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Brewster RCL, Azad AD, Acosta K, Starmer A, Sprecher E, Rea C, Gray KP, Regan S, Wilson J, Bayuh F, Buncher N, Hauptman M. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Childhood Lead Testing and Blood Lead Levels. Acad Pediatr 2024; 24:810-814. [PMID: 37979935 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood lead testing and blood lead levels. METHODS A retrospective analysis of lead tests and results was performed across 3 urban medical centers during the pre-COVID-19 (March 10, 2019-March 9, 2020) and COVID-19 (March 10, 2020-March 10, 2022) periods. Interrupted time series analysis with quasi-Poisson regression was used to evaluate changes in lead testing between study periods. The relationship between sociodemographic features with detectable (≧2 µg/dL) and elevated (≧3.5 µg/dL) blood lead levels (BLLs) was assessed with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Among a total of 16,364 lead tests across 10,362 patients, weekly testing rates significantly decreased during COVID-19 (relative risk (RR) 0.64, 95% (confidence interval) CI 0.53-0.78). Census tracts with the greatest proportion of pre-1950s housing had a stronger association with detectable BLLs during the COVID-19 period (pre-COVID-19 adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.73, 95% CI 1.35-2.20; aOR 2.58, 95% CI 2.13-3.12; interaction P value .014). When limited to 1 year following COVID-19 (March 10, 2020-March 10, 2021), the association between both elevated BLLs (pre-COVID-19: aOR 1.49, 95% CI 0.87-2.53; COVID-19: aOR 3.51, 95% CI 1.98-6.25; interaction P value .032) and detectable BLLs with pre-1950s housing were greater during the COVID-19 period (pre-COVID-19: aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.35-2.20; COVID-19: aOR 2.56, 95% CI 1.95-3.34; interaction P value .034). CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in lead surveillance and magnified the effect of known risk factors for lead exposure. Concerted clinical, public health, and community advocacy are needed to address care gaps and excess cases of lead poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C L Brewster
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, KP Gray, S Reagan, F Bayuh, and M Hauptman), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster and N Buncher), Boston Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, and M Hauptman), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| | - Amee D Azad
- Department of Ophthalmology (AD Azad), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Mass
| | - Keith Acosta
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, KP Gray, S Reagan, F Bayuh, and M Hauptman), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, and M Hauptman), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Amy Starmer
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, KP Gray, S Reagan, F Bayuh, and M Hauptman), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, and M Hauptman), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Eli Sprecher
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, KP Gray, S Reagan, F Bayuh, and M Hauptman), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, and M Hauptman), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Corinna Rea
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, KP Gray, S Reagan, F Bayuh, and M Hauptman), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, and M Hauptman), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Kathryn P Gray
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, KP Gray, S Reagan, F Bayuh, and M Hauptman), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Institutional Centers of Clinical and Translational Research (KP Gray), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Shannon Regan
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, KP Gray, S Reagan, F Bayuh, and M Hauptman), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Joseph Wilson
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (J Wilson), Boston, Mass
| | - Frehiwot Bayuh
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, KP Gray, S Reagan, F Bayuh, and M Hauptman), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Noah Buncher
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster and N Buncher), Boston Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Region 1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (N Buncher and M Hauptman), Boston, Mass
| | - Marissa Hauptman
- Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, KP Gray, S Reagan, F Bayuh, and M Hauptman), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics (RCL Brewster, K Acosta, A Starmer, E Sprecher, C Rea, and M Hauptman), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Region 1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (N Buncher and M Hauptman), Boston, Mass
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Richter WR, Weston BL, Sunderman MM, Willenberg Z, Ratliff K, Wood JP. Neutralization of ricin toxin on building interior surfaces using liquid decontaminants. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302967. [PMID: 38722908 PMCID: PMC11081333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ricin is a highly toxic protein, capable of inhibiting protein synthesis within cells, and is produced from the beans of the Ricinus communis (castor bean) plant. Numerous recent incidents involving ricin have occurred, many in the form of mailed letters resulting in both building and mail sorting facility contamination. The goal of this study was to assess the decontamination efficacy of several commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cleaners and decontaminants (solutions of sodium hypochlorite [bleach], quaternary ammonium, sodium percarbonate, peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide) against a crude preparation of ricin toxin. The ricin was inoculated onto four common building materials (pine wood, drywall joint tape, countertop laminate, and industrial carpet), and the decontaminants were applied to the test coupons using a handheld sprayer. Decontamination efficacy was quantified using an in-vitro cytotoxicity assay to measure the quantity of bioactive ricin toxin extracted from test coupons as compared to the corresponding positive controls (not sprayed with decontaminant). Results showed that decontamination efficacy varied by decontaminant and substrate material, and that efficacy generally improved as the number of spray applications or contact time increased. The solutions of 0.45% peracetic acid and the 20,000-parts per million (ppm) sodium hypochlorite provided the overall best decontamination efficacy. The 0.45% peracetic acid solution achieved 97.8 to 99.8% reduction with a 30-min contact time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bailey L. Weston
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | | | - Zach Willenberg
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Katherine Ratliff
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
| | - Joseph P. Wood
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
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Alahmari AA, Khan AA, Alamri FA, Almuzaini YS, Habash AK, Jokhdar H. Healthcare policies, precautionary measures and outcomes of mass gathering events in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: Expedited review. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17 Suppl 1:27-33. [PMID: 37059635 PMCID: PMC10049799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, several countries suspended or restricted mass gathering (MG) events to mitigate the risk of superspreading events. Prohibiting MGs aimed to lessen the likelihood of highly infectious persons coming into close contact with many others. Now that the world has opened its doors wide and removed most of precautionary measures, many questions arise. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the policies and regulations that were implemented for the safe return of MG events. Besides, we highlighted the impact of the return of MG events during 2021 on the trajectory of COVID-19 spread. Canceling MG events can carry religious, societal, economic, and public negative consequences necessitating the safe return of these events. The experience with the COVID-19 pandemic was the foundation for the recommendations for the safe conduction of MG events during the pandemic by international public health bodies. When policymakers adequately applied precautionary measures and strategic approaches, we witnessed the safe holding of huge MG events without aggravating the COVID-19 situation or increasing the number of new cases beyond the capacity and readiness of the national healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Alahmari
- Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas A Khan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A Alamri
- Global Centre of Mass Gatherings Medicine, Family Medicine, Primary Health Centre, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Yasir S Almuzaini
- Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alia K Habash
- Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Jokhdar
- Deputyship of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Fernandes A, Ferreira S, Moreira P, Machado-Sousa M, Couto B, Raposo-Lima C, Costa P, Morgado P, Picó-Pérez M. Stress, anxiety, and depression trajectories during the "first wave" of the COVID-19 pandemic: what drives resilient, adaptive and maladaptive responses in the Portuguese population? Front Public Health 2024; 12:1333997. [PMID: 38414900 PMCID: PMC10897044 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1333997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 outbreak and the community mitigation strategies implemented to reduce new SARS-CoV-2 infections can be regarded as powerful stressors with negative consequences on people's mental health. Although it has been shown that negative emotional symptoms subside during lockdown, it is likely the existence of inter-individual differences in stress, anxiety and depression trajectories throughout lockdown. Objectives We aimed to cluster participants' according to their trajectories of stress, anxiety and depression scores throughout lockdown, and identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors that may distinguish the subjects included in the different clusters. Methods From March 23, 2020, to May 31, 2020, participants completed weekly online questionnaires on sociodemographic information (age, sex, education level, and employment status), psychological functioning (DASS-21, NEO-FFI-20), and clinical data (psychiatric disorders, psychiatric medication, physical disorders). Data regarding smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and time spent daily looking for COVID-19-related information were also collected. Stress, anxiety and depression trajectories were determined using latent class mixed models. Results A total of 2040 participants answered the survey at baseline and 603 participants answered all surveys. Three groups ("Resilient," "Recovered," and "Maladaptive") with distinct mental health trajectories were identified. Younger participants, women, participants with lower education level, not working, studying, diagnosed with a mental disorder, taking psychiatric medication, smokers, those who spent more time consuming COVID-19-related information and those with higher neuroticism tended to cluster in the "Maladaptive" group, placing them at higher risk of persistent negative emotional symptoms during compulsory confinement. Conclusion Accordingly, a tailored approach to emotional suffering for vulnerable subjects during the COVID-19 and future pandemics must be devised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afonso Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sónia Ferreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Moreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- Psychological Neuroscience Lab, CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Machado-Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Couto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Raposo-Lima
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Patrício Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Morgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Maria Picó-Pérez
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
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Lanciano T, Alfeo F, Curci A, Marin C, D'Uggento AM, Decarolis D, Öner S, Anthony K, Barzykowski K, Bascón M, Benavides A, Cabildo A, de la Mata-Benítez ML, Ergen İ, Filip K, Gofman A, Janssen SMJ, Kai-Bin Z, Markostamou I, Matías-García JA, Nourkova V, Oleksiak S, Santamaría A, Szpunar K, Taylor A, Watson LA, Zheng J. The flashbulb-like nature of memory for the first COVID-19 case and the impact of the emergency. A cross-national survey. Memory 2024; 32:264-282. [PMID: 38315731 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2024.2310554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Flashbulb memories (FBMs) refer to vivid and long-lasting autobiographical memories for the circumstances in which people learned of a shocking and consequential public event. A cross-national study across eleven countries aimed to investigate FBM formation following the first COVID-19 case news in each country and test the effect of pandemic-related variables on FBM. Participants had detailed memories of the date and others present when they heard the news, and had partially detailed memories of the place, activity, and news source. China had the highest FBM specificity. All countries considered the COVID-19 emergency as highly significant at both the individual and global level. The Classification and Regression Tree Analysis revealed that FBM specificity might be influenced by participants' age, subjective severity (assessment of COVID-19 impact in each country and relative to others), residing in an area with stringent COVID-19 protection measures, and expecting the pandemic effects. Hierarchical regression models demonstrated that age and subjective severity negatively predicted FBM specificity, whereas sex, pandemic impact expectedness, and rehearsal showed positive associations in the total sample. Subjective severity negatively affected FBM specificity in Turkey, whereas pandemic impact expectedness positively influenced FBM specificity in China and negatively in Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Lanciano
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Alfeo
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonietta Curci
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Marin
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Sezin Öner
- Department of Psychology, Kadir Has University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Kristine Anthony
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Krystian Barzykowski
- Applied Memory Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Miguel Bascón
- Laboratory of Human Activity, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alec Benavides
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anne Cabildo
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - İrem Ergen
- Department of Psychology, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Katarzyna Filip
- Applied Memory Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Alena Gofman
- Department of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Steve M J Janssen
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Zhao Kai-Bin
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Psychological Science, Zhengzhou Normal University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ioanna Markostamou
- Division of Psychology, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Jose Antonio Matías-García
- Laboratory of Human Activity, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Veronika Nourkova
- Department of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sebastian Oleksiak
- Applied Memory Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrés Santamaría
- Laboratory of Human Activity, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Karl Szpunar
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrea Taylor
- School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Lynn Ann Watson
- Center for Autobiographical Memory Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jin Zheng
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Psychological Science, Zhengzhou Normal University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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ABOALYEM MUSTAFASHEBANI, ISMAIL MOHDTAHIR. Mapping the pandemic: a review of Geographical Information Systems-based spatial modeling of Covid-19. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2767. [PMID: 38204808 PMCID: PMC10774858 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 has caused more than 6.5 million deaths, while over 600 million people are infected. With regard to the tools and techniques of disease analysis, spatial analysis is increasingly being used to analyze the impact of COVID-19. The present review offers an assessment of research that used regional data systems to study the COVID-19 epidemic published between 2020 and 2022. The research focuses on: categories of the area, authors, methods, and procedures used by the authors and the results of their findings. This input will enable the contrast of different spatial models used for regional data systems with COVID-19. Our outcomes showed increased use of geographically weighted regression and Moran I spatial statistical tools applied to better spatial and time-based gauges. We have also found an increase in the use of local models compared to other spatial statistics models/methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- MUSTAFA SHEBANI ABOALYEM
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Department of Statistics, Faculty Sciences, Misurata University, Libia
| | - MOHD TAHIR ISMAIL
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Murphy D, Hendrikx LJ, Williamson C, Baumann J. Longitudinal survey of UK veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties: mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Mil Health 2023; 169:529-534. [PMID: 35078940 PMCID: PMC8804302 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-002046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with pre-existing mental health difficulties were thought to be vulnerable to mental health deterioration due to the emerging threat and the actions taken to control infection rates. Yet, there remained a paucity of research investigating changes in veteran well-being, a population facing higher rates of mental health difficulties compared with the general public. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the mental health and well-being of UK veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS UK treatment-seeking veterans (N=121) completed an online survey administered towards the end of the first UK lockdown in June 2020 and 1 year later. Data were gathered on sociodemographic characteristics as well as psychometric measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), common mental disorders (CMDs), anger difficulties and alcohol misuse. RESULTS The proportion of veterans meeting criteria of PTSD, anger and alcohol misuse remained similar across the two time points, while significantly fewer veterans met criteria for CMDs 1 year later. A notable proportion of the sample reported challenges in attending mental and physical health appointments, which was positively associated with not working and negatively associated with more COVID-19-related stressors. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that, to date, veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties appear to demonstrate resilience as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed. However, as the pandemic continued, veterans faced significantly more COVID-19-related stressors, less social support, as well as difficulties attending health appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Murphy
- Department of Research, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - L J Hendrikx
- Department of Research, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
| | - C Williamson
- Department of Research, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - J Baumann
- Department of Research, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
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Ozdenerol E, Bingham-Byrne RM, Seboly J. Female Leadership during COVID-19: The Effectiveness of Diverse Approaches towards Mitigation Management during a Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7023. [PMID: 37947579 PMCID: PMC10649683 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20217023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper tackles the question of how female leaders at national levels of government managed COVID-19 response and recovery from the first COVID-19 case in their respective countries through to 30 September 2021. The aim of this study was to determine which COVID-19 mitigations were effective in lowering the viral reproduction rate and number of new cases (per million) in each of the fourteen female presidents' countries-Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Serbia, and Taiwan. We first compared these countries by finding a mean case rate (29,420 per million), mean death rate (294 per million), and mean excess mortality rate (+1640 per million). We then analyzed the following mitigation measures per country: school closing, workplace closing, canceling public events, restrictions on gatherings, closing public transport, stay-at-home requirements, restrictions on internal movement, international travel controls, income support, debt/contract relief, fiscal measures, international support, public information campaigns, testing policy, contact tracing, emergency investment in healthcare, investment in vaccines, facial coverings, vaccination policy, and protection of the elderly. We utilized the random forest approach to examine the predictive significance of these variables, providing more interpretability. Subsequently, we then applied the Wilcoxon rank-sum statistical test to see the differences with and without mitigation in effect for the variables that were found to be significant by the random forest model. We observed that different mitigation strategies varied in their effectiveness. Notably, restrictions on internal movement and the closure of public transportation proved to be highly effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Embracing qualities such as community-based, empathetic, and personable leadership can foster greater trust among citizens, ensuring continued adherence to governmental policies like mask mandates and stay-at-home orders, ultimately enhancing long-term crisis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Ozdenerol
- Spatial Analysis and Geographic Education Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA;
| | - Rebecca Michelle Bingham-Byrne
- Spatial Analysis and Geographic Education Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA;
| | - Jacob Seboly
- Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA;
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Shoaib MH, Sikandar M, Yousuf RI, Parkash M, Kazmi SJH, Ahmed FR, Ahmed K, Saleem MT, Zaidi SH. Graduate and postgraduate educational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic period: its impact and innovations-a scoping review. Syst Rev 2023; 12:195. [PMID: 37833820 PMCID: PMC10571448 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02359-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has transformed the global view of education, including graduate and postgraduate education making the development of an alternative approach in times of social isolation an academic imperative. The present review aims to investigate the challenges experienced among undergraduate and postgraduate education and the strategies adopted to address these challenges during the pandemic. METHOD The preferred reporting items for the systematic review and meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) were followed. The aim was to include journal articles published in the English language that discussed the influence of the pandemic on educational processes and applied innovative approaches as a solution to educational challenges. From January to August 2020, PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for articles, yielding 10,019 articles. Two groups of authors examined the retrieved articles separately to avoid any risk of bias. The title and abstract of the articles were used for scrutiny, followed by full-text screening based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The facts and findings of the studies were also discussed based on per capita income, literacy rate, and Internet accessibility. RESULTS Thirty of the obtained articles were included in the study. The selected articles were from North and South/Latin America, Asia & Pacific, South Africa, and Europe regions. Nineteen of the selected articles dealt with undergraduate education, ten with postgraduate, and one with both groups. The affordability of digital devices and the availability of Internet services were the major challenges for low- and middle-income economies. The ZOOM platform has been adopted by more than 90% of the education systems. CONCLUSION Means of communication, including visual media, digitized content, and other web-based platforms, have been recognized as efficient learning and training tools, but have not been fully accessible for mass application and use due to the lack of availability of resources, their cost, and insufficient training among the users. In light of this review, it is suggested that harmonized and collaborative efforts should be made to develop cost-effective and user-friendly tools to overcome the current challenges and prevent future educational crises. SYSTEMIC REVIEW REGISTRATION The review was not registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Harris Shoaib
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Sikandar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Rabia Ismail Yousuf
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Monica Parkash
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Syed Jamil Hassan Kazmi
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Farrukh Rafiq Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Talha Saleem
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Hina Zaidi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
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10
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Vicente MA, Gil Hernández E, Carrillo I, Fernández C, López-Pineda A, Guilabert M, Martín-Delgado J, Solis C, Camba K, Cañizares Fuentes WR, Mira JJ. Coping Strategies Used by Health Care Workers in Ecuador During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Study to Enhance Resilience and Develop Training Tools. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e47702. [PMID: 37672317 PMCID: PMC10512111 DOI: 10.2196/47702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has generated immense health care pressure, forcing critical decisions to be made in a socially alarmed environment. Adverse conditions have led to acute stress reactions, affective pathologies, and psychosomatic reactions among health personnel, which have been exacerbated by the successive waves of the pandemic. The recovery of the entire health system and its professionals has been hindered, making it essential to increase their resilience. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to achieve 2 primary objectives. First, it sought to identify coping strategies, both individual and organizational, used by health care workers in Ecuador to navigate the acute stress during the early waves of the pandemic. Second, it aimed to develop training materials to enhance team leaders' capabilities in effectively managing high-stress situations. METHODS The study used qualitative research techniques to collect information on institutional and personal coping strategies, as well as consensus-building techniques to develop a multimedia psychological tool that reinforces the resilience of professionals and teams in facing future crises. RESULTS The findings from the actions taken by health care workers in Ecuador were categorized into 4 types of coping strategies based on Lazarus' theories on coping strategies. As a result of this study, a new audiovisual tool was created, comprising a series of podcasts, designed to disseminate these strategies globally within the Spanish-speaking world. The tool features testimonials from health care professionals in Ecuador, narrating their experiences under the pressures of providing care during the pandemic, with a particular emphasis on the coping strategies used. CONCLUSIONS Ensuring the preparedness of health professionals for potential future outbreaks is imperative to maintain quality and patient safety. Interventions such as this one offer valuable insights and generate new tools for health professionals, serving as a case study approach to train leaders and improve the resilience capacity and skills of their teams.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Gil Hernández
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Irene Carrillo
- Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Elche, Spain
| | - César Fernández
- Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Elche, Spain
| | - Adriana López-Pineda
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | | | - Jimmy Martín-Delgado
- Hospital Luis Vernaza, Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud Integral, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Carlos Solis
- Endocrinology Service, Hospital IEES Norte Los Ceibos, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Karla Camba
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Wilson Ricardo Cañizares Fuentes
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud Integral, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - José Joaquín Mira
- Health Psychology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Elche, Spain
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
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11
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Tarchi L, Crescenzo P, Talamonti K. Prevalence and predictors of mental distress among Italian Red Cross auxiliary corps: A cross-sectional evaluation after deployment in anti-COVID-19 operations. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 35:394-407. [PMID: 37615558 PMCID: PMC10453978 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2022.2069983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to describe the prevalence and individual predictors of mental distress (anxiety, depression, and burnout) in a sample of volunteers engaged in emergency services. A total of 823 volunteers enrolled in the Red Cross auxiliary corps were surveyed between 28 June 2021 and 28 August 2021 (299 men and 524 women). After deployment in anti-COVID-19 operations, participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Big Five Inventory through an online platform. A moderately severe risk of depression was found in 1.70% of the sample. A severe risk for anxiety disorders was found in 1.82%. A high risk for emotional exhaustion was found in 3.40%, depersonalization in 12.88%, and low personal accomplishment in 7.53%. Women showed a higher risk of both depression and anxiety in comparison to males. Personality factors were significant predictors for all dimensions. In contrast to the current literature, openness was found to be a predisposing personality factor in developing burnout dimensions. The relevance of the current findings for the development of effective screening tools before the deployment of reserve forces during medical crises is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Tarchi
- Psychological Activities Unit (NAP), Italian Red Cross Voluntary Military Corps, Ministry of Defense, Rome, Italy
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pietro Crescenzo
- Psychological Activities Unit (NAP), Italian Red Cross Voluntary Military Corps, Ministry of Defense, Rome, Italy
| | - Kristian Talamonti
- Psychological Activities Unit (NAP), Italian Red Cross Voluntary Military Corps, Ministry of Defense, Rome, Italy
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12
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Hançerlioğlu S, Toygar İ. Assessing psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale for Nurses. Int J Nurs Pract 2023:e13179. [PMID: 37448207 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). METHODS The study used a descriptive design and was conducted between April and May 2020. The participants were 213 nurses who were working in 12 hospitals in eight cities in Turkey. Content validity index, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate validity. Cronbach's alpha, item-scale correlation and test-retest reliability were used to evaluate reliability. RESULTS The CVI was 0.92 (0.81-1.00). A one-factor solution was identified and the factor loading of items in scale varied from 0.377 to 0.909. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.889 in the current study. Item-scale correlations ranged between 0.570 and 0.815. Intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.71 to 0.93. CONCLUSION The Turkish version of the FCV-19S for nurses was found to be valid and reliable measure of the fear of nurses towards COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadık Hançerlioğlu
- Internal Medicine Nursing Department, Ege University Faculty of Nursing, Izmir, Turkey
| | - İsmail Toygar
- Internal Medicine Nursing Department, Ege University Faculty of Nursing, Izmir, Turkey
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Cao R, Du Y, Tong J, Xia D, Song Q, Xia Z, Liu M, Du H, Han J, Gao C. Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on the virus spectrum in children with respiratory infection in Xuzhou, China: a long-term active surveillance study from 2015 to 2021. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:467. [PMID: 37442963 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08247-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on the prevalence of respiratory viruses among pediatric patients with acute respiratory infections in Xuzhou from 2015-2021. METHODS Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases in hospitalized children were collected from 2015-2021 in Xuzhou, China. Influenza virus(IFV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human parainfluenza virus type 3(hPIV-3), human rhinovirus (hRV), human adenovirus(hAdV), human coronavirus(hCoV) were detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), and the results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 23.0 software. RESULTS A total of 1663 samples with SARI were collected from 2015-2021, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.67:1 and a total virus detection rate of 38.5% (641/1663). The total detection rate of respiratory viruses decreased from 46.2% (2015-2019) to 36% (2020-2021) under the control measures for COVID-19 (P < 0.01). The three viruses with the highest detection rates changed from hRV, RSV, and hPIV-3 to hRV, RSV, and hCoV. The epidemic trend of hPIV-3 and hAdV was upside down before and after control measures(P < 0.01); however, the epidemic trend of RV and RSV had not changed from 2015 to 2021(P > 0.05). After the control measures, the detection rate of hPIV-3 decreased in all age groups, and the detection rate of hCoV increased in all except the 1 ~ 3 years old group. CONCLUSIONS Implementing control measures for COVID-19 outbreak curbed the spread of respiratory viruses among children as a whole. However, the epidemic of RV and RSV was not affected by the COVID-19 control policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rundong Cao
- Center for Viral Resource, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yangguang Du
- Xuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Jing Tong
- Xuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Dong Xia
- Center for Viral Resource, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Qinqin Song
- Center for Viral Resource, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xia
- Center for Viral Resource, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Mi Liu
- Center for Viral Resource, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Haijun Du
- Center for Viral Resource, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jun Han
- Center for Viral Resource, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Chen Gao
- Center for Viral Resource, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Tahoun MM, Ismail HM, Fiidow OA, Ashmawy R, Hammouda EA, Elbarazi I, Ghazy RM. Quality of life among the Arab population two years after COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1268. [PMID: 37391817 PMCID: PMC10311886 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16171-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in severe consequences worldwide. Our study aims to assess the quality of life (QoL) domains and its determinants among the general population in Arab countries after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS An anonymous online cross-sectional survey using the short version of World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument was distributed among Arab adults in 15 Arab Countries. RESULTS A total of 2008 individuals completed the survey. Amongst them, 63.2% were 18-40 years and 63.2% were females, 26.4% had chronic disease, 39.7% confirmed having contracted COVID-19, and 31.5% had experienced the unfortunate loss of relatives due to COVID-19. The survey revealed that 42.7% reported good physical QoL, 28.6% were satisfied with psychological QoL, 32.9% had a sense of well-being in the social domain, and 14.3% had good QoL in the environmental domain. The predictors of physical domains were as follows: being a male (β = 4.23 [95%CI 2.71, 5.82]), being from low-middle income country (β = -3.79 [95%CI -5.92, -1.73]) or being from high-middle-income country (β = -2.95 [95%CI -4.93, -0.92]), having a a chronic disease (β = -9.02 [95%CI -10.62,-7.44]) having a primary/secondary education (β = -2.38 [95%CI -4.41, -0.054]), number of years of work experience ≥ 15 years (β = 3.25 [95%CI 0.83, 5.73]), income-per-capita [ranged from (β = 4.16 [95%CI -5.91, -2.40]) to (β = -11.10 [95CI%, -14.22, -8.11])], a previous COVID-19 infection (β = -2.98 [95%CI -4.41, -1.60]), and having relative died from COVID-19 (β = -1.56 [95%CI -3.01, -0.12]). The predictors of psychological domain were having a chronic disease (β = -3.15 [95%CI -4.52, -1.82]), a postgraduate education (β = 2.57 [95% CI 0.41, 4.82]), number of years of work experience ≥ 15 years (β = 3.19 [95%CI 1.14, 5.33]), income-per-capita [ranged from (β = -3.52 [95%CI -4.91, -1.92]) to (β = -10.31 [95%CI -13.22, -7.44])], and a previous COVID-19 infection (β = -1.65 [95%CI -2.83, -0.41]). The predictors of social domain were being a male (β = 2.78 [95%CI 0.93, 4.73]), being single, (β =-26.21 [-28.21, -24.32]), being from a low-income country (β = 5.85 [95%CI 2.62, 9.13]), or from a high-middle-income country (β = -3.57 [95%CI -6.10, -2.12]), having a chronic disease (β = -4.11 [95%CI -6.13, -1.11]), and income-per-capita [ranged from (β = -3.62 [95%CI -5.80, -1.41]) to (β = -11.17 [95%CI -15.41, -6.92])]. The predictors of environmental domain were being from a low-middle-income country (β = -4.14 [95%CI -6.90, -1.31), from a high-middle-income country (β = -12.46 [95%CI -14.61, -10.30]), or from a low-income-country (β = -4.14 [95%CI, -6.90, -1.32]), having a chronic disease (β = -3.66 [95%CI -5.30, -1.91]), having a primary/secondary education (β = -3.43 [95%CI -5.71, -1.13]), being not working (β = -2.88 [95%CI -5.61, -0.22]), income-per-capita [ranged from (β = -9.11 [95%CI -11.03, -7.21] to (β = -27.39 [95%CI -31.00, -23.84])], a previous COVID-19 infection (β = -1.67 [95%CI -3.22, -0.21]), and having a relative who died from COVID-19 (β = -1.60 [95%CI -3.12, -0.06]. CONCLUSION The study highlights the need for public health interventions to support the general population in the Arab countries and mitigate its impact on their QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mostafa Tahoun
- Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Horeya M. Ismail
- High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Osman Abubakar Fiidow
- School of Public Health and Research, Mogadishu, Somali National University, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Rasha Ashmawy
- Department of Clinical Research, Maamora Chest Hospital, MoHP, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine &Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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15
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Liu W, Wang R, Li Y, Zhao S, Chen Y, Zhao Y. The indirect impacts of nonpharmacological COVID-19 control measures on other infectious diseases in Yinchuan, Northwest China: a time series study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1089. [PMID: 37280569 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) against COVID-19 continue to have an impact on socioeconomic and population behaviour patterns. However, the effect of NPIs on notifiable infectious diseases remains inconclusive due to the variability of the disease spectrum, high-incidence endemic diseases and environmental factors across different geographical regions. Thus, it is of public health interest to explore the influence of NPIs on notifiable infectious diseases in Yinchuan, Northwest China. METHODS Based on data on notifiable infectious diseases (NIDs), air pollutants, meteorological data, and the number of health institutional personnel in Yinchuan, we first fitted dynamic regression time series models to the incidence of NIDs from 2013 to 2019 and then estimated the incidence for 2020. Then, we compared the projected time series data with the observed incidence of NIDs in 2020. We calculated the relative reduction in NIDs at different emergency response levels in 2020 to identify the impacts of NIPs on NIDs in Yinchuan. RESULTS A total of 15,711 cases of NIDs were reported in Yinchuan in 2020, which was 42.59% lower than the average annual number of cases from 2013 to 2019. Natural focal diseases and vector-borne infectious diseases showed an increasing trend, as the observed incidence in 2020 was 46.86% higher than the estimated cases. The observed number of cases changed in respiratory infectious diseases, intestinal infectious diseases and sexually transmitted or bloodborne diseases were 65.27%, 58.45% and 35.01% higher than the expected number, respectively. The NIDs with the highest reductions in each subgroup were hand, foot, and mouth disease (5854 cases), infectious diarrhoea (2157 cases) and scarlet fever (832 cases), respectively. In addition, it was also found that the expected relative reduction in NIDs in 2020 showed a decline across different emergency response levels, as the relative reduction dropped from 65.65% (95% CI: -65.86%, 80.84%) during the level 1 response to 52.72% (95% CI: 20.84%, 66.30%) during the level 3 response. CONCLUSIONS The widespread implementation of NPIs in 2020 may have had significant inhibitory effects on the incidence of respiratory infectious diseases, intestinal infectious diseases and sexually transmitted or bloodborne diseases. The relative reduction in NIDs during different emergency response levels in 2020 showed a declining trend as the response level changed from level 1 to level 3. These results can serve as essential guidance for policy-makers and stakeholders to take specific actions to control infectious diseases and protect vulnerable populations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Liu
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Ruonan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Yinchuan, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Shi Zhao
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaogeng Chen
- School of Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
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Sultana MS, Khan AH, Hossain S, Ansar A, Sikder MT, Hasan MT. Anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep patterns & associated factors among Bangladeshi wage earners during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:917-928. [PMID: 35673252 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2083642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The economic vulnerability imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic induces stress on mental health of wage earners in Bangladesh which is largely unexplored. This evidence gap was addressed in this study aiming to evaluate the mental health difficulties among Bangladeshi wage earners by assessing the associated factors influencing anxiety, depressive symptoms and sleep patterns. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 707 individual Bangladeshi wage earners in May 2020. The questionnaire included information about sleep duration, the Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) scales. The study revealed that anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with male sex, higher educational status, service holder occupation and lower monthly income (p ≤ 0.01). Fear of COVID-19 when working outside during the pandemic situation was inextricably linked with anxiety (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.42-3.04) and depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.04-2.20). Respondents who were responsible to financially support their family experienced significantly decreased duration of sleep (β = -0.68; 95% CI: -1.18 to -0.20). The results of this study provided novel evidence on psychological difficulties among Bangladeshi wage earners which calls for an in-depth and longitudinal evaluation and immediate low-intensity psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mst Sadia Sultana
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abid Hasan Khan
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sahadat Hossain
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Public Health Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Adnan Ansar
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Md Tajuddin Sikder
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - M Tasdik Hasan
- Public Health Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Action Lab, Department of Human Centred Computing, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Public Health, State University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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JOO JY, LIU MF. Antenatal care experiences of uninfected pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative systematic review. Nurs Outlook 2023; 71:101964. [PMID: 37003090 PMCID: PMC9998291 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2023.101964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Background There is a limited understanding of pregnant women's antenatal care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose To review and synthesize qualitative studies on uninfected pregnant women's antenatal care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods : Five databases were searched for qualitative studies published between January 2020 and January 2023. This study used a thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence and was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Furthermore, this review was registered with PROSPERO and a quality appraisal was assessed. Results : Nine published qualitative studies were included in this review. The studies were conducted in eight countries and included 3,709 participants. Five themes were identified: (1) disruptions of normal antenatal care services, (2) feelings of uncertainty, (3) desire for sufficient spousal support, (4) coping strategies, and (5) trust in healthcare providers. Discussion The themes can be utilized to reform current interventions for pregnant women by nurse-midwife managers and by healthcare policymakers to improve current practice and direct new research to prepare for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Young JOO
- Gachon University, College of Nursing, Korea,Corresponding author: College of Nursing, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21936, Korea, Telephone number: +82-32-820-4232 (office), Fax number: +82-32-820-4232
| | - Megan F. LIU
- School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Richter WR, Sunderman MM, Schaeufele DJ, Willenberg Z, Ratliff K, Calfee MW, Oudejans L. Evaluation of steam heat as a decontamination approach for SARS-CoV-2 when applied to common transit-related materials. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad053. [PMID: 36906281 PMCID: PMC10257936 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of steam heat for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 when applied to materials common in mass transit installations. METHODS AND RESULTS SARS CoV-2 (USA-WA1/2020) was resuspended in either cell culture media or synthetic saliva, inoculated (∼1 × 106 TCID50) onto porous and nonporous materials and subjected to steam inactivation efficacy tests as either wet or dried droplets. The inoculated test materials were exposed to steam heat ranging from 70°C to 90°C. The amount of infectious SARS-CoV-2 remaining after various exposure durations ranging from 1 to 60 s was assessed. Higher steam heat application resulted in higher inactivation rates at short contact times. Steam applied at 1-inch distance (∼90°C at the surface) resulted in complete inactivation for dry inoculum within 2 s of exposure (excluding two outliers of 19 test samples at the 5-s duration) and within 2-30 s of exposure for wet droplets. Increasing the distance to 2 inches (∼70°C) also increased the exposure time required to achieve complete inactivation to 15 or 30 s for materials inoculated with saliva or cell culture media, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Steam heat can provide high levels of decontamination (>3 log reduction) for transit-related materials contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 using a commercially available steam generator with a manageable exposure time of 2-5 s.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Katherine Ratliff
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - M. Worth Calfee
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Lukas Oudejans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
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Ginzburg A, Barasche-Berdah D, Manor O, Levine-Schnur R, Paltiel O, Levine H. Timing, extent and outcomes of public health measures in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel and a comparative analysis by socioeconomic indices. Isr J Health Policy Res 2023; 12:5. [PMID: 36717901 PMCID: PMC9885622 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-022-00549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, governments implemented exceptional public health measures (PHMs) in the face of uncertainty. This study aimed to compare mitigation policies implemented by Israel and their timing in the first wave of the pandemic to those of other countries, and to assess whether country characteristics such as democracy, trust, education, economic strength and healthcare reserve were associated with decision-making. METHODS PHMs and pre-pandemic characteristics, using internationally accepted indices, of 50 countries were collected from 1/1/2020-30/06/2020; and associations between them were assessed. Time to implementation of these measures was compared among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation (OECD) nations. Log-rank test was used for univariate analysis. Cox regression was performed to assess the independent contribution of pre-pandemic characteristics to time-to-implementation of measures. Correlations between timing of specific measures and COVID-19 mortality at 60 days were assessed. RESULTS Israel ranked in the upper third of the OECD in swiftness to implementation of eight of the ten measures compared. In univariate survival analysis, countries with an education level below the OECD median were more likely to implement a lockdown (p-value = 0.043) and to close restaurants and entertainment venues (p-value = 0.007) when compared to countries above the OECD median. In Cox regression models, controlling for geographic location, democracy level above the OECD median was associated with a longer time-to-implementation of a lockdown (HR=0.35, 95% CI=0.14-0.88, p-value=0.025). Similarly, a high level of GDP per capita was inversely associated with closing schools; and a high level of education inversely associated with closure of restaurants and entertainment venues. Earlier initiation of all PHMs was associated with lower mortality at 60 days, controlling for geographic location. CONCLUSIONS Israel's initial response to the pandemic was relatively quick, and may have been facilitated by its geographic isolation. Countries with lower pre-pandemic socio-economic indices were quicker to initiate forced social distancing. Early initiation of PHMs was associated with reduced mortality in the short run. Timing of initiation of measures relative to the country-specific spread of disease is a significant factor contributing to short-term early local pandemic control, perhaps more than the exact measures implemented. It is important to note that this study is limited to the initial pandemic response. Furthermore, it does not take into account the broader long-term effects of certain PHMs, which should be a focus of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Ginzburg
- grid.17788.310000 0001 2221 2926Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hadassah Medical Organization, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Deborah Barasche-Berdah
- grid.17788.310000 0001 2221 2926Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hadassah Medical Organization, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orly Manor
- grid.17788.310000 0001 2221 2926Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hadassah Medical Organization, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronit Levine-Schnur
- grid.21166.320000 0004 0604 8611Harry Radzyner Law School, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Ora Paltiel
- grid.17788.310000 0001 2221 2926Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hadassah Medical Organization, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hagai Levine
- grid.17788.310000 0001 2221 2926Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hadassah Medical Organization, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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20
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Merrick H, Driver H, Main C, Kenny RPW, Richmond C, Allard A, Bola K, Morris C, Parr JR, Pearson F, Pennington L. Impacts of health care service changes implemented due to COVID-19 on children and young people with long-term disability: A mapping review. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023. [PMID: 36649197 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify the research on childhood disability service adaptations and their impact on children and young people with long-term disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD A mapping review was undertaken. We searched the World Health Organization Global COVID-19 database using the search terms 'children', 'chronic/disabling conditions', and 'services/therapies'. Eligible papers reported service changes for children (0-19 years) with long-term disability in any geographical or clinical setting between 1st January 2020 and 26th January 2022. Papers were charted across the effective practice and organization of care taxonomy of health system interventions and were narratively synthesized; an interactive map was produced. RESULTS Reduction of face-to-face care and usual provision had a huge impact on children and families. Adoption of telehealth provided continuity for the care and management of some conditions. There was limited evidence of changes to mental health services, transitions of care, social care, or child-reported satisfaction or acceptability of service changes. INTERPRETATION The long-term impacts of service change during the pandemic need full evaluation. However, widespread disruption seems to have had a profound impact on child and carer health and well-being. Service recovery needs to be specific to the individual needs of children with a disability and their families. This should be done through coproduction to ensure that service changes meet needs and are accessible and equitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Merrick
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Helen Driver
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Chloe Main
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ryan P W Kenny
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Catherine Richmond
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | - Christopher Morris
- Peninsula Childhood Disability Research Unit, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Pearson
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lindsay Pennington
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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21
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Liu Y, Liu C. Protective and Overprotective Behaviors against COVID-19 Outbreak: Media Impact and Mediating Roles of Institutional Trust and Anxiety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1368. [PMID: 36674124 PMCID: PMC9859022 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to explore how pandemic-related media use relates to both protective and overprotective behaviors and to probe the underlying mechanisms. The data were collected online during the early outbreak of COVID-19 in China, and a total of 1118 valid cases, which covered the 30 provincial administrative divisions in mainland China, were collected. Results showed that official government media use was positively associated with protective behaviors and institutional trust was an important mediator. Commercial media use was also found to be positively associated with overprotective behavior, and anxiety mediated this relationship. Findings of this study suggested that different media sources could play completely different roles. Institutional trust in government institutions and medical care systems were equally critical in translating the media effect into public compliance with the preventive measures advocated by the relevant departments. Media outlets and practitioners should also be responsible in order to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety among the public so as to reduce irrational overprotective behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cong Liu
- School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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22
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Llanos AAM, Ashrafi A, Ghosh N, Tsui J, Lin Y, Fong AJ, Ganesan S, Heckman CJ. Evaluation of Inequities in Cancer Treatment Delay or Discontinuation Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2251165. [PMID: 36637818 PMCID: PMC9856904 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.51165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There is a disproportionately greater burden of COVID-19 among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals, who also experience poorer cancer outcomes. Understanding individual-level and area-level factors contributing to inequities at the intersection of COVID-19 and cancer is critical. OBJECTIVE To evaluate associations of individual-level and area-level social determinants of health (SDOH) with delayed or discontinued cancer treatment following SARS-CoV-2 infection. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, registry-based cohort study used data from 4768 patients receiving cancer care who had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 and were enrolled in the American Society for Clinical Oncology COVID-19 Registry. Data were collected from April 1, 2020, to September 26, 2022. EXPOSURES Race and ethnicity, sex, age, and area-level SDOH based on zip codes of residence at the time of cancer diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Delayed (≥14 days) or discontinued cancer treatment (any cancer treatment, surgery, pharmacotherapy, or radiotherapy) and time (in days) to restart pharmacotherapy. RESULTS A total of 4768 patients (2756 women [57.8%]; 1558 [32.7%] aged ≥70 years at diagnosis) were included in the analysis. There were 630 Hispanic (13.2%), 196 non-Hispanic Asian American or Pacific Islander (4.1%), 568 non-Hispanic Black (11.9%), and 3173 non-Hispanic White individuals (66.5%). Compared with non-Hispanic White individuals, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals were more likely to experience a delay of at least 14 days or discontinuation of any treatment and drug-based treatment; only estimates for non-Hispanic Black individuals were statistically significant, with correction for multiple comparisons (risk ratios [RRs], 1.35 [95% CI, 1.22-1.49] and 1.37 [95% CI, 1.23-1.52], respectively). Area-level SDOH (eg, geography, proportion of residents without health insurance or with only a high school education, lower median household income) were associated with delayed or discontinued treatment. In multivariable Cox proportinal hazards regression models, estimates suggested that Hispanic (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87 [95% CI, 0.71-1.05]), non-Hispanic Asian American or Pacific Islander (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.46-1.35]), and non-Hispanic Black individuals (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67-0.97]) experienced longer delays to restarting pharmacotherapy compared with non-Hispanic White individuals. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this cohort study suggest that race and ethnicity and area-level SDOH were associated with delayed or discontinued cancer treatment and longer delays to the restart of drug-based therapies following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such treatment delays could exacerbate persistent cancer survival inequities in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adana A. M. Llanos
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Adiba Ashrafi
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Nabarun Ghosh
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Jennifer Tsui
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick
| | - Angela J. Fong
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Shridar Ganesan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Carolyn J. Heckman
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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23
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Moya-Vergara R, Portilla-Saavedra D, Castillo-Morales K, Espinoza-Tapia R, Sandoval Pastén S. Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Mental Health in Adolescents from Northern Chile in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2022; 12:269. [PMID: 36615070 PMCID: PMC9821586 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world population; however, there is limited knowledge about its impact on adolescents. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in young people in northern Chile. The sample consisted of 1315 young people between the ages of 14 and 18. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed to identify the risk factors associated to the considered symptomatology. Depressive symptomatology was reported at 36.3%, anxiety at 6%, and social phobia at 27.8%. Adolescent females reported a higher probability of presenting depressive (OR, 3.409), anxious (OR, 3.949), and social phobia (OR, 3.027) symptomatology. Young women between the ages of 17 and 18 were more likely to present anxiety (OR, 2.172); moreover, being a migrant was related to lower odds of presenting anxiety (OR, 0.259) and depression (OR, 0.662). Having a family member diagnosed with COVID-19 was associated with depressive symptomatology (OR, 1.369). The COVID-19 pandemic can have serious repercussions on the mental health of adolescents. It is important to generate interventions to meet the needs of youth during the post-confinement period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Moya-Vergara
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| | - Diego Portilla-Saavedra
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Santo Tomás, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| | - Katherin Castillo-Morales
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Santo Tomás, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| | - Ricardo Espinoza-Tapia
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| | - Sandra Sandoval Pastén
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
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De Cauwer H, Barten DG, Tin D, Mortelmans LJ, Lesaffre B, Somville F, Ciottone GR. Terrorist Attacks Against COVID-19-Related Targets during the Pandemic Year 2020: A Review of 165 Incidents in the Global Terrorism Database. Prehosp Disaster Med 2022; 38:1-7. [PMID: 36539346 PMCID: PMC9885425 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x22002394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic enabled a situational type of terrorism with mixed racist, anti-government, anti-science, anti-5G, and conspiracy theorist backgrounds and motives. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify and characterize all documented COVID-19-related terrorist attacks reported to the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) in 2020. METHODS The GTD was searched for all COVID-19-related terrorist attacks (aimed at patients, health care workers, and at all actors involved in pandemic containment response) that occurred world-wide in 2020. Analyses were performed on temporal factors, location, target type, attack and weapon type, attacker type, and number of casualties or hostages. Ambiguous incidents were excluded if there was doubt about whether they were exclusively acts of terrorism. RESULTS In total, 165 terrorist attacks were identified. With 50% of incidents, Western Europe was the most heavily hit region of the world. Nonetheless, most victims were listed in Southeast Asia (19 fatalities and seven injured). The most frequent but least lethal attack type concerned arson attacks against 5G telephone masts (105 incidents [60.9%] with only one injured). Armed assaults accounted for most fatalities, followed by assassinations. Incendiary and firearms were the most devastating weapon types. CONCLUSION This analysis of the GTD, which identified 165 COVID-19-related terrorist attacks in 2020, demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic truly resulted in new threats for COVID-19 patients, aid workers, hospitals, and testing and quarantine centers. It is anticipated that vaccination centers have become a new target of COVID-19-related terrorism in 2021 and 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald De Cauwer
- Department of Neurology, Sint-Dimpna Regional Hospital, Geel, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dennis G. Barten
- Department of Emergency Medicine, VieCuri Medical Center, Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - Derrick Tin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Luc J. Mortelmans
- Center for Research and Education in Emergency Care, University of Leuven, Leuven; REGEDIM, Free University Brussels, Brussels; Department of Emergency Medicine, ZNA Camp Stuivenberg, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bart Lesaffre
- Department of Emergency Medicine, AZ Sint Jan, Bruges/Oostende, Belgium and HoWest, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Francis Somville
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sint-Dimpna Regional Hospital, Geel, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; CREEC (Center for Research and Education in Emergency Care). University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gregory R. Ciottone
- Director, BIDMC Disaster Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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25
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Marie Reinhart A, Tian Y, Lilly AE. The role of trust in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among Black and White Americans. Vaccine 2022; 40:7247-7254. [PMID: 36333223 PMCID: PMC9618447 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mass vaccination has been identified as the easiest way to combat the deadly spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, yet many Americans are still hesitant to be vaccinated. To understand motivations behind why someone is vaccine hesitant, we conceptualized a theoretical model in which demographic variables are positively associated with four types of trust (i.e., trust in institutions, physicians, non-discrimination, and social media). These trust variables, in turn, are positively associated with the outcome variable of vaccine acceptance. A multi-group structural equation modeling analysis of survey data from 1008 U.S. adults suggested that trust in institutions and physicians were important for both White and Black Americans in whether they were vaccine accepting or hesitant, while trust in non-discrimination was important for Black Americans and trust in social media was important for White Americans. Implications of the findings and how they can inform future vaccine campaigns are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Tian
- University of Missouri, Saint Louis, USA.
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26
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Alshareef M. Effect of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Children's Behavior in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e31234. [PMID: 36505105 PMCID: PMC9730737 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children's mental health is one of the major concerns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Multiple strategic policies are applied to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including boundaries closure, social distancing, lockdown, and quarantine. These measures affect the mental health of adults as well as children. In Saudi Arabia, many studies investigated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults' mental health, but few were done on children. Children's behavior can be assessed through parents' observation, which can be an important indication of children's mental health. Objective This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on children's mental health and to evaluate the effect of familial and social-demographic characteristics on children's psychology during the COVID-19 crisis in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. Methods and materials A web-based, cross-sectional voluntary response survey including parents of 576 children aged 15 years and younger. The survey included familial and socio-demographic information as well as a questionnaire examining the behavioral, mental, and emotional changes in children during the COVID-19 quarantine. Results Twenty-four point seven percent (24.7%) of children were found to have negative psychological effects due to the COVID-19-associated quarantine in the Makkah region. This prevalence was related to the marital status of the parents, the children's age, and the presence of outdoor space in the house. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of psychological support needed for children and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies are required to explore whether this psychological impact will subside after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
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Aldhuwayhi S, Shaikh SA, Mallineni SK, Kumari VV, Thakare AA, Ahmed Khan AR, Mustafa MZ, Manva MZ. Occupational Stress and Stress Busters Used Among Saudi Dental Practitioners During the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 16:1975-1981. [PMID: 34176540 PMCID: PMC8387692 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the stress levels, stress busters (stress relievers), and coping mechanisms among Saudi dental practitioners (SDPs) during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak. METHOD A self-administered questionnaire was sent to SDPs via Google Forms. Cohen's stress score scale was used for stress evaluation, and the mean scores were compared based on age, gender, qualification, and occupation. In addition, comparisons of the utilization of stress coping mechanisms and stress busters based on gender, age, and occupation were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS Version 21.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS A total of 206 SDPs (69% males and 31% females) participated in the study. Male SDPs showed a higher score than females (P > 0.05). SDPs around age 50 years and above obtained high stress scores (25 ± 7.4) as compared with other age groups (P < 0.05). The occupational level showed higher stress scores (22.6 ± 4.6 than the other occupation groups (P < 0.05). The majority of the SDPs used watching TV/mobile/computer (80%) as a stress buster, followed by binge eating (64%), exercise (44%), smoking (32%), do-it-yourself (DIY; 23%), and meditation (17%). CONCLUSION SDPs are experiencing stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Male SDPs above age 50 years and private practitioners showed higher levels of stress scores. An overall commonly used stress buster was smoking in males and meditation in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Aldhuwayhi
- Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, AlMajmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saquib Ahmed Shaikh
- Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, AlMajmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sreekanth Kumar Mallineni
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, AlMajmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Amar Ashok Thakare
- Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, AlMajmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Rehman Ahmed Khan
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, AlMajmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohnish Z. Manva
- Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, AlMajmaah, Saudi Arabia
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28
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Taylor CA, Boulos C, Memoli MJ. The 1968 Influenza Pandemic and COVID-19 Outcomes. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2021.10.23.21265403. [PMID: 34729564 PMCID: PMC8562545 DOI: 10.1101/2021.10.23.21265403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Past pandemic experience can affect health outcomes in future pandemics. This paper focuses on the last major influenza pandemic in 1968 (H3N2), which killed up to 100,000 people in the US. We find that places with high influenza mortality in 1968 experienced 1-4% lower COVID-19 death rates. Our identification strategy isolates variation in COVID-19 rates across people born before and after 1968. In places with high 1968 influenza incidence, older cohorts experience lower COVID-19 death rates relative to younger ones. The relationship holds using county and patient-level data, as well as in hospital and nursing home settings. Results do not appear to be driven by systemic or policy-related factors, instead suggesting an individual-level response to prior influenza pandemic exposure. The findings merit investigation into potential biological and immunological mechanisms that account for these differences-and their implications for future pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Taylor
- School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University; University of California, Berkeley
| | | | - Matthew J Memoli
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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29
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Alam MD, Abedin MJ, Islam A, Mosfeq-Ul-Hasan M, Rahman O, Xu Y. Psychological effects and associated factors among vaccinated and unvaccinated general population against COVID-19 infection in Bangladesh. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:916160. [PMID: 36032230 PMCID: PMC9412971 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.916160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global effort to develop herd immunity in the general public against the COVID-19 pandemic is currently ongoing. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies on how the COVID-19 vaccine affects mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The present study investigated the psychological effects and associated factors among vaccinated and unvaccinated general populations against COVID-19 infection in Bangladesh. Methods A nationwide online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Bangladesh from June 23 to December 25, 2021. The frequency of symptoms of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and fear was assessed using the Bangla versions of the GHQ-12, PHQ-2, GAD-2, PSS-4, PC-PTSD-5, ISI, and FCV-19S scales, respectively. Results The study included 3,013 persons from all eight divisions of Bangladesh, with 1,272 (42.2%) being vaccinated and 1,741 (57.8%) being unvaccinated. Compared with unvaccinated populations, vaccinated populations had significantly lower prevalence rates of psychological distress (36.4 vs. 51.5%), depression (21.1 vs. 37.9%), anxiety (25.1 vs. 44.9%), stress (19.4 vs. 30.4%), PTSD (29.4 vs. 38.3%), insomnia (18.7 vs. 39.4%), and fear symptoms (16.1 vs. 27.5%). Among vaccinated populations, respondents who lived in nuclear families were significantly associated with higher risk of psychological distress (AOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09-1.78), depression (AOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.11-1.98), anxiety (AOR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.21-1.98), and fear (AOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.11-1.83) symptoms. Participants who lost family members, friends, or colleagues due to the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly higher risk of symptoms of psychological distress (AOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.02-1.79), anxiety (AOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11-1.87), and PTSD (AOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.24-2.19). On the other hand, unvaccinated populations who lived in the Dhaka division were significantly associated with an increased risk of depression (AOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.40-2.52), anxiety (AOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.15-2.47), stress (AOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.12-2.88), and insomnia (AOR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.20-2.94) symptoms. Except for PTSD and fear symptoms, unemployed participants had considerably higher rates of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia symptoms (e.g., psychological distress: AOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.10-2.62; depression: AOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.37-2.19). Conclusions This study recommends immunizing unvaccinated populations as soon as possible to prevent infection and boost mental health. Vulnerable people needed special care, health-related education, and psychological assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Dhedharul Alam
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Md. Joynal Abedin
- Department of Population Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Asraful Islam
- Department of Psychology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mosfeq-Ul-Hasan
- Examination Controller Section, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Obaydur Rahman
- Department of Physics, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Cena L, Trainini A, Tralli N, Nodari LS, Iacona E, Ronconi L, Testoni I. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Perinatal Loss Experienced by the Parental Couple: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study in Italy. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e38866. [PMID: 36044641 PMCID: PMC9472504 DOI: 10.2196/38866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background At the beginning of 2020, mothers and fathers who experienced perinatal events (from conception to pregnancy and postpartum period) found themselves facing problems related to the emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated difficulties for health care centers in providing care. In the unexpected and negative event of perinatal loss (ie, miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death) more complications occurred. Perinatal loss is a painful and traumatic life experience that causes grief and can cause affective disorders in the parental couple—the baby dies and the couple’s plans for a family are abruptly interrupted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, limited access to perinatal bereavement care, due to the lockdown measures imposed on medical health care centers and the social distancing rules to prevent contagion, was an additional risk factor for parental mental health, such as facing a prolonged and complicated grief. Objective The main aims of this study are as follows: to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on mothers and fathers who experienced perinatal loss during the pandemic, comparing their perceptions; to evaluate their change over time between the first survey administration after bereavement and the second survey after 6 months; to examine the correlations between bereavement and anxiety, depression, couple satisfaction, spirituality, and sociodemographic variables; to investigate which psychosocial factors may negatively affect the mourning process; and to identify the potential predictors of the development of complicated grief. Methods This longitudinal observational multicenter study is structured according to a mixed methods design, with a quantitative and qualitative section. It will include a sample of parents (mothers and fathers) who experienced perinatal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020. There are two phases—a baseline and a follow-up after 6 months. Results This protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Psychological Research, University of Padova, and by the Institutional Ethics Board of the Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy. We expect to collect data from 34 or more couples, as determined by our sample size calculation. Conclusions This study will contribute to the understanding of the psychological processes related to perinatal loss and bereavement care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will provide information useful to prevent the risk of complicated grief and psychopathologies among bereaved parents and to promote perinatal mental health. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/38866
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Cena
- Observatory of Perinatal Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Science, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11 Brescia 25123, Brescia, IT
| | - Alice Trainini
- Observatory of Perinatal Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Science, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11 Brescia 25123, Brescia, IT
| | - Nella Tralli
- Observatory of Perinatal Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Science, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11 Brescia 25123, Brescia, IT
| | - Luisa Silvia Nodari
- Observatory of Perinatal Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Science, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11 Brescia 25123, Brescia, IT
| | - Erika Iacona
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, IT
| | - Lucia Ronconi
- IT and Statistical Services, Multifunctional Centre of Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, IT
| | - Ines Testoni
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, IT
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Hoskins S, Beale S, Nguyen V, Fragaszy E, Navaratnam AM, Smith C, French C, Kovar J, Byrne T, Fong WLE, Geismar C, Patel P, Yavlinksy A, Johnson AM, Aldridge RW, Hayward A. Settings for non-household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the second lockdown in England and Wales - analysis of the Virus Watch household community cohort study. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:199. [PMID: 36874571 PMCID: PMC9975411 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17981.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: "Lockdowns" to control serious respiratory virus pandemics were widely used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there is limited information to understand the settings in which most transmission occurs during lockdowns, to support refinement of similar policies for future pandemics. Methods: Among Virus Watch household cohort participants we identified those infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outside the household. Using survey activity data, we undertook multivariable logistic regressions assessing the contribution of activities on non-household infection risk. We calculated adjusted population attributable fractions (APAF) to estimate which activity accounted for the greatest proportion of non-household infections during the pandemic's second wave. Results: Among 10,858 adults, 18% of cases were likely due to household transmission. Among 10,475 participants (household-acquired cases excluded), including 874 non-household-acquired infections, infection was associated with: leaving home for work or education (AOR 1.20 (1.02 - 1.42), APAF 6.9%); public transport (more than once per week AOR 1.82 (1.49 - 2.23), public transport APAF 12.42%); and shopping (more than once per week AOR 1.69 (1.29 - 2.21), shopping APAF 34.56%). Other non-household activities were rare and not significantly associated with infection. Conclusions: During lockdown, going to work and using public or shared transport independently increased infection risk, however only a minority did these activities. Most participants visited shops, accounting for one-third of non-household transmission. Transmission in restricted hospitality and leisure settings was minimal suggesting these restrictions were effective. If future respiratory infection pandemics emerge these findings highlight the value of working from home, using forms of transport that minimise exposure to others, minimising exposure to shops and restricting non-essential activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hoskins
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sarah Beale
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Vincent Nguyen
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Ellen Fragaszy
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Annalan M.D. Navaratnam
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Colette Smith
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Clare French
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Uinversity of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Jana Kovar
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Thomas Byrne
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Wing Lam Erica Fong
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Cyril Geismar
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Parth Patel
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alexei Yavlinksy
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Anne M. Johnson
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Robert W. Aldridge
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Andrew Hayward
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Virus Watch Collaborative
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HB, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, Greater London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Uinversity of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
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Hange N, Agoli AM, Pormento MKL, Sharma A, Somagutta MR, Paikkattil N, Jadhav A, Bethineedi D, Pisude P. Impact of COVID-19 response on public health literacy and communication. Health Promot Perspect 2022; 12:1-9. [PMID: 35854843 PMCID: PMC9277294 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2022.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With unaddressed challenges of pandemic with re-emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) waves, public health literacy and communication have proved to be a prerequisite for effective communication as part of the control strategy. Hence this article addressed the impact of COVID-19 response policies on public health literacy. Considering the rapid transmission of COVID-19, taking lives needs urgent attention from the population›s perspective to be more vigilant about health information and incorporate that into their daily routines. To be responsible and resilient globally, governments and states are formulating different health policies and related plans to prevent and control the spread of the pandemic. This article has recommended short-term measures, including smart focused IEC targeted on vaccination and motivational sessions for health care workers and front line workers. Targeted Long-term measures included healthcare system reforms inclusive of resources, workforce, capacity building with particular focus on lifestyle measures addressing non-communicable disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Hange
- Division of Research, Eurasian Cancer Research Council (ECRC), Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Arjola Musta Agoli
- Tirana University of Medicine, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rruga e Dibrës, Tirana, Albania
| | - Maria Kezia Lourdes Pormento
- Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Don Eugenio Lopez Sr. Medical Complex, Ortigas Ave, Pasig, 1604 Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Amrit Sharma
- Department of Community Health, Christian Medical College, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manoj Reddy Somagutta
- Avalon University School of Medicine, 212 Churchill Hubbard Road Youngstown, OH, USA
| | | | - Amol Jadhav
- Medical Operations, JV Gokal Charity Trust, Kasturi Building, 2nd Floor, 171/172, J Tata Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Bethineedi
- Andhra Medical College, Road King George Hospital, opp. Collector Office, Maharani Peta, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530002, India
| | - Pravin Pisude
- ESIC Medical College and Hospital and SS Hospital, Sanath Naga Sanath Nagar Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Zakari NMA, Hamadi HY, Bailey CE, Jibreel EAM. Grandparents' Mental Health and Lived Experiences while Raising Their Grandchildren at the Forefront of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2022; 65:512-528. [PMID: 34545773 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1983684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding grandparents' lived experiences and healthy aging is essential to designing efficient, effective, and safe services to support a family structure in which grandparents care for their grandchildren. However, no study to date has explored this concept in an Arab and Muslim country during a pandemic. The purpose of this study was to examine grandparents' experiences raising their grandchildren to provide recommendations for needed mental health interventions during and after COVID-19. We used a phenomenological approach to gain a detailed and in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of 15 grandparents caring for their grandchildren. This study shows the need for support service interventions (support groups, health professional support, and respite care) for grandparents in Saudi Arabia, especially during global crises like COVID-19, that enhance social distance and social isolation. Raising grandchildren affects the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of the grandparents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazik M A Zakari
- College of Applied Sciences, Al Maarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanadi Y Hamadi
- Department of Health Administration, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Chloe E Bailey
- Department of Health Administration, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Brătucu G, Tudor AIM, Litră AV, Nichifor E, Chițu IB, Brătucu TO. Designing the Well-Being of Romanians by Achieving Mental Health with Digital Methods and Public Health Promotion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137868. [PMID: 35805527 PMCID: PMC9265539 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Taking care of mental health is a state of mind. Amid the challenges of the current context, mental health has become one of the problems with the greatest impact on citizens and the evolution of any economy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have become more anxious, solitary, preoccupied with themselves, and depressed because their entire universe has changed, by restricting their social and professional life; the increase in concern caused by a possible illness of them or those close to them made to isolate themselves. Two qualitative (group and in-depth interviews) and one survey-based quantitative research were carried out, which allowed the quantification of the opinions, perceptions, and attitudes of Romanians regarding the effectiveness of policies for the prevention and treatment of depression. Quantitative research revealed that most of the subjects had never participated in a mental health assessment, and a quarter of them had visited a mental health specialist more than two years ago. Based on the results, proposals were elaborated, which have been addressed both to the specialists from the Ministry of Health and to those from the academic environment, that may have an impact on the elaboration of some public mental health programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Brătucu
- Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brașov, Colina Universității Street No. 1, Building A, 500068 Brașov, Romania; (G.B.); (A.I.M.T.); (E.N.); (I.B.C.)
| | - Andra Ioana Maria Tudor
- Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brașov, Colina Universității Street No. 1, Building A, 500068 Brașov, Romania; (G.B.); (A.I.M.T.); (E.N.); (I.B.C.)
| | - Adriana Veronica Litră
- Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brașov, Colina Universității Street No. 1, Building A, 500068 Brașov, Romania; (G.B.); (A.I.M.T.); (E.N.); (I.B.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eliza Nichifor
- Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brașov, Colina Universității Street No. 1, Building A, 500068 Brașov, Romania; (G.B.); (A.I.M.T.); (E.N.); (I.B.C.)
| | - Ioana Bianca Chițu
- Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brașov, Colina Universității Street No. 1, Building A, 500068 Brașov, Romania; (G.B.); (A.I.M.T.); (E.N.); (I.B.C.)
| | - Tamara-Oana Brătucu
- The School Center for Inclusive Education Brasov, 125 Bd. 13 Decembrie, 500164 Brașov, Romania;
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Cardenas J, Pringle C, Filipp SL, Gurka MJ, Ryan KA, Avery KL. Changes in Critical Bronchiolitis After COVID-19 Lockdown. Cureus 2022; 14:e25064. [PMID: 35719813 PMCID: PMC9203253 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Mandal A, Verma AK, Kar SK, Bajpai J, Kant S, Kumar S, Kushwaha RAS, Garg R, Srivastava A, Bajaj DK, Verma SK, Chaudhary SC. A cross-sectional study to determine the psychological distress among pulmonary tuberculosis patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2022; 93. [PMID: 35593023 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2022.2255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic had adversely affected the services of the National Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Programme, resulting in psychological distress among pulmonary tuberculosis patients (PTB). This cross-sectional, hospital-based study included 361 PTB patients. Three pre-defined questionnaires were used for the analysis, a questionnaire to evaluate anxiety related to COVID-19, a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression, and a fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) questionnaire. Among 361 PTB patients, 13% (n=47) had COVID-19 infection. Out of the total patients, 69% (n=250) were DR-TB (drug resistance-tuberculosis) cases. Proportion of anxiety, fear and depression due to COVID-19 was found in 49% (n=177), 23% (n=83), 67% (n=247) respectively. Delay in the initiation of anti-tubercular treatment was found in 58% (n=210) of the cases, among which the majority, i.e., 69% (n=172, p=0.011), were DR-TB. This pandemic has led to a sudden step-down of PTB. Trend analysis of the psychological distress showed a peak following the COVID-19 pandemic. Most DR-TB patients had delayed initiation of the anti-tubercular treatment during the pandemic. The preponderance of the younger age group was seen in the pulmonary tuberculosis patients, and a majority of them had DR-TB. Depression was the predominant psychological distress among the study subjects during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mandal
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
| | - Ajay Kumar Verma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
| | - Sujit Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
| | - Jyoti Bajpai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
| | - Surya Kant
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
| | | | - Rajiv Garg
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
| | - Anand Srivastava
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
| | - Darshan Kumar Bajaj
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Verma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow.
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Measuring Evidence-Based Viral Respiratory Illness Mitigation Behaviors in Pregnant Populations: Development and Validation of a Short, Single-Factor Scale During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e179. [PMID: 35492019 PMCID: PMC9237493 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Researchers and public health professionals need to better understand individual engagement in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation behaviors to reduce the human and societal costs of the current pandemic and prepare for future respiratory pandemics. We suggest that developing measures of individual mitigation behaviors and testing them among high-risk individuals, including pregnant people, may help to reduce overall morbidity and mortality by quickly identifying targets for messaging around mitigation until sufficient vaccination uptake is reached. METHODS We surveyed pregnant people in California over 2 waves of the COVID-19 pandemic to explore mitigation behaviors. We developed and validated a novel Viral Respiratory Illness Mitigation Scale (VRIMS). RESULTS Seven measures loaded onto a single factor with good psychometric properties. The overall sample scale average was high over both waves, indicating that most pregnant Californians engaged in most of the strategies most of the time. Older participants, minoritized participants, those living in more urban contexts, and those surveyed during a surge reported engaging in these strategies most frequently. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians and researchers should consider using reliable, validated measures like the VRIMS to identify individuals and communities that may benefit from additional education on reducing risk for COVID-19, future respiratory pandemics, or even seasonal flu.
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LY BA, Ahmed MAAG, TRAORE FB, DIARRA NH, DEMBELE M, DIARRA D, KANDÉ IF, SANGHO H, DOUMBIA S. CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES IN IMPLEMENTING AND ADOPTING ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE MEASURES AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN MALI (161/250). J Migr Health 2022; 5:100104. [PMID: 35434677 PMCID: PMC8994677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of facilities for quarantine and isolation in the sites for internally displaced people (IDPs) was found to be a barrier to the adoption of isolation and quarantine measures by IDPs. Changes in social behavior and practices to adopt isolation and quarantine were found to be difficult for IDPs. Financial vulnerability and fear of stigma were identified as barriers to the adoption of isolation and quarantine measures by IDPs. Endogen solutions to adopt isolation and quarantine measures include strengthening IDPs’ awareness on COVID-19 by IDPs.
Introduction Isolation and quarantine are among the key measures that protect internally displaced people (IDPs) against COVID-19. This study aims to identify the challenges encountered by humanitarian actors, and health, political, and administrative stakeholders in implementing these measures. It also describes the difficulties faced by IDPs when adopting them, and the local initiatives developed to overcome those difficulties. Method We conducted a qualitative survey consisting of individual interviews and focus groups among IDPs, humanitarian actors, and health, political, and administrative stakeholders. The data was collected between November and December 2020 in the Bamako and Ségou Regions of Mali. Interviews were recorded with audio recorders, then transcribed and thematically analyzed using the NVivo 13 software. Findings The study involved 36 individual interviews and eight focus groups with 68 participants of whom IDPs represented 72.3%. The main challenges reported on IDP sites included difficulties in contacting positive cases, a lack of facilities for quarantine and isolation, a lack of physical space for building new facilities, and a lack of financial resources to support IDPs during isolation and quarantine. The difficulties reported included: changes in social behavior and practices, fear of stigma, a poor level of literacy, and language barriers. To address those difficulties, the local initiatives developed by IDPs included strengthening the awareness of IDPs on COVID-19, early warning of sites’ leaders about positive and suspected cases, and setting up a toll-free number to facilitate access to appropriate information on COVID-19. Conclusion The findings of this study could be used as evidence to guide policy, adjust current strategies and take into account with more focus IDPs, a group with increased vulnerability, in COVID-19 response, more precisely during the implementation of isolation and quarantine measures. By doing so, they will help improve the response to COVID-19, IDPs health, and population health.
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Evaluation of Reported Medical Services Provided to Pediatric Viral Bronchiolitis Diagnoses During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Respir Med Res 2022; 81:100909. [PMID: 35436722 PMCID: PMC8993416 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmer.2022.100909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitigation strategies were implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that slowed the spread of this virus and other respiratory viruses. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 mitigation strategies on the medical services that children less than 1 year of age with acute bronchiolitis required (emergency department services, hospitalization, critical care services, and mechanical ventilation). METHODS This was a retrospective observational cohort study utilizing TriNetX ® electronic health record (EHR) data. We included subjects less than 1 year of age with a diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis. After the query, the study population was divided into two groups [pre-COVID-19 (March 1st, 2019 until February 29th, 2020) and COVID-19 (March 1st, 2020 until February 1th, 2021)]. We analyzed the following data: age, sex, race, diagnostic codes, common terminology procedures (CPT), and antimicrobials administered. RESULTS A total of 5063 subjects (n,%) were included [4378 (86.5%) pre-COVID-19 and 685 (13.5%) during the COVID-19 pandemic]. More subjects were diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis in the pre-COVID time frame (4378, 1.8% of all hospitalizations) when compared to the COVID-19 pandemic time frame (685, 0.5%). When diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis, the frequency of emergency department services, critical care services, hospitalization, and mechanical ventilationwere similar between the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, less infants were diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis but the frequency of emergency department services, hospitalization, and mechanical ventilation, reportedly required was similar. Longer-term studies are needed to evaluate the benefits of COVID-19 mitigation strategies on common viruses that require critical care.
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Arbyn M, Dhillon SK, Martinelli M, Simoens C, Cuypers L, Bode J, Van Ranst M, Corbisier P, Bonde J, Cocuzza C. VALCOR: a protocol for the validation of SARS-corona virus-2 assays. Arch Public Health 2022; 80:98. [PMID: 35351191 PMCID: PMC8962941 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-022-00869-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testing for SARS-CoV-2, together with vaccination, is one of the most vital strategies in curbing the current COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to an unprecedented need for diagnostic testing and the rapid emergence of an abundance of commercial assays on the market. Due to the nature of the pandemic and in the interest of health protection, many of these assays received provisional authorisation for emergency use without thorough validation. To limit false negative and false positive results, it is key to define common criteria that SARS-CoV-2 assays need to fulfil. VALCOR or "VALidation of SARS-CORona Virus-2 assays" is a protocol designed to set up a framework for test validation of SARS-CoV-2 virus assays. OBJECTIVES VALCOR is a study protocol for the validation of assays used for confirmation of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19 disease or the screening of carriers of SARS-CoV-2 virus by the identification of viral RNA in oropharyngeal and/or nasopharyngeal specimens or other specimens from the human respiratory tract. METHODS The VALCOR panel of samples will contain clinical human specimens and standardised artificial specimens. The collection of clinical specimens will include nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal specimens or other specimens from the respiratory tract obtained from COVID-19 patients and healthy carriers of SARS-CoV-2 as well as specimens from subjects not carrying SARS-CoV-2. Artificial specimens include calibrated amounts of viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 sequences provided by established competent agencies that produce reference materials for the assessment of the limit of detection of each assay. The panel of samples are sent from a central reference laboratory (having access to biobanks of clinical specimens tested already for SARS-CoV-2 with a reference comparator assay) to participating laboratories for testing with a SARS-CoV-2 index assay that requires evaluation. DISCUSSION VALCOR provides a harmonised and standard framework to benchmark the testing performance of SARS-CoV-2 assays that are rapidly evolving. As the pandemic incited an urgent need for testing capacity, there is a gap in the comprehensive validation of SARS-CoV-2 assays. This study will generate comprehensive validation data for assays used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 and may serve as a basis for other validation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Arbyn
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology/Belgian Cancer Centre, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium. .,Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sharonjit Kaur Dhillon
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology/Belgian Cancer Centre, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marianna Martinelli
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cindy Simoens
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology/Belgian Cancer Centre, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lize Cuypers
- National Reference Centre for Respiratory Pathogens, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jannes Bode
- National Reference Centre for Respiratory Pathogens, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Ranst
- National Reference Centre for Respiratory Pathogens, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Corbisier
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Geel, Belgium
| | - Jesper Bonde
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital -Amager and Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Clementina Cocuzza
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Siregar KN, Nasir NM, Baequni, Darmawan D, Kurniawan R, Retnowati, Prabawa A, Darmawan ES, Ariyanti F, Daniah, Bahar Nur RJ, Handayani Y. Increasing Community Awareness on Covid-19 Prevention in Jakarta, Indonesia: An Outreach Program for Urban Poor. Asia Pac J Public Health 2022; 34:443-445. [PMID: 35311360 DOI: 10.1177/10105395221084931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kemal N Siregar
- Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Narila Mutia Nasir
- Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia.,Indonesian Public Health Association for Jakarta Region, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Baequni
- Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia.,Indonesian Public Health Association for Jakarta Region, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Deddy Darmawan
- Indonesian Public Health Association for Jakarta Region, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rico Kurniawan
- Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Retnowati
- Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia.,Hospital of Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Artha Prabawa
- Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Ede Surya Darmawan
- Indonesian Public Health Association for Jakarta Region, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Department of Administration and Health Policy, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Fajar Ariyanti
- Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia.,Indonesian Public Health Association for Jakarta Region, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Daniah
- Indonesian Public Health Association for Jakarta Region, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Ria Husada, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ryza Jazid Bahar Nur
- Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Yolanda Handayani
- Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
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Investigation of the Relationship Between Athletes' Anxiety About Catching Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Their Attitudes Towards Nutrition. JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.30621/jbachs.1072746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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43
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Effectiveness of Human Mobility Change in Reducing the Spread of COVID-19: Ecological Study of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14063368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Non-pharmacological interventions including mobility restriction have been developed to curb transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We provided precise estimates of disease burden and examined the impact of mobility restriction on reducing the COVID-19 effective reproduction number in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study involved secondary analysis of open-access COVID-19 data obtained from different sources between 2 March and 26 December 2020. The dependent and main independent variables of interest were the effective reproduction number and anonymized mobility indices, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the community mobility change and the effective reproduction number for COVID-19. By 26 December 2020, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia reached 360,690, with a cumulative incidence rate of 105.41/10,000 population. Al Jouf, Northern Border, and Jazan regions were ≥2.5 times (OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.29–6.64), (OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.08–5.81), and (OR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.09–5.79) more likely to have a higher case fatality rate than Riyadh, the capital. Mobility changes in public and residential areas were significant predictors of the COVID-19 effective reproduction number. This study demonstrated that community mobility restrictions effectively control transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
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Mirahmadizadeh A, Shamooshaki MTB, Dadvar A, Moradian MJ, Aryaie M. UNEMPLOYMENT AND COVID-19-RELATED MORTALITY IN FARS COHORT STUDY: HISTORICAL COHORT STUDY OF 50,000 HOSPITALIZED PARTICIPANTS IN IRAN. Epidemiol Health 2022; 44:e2022032. [PMID: 35381169 PMCID: PMC9117102 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2022032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies have estimated the risk of death associated with unemployment in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but no studies have examined unemployment before COVID-19 infection as a risk factor for COVID-19-related mortality. Thus, this study aimed to investigate COVID-19 mortality among this population. METHODS Data on 50,038 people aged 25-59 years were collected from 38 agencies in Fars Province, Iran, from February 2020 to July 2021. Follow-up lasted from participants’ diagnosis with COVID-19 based on the results of a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test to participants’ death or the end of the study period. The association between unemployment and COVID-19-related mortality was estimated using the Poisson regression method, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to calculate the E-value. RESULTS Unemployment was associated with a 2.41-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01 to 2.90) higher age-adjusted and sex-adjusted risk of COVID-19-related mortality. The adjusted Poisson regression analysis showed 8.82 (95% CI, 6.42 to 12.11), 2.84 (95% CI, 1.90 to 4.24), and 1.58 (95% CI, 1.24 to 2.01) times higher risks of COVID-19-related mortality among unemployed people aged 25-39 years, 40-49 years, and 50-59 years, respectively, than among their employed counterparts. Unemployment increased the risk of COVID-19 mortality by 3.31 (95% CI, 2.31 to 4.74) and 2.30 (95% CI, 1.86 to 2.84) times in female and male, respectively. The E-value was 3.43, reflecting the minimum strength of confounding required to shift the association between unemployment and COVID-19-related mortality toward the null. CONCLUSIONS Unemployment prior to COVID-19 infection increased the risk of COVID-19-related mortality. COVID-19-related mortality disproportionately impacted unemployed women and younger unemployed people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mirahmadizadeh
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Javad Moradian
- Trauma Research Center, Shahid Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Aryaie
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Correspondence: Mohammad Aryaie Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 7153675541, Shiraz, Iran E-mail:
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Kousi T, Vivacqua D, Dalal J, James A, Câmara DCP, Botero Mesa S, Chimbetete C, Impouma B, Williams GS, Mboussou F, Mlanda T, Bukhari A, Keiser O, Abbate JL, Hofer CB. COVID-19 pandemic in Africa’s island nations during the first 9 months: a descriptive study of variation in patterns of infection, severe disease, and response measures. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-006821. [PMID: 35277427 PMCID: PMC8919133 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The geographic and economic characteristics unique to island nations create a different set of conditions for, and responses to, the spread of a pandemic compared with those of mainland countries. Here, we aimed to describe the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the potential conditions and responses affecting variation in the burden of infections and severe disease burden, across the six island nations of the WHO’s Africa region: Cabo Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, São Tomé e Príncipe and Seychelles. We analysed the publicly available COVID-19 data on confirmed cases and deaths from the beginning of the pandemic through 29 November 2020. To understand variation in the course of the pandemic in these nations, we explored differences in their economic statuses, healthcare expenditures and facilities, age and sex distributions, leading health risk factors, densities of the overall and urban populations and the main industries in these countries. We also reviewed the non-pharmaceutical response measures implemented nationally. We found that the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reduced by strict early limitations on movement and biased towards nations where detection capacity was higher, while the burden of severe COVID-19 was skewed towards countries that invested less in healthcare and those that had older populations and greater prevalence of key underlying health risk factors. These findings highlight the need for Africa’s island nations to invest more in healthcare and in local testing capacity to reduce the need for reliance on border closures that have dire consequences for their economies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timokleia Kousi
- Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, Geneve, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Vivacqua
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jyoti Dalal
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- HACE: Data Changing Child Labor, Manchester, UK
| | - Ananthu James
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Daniel Cardoso Portela Câmara
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Laboratório de Mosquitos Transmissores de Hematozoários, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Núcleo Operacional Sentinela de Mosquitos Vetores (NOSMOVE), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Sara Botero Mesa
- Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, Geneve, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Cleophas Chimbetete
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Benido Impouma
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | | | - Franck Mboussou
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Tamayi Mlanda
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Arish Bukhari
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Olivia Keiser
- Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, Geneve, Switzerland
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Lee Abbate
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
- Geomatys, Montpellier, France
- UMI TransVIHMI (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Montpellier), Montpellier, France
| | - Cristina Barroso Hofer
- The Global Research and Analysis for Public Health (GRAPH) Network, Association Actions en Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
- Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Pounder P. Intersection of health protection policy and sport during COVID-19: identifying and analyzing behavioral issues. MANAGING SPORT AND LEISURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23750472.2022.2046491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Pounder
- Department of Business and Management, St. George’s University, True Blue, Grenada
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Lovey T, Bielecki M, Gültekin N, Stettbacher A, Muggli F, Stanga Z, Farnham A, Deuel J, Schlagenhauf P. Illness tracking in SARS-CoV-2 tested persons using a smartphone app: a non-interventional, prospective, cohort study. New Microbes New Infect 2022; 46:100967. [PMID: 35287272 PMCID: PMC8908571 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.100967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few data on the range and severity of symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection or the impact on life quality in infected, previously healthy, young adults such as Swiss Armed Forces personnel. It is also unclear if an app can be used to remotely monitor symptoms in persons who test positive. Using a smartphone app called ITITP (Illness Tracking in Tested Persons) and weekly pop-up questionnaires, we aimed to evaluate the spectrum, duration, and impact of symptoms reported after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test according to sex, age, location, and comorbidities, and to compare these to responses from persons who tested negative. We followed up 502 participants (57% active participation), including 68 (13.5%) positive tested persons. Hospitalisation was reported by 6% of the positive tested participants. We found that positives reported significantly more symptoms that are typical of COVID-19 compared to negatives. These symptoms with odds ratio (OR > 1) were having difficulty breathing (OR 3.35; 95% CI: 1.16, 9.65; p = 0.03), having a reduced sense of taste (OR 5.45; 95% CI: 1.22, 24.34; p = 0.03) and a reduced sense of smell (OR 18.24; 95% CI: 4.23, 78.69; p < 0.001). Using a random forest model, we showed that tiredness was the single symptom that was rated as having a significant impact on daily activities, whereas the other symptoms, although frequent, had less impact. The study showed that the use of an app was feasible to remotely monitor symptoms in persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 and could be adapted for other settings and new pandemic phases such as the current Omicron wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Lovey
- University of Zürich, Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - M. Bielecki
- University of Zürich, Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland
- University Hospital of Zurich, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, Switzerland
| | - N. Gültekin
- Swiss Armed Forces, Medical Services, Ittigen, Switzerland
| | - A. Stettbacher
- Swiss Armed Forces, Medical Services, Ittigen, Switzerland
| | - F. Muggli
- Swiss Armed Forces, Medical Services, Monte Ceneri, Switzerland
| | - Z. Stanga
- Swiss Armed Forces, Medical Services, Ittigen, Switzerland
| | - A. Farnham
- University of Zürich, Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - J. Deuel
- University of Zürich, Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Zürich, Switzerland
- University Hospital of Zurich, Division of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - P. Schlagenhauf
- University of Zürich Centre for Travel Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, MilMedBiol Competence Centre, Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Hirschengraben 84, 8001, Zürich, Switzerland
- Corresponding author: P. Schlagenhauf, Department of Public and Global Health, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Hirschengraben 84, 8001, Zürich, Switzerland.
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A Safe Return to Campus in Times of COVID-19: A Survey Study among University Personnel to Inform Decision Makers. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10030371. [PMID: 35335003 PMCID: PMC8950546 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10030371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Halfway through 2021 in the midst of a public health crisis, a new academic year was fast approaching. Dutch universities were preparing to reopen their campuses to students and personnel in a safe manner. As the vaccination uptake was increasing and societies were slowly reopening, inviting students and personnel to campus became the next step to “the new normal”. To absorb this change seamlessly, it was considered important to investigate personnel’s beliefs about returning to campus and their perceptions of a safe working environment. An online survey was conducted among personnel (N = 1965) of Maastricht University, the Netherlands. University personnel’s beliefs about a safe return to campus were assessed. The data were collected between 11 June and 28 June 2021. This study showed that, while most personnel (94.7%) were already vaccinated or willing to do so, not all personnel did feel safe to return to campus in September 2021. Over half of the respondents (58%) thought that the university is a safe place to return to work when the new academic year starts. However, the remainder of personnel felt unsafe or were uncertain for various reasons such as meeting in large groups or becoming infected. Moreover, when returning to campus, employees stated that they would require some time to reacclimate to their former work culture. The group who felt relatively more unsafe indicated that returning in September was too risky and that they worried about being infected. They wanted the safety guidelines to still be in force. On the other hand, the “safe” group stated safely returning to be “certainly possible” and trusted that others would still stick to the prevention guidelines. The findings led to practical recommendations for the University Board as they were preparing for organizing research and teaching for the upcoming academic year in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A brief intervention was developed: a webinar in which the data were linked to the board’s plans for safe returning. This study demonstrates that university boards may use research among personnel to develop adequate measures promoting safety and feelings of safety among personnel in similar future situations.
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Marudachalam J, Ravichandhiran O, Ramalingam K, Ramanathan S, Mahaboob S, Abdul Razack HI. Peak months of pandemic’s first-wave in India: a cross-sectional assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practice towards COVID-19 among internet-savvy individuals. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2022; 38:93-102. [PMID: 35194372 PMCID: PMC8830959 DOI: 10.1007/s40267-022-00899-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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50
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Kumar Paul G, Mahmud S, Aldahish AA, Afroze M, Biswas S, Briti Ray Gupta S, Hasan Razu M, Zaman S, Salah Uddin M, Nahari MH, Merae Alshahrani M, Abdul Rahman Alshahrani M, Khan M, Abu Saleh M. Computational screening and biochemical analysis of Pistacia integerrima and Pandanus odorifer plants to find effective inhibitors against Receptor-Binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-Cov-2. ARAB J CHEM 2022; 15:103600. [PMID: 34909068 PMCID: PMC8632739 DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although World Health Organization-approved emergency vaccines are available in many countries, the mortality rate from COVID-19 remains high due to the fourth or fifth wave and the delta variant of the coronavirus. Thus, an effective mechanistic investigation in treating this disease is urgently needed. In this work, we extracted phytochemicals from two mangrove plants, Pistacia integerrima and Pandanus odorifer, assessing their potential actions against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The antioxidant activities of Pistacia integerrima leaves and fruits were 142.10 and 97.13 µg/mL, respectively, whereas Pandanus odorifer leaves and fruits were 112.50 and 292.71 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, leaf extracts from both plants had lower cytotoxicity against Artemia salina than fruit extracts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed a total of 145 potential phytochemicals from these extracts. Three phytochemicals, 28-demethyl-beta-amyrone, 24-Noroleana-3,12-diene, and stigmasterol, displayed binding free energy values of - 8.3, -7.5, and - 8.1 Kcal/mol, respectively, in complexes with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The root-mean-square deviation, solvent-accessible surface area, radius of gyration, root-mean-square fluctuations, and hydrogen bonds were used to ensure the binding stability of the docked complexes in the atomistic simulation. Thus, wet-lab validations are necessary to support these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gobindo Kumar Paul
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Shafi Mahmud
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Afaf A Aldahish
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Asir, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mirola Afroze
- Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements, BRiCM, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Suvro Biswas
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Swagota Briti Ray Gupta
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmudul Hasan Razu
- Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements, BRiCM, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Shahriar Zaman
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Salah Uddin
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed H Nahari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, PO Box 1988, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Merae Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, PO Box 1988, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Abdul Rahman Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, PO Box 1988, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mala Khan
- Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements, BRiCM, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh,Corresponding authors
| | - Md. Abu Saleh
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh,Corresponding authors
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