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Poscia A, Paolorossi G, Collamati A, Costantino C, Fiacchini D, Angelini C, Bernabei R, Cimini D, Icardi G, Siddu A, Silenzi A, Spadea A, Vetrano DL. Enhancing routine immunization efforts for older adults and frail individuals: Good practices during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Italy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2330152. [PMID: 38533904 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2330152] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases pose a significant burden on the general population, particularly older adults who are more susceptible to severe complications. Immunization plays a crucial role in preventing infections and securing a healthier aging, but actual vaccination rates among older adults and frail individuals (OAFs) remains far from recommended targets. This study aims to collect and share good practices implemented in several Italian local health districts during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to ease routine immunization for OAFs. A 28-items questionnaire has been developed to collect information on organization aspect of immunization services and local good practices implemented before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Twelve Public Health managers representative of 9 Italian Regions were further interviewed between January and March 2021. Despite literature suggests several effective interventions to increase vaccine demand, improve vaccine access, and enhance healthcare providers' performance, our survey highlighted substantial heterogeneity in their implementation at local level. Seven good local practices have been identified and described: mass vaccination centers; vaccination mobile units; drive-through vaccination; co-administration; tailored pathways; cooperation among providers involved in vaccination; digitization. Our survey pointed out valuable strategies for enhancing routine immunization for OAFs. Providers should combine effective interventions adequate to their specific context and share good practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Paolorossi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Costantino
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Angelini
- Public Health Department, AST Ascoli Piceno, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
| | - Roberto Bernabei
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo Icardi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Siddu
- General Directorate for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Ministero della Salute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Silenzi
- General Directorate for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Ministero della Salute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Spadea
- UOC Vaccinations, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority Roma1, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Liborio Vetrano
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
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Paschoalotto MAC, Cima J, Costa E, Valente de Almeida S, Gomes da Costa J, Santos JV, Passador CS, Passador JL, Barros PP. Politics and confidence toward the COVID-19 vaccination: A Brazilian cross-sectional study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2318139. [PMID: 38407171 PMCID: PMC10900266 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2318139] [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] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study has the aim of assessing the Brazilian perceptions, influencing factors and political positioning on the confidence concerning COVID-19 vaccination. To achieve the objective, the methods rely on a cross-sectional survey of Brazilian citizens, distributed through different social networks. The sample is composed of 1,670 valid responses, collected from almost all Brazilian states and state capitals. To analyze the data and give a clear view of the variables' relationship, the study used bivariate and comparative graphs. Results show a higher level of confidence in vaccines from Pfizer and AstraZeneca, while the lower level of confidence is associated with vaccines from Sinopharm and Sputinik5. Vaccine efficacy is the most significant influencing factor that helps in the decision to get vaccinated. Also, individuals are less willing to get vaccinated if their political preferences are related to the right-wing. The results led to three main health and social implications: i) the vaccination strategy campaigns should take in count vaccine efficacy and political aspects; ii) the vaccination process should be adapted to regions with different political positions; and iii) a reinforcement in the educational policies of the vaccine's importance to the public health, to avoid the politization of a health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antonio Catussi Paschoalotto
- School of Economics and Management, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Research Center in Political Science (CICP), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Cima
- Centre for Research in Economics and Management (NIPE), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Costa
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Joana Gomes da Costa
- Center for Economics and Finance; School of Economics and Management, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vasco Santos
- MEDCIDS - Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Public Health Unit, ACES Grande Porto VIII - Espinho/Gaia, ARS Norte, Porto, Portugal
| | - Claudia Souza Passador
- School of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João Luiz Passador
- School of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pedro Pita Barros
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Barbosa-Camacho FJ, Rodríguez-Machuca VU, Ibarrola-Peña JC, Chejfec-Ciociano JM, Guzmán-Ruvalcaba MJ, Tavares-Ortega JA, Delgado-Hernandez G, Cervantes-Guevara G, Cervantes-Pérez E, Ramírez-Ochoa S, Fuentes-Orozco C, Gonzalez-Ojeda A. COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on medical interns' mental health of public and private hospitals in Guadalajara. Med Educ Online 2024; 29:2308360. [PMID: 38281205 PMCID: PMC10823882 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2308360] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Burnout syndrome is a global burden characterized by exhaustion, work detachment, and a sense of ineffectiveness. It affects millions of individuals worldwide, with a particularly high prevalence among medical students. Factors such as demanding education, exposure to suffering, and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to elevated stress levels. Addressing this issue is crucial due to its impact on well-being and health-care quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional survey study assessed fear of COVID-19 and burnout levels among medical student interns in hospitals in Guadalajara, Jalisco. The study used validated scales and collected data from September 2021 to September 2022. A snowball sampling method was employed and a minimum sample size of 198 participants was calculated. RESULTS This study included 311 medical students (62.1% female and 37.9% male with a mean age of 23.51 ± 2.21 years). The majority were in their second semester of internship (60.5%) and from public hospitals (89.1%). Most students believed that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of their internship (82.6%). Female students had higher personal burnout scores, while male students had higher work-related burnout scores. The mean score for fear of COVID-19 was 13.71 ± 6.28, with higher scores among women (p = 0.004) and those from public hospitals (p = 0.009). A positive weak correlation was found between COVID-19 scores and burnout subscales. CONCLUSION Our study emphasizes the significant impact of various factors on burnout levels among medical students and health-care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prolonged exposure to COVID-19 patients, reduced staffing, and increased workload contributed to burnout, affecting well-being and quality of care. Targeted interventions and resilience-building strategies are needed to mitigate burnout and promote well-being in health-care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco José Barbosa-Camacho
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica 02 Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
- Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde”, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Carlos Ibarrola-Peña
- Hospital General y Medicina Familiar de Zona No. 2, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Jonathan Matías Chejfec-Ciociano
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica 02 Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Mario Jesús Guzmán-Ruvalcaba
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica 02 Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Jaime Alberto Tavares-Ortega
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica 02 Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Gonzalo Delgado-Hernandez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica 02 Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Gabino Cervantes-Guevara
- Departamento de Bienestar y Desarrollo Sustentable, Centro Universitario del Norte, Universidad de Guadalajara, Colotlán, Jalisco, México
| | - Enrique Cervantes-Pérez
- Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde”, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Sol Ramírez-Ochoa
- Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde”, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Clotilde Fuentes-Orozco
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica 02 Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Alejandro Gonzalez-Ojeda
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica 02 Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
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Ganeshan G, Sekar H, Reilly S, Kuo C, Singh S, Michaels J, Yoong W. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of obstetrics and gynaecology trainees: a world-wide literature review. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2024; 44:2319791. [PMID: 38419407 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2024.2319791] [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] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the training and wellbeing of obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) trainees. The aim of this review is to offer a worldwide overview on its' impact on the mental health of O&G trainees, so that measures can be put into place to better support trainees during the transition back to the 'new normal'. METHODS Key search terms used on PubMed and Google Scholar databases include: mental health, COVID-19, O&G, trainees, residents. RESULTS Fifteen articles (cumulative number of respondents = 3230) were identified, of which eight employed validated questionnaires (n = 1807 respondents), while non-validated questionnaires were used in seven (n = 1423 respondents). Studies showed that COVID-19 appeared to exert more of a negative impact on females and on senior trainees' mental health, while protective factors included marriage/partner and having had children. Validated and non-validated questionnaires suggested that trainees were exposed to high levels of anxiety and depression. Their mental health was also affected by insomnia, stress, burnout and fear of passing on the virus. DISCUSSION This review analyses the global impact of COVID-19 on O&G trainees' mental health, showing a pervasive negative effect linked to fear of the virus. Limited psychological support has led to prolonged issues, hindering patient safety and increasing sick leave. The study underscores the urgency of comprehensive support, particularly in female-dominated fields. Addressing these challenges is crucial for future pandemics, highlighting the need to learn from past mistakes and prioritise mental health resources for trainee well-being during and beyond pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ganeshan
- St George's International School of Medicine, Grenada, Caribbean
| | - H Sekar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK
| | - S Reilly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK
| | - C Kuo
- St George's International School of Medicine, Grenada, Caribbean
| | - S Singh
- St George's International School of Medicine, Grenada, Caribbean
| | - J Michaels
- St George's International School of Medicine, Grenada, Caribbean
| | - W Yoong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK
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Agüero B, Berrios F, Pardo-Roa C, Ariyama N, Bennett B, Medina RA, Neira V. First detection of Omicron variant BA.4.1 lineage in dogs, Chile. Vet Q 2024; 44:1-10. [PMID: 38174799 PMCID: PMC10769545 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2298089] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2's rapid global spread caused the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020. Alongside humans, domestic dogs and cats are also susceptible to infection. However, limited reports on pet infections in Chile prompted a comprehensive study to address this knowledge gap. Between March 2021 and March 2023, the study assessed 65 pets (26 dogs and 39 cats) from 33 COVID-19+ households alongside 700 nasal swabs from animals in households with unknown COVID-19 status. Using RT-PCR, nasal, fecal, and environmental samples were analyzed for the virus. In COVID-19+ households, 6.06% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, belonging to 3 dogs, indicating human-to-pet transmission. Pets from households with unknown COVID-19 status tested negative for the virus. We obtained 2 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from animals, that belonged to Omicron BA.4.1 variant, marking the first report of pets infected with this lineage globally. Phylogenetic analysis showed these sequences clustered with human sequences collected in Chile during the same period when the BA.4.1 variant was prevalent in the country. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Chilean pets was relatively low, likely due to the country's high human vaccination rate. Our study highlights the importance of upholding and strengthening human vaccination strategies to mitigate the risk of interspecies transmission. It underscores the critical role of the One Health approach in addressing emerging zoonotic diseases, calling for further research on infection dynamics and risk factors for a comprehensive understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Agüero
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - F. Berrios
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - C. Pardo-Roa
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Nursing, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - N. Ariyama
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - B. Bennett
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - RA. Medina
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - V. Neira
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Vuori J, Määttänen I. "It takes a lot of sisu to get through it"- managerial experiences of facing adversities during pandemic. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2291242. [PMID: 38055783 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2291242] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sisu refers to extraordinary internal strength in the face of adversities. Although originally a Finnish concept, it can be a universally useful concept for studying managerial well-being and performance during difficult or even emergency periods. Previous research on sisu categorizes it into beneficial and harmful sisu and suggests that these two dimensions of sisu are useful when studying determination and resoluteness in crisis situations. This study applies the concept of sisu to examine managers' well-being in times of crisis. METHODOLOGY Interviews were conducted with 15 managers in the hotel, manufacturing and retail industries in Finland. RESULTS The beneficial effects of sisu seem to dissolve when it is used too often. The study also highlighted the paradoxical tension involved in the decision to stop or continue actions in a difficult situation and contributes to sisu research by discussing collective sisu. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that beneficial sisu helps to overcome adversity, while harmful sisu causes distortions in thinking that are detrimental to managers. Understanding one's own tendency towards beneficial or harmful sisu in difficult situations can help in managerial work. Collective sisu is an excellent resource for overcoming difficult situations in workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Vuori
- Research area of entrepreneurship and business transformation, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilmari Määttänen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Timlin U, Rautio A. Communicating and complying with COVID-19 actions in northernmost Finland. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2313822. [PMID: 38351741 PMCID: PMC10868415 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2313822] [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] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In Finland, national and local restrictions were implemented to control the COVID-19 pandemic after the increase of cases, and it changed the everyday life of people. The purpose of our study was to explore public health communication and compliance related to the COVID-19 public health instructions, recommendations, and restrictions in two municipalities in Northernmost Finland, Inari and Utsjoki. We interviewed the representatives and operators working in the municipalities to understand and learn about their experiences. Results suggested that residents complied with different COVID-19 actions, and overall, communication was found to be good. Altogether, guidelines were easy to follow but required the individual's own activity. Guidelines were also published in Sámi language. National border restrictions were a challenging part of communication and information, and guidelines were found to be contradictory at times. National border actions required resources from the municipalities, e.g. testing, which caused more demands on municipalities operating with already low resources. In the future, it is essential to consider the local situation of the pandemic and harmonise actions and put effort on local cooperation. It is important to invest in clear communication, which reaches people of all ages, and in three Sámi languages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla Timlin
- Arctic Health, Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Arja Rautio
- Arctic Health, Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu and University of the Arctic, Finland
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Regina Malveste Ito C, Santos MO, de Oliveira Cunha M, de Araújo KM, de Souza GRL, Rézio GS, de Brito PN, Rezende APC, Fonseca JG, Wastowski IJ, Gonçalves Vieira JD, Gomes Avelino MA, Carneiro LC. Rhinovirus infection and co-infection in children with severe acute respiratory infection during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Virulence 2024; 15:2310873. [PMID: 38384141 PMCID: PMC10885176 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2310873] [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] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhinovirus causes respiratory tract infections in children and is found in co-infections. The objective of this research was to study the clinical profile of rhinovirus infection and co-infection in children with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) during the COVID-19 pandemic period. We included 606 children ranging in age from 0.1 to 144 months of age from March 2020 to December 2021, hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The samples were collected by secretion from the nasopharynx region. A total of 259 children were tested positive for viral infection, 153 (59.07%) of them had a single rhinovirus infection and, 56 (36.6%) were aged between 60.1 and 144 months. Nine types of co-infections were identified and were found coinfection with three or more viruses (22/104, 21.15%). Observing the seasonality, the number of cases was similar between 2020 (49.53%) and 2021 (51.47%). Patients with a single infection (86.88%) and coinfection (67.30%) were more likely to have coughed. Patients with co-infection required the use of O2 for longer than those with a single rhinovirus infection. Hemogram results obtained from individuals with a single infection had higher levels of urea when compared to patients with co-infection with and other respiratory viruses. Multiple correspondence analyses indicated different clinical symptoms and comorbidities in patients with co-infection compared to those with single infection. The results found that the rhinovirus was much prevalent virus during the pandemic period and was found in co-infection with other virus types, what is important to diagnostic for the correct treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Regina Malveste Ito
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory of Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás- 235 St. Leste Universitário neighborhood, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Mônica Oliveira Santos
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory of Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás- 235 St. Leste Universitário neighborhood, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Marcos de Oliveira Cunha
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory of Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás- 235 St. Leste Universitário neighborhood, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Kelliane Martins de Araújo
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory of Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás- 235 St. Leste Universitário neighborhood, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Rocha Lino de Souza
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Biologic Science Institute, Federal University of Goiás, Samambaia Camp, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Geovana Sôffa Rézio
- State Emergency Hospital of the Northwest Region of Goiânia Governador Otávio Lage de Siqueira (HUGOL), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Pollyanna Neta de Brito
- State Emergency Hospital of the Northwest Region of Goiânia Governador Otávio Lage de Siqueira (HUGOL), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Alana Parreira Costa Rezende
- State Emergency Hospital of the Northwest Region of Goiânia Governador Otávio Lage de Siqueira (HUGOL), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Jakeline Godinho Fonseca
- State Emergency Hospital of the Northwest Region of Goiânia Governador Otávio Lage de Siqueira (HUGOL), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Isabela Jubé Wastowski
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory of Goiás State University, Laranjeiras Unity Prof. Alfredo de Castro neighborhood, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - José Daniel Gonçalves Vieira
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory of Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás- 235 St. Leste Universitário neighborhood, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Melissa Ameloti Gomes Avelino
- Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Goiás, Universitaria Avenue, Leste Universitário neighborhood, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Lilian Carla Carneiro
- Microorganism Biotechnology Laboratory of Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás- 235 St. Leste Universitário neighborhood, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Szczepanek J, Skorupa M, Jarkiewicz-Tretyn J, Tretyn A. COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers: Long-term benefits and protection. Cent Eur J Immunol 2024; 48:311-321. [PMID: 38558566 PMCID: PMC10976651 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2023.134250] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers by analyzing the population's response to the vaccine after two years, based on anti-SARS-CoV-2 protein S antibody levels. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the impact of basic factors on antibody levels. Material and methods A total of 4,090 healthcare workers were included in the study, and their antibody levels were measured using ELISA to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG). Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the influence of COVID-19 infection, vaccination status, and number of vaccine doses on antibody concentrations. Results and Conclusion The majority of participants (85.1%) received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, while a smaller percentage chose vector vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. The incidence of COVID-19 among vaccinated individuals was relatively low for all vaccines, confirming their effectiveness in preventing symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study observed variations in IgG antibody levels within the study population, with only 0.46% of individuals testing negative for the presence of antibodies. The average anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG values showed significant differences across consecutive 3-month periods following infection or vaccination, with a gradual decrease over time. Notably, the most significant changes in antibody levels were observed within the first 6 months (mean values ranged from 3647.11 BAU/ml to 2601.49 BAU/ml). Subsequently, minor fluctuations were observed, with mean antibody values hovering around 2000 BAU/ml. The differences between average anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG values between consecutive 3-month periods from disease onset were statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szczepanek
- Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Monika Skorupa
- Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
- Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Tretyn
- Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
- Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
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Trunnell M, Frankenberger C, Hota B, Hughes T, Martinov P, Ravichandran U, Shah NS, Grossman RL. The Pandemic Response Commons. JAMIA Open 2024; 7:ooae025. [PMID: 38617994 PMCID: PMC11009464 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooae025] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives A data commons is a software platform for managing, curating, analyzing, and sharing data with a community. The Pandemic Response Commons (PRC) is a data commons designed to provide a data platform for researchers studying an epidemic or pandemic. Methods The PRC was developed using the open source Gen3 data platform and is based upon consortium, data, and platform agreements developed by the not-for-profit Open Commons Consortium. A formal consortium of Chicagoland area organizations was formed to develop and operate the PRC. Results The consortium developed a general PRC and an instance of it for the Chicagoland region called the Chicagoland COVID-19 Commons. A Gen3 data platform was set up and operated with policies, procedures, and controls for a NIST SP 800-53 revision 4 Moderate system. A consensus data model for the commons was developed, and a variety of datasets were curated, harmonized and ingested, including statistical summary data about COVID cases, patient level clinical data, and SARS-CoV-2 viral variant data. Discussion and conclusions Given the various legal and data agreements required to operate a data commons, a PRC is designed to be in place and operating at a low level prior to the occurrence of an epidemic, with the activities increasing as required during an epidemic. A regional instance of a PRC can also be part of a broader data ecosystem or data mesh consisting of multiple regional commons supporting pandemic response through sharing regional data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bala Hota
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Troy Hughes
- Center for Translational Data Science, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60615, United States
| | | | | | - Nirav S Shah
- NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
| | - Robert L Grossman
- Center for Translational Data Science, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60615, United States
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11
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Calistri A, Francesco Roggero P, Palù G. Chaos theory in the understanding of COVID-19 pandemic dynamics. Gene 2024; 912:148334. [PMID: 38458366 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148334] [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] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The chaos theory, a field of study in mathematics and physics, offers a unique lens through which to understand the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic. This theory, which deals with complex systems whose behavior is highly sensitive to initial conditions, can provide insights into the unpredictable and seemingly random nature of the pandemic's spread. In this review, we will discuss some literature data with the aim of showing how chaos theory could provide valuable perspectives in understanding the complex and dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we will emphasize how the chaos theory can help in dissecting the unpredictable, non- linear progression of the disease, the importance of initial conditions, and the complex interactions between various factors influencing its spread. These insights are crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Calistri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Pier Francesco Roggero
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
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12
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Huang W, Chen J, Zheng L, Shi G, Feng Y. Factors affecting nurses' emergency competencies in public health emergency: A cross-sectional study based on the stress-coping adaptation model. Public Health Nurs 2024; 41:617-625. [PMID: 38556918 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13309] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the factors associated with stress, resilience, coping styles, and emergency competencies when nurses are faced with a public health emergency. DESIGN This study used a cross-sectional design. SAMPLE Study data came from a survey of 646 nurses who were from a tertiary hospital in Southern China in March-June 2022. METHODS Participants responded to self-report questionnaires through a web-based survey. Stress, resilience, emergency competencies, and response to public emergencies were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the core competencies of nurses in public health emergencies, and a simplified coping style questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 646 nurses participated in this study. Slightly over half of the participants were ≤30 years old, and almost all were female. Resilience, positive coping, and negative coping were positively correlated with emergency competencies. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that resilience, working years, and participation in the treatment of infectious diseases were significant predictors of emergency competencies. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that nurses require additional training in emergency management and clinical practice to enhance their emergency competencies. More interventions and social support should be provided to improve nurses' resilience and positive coping strategies when they encounter public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanmin Huang
- Nursing Department, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Oncology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinyu Chen
- Human Resources Department, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijiao Zheng
- Nursing Department, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guang Shi
- Geriatrics Department, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanying Feng
- Nursing Department, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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13
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Bergmans RS, Clauw DJ, Flint C, Harris H, Lederman S, Schrepf A. Chronic overlapping pain conditions increase the risk of long COVID features, regardless of acute COVID status. Pain 2024; 165:1112-1120. [PMID: 38112577 PMCID: PMC11017744 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003110] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) refer to conditions that have similar central nervous system pathophysiologic mechanisms driving widespread pain as well as common comorbid symptoms such as fatigue and problems with sleep, memory, and mood. If COPCs predict the onset of long COVID, this could offer a valuable orientation for long COVID-related research and clinical care. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine whether having a COPC predicts the onset of long COVID features using US electronic health records and 1:1 propensity score matching without replacement. The study cohorts included (1) people with acute COVID (n = 1,038,402), (2) people with acute influenza (n = 262,092), and (3) a noninfected cohort comprising people with a routine healthcare encounter (n = 1,081,593). Having a COPC increased the risk of long COVID features in all 3 study cohorts. Among those with COVID, having a pre-existing COPC increased the risk by 1.47 (95% CI = 1.46, 1.47). In the influenza cohort, COPCs increased the risk by 1.39 (95% CI = 1.38, 1.40). In the noninfected cohort, COPCs increased the risk by 1.57 (95% CI = 1.56, 1.59). These findings reinforce the likelihood that nociplastic mechanisms play a prominent role in long COVID. Recognizing that this ubiquitous nonspecific syndrome occurs frequently in the population can inform precision medicine therapies that avoid the pitfalls of viewing long COVID exclusively in the framework of postinfectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S. Bergmans
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Daniel J. Clauw
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Herb Harris
- Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Chatham, NJ, United States
| | | | - Andrew Schrepf
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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14
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Delacruz NM, Anderson KL, Smith BS. Dental hygiene clinical faculty attitudes and likelihood of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Dent Hyg 2024; 22:313-320. [PMID: 37720993 DOI: 10.1111/idh.12752] [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] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify circumstances that influenced dental hygiene clinical faculty's likelihood of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore attitudes (responsibilities, personal issues, ethics, and policy statements) about working. METHODS This cross-sectional study used a purposive sample of dental hygienists (n = 1710) employed in academic clinical settings that held full-time, part-time, or adjunct appointments. The Health Care Workers' Attitudes to Working During a Pandemic survey was utilized. Likelihood scores were calculated based on respondents more or less likely to work under differing circumstances. Frequencies of agreement for attitudes were developed. Correlations were explored between likelihood scores and demographic data. Answers to the open-ended questions were categorized and described. RESULTS The response rate was 13.5% (225/1710). Only one-third of respondents had a likelihood score of 100%. Factors with the greatest impact on likelihood to work were personal protective equipment. Almost all respondents' attitudes of working indicated that their employer is responsible for providing PPE. Over 90% felt their main responsibility was to themselves/family. Correlation analyses resulted in no significant associations between likelihood scores and age, etc. Faculty are considering leaving their jobs because of pay cuts and/or not feeling safe. CONCLUSION Likelihood of working for dental hygiene faculty represents several personal and ethical decisions. Most respondents want employers to be responsible for their on-the-job safety. In addition, personal and work-related issues were causes of unease. The pandemic has had far-reaching implications on day-to-day work of dental hygiene clinical faculty as well as on the long-term trajectories and views on employment in higher education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Delacruz
- Department of Dental Hygiene, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
| | - Kelly L Anderson
- Department of Dental Hygiene, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
| | - Barbara S Smith
- Department of Physical Therapy, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
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15
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Christodoulakis A, Kritsotakis G, Linardakis M, Sourtzi P, Tsiligianni I. Evaluating Critical Thinking Disposition, Emotional Intelligence, and Learning Environment of Nursing Students: A Longitudinal Study. West J Nurs Res 2024; 46:381-388. [PMID: 38494696 DOI: 10.1177/01939459241238687] [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: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic may have inhibited the development of critical thinking and emotional intelligence of nursing students due to the transition from traditional to online learning environments. OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the development of critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the perceived learning environment of nursing students during the pandemic from their first to second year. METHODS This was a longitudinal study of 82 nursing students from 2 universities in Greece. We measured critical thinking disposition, emotional intelligence, and the students' perceptions of the learning environment in 2 phases, separated by a 10 month interval, before and during the pandemic. RESULTS Students had moderate-to-high critical thinking and emotional intelligence and perceived the learning environment as more positive than negative in both phases. However, there were no statistically significant changes between phases in critical thinking disposition (mean score 44.3 vs 45.1, p = .224) and emotional intelligence (mean score 5.05 vs 5.06, p = .950) between the 2 phases. Nevertheless, students rated the online learning environment (phase 2) higher than the traditional (mean score 137.8 vs 132.2, p = .005). CONCLUSIONS Critical thinking and emotional intelligence did not change, but students favored the online learning environment over the traditional. These findings suggest that nurse educators persevered, adapted, and maintained the quality of the learning environment despite the pandemic. Moreover, the utilization of an online learning environment may have led to enhanced enjoyment and engagement for students, which could potentially result in improved learning outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Christodoulakis
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Kritsotakis
- Department of Business Administration & Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panayota Sourtzi
- Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Tsiligianni
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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16
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Cohen LJ, Liang Y, Peterkin D, McGibbon K, Rappa F, Rogers ML, You S, Chistopolskaya K, Enikolopov S, Barzilay S, Menon V, Husain MI, Dudeck M, Streb J, Çinka E, Yilmaz FK, Kuśmirek O, Valvassori SS, Blum Y, Galynker I. Relationship Between Severity and Length of Exposure to COVID-19 Parameters and Resulting Government Responses and the Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS). Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2024; 18:e68. [PMID: 38618875 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.235] [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: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has had a globally devastating psychosocial impact. A detailed understanding of the mental health implications of this worldwide crisis is critical for successful mitigation of and preparation for future pandemics. Using a large international sample, we investigated in the present study the relationship between multiple COVID-19 parameters (both disease characteristics and government responses) and the incidence of the suicide crisis syndrome (SCS), an acute negative affect state associated with near-term suicidal behavior. METHODS Data were collected from 5528 adults across 10 different countries in an anonymous web-based survey between June 2020 and January 2021. RESULTS Individuals scoring above the SCS cut-off lived in countries with higher peak daily cases and deaths during the first wave of the pandemic. Additionally, the longer participants had been exposed to markers of pandemic severity (eg, lockdowns), the more likely they were to screen positive for the SCS. Findings reflected both country-to-country comparisons and individual variation within the pooled sample. CONCLUSION Both the pandemic itself and the government interventions utilized to contain the spread appear to be associated with suicide risk. Public policy should include efforts to mitigate the mental health impact of current and future global disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Yinan Liang
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, GA, USA
| | - Devon Peterkin
- Teachers College, Department of Psychology, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Kamryn McGibbon
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Frank Rappa
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, NY, USA
| | - Megan L Rogers
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, TX, USA
| | - Sungeun You
- Department of Psychology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Ksenia Chistopolskaya
- Eramishantsev Moscow, Department of Psychiatry, City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Shira Barzilay
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Vikas Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Ishrat Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Manuela Dudeck
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Judith Streb
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elif Çinka
- Department of Health Management, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Kantas Yilmaz
- Department of Health Management, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Samira S Valvassori
- Program of Health Sciences, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Laboratório de Psiquiatria Translacional, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Criciuma, Brazil
| | - Yarden Blum
- Department of Psychology, The College of Management Academic Studies, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Igor Galynker
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
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17
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Moreno A, Belhouari S, Dussault A. A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of COVID-19 on the Health of LGBTQIA+ Older Adults: Identification of Risk and Protective Health Factors and Development of a Model of Health and Disease. J Homosex 2024; 71:1297-1331. [PMID: 36853995 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2169851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
It is important to understand the differential impact of COVID-19 on the health of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and people with other sexual orientations and forms of gender expression (LGBTQIA+). The objective of this study is to systematically review the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQIA+ older adults' health including risk and protective factors. We reviewed a total of 167 records including LGBTQIA+ older adults published since 2019. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and extracted information of 21 full-text records meeting inclusion criteria using COVIDENCE software. The results show that the negative health consequences are exacerbated by personal risk (e.g., perceived homo/transphobia and ageism in LGBTQIA+ communities) and environmental factors (e.g., heterosexism within health services). The negative impact seems to be reduced by personal protective (e.g., resilience, spirituality, and hobbies) and environmental factors (e.g., technology use to increase social participation and social rituals). In conclusion, the health of LGBTQIA+ older adults has been disproportionately affected during the pandemic associated to the latest coronavirus (COVID-19). The experiences of LGBTQIA+ older adults during the pandemic are integrated in a Model of Health and Disease for LGBTQIA+ older adults. Specific strategies to promote health and well-being in this community are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Moreno
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Notre-Dame Hospital, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CCSMTL), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Salima Belhouari
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexane Dussault
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Vasarri MV, Fernicola F, Arienti F, Carli A, Colciago E, Locatelli A, Trotta M, Procopio A, Zammarchi L, Ornaghi S. Indirect impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on incidence of maternal primary cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnancy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 38619337 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15534] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Public health interventions promoted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to control viral spread have impacted the occurrence of other communicable disease. Yet no studies have focused on perinatal infections with the potential for neonatal sequelae, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Toxoplasma gondii (TG). Here we investigate whether incidence rates of maternal primary CMV and TG infection in pregnancy were affected by the implementation of pandemic-related public health measures. METHODS A retrospective study including all pregnant women with confirmed primary CMV or TG infection in pregnancy, managed between 2018 and 2021 at two university centers. The incidence rate was calculated as the number of CMV and TG infections per 100 consultations with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Data were compared between pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and pandemic (2020 and 2021) years. The Newcombe Wilson with Continuity Correction method was employed to compare incidence rates. RESULTS The study population included 215 maternal primary CMV and 192 TG infections. Rate of maternal primary CMV infection decreased in 2021 compared with 2018-2019 (4.49% vs 6.40%, attributable risk [AR] 1.92, P = 0.019). By contrast, the rate of TG infection substantially increased in 2020 (6.95% vs 4.61%, AR 2.34, P = 0.006). Close contact with cats was more common among patients with TG infection in 2020 and 2021 than among pre-pandemic TG-infected women (26.3% and 24.4% vs 13.3%, P = 0.013). CONCLUSION Pandemic-related public health interventions and associated behavioral and lifestyle changes exerted a divergent effect on the incidence of primary CMV and TG infection in pregnancy, likely due to modulation of exposure to risk factors for these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Viola Vasarri
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Fernicola
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesca Arienti
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
| | - Anna Carli
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Anna Locatelli
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
| | - Michele Trotta
- Tuscany Referral Centre for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Angelica Procopio
- School of Human Health Sciences, Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Tuscany Referral Centre for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Ornaghi
- Department of Obstetrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- University of Milan-Bicocca School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy
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19
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Verot E, Chaux R, Gagnaire J, Bonjean P, Gagneux-Brunon A, Berthelot P, Pelissier C, Boulamail B, Chauvin F, Pozzetto B, Botelho-Nevers E. Evaluating the Knowledge of and Behavior Toward COVID-19 and the Possibility of Isolating at a City Level: Survey Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e47170. [PMID: 38602767 PMCID: PMC11013031 DOI: 10.2196/47170] [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] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mass testing campaigns were proposed in France during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to detect and isolate asymptomatic individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2. During mass testing in Saint-Étienne (February 2021), we performed a survey of the general population. OBJECTIVE We evaluated, on the scale of a city's population, the literacy level about SARS-CoV-2 transmission, barrier gesture respect, and isolation acceptability or possibility in case of SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS We used the validated CovQuest-CC questionnaire. Data were analyzed and correlated with volunteer characteristics and their SARS-CoV-2 screening results using multivariate analysis. RESULTS In total, 4707 participants completed the CovQuest-CC questionnaire. Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex was a determinant of a higher score of knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 transmission (adjusted β coefficient=0.14, 95% CI 0.04-0.23; corrected P=.02). Older ages of 50-59 years (adjusted β coefficient=0.25, 95% CI 0.19-0.31; corrected P<.001) and ≥60 years (adjusted β coefficient=0.25, 95% CI 0.15-0.34; corrected P<.001) were determinants of a higher score on barrier gesture respect compared to ages 20-49 years considered as reference. Female sex was also a determinant of a higher score on barrier gesture respect (adjusted β coefficient=0.10, 95% CI 0.02-4.63; corrected P<.001). The knowledge score was correlated with the score on barrier gesture respect measures (adjusted β coefficient=0.03, 95% CI 0.001-0.004; corrected P=.001). Older ages of 50-59 years (adjusted β coefficient=0.21, 95% CI 0.13-0.29; corrected P<.001) and ≥60 years (adjusted β coefficient=0.25, 95% CI 0.1-0.38; corrected P<.001) were determinants of a higher score on isolation acceptability or possibility compared to the age of 20-49 years considered as reference. Finally, the knowledge score regarding SARS-CoV-2 transmission was significantly associated with a lower risk of RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) positivity (adjusted odds ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.94; corrected P<.03), implying that a 1-point increase in the knowledge score lowers the risk of positivity by 20% on average. CONCLUSIONS This study identified factors associated with health literacy regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic individuals in a large French city's population. We can confirm that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the determinants of better health literacy are not the same as those in other contexts. It seems critical to obtain a more detailed understanding of the determinants of individual citizens' behavior, as part of a strategy to combat the large-scale spread of the virus. The harsh experience of this pandemic should teach us how to nurture research to structure customized interventions to encourage the adoption of ad hoc behaviors to engage citizens in adapting behaviors more favorable to their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Verot
- CIC EC 1408 INSERM Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne cedex 2, France
- Laboratoire Parcours Santé Systémique- UR4129, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, St Priest-en-Jarez, France
- Chaire Hygée, Institut PRESAGE, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Robin Chaux
- Unité de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Julie Gagnaire
- Laboratoire Parcours Santé Systémique- UR4129, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, St Priest-en-Jarez, France
- Unité de Gestion des Risques infectieux, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
- Service d'Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
- Team GIMAP, CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Paul Bonjean
- Unité de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Amandine Gagneux-Brunon
- Laboratoire Parcours Santé Systémique- UR4129, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, St Priest-en-Jarez, France
- Service d'Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
- Team GIMAP, CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
- Chaire PreVacCI, Institut PRESAGE, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Philippe Berthelot
- Unité de Gestion des Risques infectieux, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
- Service d'Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
- Team GIMAP, CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
- Chaire PreVacCI, Institut PRESAGE, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
- Laboratoire des Agents Infectieux et d'Hygiène, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Carole Pelissier
- Occupational Health Service University Hospital Center of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
- UMRESTTE, Université Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel-IFSTTAR, UMR t 9405, Lyon, France
| | - Billal Boulamail
- Unité de Gestion des Risques infectieux, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Franck Chauvin
- CIC EC 1408 INSERM Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne cedex 2, France
- Laboratoire Parcours Santé Systémique- UR4129, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, St Priest-en-Jarez, France
- Chaire Hygée, Institut PRESAGE, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Bruno Pozzetto
- Team GIMAP, CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
- Laboratoire des Agents Infectieux et d'Hygiène, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Elisabeth Botelho-Nevers
- Laboratoire Parcours Santé Systémique- UR4129, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, St Priest-en-Jarez, France
- Service d'Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
- Team GIMAP, CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
- Chaire PreVacCI, Institut PRESAGE, Université Jean Monnet, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
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20
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Chavarria V, Rubio-Valera M, Doménech Abella J, Baladón LH, Mateu I, Arias de la Torre J, Alvarós JC, Peña-Salazar C, Dima AL, Serrano-Blanco A. Patient Satisfaction and Willingness to Continue with Telemental Health Care During and After the Early Period of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A User Survey. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 38597958 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0562] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and related lockdown periods generated an increase in the use of virtual care for mental health (MH). This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction with Telemental Health services (TMH) during first lockdown and factors related to their willingness to continue using this service. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 364 MH outpatients from 9 centers in the Barcelona region (Spain), who received TMH between April 20 and May 22, 2020. We assessed sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, prior experience, and familiarity with technologies and satisfaction with TMH. Willingness to receive TMH after the lockdown was measured separately for telephone and videoconferencing. We performed descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate regression models to predict TMH willingness. Results: From 450 patients contacted, 364 were interviewed. Satisfaction with TMH was high (mean 9.24, standard deviation 0.07); 2.47% preferred only TMH visits after lockdown, 23.08% preferred mostly TMH visits, 50.82% accepted some TMH visits, and 23.63% would prefer in-person consultations. Female patients and those having received TMH during lockdown showed higher odds of willingness to receive TMH in the future, while patients unfamiliar with technologies showed lower odds. Concerning TMH through telephone, willingness was more likely in patients living with more persons. Videoconferencing willingness was more likely for people living with depression. Conclusions: TMH was well accepted during the first lockdown and patients were willing to maintain it after lockdown. Low familiarity with new technologies is an important barrier to TMH willingness, which needs to be addressed for appropriate implementation going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Chavarria
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Actividades Preventivas y Promoción de la Salud, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Rubio-Valera
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Doménech Abella
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa Higuera Baladón
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Actividades Preventivas y Promoción de la Salud, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Mateu
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jorge Arias de la Torre
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Care in Long Term Conditions Research Division, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedicina, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Peña-Salazar
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandra L Dima
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Antoni Serrano-Blanco
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Salamango DJ. Finally neutralizing the threat? A novel SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platform that elicits enhanced neutralizing antibody responses. mBio 2024; 15:e0006724. [PMID: 38407097 PMCID: PMC11005347 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00067-24] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak took the world by storm due to its rapid global spread and unpredictable disease outcomes. The extraordinary ascension of SARS-CoV-2 to pandemic status motivated a world-wide effort to rapidly develop vaccines that could effectively suppress virus spread and mitigate severe disease. These efforts culminated in the development and deployment of several highly effective vaccines that were heralded as the beginning-of-the-end of the pandemic. However, these successes were short lived due to the unexpected and continuous emergence of more transmissible and immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants. Thus, attention has shifted toward developing novel vaccine platforms that elicit more robust and sustained neutralizing antibody responses. Recent findings by Muñoz-Alía and colleagues address this by combining a live recombinant measles vaccine platform with novel biochemical approaches to generate vaccine candidates that bolster the potency of neutralizing antibody responses against diverse SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins (M. Á. Muñoz-Alía, R. A. Nace, B. Balakrishnan, L. Zhang, et al., mBio 9:e02928-23, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.02928-23).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Salamango
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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22
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Diaz AP, Pinto AB, Araújo MIC, Joaquim RM, Costa DDS, Serpa ALDO, Pisani AR, Conwell Y, Miranda DM, Malloy-Diniz LF, da Silva AG. Social support and suicidality during the COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian healthcare workers: a longitudinal assessment of an online repeated cross-sectional survey. Braz J Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38598451 DOI: 10.47626/1516-4446-2023-3466] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of suicide compared to non-healthcare workers. This study aims to investigate the association between social support and suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) during the COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian HCWs. METHODS This study utilizes data from 10,885 participants who answered the first (time point 1 - between May and June of 2020) and second (time point 2 - between December 2020 and February 2021) assessments of an online repeated cross-sectional survey for evaluating mental health and quality of life of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between social support as the independent variable (time point 1) and SIB as the outcomes (time point 2). RESULTS Higher social support was associated with a significantly lower chance of reporting SIB in the month prior to follow-up assessment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.71, CI 95% 0.66 - 0.76 and AOR 0.61, CI 95% 0.54 - 0.68, respectively). These associations were independent of sex, age, feelings of loneliness, and self-reported psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION Social support is associated with a lower chance of suicidality among HCWs, a protective role that is probably more evident for suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Paim Diaz
- SAMBE - Saúde Mental Baseada em Evidências, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Andre Braule Pinto
- SAMBE - Saúde Mental Baseada em Evidências, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Post Graduation, Department in Molecular Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Faculdade de Psicologia (FAPSI), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia (PPGPSI), AM, Brazil
| | | | - Rui Mateus Joaquim
- SAMBE - Saúde Mental Baseada em Evidências, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Post Graduation, Department in Molecular Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Danielle de Souza Costa
- SAMBE - Saúde Mental Baseada em Evidências, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Post Graduation, Department in Molecular Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Luiz de Oliveira Serpa
- SAMBE - Saúde Mental Baseada em Evidências, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Human Developmental Sciences Graduate Program, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anthony R Pisani
- Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yeates Conwell
- Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Debora M Miranda
- SAMBE - Saúde Mental Baseada em Evidências, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Leandro F Malloy-Diniz
- SAMBE - Saúde Mental Baseada em Evidências, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Post Graduation, Department in Molecular Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Antonio G da Silva
- SAMBE - Saúde Mental Baseada em Evidências, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Post Graduation, Department in Molecular Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Associação Brasileira de Psiquiatria, São Paulo, Brazil. Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
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23
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Luther E, Ramsay I, Govindarajan V, Berke CN, Makhoul V, Merenzon M, Berry K, Morell A, Eichberg D, Lu V, Shah A, Komotar RJ, Ivan ME. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pituitary Surgeries. World Neurosurg 2024:S1878-8750(24)00542-4. [PMID: 38583567 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.156] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE As the COVID-19 pandemic spread to the United States in 2020, there was an impetus towards postponing or ceasing non-urgent transsphenoidal pituitary surgeries to prevent spread of the virus. Some centers encouraged transcranial approaches for patients with declining neurologic function. However, no large-scale data exists evaluating the effects this had on national pituitary practice patterns. METHODS Pituitary surgeries in the National Inpatient Sample were identified from 2017-2020. Surgeries in 2020 were compared to the three years prior to determine any differences in demographics, surgical trends/approaches and perioperative outcomes. In 2020, there was a decline in overall pituitary surgeries (34.2 vs. 36.3%, odds ratio (OR) 0.88, p<0.001) yet transsphenoidal approaches represented a higher proportion of interventions (69.0 vs. 64.9%, p<0.001). Neurosurgical complications were higher (51.9 vs. 47.4%, OR 1.13, p<0.001) and patients were less likely to be discharged home (86.4 vs. 88.5%, OR 0.84, p<0.001). This was especially true in April 2020 during the first peak in COVID-19 cases when transcranial approaches and odds of mortality/complications were highest. CONCLUSIONS In 2020, transsphenoidal surgery remained the preferred approach for pituitary tumor resection despite initial recommendations against the approach to prevent COVID-19 spread. Pituitary surgeries had a higher risk of periprocedural complications despite accounting for preoperative comorbidities, COVID-19 infection status, and surgical approach, suggesting that an overwhelmed hospital system can negatively influence surgical outcomes in non-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Luther
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Ian Ramsay
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine,1600 NW 10th Avenue #1140, Miami, FL, 33136 USA.
| | - Vaidya Govindarajan
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Chandler N Berke
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Vivien Makhoul
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine,1600 NW 10th Avenue #1140, Miami, FL, 33136 USA
| | - Martin Merenzon
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Katherine Berry
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Alexis Morell
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Daniel Eichberg
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Victor Lu
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Ashish Shah
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Ricardo J Komotar
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
| | - Michael E Ivan
- University of Miami Department of Neurological Surgery, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
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24
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Spinks B, Williams D, Williams D, Lewis R, Bull F, Ogbonna U, Edwards A. Mitigating COVID-19 Burden in People Experiencing Incarceration: A Systematic Review. J Correct Health Care 2024. [PMID: 38579144 DOI: 10.1089/jchc.23.10.0090] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
People experiencing incarceration (PEI) have poorer COVID-19 clinical outcomes compared with the general population. Many interventions were implemented in incarceration facilities to mitigate the burden of COVID-19. This systematic review seeks to analyze the effectiveness of these interventions. Twenty-two studies were included. Reduction of the incarcerated population/interfacility transfers, cohorting of new and infectious incarcerated people, mass asymptomatic testing (despite often low uptake), hygiene measures, and prioritization of PEI in vaccine policy had some evidence of effectiveness at reducing transmission and risk of COVID-19 in incarceration facilities. Visitation suspension had conflicting evidence of effectiveness. Studies were of low or medium quality. Inadequate control of confounding variables limited the reliability and validity of conclusions drawn. Many studies relied on retrospective, third-party data. Higher quality research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Spinks
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Darius Williams
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Denitza Williams
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Lewis
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Bull
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Uju Ogbonna
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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25
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Dudde F, Schuck O, Schunk J, Filip B. Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on mandible fracture patterns in a German cranio-maxillofacial trauma center: PreCOVID (2019) versus IntraCOVID (2020). Dent Traumatol 2024. [PMID: 38572818 DOI: 10.1111/edt.12949] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-2019) pandemic confronted the global healthcare system with a variety of challenges. The pandemic and the associated lockdowns also had an impact on multiple medical disciplines (i.e. delay of surgery, change of hospital admissions). The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mandible fracture patterns/distributions and circumstances in a German cranio-maxillofacial trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study compared the mandible fracture patterns of patients in the PreCOVID (PC) era (February 2019-January 2020) with patients in the IntraCOVID (IC) era (February 2020-January 2021). In addition to baseline characteristics, the number/type of mandible fractures, location of the mandible fracture, circumstances leading to mandible fracture, and hospital admissions/treatments were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 127 patients was included in this study. In the IC period, the absolute frequencies of mandible fractures decreased (PC = 72 vs. IC = 55). There were minor changes in the mandible fracture locations. An increase of concomitant facial soft tissue injuries (IC = 69.1% vs. PC = 58.3%), as well as higher rates of traumatic tooth loss (IC = 32.7% vs. PC = 22.2%), was observed. Regarding the causes/accidents leading to mandible fractures, there were significant increases in falls and significant decreases in sports accidents as well as interpersonal violence during the IC period. A significant increase in accidents at home and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a simultaneous decrease in weekend and night-time trauma leading to mandible fractures was observed. Furthermore, a significant increase in days from trauma to surgery was recorded. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on mandibular fracture patterns. The locations and types of mandibular fractures changed slightly. However, significant differences in the circumstances leading to mandible fractures (increased falls, decreased interpersonal violence) were recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Dudde
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Army Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Schuck
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Army Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Schunk
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Army Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbarewicz Filip
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Army Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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26
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Gu X, Watson C, Agrawal U, Whitaker H, Elson WH, Anand S, Borrow R, Buckingham A, Button E, Curtis L, Dunn D, Elliot AJ, Ferreira F, Goudie R, Hoang U, Hoschler K, Jamie G, Kar D, Kele B, Leston M, Linley E, Macartney J, Marsden GL, Okusi C, Parvizi O, Quinot C, Sebastianpillai P, Sexton V, Smith G, Suli T, Thomas NPB, Thompson C, Todkill D, Wimalaratna R, Inada-Kim M, Andrews N, Tzortziou-Brown V, Byford R, Zambon M, Lopez-Bernal J, de Lusignan S. Post pandemic Sentinel Surveillance of Respiratory Diseases in the Context of the World Health Organization Mosaic Framework: Protocol for a Development and Evaluation Study Involving the English Primary Care Network 2023-2024. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e52047. [PMID: 38569175 DOI: 10.2196/52047] [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] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prepandemic sentinel surveillance focused on improved management of winter pressures, with influenza-like illness (ILI) being the key clinical indicator. The World Health Organization (WHO) global standards for influenza surveillance include monitoring acute respiratory infection (ARI) and ILI. The WHO's mosaic framework recommends that the surveillance strategies of countries include the virological monitoring of respiratory viruses with pandemic potential such as influenza. The Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioner Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has provided sentinel surveillance since 1967, including virology since 1993. OBJECTIVE We aim to describe the RSC's plans for sentinel surveillance in the 2023-2024 season and evaluate these plans against the WHO mosaic framework. METHODS Our approach, which includes patient and public involvement, contributes to surveillance objectives across all 3 domains of the mosaic framework. We will generate an ARI phenotype to enable reporting of this indicator in addition to ILI. These data will support UKHSA's sentinel surveillance, including vaccine effectiveness and burden of disease studies. The panel of virology tests analyzed in UKHSA's reference laboratory will remain unchanged, with additional plans for point-of-care testing, pneumococcus testing, and asymptomatic screening. Our sampling framework for serological surveillance will provide greater representativeness and more samples from younger people. We will create a biomedical resource that enables linkage between clinical data held in the RSC and virology data, including sequencing data, held by the UKHSA. We describe the governance framework for the RSC. RESULTS We are co-designing our communication about data sharing and sampling, contextualized by the mosaic framework, with national and general practice patient and public involvement groups. We present our ARI digital phenotype and the key data RSC network members are requested to include in computerized medical records. We will share data with the UKHSA to report vaccine effectiveness for COVID-19 and influenza, assess the disease burden of respiratory syncytial virus, and perform syndromic surveillance. Virological surveillance will include COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other common respiratory viruses. We plan to pilot point-of-care testing for group A streptococcus, urine tests for pneumococcus, and asymptomatic testing. We will integrate test requests and results with the laboratory-computerized medical record system. A biomedical resource will enable research linking clinical data to virology data. The legal basis for the RSC's pseudonymized data extract is The Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002, and all nonsurveillance uses require research ethics approval. CONCLUSIONS The RSC extended its surveillance activities to meet more but not all of the mosaic framework's objectives. We have introduced an ARI indicator. We seek to expand our surveillance scope and could do more around transmissibility and the benefits and risks of nonvaccine therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchun Gu
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Conall Watson
- Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Utkarsh Agrawal
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Whitaker
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - William H Elson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sneha Anand
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ray Borrow
- Vaccine Evaluation Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elizabeth Button
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lottie Curtis
- Royal College of General Practitioners, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Dunn
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alex J Elliot
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, UK Health Security Agency, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Filipa Ferreira
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rosalind Goudie
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Uy Hoang
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Katja Hoschler
- Respiratory Virus Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Jamie
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Debasish Kar
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrix Kele
- Respiratory Virus Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meredith Leston
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ezra Linley
- Vaccine Evaluation Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Macartney
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma L Marsden
- Royal College of General Practitioners, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cecilia Okusi
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Omid Parvizi
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Respiratory Virus Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Quinot
- Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Vanashree Sexton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Smith
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, UK Health Security Agency, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Timea Suli
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Catherine Thompson
- Respiratory Virus Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Todkill
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, UK Health Security Agency, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rashmi Wimalaratna
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nick Andrews
- Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rachel Byford
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Zambon
- Virus Reference Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Lopez-Bernal
- Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon de Lusignan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Conklin J, Dehcheshmeh MM, Archibald D, Elliott J, Hsu A, Kothari A, Stolee P, Sveistrup H. From Compliance to Care: Qualitative Findings from a Survey of Essential Caregivers in Ontario Long-Term Care Homes. Can J Aging 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38561989 DOI: 10.1017/s071498082400014x] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of the care provided by family members and close friends to older people living in long-term care (LTC) homes. Our implementation science team helped three Ontario LTC homes to implement an intervention to allow family members to enter the homes during pandemic lockdowns. OBJECTIVE We used a variety of methods to support the implementation, and this paper reports results from an Ontario-wide survey intended to help us understand the nature of the care provided by family caregivers. METHODS We administered a survey of essential caregivers in Ontario, and a single open-ended question yielded a substantial qualitative data set that we analysed with a coding and theming procedure that yielded 13 themes. FINDINGS The 13 themes reveal deficiencies in Ontario's LTC sector, attempts to cope with the deficiencies, and efforts to influence change and improvement. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate that essential caregivers find it necessary to take on vital roles in order to shore up two significant gaps in the current system: they provide psychosocial and emotional (and sometimes even basic) care to residents, and they play a monitoring and advocacy role to compensate for the failings of the current regulatory compliance regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Conklin
- Department of Applied Human Sciences, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Douglas Archibald
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jacobi Elliott
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anita Kothari
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Stolee
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Heidi Sveistrup
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Kaiser R, Svoboda N, Waldauf P, Netuka D. The economic and psychological impact of cancellations of elective spinal surgeries in the COVID-19 era. Br J Neurosurg 2024; 38:322-326. [PMID: 33459075 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2020.1868404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adoption of health care restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of elective surgical care. However, the impact on patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the psychological and economic impact of the cancellation of scheduled spinal operations. METHODS We identified 50 patients with cancelled surgeries between 16 March 2020 and 24 April 2020. Forty-nine (98%) participants were contacted, with whom the modified WES-Pi questionnaire was filled in during a telephone interview. RESULTS Of the 49 respondents, 28 (57.2%) were aged <65 years. The most often reported problem (85.7%) was an ongoing limitation in basic daily activities. At least moderate sadness was experienced by 65.3% and disappointment by 73.5% of the patients. More than 80% reported concerns about the continuation and 73.5% about the progression of their symptoms. Out of 27 employees (55.1%), 63% could not work due to severe pain or movement limitation (p < .001). The inability to work was associated with anger (p = .037). The work-related impact of the cancellation was associated with stress (p < .0001) and concerns about continuing the symptoms (p = .004). Two-third of patients would undergo immediate surgery despite the current epidemic situation. CONCLUSIONS The cancellations of elective spinal surgeries have a serious psychological impact on patients. This together with potential economic consequences is especially evident in employees unable to work due to pain or movement disability. The information is beneficial for health management. Every effort should be made to resume planned surgical treatment if the epidemiological situation allows it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radek Kaiser
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurooncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Norbert Svoboda
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurooncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Waldauf
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Netuka
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurooncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Hopkins SW, Stark AM, Zinoviev D, Tousignant OH, Fireman GD. College student expression on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Am Coll Health 2024; 72:722-730. [PMID: 35427217 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2055434] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective:The current study longitudinally examines college student Twitter patterns throughout initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to better understand psychological impact and online personal communication during the pandemic. Participants:A dataset consisting of ∼720,000 tweets posted by students from universities throughout the United States during the 2020 spring semester was analyzed according to structural and sentimental analysis. Methods:Using a data-driven approach, three time periods emerged which reflected the transition to online learning. Results:Significant changes in structure and sentiment of tweets were observed across phases. Conclusions:Changes in Twitter patterns revealed important features of this unprecedented transition to online learning for college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W Hopkins
- Department of Psychology, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abigail M Stark
- Department of Psychology, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dmitry Zinoviev
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Gary D Fireman
- Department of Psychology, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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De Coninck D, Duque M, Schwartz SJ. Dark Triad personality traits and realistic and symbolic COVID-19 threat: The role of conspiracy mentality. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:331-338. [PMID: 37905377 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12980] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered global social dynamics through extensive containment measures. Understanding how individuals perceive the virus, distinguishing between realistic and symbolic threats, and considering the influence of personality traits is essential for effective public health messaging and interventions. This study explores the linkage between personality traits and perceived COVID-19 threats, mediated by conspiracy mentality, across diverse international contexts. Online survey data were collected in June 2021 from 13,645 participants across seven European countries, the US, and Colombia. The study explores how individuals with different Dark Triad traits perceive the threat of COVID-19, and whether conspiracy mentality mediates these perceptions. The findings reveal distinct associations. Machiavellianism and narcissism were linked to lower perceived COVID-19 threat, while psychopathy was associated with greater perceived threat. Additionally, individuals with higher conspiracy mentality endorsed greater perceived threat related to COVID-19. This study highlights the influence of Dark Triad personality traits on how individuals perceive the threats posed by COVID-19, with conspiracy mentality mediating this relationship. Understanding these associations provides valuable insights into psychological factors affecting COVID-19 perception, informing future research and public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David De Coninck
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Institute for Media Studies, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Duque
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Seth J Schwartz
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Brinkman S, de Keizer NF, de Lange DW, Dongelmans DA, Termorshuizen F, van Bussel BCT. Strain on Scarce Intensive Care Beds Drives Reduced Patient Volumes, Patient Selection, and Worse Outcome: A National Cohort Study. Crit Care Med 2024; 52:574-585. [PMID: 38095502 PMCID: PMC10930373 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000006156] [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: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Strain on ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic required stringent triage at the ICU to distribute resources appropriately. This could have resulted in reduced patient volumes, patient selection, and worse outcome of non-COVID-19 patients, especially during the pandemic peaks when the strain on ICUs was extreme. We analyzed this potential impact on the non-COVID-19 patients. DESIGN A national cohort study. SETTING Data of 71 Dutch ICUs. PARTICIPANTS A total of 120,393 patients in the pandemic non-COVID-19 cohort (from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022) and 164,737 patients in the prepandemic cohort (from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019). INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Volume, patient characteristics, and mortality were compared between the pandemic non-COVID-19 cohort and the prepandemic cohort, focusing on the pandemic period and its peaks, with attention to strata of specific admission types, diagnoses, and severity. The number of admitted non-COVID-19 patients during the pandemic period and its peaks were, respectively, 26.9% and 34.2% lower compared with the prepandemic cohort. The pandemic non-COVID-19 cohort consisted of fewer medical patients (48.1% vs. 50.7%), fewer patients with comorbidities (36.5% vs. 40.6%), and more patients on mechanical ventilation (45.3% vs. 42.4%) and vasoactive medication (44.7% vs. 38.4%) compared with the prepandemic cohort. Case-mix adjusted mortality during the pandemic period and its peaks was higher compared with the prepandemic period, odds ratios were, respectively, 1.08 (95% CI, 1.05-1.11) and 1.10 (95% CI, 1.07-1.13). CONCLUSIONS In non-COVID-19 patients the strain on healthcare has driven lower patient volume, selection of fewer comorbid patients who required more intensive support, and a modest increase in the case-mix adjusted mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Brinkman
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- National Intensive Care Evaluation Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center, University of Utrecht, Intensive Care Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolette F de Keizer
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- National Intensive Care Evaluation Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center, University of Utrecht, Intensive Care Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dylan W de Lange
- National Intensive Care Evaluation Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center, University of Utrecht, Intensive Care Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dave A Dongelmans
- National Intensive Care Evaluation Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fabian Termorshuizen
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- National Intensive Care Evaluation Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center, University of Utrecht, Intensive Care Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bas C T van Bussel
- National Intensive Care Evaluation Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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De Luca A, Gurrado A, Prete FP, Pepe AS, De Luca GM, Testini M. The unexpected social cost of inguinal hernioplasty procedures derived from the COVID-19 pandemic: Surgical trend analysis based on an Italian hospital series. World J Surg 2024; 48:801-806. [PMID: 38375927 DOI: 10.1002/wjs.12105] [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] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of inguinal hernias are usually paucisymptomatic, so are restored electively. The main purpose of this study is to assess the trends in hernia repair surgery before and during the pandemic period, analyzing an Italian hospital series of 390 patients, in an attempt to quantify the negative impact regarding social costs derived from the Covid-19 outbreak. Moreover, we want to focus on the concept of apparently minor pathology as hernioplasty which could represent a life-threatening condition for patients. METHODS The study population consisted of all patients operated for inguinal hernia in a General Surgery Unit from 2019 to 2021, divided into a pre-pandemic and a pandemic period. RESULTS The Covid-19 pandemic increased urgent operations in a complicated setting. A statistically significant difference was found regarding the trend of hospitalization length as well as a strong positive correlation between the severity of hernia and the hospitalization length. CONCLUSIONS During the pandemic, it has been registered a mishandling of inguinal hernias to the detriment of both the healthcare system and patients, due to multifactorial issues and, in particular, to the restrictions imposed by the regional government that erroneously declassed hernia pathology as a minor problem for public health. We do believe that patients, after diagnosis of inguinal hernia, should learn the Taxis maneuver for its feasibility and ease of execution, in order to reduce access to emergencies in many cases and likewise to better pain and discomfort perceived, even in the event of unexpected worldwide healthcare scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro De Luca
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Gurrado
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Prete
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Santo Pepe
- General Surgery Unit, Castellaneta Hospital, Asl Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | | | - Mario Testini
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy
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Bastos LSL, Hamacher S, Kurtz P, Ranzani OT, Zampieri FG, Soares M, Bozza FA, Salluh JIF. The Association Between Pre pandemic ICU Performance and Mortality Variation in COVID-19: A Multicenter Cohort Study of 35,619 Critically Ill Patients. Chest 2024; 165:870-880. [PMID: 37838338 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.10.011] [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] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, ICUs remained under stress and observed elevated mortality rates and high variations of outcomes. A knowledge gap exists regarding whether an ICU performing best during nonpandemic times would still perform better when under high pressure compared with the least performing ICUs. RESEARCH QUESTION Does prepandemic ICU performance explain the risk-adjusted mortality variability for critically ill patients with COVID-19? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This study examined a cohort of adults with real-time polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to 156 ICUs in 35 hospitals from February 16, 2020, through December 31, 2021, in Brazil. We evaluated crude and adjusted in-hospital mortality variability of patients with COVID-19 in the ICU during the pandemic. Association of baseline (prepandemic) ICU performance and in-hospital mortality was examined using a variable life-adjusted display (VLAD) during the pandemic and a multivariable mixed regression model adjusted by clinical characteristics, interaction of performance with the year of admission, and mechanical ventilation at admission. RESULTS Thirty-five thousand six hundred nineteen patients with confirmed COVID-19 were evaluated. The median age was 52 years, median Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 was 42, and 18% underwent invasive mechanical ventilation. In-hospital mortality was 13% and 54% for those receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. Adjusted in-hospital mortality ranged from 3.6% to 63.2%. VLAD in the most efficient ICUs was higher than the overall median in 18% of weeks, whereas VLAD was 62% and 84% in the underachieving and least efficient groups, respectively. The least efficient baseline ICU performance group was associated independently with increased mortality (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.45-3.62) after adjusting for patient characteristics, disease severity, and pandemic surge. INTERPRETATION ICUs caring for patients with COVID-19 presented substantial variation in risk-adjusted mortality. ICUs with better baseline (prepandemic) performance showed reduced mortality and less variability. Our findings suggest that achieving ICU efficiency by targeting improvement in organizational aspects of ICUs may impact outcomes, and therefore should be a part of the preparedness for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo S L Bastos
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Silvio Hamacher
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Kurtz
- Hospital Copa Star, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Paulo Niemeyer State Brain Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otavio T Ranzani
- Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando G Zampieri
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marcio Soares
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando A Bozza
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jorge I F Salluh
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Schwarzer FM, Probst-Hensch N, Kwiatkowski M, Höglinger M. Long-term development of loneliness in older people and associations with stringency of COVID-19 measures: an observational cohort study. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae069. [PMID: 38600849 PMCID: PMC11007266 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae069] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most longitudinal studies found heightened feelings of loneliness in older people in spring 2020 compared to times before the pandemic. However, longer-term effects are more disputed. We, therefore, investigated changes in loneliness in older people throughout the first 21 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland and examined the association between the stringency of COVID-19 measures and feelings of loneliness. METHODS We assessed loneliness (3-item University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scale) in a nationally representative longitudinal observational online survey. Older people (65-79 years) were surveyed between March 2020 and December 2021. Proportions of people feeling lonely (UCLA loneliness scale >6) were compared in two stringent phases ('lockdown', Oxford University stringency index ≥55) and two less restricted phases. Additionally, we explored the situation of potentially more susceptible subgroups (living alone, women, chronic and mental diseases, low educational level and low income). RESULTS Phases with stringent measures were associated with higher levels of loneliness in older people. People living alone, women, people with noncommunicable or mental disease diagnoses and lower income show consistently higher levels of loneliness. However, the differences are not accentuated in phases with more stringent measures. We found little differences between subgroups with varying educational levels. CONCLUSIONS Even in a country with relatively less stringent COVID-19 measures like Switzerland, an increase in the proportion of older people that feel lonely could be found during phases with more stringent COVID-19 measures. Lockdown phases should, therefore, be accompanied by evidence-based interventions to relieve loneliness to avoid adverse short- and long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flurina Meier Schwarzer
- Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, School of Management and Law, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur 8401, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Marc Höglinger
- Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, School of Management and Law, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur 8401, Switzerland
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Sanluis Fenelli G, Rodríguez Tablado M, Ferrero F, Ossorio MF, Ferraro M, Torres F. Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the body mass index of children seen in the City of Buenos Aires. ARCH ARGENT PEDIATR 2024; 122:e202310064. [PMID: 37801693 DOI: 10.5546/aap.2023-10064.eng] [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: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. Childhood overweight and obesity are a public health problem. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this condition. The body mass index (BMI) Z-score has been accepted as an indicator for overweight and obesity diagnosis and follow-up. Objective. To assess whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased during the pandemic. Population and methods. Retrospective, cohort study. Patients included were those seen at public health care facilities in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), who were aged 2 to 5 years, had weight and height values recorded at 2 different visits, before and after the establishment of the preventive and mandatory social isolation policy. Patients' nutritional status (BMI Z-score) and the variation in this indicator between both visits were recorded. Results. A total of 3866 subjects were assessed; their average age was 3.4 ± 0.8 years; 48.1% were girls. The average interval between both visits was 14.3 ± 2.5 months. The prevalence of overweight/ obesity increased from 12.6% (95% CI: 11.6-13.6) to 20.9% (95% CI: 19.6-22.2), p < 0.001, and so did the BMI Z-score (0.4 ± 1.1 versus 0.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased significantly during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernando Ferrero
- Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F Ossorio
- Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mabel Ferraro
- Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Torres
- Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yildirim Budak B, Yazici Karabulut I. "Truman syndrome" induced by online education: A case report in adolescent-Onset psychosis. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:540-549. [PMID: 37850453 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231208349] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) is an important psychiatric problem characterized by the onset of psychotic symptoms before the age of 18 years. We present the case of a 14-year-old girl who had social anxiety symptoms in the premorbid period and whose psychotic symptoms increased with pandemic restrictions and online education. Our patient's distance from the peer environment and school as well as the fact that she used webcams and online education more frequently in her daily life were risk factors for EOS. In accordance with the case of Truman syndrome, she has delusions that her daily life is secretly filmed and that she is a "TV star." Anti-anxiety treatments were initiated during the pre-pandemic period. After a diagnosis of schizophrenia was made, antipsychotic treatment was initiated. A significant response was observed after paliperidone (extended release) treatment. Close follow-ups revealed decreased delusions and increased functionality. Further studies are required to elucidate whether Truman syndrome and social anxiety are different aspects of a similar spectrum. With increasing digitalization, the direction of psychiatric diseases, including EOS, and measures that can be taken for adolescent mental health in crisis, such as pandemics, should be discussed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Yildirim Budak
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Turkey
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Colón-Semenza C, Zajac JA, Schwartz A, Darbandsari P, Ellis TD. Experiences from the implementation of physical therapy via telehealth for individuals with Parkinson disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1593-1601. [PMID: 37088939 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2202418] [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] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To (1) determine the characteristics and participation rate of adults with Parkinson disease (PD) in physical therapy (PT) delivered via telehealth, (2) identify the outcome measures and interventions implemented, (3) determine the safety of and (4) patient and therapist satisfaction with PT via telehealth in a clinic specializing in the care of people with PD during the coronavirus pandemic. MATERIALS & METHODS A retrospective analysis of PT services via telehealth was conducted. Participating patients completed a satisfaction survey. Physical therapists (PTs) who delivered this care were interviewed. Three coders conducted thematic analysis of interviews. Descriptive statistics described the participation rate, demographics, outcome measures, interventions, and safety. RESULTS There was a 71.4% participation rate. Participants (n = 55) were white (96%), non-Hispanic (100%), older adult (mean = 69.5 years (8.3)) males (65.5%). Non-participants (n = 22) had similar demographics. Therapists selected patient-reported measures more often than performance-based measures. Therapeutic exercise was the most common intervention. All patients (80% response rate) reported satisfaction with their experience. PTs reported the home enhanced specificity of training but impeded evaluation. Therapists endorsed a hybrid model for future practice. CONCLUSIONS Patients reported satisfaction with PT via telehealth during the pandemic. A hybrid model may support optimal delivery of PT.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPhysical therapy via telehealth for patients with Parkinson disease was acceptable to patients and physical therapists in our study.Physical therapy via telehealth was safe for people with Parkinson disease in our study, although availability and benefits may not be reaching all populations equitably.Both physical therapists and patients endorse a hybrid model of care (a combination of in-person and remote assessment and treatment) to profit from the strengths of in-person and virtual formats while minimizing barriers to access.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Colón-Semenza
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - J A Zajac
- Department of Physical Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Schwartz
- Department of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P Darbandsari
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - T D Ellis
- Department of Physical Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Sikka V, King C, Klinker S, Mont T, Sommers-Olson B, Hunt BE, Davis S, Fonseca J. Telemedicine for veterans in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learned from a virtual urgent care center. J Telemed Telecare 2024; 30:514-518. [PMID: 34970932 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x211069018] [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: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although telemedicine was predominantly adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on healthcare outcomes in the veteran population in achieving first contact resolution, or the ability to safely manage patient care at home from an urgent care perspective, is yet to be determined. METHODS This study included 13,090 veteran patient episodes who presented to the Department of Veteran's Affairs Veterans Integrated Services Network 8's Clinical Contact Center, a virtual urgent care organization covering South Georgia, Florida, and U.S. Virgin Islands in providing episodic care, between March 2020 and February 2021. Multivariate logistic regression estimated the probability that veterans with COVID-19-related symptoms stayed at home compared to presenting to the emergency department (ED) or their primary care provider. RESULTS Patients with COVID-related symptoms were 33% less likely to present to the ED compared to patients who presented with non-COVID-related symptoms. DISCUSSION The virtual urgent care center enabled veterans to receive timely care and avoid public places that could potentially lead to a COVID-19 infection or infecting others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Sikka
- Virtual Care, Clinical Contact Center, VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), St Petersburg, FL, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Christian King
- School of Global Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- Orlando VA Healthcare System, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Suzanne Klinker
- Virtual Care, Clinical Contact Center, VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), St Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Theresa Mont
- Virtual Care, Clinical Contact Center, VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), St Petersburg, FL, USA
| | | | - Bruce E Hunt
- Virtual Care, Clinical Contact Center, VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), St Petersburg, FL, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Stacey Davis
- Virtual Care, Clinical Contact Center, VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), St Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Fonseca
- Virtual Care, Clinical Contact Center, VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), St Petersburg, FL, USA
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Jones C, White L, Slater J, Pluquailec J. Hospitality Work as Social Reproduction: Embodied and Emotional Labour during COVID-19. Sociology 2024; 58:471-488. [PMID: 38496360 PMCID: PMC10940102 DOI: 10.1177/00380385231189190] [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] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
This article focuses on how the imaginary of a 'safe' environment was visualised and conveyed within the hospitality sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing on diaries and interviews with 21 workers in the UK. Our findings show increased workloads for hospitality staff, compounded by anxieties of risk and individualised COVID-19 regulation work. This includes workers' negotiations of corporeal boundaries and distancing from customers, the visible cleaning of communal areas and recuperation and care work for their own bodies and others in shared living spaces. We draw on conceptualisations of embodied and emotional labour to understand these experiences, reflecting on the importance of the actions performed by workers in maintaining community spaces and creating customer confidence in safely enjoying a 'hospitable' environment. This article contributes to social science scholarship of embodied and emotional labour, hospitality and social reproduction.
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Levi D, Hoogendoorn J, Samuels S, Maguire L, Troncoso R, Gunn S, Katz M, VanDillen C, Miller SA, Falk JL, Katz SH, Papa L. The i-gel ® supraglottic airway device compared to endotracheal intubation as the initial prehospital advanced airway device: A natural experiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2024; 5:e13150. [PMID: 38576603 PMCID: PMC10992989 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.13150] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Unlike randomized controlled trials, practical real-world studies can offer important information about implementation of prehospital interventions, particularly in community settings where there may be reluctance to adopt new practices. We present the results of a natural experiment that was driven by mandated COVID-19 pandemic-driven shift from endotracheal intubation (ETI) to the i-gel® supraglottic airway (SGA) as a primary advanced airway management device in the prehospital setting to reduce emergency medical services (EMS) personnel exposure to potentially infectious secretions. The objective was to compare first-pass success and timing to successful airway placement between ETI and the i-gel® SGA under extenuating circumstances. Methods This pre/post study compared airway placement metrics in prehospital patients requiring advance airway management for non-trauma-related conditions. Data from EMS records were extracted over 2 years, 12 months pre-pandemic, and 12 months post-pandemic. During the pre-COVID-19 year, the EMS protocols utilized ETI as the primary advanced airway device (ETI group). Post-pandemic paramedics were mandated to utilize i-gel® SGA as the primary advanced airway device to reduce exposure to secretions (SGA group). Results There were 199 adult patients, 83 (42%) in the ETI group and 116 (58%) in the SGA group. First-pass success was significantly higher with SGA 96% (92%-99%) than ETI 68% (57%-78%) with paramedics citing the inability to visualize the airway in 52% of ETI cases. Time to first-pass success was significantly shorter in the SGA group (5.9 min [5.1-6.7 min]) than in the ETI group (8.3 min [6.9-9.6 min]), as was time to overall successful placement at 6.0 min (5.1-6.8 min) versus 9.6 min (8.2-11.1 min), respectively. Multiple placement attempts were required in 26% of ETI cases and 1% of the SGA cases. There were no statistically significant differences in the number and types of complications between the cohorts. Return of spontaneous circulation (on/before emergency department [ED] arrival), mortality at 28 days, intensive care unit length of stay, or ventilator-free days between the groups were not statistically different between the groups. Conclusion In this natural experiment, the SGA performed significantly better than ETI in first-pass airway device placement success and was significantly faster in achieving first-pass success, and overall airway placement, thus potentially reducing exposure to respiratory pathogens. Practical real-world studies can offer important information about implementation of prehospital interventions, particularly in community settings and in systems with a low frequency of tracheal intubations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Levi
- Department of Emergency MedicineMemorial Hospital WestPembroke PinesFloridaUSA
| | - Joris Hoogendoorn
- Department of Emergency MedicineMemorial Hospital WestPembroke PinesFloridaUSA
| | - Shenae Samuels
- Department of Emergency MedicineMemorial Hospital WestPembroke PinesFloridaUSA
| | - Lindsay Maguire
- Department of Emergency MedicineOrlando Health Orlando Regional Medical CenterOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Ruben Troncoso
- Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue DepartmentPembroke PinesFloridaUSA
| | - Scott Gunn
- Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue DepartmentPembroke PinesFloridaUSA
| | | | - Christine VanDillen
- Department of Emergency MedicineOrlando Health Orlando Regional Medical CenterOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Susan A. Miller
- Department of Emergency MedicineOrlando Health Orlando Regional Medical CenterOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Jay L. Falk
- Department of Emergency MedicineOrlando Health Orlando Regional Medical CenterOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Steven H. Katz
- Department of Emergency MedicineMemorial Hospital WestPembroke PinesFloridaUSA
| | - Linda Papa
- Department of Emergency MedicineOrlando Health Orlando Regional Medical CenterOrlandoFloridaUSA
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Sanz-Muñoz I, Eiros JM, Hernández M. [Importance of National Influenza Centers in the surveillance of highly pathogenic avian viruses. The time for One-Health is now]. Rev Esp Quimioter 2024; 37:121-126. [PMID: 38205559 PMCID: PMC10945097 DOI: 10.37201/req/137.2023] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Since 1996, the highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype A(H5N1) has been causing almost uninterrupted outbreaks in wild and domestic birds, as well as cases in humans with a mortality rate close to 50%. However, the years of greatest circulation have been precisely the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, in which several cases have been recorded in humans in places where they had never appeared before, in addition to multiple cases in wild, domestic and peri-domestic mammals, which raise some concern about the risk that the virus may jump to humans through chains of transmission of greater or lesser extent. The current outbreak of A(H5N1) shows us that the One-Health concept should be more alive than ever to join efforts between professionals from different sectors of human, animal and environmental health to avoid or minimize these risks, so that reference laboratories such as the National Influenza Centers have the human and material resources to provide rapid and relevant information in the shortest possible time before emergencies of this type. The diagnostic and monitoring tools to be used in these cases must be available for any eventuality, and going beyond the basic data must be an indispensable premise to be able to carry out a detailed monitoring that serves to limit outbreaks, limit the spread of the disease, and help in the design of future pandemic vaccines against avian viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Sanz-Muñoz
- Dr. Iván Sanz-Muñoz, National Influenza Centre, Valladolid, Calle Rondilla de Santa Teresa s/n, Edificio Rondilla, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
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Stuart CM, Meguid RA, Bronsert MR, Rodriguez Franco S, Mungo B, Schulick RD, Gleisner AL, McCarter MD, Mitchell JD, Dyas AR. The United States experience with diagnosing and treating esophageal cancer during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1204-1220. [PMID: 38018276 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34805] [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] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The downstream effects on healthcare delivery during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine how the healthcare environment surrounding the pandemic affected the oncologic care of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer. This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating patients in the National Cancer Database (2019-2020). Patients with esophageal cancer diagnoses were divided into pre-pandemic (2019) and pandemic (2020) groups. Patient demographics, cancer-related variables, and treatment modalities were compared. Among 26,231 esophageal cancer patients, 14,024 patients (53.5%) were in the pre-pandemic cohort and 12,207 (46.5%) were in the pandemic cohort. After controlling for demographics, patients diagnosed during the pandemic were more likely to have poorly differentiated tumors (odds ratio [OR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.42), pathologic T3 disease compared to T1 (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.53), positive lymph nodes on pathology (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.14-1.64), and to be pathologic stage IV (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.29-1.76). After controlling for oncologic characteristics, patients diagnosed during the pandemic were more likely to require at least two courses of systemic therapy (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.48-2.14) and to be offered palliative care (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.22). While these patients were offered curative therapy at lower rates, this became non-significant after risk-adjustment (p = .15). The pandemic healthcare environment was associated with significantly increased risk-adjusted rates of patients presenting with advanced esophageal cancer. While this led to significant differences in treatment, most of these differences became non-significant after controlling for oncologic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Stuart
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert A Meguid
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael R Bronsert
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Salvador Rodriguez Franco
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Benedetto Mungo
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Richard D Schulick
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ana L Gleisner
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Martin D McCarter
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John D Mitchell
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Adam R Dyas
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Sharififar S, Moradi M. Evaluating the performance of selected military hospitals in Tehran in response to Covid-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2030. [PMID: 38605727 PMCID: PMC11007256 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2030] [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] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) led the need to admit a large number of infected people to hospitals in a short period of time, turning them into one of the most important responsive organizations. This study aims to evaluate the performance of selected military hospitals because they carried out a military operation in Tehran in response to the recent pandemic. Methods This is a descriptive-analytical study. The statistical population of this study consisted of military hospitals responding to Covid-19 pandemic in Tehran. A checklist to evaluate the performance of hospitals in response to Covid-19 pandemic (six areas, 23 sub-areas and 152 items) was used as a data collection tool in this study. This tool had six domains, including risk management and planning, coordination and communication, infection prevention and control, diagnosis and treatment, education and training, and resource management. Results The overall performance of selected hospitals was 63%, which indicated a good performance. The domain of coordination and communication obtained the lowest score. Conclusion The investigated hospitals had good performance because they had a desirable access to resources. Periodic self-assessment and accreditation is recommended to improve the performance of these hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simintaj Sharififar
- Department of Health in Disaster and EmergenciesSchool of NursingAja University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Führer A, Pacolli-Tabaku L, Kompa P, Yılmaz-Aslan Y, Brzoska P. [Management Of Covid-19 Pandemic In Shelters For Asylum Seekers: Results From A Mixed Methods Study.]. Gesundheitswesen 2024; 86:315-321. [PMID: 37816384 PMCID: PMC11003248 DOI: 10.1055/a-2144-5841] [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: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugees in Germany are often housed in shelters, where their influence on the organization of everyday life is severely limited. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these shelters therefore had a special responsibility to take measures to protect the health of their residents. The aim of this research project was to examine how this task was managed and how the pandemic affected daily life in refugee shelters, with the aim to formulate recommendations for practice. METHODS Using a mixed-methods study, the first step was a scoping review of the literature on the management of infectious disease outbreaks in refugee shelters. Building on the findings of the review, management of the pandemic was then explored in an online survey and in interviews with experts and residents of shelters. In a third step, the results of the preceding steps were summarized and discussed with a panel of experts. Recommendations for practice were developed with the expert panel in two discussion rounds two months apart. RESULTS The refugee shelters included in the study were inadequately prepared for the pandemic and often did not develop contingency plans until the pandemic was underway. In many cases, the contingency plans included the establishment of crisis teams, but the interests and perspectives of facility residents were generally not represented by these teams. This subsequently led to problems: Pandemic measures were often not communicated in a timely or sufficiently understandable manner, gaps in care resulting from measures were not identified or addressed, and psychosocial stresses associated with the pandemic and quarantine measures were not adequately mitigated. CONCLUSION • Refugee shelters should establish mechanisms to integrate residents' interests and perspectives into decision-making processes in a structured manner, regardless of the pandemic.• Depending on the type of shelter, this should be realized through resident involvement in decision-making bodies or other appropriate representation of interests. • Measures introduced during the pandemic that may have a negative impact on the psychosocial situation of residents should be terminated as soon as the epidemic justification for the measures no longer applies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amand Führer
- Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und
Informatik, Profilzentrum Gesundheitswissenschaften,
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale),
Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Versorgungsforschung, Fakultät
für Gesundheit, Department für Humanmedizin, Universität
Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Latife Pacolli-Tabaku
- Lehrstuhl für Versorgungsforschung, Fakultät
für Gesundheit, Department für Humanmedizin, Universität
Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Paula Kompa
- Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und
Informatik, Profilzentrum Gesundheitswissenschaften,
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale),
Germany
| | - Yüce Yılmaz-Aslan
- Lehrstuhl für Versorgungsforschung, Fakultät
für Gesundheit, Department für Humanmedizin, Universität
Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften,
Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Patrick Brzoska
- Lehrstuhl für Versorgungsforschung, Fakultät
für Gesundheit, Department für Humanmedizin, Universität
Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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Wall A, Burton L, Perkins E. Organizational response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with moral distress in community mental health teams in the UK: A qualitative study. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024; 33:378-387. [PMID: 37828702 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13243] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
In March 2020, Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) rapidly spread across the globe impacting the mental health of the population and putting an overwhelming pressure on health services. Much has been written about the impact of the pandemic on health-care workers working in hospital settings but less attention has been paid to its effect on community mental health teams (CMHTs). This study is based on 21 remote interviews with community mental health professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis whereby codes of similar meaning were grouped into main themes. Analysis identified three major contributors to moral distress; changes in the nature of contact with service users, changes to the place of work, and difficulties of balancing risks to the families of CMHT staff and service users. This study demonstrates that necessary organizational changes instituted to minimize the spread of COVID-19, required different ways of working which were not perceived to be in the best interests of service users or the families of CMHT staff. In order to comply with Government directives, CMHT staff were forced to behave in a way which did not match their moral values causing them to experience moral distress.
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Moreno-Martos D, Zhao J, Li H, Nyberg F, Bjørndal LD, Hajiebrahimi M, Wettermark B, Aakjær M, Andersen M, Sessa M, Lupattelli A, Nordeng H, Morales DR. Impact of the early COVID-19 pandemic on adult mental health-related dispensed medications, hospitalizations and specialist outpatient visits in Norway and Sweden: Interrupted time series analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38555909 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16044] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Norway and Sweden had different early pandemic responses that may have impacted mental health management. The aim was to assess the impact of the early COVID-19 pandemic on mental health-related care. METHODS We used national registries in Norway and Sweden (1 January 2018-31 December 2020) to define 2 cohorts: (i) general adult population; and (ii) mental health adult population. Interrupted times series regression analyses evaluated step and slope changes compared to prepandemic levels for monthly rates of medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics/sedatives, lithium, opioid analgesics, psychostimulants), hospitalizations (for anxiety, bipolar, depressive/mood, eating and schizophrenia/delusional disorders) and specialist outpatient visits. RESULTS In Norway, immediate reductions occurred in the general population for medications (-12% antidepressants to -7% hypnotics/sedatives) except for antipsychotics; and hospitalizations (-33% anxiety disorders to -17% bipolar disorders). Increasing slope change occurred for all medications except psychostimulants (+1.1%/month hypnotics/sedatives to +1.7%/month antidepressants); and hospitalization for anxiety disorders (+5.5%/month), depressive/mood disorders (+1.7%/month) and schizophrenia/delusional disorders (+2%/month). In Sweden, immediate reductions occurred for antidepressants (-7%) and opioids (-10%) and depressive/mood disorder hospitalizations (-11%) only with increasing slope change in psychostimulant prescribing of (0.9%/month). In contrast to Norway, increasing slope changes occurred in specialist outpatient visits for depressive/mood disorders, eating disorders and schizophrenia/delusional disorders (+1.5, +1.9 and +2.3%/month, respectively). Similar changes occurred in the pre-existing mental health cohorts. CONCLUSION Differences in early COVID-19 policy response may have contributed to differences in adult mental healthcare provision in Norway and Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Moreno-Martos
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jing Zhao
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Huiqi Li
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Nyberg
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ludvig Daae Bjørndal
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- PROMENTA Research Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Björn Wettermark
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacoepidemiology & Social Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Pharmacy Center, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mia Aakjær
- Pharmacovigilance Research Center, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Andersen
- Pharmacovigilance Research Center, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maurizio Sessa
- Pharmacovigilance Research Center, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Angela Lupattelli
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hedvig Nordeng
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel R Morales
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Sancassiani F, Cossu G, Cantone E, Romano F, Perra A, Urban A, Pinna S, Del Giacco S, Littera R, Firinu D, Chessa L, Tramontano E, Nardi AE, Carta MG. The Stability of Social and Behavioral Rhythms and Unexpected Low Rate of Relevant Depressive Symptoms in Old Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2005. [PMID: 38610769 PMCID: PMC11012795 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072005] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The disruption of social rhythms was found to be associated with depressive disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic; lower rates of these disorders were surprisingly found in old adults. The present study aims to verify the stability of social rhythms during lockdown in a sample of elderly people. Methods: Controlled cohort study (secondary analyses) of a previous randomized-controlled trial with the first evaluation in April 2019 (T0) and then 48 weeks later (T1) during the lockdown. The regulation of social and behavioral rhythms was measured through the Brief Social Rhythms Scale (BSRS); the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) was adopted to detect relevant depressive symptoms. Results: 93 elderlies (73.36 ± 4.97 years old, 50.5% females) were evaluated at T0 and T1. Neither the total score of BSRS nor any of the 10 items showed a statistically significant difference comparing the two survey periods. The frequency of relevant depressive symptoms was 5.3% at T0 and 6.4% at T1 (OR = 0.8, CI95% 0.2-24). Conclusions: Among elderlies who did not show an increased risk of depression during the lockdown, social and behavioral rhythms remained exceptionally stable during the same period. Considering previous evidence about rhythms dysregulation preceding depression, their stability may be considered a factor of resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sancassiani
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Elisa Cantone
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Ferdinando Romano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Perra
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Antonio Urban
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
- University Hospital of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Samantha Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Roberto Littera
- Medical Genetics, “R. Binaghi” Hospital, 09126 Cagliari, Italy;
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), 09131 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Luchino Chessa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry-IPUB, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22290-140, Brazil;
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (A.P.); (A.U.); (S.P.); (S.D.G.); (D.F.); (L.C.); (M.G.C.)
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Boaglio MV, Llarena Billia G, Strusberg I. [Implementation of teleconsultation in hospitals in the city of Cordoba during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic]. Rev Fac Cien Med Univ Nac Cordoba 2024; 81:128-142. [PMID: 38537094 DOI: 10.31053/1853.0605.v81.n1.42231] [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] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Teleconsultation is one of the assets of telemedicine that allows medical professionals to provide diagnostic or therapeutic advice to patients through electronic means. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of teleconsultation implementation in hospitals in the city of Cordoba from 2020 to 2022. A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was carried out, providing an online survey (Google Forms) to hospital representatives in Córdoba. Descriptive statistics were used. The study was conducted in 30 out of the 50 hospitals in the city, including 17 private (57%) and 13 public institutions (43%). Teleconsultation was provided by a higher percentage of private healthcare facilities (82%) compared to public ones (77%). The results showed that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was the main driver behind the implementation of teleconsultation, with 92% of all hospitals having implemented it due to the pandemic while the remaining 8% had already offered this service prior to the pandemic. The most requested services were Internal Medicine and Infectology, and phone calls were the most commonly used tool. Among the hospitals that did not offer teleconsultation, 67% did not plan to do so in the future, while the remaining 33% were making arrangements for its implementation in 2023. Although the pandemic catalyzed the implementation of teleconsultations in most hospitals, there are still some institutions that do not plan to incorporate this modality. This study provides valuable data for improving future medical care strategies in the city of Cordoba.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Virginia Boaglio
- Cátedra de Semiología UHMI N°2. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Argentina..
| | - Gianmarco Llarena Billia
- Cátedra de Semiología UHMI N°2. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Argentina .
| | - Ingrid Strusberg
- Cátedra de Semiología UHMI N°2. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Argentina.
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Al Hanaei A, AlKindi F, Alkhemeiri A, Nair SC. Gastrointestinal Bleeding in COVID-19 Infected Patients, and Management Outcomes. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:1145-1153. [PMID: 38559591 PMCID: PMC10981877 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s454841] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastrointestinal bleeding in COVID-19-infection poses unique challenges to patients owing to the high risk of concomitant respiratory failure. However, endoscopic care providers are prone to transmission. This study aimed to understand the risk and management outcomes of gastrointestinal bleeding in COVID-19-infected patients. Methods Data were abstracted from electronic patient medical records, using ICD 10 codes, and demographic and clinical data were collected, for COVID-19-infected patients who developed gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Complications related to COVID-19 infection and management outcomes of GI bleeding were studied. Statistically, descriptive analysis was used because of the small sample size. Results Eighteen COVID-19-infected patients developed episodes of GI bleeding, yielding a prevalence of 0.45%. Their mean age was 74.8 years, 55.5% were female, and 66.6% of patients (n=12) had upper GI bleeding symptoms, predominantly melena (55.5%), followed by coffee ground nasogastric aspirates (n=2). Only two patients (11.11%) had episodes of lower GI bleeding, and the remaining four patients (22.2%) had recurrent acute anemia requiring blood transfusion. The Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) at presentation ranged between 6 to 16 (mean 8.8) and seven patients (38.8%) underwent endoscopic evaluation for GI bleeding. The predominant comorbid conditions included hypertension (22.2%), diabetes mellitus (27.7%), chronic kidney disease (50%), ischemic heart disease (33%), atrial fibrillation (11.1%), and peripheral vascular disease (11.1%). The median hospitalization was 24.6 days (range: 3-54 days). The 30-day mortality rate in our cohort was 22.2%, (4/18) mainly noted in older patients aged> 60 years with comorbid conditions and severe COVID-19 infection. Conclusion The prevalence of GI bleeding observed in our cohort was approximately 0.45%, significantly lower than the global prevalence observed, majority (66%) had upper GI bleeding. The exact reasons for the observed low prevalence of GI bleeding cannot be explained and will be the subject of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnah Al Hanaei
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima AlKindi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aysha Alkhemeiri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Satish Chandrasekhar Nair
- Department of Academic Affairs, Tawam Hospital & the College of Medicine UAE University, Al Ain, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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50
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Barclay NL, Pineda Moncusí M, Jödicke AM, Prieto-Alhambra D, Raventós B, Newby D, Delmestri A, Man WY, Chen X, Català M. The impact of the UK COVID-19 lockdown on the screening, diagnostics and incidence of breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer in the UK: a population-based cohort study. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1370862. [PMID: 38601756 PMCID: PMC11004443 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1370862] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic had collateral effects on many health systems. Cancer screening and diagnostic tests were postponed, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment. This study assessed the impact of the pandemic on screening, diagnostics and incidence of breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer; and whether rates returned to pre-pandemic levels by December, 2021. Methods This is a cohort study of electronic health records from the United Kingdom (UK) primary care Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD database. The study included individuals registered with CPRD GOLD between January, 2017 and December, 2021, with at least 365 days of clinical history. The study focused on screening, diagnostic tests, referrals and diagnoses of first-ever breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer. Incidence rates (IR) were stratified by age, sex, and region, and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated to compare rates during and after lockdown with rates before lockdown. Forecasted rates were estimated using negative binomial regression models. Results Among 5,191,650 eligible participants, the first lockdown resulted in reduced screening and diagnostic tests for all cancers, which remained dramatically reduced across the whole observation period for almost all tests investigated. There were significant IRR reductions in breast (0.69 [95% CI: 0.63-0.74]), colorectal (0.74 [95% CI: 0.67-0.81]), and prostate (0.71 [95% CI: 0.66-0.78]) cancer diagnoses. IRR reductions for lung cancer were non-significant (0.92 [95% CI: 0.84-1.01]). Extrapolating to the entire UK population, an estimated 18,000 breast, 13,000 colorectal, 10,000 lung, and 21,000 prostate cancer diagnoses were missed from March, 2020 to December, 2021. Discussion The UK COVID-19 lockdown had a substantial impact on cancer screening, diagnostic tests, referrals, and diagnoses. Incidence rates remained significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels for breast and prostate cancers and associated tests by December, 2021. Delays in diagnosis are likely to have adverse consequences on cancer stage, treatment initiation, mortality rates, and years of life lost. Urgent strategies are needed to identify undiagnosed cases and address the long-term implications of delayed diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola L. Barclay
- Pharmaco− and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Pineda Moncusí
- Pharmaco− and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Annika M. Jödicke
- Pharmaco− and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Prieto-Alhambra
- Pharmaco− and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus Medical Center University, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Berta Raventós
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Danielle Newby
- Pharmaco− and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Delmestri
- Pharmaco− and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Wai Yi Man
- Pharmaco− and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xihang Chen
- Pharmaco− and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marti Català
- Pharmaco− and Device Epidemiology, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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