areas: 'pursuing adaptations' and 'alleviating difficulties'.

CONCLUSIONS

Family members of part-time firefighters faced increased responsibility at home, managing personal inconvenience and frustration. They offered emotional support for the firefighter, however, expressing a need for guidance on handling firefighters' emotions and mental health after call-outs. Despite their crucial role, they often felt unrecognised by the fire and rescue service. Nonetheless, they took pride in their firefighter's contribution to the community and noted positive impacts on the family.

Mental Health Care Resource Utilization of Victims of Interpersonal Violence in the Novel Coronavirus Era

INTRODUCTION

Higher incidences of interpersonal violence were reported throughout the country during the coronavirus (COVID) time period. We aimed to compare health-care encounters and resource utilization related to interpersonal violence with mental health (MH) disorders before and during the pandemic within a year of the index visit for interpersonal violence.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the Delaware Healthcare Claims data of all patients aged ≥16 y who suffered interpersonal violence was performed. Patients were followed up for 1 y pre and post their index visit of interpersonal violence episode during the pre-COVID (March 2018 through December 2018) and the COVID (March 2020 through December 2020) period. Census tract information was used to assess social determinants of health.

RESULTS

There were 431 patients in the COVID period and 527 patients in the pre-COVID period with index violence claim encounters. African American patients were more likely to have a violence encounter during COVID (60.3% versus 47.2%, P < 0.001). Patients in the COVID period were more likely to live in a census tract with public assistance households (median 3.3% versus 2.2%, P = 0.005) and higher unemployment (7.5% versus 7.1%, P = 0.01). In the following year of index violence claim, the mean numbers of MH claim-days for COVID and pre-COVID patients were 19.5 (53.3) and 26.2 (66.2), (P = 0.51). The COVID group had fewer MH claim-days mostly in the second half of the year after the index encounter with an incidence rate ratio of 0.61, 95% CI (0.45-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Racial and socioeconomic disparities were amplified and MH resource utilization was lower during COVID. Further injury prevention efforts should be focused on MH in future pandemics or disasters.

Stalking Discourse on Reddit: A Comparative Analysis of Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Using Big Data

Stalking, a widespread and distressing phenomenon, has recently garnered considerable attention. The advent of digital platforms has revolutionized the landscape of stalking, presenting new avenues and challenges for research. However, the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic on stalking remains underexplored, despite extensive studies on similar crimes such as intimate partner violence and domestic violence. To address this gap, our study focused on Reddit, a prominent online platform with a diverse user base and open discussion. Through an analysis of posts from the subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Stalking/), we sought to compare the discourse on stalking before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We found notable shifts in stalking-related posts before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with the emergence of new topics centered on cyberstalking. We also observed that the experiences of stalking victims have significantly changed following the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our findings, we discussed the implications for policies to help stalking victims.

COVID-19: A national rise in penetrating trauma cared for by a prepared trauma system

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the collective American psyche. Socioeconomic hardships including social isolation led to an increase in firearm sales. Previous regional studies demonstrated increased penetrating trauma during the pandemic but it is unclear if trauma systems were prepared for this influx of penetrating injuries. This study aimed to confirm this increased penetrating trauma trend nationally and hypothesized penetrating trauma patients treated during the pandemic had a higher risk of complications and death, compared to pre-pandemic patients.

Methods

The 2017-2020 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was divided into pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and pandemic years (2020). Bivariate analyses and a multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed controlling for age, comorbidities, injuries, and vitals on arrival.

Results

From 3,525,132 patients, 936,890 (26.6 %) presented during the pandemic. The pandemic patients had a higher rate of stab-wounds (4.8 % vs. 4.5 %, p > 0.001) and gunshot wounds (5.8 % vs. 4.6 %, p < 0.001) compared to pre-pandemic patients. Among penetrating trauma patients, the rate and associated risk of in-hospital complications (5.0 % vs. 5.1 %, p = 0.38) (OR 0.98, CI 0.94-1.02, p = 0.26) was similar between pre-pandemic and pandemic cohorts but adjusted risk of mortality decreased during the pandemic (8.3 % vs. 8.3 %, p = 0.45) (OR 0.92, CI 0.89-0.96, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This national analysis confirms an increased rate of penetrating trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a higher rate of gunshot injuries. However, this did not result in an increased risk of death or complications suggesting that trauma systems across the country were prepared to handle a dual pandemic of COVID and firearm violence.

Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Cyberabuse, Sexual Aggression, and Intimate Partner Violence Among U.S. Young Adults

Quarantine guidelines that arose with the COVID-19 pandemic limited opportunities for social interaction, raising concerns about increases in intimate partner violence and cyberabuse while simultaneously restricting access to help. The current study assessed increases in cyberabuse, sexual aggression, and intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in a U.S. nationally representative sample of young adults ages 18 to 35, recruited from a probability-based household panel. Data were collected between November 2020 and May 2021. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence of any self-reported increase in cyberabuse, sexual aggression, or intimate partner victimization or perpetration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression models were run for each outcome measuring any increase compared to no increase. Approximately one in ten U.S. young adults ages 18 to 35 reported experiencing an increase in cyberabuse victimization (12.6%) and cyberabuse perpetration (8.9%) during the pandemic. Similar proportions were observed for increased sexual aggression victimization (11.8%) and perpetration (9.0%). More than one in five respondents (21.4%) reported that their intimate partner was more physically, sexually, or emotionally aggressive toward them during the pandemic. Conversely, 16.2% of respondents reported that they were more physically, sexually, or emotionally aggressive themselves toward an intimate partner, compared to their behavior before the onset of the pandemic. Having an intimate partner and staying at home more than usual during the pandemic were protective factors for both cyberabuse and sexual aggression victimization. Respondent age, education, and race and ethnicity were not associated with increased victimization or perpetration of cyberabuse or sexual aggression. However, women reported lower odds of increased sexual aggression perpetration than men. These findings improve understanding of changes to interpersonal abuse and associated risk factors during a period of social disruption.

Correlates of verbal and physical violence experienced and perpetrated among cisgender college women: serial cross-sections during one year of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

Violence against women is a prevalent, preventable public health crisis. COVID-19 stressors and pandemic countermeasures may have exacerbated violence against women. Cisgender college women are particularly vulnerable to violence. Thus, we examined the prevalence and correlates of verbal/physical violence experienced and perpetrated among cisgender women enrolled at a New York City college over one year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

From a prospective cohort study, we analyzed data self-reported quarterly (T1, T2, T3, T4) between December 2020 and December 2021. Using generalized estimated equations (GEE) and logistic regression, we identified correlates of experienced and perpetrated violence among respondents who were partnered or cohabitating longitudinally and at each quarter, respectively. Multivariable models included all variables with unadjusted parameters X 2 p-value ≤0.05.

Results

The prevalence of experienced violence was 52% (T1: N = 513), 30% (T2: N = 305), 33% (T3: N = 238), and 17% (T4: N = 180); prevalence of perpetrated violence was 38%, 17%, 21%, and 9%. Baseline correlates of experienced violence averaged over time (GEE) included race, living situation, loneliness, and condom use; correlates of perpetrated violence were school year, living situation, and perceived social support. Quarter-specific associations corroborated population averages: living with family members and low social support were associated with experienced violence at all timepoints except T4. Low social support was associated with higher odds of perpetrated violence at T1/T3. Other/Multiracial identity was associated with higher odds of violence experience at T3.

Conclusions

Living situation was associated with experienced and perpetrated violence in all analyses, necessitating further exploration of household conditions, family dynamics, and interpersonal factors. The protective association of social support with experienced and perpetrated violence also warrants investigation into forms of social engagement and cohesion. Racial differences in violence also require examination. Our findings can inform university policy development on violence and future violence research. Within or beyond epidemic conditions, universities should assess and strengthen violence prevention and support systems for young women by developing programming to promote social cohesion.

Relationship impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions on young women and men in Durban and Soweto, South Africa

To deepen our understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate and/or sexual relationships, we conducted a qualitative study among 26 South African women and men aged 21-30 years in Durban and Soweto between September 2020 and March 2021. Overall, 13 women and 12 men who had been in an intimate and/or sexual relationship since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were asked about the impact of COVID-19 on their relationships with their current or most recent primary partners. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The three most common impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on relationships were on (i) communication and connection; (ii) strained relationships; and (iii) job and economic loss. Both women and men discussed how COVID-19-related lockdowns provided opportunities to foster better communication, connection and support to one another. However, too little or too much time together strained relationships. Finally, income loss among young men meant that some young women became the primary income earner, changing relationship power dynamics. Findings highlight the importance of young people's relationships and the need for action to support young people in building positive relationships in challenging times.

Lethal intimate partner violence and gendered dimensions of the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria: evidence from a descriptive analysis of secondary data

Introduction

Concerns emerged over the escalation of intimate partner violence (IPV) as many governments imposed COVID-19 lockdown measures. This paper examined the lethality trends, gender contexts and sources of fatal IPV during the prelockdown, lockdown and postlockdown years (2019-2021) in Nigeria. This research aims to shed light on the impact of the pandemic lockdown on IPV-related mortalities.

Methods

The study used secondary data from the Nigeria Watch database, an online resource on lethal violence and human security in Nigeria. It relied on IPV datasets extracted and analysed descriptively at the univariate level.

Results

Results indicate a steady increase in IPV-related mortalities, with 205 fatalities-62 in 2019, 69 in 2020 and 74 in 2021-resulting from 180 IPV incidents. Males were the main protagonists, as the majority of IPV victims were women, including female spouses (51%) and female lovers (23%), compared with male spouses (18%) and male lovers (7%). A trend analysis of IPV-related fatalities showed that the worst affected states are in southern Nigeria, with Lagos recording the most cases. Apart from the undefined causes of IPV-related fatalities, more deaths emanated from arguments between intimate partners (50) and infidelity (37). Aside from other reasons, most victims died from dangerous weapons (46) and battering (27).

Conclusion

This paper underscores the steady increase in IPV-related deaths year over year, not just during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and highlights the importance of policy and practise to prevent and respond to IPV incidents.

Maternal and Child Health Services Utilization During COVID-19 in Eastern Ethiopia

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 on maternal and child health service utilization in the Eastern part of Ethiopia. Methods: Comparative analysis was used to examine 2 years of maternal and child health service utilization. Data were extracted from client registers. A traditional Expert Modeler and one-way Analysis of Variance were used to compare service utilization before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 34,576 client records were reviewed, of which 17,100 (49.5%) and 17,476 (50.5%) had visited the MCH service before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. The total client visit has shown a 2% percentage point increase. However, postnatal care and child immunization services showed a decrease. Moreover, there was a significant difference between service visits before and during COVID-19 (f = 4.6, p < 0.04). Conclusion: Mothers and children have missed or unattended facility appointments due to protective impositions or fear of getting infected with COVID-19, which might suggest a higher proportion of MCH issues were not addressed during the pandemic. The health system should therefore improve its resilience and strengthen its access at the lowest health care inlets.

The interrelationship between sleep disturbance symptoms and aggression before and after the campus closure of the COVID-19 pandemic: insight from a cross-lagged panel network model

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is detrimental to sleep quality and increases aggression among college students. Nevertheless, relevant studies were rare. Hence, we collected longitudinal data during and post-campus closure in the current study to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbance and aggression.

Methods

Data from 665 college students (59.2% females, Meanage = 19.01, SD age = 1.25) were collected before (wave 1) and after (wave 2) the campus closure of COVID-19. All participants were asked to fill out the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire and the Youth Self-Rating Insomnia Scale. Two symptom networks and a cross-lagged panel network were formed and tested.

Results

Hostility has the highest centrality in the symptom network both in waves 1 and 2, and it bridges sleep disturbance and aggression. "Easily be woken" - "wake up too early" and "wake up with tired" - "function hindrance" are two important symptom associations in networks of waves 1 and 2. All symptoms except "difficulty in falling asleep" and "easily be woken" ameliorated after closure. Moreover, "physical aggression" and "hostility" can trigger other symptoms in wave 2.

Conclusion

As the first study about aggression and sleep disturbance in the background of COVID-19, we provide valuable information about the relationship between sleep disturbance and aggression on the symptom dimension.

Family and community resilience: a Photovoice study

BACKGROUND

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), in combination with adverse community environments, can result in traumatic stress reactions, increasing a person's risk for chronic physical and mental health conditions. Family resilience refers to the ability of families to withstand and rebound from adversity; it involves coping with disruptions as well as positive growth in the face of sudden or challenging life events, trauma, or adversities. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to family and community resilience from the perspective of families who self-identified as having a history of adversity and being resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study used Photovoice, a visual participatory research method which asks participants to take photographs to illustrate their responses to a research question. Participants consisted of a maximum variation sample of families who demonstrated family level resilience in the context of the pair of ACEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family members were asked to collect approximately five images or videos that illustrated the facilitators and barriers to well-being for their family in their community. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using the SHOWeD framework to allow participants to share and elucidate the meaning of their photos. Using thematic analysis, two researchers then independently completed line-by-line coding of interview transcripts before collaborating to develop consensus regarding key themes and interpretations.

RESULTS

Nine families were enrolled in the study. We identified five main themes that enhanced family resilience: (1) social support networks; (2) factors fostering children's development; (3) access and connection to nature; (4) having a space of one's own; and (5) access to social services and community resources.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of additional stresses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resilient behaviours and strategies for families were identified. The creation or development of networks of intra- and inter-community bonds; the promotion of accessible parenting, housing, and other social services; and the conservation and expansion of natural environments may support resilience and health.

"Safety Is Elusive:" A Critical Discourses Analysis of Newspapers' Reporting of Domestic Violence During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated incidences of domestic violence (DV). The framing of DV within media sources contributes to the public's understanding of DV. Using critical discourse analysis (CDA), this paper explores representations of safety within newspapers' reporting of DV during the pandemic. The sample included newspaper articles (n = 31) from U.S. newspapers. The analysis involved multiple rounds of coding and employing "structured questions." These articles depicted limited courses of action for DV survivors and represented safety as unattainable. Safety was constructed in four ways: homes are unsafe, social services are overburdened, government failures, and the elusiveness of safety. These discursive formations provide insight regarding "idealized" social responses to DV.

Did physical aggression in women increase during the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic? A perspective of facial trauma

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to assess whether there was an increase in physical aggression in women treated in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, through the mandatory quarantine.

METHODS

Data from a cross-sectional study were collected and analyzed, from March 1 to December 31, 2020. Additionally, data from the same period the previous year were collected for comparison.

RESULTS

Of the etiologies reviewed for 2020, physical aggression had the highest percentage increase (+ 4.9%) and was the only etiology that showed a significant difference (p = 0.045). The mean age of the included patients was 34.05 years in 2019 and 33.97 in 2020, and most of the women had facial fractures, with nasal fractures being the most frequent, followed by jaw fractures. There was a significant increase (p = 0.34) in the conservative treatment of fractures from 2019 (48.6%) to 2020 (71.7%) and a minor (p = 0.088) increase in aggression toward intimate partners (2019, 40.9%; 2020, 63.9%).

CONCLUSION

Physical aggression against women increased during the period of mandatory social isolation that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Health professionals, including emergency services professionals, must be trained to identify victims and refer them to specialized care.

M, Moon T, Furdock R, Vallier HA. Changes in interpersonal violence and utilization of trauma recovery services at an urban trauma center in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective, comparative study

Purpose

This study investigated changes in interpersonal violence and utilization of trauma recovery services during the COVID-19 pandemic. At an urban level I trauma center, trauma recovery services (TRS) provide education, counseling, peer support, and coordination of rehabilitation and recovery to address social and mental health needs. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted considerable changes in hospital services and increases in interpersonal victimization.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted between September 6, 2018 and December 20, 2020 for 1,908 victim-of-crime patients, including 574 victims of interpersonal violence. Outcomes included length of stay associated with initial TRS presentation, number of subsequent emergency department visits, number of outpatient appointments, and utilization of specific specialties within the year following the initial traumatic event.

Results

Patients were primarily female (59.4%), single (80.1%), non-Hispanic (86.7%), and Black (59.2%). The mean age was 33.0 years, and 247 patients (49.2%) presented due to physical assault, 132 (26.3%) due to gunshot wounds, and 76 (15.1%) due to sexual assault. The perpetrators were primarily partners (27.9%) or strangers (23.3%). During the study period, 266 patients (mean, 14.9 patients per month) presented before the declaration of COVID-19 as a national emergency on March 13, 2020, while 236 patients (mean, 25.9 patients per month) presented afterward, representing a 74.6% increase in victim-of-crime patients treated. Interactions with TRS decreased during the COVID-19 period, with an average of 3.0 interactions per patient before COVID-19 versus 1.9 after emergency declaration (P<0.01). Similarly, reductions in length of stay were noted; the pre-COVID-19 average was 3.6 days, compared to 2.1 days post-COVID-19 (P=0.01).

Conclusions

While interpersonal violence increased, TRS interactions decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting interruption of services, COVID-19 precautions, and postponement/cancellation of elective visits. Future direction of hospital policy to enable resource and service delivery to this population, despite internal and external challenges, appears warranted.

Unveiling the Dark Nexus: A systematic review on the interplay of mental health, substance abuse, and socio-cultural factors in femicide

A shared definition of femicide would help to distinguish it from the murder of a woman and understand its root causes favoring prevention. We conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to assess how (and if) femicide cases were related to mental disorders. Articles papers that explicitly define or discuss femicides or articles that, albeit not expressly mention femicides, thoroughly compare generic homicides and homicides with female victims. We analyse 3546 articles were retrieved from the databases, and 75 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the SLR. Many forms of femicide emerge worldwide as people's values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours evolve (intimate partner femicide, femicide-suicide, religious femicide, honour, revolt femicide) and state of vulnerability. A tiny percentage of femicides occur at the hands of subjects with diagnosed mental disorders, and controversies exist regarding the possible link between femicide and the use of drugs and/or alcohol and other factors. The complex problem of violence against women must be addressed with a transdisciplinary approach and targeted interventions for both the victims and the perpetrators. The present SLR shows that it is not possible to link femicides to mental disorders and that socio and cultural factors appear to be more relevant. Further quantitative research is warranted to disentangle the root causes of this heinous phenomenon plaguing our times. Our studies show that using the proposed definition of feminicide would help to delimit and adequately recognise violence in courtrooms, promote the culture of equality, and identify adequate policy strategies for prevention.

Domestic Violence in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Synthesis of Systematic Reviews

The current systematic meta-review aimed to map out, characterize, analyze, and synthesize the overarching findings of systematic reviews on domestic violence (DV) in the context of COVID-19. Specifically, a systematic meta-review was conducted with three main objectives: (1) to identify what types and aspects of DV during COVID-19 have been reviewed systematically to date (research trends), (2) to synthesize the findings from recent systematic reviews of the theoretical and empirical literature (main findings), and (3) to discuss what systematic reviewers have proposed about implications for policy and practice as well as for future primary research (implications). We identified, appraised, and synthesized the evidence contained in systematic reviews by means of a so-called systematic meta-review. In all, 15 systematic reviews were found to be eligible for inclusion in the current review. Thematic codes were applied to each finding or implication in accordance with a set of predetermined categories informed by the DV literature. The findings of this review provide clear insight into current knowledge of prevalence, incidence, and contributing factors, which could help to develop evidence-informed DV prevention and intervention strategies during COVID-19 and future extreme events. This systematic meta-review does offer a first comprehensive overview of the research landscape on this subject. It allows scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to recognize initial patterns in DV during COVID-19, identify overlooked areas that need to be investigated and understood further, and adjust research methods that will lead to more robust studies.

Visualization of the field of knowledge in sexual violence: a scientometric analysis based on citespace

BACKGROUND

Sexual violence (SV) is a serious public health problem affecting millions of people each year. The main aim of this article is to provide a large-scale snapshot of the field of knowledge in SV research using a scientometric approach.

METHODS

Documents were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Then, a scientometric study was carried out on a sample of 65,610 documents. Co-citation and co-occurrence measures have been calculated and related networks have been drawn using Citespace and Biblioshiny software.

RESULTS

The main findings indicate that research in SV has increased significantly in recent years. On the other hand, the publication of about one-third of these documents by a single author is due to the special nature of this topic and its taboo in many societies. In addition, a large number of multimedia documents demonstrate the role and importance of multimedia resources in SV studies. Despite the attention to SV research by poor or developing countries to research in the field of SV, 95% of the documents have been published by 20 developed countries. Additionally, the general research approach has changed from criminology to psychology.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, it seems that the discussion of psychological disorders in the occurrence of sexual violence reveals a new approach to SV. The concepts related to SV have been linked to broader areas than in the past. This, along with emphasizing prevention topics in the long term, will increase awareness of SV and reduce the possibility of abuse of vulnerable people.

Characterizing Intimate Partner Violence in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global health concern. Numerous research studies document increases in IPV since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Despite this widespread recognition, research around the nature of this violence is still growing. This systematic review summarizes the existing literature documenting the prevalence and characteristics of IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inclusion criteria are as follows: reported original data empirical study, assessed for IPV among adult population in the United States, and was published in English between December 2019 and March 2022. A total of 53 articles were then independently reviewed and sorted into four thematic subcategories: victimization, perpetration, articles addressing victimization and perpetration, and provider perspectives. Studies document consistent increases in the prevalence of IPV victimization and perpetration. Providers within agencies providing support to individuals impacted by IPV also documented increased strain on the agencies.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trends and characteristics of natural and unnatural deaths in an urban Sri Lankan cohort viewed through retrospective analysis of forensic death investigations from 2019 to 2022

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a severe impact on global health. Apart from the disease itself, the strict restrictions and lockdowns enforced to minimize its spread have also substantially disrupted personal and public health.

METHODS

An analysis of forensic autopsy investigations was conducted between 2019 and 2022 on a selected urban population in Colombo, Sri Lanka, assessing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality within these communities.

RESULTS

During the COVID-19 restrictions, there was a 2.5-fold increase in the total number of deaths, with a significantly higher percentage of female deaths than before. The majority of these deaths were due to cardiovascular causes, while COVID-19-related deaths ranked third overall. The highest proportion of COVID-19 deaths occurred among unvaccinated females. The monthly frequency of deaths from traffic accidents, poisoning, and asphyxiation decreased, while deaths from blunt trauma, sharp trauma, burns, and immersion increased. There was also a rise in blunt homicides and a greater number of femicides during the COVID-19 restrictions than in the pre-pandemic period. A significantly higher percentage of males who received the COVID-19 vaccine died from cardiovascular causes compared to those in the unvaccinated group.

CONCLUSION

The significant changes in mortality demographics and causes of death within this community during the COVID-19 restrictions underscore the disruption in healthcare, healthseeking behavior, and social interactions during this period. The vulnerability of individuals residing in highly urbanized areas with lower socioeconomic status, particularly women, is brought into sharp focus.

Understanding ART Adherence among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Western Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study of Barriers and Facilitators

BACKGROUND

HIV remains a leading cause of death for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. This population has a high incidence of HIV and other comorbidities, such as experiencing violence, and low antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. To reach global HIV goals, data are needed on the specific adherence barriers for AGYW living with HIV, so interventions can be targeted effectively.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were collected at urban and rural health facilities in and around Kisumu County, western Kenya, from January to June 2022, from AGYW 15-24 years of age who were living with HIV. Surveys included questions on intimate partner violence, mental health issues, food security, and orphanhood. Adherence was categorized using viral load testing where available and the Center for Adherence Support Evaluation (CASE) adherence index otherwise. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential explanatory variables and adherence.

FINDINGS

In total, 309 AGYW participated. AGYW with experiences of emotional violence (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.94, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.03-3.66), moderate or severe depression (OR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.47-6.94), and/or substance use (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.24-5.92) had significantly higher odds of poor adherence when compared to AGYW without these respective experiences. Physical and sexual violence, food insecurity, and orphanhood were not associated with poor adherence in this cohort.

INTERPRETATION

Elucidating the risk factors associated with poor adherence among AGYW living with HIV allows us to identify potential targets for future interventions to improve ART adherence and HIV care outcomes. Mental health and violence prevention interventions, including combination interventions, may prove to be promising approaches.

Vulnerability in adolescents' daily life during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To know the vulnerability in adolescents' daily life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

Qualitative research carried out with 25 adolescents from a public school in a municipality in southern Brazil in the second half of 2021 through individual semi-structured interviews. Data were submitted to thematic content analysis and interpreted with the vulnerability theoretical framework.

RESULTS

These adolescents' daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic presented difficulties in keeping family members working, changing habits and routines, accessing classes, the internet and increasing intra-family violence.

CONCLUSION

Vulnerability in adolescents' daily life during the pandemic can be identified as the absence of interaction in the school context and access to learning resources, reflecting on individual and social vulnerability. Unemployment and possible access to other sources of income have an impact on programmatic vulnerability. Reflection on practices in the context of health and school is suggested, based on the vulnerability identified in adolescents' daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Natural language processing analysis of the psychosocial stressors of mental health disorders during the pandemic

Over the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has exerted various impacts on the world, notably concerning mental health. Nevertheless, the precise influence of psychosocial stressors on this mental health crisis remains largely unexplored. In this study, we employ natural language processing to examine chat text from a mental health helpline. The data was obtained from a chat helpline called Safe Hour from the "It Gets Better" project in Chile. This dataset encompass 10,986 conversations between trained professional volunteers from the foundation and platform users from 2018 to 2020. Our analysis shows a significant increase in conversations covering issues of self-image and interpersonal relations, as well as a decrease in performance themes. Also, we observe that conversations involving themes like self-image and emotional crisis played a role in explaining both suicidal behavior and depressive symptoms. However, anxious symptoms can only be explained by emotional crisis themes. These findings shed light on the intricate connections between psychosocial stressors and various mental health aspects in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Domestic violence against women has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic: A perspective paper about the need for change to current and future practice

The COVID-19 outbreak led to widespread disruption and stress to people's lives. Concern about the escalation of domestic violence (DV) rates and related mental health issues soon emerged following the implementation of strategies aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. This perspective paper presents an overview of the issues, argues for greater recognition of the link between DV against women and serious emotional distress, and the need for greater awareness and knowledge about DV among mental health professionals. While we acknowledge that men also experience DV, their rates are much lower than for women and in this paper our focus is on women.

Early COVID-Related pandemic impacts and subsequent opioid outcomes among persons receiving medication for opioid use disorder: a secondary data analysis of a Type-3 hybrid trial

BACKGROUND

Opioid overdoses have continued to increase since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pathways through which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected trajectories of opioid use and opioid-related problems are largely unknown. Using the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII), a novel instrument that assess pandemic-related impacts across multiple life domains, we tested the hypothesis that COVID-related impacts (on e.g., interpersonal conflict, employment, infection exposure, and emotional health) experienced in the early months of the pandemic would predict changes in opioid use and opioid-related problems at follow-up.

METHODS

This analysis was embedded within a cluster randomized type 3 implementation-effectiveness hybrid trial that had enrolled 188 patients across eight opioid treatments prior to the start of the pandemic. Participants had all been recently inducted on medication for opioid use disorder and were actively receiving treatment. Participants reported on their opioid use and opioid-related problems at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 9-month post-baseline assessments. Between May and August 2020, participants were sent an optional invitation to complete the EPII.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-three respondents completed the EPII and 129 had sufficient data to analyze the EPII and at least one subsequent follow-up. In logistic and zero-inflated negative binomial analyses adjusting for covariates, each endorsed pandemic impact in the interpersonal conflict domain was associated with 67% increased odds of endorsement of any opioid use, and each impact in the employment and infection exposure-domains was associated with 25% and 75% increases in number of endorsed opioid-related problems, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Mitigating the effect of the pandemic on patients' interpersonal relationships and employment, and promoting greater infection control in opioid treatment programs, could be protective against negative opioid-related outcomes. Trial registration The present study describes secondary data analysis on a previously registered clinical trial: clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931174.

Domestic and Community Violence in Greece After the First COVID-19 Quarantine: A Clinical Forensic Approach

Many scientists expressed their concerns regarding the impact of COVID-19-related quarantine measures on interpersonal violence, mainly concerning children and intimate partners, as well as other negative psychological effects. During early 2020, free circulation in Greece was prohibited for 42 days, up until May 4th. The aim of our study was to investigate characteristics of bodily harm allegation cases referred to the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, during the first month succeeding free circulation re-establishment in the broader Attica region. We also aimed to detect any possible differences regarding bodily harm allegations by comparing the corresponding time period of 2019. A decrease in community violence (CV) allegations, especially youth violence incidents, was observed in 2020. Females' victimization, as well as allegations against strangers, were also decreased. No differences were observed concerning the injury mechanism. Victims of 2020 filed the allegations faster and, thus, were examined almost one day earlier than their 2019 counterparts. During lockdown, domestic violence (DV) hotline reporting was significantly increased, but paradoxically DV cases referred to our Department were decreased. In Greece, the legislators did not foresee any specific exemption from circulation restriction for DV victims attempting to escape abuse. Our results revealed a small, but notable, impact on non-fatal interpersonal violence.

Comparison of Burden of Injury at a Tertiary Care Centre of National Importance: Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Era

During the COVID-19 pandemic, precautionary guidelines to shut down non-essential services had an impact on the pattern of hospital trauma admissions. We compared the trauma cases handled in our hospital from 24th March 2020 to 30th November 2020 during the restricted movement period with statistics from 2019. The objectives of this study is to assess the prevalence of trauma during lockdown and restricted movement phase of COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze the epidemiology factor associated with trauma in pre COVID-19 and COVID-19 era in a tertiary care hospital of National importance in central India. This retrospective record-based study was done to analyze the profile of injured trauma patients presented to trauma and emergency center of tertiary care center of national importance from March 24 to June 30, 2020 (lockdown phase) and 1st July to 30th November (post-lockdown phase) of 2020. Results were compared with data from the year 2019. Total 621 trauma patients were managed during various restricted phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 - November 2020). Out of which 128 admissions were in the strict lockdown phase (March-May 2020) while 493 presented after lockdown during the restricted movement phase. Both during and after a strict lockdown, road traffic accidents are significantly reduced. In contrast, assaults and household injuries were significantly higher. During the post-lockdown phase of 2020, self-falls increased significantly in both phases compared to the year 2019. There was a significant decrease in trauma admissions in lockdown phase due to decreased vehicular accident but increase in household injury due increased activities inside home. To determine the readiness to deal with future situations similar to these, we look at the behavioral changes in our patient population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychological Reactions during and after a Lockdown: Self-Efficacy as a Protective Factor of Mental Health

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of home confinement/social isolation (i.e., lockdown), imposed to reduce large-scale spread of a disease in the population, on the mental health of individuals. Through an online survey during the lockdown (DL) related to COVID-19 (1085 respondents, 627 females, agerange: 18-82) (Italy, 23 April-2 May 2020), we revealed that situational factors, i.e., the presence of children at home and female gender, and psychological factors, i.e., a greater sense of isolation, lower perception of safety outside the home and higher trait anxiety, predicted higher levels of state anxiety (R2 = 0.58). The same factors, but with young age instead of the presence of children, predicted higher levels of perceived stress (R2 = 0.63). Then, these data were compared with those collected after the lockdown (AL) (174 respondents, 128 females, agerange: 19-78) (Italy, 1 July-31 October 2021). The results showed that along with a reduced sense of isolation (DL = 2.90 vs. AL = 2.10) and an increased perception of safety outside the home (DL = 2.63 vs. AL = 3.05), a reduction in state anxiety (DL = 45.76 vs. AL= 40.88) and stress appeared (DL = 18.84 vs. AL = 17.63). However, the situation was better for men than for women. Perceived self-efficacy emerged as a protective factor for mental health (R2range: 0.03-0.27). The results are discussed in light of the evidence on the effects of lockdown on individuals worldwide. These results may be used to make more educated decisions on targeted help for individuals who may be most adversely affected by the adoption of lockdowns in the future.

COVID-19 and sexual violence against women: A qualitative study about young people and professionals' perspectives in Spain

There is an increasing awareness of the magnitude of different forms of sexual violence (SV), especially in relation to youth. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a negative impact on different forms of violence against women. In this study, we aim to analyse SV in the COVID-19 lockdown among young people and SV-related services from the perspective of professionals and young people from different sectors in Spain with responsibilities in attending SV and other forms of violence against women-related. A qualitative content analysis was performed on semi-structured interviews with 23 women and men aged 18 to 24 and 15 professionals working with youth and/or in violence against women or sexual violence related services. The sample was from northern, eastern and central regions of Spain. According to the professionals' experience, the COVID-19 lockdown lessened their ability to work on violence prevention. Both informants perceived that sexual violence had decreased in public spaces whereas it increased in digital ones and noticed the silence surrounding violent situations had deepened. However, they differed regarding its impact on sexual violence within intimate partners, mainly due to the lack of awareness of this problem among young men. In regard to violence against women and sexual violence, our results highlight the need to develop protocols for action and improve resource accessibility in crisis contexts.

Resilience, Coping, and the Covid-19 Pandemic Across the Globe - an Update: What Have we Learned?

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is a mass traumatic event that has universally and indiscriminately negatively affected the world. The adverse consequences of the pandemic have globally impacted psychological health and well-being via increased stressors, such as uncertainty, health anxieties, and financial instability. During the initial months of the pandemic, we (Polizzi et al., 2020) identified coping strategies that may be well-suited to address the sequelae of the pandemic. These strategies included behavioral activation, acceptance-based coping, mindfulness practice, and loving-kindness meditation. We argued that these coping skills may foster resilience and recovery during the pandemic by generating a sense of social connection, encouraging meaning-making, and enhancing feelings of control amid uncertainty. Three years later, we update our initial suggestions by providing a narrative review that considers empirical evidence collected during the pandemic to support the utility of the previously identified coping strategies as well as additional strategies. We also discuss cross-cultural similarities and differences among these strategies and how research supports their application across diverse countries and groups. Finally, we conclude by synthesizing the literature within a regulatory flexibility framework that emphasizes flexible skill implementation with respect to sensitivity to context, coping repertoires, and feedback from the environment.

[A cross-sectional study of suicide attempt reports in Colombia during the covid-19 pandemic]

Objective

To characterize the population that reports cases of attempted suicide during the confinement period and immediate post-confinement in Colombia according to the official reports collected by the epidemiological surveillance system of the National Institute of Health (Sivigila) and to determine if there are patterns of presentation and variations concerning the characteristics of the population that reported cases in 2019.

Methods

A serial cross-sectional descriptive observational study and multiple correspondence analysis on epidemiological surveillance sheets of "suicide attempts" collected in Colombia from March 25 to December 31, 2020, and during the same period in 2019.

Results

42,102 reports of "Attempted Suicide" were analyzed (23,745 in 2019 and 18,357 in 2020), and there was a reduction in approximately 23% of the number of reports in the year 2020 compared to the year 2019. In addition, patterns of presence were found considering the sociodemographic characteristics of the reporters, but no differences were identified between the annual periods studied.

Conclusions

Although in the year 2020, there was a reduction in the number of official reports collected of "suicide attempts", it cannot be affirmed that there was an effective decrease in cases of this event in the country.

How Do Women React to the COVID-19 Pandemic Period? Relationship Between Ego-Resiliency, Anxiety, Alcohol Consumption and Aggression Among Polish Women

Purpose

There are many reports in the literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, including the condition of women. Most of these studies refer to a single time point, while there is a lack of studies controlling for selected parameters during different periods of the pandemic. This work aimed to determine the role of ego-resiliency in women's adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patients and Methods

The survey was conducted in two stages - all via online forms. A total of 762 Polish women took part in the overall project. The scales used in the study were the Ego-resiliency scale (ER89-R12), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Scale (GAD-7), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.3.

Results

Women participating in the second study had significantly lower scores on ego-resilience and its components compared to the first study. In the first research, ego-resiliency and optimal regulation were statistically significantly correlated with anxiety, alcohol consumption, generalised aggression, verbal aggression and hostility, while openness to life experiences was correlated with alcohol consumption and hostility. The second part of the project highlighted new significant correlations between ego-resiliency and optimal regulation and physical aggression and anger, but a non-significant correlation of these variables with alcohol consumption. The effect of openness to life experiences on alcohol consumption and anxiety, evident in the first study, was no longer present in the second part of the study.

Conclusion

The lack of a significant effect of openness to life experience on alcohol consumption, lower ego-resiliency and optimal regulation scores are observed in the second part of the research, which might be an expression of adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ego-resiliency is a protective factor against aggression, while optimal regulation against anxiety among Polish women.

Domestic Violence in Cross-Border Marriages: A Systematic Review

Cross-border marriages have been found to be associated with domestic violence due to the migration experiences of the couples concerned and the stress experienced before, during, and after migration, despite local and international legislation on domestic violence. A systematic review using the PRISMA Statement was conducted to examine the relationship between domestic violence and cross-border marriages among cross-border wives from Asian countries. Six databases-Taylor & Francis Online, Wiley Online, Scopus, Web of Science, Sage Journals, and Springer Online library, were used in the research which found 179 articles for eligibility and 58 articles were finally used in the review. To be included, studies must have addressed domestic violence and cross-border marriage among Asians, report qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, addressed the RQs, been published in polished English between 2010 and 2020 and published in a reputable journal with high impact factor. The systematic review found that immigration status, citizenship, culture, language barrier, diversity/intersectionality, age, and economic dependence are the risk factors for domestic violence, which leads effects such as divorce or separation, racism, loneliness, loss of identity & inheritance, stigma, abandonment, and discrimination. Yet these cross-border wives resorted to NGOs, social & religious groups, and traditional beliefs as coping strategies. The review suggests that legislations on domestic violence should be amended to include a definition of the rights of immigrant women, and the plight of cross-border wives, which should be protected. It is also imperative to propose favorable laws and policies regarding immigration status and citizenship for these cross-border couples.

COVID-19 and Family Distancing Efforts: Contextual Demographic and Family Conflict Correlates

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, family members have spent more time together at home. This study introduces the concept of "family distancing"-the efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus to family members. We explore which demographic characteristics are associated with family distancing efforts and how the family distancing efforts are associated with family conflicts. Survey data were collected from adults (N = 324, M = 37 years; SD = 10.5 years; 65.1% female) in Korea. We found that gender, education, marital status, physical health status, and number of family members who live together were significantly associated with family distancing efforts. In addition, lower compliance with the request for family distancing was significantly associated with a higher degree of negative emotions (i.e., anger), which in turn was associated with more family conflict. The findings highlight the potential importance of family distancing efforts to maintain health but also their potential to increase family conflict.

Single Institute Audit of Maxillofacial Trauma Cases Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic

Study Design

In the year 2020, we saw the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causing COVID-19 into a full blown pandemic. This resulted in constraints on healthcare resources, and the attention was shifted to reduce cross contamination and prevent spreader events. Maxillofacial trauma care was also affected similarly, and most of the cases were managed by closed reduction whenever possible. A retrospective study was conducted to document our experience in treating maxillofacial trauma cases before and after nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare the effect of pandemic in reported pattern of mandibular trauma and the result of closed reduction procedures in the management of single or multiple fractures in mandible during this time period.

Methods

The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Maulana Azad institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi, for a period of 20 months, that is, 10 months before and after nationwide lock down which was effective from 23rd March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. The cases were grouped into Group A (those reporting from 1st June 2019 to 31st March 2020) and Group B (those reporting from 1st April 2020 to 31st January 2021). Primary objectives were assessed and compared according to etiology, gender, location of the mandibular fractures, and treatment provided. Quality of life (QoL) associated with the treatment outcome by closed reduction was assessed after 2 months as a secondary objective using General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) in Group B.

Results

A total of 798 patients sought treatment for mandibular fractures and included 476 patients in Group A and 322 in Group B. The groups showed similar age and male: female ratio. Cases showed a steep fall during first wave of pandemic, and most of the cases occurred as result of RTA followed by fall and assault. The fractures due to fall and assault showed an obvious rise during the lockdown period. There were 718 (89.97%) patients having exclusive mandibular fractures and 80 (10.03%) patients having involvement of both mandible and maxilla. Single fractures of mandible constituted 110 (23.11%) and 58 (18.01%) in Group A and B, respectively. 324 patients (68.07%) and 226 patients (70.19%) had multiple fractures involving mandible in respective groups. Parasymphysis of mandible was most commonly involved (24.31%) followed closely by unilateral condyle (23.48%) then Angle and Ramus of mandible (20.71%) with coronoid being the least fractured. During the initial 6 months after lockdown, all the cases were treated successfully using closed reduction. GOHAI QoL assessment conducted in cases having exclusive mandibular fracture (210 Multiple, 48 Single) showed favorable results with significant (P < .05) difference between the single and multiple fractures.

Conclusions

After one and half years and recovering from the second wave of pandemic that hit the country, we have come to understand COVID-19 better and embraced better management protocol. The study reveals that IMF remains the gold standard for the management of most of the facial fractures in pandemic situations. It was evident from the QoL data that most of the patients were able to carry out their day-to-day functions adequately. As the country prepares for a third wave of pandemic, management of maxillofacial trauma by closed reduction will remain the norm for most unless indicated otherwise.

Gender-based violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations for future

BACKGROUND

Gender-based violence (GBV) includes any physical, sexual, psychological, economic harms, and any suffering of women in the form of limiting their freedom in personal or social life. As a global crisis, COVID-19 has exposed women to more violence, which requires serious actions. This work aims to review the most critical dimensions of the GBV against women, effective factors on it, and strategies for combating it during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide recommendations for future pandemics.

METHODS

This study was conducted based on PRISMA-ScR. First, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched in April 2021 with no time limitation and location using the related keywords to COVID-19 and GBV. The searched keywords were COVID-19, gender-based violence, domestic violence, sexual violence, women, violence, abuse, and their synonyms in MESH and EMTREE. Duplicates were removed, titles and abstracts were screened, and then the characteristics and main results of included studies were recorded in the data collection form in terms of thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 6255 records were identified, of which 3433 were duplicates. Based on inclusion criteria 2822 titles and abstracts were screened. Finally, 14 studies were eligible for inclusion in this study. Most of these studies were conducted in the United States, the Netherlands, and Iran, mostly with interventional and qualitative methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Strengthening ICT infrastructure, providing comprehensive government policies and planning, government economic support, social support by national and international organizations should be considered by countries worldwide. It is suggested that countries provide sufficient ICT infrastructure, comprehensive policies and planning, economic support, social support by collaboration between national and international organizations, and healthcare supporting to manage incidence of GBV against women in future pandemics.

Investigating the psychological effects of home quarantine during the early peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey from Iran

We assessed psychological symptoms among individuals who were quarantined during early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) peaks. This cross-sectional study was performed during April-October 2020 in Iran. We surveyed 100 individuals with COVID-19 patients in their families and 100 others with health conditions associated with a higher risk of developing critical forms of COVID-19 infection, who have completed at least 14 days of home quarantine. Validated Persian versions of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress and 22-item Impact of Event Scale-Revised were used to measure the symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and distress. The rates of stress, anxiety, depression and quarantine-related distress were 46.5, 48.5, 57.0 and 80.5%, respectively; however, they were not significantly different between the contact and no-contact groups. Female sex and being unemployed were significantly associated with quarantine-related distress, P  = 0.007 and P  = 0.018, respectively. Independent risk factors for anxiety were a history of medical comorbidity ( P  = 0.025) and contact with COVID-19 patients ( P  = 0.007). Findings show high prevalence rates of psychological symptoms among quarantined individuals, regardless of whether they had contact with COVID-19 patients or not. Female sex and unemployment were risk factors for quarantine-related distress.