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Stern D, Meyer TC, Treindl F, Mages HW, Krüger M, Skiba M, Krüger JP, Zobel CM, Schreiner M, Grossegesse M, Rinner T, Peine C, Stoliaroff-Pépin A, Harder T, Hofmann N, Michel J, Nitsche A, Stahlberg S, Kneuer A, Sandoni A, Kubisch U, Schlaud M, Mankertz A, Schwarz T, Corman VM, Müller MA, Drosten C, de la Rosa K, Schaade L, Dorner MB, Dorner BG. A bead-based multiplex assay covering all coronaviruses pathogenic for humans for sensitive and specific surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21846. [PMID: 38071261 PMCID: PMC10710470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48581-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological assays measuring antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are key to describe the epidemiology, pathobiology or induction of immunity after infection or vaccination. Of those, multiplex assays targeting multiple antigens are especially helpful as closely related coronaviruses or other antigens can be analysed simultaneously from small sample volumes, hereby shedding light on patterns in the immune response that would otherwise remain undetected. We established a bead-based 17-plex assay detecting antibodies targeting antigens from all coronaviruses pathogenic for humans: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, HCoV strains 229E, OC43, HKU1, and NL63. The assay was validated against five commercial serological immunoassays, a commercial surrogate virus neutralisation test, and a virus neutralisation assay, all targeting SARS-CoV-2. It was found to be highly versatile as shown by antibody detection from both serum and dried blot spots and as shown in three case studies. First, we followed seroconversion for all four endemic HCoV strains and SARS-CoV-2 in an outbreak study in day-care centres for children. Second, we were able to link a more severe clinical course to a stronger IgG response with this 17-plex-assay, which was IgG1 and IgG3 dominated. Finally, our assay was able to discriminate recent from previous SARS-CoV-2 infections by calculating the IgG/IgM ratio on the N antigen targeting antibodies. In conclusion, due to the comprehensive method comparison, thorough validation, and the proven versatility, our multiplex assay is a valuable tool for studies on coronavirus serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stern
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tanja C Meyer
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fridolin Treindl
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Werner Mages
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maren Krüger
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Skiba
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Philipp Krüger
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian M Zobel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Marica Grossegesse
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Rinner
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Caroline Peine
- Immunization Unit (FG 33), Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Stoliaroff-Pépin
- Immunization Unit (FG 33), Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Harder
- Immunization Unit (FG 33), Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalie Hofmann
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Michel
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Nitsche
- Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Stahlberg
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Kneuer
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Sandoni
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kubisch
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Schlaud
- Central Epidemiological Laboratory (FG 22), Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Mankertz
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Viruses Affecting Immunocompromised Patients (FG 12), Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tatjana Schwarz
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor M Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Corporate Member, Freie Universität Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Corporate Member, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel A Müller
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathrin de la Rosa
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Schaade
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin B Dorner
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brigitte G Dorner
- Biological Toxins (ZBS 3), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Heidemann C, Sarganas G, Du Y, Gaertner B, Poethko-Müller C, Cohrdes C, Schmidt S, Schlaud M, Scheidt-Nave C. Long-term health consequences among individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to individuals without infection: results of the population-based cohort study CoMoLo Follow-up. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1587. [PMID: 37605232 PMCID: PMC10440884 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16524-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most of the previous studies on health sequelae of COVID-19 are uncontrolled cohorts and include a relatively short follow-up. This population-based multi-center cohort study examined health consequences among individuals about 1 to 1.5 years after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with non-infected. METHODS The study population consisted of adults (≥ 18 years) from four municipalities particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020 who completed a detailed follow-up questionnaire on health-related topics. Exposure was the SARS-CoV-2 infection status (based on IgG antibodies, PCR test, or physician-diagnosis of COVID-19) at baseline (May to December 2020). Outcomes assessed at follow-up (October 2021 to January 2022; mean: 452 days) included recurrent or persistent health complaints, incident diseases, health-related quality of life (PROMIS-29), subjective health, and subjective memory impairment. Logistic and linear regression models were adjusted for baseline sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics (age, sex, municipality, education, smoking, body mass index), pre-existing health conditions (chronic disease/health problem, health-related activity limitation, depressive/anxiety disorder), and follow-up time. RESULTS Among 4817 participants, 350 had a SARS-CoV-2 infection at baseline and 4467 had no infection at baseline or during follow-up. Those with an infection statistically significantly more often reported 7 out of 18 recurrent or persistent health complaints at follow-up: smell/taste disorders (12.8% vs. 3.4%, OR 4.11), shortness of breath (23.0% vs. 9.5%, 3.46), pain when breathing (4.7% vs. 1.9%, 2.36), fatigue (36.9% vs. 26.1%, 1.76), weakness in legs (12.8% vs. 7.8%, 1.93), myalgia/joint pain (21.9% vs. 15.1%, 1.53) and cough (30.8% vs. 24.8%, 1.34) and 3 out of 6 groups of incident diseases: liver/kidney (2.7% vs. 0.9%, 3.70), lung (3.2% vs. 1.1%, 3.50) and cardiovascular/metabolic (6.5% vs. 4.0%, 1.68) diseases. Those with an infection were significantly more likely to report poor subjective health (19.3% vs. 13.0%, 1.91), memory impairment (25.7% vs. 14.3%, 2.27), and worse mean scores on fatigue and physical function domains of PROMIS-29 than non-infected. CONCLUSION Even after more than one year, individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection showed an increased risk of various health complaints, functional limitations, and worse subjective well-being, pointing toward profound health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection relevant for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Heidemann
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Giselle Sarganas
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yong Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate Gaertner
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Caroline Cohrdes
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sein Schmidt
- Clinical Study Center, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Schlaud
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Scheidt-Nave
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Waldhauer J, Beese F, Wachtler B, Haller S, Koschollek C, Pförtner TK, Hoebel J. Socioeconomic differences in the reduction of face-to-face contacts in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2419. [PMID: 36564783 PMCID: PMC9780616 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14811-4] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to physical distancing measures to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Evidence on contact dynamics in different socioeconomic groups is still sparse. This study aimed to investigate the association of socioeconomic status with private and professional contact reductions in the first COVID-19 wave in Germany. METHODS Data from two especially affected municipalities were derived from the population-based cross-sectional seroepidemiological CORONA-MONITORING lokal study (data collection May-July 2020). The study sample (n = 3,637) was restricted to working age (18-67 years). We calculated the association of educational and occupational status (low, medium, high) with self-reported private and professional contact reductions with respect to former contact levels in the first wave of the pandemic. Multivariate Poisson regressions were performed to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) adjusted for municipality, age, gender, country of birth, household size, contact levels before physical distancing measures, own infection status, contact to SARS-CoV-2 infected people and working remotely. RESULTS The analyses showed significant differences in the initial level of private and professional contacts by educational and occupational status. Less private contact reductions with lower educational status (PR low vs. high = 0,79 [CI = 0.68-0.91], p = 0.002; PR medium vs. high = 0,93 [CI = 0.89-0.97], p = 0.001) and less professional contact reductions with lower educational status (PR low vs. high = 0,87 [CI = 0.70-1.07], p = 0.179; PR medium vs. high = 0,89 [CI = 0.83-0.95], p = 0.001) and lower occupational status (PR low vs. high = 0,62 [CI = 0.55-0.71], p < 0.001; PR medium vs. high = 0,82 [CI = 0.77-0.88], p < 0.001) were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate disadvantages for groups with lower socioeconomic status in private and professional contact reductions in the first wave of the pandemic. This may be associated with the higher risk of infection among individuals in lower socioeconomic groups. Preventive measures that a) adequately explain the importance of contact restrictions with respect to varying living and working conditions and b) facilitate the implementation of these reductions especially in the occupational setting seem necessary to better protect structurally disadvantaged groups during epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Waldhauer
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Beese
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wachtler
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Haller
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Koschollek
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timo-Kolja Pförtner
- grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Research Methods Division, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Hoebel
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Dragano N. Protagonist der Sozialepidemiologie: Laudatio zu Ehren von PD Dr. PH
Thomas Lampert – Träger der Salomon-Neumann-Medaille
2022. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2022; 84:908-910. [PMID: 36179678 PMCID: PMC11248199 DOI: 10.1055/a-1910-9440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The Salomon Neumann Medal of the German Society for Social Medicine and Prevention (DGSMP) honours individuals and institutions who have made special contributions to preventive and social medicine. In 2022, the medal was awarded to PD Dr. Thomas Lampert, Robert Koch Institute, who has been a strong advocate for reporting on health inequalities in Germany for many years. His extensive work provides a precise cartography of the social determinants of health in Germany after the turn of the millennium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Dragano
- Institut für Medizinische Soziologie, Universitätsklinikum und Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
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Heidemann C, Reitzle L, Schmidt C, Fuchs J, Prütz F, Scheidt-Nave C. Non-utilisation of health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of the CoMoLo study. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2022; 7:2-17. [PMID: 35356069 PMCID: PMC8939005 DOI: 10.25646/9564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Based on data from the CORONA-MONITORING lokal (CoMoLo) study conducted in four municipalities particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this article investigates the non-utilisation of health care services in the population aged 18 years and older (n=9,002) in relation to the period after the introduction of the containment measures in March 2020. The results show that about one third of the respondents (35.5%) gave up at least one of the surveyed health care services. The most frequent cancellations were dental (15.2%) and specialist check-ups (11.8%), followed by postponement of physiotherapy, ergotherapy or speech therapy (6.1%), cancellation of general practitioner (GP) check-ups (5.8%), postponement of psychotherapy (2.0%), postponement of planned hospital treatment (1.8%) and not going to an emergency room (0.7%). Almost 10% of the respondents reported not visiting a physician despite health complaints. Compared to respondents without such a waiver, these respondents were more often female and younger than 35 years, less often rated their health as very good or good, more often had a diagnosis of depression and more often used telemedical contacts as an alternative to visiting the practice during the pandemic. Further analyses of trends in utilisation behaviour and changes in health status over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic are important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Heidemann
- Corresponding author Dr Christin Heidemann, Robert Koch Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, General-Pape-Str. 62–66, 12101 Berlin, Germany, E-mail:
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Wachtler B, Neuhauser H, Haller S, Grabka MM, Zinn S, Schaade L, Hövener C, Hoebel J. The Risk of Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Among Healthcare Workers During the Pandemic. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 118:842-843. [PMID: 35264284 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Mekhemar M, Attia S, Dörfer C, Conrad J. Dental Nurses' Mental Health in Germany: A Nationwide Survey during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8108. [PMID: 34360401 PMCID: PMC8345776 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have found a rise in the rate of psychological discomfort among healthcare personnel since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between psychological variables of anxiety, depression, stress, avoidance, intrusion and hyperarousal and several factors among German dental nurses. For this poll, dental nurses were asked nationwide to take part via an online-based survey from July 2020 to January 2021. This survey gathered data on demographics, as well as psychological assessments through the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) instrument, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). The correlations between DASS-21/IES-R ratings and sociodemographic data were investigated using univariate analyses (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests). Single comparisons were performed using the Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc test if a relevant test result was significant followed by multiple linear regressions. Furthermore, 252 dental nurses took part in the study and showed overall normal or mild results of all psychological variables. Having immune-deficiency or chronic diseases, employment at a dental practice, being married, having no children and seeing the pandemic as a financial threat were presented as significant risk factors (p ≤ 0.05) with higher DASS-21 and IES-R scores. These results emphasize the aspects that must be considered to safeguard German dental nurses' mental wellbeing during the crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mekhemar
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Sameh Attia
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Klinik Str. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Christof Dörfer
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Jonas Conrad
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
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Mekhemar M, Attia S, Dörfer C, Conrad J. Dental Students in Germany throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Psychological Assessment and Cross-Sectional Survey. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:611. [PMID: 34356466 PMCID: PMC8301083 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multiple investigations have reported high psychological distress among students since the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak started. This survey examined the associations between psychological features, and several demographic and social factors among dental students in German universities. Dental students registered in German universities nationwide were asked to join this survey via a self-directed online questionnaire, from July 2020 to January 2021. This study assembled data on demographic statistics, the depression anxiety stress scales (DASS-21), and the impact of events scale-revised (IES-R) instrument. The relationships between demographic-related variables and mental consequences of depression, anxiety, stress, intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal were inspected. Two hundred and eleven students contributed to the questionnaire and conveyed overall normal or mild outcomes of depression, anxiety, stress, intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal. In addition, female gender, cardiovascular diseases, smoking habits, and seeing the COVID-19 outbreak as a financial risk were stated as significant related factors (p < 0.05), with increased IES-R and DASS-21 scores. These results highlight the features that should be considered to better protect dental students' mental health in German universities during the crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mekhemar
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Sameh Attia
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Klinik Str. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Christof Dörfer
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Jonas Conrad
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
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Gaertner B, Fuchs J, Möhler R, Meyer G, Scheidt-Nave C. Older people at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2021; 6:2-37. [PMID: 35586562 PMCID: PMC8832372 DOI: 10.25646/7857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This scoping review focuses on evidence gaps regarding the effects on health, social participation and life contexts of older people at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is based on a systematic search strategy of the international literature covering a period between December 2019 and June 2020. The review is supplemented by a search of the websites of selected organisations in Germany (cut-off date: 29 June 2020). Search hits were differentiated by types of publication (empirical study, review, discussion paper). The contents were summarised in tabular form according to topic. The publications mainly discussed the high risks of suffering severe courses of COVID-19 faced by older people, specifically those belonging to certain subgroups. In addition, further main topics were the pandemic’s indirect impacts on physical and mental health, physical and cognitive functions and participation in society. Social isolation, loneliness, reduced levels of physical activity and difficulties in maintaining care were discussed as major health risks. Ageism was an issue that was addressed across all of the identified topics. The publications highlighted the need, but also the opportunity, for raising public awareness of the needs of older people in various life contexts. Publications pointed to the urgent need for research into the biological and social causes of older peoples’ high infection risk and how measures could be adapted in a differentiated manner (infection prevention and control measures, social support, medical and nursing care).
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Gaertner
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Judith Fuchs
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Ralph Möhler
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics.,Bielefeld University, School of Public Health, Department of Health Services Research and Nursing Science
| | - Gabriele Meyer
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute for Health and Nursing Science
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Mekhemar M, Attia S, Dörfer C, Conrad J. The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dentists in Germany. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1008. [PMID: 33801333 PMCID: PMC7958334 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the announcement of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak as a pandemic, several studies reported increased psychological distress among healthcare workers. In this investigation, we examined the association between psychological outcomes and various factors among German dentists. Dentists from all German federal states were invited to participate in this study through a self-administered online questionnaire between July and November 2020. This questionnaire collected information on demographics, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) instrument. The associations displayed between demographic and psychological outcomes of depression, anxiety, stress, intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal were evaluated. Seven-hundred-and-thirty-two dentists participated in the survey and reported overall scores of (4.88 ± 4.85), (2.88 ± 3.57), (7.08 ± 5.04), (9.12 ± 8.44), (10.68 ± 8.88) and (10.35 ± 8.68) for depression, anxiety, stress, intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal, respectively. For females, being between 50-59 years of age, being immune deficient or chronically ill, working at a dental practice, and considering the COVID-19 pandemic a financial hazard were reported as significant associated factors (p < 0.05) with higher DASS-21 and IES-R scores. These findings underline the aspects which need to be taken into attention to protect the mental wellbeing of dentists in Germany during the crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mekhemar
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Sameh Attia
- Department of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Klinik Str. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Christof Dörfer
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Jonas Conrad
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Kiel University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus B, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.D.); (J.C.)
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Hoebel J, Busch MA, Grabka MM, Zinn S, Allen J, Göfêwald A, Wernitz J, Goebel J, Steinhauer HW, Siegers R, Schroder C, Kuttig T, Butschalowsky H, Schlaud M, Rosario AS, Brix J, Rysina A, Glemser A, Neuhauser H, Stahlberg S, Kneuer A, Hey I, Schaarschmidt J, Fiebig J, Buttmann-Schweiger N, Wilking H, Michel J, Nitsche A, Wieler LH, Schaade L, Ziese T, Liebig S, Lampert T. Seroepidemiological study on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany: Study protocol of the CORONA-MONITORING bundesweit' study (RKI-SOEP study). JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2021; 6:2-16. [PMID: 35585914 PMCID: PMC8832365 DOI: 10.25646/7853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has spread rapidly across Germany. Infections are likely to be under-recorded in the notification data from local health authorities on laboratory-confirmed cases since SARS-CoV-2 infections can proceed with few symptoms and then often remain undetected. Seroepidemiological studies allow the estimation of the proportion in the population that has been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (seroprevalence) as well as the extent of undetected infections. The ‘CORONA-MONITORING bundesweit’ study (RKI-SOEP study) collects biospecimens and interview data in a nationwide population sample drawn from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). Participants are sent materials to self-collect a dry blood sample of capillary blood from their finger and a swab sample from their mouth and nose, as well as a questionnaire. The samples returned are tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 RNA to identify past or present infections. The methods applied enable the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infections, including those that previously went undetected. In addition, by linking the data collected with available SOEP data, the study has the potential to investigate social and health-related differences in infection status. Thus, the study contributes to an improved understanding of the extent of the epidemic in Germany, as well as identification of target groups for infection protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Hoebel
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Markus A Busch
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Markus M Grabka
- German Institute for Economic Research, Berlin, Socio-Economic Panel
| | - Sabine Zinn
- German Institute for Economic Research, Berlin, Socio-Economic Panel.,Humboldt University Berlin Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
| | - Jennifer Allen
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Antje Göfêwald
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Jörg Wernitz
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Jan Goebel
- German Institute for Economic Research, Berlin, Socio-Economic Panel
| | | | - Rainer Siegers
- German Institute for Economic Research, Berlin, Socio-Economic Panel
| | - Carsten Schroder
- German Institute for Economic Research, Berlin, Socio-Economic Panel.,Freie Universität Berlin School of Business and Economics
| | - Tim Kuttig
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Hans Butschalowsky
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Martin Schlaud
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | | | | | | | | | - Hannelore Neuhauser
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Silke Stahlberg
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Antje Kneuer
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Isabell Hey
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Jörg Schaarschmidt
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Julia Fiebig
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | | | - Hendrik Wilking
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology
| | - Janine Michel
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens
| | - Andreas Nitsche
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens
| | - Lothar H Wieler
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Institute Leadership.,Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Methodology and Research Infrastructure
| | - Lars Schaade
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens.,Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Institute Leadership
| | - Thomas Ziese
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Stefan Liebig
- German Institute for Economic Research, Berlin, Socio-Economic Panel
| | - Thomas Lampert
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
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