Gender Differences in the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Italian Academic Workers

Effective Neutralizing Antibody Response Against SARS-CoV-2 Virus and Its Omicron BA.1 Variant in Fully Vaccinated Hematological Patients

SARS-CoV-2 and its variants cause CoronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19), a pandemic disease. Hematological malignancies increase susceptibility to severe COVID-19 due to immunosuppression. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies protect against severe COVID-19. This retrospective real-life study aimed to evaluate seropositivity and neutralizing antibody rates against SARS-CoV-2 and its Omicron BA.1 variant in hematological patients. A total of 106 patients with different hematologic malignancies, who have mostly received three or more vaccine doses (73%), were included in this study. Serum was collected between May and June 2022. The primary endpoint was anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response against ancestral (wild type; wt) and Omicron BA.1 virus, defined as a neutralizing antibody titer ≥ 1:10. Adequate neutralizing antibody response was observed in 75 (71%) and 87 (82%) of patients for wt and Omicron BA.1 variants, respectively.However, patients with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and/or those treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in the prior 12 months showed a lower seropositivity rate compared to other patients against both Omicron BA.1 variant (73% vs 91%; P = 0.02) and wt virus (64% vs 78%; P = 0.16). Our real-life experience confirmed that full vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 induces adequate neutralizing antibody protection for both the wt virus and Omicron BA.1 variants, even in hematological frail patients. However, protective measures should be maintained in hematological patients, especially those with B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, because these subjects could have a reduced neutralizing antibody production.

Assessing Mental Health Outcomes in Quarantine Centres: A Cross-Sectional Study during COVID-19 in Malaysia

During the COVID-19 pandemic, persons under surveillance (PUS) were isolated in quarantine centres instead of at home. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the mental health issues experienced by these persons. This study aimed to assess mental health outcomes and associated factors among PUS and frontline workers at quarantine centres. This study conducted an analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional survey carried out by the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS). The MHPSS employed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to evaluate mental health outcomes across 49 quarantine centres in Malaysia. The study included a total of 4577 respondents. The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression was found to be 0.9%, 11.4%, and 10.2%, respectively. Frontline workers and being part of the younger age group were found to be associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Other factors associated with mental health issues were being female, staying at an institution-type centre, and a longer duration of the stay or work at the centre. In conclusion, assessing the mental health status and its associated factors among quarantine centre occupants is crucial for developing future strategies to safeguard their mental well-being.

[Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Health Workers During the Second Year of the Pandemic in Latin America: Cross-Sectional Survey Study]

Introduction

The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the mental health of healthcare personnel in Latin America (LA).

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of psychological disturbances and associated risk factors for mental health in healthcare personnel in LA during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

This multicenter cross-sectional study included a total sample of 5437 healthcare professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and a brief demographic questionnaire were used. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was estimated based on the cut-off points of the instruments. Two multivariate logistic regressions were performed.

Results

A population burden of anxiety (40.1%) and depression (62.2%) was found in healthcare personnel in LA. Among professionals in Argentina (OR = 1.374; P<.001), those working in state hospitals (OR = 1.536; P<.003), frontline healthcare workers for COVID patients (OR = 1.848; P<.001), general practitioners (OR = 1.335; P<.001), and specialists (OR = 1.298; P<.001), a higher risk of experiencing mental disorders was observed. Among women, younger personnel, and administrative staff, a higher probability of experiencing anxiety and depression was identified.

Conclusions

The burden of mental disorders on healthcare personnel in Latin America is alarming. Psychological support services are necessary, aimed at providing measures for professionals to develop healthy coping mechanisms that mitigate the impact of the pandemic on their well-being and facilitate post-crisis adjustment.

Perceived household financial decline and physical/mental health among adolescents during the COVID-19 crisis: Focusing on gender differences

COVID-19 has worsened adolescents' mental and physical health. Several studies have reported that the effect may be greater in girls; however, relevant socio-ecological factors have not been examined. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with physical and mental health status among adolescents and the moderating role of gender on the relationship between physical and mental health status and perceived household financial decline. We analyzed the cross-sectional 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) collected between August and November 2020 in South Korea. It included 54,809 adolescents (28,269 males and 26,540 females), on average aged 15.1. We conducted ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions to examine the factors associated with physical and mental health outcomes. Gender differences were observed in associated factors. Then, we tested the moderating effect of gender by including an interaction term between gender and perceived household financial decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived household financial decline due to COVID-19 negatively affected both groups. Perceiving moderate and severe financial decline due to COVID-19 is negatively associated with self-rated health among female adolescents than male counterparts. Female adolescents were also more vulnerable to mental health outcomes (i.e., distress, anxiety, and loneliness) when they perceived severe or moderate household financial decline due to COVID-19 compared to their male peers. Our findings suggest that female adolescents are more vulnerable to household financial shocks due to COVID-19, especially in households that have experienced a severe decline. We suggest the need for gender-sensitive policy interventions for adolescent mental health.

Somatic and psychological distress among Russian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies highlighted a high prevalence of mental health issues among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is no evidence from Russia. This study was aimed to examine the prevalence of somatic and psychological distress among Russian university students.

METHOD

The cross-sectional study was conducted in March-April 2021. The participants were university students from several regions of Russia (N = 1236). The Patient Health Questionnaire-15 and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 were used to measure the somatic and psychological distress.

RESULTS

The prevalence of somatic burden, depression, anxiety, and stress was 72.2%, 54.7%, 63.4%, and 55.4%, respectively. Somatic burden, anxiety, and stress were more frequently observed in females and students with experience of COVID-19 disease compared to males and students without experience of COVID-19 disease.

CONCLUSIONS

These data illuminate the high prevalence and potential risk factors for somatic and psychological distress among Russian university students and determine the importance of psychoeducation and preventive measures in the Russian university environment.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant system strain, requiring rapid redeployment of nurses to intensive care units. Little is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and surge models on nurses.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses working in intensive care units.

METHODS

A scoping review was performed. Articles were excluded if they concerned nurses who were not caring for critically ill adult patients with COVID-19, did not describe impact on nurses, or solely examined workload or expansion of pediatric intensive care units.

RESULTS

This search identified 417 unique records, of which 55 met inclusion criteria (37 peer-reviewed and 18 grey literature sources). Within the peer-reviewed literature, 42.7% of participants were identified as intensive care unit nurses, 0.65% as redeployed nurses, and 72.4% as women. The predominant finding was the prevalence of negative psychological impacts on nurses, including stress, distress, anxiety, depression, fear, posttraumatic stress disorder, and burnout. Women and members of ethnic minority groups were at higher risk of experiencing negative consequences. Common qualitative themes included the presence of novel changes, negative impacts, and mitigators of harm during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses working in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced adverse psychological outcomes, with unique stressors and challenges observed among both permanent intensive care unit and redeployed nurses. Further research is required to understand the impact of these outcomes over the full duration of the pandemic, among at-risk groups, and within the context of redeployment roles.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Anxiety, Knowledge and Attitudes in University Degree Pregnant Women from Romania-A Cross-Sectional Observational Survey in the First Two Pandemic Years

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had a high economic cost, morbidity, and death toll. Due to high rates of mortality and morbidity from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pregnant women were at particular risk during this pandemic. We designed and conducted a cross-sectional observational survey in Romanian pregnant women to evaluate the outcome of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic along with the preventive measures taken by authorities. We applied a 43-item questionnaire. We included 147 women over 18 years old from Romania who were pregnant or gave birth between March 2020 and March 2022. All pregnancies were monitored, most of them by a gynecologist, and only 23% faced rescheduled pregnancy visits. The majority (84%) were screened through the TORCH panel, 95.91% felt anxious because of the pandemic, 87% followed SARS-CoV2 preventive recommendations, and 82% were not infected with the coronavirus. Additionally, 80% were vaccinated against COVID-19. They felt the consequences of the pandemic through anxiety, and their level of anxiety influenced their vaccination decisions, the TORCH testing and the method of giving birth despite the level of education. Fortunately, their pregnancies were monitored properly, and there were no consequences noticed for fetuses at birth.

Apprehensions and Optimism among Dental Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Evaluation

Globally, the pandemic of the coronavirus disease, which started in Wuhan, China, has become a major issue for public health. The COVID-19 epidemic notably causes health professionals to experience significantly more emotional stress than the general populace. The present study proposes to investigate the fear aspect in dentists in the initiation of clinical practice during these times. An online cross-sectional study was conducted among dental practitioners based on a pre-validated questionnaire. The data were expressed as frequency and percentage analyzed using the chi-square test using SPSS version 25. The data was obtained from 271 participants, where clinical practice after the first wave was mostly by freelancers (p-value = 0.01); most of whom were married (p-value = 0.065); 19.1% attached to institutes did not have changes in earnings; 28.1% of private practitioners had less than 10% reduction in cases. A total of 62% of private practitioners are concerned about the vaccine's preventative effects (p-value = 0.026), and 57% of private practitioners worry about being sued for the delay in treatment (p-value = 0.036). Only 33.1% of employees in institutions worry that becoming sick could endanger their family. As dentists continue to work their way through this pandemic, these pressures only occasionally have an impact on them. According to the researchers, this is the first study that has captured the anxiety and apprehensions that dental practitioners experienced during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak in India in April 2021. The study's findings demonstrate that the study population was generally upbeat and confident that they could quickly overcome their fear.

A cross-sectional study of the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on camped refugees in Ghana

Vulnerable populations such as camped refugees are often exposed to spread of infectious diseases because of their living conditions, limited resources available to them and exclusion from social services. This study examined the psychological state of camped refugees in Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic and how their background characteristics predict the severity of the pandemic's psychological impact. It covered 763 refugees aged 15 years and above resident in two (Krisan = 316 and Ampain = 447) camps. Nine COVID-19 Anxiety Scale indicators were used to examine the psychological state of camped refugees. A composite indicator was derived to examine the overall psychological impact. Logistic regression was used to examine the factors that were associated with severe psychological impact. The multivariate analysis revealed that sex of the respondent, marital status and age of head of household were the only socio-demographic factors associated with having a severe psychological impact of the pandemic. There was very strong evidence that respondents who had moderate (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.12, 2.7) and high (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.63) knowledge of the disease had increased odds of severe psychological impact. Also, those with moderate (OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.78, 4.97) and high (OR = 12.98, 95% CI = 7.86, 21.42) adherence had increased odds of severe psychological impact. None of the pre-existing health conditions and challenges were not significantly associated with severe psychological impact. The limited number of significant socio-demographic covariates suggests that severe psychological impact of the pandemic was a problem in the general population, and thus interventions should target the general population of camped refugees. Also, health education should not only focus on enhancing knowledge and promoting preventive measures but also on managing psychological distress.

Climate Changes, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Russian-Ukrainian War: What Is the Impact on Habits Change and Mental Health?

Climate Change, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19, and Wars are some of the great challenges of our time. The consequences will affect psychological well-being and could have a harmful impact on mental health. This study aimed to assess the level of preoccupation and fears surrounding issues of the 21st-century and the implication for psychological well-being of the general population from Central/Southern Italy among different age groups. A questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, topics formulated ad-hoc about preoccupation, fears, habits, and willingness to change habits in the future related to the 21st-century challenges, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS-21) was administered online. A sample of 1831 participants (61% F; mean age 47.71 ± 17.30) was obtained. Results showed that young adults and older adults, respectively, reported greater and less psychological well-being. Young adults reported higher scores for preoccupation, changing habits, and willingness to change habits in the future, while older adults reported the lowest scores except for changing habits, also controlling for gender. Results for this variable, as well as correlations between the many variables described, rely on the specificity of age, and 21st-century challenges. Moreover, the main fears related to the 21st-century concerns were different based on both age and gender. In conclusion, the various stresses of the 21st-century discussed in this study have a relationship with personal well-being, and it is important to consider potential global mental health issues resulting from these stressors.

Characterization and Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Overweight and Obese Patients: A Dynamic Comparison of COVID-19 Pandemic Waves

There are few data on the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 viral manifestations in obese and overweight persons during each of the five waves that occurred in Romania during the last two years. As such, the purpose of this research was to characterize the variance in case severity, symptomatology, ICU hospitalizations, and mortality among overweight and obese individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We included 250 overweight and obese patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, where 50 patients were selected from each of the five pandemic waves that existed in Romania until March 2022. A total of 113 patients with normal body mass index were included in the study. They were matched with overweight and obese patients by age, gender, and cardiovascular comorbidities to avoid the effect of confounding factors. Between the five waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania, the present investigation found substantial changes in overweight and obese patient features. Obesity increases the risk of hospitalization, severe complications, and mortality from COVID-19. However, this unique demographic is disproportionately affected by obesity-related comorbidities, which contribute to these adverse outcomes. We advocate for the development of new guiding principles for the formulation of healthcare strategies aimed at high-prevalence special populations such as overweight and obese individuals, while also promoting pandemic containment and avoiding the recurrence of pandemic waves with the same guidelines that proved detrimental in terms of economic and human life loss.