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Rathore R, Rangrej SB, Carvalho V. Increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:3410-3416. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i18.3410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted health, mental well-being, and societal functioning, particularly for individuals with psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders. Recent evidence highlights a concerning increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic, with a study spanning 2015-2020 indicating heightened usage, especially among young and middle-aged adults, for relaxation and tension relief. Additionally, addressing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, another study underscored persistent barriers to healthcare access, resulting in increased alcohol and tobacco use rates and limited healthcare options. These findings shed light on the unique vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, emphasizing the need to investigate further its impact on alcohol consumption in diverse non-urban American communities.
AIM To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol abuse using socioeconomic and medical parameters in diverse non-urban community in America.
METHODS Based on a cross-sectional analysis of 416 participants the United States in 2021, the study utilized The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria to categorize alcohol consumption levels. Participants aged 21 years and above were surveyed through an online platform due to COVID-19 challenges. The survey was conducted from January 14 to January 31, 2022, recruiting participants via social media and ensuring anonymity. Informed consent was secured, emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation, and participants could only take the survey once.
RESULTS Out of 416 survey respondents, 396 met eligibility criteria, with 62.9% reporting increased alcohol consumption during COVID-19. Males (68.8%) and ages 21-29 years (34.6%) predominated. Low alcohol consumption decreased by 2.8% (P = 0.237), moderate by 21.4% (P < 0.001), and heavy increased by 14.9% (P < 0.001). Alcohol abuse rose by 6.5% (P = 0.0439), with a 7% increase in self-identified alcohol abusers/alcoholics. Seeking treatment during COVID-19 rose by 6.9%. Easier alcohol access (76.0%) was reported, while 80.7% found it harder to access medical care for alcohol-related issues. These findings highlight the pandemic's impact on alcohol consumption and healthcare access, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions during public health crises.
CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated alcoholism and abuse, with increased heavy consumption (P < 0.001) and abuse (P = 0.0439). Access to medical programs for addressing alcohol abuse declined, highlighting the need for targeted intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajni Rathore
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Saint James School of Medicine, Arnos Vale VC0280, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
| | - Shahid Bakhsh Rangrej
- Department of Anatomy and Research, Saint James School of Medicine, Arnos Vale VC0280, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
| | - Victoria Carvalho
- Medical School Basic Sciences, Saint James School of Medicine, Arnos Vale VC0280, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
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Regnoli GM, Tiano G, De Rosa B. Serial Mediation Models of Future Anxiety and Italian Young Adults Psychological Distress: The Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Non-Pathological Worry. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2024; 14:1834-1852. [PMID: 38921087 PMCID: PMC11202537 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14060121] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research has already examined the relationship between Future Anxiety, a construct recently introduced in Italy, and mental health in young adults, although possible mediating variables in this relationship have so far never been investigated. The present study attempts to fill this gap by exploring the incidence of Future Anxiety on psychological distress (i.e., Stress, Anxiety and Depression) in a group of 302 young Italian adults (18-30 years; M = 21.9; SD = 2.6; 49.0% males; 51.0% females), presenting and evaluating the simultaneous mediating effect of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Non-Pathological Worry. Findings highlighted how Future Anxiety had a positive and significant direct effect on Stress and Depression, but not on Anxiety. In the three serial mediation models proposed, Intolerance of Uncertainty and Non-Pathological Worry mediated the relationship between Future Anxiety and mental health outcomes. The results also confirmed the hypothesized serial mediation effect by highlighting how young adults with greater Future Anxiety experienced more Intolerance of Uncertainty, which positively affected Non-Pathological Worry levels and, in turn, exacerbated psychological distress. Finally, results indicated that female participants experienced more Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in relation to Future Anxiety compared to males. Starting from the review of main references on this subject, the results discussed provide new insights for understanding youth psychological distress. Finally, practical implications for the design of supportive interventions for this study's target group are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barbara De Rosa
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Via Porta di Massa 1, 80133 Naples, Italy; (G.M.R.); (G.T.)
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Vallée A. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the socioeconomic gradient of hypertension. J Public Health Policy 2024:10.1057/s41271-024-00491-4. [PMID: 38831023 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-024-00491-4] [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: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the impact of socioeconomic factors on hypertension outcomes. This review examines the implications of the pandemic on the socioeconomic gradient of hypertension and explores the physiological and pathophysiological processes underlying this relationship. Changes in socioeconomic factors have disproportionately affected individuals with lower socioeconomic status, leading to adverse hypertension outcomes. The pandemic-related stressors, coupled with social isolation and disrupted daily routines, have contributed to elevated stress levels among individuals, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status. Equitable access to healthcare, enhancing health literacy and patient empowerment, and addressing social determinants of health are essential components of hypertension management strategies. By recognizing the specific challenges faced by individuals with lower socioeconomic status and implementing targeted interventions, public health efforts can help reduce the socioeconomic gradient of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Foch Hospital, 92150, Suresnes, France.
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Ceolin C, Limongi F, Siviero P, Trevisan C, Noale M, Catalani F, Conti S, Di Rosa E, Perdixi E, Remelli F, Prinelli F, Maggi S. Changes in Sleep Duration and Sleep Timing in the General Population from before to during the First COVID-19 Lockdown: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:583. [PMID: 38791798 PMCID: PMC11121433 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050583] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 lockdown had a profound effect on everyday life, including sleep health. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated changes in quantitative sleep parameters during the first lockdown compared with pre-lockdown in the general population. METHODS A search in scientific databases was performed to identify eligible observational studies from inception to 8 February 2023. We performed a random effects meta-analysis of those studies reporting (a) means of sleep duration, time in bed (TIB), and sleep timing (bedtime and wake-up time); (b) the percentages of atypical sleep duration before and during the lockdown; (c) the percentages of change in sleep duration and sleep timing. RESULTS A total of 154 studies were included. A small increase in sleep duration (0.25 standardized mean difference, 95% CI 0.180-0.315) was found, with 55.0% of the individuals reporting changes, predominantly an increase (35.2%). The pooled relative risk for sleeping more than 8/9 h per night was 3.31 (95% IC 2.60-4.21). There was a moderately significant delay in sleep timing and a surge in napping. CONCLUSION An increase in sleep duration and napping, and delayed sleep timing were observed. High-quality studies should evaluate whether these parameters have now become chronic or have returned to pre-lockdown values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ceolin
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.C.); (C.T.); (F.C.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Federica Limongi
- Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, National Research Council, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (M.N.); (S.M.)
| | - Paola Siviero
- Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, National Research Council, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (M.N.); (S.M.)
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.C.); (C.T.); (F.C.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Marianna Noale
- Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, National Research Council, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (M.N.); (S.M.)
| | - Filippo Catalani
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.C.); (C.T.); (F.C.)
| | - Silvia Conti
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, 20054 Segrate, Italy; (S.C.); (F.P.)
- Neuropsychology Lab, Centre for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Elisa Di Rosa
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Elena Perdixi
- Neuropsychology Lab, Centre for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Remelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Federica Prinelli
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, 20054 Segrate, Italy; (S.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Stefania Maggi
- Neuroscience Institute, Aging Branch, National Research Council, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (M.N.); (S.M.)
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Song X, Han D, Zhang J, Fan J, Ning P, Peng Y. Study on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Chinese college students: a cross-sectional analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1340642. [PMID: 38686032 PMCID: PMC11056571 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1340642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of college students, prompting the need for universities to implement measures to mitigate these adverse effects. This study aims to assess the mental health status and mitigation measures of college students, identify the primary factors contributing to their mental health challenges, and provide suggestions for educational institutions to reduce negative psychological impacts. Methods In February 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,445 college students. Statistical analysis was performed on the survey results, and multiple regression models were used to identify significant influencing factors and optimize the model. Results The study revealed correlations between factors affecting mental health during the pandemic, with interactions observed among some factors. Significant differences in mental health status were found among different groups of college students based on their information-sharing habits through apps and engagement in thesis research. Multiple regression analysis indicated that conducting academic research related to COVID-19 significantly increased the psychological stress of college students during the pandemic (p = 0.043). Among all mitigation measures, playing games demonstrated significant effectiveness in model analysis (p = 0.047). The optimization of the model showed that the multiple regression model considering the interaction of factors was more effective. Conclusion Our research identifies crucial factors influencing the mental health of college students and investigates the mental health status of various student groups. We recommend that educational institutions adopt proactive strategies and a multifaceted approach to support the mental health of college students and address potential issues that may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Song
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Demin Han
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Key Technology for Rail Traffic Safety, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiajun Fan
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peishan Ning
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Peng
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Key Technology for Rail Traffic Safety, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Navarro-Ledesma S, Hamed-Hamed D, Pruimboom L. A new perspective of frozen shoulder pathology; the interplay between the brain and the immune system. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1248612. [PMID: 38617059 PMCID: PMC11009429 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1248612] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Frozen shoulder (FS), also known as adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (FS), is a fibrotic inflammatory process of unknown etiology whose main symptoms are pain, stiffness and the loss of joint mobility. These symptoms may be associated with pathologies such as diabetes, Dupuytren's syndrome and the prevalence of today's sedentary lifestyle. This literature review provides an overview of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of this pathology, as well as the mechanisms of lowgrade chronic inflammation and infection, insulin resistance, and omics-science associated with it. We also propose a new hypothesis related to the possibility that the GABAergic system could play a decisive role in the development of frozen shoulder and that therefore diabetes type 1, endocrinological autoimmune disorders and frozen shoulder are connected by the same pathophysiological mechanisms. If that is true, the combined presence of psycho-emotional stress factors and pathogenic immune challenges could be the main causes of frozen shoulder syndrome. Finally, we propose a series of possible intervention strategies based on a multifactorial etiological and mechanistic concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Navarro-Ledesma
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, Melilla, Spain
- University Chair in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology, University of Granada and PNI Europe, Melilla, Spain
| | - Dina Hamed-Hamed
- Clinical Medicine and Public Health PhD Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Leo Pruimboom
- University Chair in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology, University of Granada and PNI Europe, Melilla, Spain
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Nieto-Tous M, Diaz-Martinez A, De-Arriba-García M, Roca-Prats A, Monfort-Beltrán S, Ivañez-Muñoz M, Alberola-Rubio J, Perales A, Monfort-Ortiz R. GESTACOVID Project: Psychological and Perinatal Effects in Spanish Pregnant Women Subjected to Strict Confinement Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Evolution during De-Escalation. J Clin Med 2023; 13:248. [PMID: 38202254 PMCID: PMC10779534 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010248] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The lockdown and de-escalation process following the COVID-19 pandemic led to a period of new normality. This study aimed to assess the confinement impact on the mental health of peripartum women, as their psychological well-being may be particularly vulnerable and thus affect their offspring's development. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among women who gave birth during strict confinement (G0) and the new normality period (G1), in which a self-administered paper-based questionnaire assessed 15 contextual factors and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). For each item, it was verified whether the positive screening rate differed in each confinement phase, and a risk factor study was conducted. For G0, significantly higher positive screening and preterm birth rates were observed in the positive screening group. In the case of G1, maternal age (>35 years), decreased physical activity, and normal weight were found to be protective factors against distress. This study underscores the heightened mental health risk for postpartum women during major psychosocial upheavals (war, economic crisis, natural disasters, or pandemics), along with their resilience as the positive screening rate decreases with the new normality. Findings encourage adopting strategies to identify high-risk women and promote effective measures, such as promoting physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Nieto-Tous
- Departmento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain (R.M.-O.)
| | - Alba Diaz-Martinez
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Alba Roca-Prats
- Departmento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain (R.M.-O.)
| | - Sara Monfort-Beltrán
- Departmento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain (R.M.-O.)
| | - María Ivañez-Muñoz
- Departmento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain (R.M.-O.)
| | - José Alberola-Rubio
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe de Valencia, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Perales
- Departmento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain (R.M.-O.)
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rogelio Monfort-Ortiz
- Departmento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain (R.M.-O.)
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Williams BA, Jones CH, Welch V, True JM. Pandemic preparedness requires collaboration between governments, funders and pharma. Nat Med 2023; 29:2999-3001. [PMID: 38087114 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02664-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
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de Reviers A, Helme-Guizon A, Moinard C, Féart C. COVID-19 Lockdown and Changes in Dietary and Lifestyle Behaviors in a French Longitudinal Cohort. Nutrients 2023; 15:4682. [PMID: 37960335 PMCID: PMC10648805 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214682] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed local lockdowns resulting in strong disruptions in our lifestyles and dietary behaviors. This study aimed to determine how the lockdown in France affected these behaviors and weight during the lockdown and in a one month follow up period of time after the end of the lockdown. METHODS The study design was a longitudinal cohort, among French adults. A total of 593 participants (68.6% female), with a mean age of 42.2 years (SD = 15.2) completed a self-reported questionnaire on four occasions spaced one month apart, from the beginning of the lockdown starting 17 March 2020, until one month after its end (mid-June 2020). Clusters of participants were formed using the non-supervised k-means algorithm. RESULTS The mean weight gain after one month of lockdown was 0.56 kg (SD = 0.6). The cluster analysis exposed three different patterns of behavioral changes, despite no significant differences in age or BMI between clusters. These three groups have experienced different weight change dynamics over the follow-up duration. The first cluster (n = 210) reported fewer changes in sleep quality and quantity and less change in snacking frequency (p ≤ 0.001). The second cluster (n = 200) reported significantly lower levels of stress than the other clusters (p ≤ 0.001). The third cluster (n = 183) differed from the others, with a more degraded quality of sleep reported throughout the lockdown (p ≤ 0.01). However, changes in eating behaviors and body weight were not significant. CONCLUSIONS During the lockdown, behavioral changes occurred, both health-favorable and non-health-favorable, yet they had a minor impact on eating behaviors and reported body weight once the restrictive measures were lifted. The identification of three patterns suggests that, in such constraining situations, personalized recommendations should be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine de Reviers
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1055, Laboratoire de Bioénergétique Fondamentale et Appliquée, SFR Structure Interdisciplinaire Grenobloise en Nutrition (SIGN), F-38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Agnès Helme-Guizon
- University Grenoble Alpes, Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche Appliqué à la Gestion (CERAG) & Grenoble Institutt d’Administration des Entreprises (IAE)-Institut National Polytechnique (INP), SFR SIGN, F-38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Christophe Moinard
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1055, Laboratoire de Bioénergétique Fondamentale et Appliquée, SFR Structure Interdisciplinaire Grenobloise en Nutrition (SIGN), F-38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Catherine Féart
- University of BordeauxBordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm, UMR 1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France;
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Bano A, Hepsomali P, Rabbani F, Farooq U, Kanwal A, Saleem A, Bugti AA, Khan AA, Khalid Z, Bugti M, Mureed S, Khan S, Ujjan ID, Şahin S, Kara M, Khan A. The possible "calming effect" of subchronic supplementation of a standardised phospholipid carrier-based Melissa officinalis L. extract in healthy adults with emotional distress and poor sleep conditions: results from a prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1250560. [PMID: 37927585 PMCID: PMC10620697 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1250560] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Emotional distress conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, and poor sleep are widespread health problems that have a significant impact on people's lives. Conventional drugs are commonly prescribed to treat emotional distress and poor sleep conditions; however, these medications have several limitations and have shown multiple side effects. Over recent years botanicals-based pharmacological agents have gained increasing research and clinical interest in the management of emotional distress and sleep disorder. Of note, Melissa officinalis L. (MO) leaf extract has demonstrated considerable neuropharmacological properties both in animal and human studies and has emerged as a promising natural "calming agent." However, research in this area is limited, and more studies are needed to validate its efficacy in amelioration of emotional distress and poor sleep conditions. Objectives: We aimed to assess the pharmacological effects of subchronic supplementation of an innovative standardised phospholipid carrier-based MO aqueous extract on emotional distress and poor sleep conditions. Design: A 3-week prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted in 100 healthy adults complaining of a moderate degree of depression, anxiety, or stress, with scores of ≥14, ≥10, and ≥19, respectively, in the self-report Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42) or poor sleep, as indicated by the score of >5 in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale. In addition, the impact of emotional distress and/or poor sleep on participants' mental wellbeing, emotional feelings, and quality of life was also assessed using the self-reported Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scale, and quality of life (WHO-QoL-BREF) scale, respectively. Results: Oral supplementation of 200 mg of phospholipid-based MO aqueous extract (Relissa™) tablets twice a day (i.e., 400 mg/day) for 3 weeks led to significant improvements in the depressive mood, anxiety, stress, positive and negative affect (emotional feelings), overall mental wellbeing, and quality-of-life scores (all p values <0.001). Supplementation of MO extract was well tolerated, and no treatment-emergent effects or serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the phospholipid carrier-based MO aqueous extract possesses considerable neuropharmacological properties, and its supplementation may provide a promising therapeutic option for the management of moderate emotional distress and/or poor sleep conditions. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05602688.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasiya Bano
- PEOC, Department of Health, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Piril Hepsomali
- School of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fazle Rabbani
- Department of Psychiatry, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Umer Farooq
- Ayub Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Kanwal
- Department of Psychiatry, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Aisha Saleem
- Ayub Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Akbar Bugti
- Department of General Surgery, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital (BMCH), Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Alam Khan
- Ayub Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Khalid
- Ayub Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Mahroo Bugti
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, BMCH, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Shah Mureed
- Department of Paediatrics, BMCH, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Khan
- Department of Pathology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Din Ujjan
- Department of Pathology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Sümeyye Şahin
- Department of Food Engineering, Ordu University, Ordu, Türkiye
| | - Mehtap Kara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Amjad Khan
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, LUMHS, Jamshoro, Pakistan
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Takefuji Y. Impact of COVID-19 on mental health in the US with generative AI. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 88:103736. [PMID: 37586125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103736] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in the US using a large CDC dataset and a new method with generative AI for automatically generating Python code. The generated code was used to investigate and visualize the time-series impact of COVID-19 on mental health by eight categories over time. The paper aims to activate research on mental health during COVID-19 and demonstrates the use of generative AI in psychiatry research for novice or non-programmer researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyasu Takefuji
- Faculty of Data Science, Musashino University, 3-3-3 Ariake Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8181, Japan.
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Pasternak G, Pieniawska-Śmiech K, Walkowiak M, Sado J, Pytel A, Jasińska P, Kierbiedź-Guzik N, Bolaczek P, Fleischer-Stępniewska K, Babicki M, Pentoś K, Lewandowicz-Uszyńska A. Before and After: Attitude and Adverse Effects Induced by the First and Second Doses of mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccine among Healthcare Professionals in the First Weeks after Their Introduction in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050883. [PMID: 37242987 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050883] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last days of December 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine BNT162b2 (Comirnaty, Pfizer-BioNTech) was introduced, for the first time, for wide use in Poland. According to the vaccination schedule, healthcare workers were the first to receive the vaccine. The aim of this study was to analyse the attitudes of those who were determined to be vaccinated, with particular reference to their concerns, attitudes towards vaccination advocacy and sources of knowledge on vaccination, as well as the incidence of adverse reactions. METHODS The study had a three-stage design. Respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire before receiving the 1st and 2nd vaccine doses and 2 weeks after receiving the 2nd dose. A total of 2247 responses were obtained (1340 responses in the first stage, 769 in the second and 138 in the third). RESULTS The main source of knowledge on vaccination was the Internet (32%; n = 428). Of the respondents, 6% (n = 86) reported anxiety before the 1st dose of the vaccine, which increased to 20% (n = 157) before the 2nd dose. A declaration of willingness to promote vaccination among their families was made by 87% (n = 1165). Among adverse reactions after the 1st dose of the vaccine, respondents most frequently observed pain at the injection site (n = 584; 71%), fatigue (n = 126; 16%) and malaise (n = 86; 11%). The mean duration of symptoms was 2.38 days (SD 1.88). After the 2nd dose of vaccine, similar adverse reactions-pain at the injection site (n = 103; 75%), fatigue (n = 28; 20%), malaise (n = 22; 16%)-predominated among respondents. Those who declared having had a SARS-CoV-2 virus infection (p = 0.00484) and with a history of adverse vaccination reactions (p = 0.00374) were statistically more likely to observe adverse symptoms after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Adverse postvaccinal reactions are relatively common after Comirnaty vaccination but are usually mild and transient in nature. It is in the interest of public health to increase the knowledge of vaccine safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Pasternak
- Third Department and Clinic of Pediatrics, Immunology and Rheumatology of Developmental Age, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Pieniawska-Śmiech
- Department of Immunology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Walkowiak
- Third Department and Clinic of Pediatrics, Immunology and Rheumatology of Developmental Age, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Sado
- Department of Immunology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Adam Pytel
- Department of Immunology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Jasińska
- Department of Pulmonology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Kierbiedź-Guzik
- Department of Pulmonology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paula Bolaczek
- Third Department and Clinic of Pediatrics, Immunology and Rheumatology of Developmental Age, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Fleischer-Stępniewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department and Faculty of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pentoś
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Lewandowicz-Uszyńska
- Third Department and Clinic of Pediatrics, Immunology and Rheumatology of Developmental Age, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
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