COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on social relationships and health

Addressing Post-Pandemic Adolescent Health in Schools

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic disrupted in-person learning for adolescents and young adults across the world. Inequities in learning outcomes were primarily caused by digital inequalities. Social needs of adolescent and young adult (AYA) emerged during the pandemic and school is a key part of supporting AYA social health. School-based health clinics can serve as a method to improve mental and physical health outcomes for AYA.

Community health action and COVID-19 in Barcelona neighbourhoods: responses and challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing social, economic and political inequalities. The evidence describes the use of community engagement approaches to support appropriate COVID-19 prevention and control measures. We aimed to delve deeper into the community response to COVID-19 in Barcelona neighbourhoods with different pre-existing levels of development of community health action (CHA). A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in six Barcelona neighbourhoods with different types of CHAs. The sample included 37 in-depth interviews with community agents with good knowledge of the territory. The content analysis focused on three dimensions: symbolic (conceptions motivating action), substantive (the content and resources of the action) and operational (interactions between agents). Regardless of their CHA typology, all neighbourhoods responded to the needs generated by the pandemic. Symbolic: strong-CHA development, characterized by well-established participatory structures, facilitated responses to the crisis. In medium-CHA neighbourhoods, the emergency exacerbated previous tensions. In emerging-CHA neighbourhoods, previous participatory structures, although not health-specific, favoured the coordination of responses. Substantive: technology influenced the way CHA activities were conducted. Operative: in the strong-CHA neighbourhood, new participants were able to join previous participatory structures. In medium-CHA neighbourhoods, power dynamics hindered coordination. In conclusion, strong CHA can play a key role in addressing the adverse consequences of social and health crisis. Empowering citizens and communities should be a primary objective of public policy that integrates the 'health-in-all-policies' approach. This approach entails allocating public resources to strengthen the role of community action and power.

The effects of occupational disruption during COVID-19 lockdowns on health: a cross-sectional study

The disruption in daily activity performance during COVID-19 lockdowns is widely understood to have impacted health, but a better understanding of how restricted performance of specific activities are associated with health is needed. This cross-sectional study answers the following question: How were changes in the performance of 16 daily activities associated with health during COVID-19 lockdowns? A total of 116 participants completed an online survey rating their health before and during COVID-19 lockdowns and comparing their recollection of the performance of 16 activities before COVID-19 with their performance during lockdowns. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between self-reported changes in activities during lockdowns and concurrent (during-lockdown) health status, while controlling for pre-COVID-19 health status. Only changes in activities that were uniquely and significantly associated with lockdown health status were retained in the final model. Health before COVID-19 accounted for 3.7% (P = 0.039) of the variance in health during COVID-19 lockdowns. After controlling for health before COVID-19, five types of activity were significantly and uniquely predictive of health during lockdowns, together accounting for 48.3% of the variance. These activities and the variances they accounted for were rest and sleep (29.5%, P < 0.001), play and recreational activities (8%, P < 0.001), work (4.8%, P = 0.002), personal hygiene (3.2%, P = 0.01), and healthy eating (2.8%, P = 0.013). The study suggests that these five types of activity should be prioritized in policy or interventions when participation in activity is constrained by lockdowns or comparable factors.

Identifying how pre-existing resources combine to shape the experiences of work and family life of a diverse sample of working parents with at least one child in primary school in Scotland during COVID-19 pandemic-related social restrictions: a qualitative descriptive design

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify factors that shaped working parents (WPs') experiences of COVID-19-related social restrictions and analyse the relationships between those factors.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect five time points of data including two online questionnaires and three telephone or online interviews between March 2021 and August 2021 with some follow-up interviews in December 2022.

SETTING

The COVID-19 pandemic led to social restrictions which greatly impacted WPs who had to both work and look after their children within their home space without any formal childcare.

PARTICIPANTS

19 participants living in Scotland who had at least one child of primary school age and who had been working in March 2020.

RESULTS

All parents were affected by social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the flexibility of employers, their socioeconomic situation and the amount of space in their home environment being particularly influential. The impact of social restrictions was greater for lone parents (LPs) due to the inability to share childcare with another adult in the home. Parents in low-income households were affected due to pre-existing inequalities of resources.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate several policy options that could mitigate negative outcomes for parents in the case of a future pandemic, including options to lessen inequities experienced by LPs. These include priority access to school places (particularly for children with underlying chronic medical conditions), the ability to establish a 'support bubble' at the beginning of social restrictions and being given access to safe outside places for children without a garden.

A Comprehensive Review of the Global Epidemiology, Clinical Management, Socio-Economic Impacts, and National Responses to Long COVID with Future Research Directions

Background: Long COVID, characterized by a persistent symptom spectrum following SARS-CoV-2 infection, poses significant health, social, and economic challenges. This review aims to consolidate knowledge on its epidemiology, clinical features, and underlying mechanisms to guide global responses; Methods: We conducted a literature review, analyzing peer-reviewed articles and reports to gather comprehensive data on long COVID's epidemiology, symptomatology, and management approaches; Results: Our analysis revealed a wide array of long COVID symptoms and risk factors, with notable demographic variability. The current understanding of its pathophysiology suggests a multifactorial origin yet remains partially understood. Emerging diagnostic criteria and potential therapeutic strategies were identified, highlighting advancements in long COVID management; Conclusions: This review highlights the multifaceted nature of long COVID, revealing a broad spectrum of symptoms, diverse risk factors, and the complex interplay of physiological mechanisms underpinning the condition. Long COVID symptoms and disorders will continue to weigh on healthcare systems in years to come. Addressing long COVID requires a holistic management strategy that integrates clinical care, social support, and policy initiatives. The findings underscore the need for increased international cooperation in research and health planning to address the complex challenges of long COVID. There is a call for continued refinement of diagnostic and treatment modalities, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to manage the ongoing and evolving impacts of the condition.

A social network analysis approach to assess COVID19-related disruption to substance use treatment and informal social interactions among people who use drugs in Scotland

AIMS

To assess the extent of Coronavirus-related disruption to health and social care treatment and social interactions among people with lived or living experience of substance use in Scotland, and explore potential reasons for variations in disruption.

DESIGN

Cross sectional mixed methods interview, incorporating a social network 'egonet interview' approach asking about whether participants had interactions with a range of substance use, health, social care or third sector organisations, or informal social interactions.

SETTING

Five Alcohol and Drug Partnership Areas in Scotland.

PARTICIPANTS

57 (42% women) participants were involved in the study, on average 42 years old.

MEASUREMENTS

Five-point Likert scale reporting whether interactions with a range of services and people had gotten much better, better, no different (or no change), worse, or much worse since COVID19 and lockdown. Ratings were nested within participants (Individuals provided multiple ratings) and some ratings were also nested within treatment service (services received multiple ratings). The nested structure was accounted for using cross classified ordinal logistic multilevel models.

FINDINGS

While the overall average suggested only a slight negative change in interactions (mean rating 2.93), there were substantial variations according to type of interaction, and between individuals. Reported change was more often negative for mental health services (Adjusted OR = 0.93 95% CI 0.17,0.90), and positive for pharmacies (3.03 95% CI 1.36, 5.93). The models found between-participant variation of around 10%, and negligible between-service variation of around 1% in ratings. Ratings didn't vary by individual age or gender but there was variation between areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Substance use treatment service adaptations due to COVID19 lockdown led to both positive and negative service user experiences. Social network methods provide an effective way to describe complex system-wide interaction patterns, and to measure variations at the individual, service, and area level.

Feasibility and acceptability of a home-based virtual group exercise program in global Asian adult population: Baseline characteristics of a cohort study

BACKGROUND

To determine the potential influence of a home-based virtual group exercise on people's long-term overall health consequences in global Asian population.

METHODS

We recruited 1021 participants from more than 7 regions across the globe including Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, United States, Canada, Europe, and other regions. All the participants attended the virtual group Qigong exercise 60-minute bi-weekly with instructors for 6 months from June 2022 to December 2022. The physical, mental, and social well-being and other variables were measured via online questionnaires.

RESULTS

The majority were 51 to 65 (50.6%) years old, female (90.2%), married (68.5%), and came from Taiwan (48.9%). Older adults had higher scores on measures of overall health and exercise adherence, and lower scores on measures of sleep quality and depressive symptoms compared with younger counterparts (P < .05). Most of them (95.3%) acknowledged that the improvement of health status was their motivating factor for exercise. Eighty nine percent of the participants believed that social media played an important role in this exercise program.

CONCLUSION

This study will suggest such approach has great potential to reduce health disparities and can be implemented to underserved population who has limited recourses to join in-person exercise program.

Number and nature of psychiatric emergency department visits in a tertiary hospital before, during, and after coronavirus pandemic

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health globally, leading to a deterioration in the overall mental health of the population and changes across all healthcare levels, including emergency departments (ED). However, the evolution of the quantity and nature of psychiatric ED visits in the post-pandemic period remains uncertain.

Aims

To examine changes in the number and nature of psychiatric emergencies at a general hospital before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

Psychiatric ED visits from a tertiary hospital in the Basque Country (Spain) between January 2019 and November 2023 were investigated. Electronical health registers detailing the number and nature of psychiatric care consultations were analyzed for the study timeframe. Three periods were then compared: pre-pandemic (from January 2019 to February 2020), pandemic (from March 2020 to January 2022), and post-pandemic (from February 2022 onwards).

Results

16,969 psychiatric ED visits were recorded for the study period. The number of psychiatric ED visits remained stable from pre-pandemic (269.93 visits/month) to pandemic (264.48 visits/month) periods but experienced a significant rise during the post-pandemic period (330.00 visits/month; t=-6.42; p<0.001), which was not reflected in medical and traumatological visits. The proportion of visits for anxiety (Z=-2.97; p=0.003), suicidal ideation (Z=-5.48; p<0.001), and administrative and social consultations (Z=-5.69; p<0.001) increased over the course of the pandemic. In contrast, visits for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (Z=4.85; p<0.001), as well as unspecified behavioral alterations (Z=2.51; p=0.012), significantly decreased.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have altered the patterns of urgent psychiatric care, characterized by a sharp increase of average monthly number of consultations and a shift in their nature. Future efforts should focus on characterizing this surge in demand and enhancing both emergency services and outpatient settings.

Associations of U.S. state-level COVID-19 policies intensity with cannabis sharing behaviors in 2020

BACKGROUND

Cannabis use before the COVID-19 pandemic for many involved sharing prepared cannabis for inhalation, practices that were less prevalent during the pandemic. State-level COVID-19 containment policies may have influenced this decrease. This study examined the extent to which the intensity of state-level COVID-19 policies were associated with individual-level cannabis sharing. Findings have the potential to guide harm reduction policies for future respiratory pandemics and seasonal respiratory virus waves.

METHODS

This study used cross-sectional individual-level data from the COVID-19 Cannabis Study, an anonymous U.S.-based web survey on cannabis use disseminated during the early phase of the pandemic (Full sample N = 1,883). We combined individual-level data with state-level policy data from Kaiser Family Foundation's State COVID-19 Data and Policy Actions for three time-points from June to August 2020 that overlapped with the survey period. Cannabis sharing was dichotomized as any versus no sharing. We adapted a previously published coding framework to score the intensity of COVID-19 policies implemented in each U.S. state and averaged the policy score across the time period. We then used Poisson regression models to quantify the associations of the average state-level COVID-19 policy score with cannabis sharing during the pandemic.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 925) reporting using inhalation as a mode for cannabis use were included in this analysis. Most respondents were male (64.1%), non-Hispanic White (54.3%), with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD 8.8). A large proportion (74.9%) reported sharing cannabis during the pandemic. Those who shared cannabis more commonly lived in states with a lower average policy score (16.7, IQR 12.3-21.5) compared to those who did not share (18.6, IQR 15.3-25.3). In adjusted models, the prevalence ratio of any cannabis sharing per every 5-unit increase in the average COVID-19 policy score was 0.97 (95% CI 0.93, 1.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Fewer individuals shared cannabis in states with more intense COVID-19 containment policies compared to those in states with less intense policies. Individuals who use cannabis may be willing to make changes to their behavior and may further benefit from specific and directed public health messaging to avoid sharing during respiratory infection outbreaks.

Understanding and mitigating negative affect in preventive health behaviors: Evidence from the COVID-19 vaccination process

The study investigated the willingness for vaccine uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic (April-June 2021), and explored the effect of both mindfulness and health education in managing negative affect post-vaccination. In study 1, a sample of 468 Chinese college students completed a one-time survey, assessing loneliness, stress, medical fear, and vaccination likelihood. Results showed that medical fear mediated the relationship between loneliness, stress and vaccination likelihood. In study 2, 70 college students were randomly assigned to one of three intervention conditions (mindfulness, health education, and control) during vaccination. Participants in mindfulness group showed lower negative affect scores than the control group post-intervention (p = 0.019). However, no significant difference was reported between health education with the other two conditions. As such, medical fear would be an important factor to target for improving the likelihood of vaccine uptake. Furthermore, a short mindfulness intervention was effective to improve experience of vaccination through mitigating negative affect.

COVID-19-Related Stressors and Psychophysical Health Conditions among Italian University Students: A Post Pandemic Insight

The COVID-19 medical emergency has ended worldwide, yet the psychological impact of these years of unprecedented changes on students' lives still needs to be deepened.

METHODS

This study aims to assess and compare COVID-19-related stressors (relationships and academic life; isolation; and fear of contagion) and psychophysical symptoms reported by 637 university students at three times, i.e., April 2020 (n = 197), April 2021 (n = 200), and April 2022 (n = 240). The impact of COVID-19-related stressors on psychophysical symptoms within each time was also tested.

RESULTS

In April 2022, perceived isolation and fear of contagion decreased from the peak registered in April 2021, but stress related to relationships and academic life remained high. An ongoing increase in psychophysical symptoms was found. More than 50% of students reported clinical levels of sleep disorders, depression, psychoticism, and interpersonal sensitivity. In April 2022, students still perceiving stress related to relationships and academic life and isolation were at risk for anxiety, somatization, and sleep disorders. Students still perceiving stress related to fear of contagion were also at risk for depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and psychoticism.

CONCLUSION

The findings emphasized the long-lasting effects of COVID-19-related stress on students' psychophysical health. Interventions must aim at supporting students in dealing with the complex post-pandemic adjustment process.

Expansion of Child Tax Credits and Mental Health of Parents With Low Income in 2021

Importance

The 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) expansion, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, offered financial relief through generous monthly tax benefits to families with children amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of heightened concerns about mental health during the pandemic, the expanded CTC may have alleviated parental mental health challenges, especially within families with low income.

Objective

To investigate the association between the 2021 CTC expansion and mental health among parents with low income as measured by depression and anxiety symptoms.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This repeated cross-sectional study used data from the Household Pulse Survey covering April 14, 2021, to January 10, 2022, in the US. A difference-in-difference-in-differences estimator combined with propensity score matching was used to estimate the association of the expanded CTC with mental health symptoms among households with income less than $35 000.

Exposure

The monthly payment of expanded CTC from July 15 to December 15, 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Parental mental health was measured by analyzing depression and anxiety symptoms using logistic regression.

Results

The weighted sample comprised 546 366 adults (mean [SD] age, 43.02 [14.54] years; 52.9% female). The most common education level was high school or less (36.0%), the highest frequency of household income distribution was $50 000 to $74 999 (16.1%), and the majority of the sample was employed (67.3%). The weighted mean (SD) number of children in the household was 0.92 (1.18). For the full sample, receiving expanded CTC benefits was associated with lower odds of experiencing anxiety symptoms (odds ratio, 0.730; 95% CI, 0.598-0.890). Subgroup analyses indicated that the positive associations of the policy with anxiety symptoms were particularly pronounced among the female, working-age (17-60 years), non-Hispanic White, and higher education groups. However, the policy expansion had no association with depression.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings may provide valuable evidence for policy makers to consider when deliberating on the possibility of making the CTC expansion permanent or transforming it into a universal program.

Trends in non-fatal and fatal opioid overdoses during the first two years of the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic

PURPOSE

This study assessed opioid-involved overdose rates by age, sex, and race-ethnicity across strict pandemic mitigation phases and how this varied across data systems.

METHODS

We examined opioid-involved overdoses using medical examiner and hospital data for Cook County, Illinois between 2016-2021. Multivariable segmented regression was used to assess weekly overdose rates across subgroups of age, sex and race/ethnicity and strict pandemic mitigation phases.

RESULTS

The overall rate of weekly opioid-involved overdoses increased when assessing the medical examiner (β = 0.01; 95% CI = 0.01,0.02; P ≤ .001) and emergency department visits data sources (β = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.09,0.20; P ≤ .001) but not for the hospital admissions data source. We found differences in overdose rates across subgroups and phases of pandemic mandates. Fatal overdoses increased during lockdown-1 while admissions and emergency department (ED) visits for opioid-involved overdoses generally decreased across all phases of pandemic mitigation mandates except for the period following lockdown-1. Across pandemic mitigation phases, Hispanics and individuals under 25 years did not demonstrate any change in admissions and ED visits for overdoses.

CONCLUSIONS

We underscore the importance of utilizing multiple sources of surveillance to better characterize opioid-involved overdoses and for public health planning.

"Everything has changed since COVID": Ongoing challenges faced by Canadian adults with intellectual disabilities during waves 2 and 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in many ways, impacting their health and wellbeing. Early in the pandemic, the research team delivered a six-week virtual group-based program to help Canadian adults with intellectual disabilities cope and better manage their mental health. The study's objective was to explore ongoing concerns among individuals with intellectual disabilities following their participation in this education and support program. Thematic analysis was used to analyze participant feedback provided eight weeks after course completion. Twenty-four participants were interviewed in January 2021 and May 2021 across two cycles of the course. Three themes emerged: 1) employment and financial challenges; 2) navigating changes and ongoing restrictions; and 3) vaccine anticipation and experience. These findings suggest that despite benefiting from the program, participants continued to experience pandemic-related challenges in 2021, emphasising the need to continually engage people with intellectual disabilities.

Sociolocation: A Proposed Conceptual Element in Lifespan Development

Individual identity as a function of human development significantly intersects with and is necessarily influenced by the social world. To describe this intersection and its effects, the term sociolocation was proposed, initially in the context of adolescent development, and defined as "self-identification and recognition of social integration through relationships." Almost a decade later, it is apparent that the processes of sociolocation may continue and repeat through the rest of the lifespan. The purpose of this, therefore, paper is to present an expanded definitional and conceptual analysis of sociolocation using the techniques described by Chinn, Kramer, and Sitzman. Such an analysis is important across nursing science, practice, and education, since in all three domains the nurse may encounter individuals engaged in sociolocation. Understanding what this process is and when and how it may occur can be helpful in care planning, learning, and research endeavors.

'I turn to my closest friends for support': queer youth navigating mental health during COVID-19

The objectives of this in-depth qualitative study were to identify how COVID-19 impacted the mental health experiences of queer youth in Vancouver, Canada. Between November 2020 and June 2021, fifteen queer youth aged 15 to 25 were enrolled in the study. They participated in semi-weekly, solicited digital diary entries and semi-structured intake and follow-up interviews about COVID-19, social distancing protocols, and mental health. Using thematic analysis, two major themes were identified. First, participants described how COVID-19 impacted social support by highlighting the limitations of their existing social networks and feelings of disconnect from others in the local queer community. Second, participants described how public health guidance and the offloading of responsibility for COVID-19 risk-management onto the individual was a significant source of anxiety and stress, and how they moralised the struggle to balance compliance with the desire to connect with others. These findings highlight the need to understand the negative mental health outcomes arising from moralising approaches to public health that offload risk-management onto the individual, isolate queer youth, and hamper their identity-development processes.

Subjective dry eye symptoms and associated factors among the national general population in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: A network analysis

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented numerous challenges to public health, including the emergence of subjective dry eye symptoms among individuals. However, there is currently a dearth of comprehensive knowledge regarding the associated factors with subjective dry eye symptoms in the general population.

Methods

A nationwide survey in China was carried out from 20 June to 31 August 2022, involving 21 916 participants. Subjective dry eye symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index-6. We employed random forest classification to select potential associated factors based on the socioecological model. We also conducted univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to explore the factors associated with subjective dry eye symptoms. Network analyses were employed to explore the network structure of subjective dry eye symptoms and associated factors.

Results

The item "watching TV (or similar task)" displayed the highest node strength and exhibited the highest predictability within the network. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated significant associations between subjective dry eye symptoms and several factors, including loneliness (odds ratio (OR) = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26 to 1.32), problematic Internet use (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.09), family communication (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.01), the presence of depression (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.39 to 1.68) and anxiety (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.17 to 1.47) symptoms, older age (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.01), self-rated health status (OR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.98 to 0.99), family health (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.96 to 0.97), health literacy (OR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.97 to 0.99) and the agreeableness personality trait (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.95 to 0.99).

Conclusions

These findings have important implications for public health interventions targeting the prevention and management of subjective dry eye symptoms in the general population. Strategies addressing individual risk factors and supporting psychological well-being may prove beneficial in mitigating the burden associated with subjective dry eye symptoms.

Communication Networks and Individual Resilience for Individual Well-Being During a Time of Crisis

The deprivation of offline communication necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic raises questions about whether and how external social resources and internal ability lead individuals to maintain their well-being. However, most research on the two factors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been based on cross-sectional survey data during the early lockdowns and focused on each factor separately. Combining the two lines of research, this study investigates how individuals' communication networks and resilience interacted with each other and influenced individual well-being at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the two-wave online panel survey data gathered from 708 Korean adults, this study suggests that individual well-being depends on strong ties and emotional support, and that their offline support influences their well-being differently depending on their level of resilience. Implications for understanding the transformed roles of communication networks and the complex dynamics of offline support together with individual resilience on individual well-being are discussed.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Vulnerable Females from a Low-Resource Setting during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The onset of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the mental health and well-being of women in vulnerable settings. Currently, there is limited evidence that explores the wellness of elderly women under the associated restrictions. This study explores the lived experiences of elderly women in a vulnerable community in Durban, South Africa. A face-to-face, in-depth qualitative approach was implemented to interview 12 women aged 50 years and over. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings suggest that social interactions, the effect of a high death rate, and financial strain predominantly affect stress and anxiety levels. Despite the women being in receipt of pensions and/or other grants, their supplementary income was reduced. This, together with the additional expenses incurred during the lockdown, resulted in anxiety over finances. The lack of social interaction, with limits on visiting family and other loved ones when they were ill, along with the limit on the number of people attending the funerals of loved ones were also stressful. This study also reports on the resulting coping mechanisms, which included using hobbies such as baking and sewing as a means of self-care. Religious beliefs also relieved stress while home remedies were used as preventative measures during the lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19.

The influence of alcohol consumption on Self-Rated Health and Mood during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain

Introduction

There is evidence of a significant upturn of certain unhealthy lifestyle choices such as Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

To analyze whether Alcohol Consumption has increased since the onset of pandemic and whether it affects the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health among adult Spanish population.

Methodology

Study of two cross-sectional cohorts (1-initial period of confinement COVID-19 pandemic, 2-between fifth and sixth waves of pandemic) to examine Alcohol Consumption in the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health using a moderation analysis with PROCESS macro for SPSS.

Results

5,949 people (62.1% women) participated in the study. Alcohol Consumption showed a significant increase, with men consuming more Alcohol than women in both periods (58.6% vs. 44.7% and 72.1% vs. 56.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). The moderation analysis revealed that sex and Alcohol Consumption conditioned the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health in the first survey, with a greater effect on women, who stated that not consuming Alcohol had a positive effect on the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health (B: -0.530; p < 0.001).

Discussion

Currently it is about of implementing strategies to manage the pandemic-some of them aimed at promoting healthy living and stress management as assets that favor healthy lifestyles with fewer risk factors. New studies are needed to address the social thresholds of alcohol consumption, considering different perspectives for understanding variations in the intrapersonal and social perception of drunkenness, as this has been shown to be inconsistent across cultures and time periods.

Born in Bradford Age of Wonder cohort: A protocol for qualitative longitudinal research

Bradford is multi-ethnic and one of the most deprived districts in the United Kingdom where around a quarter of children live in low-income families. Born in Bradford (BiB) has followed the lives of 13,776 children born in the district between 2007 and 2011. Children in the birth cohort are now entering adolescence, and the next phase of the research - Age of Wonder (AoW) - will be a whole city cohort capturing the experiences of 30,000 adolescents progressing into young adulthood. This protocol focuses on one component of the AoW programme: qualitative longitudinal research (QLR). The study will gather in depth and detailed accounts from a sub-sample of 100 young people across four major research priorities: personal life; social and community life; growing up with difference, and growing up in Bradford. As well as using traditional qualitative methods such as interviews, focus group discussions, and ethnography, we are adopting innovative creative methods including expressions through art, activism, online and digital content, portraits, and critical events. The process of engaging in and co-producing QLR potentially provides a route to empowering young people to shape the narrative of their own lives as well as informing intervention development.

Integrating patient-reported physical, mental, and social impacts to classify long COVID experiences

Long COVID was originally identified through patient-reported experiences of prolonged symptoms. Many studies have begun to describe long COVID; however, this work typically focuses on medical records, instead of patient experiences, and lacks a comprehensive view of physical, mental, and social impacts. As part of our larger My COVID Diary (MCD) study, we captured patient experiences using a prospective and longitudinal patient-reported outcomes survey (PROMIS-10) and free-text narrative submissions. From this study population, we selected individuals who were still engaged in the MCD study and reporting poor health (PROMIS-10 scores < 3) at 6 months (n = 634). We used their PROMIS-10 and narrative data to describe and classify their long COVID experiences. Using Latent Class Analysis of the PROMIS-10 data, we identified four classifications of long COVID experiences: a few lingering issues (n = 107), significant physical symptoms (n = 113), ongoing mental and cognitive struggles (n = 235), and numerous compounding challenges (n = 179); each classification included a mix of physical, mental, and social health struggles with varying levels of impairment. The classifications were reinforced and further explained by patient narratives. These results provide a new understanding of the varying ways that long COVID presents to help identify and care for patients.

Family Functioning and the Pandemic: How Do Parental Perceived Social Support and Mental Health Contribute to Family Health?

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine measures implemented have profoundly impacted parents and families. The stress and uncertainty generated by the COVID-19 virus, as well as the disruption of routines and social relationships, have weakened both individual and family health and functioning.

OBJECTIVE

The present research is part of a larger study that aims to understand, with a family systems theory, the longitudinal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on school-aged children, adolescents, and their parents. More specifically, this paper aims to investigate parents' experience of the first months of the pandemic as a predictor of perceived social support, parental ill-being (aggregate score of well-established poor psychological functioning indicators), parental satisfaction, and family functioning.

METHOD

During the first lockdown (April-May 2020), 203 parents of school-aged children living in Quebec completed an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

Path analysis indicates that the impact of COVID-19 and health preoccupation due to COVID-19 are both positively associated with individual parental ill-being, which in turn detracts from family functioning and parental satisfaction. Furthermore, perceptions about positive effects of the pandemic are negatively associated with parental ill-being, and positively with perceived social support, which in turn significantly contributes to family functioning and parental satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the importance of adopting a systemic perspective to best understand the effects of the pandemic and the social and health measures on individuals, families, and systems, as well as to better support parents and family health through periods of uncertainty.

Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Family Structural Dimensions: A Correlational Study

The COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in the families' social support network, employment status, and family income, which are the focus of attention of family health nurses. This study aims to describe the pandemic's repercussions in the areas of attention of the structural dimension of families according to the Dynamic Model of Family Assessment and Intervention, as perceived by Portuguese families, and to relate the changes in their employment status according to the variables of the structural dimension. A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted using snowball sampling. A questionnaire of sociodemographic characterization and assessment of the family structural dimension according to the model's operational matrix was applied to 235 family members. Changes were found in their employment status; family income; intensity and frequency of contact with family, friends, and coworkers; frequency of contact with educational/health/religious institutions and community groups; cultural activities; and housing comfort conditions such as the use of heating/air conditioning, gas, and water consumption. Changes in employment status were related to family income, interaction with friends, frequency of cultural activities, and use of air conditioning and heating. Knowing the implications of the pandemic on the family's structural dimension results in a nursing intervention more focused on family needs.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Did Strict Mobility Restrictions Save Lives and Healthcare Costs in Maharashtra, India?

INTRODUCTION

Maharashtra, India, remained a hotspot during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the initial complete lockdown, the state slowly relaxed restrictions. We aim to estimate the lockdown's impact on COVID-19 cases and associated healthcare costs.

METHODS

Using daily case data for 84 days (9 March-31 May 2020), we modeled the epidemic's trajectory and predicted new cases for different phases of lockdown. We fitted log-linear models to estimate the growth rate, basic (R₀), daily reproduction number (R_e), and case doubling time. Based on pre-restriction and Phase 1 R₀, we predicted new cases for the rest of the restriction phases, and we compared them with the actual number of cases during each phase. Furthermore, using the published and gray literature, we estimated the costs and savings of implementing these restrictions for the projected period, and we performed a sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The estimated median R₀ during the different phases was 1.14 (95% CI: 0.85, 1.45) for pre-lockdown, 1.67 (95% CI: 1.50, 1.82) for phase 1 (strict mobility restrictions), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.35) for phase 2 (extension of phase 1 with no restrictions on agricultural and essential services), 1.12 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.23) for phase 3 (extension of phase 2 with mobility relaxations in areas with few infections), and 1.05 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.123) for phase 4 (implementation of localized lockdowns in high-case-load areas with fewer restrictions on other areas), respectively. The corresponding doubling time rate for cases (in days) was 17.78 (95% CI: 5.61, -15.19), 3.87 (95% CI: 3.15, 5.00), 10.37 (95% CI: 7.10, 19.30), 20.31 (95% CI: 10.70, 212.50), and 45.56 (95% CI: 20.50, -204.52). For the projected period, the cases could have reached 631,819 without the lockdown, as the actual reported number of cases was 64,975. From a healthcare perspective, the estimated total value of averted cases was INR 194.73 billion (USD 2.60 billion), resulting in net cost savings of 84.05%. The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) for implementing the lockdown, rather than observing the natural course of the pandemic, was INR 33,812.15 (USD 450.83).

CONCLUSION

Maharashtra's early public health response delayed the pandemic and averted new cases and deaths during the first wave of the pandemic. However, we recommend that such restrictions be carefully used while considering the local socio-economic realities in countries like India.

Differences in mental health and alcohol use across profiles of COVID-19 disruptions

This study aimed to examine differences in mental health and alcohol use outcomes across distinct patterns of work, home, and social life disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 2093 adult participants were collected from September 2020 to April 2021 as a part of a larger study examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use. Participants provided data on COVID-19 pandemic experiences, mental health outcomes, media consumption, and alcohol use at baseline. Alcohol use difficulties, including problems related to the use, desire to use alcohol, failure to cut down on alcohol use, and family/friend concern with alcohol use, were measured at 60-day follow-up. Factor mixture modeling followed by group comparisons, multiple linear regressions, and multiple logistic regressions was conducted. A four-profile model was selected. Results indicated that profile membership predicted differences in mental health and alcohol use outcomes above and beyond demographics. Individuals experiencing the most disruption reported the strongest daily impact of COVID-19 and significantly high levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, overwhelm, alcohol use at baseline, and alcohol use difficulties measured at 60-day follow-up. The findings highlight the need for integrated mental health and/or alcohol services and social services targeting work, home, and social life during public health emergencies in order to respond effectively and comprehensively to the needs of those requiring different types of support.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on climate change summit negotiations from the climate governance perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to the world since 2020, with over 647 million confirmed cases and 6.7 million reported deaths as of January 2023. Despite its far-reaching impact, the effects of COVID-19 on the progress of global climate change negotiations have yet to be thoroughly evaluated. This discussion paper conducts an examination of COVID-19's impact on climate change actions at global, national, and local levels through a comprehensive review of existing literature. This analysis reveals that the pandemic has resulted in delays in implementing climate policies and altered priorities from climate action to the pandemic response. Despite these setbacks, the pandemic has also presented opportunities for accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. The interplay between these outcomes and the different levels of governance will play a crucial role in determining the success or failure of future climate change negotiations.

Online engagement, resilience, and loneliness among older people during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the public health concerns of social isolation and loneliness for older people who are vulnerable due to their health conditions and more restrictive social measures. However studies revealed that many older adults demonstrated high resilience and remained emotionally stable during the pandemic, particularly those who had a broad engagement with online technology that could compensate for their isolation. Yet, little empirical research has examined explicitly the association between online engagement and loneliness among older adults, and the role resilience played in this relationship during the pandemic. This study contributed to the literature by addressing these research gaps.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study investigated the relationships between online engagement (sum of involvement in 31 online activities), resilience (sum of positive experiences and personal growth during COVID-19) and loneliness (mean of 11-items from the revised version of the UCLA loneliness scale) among community-dwelling older people (aged 60+), using national survey data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) collected during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 3,552).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Online engagement was negatively associated with levels of loneliness (β = -0.080, 95% CI [-0.118, -0.047]), and this association was partially mediated by levels of resilience (β = -0.023, 95% CI [-0.031, -0.016]. The findings suggested that a broad integration of online technology into daily-life may have helped older people combat loneliness during the pandemic, and resilience could be one important mechanism that linked this association.

Social Return on Investment of Social Prescribing via a Diabetes Technician for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Progression

In Wales, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has increased from 7.3% in 2016 to 8% in 2020, creating a major concern for the National Health Service (NHS). Social prescribing (SP) has been found to decrease T2DM prevalence and improve wellbeing. The MY LIFE programme, a scheme evaluated between June 2021 and February 2022 in the Conwy West Primary Care Cluster, aimed to prevent T2DM by referring prediabetic patients with a BMI of ≥30 to a diabetes technician (DT), who then signposted patients to community-based SP programmes, such as the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS), KindEating, and Slimming World. Although some patients engaged with SP, others chose to connect only with the DT. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis was conducted to evaluate those patients who engaged with the DT plus SP, and those who connected solely with the DT. Relevant participant outcomes included 'mental wellbeing' and 'good overall health', which were measured at baseline (n = 54) and at the eight-week follow-up (n = 24). The estimated social value for every GBP 1 invested for participants who engaged with the 'DT only' ranged from GBP 4.67 to 4.70. The social value for participants who engaged with the 'DT plus SP programme' ranged from GBP 4.23 to 5.07. The results indicated that most of the social value generated was associated with connecting with the DT.

The effectiveness of an additive informal social network intervention for forensic psychiatric outpatients: results of a randomized controlled trial

Objectives

A supportive social network is associated with better mental health and wellbeing, and less criminal behavior. Therefore, this study examined the effectiveness of an additive informal social network intervention to treatment as usual (TAU) among forensic psychiatric outpatients.

Materials and methods

An randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in forensic psychiatric care, allocating eligible outpatients (N = 102) to TAU with an additive informal social network intervention or TAU alone. Participants receiving the additive intervention were matched to a trained community volunteer over 12 months. TAU consisted of forensic care (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy and/or forensic flexible assertive community treatment). Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after baseline. The primary outcome was the between-group effect on mental wellbeing at 12 months. Between-group effects on secondary outcomes (e.g., general psychiatric functioning, hospitalization, criminal behavior) were explored.

Results

Intention-to-treat analyses showed non-significant between-group effects on mental wellbeing on average over time and at 12 months. However, significant between-group effects were found on hospitalization duration and criminal behavior. Specifically, TAU participants were hospitalized 2.1 times more days within 12 months and 4.1 more days within 18 months than participants in the additive intervention. Furthermore, TAU participants reported 2.9 times more criminal behaviors on average over time. There were no significant effects on other outcomes. Exploratory analyses revealed that sex, comorbidity, and substance use disorders moderated effects.

Conclusion

This is the first RCT examining the effectiveness of an additive informal social network intervention in forensic psychiatric outpatients. Although no improvements were found on mental wellbeing, the additive intervention was effective in reducing hospitalization and criminal behavior. The findings suggest that forensic outpatient treatment can be optimized by collaborating with informal care initiatives aimed at improving social networks within the community. Future research is warranted to determine which specific patients might benefit from the intervention and if effects can be improved by extending the intervention duration and enhancing patient compliance.Clinical Trial Registration: [https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR7163], identifier [NTR7163].

Lasting Declines in Couples' Social Network Interactions in the First Years of COVID

Since the onset of COVID-19, a rise in loneliness has raised concerns about the social impact of lockdowns and distancing mandates. Yet, to date, the effects of the pandemic on social networks have been studied only indirectly. To evaluate how the pandemic affected social networks, the current analyses analyzed five waves of detailed social network interviews conducted before and during the first 18 months of the pandemic in a sample especially vulnerable to contracting the virus: mostly non-White couples (243 husbands and 250 wives) recruited from lower income neighborhoods. Pre-COVID interviews asked spouses to name 24 individuals with whom they interact regularly. Post-COVID interviews indicated a nearly 50% decline in face-to-face interactions and a nearly 40% decline in virtual interactions, with little recovery over the first 18 months of the pandemic. Compared with less affluent couples, those with higher incomes maintained more of their network relationships, especially when virtual interactions were taken into account.

Association of Perceived Social Support with Viral Suppression Among Young Adults with Perinatally-Acquired HIV in the US-based Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS)

Purpose

To determine the relationship between perceived social support and viral suppression among young adults with perinatally-acquired HIV (YAPHIV).

Participants and Methods

We included YAPHIV ≥18 years enrolled in AMP Up, a study of PHACS (Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study), with social support evaluations and ≥1 HIV viral load (VL) measured over the next year. We evaluated emotional, instrumental, and friendship social support via the NIH Toolbox. We defined social support, measured at study entry and year 3 (if available), as low (T-score ≤40), average (41-59) or high (≥60). We defined viral suppression as all VL <50 copies/mL over the one year after social support measures. We fit multivariable Poisson regression models using generalized estimating equations, and evaluated transition from pediatric to adult care as an effect modifier.

Results

Among 444 YAPHIV, low emotional and instrumental support and friendship at entry were reported by 37%, 32% and 36%. Over the next year, 44% were virally suppressed. Of 136 with year 3 data, 45% were suppressed. Average or high levels of all three social support measures were associated with higher likelihood of viral suppression. Instrumental support was associated with viral suppression among those in pediatric (adjusted proportion suppressed among those with average/high vs low support=51.2% vs 28.9%; risk ratio (RR)=1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.37, 2.29), but not adult care (40.0% vs 40.8%; RR=0.98, 95% CI=0.67, 1.44).

Conclusion

Sufficient social support increases likelihood of viral suppression among YAPHIV. Strategies to enhance social support may promote viral suppression as YAPHIV prepare for adult clinical care transition.

Influence of Face Masks on Physiological and Subjective Response during 130 Min of Simulated Light and Medium Physical Manual Work-An Explorative Study

BACKGROUND

Undesirable side effects from wearing face masks during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continue to be discussed and pose a challenge to occupational health and safety when recommending safe application. Only few studies examined the effects of continuously wearing a face mask for more than one hour. Therefore, the influence of wearing a medical mask (MedMask) and a filtering facepiece class II respirator (FFP2) on the physiological and subjective outcomes in the course of 130 min of manual work was exploratively investigated. Physical work load and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were additionally considered as moderating factors.

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy subjects (12 females) from three different cardiorespiratory fitness levels each performed 130 min of simulated manual work with light and medium physical workload using either no mask, a MedMask or FFP2. Heart rate, transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressure (P_tcO₂, P_tcCO₂) as well as perceived physical exertion and respiratory effort were assessed continuously at discrete time intervals. Wearing comfort of the masks were additionally rated after the working period.

RESULTS

There was no difference in time-dependent changes of physiological outcomes when using either a MedMask or a FFP2 compared to not wearing a mask. A stronger increase over time in perceived respiratory effort occurred when the face masks were worn, being more prominent for FFP2. Physical workload level and cardiorespiratory fitness level were no moderating factors and higher wearing comfort was rated for the MedMask.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that using face masks during light and medium physical manual work does not induce detrimental side effects. Prolonged wearing episodes appeared to increase respiratory effort, but without affecting human physiology in a clinically relevant way.

Nowhere to go? A study of marginalization, social connection, and mental health outcomes among young adults experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic onset necessitated large-scale closures of third places, potentially exacerbating social barriers experienced by young adults in the United States. To better understand the role of urban form in facilitating socialization, we examine the effects of pandemic-based third place closures on mental health outcomes as mediated by changes in social connection. Because identifying as a racial, gender, or sexual minority can compound baseline disadvantages rooted in systemic inequities, we investigate outcome differences for non-white, woman/nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ young adults to disentangle identity-based nuances of the pandemic experience.

METHODS

In February 2021, we administered a web-based survey with retrospective name and place generators to 313 18-to-34-year-olds in California, Illinois, and Texas. A structural equation model is estimated showing the direct and indirect effects of physical and virtual mobility constraints on mental health.

RESULTS

Both the closure of third places and dissatisfaction with alternative social spaces are associated with the deterioration of social connections and mental health. The strongest direct predictor of mental health decline is dissatisfaction with virtual socialization (more significant for women and nonbinary respondents). Surprisingly, two distinct categories of third places (i.e., 'civic' and 'commercial') reveal different relationships with social connections and mental health outcomes. Asian, other non-white, and non-heterosexual young adults experienced greater 'civic' visit reduction, while those with intersecting identities of low income and woman/nonbinary or Black experienced greater 'commercial' visit reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical and virtual mobility reductions contributed to the inequitable mental health outcomes experienced by young adults during the pandemic. This highlights the potential for a careful redesign of physical and virtual social spaces to support feelings of belonging/safety and spontaneous 'weak tie' interactions, encourages further investigation of social infrastructure's role in facilitating the maintenance of social connections and mental health, and reveals the value of examining differences in mobility-related experiences across social identities.

Balancing risk, intimacy and (non)compliance: a qualitative study of sex across household during COVID-19 social restrictions

Government controls over intimate relationships, imposed to limit the spread of Sars-CoV-2, were unprecedented in modern times. This study draws on data from qualitative interviews with 18 participants in Natsal-COVID, a quasi-representative web-panel survey of the British population (n = 6,654 people), reporting that they had sex with someone from outside their household in the preceding four weeks; a period in which contact between households was restricted in the UK. Whilst only 10% of people reported sexual contact outside their household, among single people and those in non-cohabiting relationships, rates were much higher (Natsal-COVID). Our findings show that individuals did not take decisions to meet up with sexual partners lightly. Participants were motivated by needs-for connection, security, intimacy and a sense of normality. People balanced risks-of catching COVID-19, social judgement and punishment for rule-breaking-against other perceived risks, including to their mental health or relationships. We used situated rationality and social action theories of risk to demonstrate that people weighed up risk in socially situated ways and exhibited complex decision-making when deciding not to comply with restrictions. Understanding motivations for non-compliance is crucial to informing future public health messaging which accounts for the needs and circumstances of all population members.

Social contact patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in 21 European countries - evidence from a two-year study

BACKGROUND

Most countries have enacted some restrictions to reduce social contacts to slow down disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. For nearly two years, individuals likely also adopted new behaviours to avoid pathogen exposure based on personal circumstances. We aimed to understand the way in which different factors affect social contacts - a critical step to improving future pandemic responses.

METHODS

The analysis was based on repeated cross-sectional contact survey data collected in a standardized international study from 21 European countries between March 2020 and March 2022. We calculated the mean daily contacts reported using a clustered bootstrap by country and by settings (at home, at work, or in other settings). Where data were available, contact rates during the study period were compared with rates recorded prior to the pandemic. We fitted censored individual-level generalized additive mixed models to examine the effects of various factors on the number of social contacts.

RESULTS

The survey recorded 463,336 observations from 96,456 participants. In all countries where comparison data were available, contact rates over the previous two years were substantially lower than those seen prior to the pandemic (approximately from over 10 to < 5), predominantly due to fewer contacts outside the home. Government restrictions imposed immediate effect on contacts, and these effects lingered after the restrictions were lifted. Across countries, the relationships between national policy, individual perceptions, or personal circumstances determining contacts varied.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study, coordinated at the regional level, provides important insights into the understanding of the factors associated with social contacts to support future infectious disease outbreak responses.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social sphere and lessons for crisis management: a literature review

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most difficult challenge that has affected humanity in recent decades. It has disrupted many features of development with domino effects in the social sphere. This study reviews the literature on the social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies the affected social areas that have undergone dramatic changes during the pandemic. We use inductive content analysis and thematic analysis to review the literature. The results show that there are seven major areas that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: health, social vulnerability, education, social capital, social relationships, social mobility, and social welfare. The literature has reported dramatic psychological and emotional effects, exacerbation of segregation and poverty, disruption in educational systems and formation of an information gap, as well as a declining trends of social capital among communities. We highlight some lessons that can be learned from the pandemic to enhance social resilience in future. Among others, to effectively respond to the pandemic and other potential future adverse events, governments should adopt fair policies, identify the required changes in the socially affected contexts and take necessary responsive actions, and adopt collaboratively designed approaches to increase social resilience.

Trends in assault-related hospitalizations during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

Violence remains a priority issue in the United States (US) requiring public health input to discern the magnitude and impact of violence on the health system. Concerns over violence and the injuries resulting from violence have increased following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic which exacerbated an array of individual and economic stressors related to violence including increased unemployment, alcohol intake, social isolation, anxiety and panic and decreased access to health services. The aim of this study was to analyze the trends in violence-related injuries in the state of Illinois during the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown periods and post-lockdown in order to inform future public health policy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Outpatient and inpatient assault related injuries treated in Illinois hospitals from 2016 through March 2022 were analyzed. Segmented regression models evaluating change in time trends were adjusted for seasonality, serial correlation, overall trend and economic variables.

RESULTS

The annual rate of assault related hospitalizations per one million Illinois residents decreased from 3857.8 pre-pandemic to 3458.7 pandemic period. However, during the pandemic there was an increase in deaths and in the proportion of injuries involving open wounds, internal injuries, and fractures, while there was a reduction in less serious injuries. Segmented regression time series models demonstrated significant increase in firearm violence in all four pandemic periods examined. Firearm violence increased particularly in subgroups including African-American victims, 15-34-year-olds, and Chicago residents.

CONCLUSION

During SARS-CoV-2, we saw an overall reduction in assault related hospitalization, however, findings demonstrated an increase in serious injuries which may be associated with social and economic stressors of the pandemic, increased gun-violence while decrease in less serious injuries may be linked to hospital avoidance for non-lethal injuries during the peak waves of the pandemic. Our findings have implications for ongoing surveillance, service planning and management of the increased gunshot and penetrating assault cases and further demonstrate the need for public health input into the violence epidemic in the US.

Face masks negatively skew theory of mind judgements

Face masks obscure a significant portion of the face, reducing the amount of information available to gauge the mental states of others-that is, to exercise the Theory of Mind (ToM) capacity. In three experiments, we assessed the effect of face masks on ToM judgements, measuring recognition accuracy, perceived valence, and perceived arousal in various sets of facial expressions comprising 45 different mental states. Significant effects of face masks were found in all three variables. Judgements of all expressions are less accurate when masked, but, while judgements of negative expressions do not show consistent changes in valence or arousal, positive expressions are perceived to be less positive and less intense. In addition, we identified face muscles associated with changes in perceived valence and arousal, shedding light on the mechanisms through which masks impact ToM judgements, which might be relevant for mitigation strategies. We discuss the implications of these findings in the context of the recent pandemic.

Resilience and coping behaviour among adolescents in a high-income city-state during the COVID-19 pandemic

The study aimed to determine the resilience of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural adolescent students in cosmopolitan Singapore, their coping abilities, and the impact on their social and physical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with their resilience. A total of 582 adolescents in post-secondary education institutes completed an online survey from June to November 2021. The survey assessed their sociodemographic status, resilience level using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and Hardy-Gill Resilience Scale (HGRS), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their daily activities, life settings, social life, social interactions, and coping ability in these aspects of life. Poor ability to cope with school life (adjusted beta = - 0.163, 95% CI - 1.928 to 0.639, p < 0.001), staying home (adjusted beta = - 0.108, 95% CI = - 1.611 to - 0.126, p = 0.022), sports (adjusted beta = - 0.116, 95% CI - 1.691 to - 0.197, p = 0.013) and friends (adjusted beta = - 0.143, 95% CI - 1.904 to - 0.363, p = 0.004) were associated with statistically significant low resilience level measured with HGRS. About half and a third of the participants reported normal and low resilience, respectively, based on BRS (59.6%/32.7%) and HGRS (49.0%/29.0%) scores. Adolescents of Chinese ethnicity and low socioeconomic status had comparatively lower resilience scores. Approximately half of the adolescents in this study had normal resilience despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents with lower resilience tended to have lower coping abilities. The study did not compare changes in the social life and coping behaviour of the adolescents due to COVID-19, as data on these aspects prior to the pandemic was unavailable.

Smoke-free homes in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic - a nationwide cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

Secondhand smoke exposure causes serious health problems. Banning smoking in public venues decreases exposure to secondhand smoke. However, the implementation of smoke-free rules in a private setting (including homes) is largely voluntary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of voluntary smoke-free home rules in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to identify factors associated with the voluntary implementation of smoking bans at home.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2022 with a nationally representative sample of 1090 individuals aged ≥18 years in Poland. Data were collected using a computerassisted web interviewing (CAWI) technique. The research tool was an original questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study.

RESULTS

Nationally, 60.6% of individuals had total ban on smoking in home (100% smoke-free home rules), 34.0% had implemented a partial smokefree home rule and 5.4% had not implemented any smoke-free home rules. Over three-quarters of non-smokers (76.8%) and only one-fifth of smokers (20.7%) had adopted a full smoke-free home rule. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, males (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.22-2.22, p < 0.01), non-smokers (OR = 13.78, 95% CI: 9.80-19.38, p < 0.001), respondents who had higher education (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15-2.14, p < 0.01) as well as those who lived alone (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.52-3.90, p < 0.001) had higher odds of having a 100% smoke-free home rule.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of smoke-free home rules in Poland. Less than two-thirds of the Polish population has adopted a total smoke-free home rule, with significant gaps between smokers and nonsmokers. Information on current voluntary smoke-free rules will be useful for further implementation of the smoke-free law in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):84-95.

Promoting Positive Social Interactions: Recommendation for a Post-Pandemic School-Based Intervention for Social Anxiety

The purpose of this perspective article is to identify problematic behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommend a school-based intervention (e.g., self-reflection, motivational interview, and workbook) to address post-COVID social anxiety among children and adolescents. The recommendations involve comparing students’ social interaction behaviors pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and post-pandemic, and evaluating any behavioral changes in social relationships six months later. We also discuss the evaluation criteria and surveys used to assess the impact of the intervention on behavioral changes. Our evaluation criteria are based on students’ beliefs and abilities and aim to demonstrate that the intervention improves in-person social interactions and helps students adapt to the transition back to school. The proposed perspectives and strategies of the intervention can be modified to meet the needs of the researchers and professionals. By working together, global policymakers from the fields of education and public health can create school-based interventions that enhance students’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This program aims to mitigate the negative effects of school closures and social isolation and to broaden the role of schools in supporting students in the challenging post-pandemic world by addressing their holistic needs.

The Effect of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance, Intention, and/or Hesitancy and Its Association with Our Health and/or Important Areas of Functioning

The emergence of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has had a significant negative impact on the world, with its effect noted in various areas, such as commerce [...].

Structure-based lead optimization of peptide-based vinyl methyl ketones as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors

Despite several major achievements in the development of vaccines and antivirals, the fight against SARS-CoV-2 and the health problems accompanying COVID-19 are still ongoing. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M^pro), an essential viral cysteine protease, is a crucial target for the development of antiviral agents. A virtual screening analysis of in-house cysteine protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 M^pro allowed us to identify two hits (i.e., 1 and 2) bearing a methyl vinyl ketone warhead. Starting from these compounds, we herein report the development of Michael acceptors targeting SARS-CoV-2 M^pro, which differ from each other for the warhead and for the amino acids at the P2 site. The most promising vinyl methyl ketone-containing analogs showed sub-micromolar activity against the viral protease. SPR38, SPR39, and SPR41 were fully characterized, and additional inhibitory properties towards hCatL, which plays a key role in the virus entry into host cells, were observed. SPR39 and SPR41 exhibited single-digit micromolar EC₅₀ values in a SARS-CoV-2 infection model in cell culture.

Qualitative Analysis of a Roundtable Exercise "Reflecting on the COVID-19 Experience of Public Health Professionals"

CONTEXT

Public health professionals around the country faced significant challenges responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on their experience is an essential element in making sense of their experience and learning from it.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this qualitative study was to (1) describe the lived experiences of public health professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) discuss the effectiveness of a guided reflection exercise to help public health professionals process these experiences, and (3) provide lessons learned and best practices to inform preparation for a future infectious disease pandemic.

DESIGN

Qualitative focus group study design.

SETTING

This activity was conducted at a Midwestern state public health professional meeting.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-eight public health professionals self-selected to participate in this study.

RESULTS

Five themes were elicited in this analysis, including Communication, Leadership and Collaboration, Data Management, Community Relationships, and Resources and Planning. In addition, public health professionals reported numerous lessons learned, including the need for more leadership from the state government, the conflicted response of their communities, and the benefits of community solidarity where it was present.

CONCLUSIONS

This article provides a detailed account of public health workers' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also provides lessons learned that will help public health workers lead more effectively in the future. Guided reflection on a traumatic professional experience can assist participating individuals in making sense of their experience and learning important lessons from it.

Efforts and expectations of pregnant women against the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is a global threat that directly impacts people's mental health and physical well-being. This study explored the efforts and expectations of pregnant women against the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study was a qualitative study that used a phenomenological approach. The informants of this study were pregnant women (n = 20). Data analysis used content analysis with software assistance (Nvivo Release 1.5).

RESULTS

The results of this study identified three themes which were: 1) causative factors of pregnant women's anxiety regarding the impact of COVID-19 including lack of knowledge regarding the impact of the COVID-19 virus and perceived susceptibility; 2) Efforts to reduce anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic including a spiritual approach, the role of family and COVID-19 prevention; and 3) Expectation regarding healthcare services during COVID-19 including virtual based Antenatal Care (ANC) Services and Private ANC Services.

CONCLUSION

A spiritual approach, the role of family, and COVID-19 prevention will help pregnant women reduce their anxiety about being infected with the COVID-19 virus. Furthermore, virtual-based ANC Services, and private ANC services, such as home visits and dividing ANC services and general services into two different tracks as a protective mechanism from being infected with the COVID-19 virus, would assist pregnant women feel safer and secure.

Paradoxical Impacts of Social Relationship on Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Social interaction is an important source of psychological and physical well-being during normal times. However, following the COVID-19 outbreak, which spreads rapidly from person to person, social interaction poses a fatal threat to one's health and life. Therefore, several countries including South Korea implemented an intense social distancing mandate to prevent the spread of the virus. During these unique times of pandemic, the current research investigated whether and how an individual's well-being varies as a function of their interaction with various relationship partners using experience sampling data (Study 1) and online longitudinal data (Study 2). The results indicated that being alone was more detrimental to well-being during the pandemic than before it. Specifically, interaction with close relationship partners (e.g., romantic partner, spouse, or friend) was positively related to well-being, whereas interaction with formal relationship partners (e.g., coworker, boss) was negatively linked to momentary well-being during the pandemic. Furthermore, our study showed that the association between social supports from close relationships and well-being was temporally strengthened during COVID-19 pandemic. In sum, the benefits of close relationships on well-being were stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic than before it.

Initial Impacts of COVID-19 on Sex Life and Relationship Quality in Steady Relationships in Britain: Findings from a Large, Quasi-representative Survey (Natsal-COVID)

Intimate relationships are ubiquitous and exert a strong influence on health. Widespread disruption to them may impact wellbeing at a population level. We investigated the extent to which the first COVID-19 lockdown (March 2020) affected steady relationships in Britain. In total, 6,654 participants aged 18-59 years completed a web-panel survey (July-August 2020). Quasi-representativeness was achieved via quota sampling and weighting. We explored changes in sex life and relationship quality among participants in steady relationships (n = 4,271) by age, gender, and cohabitation status, and examined factors associated with deterioration to a lower-quality relationship. A total of 64.2% of participants were in a steady relationship (of whom 88.9% were cohabiting). A total of 22.1% perceived no change in their sex-life quality, and 59.5% no change in their relationship quality. Among those perceiving change, sex-life quality was more commonly reported to decrease and relationship quality to improve. There was significant variation by age; less often by gender or cohabitation. Overall, 10.6% reported sexual difficulties that started/worsened during lockdown. In total, 6.9% reported deterioration to a "lower quality" relationship, more commonly those: aged 18-24 and aged 35-44; not living with partner (women only); and reporting depression/anxiety and decrease in sex-life quality. In conclusion, intimate relationship quality is yet another way in which COVID-19 has led to divergence in experience.

COVID-19 and the ecological crisis: What do they have in common?

This lecture transcript is divided in four parts. First, I examine the main public-health strategies in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there are numerous factors capable of explaining national differences in COVID-19 mortality that are not attributable to merits or demerits of governments, I have identified five lethal errors (lack of preparation, misinformation, medicalisation, a policy approach based on a ‘laissez-faire’ attitude to the virus and social inequity) and four vital actions (testing, tracing, isolating with support, timeliness and immunisation) that best distinguish success or failure in tackling the pandemic. In the second part, I analyse the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and major risk factors for emerging zoonotic diseases (e.g. exploitation of animal wildlife, deforestation, agricultural intensification and climate change) to be addressed to prevent future pandemics. Then, I discuss the interrelationships between the COVID-19 pandemic and the ecological crisis in the context of the so-called neoliberal variant of capitalism. Both crises are largely determined by anthropogenic risk factors influenced by a model of economic development that prioritises infinite economic growth, free trade and a global self-regulating market over any other values of society (including human survival). An alternative economic approach, capable of creating a new balance between the health of humans, animals, and the environment (by modifying their structural drivers), is the most important antidote against new spillovers and climate change. It is the humanitarian immune response we need to protect global health from future pandemics and ecological collapse.

Computational analyses identify addiction help-seeking behaviors on the social networking website Reddit: Insights into online social interactions and addiction support communities

INTRODUCTION

Although social connection to others with lived addiction experiences is a strong predictor of long-term recovery from substance use disorders (SUD), the COVID-19 pandemic greatly altered global abilities to physically connect with other people. Evidence suggests online forums for people with SUD may serve as a sufficient proxy for social connection, however efficacy of online spaces as addiction treatment adjuncts remains empirically understudied.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to analyze a collection of Reddit posts germane to addiction and recovery collected between March-August 2022.

METHODS

We collected (n = 9,066) Reddit posts (1) r/addiction; (2) r/DecidingToBeBetter, (3) r/SelfImprovement, (4) r/OpitatesRecovery, (5) r/StopSpeeding, (6) r/RedditorsInRecovery, and (7) r/StopSmoking subreddits. We applied several classes of natural language processing (NLP) methods to analyze and visualize our data including term frequency inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) calculations, k-means clustering, and principal components analysis (PCA). We also applied a Valence Aware Dictional and sEntiment [sic] Reasoner (VADER) sentiment analysis to determine affect in our data.

RESULTS

Our analyses revealed three distinct clusters: (1) Personal addiction struggle, or sharing one's recovery journey (n = 2,520), (2) Giving advice, or offering counseling based on first-hand experiences (n = 3,885), and (3) Seeking advice, or asking for support or advice related to addiction (n = 2,661).

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION

Addiction, SUD, and recovery dialogue on Reddit is exceedingly robust. Much of the content mirrors tenets for established addiction-recovery programs, which suggests Reddit, and other social networking websites, may serve as efficient tools to promote social connection among people with SUD.