Participation in a social cluster program among persons in residential living at a continuing care retirement community during COVID

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) initiated a voluntary cohort or "social cluster" (SC) program during the pre-vaccination phase of COVID. SCs are self-selected small groups of persons who decide about types of social interactions. The program began in April 2020, and a cross-sectional survey of residents was conducted in November 2020 to assess perceptions of COVID (e.g., worry and prevention) and of program participation. A secondary goal was to explore if program involvement was associated with perceptions of social isolation. Participants (n = 85) were "somewhat" (49 %) or "very" (11 %) worried about COVID, and 34 % participated in a SC. 89 % of the SC participants indicated that "Dining within 6ft" was most preferred. Improvement in boredom, social isolation, activity level, mental health, hope, and fear was noted among some SC participants (55 %, 52 %, 41 %, 38 %, and 14 %, respectively). Findings contribute to understanding social engagement needs amidst COVID.

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

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.

A health impact assessment of gender inequities associated with psychological distress during COVID19 in Australia's most locked down state-Victoria

BACKGROUND

Since March 2020, when the COVID19 pandemic hit Australia, Victoria has been in lockdown six times for 264 days, making it the world's longest cumulative locked-down city. This Health Impact Assessment evaluated gender disparities, especially women's mental health, represented by increased levels of psychological distress during the lockdowns.

METHODS

A desk-based, retrospective Health Impact Assessment was undertaken to explore the health impacts of the lockdown public health directive with an equity focus, on the Victorian population, through reviewing available qualitative and quantitative published studies and grey literature.

RESULTS

Findings from the assessment suggest the lockdown policies generated and perpetuated avoidable inequities harming mental health demonstrated through increased psychological distress, particularly for women, through psychosocial determinants.

CONCLUSION

Ongoing research is needed to elucidate these inequities further. Governments implementing policies to suppress and mitigate COVID19 need to consider how to reduce harmful consequences of these strategies to avoid further generating inequities towards vulnerable groups within the population and increasing inequalities in the broader society.

Urban Sustainability at Risk Due to Soil Pollution by Heavy Metals—Case Study: Volos, Greece

The focus of this case study is the meticulous observation of urban soil pollution by heavy metals (HMs), or, alternatively, potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The study took place in the urban center of Volos, Greece. Moreover, 248 soil samples were collected during 2018–2021 (62 samples annually), while 3.65 km2 was, approximately, the study area. The breakdown of total concentrations took place for the interpretation of different soil parameters, also according to mean values and medians of the total concentrations of HMs, the following decreasing order was monitored: Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd. During the 4-year study, an increasing trend of metal concentration was observed (for each year compared to the previous one). Furthermore, the imaginary triangle, which was observed, is bordered by the historic train station, the two city bus and intercity coach stations and the commercial harbor. Statistical analysis was implemented in order to interpret the exceedances of HMs concerning the Directive 86/278/EEC. Principal component analysis (PCA) is an additional technique that was conducted because of the correlations and interdependences between the HMs. A strong correlation was observed between the HMs, but mainly between Cd and Zn, which is probably due to their common origin. During the COVID-19 pandemic, significant changes in metal concentrations were observed in different parts of the city, due to the limited movement of motorized wheeled vehicles, but also due to the long operating hours of the heating systems in the residential area. Further research is needed in the future in order to identify the sources of pollution and to find possible ways to reduce it. All in all, urban soil pollution by HMs is a great conundrum of the environmental aspect of sustainability.

The Effect of Pets on Human Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19 Lockdown in Malaysia

Simple Summary

Pets are an integrative part of everyday life. Understanding the impact that pets have on human mental health and wellbeing, especially during periods of prolonged social isolation, is vitally important to determine whether animals can be integrated in prevention, recovery and intervention programmes to promote mental health and wellbeing. Research, with Western samples, suggests a positive impact of pets on humans; however, there is a lack of research on the effects of human–animal interactions in Southeast Asia. The aim of this study was to address this gap and to explore whether and how pets impact mental health and wellbeing in Malaysia during the COVID-19 induced movement control order (MCO). Additionally, the study explored if there was any interaction between other demographics, like age, gender, education, and pet ownership when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. The results show that in comparisons with people without animals, pet owners had significantly higher levels of mental wellbeing, in that they felt they could cope better with adverse situations and experienced significantly more positive emotions during the lockdown. On the other hand, there were no differences in levels of depression, stress, resilience, anxiety and negative emotions between the two participant groups. These results indicate that although the information about human–animal interaction is limited in Malaysia, pets can have a positive impact on some aspects of mental health and wellbeing and be actively integrated into promoting mental health and wellbeing in situations where people are socially isolated and experiencing difficulties coping with adversities or negative emotions.

Abstract

The adverse impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on mental and physical health has been witnessed across the globe. Associated mental health and wellbeing issues include stress, social isolation, boredom, and anxiety. Research suggests human–animal interactions may improve the overall wellbeing of an individual. However, this has been less explored in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and the present study examined the effect of pets on the mental health and wellbeing of Malaysians during the lockdown, or movement control order (MCO), due to COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was carried out, with 448 Malaysian participants, who completed online assessments for psychological outcomes, psychological wellbeing, positive–negative emotions, resilience, and coping self-efficacy. Results indicate that pet owners reported significantly better coping self-efficacy, significantly more positive emotions, and better psychological wellbeing, but contrary to expectations, there was no differences on other measures. Among pet owners, cat owners reported more positive emotions and greater wellbeing than dog owners. The results show that that pets have some impact on improved psychological health of their owners and could be integrated into recovery frameworks for promoting mental health and wellbeing.

The Effect of Prolonged Lockdown Due to COVID-19 on Greek Demented Patients of Different Stages and on Their Caregivers

BACKGROUND

The impact of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is deteriorating as time passes and the virus keeps spreading, with people with dementia and their caregivers being affected significantly.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of prolonged isolation because of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with dementia and their caregivers.

METHODS

Caregivers answered online questions regarding their own physical and psychological burden, and of the person they take care of. Participants were mostly members of online seminars of the Athens Alzheimer's Association. Questions referred to their own burden, the overall decline of the persons they take care of, and changes in specific domains as well. Further, participants were asked about any changes between the two major lockdown periods. Analysis was performed including the total sample and then, by three different stages of dementia.

RESULTS

A total of 339 caregivers took part in the study. Results indicated significant decline, both in an overall aspect of the people with dementia, and in specific domains (mostly communication and mood). Regarding the caregivers, they reported having significantly increased physical and psychological burden, and also, noticing an overall change between the two lockdown periods in their own burden. Analysis by dementia-stage group indicated that significant decline occurred both in the middle-stage and the late-stage group.

CONCLUSION

An urgency for further support of both the people with neurodegenerative disorders and their caregivers is needed. Collaboration among care workers, online programs, governmental support, and day-care centers should be planned to ensure continuity of care for those in need during the pandemic.

First-Wave COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece: The Role of Demographic, Social, and Geographical Factors in Life Satisfaction during Lockdown

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic led to profound changes in populations’ everyday lives. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the factors that affected life satisfaction during the first-wave lockdown in Greece. A web-based survey was developed, and 4305 questionnaires were completed corresponding to all Greek regional units. Statistical modeling (multivariate logistic regression) was performed to evaluate to which extent significant geographical attributes and socioeconomic characteristics are likely to influence life satisfaction during lockdown due to the pandemic. In the course of the present work, some key findings emerged: social distancing and confinement measures affected mostly women in relation to men; there was a strong positive association between life satisfaction and age, especially as regards the older population; changes to employment status, increase in psychosomatic disorders, and increased usage of social media were also likely to negatively impact people’s life satisfaction. By contrast, trust in the government and the media and limited health concerns seem to have a strong association with subjective wellbeing. Finally, life satisfaction does not depend much on geographical characteristics such as urbanity or insularity, highlighting that the lockdown had an impact on the Greek population regardless of the physical isolation.

Meal and Sleep Timing before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Anonymous Survey Study from Sweden

The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, such as stay-at-home-orders, have significantly altered daily routines and lifestyles. Given their importance for metabolic health, we herein compared sleep and meal timing parameters during vs. before the COVID-19 pandemic based on subjective recall, in an anonymous Swedish survey. Among 191 adults (mean age: 47 years; 77.5% females), we show that social jetlag, i.e., the mismatch in sleep midpoint between work and free days, was reduced by about 17 min during the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic state (p < 0.001). Concomitantly, respondents' sleep midpoint was shifted toward morning hours during workdays (p < 0.001). A later daily eating midpoint accompanied the shift in sleep timing (p = 0.001). This effect was mainly driven by a later scheduled first meal (p < 0.001). No difference in the timing of the day's last meal was found (p = 0.814). Although our survey was limited in terms of sample size and by being cross-sectional, our results suggest that the delay in sleep timing due to the COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by a corresponding shift in the timing of early but not late meals.