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Fountain H, Migchelsen SJ, Charles H, Ram T, Fifer H, Mohammed H, Sinka K. Rebound of Gonorrhea after Lifting of COVID-19 Preventive Measures, England. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:329-332. [PMID: 38167386 PMCID: PMC10826777 DOI: 10.3201/eid3002.231148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
After lifting of all COVID-19 preventive measures in England in July 2021, marked, widespread increases in gonorrhea diagnoses, but not testing numbers, were observed, particularly in persons 15-24 years of age. Continued close surveillance and public health messaging to young persons are needed to control and prevent gonorrhea transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tika Ram
- UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
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2
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Hatori T, Bhandary NP. Extremism, knowledge, and overconfidence in the covid-19 restriction times. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1295807. [PMID: 38362243 PMCID: PMC10867172 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1295807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Public response to restriction policy against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can polarize into two extremes: one absolutely in favor of restrictions for the sake of human life and health, and other absolutely against the restrictions for the sake of human rights and daily life. This study examines psychological nature of extremism regarding individuals' self-restraint from social behavior, which was and has been encouraged by the Japanese government as restriction measures, as well as possible measures to mitigate this extremism. We hypothesize that people with more extreme views on self-restraint tend to have less knowledge of this virus, and, nevertheless, tend to be more overconfident in the sense that they falsely believe they understand COVID-19 and the effects of self-restraint. It is also postulated that overconfidence can be reduced by asking them to explain how self-restraint works. To test these hypotheses, we conducted an online experiment on the Japanese adults (n = 500) to measure the extent of their knowledge of COVID-19 and to examine the effect of explanation task on their understanding regarding COVID-19 and extremism. The results indicate that the extreme attitudes were associated with insufficient knowledge about the symptoms, risks, and characteristics of COVID-19. Moreover, their extreme attitudes tended to moderate through this experimental study to an extent that they realized they did not understand COVID-19 including the effects of self-restraint. This suggests that people with extremism may have been overconfident in their own understanding of the COVID-19 restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Hatori
- Department of Environmental Design, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
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3
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Jore S, Viljugrein H, Hjertqvist M, Dub T, Mäkelä H. Outdoor recreation, tick borne encephalitis incidence and seasonality in Finland, Norway and Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020/2021). Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2023; 13:2281055. [PMID: 38187169 PMCID: PMC10769561 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2023.2281055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
During the pandemic outdoor activities were encouraged to mitigate transmission risk while providing safe spaces for social interactions. Human behaviour, which may favour or disfavour, contact rates between questing ticks and humans, is a key factor impacting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) incidence. We analyzed annual and weekly TBE cases in Finland, Norway and Sweden from 2010 to 2021 to assess trend, seasonality, and discuss changes in human tick exposure imposed by COVID-19. We compared the pre-pandemic incidence (2010-2019) with the pandemic incidence (2020-2021) by fitting a generalized linear model (GLM) to incidence data. Pre-pandemic incidence was 1.0, 0.29 and 2.8 for Finland, Norway and Sweden, respectively, compared to incidence of 2.2, 1.0 and 3.9 during the pandemic years. However, there was an increasing trend for all countries across the whole study period. Therefore, we predicted the number of cases in 2020/2021 based on a model fitted to the annual cases in 2010-2019. The incidences during the pandemic were 1.3 times higher for Finland, 1.7 times higher for Norway and no difference for Sweden. When social restrictions were enforced to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 there were profound changes in outdoor recreational behavior. Future consideration of public health interventions that promote outdoor activities may increase exposure to vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Jore
- Zoonotic, Food & Waterborne Infections, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Hildegunn Viljugrein
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Norway
| | - Marika Hjertqvist
- Department of Communicable Disease Control and Health Protection, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Timothée Dub
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henna Mäkelä
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
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King N, Pickett W, Keown-Stoneman CDG, Miller CB, Li M, Duffy A. Changes in sleep and the prevalence of probable insomnia in undergraduate university students over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from the U-Flourish cohort study. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e210. [PMID: 37933532 PMCID: PMC10753952 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep problems associated with poor mental health and academic outcomes may have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. AIMS To describe sleep in undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD This longitudinal analysis included data from 9523 students over 4 years (2018-2022), associated with different pandemic phases. Students completed a biannual survey assessing risk factors, mental health symptoms and lifestyle, using validated measures. Sleep was assessed with the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI-8). Propensity weights and multivariable log-binomial regressions were used to compare sleep in four successive first-year cohorts. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine changes in sleep over academic semesters and years. RESULTS There was an overall decrease in average SCI-8 scores, indicating worsening sleep across academic years (average change -0.42 per year; P-trend < 0.001), and an increase in probable insomnia at university entry (range 18.1-29.7%; P-trend < 0.001) before and up to the peak of the pandemic. Sleep improved somewhat in autumn 2021, when restrictions loosened. Students commonly reported daytime sleep problems, including mood, energy, relationships (36-48%) and concentration, productivity, and daytime sleepiness (54-66%). There was a consistent pattern of worsening sleep over the academic year. Probable insomnia was associated with increased cannabis use and passive screen time, and reduced recreation and exercise. CONCLUSIONS Sleep difficulties are common and persistent in students, were amplified by the pandemic and worsen over the academic year. Given the importance of sleep for well-being and academic success, a preventive focus on sleep hygiene, healthy lifestyle and low-intensity sleep interventions seems justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan King
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Canada
| | - William Pickett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Canada; and Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, Canada
| | - Charles D. G. Keown-Stoneman
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada; and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher B. Miller
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, USA; and Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNi), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Melanie Li
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Canada
| | - Anne Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Canada; and Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
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Lok V, Sjöqvist H, Sidorchuk A, Flodin P, Osika W, Daly M, Hyland P, Andersen LH, Fallesen P, Cabrera MC, Knudsen AK, Wetherall K, Widnall E, Groarke JM, Armour C, Dalman C, Hollander AC, Niemi M. Changes in anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in the European population: A meta-analysis of changes and associations with restriction policies. Eur Psychiatry 2023; 66:e87. [PMID: 37881862 PMCID: PMC10755582 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.2467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early studies of common mental disorders (CMDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic mainly report increases; however, more recent findings have been mixed. Also, studies assessing the effects of restriction measures on CMDs show varied results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess changes in levels of CMDs from pre-/early to during the pandemic and the effects of restriction policies in the European population. METHODS We searched for studies assessing both pre-pandemic and peri-pandemic self-reported emotional distress and symptoms of depression or anxiety among nationally/regionally representative samples in Europe and collected microdata from those studies. Estimates of corona containment index were related to changes in CMDs using random-effects meta-regression. RESULTS Our search strategy resulted in findings from 15 datasets drawn from 8 European countries being included in the meta-analysis. There was no evidence of change in the prevalence of emotional distress, anxiety, or depression from before to during the pandemic; but from early pandemic periods to later periods, there were significant decreases in emotional distress and anxiety. Increased school restrictions and social distancing were associated with small increases in self-reported emotional distress. CONCLUSIONS Despite initial concerns of increased emotional distress and mental illness due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the results from this meta-analysis indicate that there was a decrease in emotional distress and no change in anxiety or depression in the general population in Europe. Overall, our findings support the importance of strong governance when implementing periodic and robust restriction measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veeleah Lok
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hugo Sjöqvist
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Sidorchuk
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Region Stockholm, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pär Flodin
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Walter Osika
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Daly
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - Peter Fallesen
- ROCKWOOL Foundation Research Unit, Hedehusene, Denmark
- Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ann K.S. Knudsen
- Department of Disease Burden, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Karen Wetherall
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emily Widnall
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jenny M. Groarke
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Cherie Armour
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Christina Dalman
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Niemi
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wang Z, Mueller JF, O'Brien JW, Thompson J, Tscharke BJ, Verhagen R, Zheng Q, Prichard J, Hall W, Humphreys K, Thomas KV, Thai PK. Monitoring medication and illicit drug consumption in a prison by wastewater-based epidemiology: Impact of COVID-19 restrictions. Water Res 2023; 244:120452. [PMID: 37604019 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Drug consumption in prisons is a concern for the safety of incarcerated people and staff. Typically, drug use prevalence in prisons is estimated through urinalysis and intelligence operations, which can be intrusive and stressful. An alternative approach, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), was used in this study to estimate the consumption of licit and illicit drugs for the entire population of a prison in Australia. Wastewater samples were collected from March to December 2020, covering periods of no restrictions and periods when prison access was restricted to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Target biomarkers were analysed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The average consumption of common illicit drugs (MDMA, methamphetamine and cocaine) over the sampling period in the prison (0.5 - 4.5 mg/1000 people/day) was two to three orders of magnitude lower than in the community population (254 - 1000 mg/1000 people/day). Comparison of WBE estimates against pharmacy dispensing data suggested potential illicit buprenorphine consumption at the prison. Methamphetamine and buprenorphine use decreased when no visitors were allowed (18% - 72% decrease for methamphetamine; about half decrease for buprenorphine) and increased once these restrictions were eased (22% - 39% increase for methamphetamine; 44% - 67% increase for buprenorphine). The changes in drug use may be attributed in part to a reduction of drug trafficking into the prison from visitors or non-essential staffs and in part to the reduced contribution of urine from staff who used toilets within the prison. This study provided useful information on the scale of illicit drug use and extra-medical use of licit drugs in prison, and its changes under different security conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jack Thompson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Organic Chemistry, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services (QHFSS), 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4171, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Rory Verhagen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Qiuda Zheng
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jeremy Prichard
- Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 30, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Heath Care System, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
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Ang HJ, Menegale F, Preziosi G, Pariani E, Migliari M, Pellegrinelli L, Sechi GM, Buoro S, Merler S, Cereda D, Tirani M, Poletti P, Dorigatti I. Reconstructing the impact of COVID-19 on the immunity gap and transmission of respiratory syncytial virus in Lombardy, Italy. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104745. [PMID: 37566927 PMCID: PMC10432612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalisation and mortality in young children globally. The social distancing measures implemented against COVID-19 in Lombardy (Italy) disrupted the typically seasonal RSV circulation during 2019-2021 and caused substantially more hospitalisations during 2021-2022. The primary aim of this study is to quantify the immunity gap-defined as the increased proportion of the population naïve to RSV infection following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in Lombardy, which has been hypothesised to be a potential cause of the increased RSV burden in 2021-2022. METHODS We developed a catalytic model to reconstruct changes in the age-dependent susceptibility profile of the Lombardy population throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The model is calibrated to routinely collected hospitalisation, syndromic, and virological surveillance data and tested for alternative assumptions on age-dependencies in the risk of RSV infection throughout the pandemic. FINDINGS We estimate that the proportion of the Lombardy population naïve to RSV infection increased by 60.8% (95% CrI: 55.2-65.4%) during the COVID-19 pandemic: from 1.4% (95% CrI: 1.3-1.6%) in 2018-2019 to 2.3% (95% CrI: 2.2-2.5%) before the 2021-2022 season, corresponding to an immunity gap of 0.87% (95% CrI: 0.87-0.88%). We found evidence of heterogeneity in RSV transmission by age, suggesting that the COVID-19 restrictions had variable impact on the contact patterns and risk of RSV infection across ages. INTERPRETATION We estimate a substantial increase in the population-level susceptibility to RSV in Lombardy during 2019-2021, which contributed to an increase in primary RSV infections in 2021-2022. FUNDING UK Medical Research Council (MRC), UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), EDCTP2 programme, European Union, Wellcome Trust, Royal Society, EU-MUR PNRR INF-ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrian Jules Ang
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Menegale
- Center for Health Emergencies, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy; Department of Mathematics, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Elena Pariani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Laura Pellegrinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sabrina Buoro
- Lombardy Region Welfare General Directorate, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Merler
- Center for Health Emergencies, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Danilo Cereda
- Lombardy Region Welfare General Directorate, Milano, Italy
| | - Marcello Tirani
- Lombardy Region Welfare General Directorate, Milano, Italy; Health Protection Agency of the Metropolitan Area of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Piero Poletti
- Center for Health Emergencies, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Dorigatti
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Griffiths J, Seesen M, Sirikul W, Siviroj P. Malnutrition, Depression, Poor Sleep Quality, and Difficulty Falling Asleep at Night Are Associated with a Higher Risk of Cognitive Frailty in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Restrictions. Nutrients 2023; 15:2849. [PMID: 37447178 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 restrictions, such as social isolation and disruption of daily routines, can have detrimental effects, including increased stress, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical and cognitive decline among older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between nutritional status, depression, sleep quality, falling asleep at night, and cognitive frailty (CF) among older Thai adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study included 408 older adults with an average age of 70.54 (5.49) years. CF was determined using Fried's frailty phenotype and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Basic. The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and geriatric depression assessment were used for assessment. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that participants who were malnourished (OR 3.786; 95%CI 1.719-8.335), depressed (OR 5.003; 95%CI 2.399-10.434), had poor sleep quality (OR 1.613; 95%CI 1.041-2.500), and engaged in difficulty falling asleep (OR 1.809; 95%CI 1.022-3.203) had a higher risk of CF compared to those who did not exhibit these factors. Therefore, malnutrition, depression, poor sleep quality, and difficulty falling asleep were identified as risk factors for CF among older adults in Thailand linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to develop interventions to prevent CF resulting from the mentioned variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiranan Griffiths
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Mathuramat Seesen
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Wachiranun Sirikul
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Center of Data Analytics and Knowledge Synthesis for Health Care, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Penprapa Siviroj
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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9
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Griffiths J, Seesen M, Sirikul W, Siviroj P. The Relationship between Handgrip Strength, Timed Up-and-Go, and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older People during COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13050410. [PMID: 37232647 DOI: 10.3390/bs13050410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions affected physical performance and cognitive function in older people as they were confined to their homes. There is an association between physical and cognitive functions. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition that risks progressing to dementia. This study aimed to identify the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), and MCI in older people during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The cross-sectional study recruited 464 eligible participants for an interview and anthropometric measurement. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B), HGS, and TUG were measured in addition to demographic and health characteristics. A total of 398 participants (85.8%) were found to have MCI when screened with the MoCA-B. Their mean age was 71.09 ± 5.81 years. Forward multiple regression analysis demonstrated that HGS (β = 0.032, p < 0.001), education level (β = 2.801, p < 0.001), TUG (β = -0.022, p = 0.013), Thai Geriatric Depression Score, TGDS (β = -0.248, p = 0.011), and age (β = -1.677, p = 0.019) were associated with MCI. A decrease in HGS and an increased TUG might allow for the early detection of MCI and promote physical training in order to reduce the risk of MCI. Further studies can investigate multidomain indicators for MCI, for example, fine motor skills and pinch strength as components of the motor abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiranan Griffiths
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Mathuramat Seesen
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Wachiranun Sirikul
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Center of Data Analytics and Knowledge Synthesis for Health Care, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Penprapa Siviroj
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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10
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Reddy T, Kapoor NR, Kubota S, Doubova SV, Asai D, Mariam DH, Ayele W, Mebratie AD, Thermidor R, Sapag JC, Bedregal P, Passi-Solar Á, Gordon-Strachan G, Dulal M, Gadeka DD, Mehata S, Margozzini P, Leerapan B, Rittiphairoj T, Kaewkamjornchai P, Nega A, Awoonor-Williams JK, Kruk ME, Arsenault C. Associations between the stringency of COVID-19 containment policies and health service disruptions in 10 countries. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:363. [PMID: 37046260 PMCID: PMC10096103 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09363-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruptions in essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported in several countries. Yet, patterns in health service disruption according to country responses remain unclear. In this paper, we investigate associations between the stringency of COVID-19 containment policies and disruptions in 31 health services in 10 low- middle- and high-income countries in 2020. METHODS Using routine health information systems and administrative data from 10 countries (Chile, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, South Korea, and Thailand) we estimated health service disruptions for the period of April to December 2020 by dividing monthly service provision at national levels by the average service provision in the 15 months pre-COVID (January 2019-March 2020). We used the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) index and multi-level linear regression analyses to assess associations between the stringency of restrictions and health service disruptions over nine months. We extended the analysis by examining associations between 11 individual containment or closure policies and health service disruptions. Models were adjusted for COVID caseload, health service category and country GDP and included robust standard errors. FINDINGS Chronic disease care was among the most affected services. Regression analyses revealed that a 10% increase in the mean stringency index was associated with a 3.3 percentage-point (95% CI -3.9, -2.7) reduction in relative service volumes. Among individual policies, curfews, and the presence of a state of emergency, had the largest coefficients and were associated with 14.1 (95% CI -19.6, 8.7) and 10.7 (95% CI -12.7, -8.7) percentage-point lower relative service volumes, respectively. In contrast, number of COVID-19 cases in 2020 was not associated with health service disruptions in any model. CONCLUSIONS Although containment policies were crucial in reducing COVID-19 mortality in many contexts, it is important to consider the indirect effects of these restrictions. Strategies to improve the resilience of health systems should be designed to ensure that populations can continue accessing essential health care despite the presence of containment policies during future infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Neena R Kapoor
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Shogo Kubota
- World Health Organization, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Svetlana V Doubova
- Epidemiology and Health Services Research Unit CMN Siglo XXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daisuke Asai
- World Health Organization, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Damen Haile Mariam
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wondimu Ayele
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anagaw Derseh Mebratie
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Roody Thermidor
- Studies and Planning Unit, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Jaime C Sapag
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Bedregal
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Álvaro Passi-Solar
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Mahesh Dulal
- Office of the Member of Federal Parliament Gagan Kumar Thapa, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Suresh Mehata
- Ministry of Health, Koshi Province, Biratnagar, Nepal
| | - Paula Margozzini
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Borwornsom Leerapan
- Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Adiam Nega
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Margaret E Kruk
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Catherine Arsenault
- Department of Global Health, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, USA.
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11
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Bellon M, Idle J, Lay K, Robinson S. Community in the pandemic: experiences and strategies by people with acquired brain injury and their families during COVID-19. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:1038-1045. [PMID: 35312446 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2049377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explored the experiences of people with acquired brain injury and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how they maintained their communities and sense of belonging, the strategies they found helpful, and advice they have for improving service provision and community connectedness. METHODS Semi structured interviews with pictorial mapping were conducted with ten adults with ABI and six of their family members. Participants responded to recruitment information circulated by a state-wide ABI peer support network in South Australia. RESULTS Four primary themes were identified from the findings: (1) disruptions to routine; (2) social isolation; (3) using technology; and (4) strategies for staying safe and keeping well. Results are discussed using a social and urban geography lens and a conceptual framework of belonging to explore the experiences of people with ABI and their communities. CONCLUSIONS The study reinforces the role of robust peer/support networks to stay connected, stay well and support others. Government, health services and community groups must provide clear and accessible information and supports, and regularly reach out to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people with ABI and their families during the pandemic.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPeople with acquired brain injury and their families experienced increased challenges to maintaining contact with their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.The main challenges were disruptions to routine, social isolation, and use of technology for health, therapy and social contact.Strategies to support people with ABI to maintain connections, stay engaged, and access technology and information to stay safe and well during lock-down are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Bellon
- Disability and Community Inclusion, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jan Idle
- Disability and Community Inclusion, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kiri Lay
- Disability and Community Inclusion, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sally Robinson
- Disability and Community Inclusion, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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12
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Gentile A, Polizzi C, Giordano G, Burgio S, Alesi M. Parental Resources in Parents of Children with Special Needs (SNs) at the Time of COVID-19. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020475. [PMID: 36675404 PMCID: PMC9864647 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. The limitations imposed by governments for containing the spread of COVID-19 have affected familial relationships, especially those of families dealing with children with special needs or chronic illness conditions. The current study aims to better understand what pathological/disability condition has impacted parental resources, sense of competence, and perception of children’s executive functioning the most. Methods. A sample of 648 parents was asked to answer a survey assessing children’s condition (typical development, specific learning disorder, autism spectrum syndrome, chronic illness), parental resources, parenting sense of competence (distinguished into parental satisfaction and self-efficacy), and parents’ perception of their children’s executive functioning. A MANOVA model was performed to assess differences in parental resources, sense of competence, and perception of the children’s executive functions according to their condition. A path analysis model was performed to examine the impact of sense of competence and children’s condition on parental resources and children’s executive functions. Results. Parents with children with specific learning disorder reported lower scores of parental resources in terms of total scores, common antecedents, and specific antecedents compared to parents with typically developed children (total scores: MD = 56.45, p < 0.001; common antecedents: MD = 22.28, p < 0.00; specific antecedents: MD = 34.17, p < 0.001), parents with autistic children (total scores: MD = 62.79, p = 0.01; common antecedents: MD = 24.03, p = 0.01; specific antecedents: MD = 38.76, p = 0.02) and parents of children with chronic illness (total scores: MD = 37.42, p = 0.04; common antecedents: MD = 16.59, p = 0.01). The path analysis model shows a direct effect of parental satisfaction (β = 0.26) and pathology/disability (β = −0.10) on parental resources that, in turn, influence parents’ perception of their children’s executive functioning (β = 0.24). Conclusion. Although no data about the prepandemic situation is available, the current study highlights that parental stress influence children’s cognition. Moreover, parents of children with special needs seemed to be challenged during COVID-19, especially parents of children with specific learning disorders, that are already stressed out by their children’s condition. Therefore, academic services should undertake preventive measures to preserve parental well-being and to provide a supportive environment for children, especially for those with atypical development.
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13
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Nash K, Lai J, Sandhu K, Chandan JS, Shantikumar S, Ogunlayi F, Coleman PC. Impact of national COVID-19 restrictions on incidence of notifiable communicable diseases in England: an interrupted time series analysis. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2318. [PMID: 36510205 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as travel restrictions, social distancing and isolation policies, aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19 may have reduced transmission of other endemic communicable diseases, such as measles, mumps and meningitis in England. METHODS An interrupted time series analysis was conducted to examine whether NPIs was associated with trends in endemic communicable diseases, using weekly reported cases of seven notifiable communicable diseases (food poisoning, measles, meningitis, mumps, scarlet fever and pertussis) between 02/01/2017 to 02/01/2021 for England. RESULTS Following the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions, there was an 81.1% (95% CI; 77.2-84.4) adjusted percentage reduction in the total number of notifiable diseases recorded per week in England. The greatest decrease was observed for measles, with a 90.5% percentage reduction (95% CI; 86.8-93.1) from 42 to 5 cases per week. The smallest decrease was observed for food poisoning, with a 56.4% (95%CI; 42.5-54.2) decrease from 191 to 83 cases per week. CONCLUSIONS A total reduction in the incidence of endemic notifiable diseases was observed in England following the implementation of public health measures aimed at reducing transmission of SARS-COV-2 on March 23, 2020. The greatest reductions were observed in diseases most frequently observed during childhood that are transmitted via close human-to-human contact, such as measles and pertussis. A less substantive reduction was observed in reported cases of food poisoning, likely due to dining services (i.e., home deliveries and takeaways) remaining open and providing a potential route of transmission. This study provides further evidence of the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical public health interventions in reducing the transmission of both respiratory and food-borne communicable diseases.
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14
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Di Nucci A, Scognamiglio U, Grant F, Rossi L. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food habits and neophobia in children in the framework of the family context and parents' behaviors: A study in an Italian central region. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1070388. [PMID: 36570161 PMCID: PMC9772991 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1070388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This paper aims to evaluate whether changes in lifestyle and eating habits resulting from the Covid-19 emergency have influenced the post-pandemic level of food neophobia and in children living in an Italian central region. Methods A sample of 99 children took part in a retrospective assessment carried out with a self-administrated questionnaire. Pre and post-pandemic evaluation of eating habits, physical activity, and lifestyle indicators was carried out. Food neophobia was evaluated following the Child Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS). Descriptive statistics were produced. A contingency analysis was performed to check associations between variables. Results For a large part of the sample (97%) the selective food refusal did not change during the pandemic period. About 70% of participants did not change their eating habits, with some subgroups reporting an increase in the consumption of fruits (22.2%), vegetables (19.2%), and legumes (21.2%). Relevantly the impact of the pandemic on the sedentary attitude passed from 25.3 to 70.7%. Neophobia was not associated with ponderal status (p-value 0.5). However, in normal-weight children, a high prevalence of intermediate-level neophobia (78.4%) was found. 39.4% of the studied children were involved in meal preparation during social isolation, with an increase in the proportion of children that shared all meals with their family (32.3% vs. 78.8%). Non-coercive parent behaviors in reaction to food refusal were associated with low levels of neophobia (p-value < 0.05). Discussion In this sample, for the effect of parents' attitudes, the pandemic positively affected children's food habits and, consequently, the level of neophobia after the social restrictions. The main implication of the study is the importance of capitalizing on the period of restrictions in order to involve children in meal sharing and food preparation.
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15
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Isabella DM, Claudia B, Giulia CM, Alessandro C, Alessandro P. Citizens' use of public urban green spaces at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Urban For Urban Green 2022; 77:127739. [PMID: 36168321 PMCID: PMC9499986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Since early 2020, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly, quickly becoming a global pandemic. To counter the COVID-19 outbreak, national governments have issued different measures and restrictions, forcing citizens to adapt to a whole new lifestyle. These restrictions have impacted on the use of green spaces by citizens owing to many factors: more available free time, increased flexibility in the work environment, and a need to relax in Nature to relieve anxiety and stress. Urban green spaces provide many benefits for the physical and psychological well-being of citizens (e.g., habitat conservation, pollution control, recreational and leisure opportunities). To understand if citizens' habits have changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions, this study provides insights from a web-based survey monitoring the use of such spaces before and during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Italy. A web-based questionnaire was conducted via "Facebook Messenger" and "WhatsApp" at the end of the second wave of COVID-19 (May-June 2021). Data collection having been concluded, 1075 completed questionnaires were collected and processed. The results show that while many reduced their weekly frequentation of green areas (-16.5%), the number of people frequenting green areas near their home every day increased (+7.7%). Two main groups of people were identified: the first, those who intensified their visits to green areas being those who desired to spend time in contact with Nature; the second, those who were reluctant to visit green areas for fear of being infected. The results also show most of the respondents felt urban green areas were either very important (82.1%) or important (14.4%). Overall, the results reveal that COVID-19 induced a positive perception of the benefits provided by urban green areas, with a consequent greater use of them, which seems destined to last even once the public health emergency has passed.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Meo Isabella
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Firenze, Italy
| | - Becagli Claudia
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Firenze, Italy
| | - Cantiani Maria Giulia
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Casagli Alessandro
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Firenze, Italy
| | - Paletto Alessandro
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, p.za Nicolini 1, 38123 Trento, Italy
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16
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Liu J, Wyver S, Chutiyami M. Impacts of COVID-19 Restrictions on Young Children's Outdoor Activity: A Systematic Review. Children (Basel) 2022; 9:children9101564. [PMID: 36291500 PMCID: PMC9600871 DOI: 10.3390/children9101564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We sought to identify and synthesise available evidence to aid the understanding of the impact that COVID-19 restrictions had on the outdoor activity of children aged from birth to 12 years. Seven databases (Education Research Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, WHO COVID-19 Database) were searched for relevant journal articles in English published from 2020 on. Four qualitative and eleven quantitative studies were included after screening. JBI’s Critical Appraisal Tools were used for quality assessment. All qualitative studies showed an increase in outdoor activity. Less than half of the quantitative studies indicated an increase. Family demography, home characteristics, access to outdoor spaces, and parental support/encouragement/co-play were influential factors. The evidence also supports the recommendation for educators to increase children’s outdoor play time to adhere to the physical distancing guidance and sanitisation requirements. Limited evidence suggests that when COVID-19 restrictions led to decreased outdoor activity, it was associated with less peer socialisation. We identified significant gaps in understanding of the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on young children’s outdoor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Liu
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Shirley Wyver
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Muhammad Chutiyami
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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17
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Storer D, Prestage G, McManus H, Maher L, Bavinton BR, Ellard J, Jin F, Philpot S, Holt M, Saxton P, Haire B, Murphy D, Hammoud MA. Relationship Between Sexual Behaviors with Non-committed Relationship Partners and COVID-19 Restrictions and Notification Rates: Results from a Longitudinal Study of Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia. Sex Res Social Policy 2022; 20:825-836. [PMID: 35669626 PMCID: PMC9142826 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-022-00733-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 related lockdowns have impacted the sexual activity of gay and bisexual men (GBM). We investigated trends in sexual behaviors and the COVID-19 context in which they occurred (COVID-notification rates and jurisdictional restrictions) to understand changes in the duration and severity of periods of lockdown on the sexual behavior of Australian GBM. Methods In an online, prospective observational study of 831 GBM from May 2020 to May 2021, we investigated associations between changes in sexual behavior among Australian GBM, lockdowns, and COVID-19 notification rates through weekly surveys from May 2020 to May 2021. Results The mean age was 45.71 years (SD: 13.93). Most identified as gay (89.0%) and 10.2% were living with HIV. There was an overall increase in the mean weekly number of non-committed relationship partners (0.53-0.90, p < 0.001). The state of Victoria experienced a significant extended COVID-19 outbreak, accompanied by severe lockdown restrictions. In response, Victorian men's partner numbers shifted three times, while elsewhere there was an overall gradually increasing trend. Conclusions Less severe outbreaks with shorter lockdown periods, involving fewer and geographically contained, COVID-19 notifications were accompanied by non-significant changes in sex with non-relationship partners than more severe outbreaks over extended periods and larger geographical areas. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13178-022-00733-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Storer
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Hamish McManus
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | | | - Jeanne Ellard
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Steven Philpot
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Saxton
- Department of Social and Community Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bridget Haire
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Mohamed A. Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
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18
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Pelly D, Daly M, Delaney L, Doyle O. Worker Stress, Burnout, and Wellbeing Before and During the COVID-19 Restrictions in the United Kingdom. Front Psychol 2022; 13:823080. [PMID: 35496189 PMCID: PMC9040160 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.823080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 created a transformational shift in the working environment for much of the labour force, yet its impact on workers is unclear. This study uses longitudinal data to examine the wellbeing of 621 full-time workers assessed before (November 2019-February 2020) and during (May-June 2020) the first lockdown in the United Kingdom. We employ fixed effects analyses to investigate the impact of the restrictions and mandatory homeworking on cognitive, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. Within the sample, the rate of full-time homeworking increased from 2 to 74% between waves. We identify significant changes in 9 of the 15 measures assessed, with a general pattern of improvements in wellbeing during lockdown. Overall levels of stress, self-rated mental health, positive emotions and life and job satisfaction are not adversely affected by the restrictions. There is a reduction in the burnout symptoms of disengagement (-0.13 sd) and exhaustion (-0.20 sd) and in the frequency with which negative emotions are experienced at work (-0.15 sd). Workers feel more autonomous (+0.09 sd), closer to their co-workers (+0.10 sd), and more attached to their organisations (+0.19 sd). However, homelife satisfaction declines (-0.11 sd). These findings highlight the possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic and large-scale transition to homeworking was associated with unchanged or improved worker wellbeing. This study has important implications for governments and employers regarding a global shift to homeworking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Pelly
- Department of Economics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael Daly
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Liam Delaney
- Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Orla Doyle
- Department of Economics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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19
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Cohen-Mansfield J, Meschiany G. Direct and Indirect Effects of COVID-19 on Long-Term Care Residents and Their Family Members. Gerontology 2022; 68:808-816. [PMID: 35259746 PMCID: PMC9059049 DOI: 10.1159/000521146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The first cases of COVID-19 in Israel were reported in February 2020. Family visits were prohibited from March 10, 2020, and then allowed on a limited basis on April 20, 2020. This article examines how COVID-19 impacted long-term care residents and their family members from the perspective of long-term care facility (LTCF) administrative staff. METHODS An online survey was sent to Israeli LTCF administrators between mid-July and mid-October 2020, resulting in 52 completed questionnaires. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics using SPSS, with differences compared via t tests, ANOVA, and χ2 tests. Qualitative analysis involved thematic analysis of responses to open-ended questions. RESULTS COVID-19 was reported to have multiple types of negative impact on residents, including direct effects on morbidity and mortality as well as indirect effects manifested as negative reactions to measures aimed at limiting infection, including isolation from relatives, decreased activities for residents, and COVID-19 testing. The impact of isolation on LTCF residents was reported as negative or very negative by over three-quarters of the respondents. Behavioral problems among residents increased in 32% of the facilities. The qualitative results suggested that adverse effects on residents and family members were partially mitigated by the use of communication technologies. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION The interplay of multiple factors affected LTCF residents against the backdrop of COVID-19 restrictions. The emergence of mitigating factors which provide solutions to some of the challenges has the potential of improving quality of care for LTCF residents as the pandemic continues and thereafter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Minerva Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Igor Orenstein Chair for the Study of Geriatrics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guy Meschiany
- Minerva Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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20
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Smorti M, Gemignani A, Bonassi L, Mauri G, Carducci A, Ionio C. The impact of Covid-19 restrictions on depressive symptoms in low-risk and high-risk pregnant women: a cross-sectional study before and during pandemic. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:191. [PMID: 35260098 PMCID: PMC8902730 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04515-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 social restrictions have increased the risk for depression compared to the previous period in Italian women with Low-Risk Pregnancy (LRP). lLess is known about the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP). This study aimed: 1) to explore levels of depression in women who become pregnant before and during COVID-19 pandemic, distinguishing between LRP and HRP; 2) to analyze the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on pregnancy experience in LRP and HRP. Methods A before-during COVID-19 pandemic cross-sectional study was carried out on 155 pregnant women (Mean age = 34.18), between 23 and 32 weeks of gestation. 77 women were recruited before COVID-19 pandemic (51.9% LRP; 48.1% HRP) and 78 women were recruited during COVID-19 pandemic (51.3% LRP; 48.7% HRP). HRP group was enrolled during hospitalization for high-risk pregnancy. Participants filled out Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Moreover, only COVID-19 group answered an open-ended question about the impact of restriction on pregnancy experience. Results HRP women reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than LRP. No difference emerged for COVID (before/during) but an interaction effect between COVID-19 and obstetric condition was found. The qualitative results showed the impact of restrictions on emotions and concerns. Conclusion Respect to the previous period, LRP women during COVID-19 presented an increased risk for depressive symptoms than HRP. The HRP women during COVID-19 seemed to use hospitalization as a resource to find a social support network with other pregnant women and to be reassured on the clinical ongoing of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Smorti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Bonassi
- Department of Mental Health, ASST Bergamo-Est, Seriate, Italy
| | - Giulia Mauri
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessia Carducci
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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21
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Ejrnæs A, Scherg RH. Nightlife activity and crime: The impact of COVID-19 related nightlife restrictions on violent crime. J Crim Justice 2022; 79:101884. [PMID: 35095122 PMCID: PMC8784580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2022.101884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study examines how varying levels of restrictions on the nightlife economy have impacted violent crime during the COVID-19 pandemic and the extent to which the crime preventive side-effects of restrictions are associated with the density of alcohol outlets. METHODS The Data stems from geocoded locations of violent crimes combined with data on the density of on-premises alcohol outlets and the level of COVID-19 restrictions in Copenhagen, Denmark. We use a negative binomial count model with cluster robust standard error to assess the effect of the interaction between alcohol outlet density and COVID-related restriction levels on the nightlife economy on the frequency of violent crime. RESULTS The article reveals how both the level of restrictions on the nightlife economy and the density of alcohol outlets significantly impacted the frequency of violent crime. The regression analysis shows that the effect of restrictions on the nightlife economy depends on the concentration of on-premises alcohol outlets in the area. In areas with a high concentration of outlets, we observe a much higher reduction in crime as consequence of the COVID-19 related restrictions. CONCLUSIONS The results shows that a more restricted nightlife economy, including earlier closing times, could have a crime preventive effect, especially in areas with a high density of alcohol outlets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Ejrnæs
- Department of Social science and Business, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, Postboks 260, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune H Scherg
- Department of Social science and Business, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, Postboks 260, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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22
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Sojka A, Machniak M, Andrzejewski W, Kosendiak A, Chwałczyńska A. Changes in Physical Activity and the Occurrence of Specific Symptoms of "Long-COVID Syndrome" in Men Aged 18-25. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:1199. [PMID: 35162225 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of non-specific symptoms of “long-COVID syndrome” depending on the physical activity undertaken resulting from the imposed forms of study (distance learning–contact learning); 136 men aged 21.5 ± 1.58 from universities educating students of medical faculties were examined. The difference between the universities was mainly due to the nature of the classes undertaken (classes remotely-hybrid form) in the period from March 2020 to February 2021. Among the respondents, 17% in Group I and 16% in Group II were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 50% in Group I with moderate symptoms, and in Group II—most people 45% with mild symptoms. The conducted research clearly shows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. They show a number of important problems, such as reduced physical activity, as well as increased body weight and time spent in front of the monitor. They also make it clear that the health consequences of the pandemic affect both people who were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and those who did not suffer from this infection.
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23
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Randall MM, Despujos Harfouche F, Raae-Nielsen J, Chen BG, Chen M, Brown LA. COVID-19 Restrictions Are Associated With a Significant Decrease of All Common Respiratory Viral Illnesses in Children. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2022; 61:22-25. [PMID: 34643469 PMCID: PMC8685736 DOI: 10.1177/00099228211044842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To combat the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), significant measures were enacted including school and business closures, social distancing, and facial coverings. We hypothesized that this would have an impact on all respiratory infections in children. Using nasopharyngeal panel test results of children in the emergency department, we evaluated cross-sectional data from February to May in both 2019 and 2020. Respiratory panel testing included 11 common respiratory viruses and bacteria. After the restrictions were enacted, we observed a large drop in the number and percentage positive of all common respiratory viral infections in 2020 compared with the same time in 2019. When analyzing data from children <2 years old, a similar decrease was seen. Restrictions enacted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were associated with a significant decrease in respiratory viral infections in children of all ages. This association could guide future public health recommendations and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie M. Randall
- Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA,Melanie M. Randall, Department of Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | | | | | - Brian G. Chen
- Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | | | - Lance A. Brown
- Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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24
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Mourikis I, Kokka I, Koumantarou-Malisiova E, Kontoangelos K, Konstantakopoulos G, Papageorgiou C. Exploring the adult sexual wellbeing and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:949077. [PMID: 36061280 PMCID: PMC9433807 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Implemented social distancing measures may have forestalled the spread of COVID-19, yet they suppressed the natural human need for contact. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult sexual wellbeing and sexual behavior. An extensive search in Pubmed, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases based on PRISMA guidelines was conducted. After applying specific eligibility criteria, screening resulted in 38 studies. Results were drawn from 31,911 subjects and outlined the negative effect of the pandemic in sexual frequency, function, satisfaction, and the behavioral changes regarding masturbation and internet-based practices. Meta-analyses of the drawn data on 1,343 female, and 1,372 male subjects quantified the degree of sexual function change during the COVID-19 pandemic vs. prior the pandemic. A random effects model revealed the significant negative impact of the pandemic on female sexual function (SMD: 0.76, 95% CI:0.74 to 1.59), while no significant change was found for the males (SMD: 0.25, 95% Cl: -0.03 to 0.52). Significant heterogeneity was identified across included studies (p < 0.00001, I2 = 97%, I2 = 90% for females and males, respectively). As part of the global health, sexual wellbeing should be on the focus of clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraklis Mourikis
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioulia Kokka
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Elli Koumantarou-Malisiova
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kontoangelos
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantakopoulos
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charalabos Papageorgiou
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute "Costas Stefanis" (UMHRI), University Mental Health, Athens, Greece
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25
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Tudehope L, Lee P, Wiseman N, Dwirahmadi F, Sofija E. The effect of resilience on the relationship between perceived stress and change in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic in Queensland, Australia. J Health Psychol 2021; 27:2696-2713. [PMID: 34886691 DOI: 10.1177/13591053211062351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased levels of stress and alcohol consumption. This study examined the effect of resilience on the relationship between stress and changes in alcohol consumption in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. A cross-sectional survey of 502 adults in Queensland, Australia (mean age = 45.68 (16.61)), found 23.9% of individuals had increased their alcohol consumption since the start of the pandemic. Regression modelling demonstrated a significant association between perceived stress and change in alcohol consumption. The study also revealed resilience was a moderating factor, where high levels of resilience buffered against increases in alcohol consumption associated with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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26
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Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions, including national lockdown, social distancing, compulsory quarantine, and organizational measures of remote working, are imposed in many countries and organizations to combat the coronavirus. The various restrictions have caused different impacts on the employees' mental health worldwide. The purpose of this mini-review is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on employees' mental health across the world. We searched articles in Web of Science and Google Scholar, selecting literature focusing on employees' mental health conditions under COVID-19 restrictions. The findings reveal that the psychological impacts of teleworking are associated with employees' various perceptions of its pros and cons. The national lockdown, quarantine, and resuming to work can cause mild to severe mental health issues, whereas the capability to practice social distancing is positively related to employees' mental health. Generally, employees in developed countries have experienced the same negative and positive impacts on mental health, whereas, in developing countries, employees have reported a more negative effect of the restrictions. One explanation is that the unevenly distributed mental health resources and assistances in developed and developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Business School, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingbo Xu
- Business School, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Danni Ma
- UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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27
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Casanova C, Küffer M, Leib SL, Hilty M. Re-emergence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and increase of serotype 23B after easing of COVID-19 measures, Switzerland, 2021. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:2202-2204. [PMID: 34723783 PMCID: PMC8648035 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2000892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has been low during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we found that the IPD numbers again increased in Switzerland during the first six months of 2021 and that this coincides with the loosening of COVID-19 measures. Vaccine pneumococcal serotypes have continued to decrease and non-vaccine type serotype 23B has emerged (8% of the isolates in 2021). Worryingly, serotype 23B is associated with reduced susceptibility to penicillin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Casanova
- Swiss National Reference Center for Invasive Pneumococci (NZPn), Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Küffer
- Swiss National Reference Center for Invasive Pneumococci (NZPn), Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephen L Leib
- Swiss National Reference Center for Invasive Pneumococci (NZPn), Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Hilty
- Swiss National Reference Center for Invasive Pneumococci (NZPn), Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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28
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Spohn TK, Martin D, Geever M, O’Dowd C. Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on regional pollution in Ireland. Air Qual Atmos Health 2021; 15:221-234. [PMID: 34603555 PMCID: PMC8476717 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-021-01098-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the regional impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on pollution in Ireland by comparing the 2020 measurements of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM) from monitoring stations around the country to the previous 3-year average. Results indicate that O3 was 5.6% lower and 13.7% higher than previous years during the lockdown at rural and suburban sites, respectively. NO2 decreased by 50.7% in urban areas, but increased slightly in agricultural regions, consistent with satellite observations. PM concentrations did not change significantly compared to previous years; however, a reduction in the signal variability in the smaller size particle measurements may be the result of different emission sources. The reduction in NO2 likely increased the ratio of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to NOx (nitrogen oxides), creating a NOx limited environment, which resulted in an initial increase in O3 in suburban areas, and the lower than usual levels observed at rural sites. Meteorology showed higher than average wind speeds prior to lockdown, which likely acted to disperse PM and NO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa K. Spohn
- Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Damien Martin
- Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael Geever
- Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Colin O’Dowd
- Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
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29
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Glowniak A, Petkanych M, Wojewoda K, Komiaty V, Sudol M, Dyomenko O, Torres K, Wysokinski A, Sorgente A, Chierchia GB, de Asmundis C. Remote proctoring for cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation: A challenge or an opportunity in the COVID-19 era? Cardiol J 2021; 28:970-972. [PMID: 34523116 PMCID: PMC8747837 DOI: 10.5603/cj.a2021.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katarzyna Wojewoda
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland.,Doctoral School, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Vladimir Komiaty
- Transcarpathian Regional Cardiology Clinic, Uzhhorod National University, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Kamil Torres
- Medical Simulation Centre, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Antonio Sorgente
- Heart Rhythm Management Center, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gian-Battista Chierchia
- Heart Rhythm Management Center, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo de Asmundis
- Heart Rhythm Management Center, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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30
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Gomes-Neves E, Marques S, Alves-Pereira A, Osório P, Müller A, Baptista CS. Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions in Portugal: A Questionnaire to Municipal and Animal Association Shelters. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2532. [PMID: 34573498 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions in animal shelters in Portugal, namely, if there were differences between Municipal and Association shelters. A questionnaire was sent to both types of animal shelters. Responses were obtained from all areas of Portugal, and significant differences were reported on the numbers of animals and volunteers, funding and feed supply. Animal welfare aspects, such as abandonment, adoption, exercise and animal interaction, were not significantly different. Municipal shelters seem to be more vulnerable to operational and instruction constraints, whereas Associations were more dependent on volunteer work, funding and, consequently, feed supply. When facing an unpredicted health and social event such as the pandemic, organizations should rely on previously defined preparedness and contingency plans. Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has an indirect impact on the health and welfare of animals. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on Municipal and Association animal shelters. A questionnaire was sent to 97 Municipal shelters and 65 Associations. Questions focused on public funding, management and animal welfare during COVID-19 restrictions. The response rate was 43.3% (42/97) for Municipal shelters and 38.5% (25/65) for Associations. Municipal shelters (67%) received over 80% of public funding, whereas 68% of the Associations received less than 50%. During the COVID-19 restrictions, financial difficulties were observed by 52% of Associations and 5% of Municipal shelters, and a lack of volunteers was observed by 56% of Associations and 17% of Municipal shelters. Operational difficulties were indicated by 43% of Associations and 12% of Municipal shelters, and a lack of instructions was observed by 31% of Municipal shelters and 4% of Associations. No significant differences were obtained on abandonment, adoption, clinical support, exercise and interaction. Decreased feed supply was reported by 40% of Associations and 5% of Municipal shelters. During the COVID-19 restrictions, Municipal shelters were more affected by the lack of instructions, and Associations were more affected by external factors such as a decrease in feed supply, volunteers and funding. Preparedness and contingency plans seem essential to face unpredicted crises.
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31
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Lopata C, Rodgers JD, Donnelly JP, Thomeer ML, Lodi-Smith J, Gionis ZL, Andrews SL, Rajnisz CJ. Effect of COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Restrictions on Parent Reported Symptom Severity and Adaptive Functioning of Youth with ASD. J Dev Phys Disabil 2021; 34:459-470. [PMID: 34334993 PMCID: PMC8302964 DOI: 10.1007/s10882-021-09808-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the potential short-term effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions on ratings of ASD and comorbid symptoms severity and adaptive functioning of 69 youth, ages 8-16 years with ASD without intellectual disability. Parent/caregiver ratings were being collected in fall and spring over approximately two years when the restrictions were imposed four months prior to the final data collection point. Results indicated no significant changes in parent/caregiver ratings of ASD symptom severity, comorbid symptoms severity, social skills, or adaptive behaviors following the stay-at-home restrictions and little variability across the four data collection points. Although findings suggested minimal short-term effects on these symptoms and adaptive skills, ongoing monitoring is needed to assess longer-term impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lopata
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 USA
| | - Jonathan D. Rodgers
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 USA
| | - James P. Donnelly
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 USA
| | - Marcus L. Thomeer
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 USA
| | - Jennifer Lodi-Smith
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 USA
| | - Zoe L. Gionis
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 USA
| | - Samantha L. Andrews
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 USA
| | - Christian J. Rajnisz
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208 USA
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32
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Chwałczyńska A, Andrzejewski W. Changes in Body Mass and Composition of the Body as Well as Physical Activity and Time Spent in Front of the Monitor by Students of the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences during the Period of COVID-19 Restrictions. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:7801. [PMID: 34360094 PMCID: PMC8345687 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to assess the impact of changes in daily physical activity during the blockade (March 2020-February 2021) on the mass and segmental composition of the body of young people. Material and research methods: In total, 120 people from the sports and medical university aged 19.8 (±0.8) years, average height 173.2 (±9.2) cm, body mass 66.1 (±12.8), and BMI 19.2 (±5.9) kg/m2. The research was carried out in two stages. The total and segmental body mass of the respondents and the change in physical activity during the pandemic were assessed twice (December 2019, February 2021). There was a statistically significant increase in body mass in men, an increase in total fat mass in women, and statistically significant changes in the distribution of fat mass in both sexes. Conclusions: In the studied group, there was a change in the forms of physical activity from strength and group activity to endurance activity (running forms, cycling.) and individual activity. The subjects showed a statistically significant increase in body fat, regardless of gender, and in the upper limbs in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Chwałczyńska
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, I.J. Paderewskiego Av. 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Waldemar Andrzejewski
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, I.J. Paderewskiego Av. 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland;
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33
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Eshareturi C, Wareham A, Rattray M, Haith-Cooper M, McCarthy R. An exploration of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) restrictions on marginalised groups in the UK. Public Health 2021; 197:6-10. [PMID: 34256281 PMCID: PMC8272602 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background To contain the spread of COVID-19 within the UK over the past year, there have been a series of local and national lockdowns. These restrictions are likely to have impacted upon the health and well-being of marginalised groups who rely on now closed social and community support services to stay healthy. An understanding of the experiences of marginalised people is important; therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on the health and well-being of marginalised groups in the UK. Methods In summer 2020, a rapid telephone survey was conducted by trained, trusted volunteers with 76 participants who were from marginalised groups. As part of this survey, 64 participants consented to describe their experience of lockdown. These case studies were thematically analysed to identify patterns of meaning. Results Findings indicate that lockdown led to the deterioration of health of participants, impacted adversely on their socio-economic positions and affected access to food and essential supplies. In addition, government public health messaging was considered confusing and inadequate. Conclusions This study highlights the need for pathways into services which support marginalised groups to remain accessible during periods of restrictions and essential supplies and food to be mapped and protected for marginalised individuals within our local communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Eshareturi
- School of Nursing & Health Care Leadership, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK; Public Health England, Fleetbank House 2-6. Salisbury Square. London. EC4Y 8AE, UK
| | | | - M Rattray
- School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK; Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research. Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - M Haith-Cooper
- Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research. Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK.
| | - R McCarthy
- The Refugee Council, Hillside, Beeston Rd, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 8ND, UK
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34
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Gogola AM, Dębski P, Goryczka A, Gorczyca P, Piegza M. The Dark Triad of Personality's Relationship with Compliance towards COVID-19 Pandemic Recommendations along with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Polish Citizens. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:5478. [PMID: 34065401 PMCID: PMC8161191 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to comply with rules of a sanitary regime and social distancing on a daily basis. The aim of our research was to assess the differences in the levels of Dark Triad traits between people who obeyed and disobeyed the pandemic restrictions. Additionally, we considered the possible correlation between the Dark Triad and the intensity of symptoms of depression and anxiety. A total of 604 Polish participants, whose average age was 28.95 ± 11.27 years, completed an online survey which measured Dark Triad traits using the Polish version of the Dirty Dozen test. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The results revealed a possible relationship between personality traits and compliance with pandemic restrictions. Individuals with higher levels of psychopathy tended to disobey newly introduced rules. On the other hand, a higher level of subclinical narcissism might have contributed to a better civil compliance. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the intensity of the Dark Triad and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, narcissism was linked to anxiety symptoms. These results can contribute to a better understanding of behavioural patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic within the group of individuals who exhibit the Dark Triad traits. Our conclusions might help to identify individuals who are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Gogola
- Chair and Clinical Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland; (P.D.); (A.G.); (P.G.); (M.P.)
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35
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di Cagno A, Buonsenso A, Baralla F, Grazioli E, Di Martino G, Lecce E, Calcagno G, Fiorilli G. Psychological Impact of the Quarantine-Induced Stress during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak among Italian Athletes. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17238867. [PMID: 33260584 PMCID: PMC7730741 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak caused home confinement, as well as training and sport competitions withdrawals. The prolonged inactivity impact, and lack of in-person interactions among teammates-coaches, could negatively affect athletes. Total of 1508 self-selected Italian athletes, 338 children (aged 10.52 ± 1.31), 499 adolescents (aged 14.17 ± 1.13), and 671 adults (aged 27.59 ± 10.73), completed the Impact of Event Scale (IES-8, IES-15, and IES-R, respectively). Differences by gender, type of sport (individual vs. team), and competitive level (elite vs. amateur) were examined. One-way ANOVAs showed, in adults, significant differences between genders for perceived stress impact total score (TS; p = 0.017) and avoidance behavior, with higher scores in women (p = 0.045). Between individual and team sport, significant differences were found in TS (p = 0.038) and hyperarousal (p = 0.030), with higher results in individual. Adult elite athletes showed significantly higher scores in hyperarousal (p = 0.020) than amateurs. Significant differences were found between gender in adolescents for avoidance (p = 0.011), and between competitive levels in children, for intrusion (p = 0.020). These evidences may raise awareness on distress effects of COVID-19 lockdown among athletes and suggested applying specific well-being protocols during the activity resumption, considering gender, type of sport, and competitive level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra di Cagno
- Department of Motor, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Lauro de Bosis Square, 15, 00197 Rome, Italy; (A.d.C.); (E.G.); (G.D.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Andrea Buonsenso
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, v. De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (A.B.); (F.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesca Baralla
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, v. De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (A.B.); (F.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Elisa Grazioli
- Department of Motor, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Lauro de Bosis Square, 15, 00197 Rome, Italy; (A.d.C.); (E.G.); (G.D.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Giulia Di Martino
- Department of Motor, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Lauro de Bosis Square, 15, 00197 Rome, Italy; (A.d.C.); (E.G.); (G.D.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Edoardo Lecce
- Department of Motor, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Lauro de Bosis Square, 15, 00197 Rome, Italy; (A.d.C.); (E.G.); (G.D.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Calcagno
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, v. De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (A.B.); (F.B.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-347-348-1347
| | - Giovanni Fiorilli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, v. De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (A.B.); (F.B.); (G.F.)
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