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Stutz C, Alcantara DMC, dos Santos CM, Torres JM, Rodrigues R, Marcon GEB, Ferreira EDC, Sarti ECFB, de Oliveira TF, Mendes FML, Lemos EF, Demarchi LHF, Lichs GGDC, Zardin MCSU, Gonçalves CCM, Guilhermino JDF, Perdomo RT, Fernandez ZDC. Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the school community in Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, October 2021-November 2022. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354786. [PMID: 38596680 PMCID: PMC11002276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction With the reopening of schools during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it was imperative to understand the role of students and education professionals in the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this paper, we determined the seroprevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibodies in the school community in Campo Grande, the capital and most populous city of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) and evaluated its association with sex, school level, and school type. Materials and methods The survey was carried out in 20 public and private schools in the urban region of Campo Grande using the TR DPP® COVID-19 immunoglobulin M/immunoglobulin G (IgM/IgG) kit from the Immunobiological Technology Institute (Bio-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Testing was carried out in three periods: from October to December 2021; from March to July 2022; and from August to November 2022. The participants were students aged 6-17 years enrolled in primary or secondary schools and professionals of different ages and roles. Results During the first testing period, 162 participants were seropositive for the IgM and/or IgG anti-nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, with an estimated seroprevalence of 19.6% using Bayesian multilevel regression. In the second period, 251 participants were seropositive (estimated seroprevalence, 34.6%), while in the third period, 393 participants were seroconverted (estimated seroprevalence, 56.7%). In 2022, there was an increase in the seroconversion rate compared to that in 2021. The most frequently described acute manifestations in the three periods were fever, headache, sore throat, and runny nose. In terms of the demographic profile, there was no predominance of seropositivity between the sexes, although women represented approximately 70% of the study population. There were also no differences between students and school staff. Discussion The results made it possible to evaluate the extent of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the school community through immunity developed against the virus, in addition to providing information about COVID-19 symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Stutz
- Fiocruz Ceará, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Eusébio, Ceará, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição (FACFAN), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Maria dos Santos
- Fiocruz Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jaire Marinho Torres
- Fiocruz Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rudielle Rodrigues
- Fiocruz Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo de Castro Ferreira
- Fiocruz Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | - Flavia Maria Lins Mendes
- Fiocruz Mato Grosso do Sul, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Everton Ferreira Lemos
- Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique Ferraz Demarchi
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (LACEN-MS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gislene Garcia de Castro Lichs
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (LACEN-MS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Crhistinne Cavalheiro Maymone Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Mato Grosso do Sul, Secretaria Adjunta de Estado, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Trentin Perdomo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição (FACFAN), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Cultura Celular da Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição (FACFAN), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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He C, Norton D, Temte JL, Barlow S, Goss M, Temte E, Bell C, Chen G, Uzicanin A. Effect of planned school breaks on student absenteeism due to influenza-like illness in school aged children-Oregon School District, Wisconsin September 2014-June 2019. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13244. [PMID: 38235373 PMCID: PMC10792089 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background School-aged children and school reopening dates have important roles in community influenza transmission. Although many studies evaluated the impact of reactive closures during seasonal and pandemic influenza outbreaks on medically attended influenza in surrounding communities, few assess the impact of planned breaks (i.e., school holidays) that coincide with influenza seasons, while accounting for differences in seasonal peak timing. Here, we analyze the effects of winter and spring breaks on influenza risk in school-aged children, measured by student absenteeism due to influenza-like illness (a-ILI). Methods We compared a-ILI counts in the 2-week periods before and after each winter and spring break over five consecutive years in a single school district. We introduced a "pseudo-break" of 9 days' duration between winter and spring break each year when school was still in session to serve as a control. The same analysis was applied to each pseudo-break to support any findings of true impact. Results We found strong associations between winter and spring breaks and a reduction in influenza risk, with a nearly 50% reduction in a-ILI counts post-break compared with the period before break, and the greatest impact when break coincided with increased local influenza activity while accounting for possible temporal and community risk confounders. Conclusions These findings suggest that brief breaks of in-person schooling, such as planned breaks lasting 9-16 calendar days, can effectively reduce influenza in schools and community spread. Additional analyses investigating the impact of well-timed shorter breaks on a-ILI may determine an optimal duration for brief school closures to effectively suppress community transmission of influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia He
- University of WisconsinMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amra Uzicanin
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Ndejjo R, Tusubiira AK, Kiwanuka SN, Bosonkie M, Bamgboye EA, Diallo I, Kabwama SN, Egbende L, Afolabi RF, Leye MMM, Namuhani N, Kashiya Y, Bello S, Babirye Z, Adebowale AS, Sougou M, Monje F, Kizito S, Dairo MD, Bassoum O, Namale A, Seck I, Fawole OI, Mapatano MA, Wanyenze RK. Consequences of school closures due to COVID-19 in DRC, Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002452. [PMID: 37844032 PMCID: PMC10578567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
In 2020 and 2021, Governments across the globe instituted school closures to reduce social interaction and interrupt COVID-19 transmission. We examined the consequences of school closures due to COVID-19 across four sub-Saharan African countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. We conducted a qualitative study among key informants including policymakers, school heads, students, parents, civil society representatives, and local leaders. The assessment of the consequences of school closures was informed by the Diffusion of Innovations theory which informed the interview guide and analysis. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Across the four countries, schools were totally closed for 120 weeks and partially closed for 48 weeks. School closures led to: i) Desirable and anticipated consequences: enhanced adoption of online platforms and mass media for learning and increased involvement of parents in their children's education. ii) Desirable and unanticipated consequences: improvement in information, communication, and technology (ICT) infrastructure in schools, development and improvement of computer skills, and created an opportunity to take leave from hectic schedules. iii) Undesirable anticipated consequences: inadequate education continuity among students, an adjustment in academic schedules and programmes, and disrupted student progress and grades. iv) Undesirable unanticipated: increase in sexual violence including engaging in transactional sex, a rise in teenage pregnancy, and school dropouts, demotivation of teachers due to reduced incomes, and reduced school revenues. v) Neutral consequences: engagement in revenue-generating activities, increased access to phones and computers among learners, and promoted less structured learning. The consequences of school closures for COVID-19 control were largely negative with the potential for both short-term and far-reaching longer-term consequences. In future pandemics, careful consideration of the type and duration of education closure measures and examination of their potential consequences in the short and long term is important before deploying them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawlance Ndejjo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew K. Tusubiira
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Suzanne N. Kiwanuka
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Marc Bosonkie
- Department of Nutrition, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Eniola A. Bamgboye
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Issakha Diallo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Amadou Hampaté Ba, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Steven N. Kabwama
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Landry Egbende
- Department of Nutrition, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Rotimi F. Afolabi
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mamadou Makhtar Mbacké Leye
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Noel Namuhani
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Yves Kashiya
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Segun Bello
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ziyada Babirye
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ayo Stephen Adebowale
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Marieme Sougou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Fred Monje
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Kizito
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Magbagbeola David Dairo
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Omar Bassoum
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Alice Namale
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ibrahima Seck
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Olufunmilayo I. Fawole
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mala Ali Mapatano
- Department of Nutrition, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Rhoda K. Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Severo M, Meireles P, Ribeiro AI, Morais V, Barros H. Measuring the clustering effect of the SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a school population: a cross-sectional study in a high incidence region. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16300. [PMID: 37770455 PMCID: PMC10539502 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42470-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a great deal of controversy regarding the role of schools in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the relative contribution of students, teachers, and others. To quantify the clustering effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection within classes and schools considering the seroprevalence of specific antibodies among students and school staff (teachers and non-teachers) evaluated in schools located in the Northern region of Portugal. 1517 individuals (1307 students and 210 school staff) from 4 public and 2 private schools, comprising daycare to secondary levels, were evaluated. A rapid point-of-care test for SARS-CoV-2 specific IgM and IgG antibodies was performed and a questionnaire was completed providing sociodemographic and clinical information. We calculated the seroprevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies and estimated the Median Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess the clustering effect, using a multilevel (school and class) logistic regression. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence (IgM or IgG) was 21.8% and 23.8% (p = 0.575) in students and school staff, respectively. A total of 84 (8.6%) students and 35 (16.7%) school staff reported a previous molecular diagnosis. Among students, those who reported high-risk contacts only at school (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 0.72-1.78) had a seroprevalence similar to those without high-risk contacts; however, seroprevalence was significantly higher among those who only reported a high-risk contact outside the school (OR = 6.56; 95% CI 3.68-11.72), or in both places (OR = 7.83; 95% CI 5.14-11.93). Similar associations were found for school staff. The median OR was 1.00 (95% CI 1.00, 1.38) at the school-level and 1.78 (95% CI 1.40, 2.06) at the class-level. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was similar between students and staff, without a clustering effect observed at the school level, and only a moderate clustering effect documented within classes. These results indicate that the mitigation measures in the school environment can prevent the spread of class outbreaks to the remaining school community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Severo
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal.
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas- Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Meireles
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Isabel Ribeiro
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vítor Morais
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique Barros
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
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Amendolara AB, Sant D, Rotstein HG, Fortune E. LSTM-based recurrent neural network provides effective short term flu forecasting. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1788. [PMID: 37710241 PMCID: PMC10500783 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16720-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza virus is responsible for a yearly epidemic in much of the world. To better predict short-term, seasonal variations in flu infection rates and possible mechanisms of yearly infection variation, we trained a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)-based deep neural network on historical Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI), climate, and population data. METHODS Data were collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI), and the United States Census Bureau. The model was initially built in Python using the Keras API and tuned manually. We explored the roles of temperature, precipitation, local wind speed, population size, vaccination rate, and vaccination efficacy. The model was validated using K-fold cross validation as well as forward chaining cross validation and compared to several standard algorithms. Finally, simulation data was generated in R and used for further exploration of the model. RESULTS We found that temperature is the strongest predictor of ILI rates, but also found that precipitation increased the predictive power of the network. Additionally, the proposed model achieved a +1 week prediction mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.1973. This is less than half of the MAE achieved by the next best performing algorithm. Additionally, the model accurately predicted simulation data. To test the role of temperature in the network, we phase-shifted temperature in time and found a predictable reduction in prediction accuracy. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that short term flu forecasting may be effectively accomplished using architectures traditionally reserved for time series analysis. The proposed LSTM-based model was able to outperform comparison models at the +1 week time point. Additionally, this model provided insight into the week-to-week effects of climatic and biotic factors and revealed potential patterns in data series. Specifically, we found that temperature is the strongest predictor of seasonal flu infection rates. This information may prove to be especially important for flu forecasting given the uncertain long-term impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on seasonal influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred B. Amendolara
- Department of Biomedical Science, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, Provo, USA
- Federated Department of Biology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, USA
| | - David Sant
- Department of Biomedical Science, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, Provo, USA
| | - Horacio G. Rotstein
- Federated Department of Biology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, USA
| | - Eric Fortune
- Federated Department of Biology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, USA
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Using real-time data to guide decision-making during an influenza pandemic: A modelling analysis. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010893. [PMID: 36848387 PMCID: PMC9997955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza pandemics typically occur in multiple waves of infection, often associated with initial emergence of a novel virus, followed (in temperate regions) by a resurgence accompanying the onset of the annual influenza season. Here, we examined whether data collected from an initial pandemic wave could be informative, for the need to implement non-pharmaceutical measures in any resurgent wave. Drawing from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in 10 states in the USA, we calibrated simple mathematical models of influenza transmission dynamics to data for laboratory confirmed hospitalisations during the initial 'spring' wave. We then projected pandemic outcomes (cumulative hospitalisations) during the fall wave, and compared these projections with data. Model results showed reasonable agreement for all states that reported a substantial number of cases in the spring wave. Using this model we propose a probabilistic decision framework that can be used to determine the need for preemptive measures such as postponing school openings, in advance of a fall wave. This work illustrates how model-based evidence synthesis, in real-time during an early pandemic wave, could be used to inform timely decisions for pandemic response.
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7
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Jallul M, Elgriw N, Eltaib FI, Al Dwigen SM, Elfallah A, Elgheriani HM, Atwear WS, Milad MB, Alhudiri IM, Elzagheid A. Parents' concerns and attitudes towards school reopening during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey-Tripoli, Libya, 2021. Libyan J Med 2022; 17:2087847. [PMID: 35791596 PMCID: PMC9262368 DOI: 10.1080/19932820.2022.2087847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The issue of school reopening has raised several concerns; therefore, the parent's opinion is essential to consider. This study aimed to evaluate the parent's attitudes and concerns toward school reopening in the COVID-19 era. A cross-sectional survey was performed using in-person self-administered questionnaires, the data was collected in the period between January and April 2021 covering parents' concerns and attitudes toward school reopening. A total of 402 parents participated in the survey. Analysis showed that 56.7% of parents have agreed with school reopening, but 54% have raised some legitimate concerns. Importantly, there was a strong correlation between parents' opinions towards school reopening and their level of education, and their concerns about their children's safety if the school was reopened. Despite parents' concerns, it does seem that slightly over half were in favour of school reopening and would send their children to school only if the schools did apply strict precautions and restriction measures. Sharing parents' views toward school reopening with school leaders and decision-makers is important to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of return to schools and to improve existing prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwada Jallul
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Nada Elgriw
- Department of Microbiology, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Farag I Eltaib
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Samira M Al Dwigen
- Department of Cell Biology, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Asma Elfallah
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Hajer M Elgheriani
- Department of Microbiology, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Wafeya S Atwear
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Mohamed Burid Milad
- Department of Cell Biology, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Inas M Alhudiri
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Adam Elzagheid
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Libyan Centre for Biotechnology Research, Tripoli, Libya
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Arrona-Palacios A, Rebolledo-Mendez G, Escamilla J, Hosseini S, Duffy J. Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on sleep duration, sleep quality and burnout in faculty members of higher education in Mexico. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022; 27:2985-2993. [PMID: 35894312 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232022278.04322021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to assess the differences and associations of the effect of COVID-19 on sleep habits, sleep quality, and burnout symptoms among faculty members of higher education in Mexico. This was a cross-sectional study with a total sample of 214 faculty members of higher education from Mexico between May 18th and June 10th of 2020. We applied questionnaires containing sociodemographic and specific questions regarding sleep habits, sleep quality, and burnout symptoms. The results show that during COVID-19 faculty members delayed their bedtime and rise time. No change was found with weekdays time in bed, however, during weekends, time in bed was more than an hour shorter. Social jetlag decreased significantly during COVID-19. Furthermore, during COVID-19, those who reported low sleep quality were more likely to report higher symptoms of emotional exhaustion and those who slept less on weekends were more likely to report higher symptoms of depersonalization. These results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may have an effect on sleep and sleep quality and burnout symptoms of faculty members from higher education in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Arrona-Palacios
- Writing Lab, Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey. Monterrey Campus. Monterrey NL Mexico. .,Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital. Boston MA USA.,Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Boston MA USA
| | - Genaro Rebolledo-Mendez
- Writing Lab, Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey. Monterrey Campus. Monterrey NL Mexico.
| | - Jose Escamilla
- Writing Lab, Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey. Monterrey Campus. Monterrey NL Mexico.
| | - Samira Hosseini
- Writing Lab, Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey. Monterrey Campus. Monterrey NL Mexico. .,School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey. Monterrey NL Mexico
| | - Jeanne Duffy
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital. Boston MA USA.,Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Boston MA USA
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Moawad RA. Using WhatsApp During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Emotions and Perceptions of Users. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:2369-2381. [PMID: 36062031 PMCID: PMC9439644 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s367724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Purpose Methods and Participants Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruba AbdelMatloub Moawad
- Psychology Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: Ruba AbdelMatloub Moawad, Email
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10
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Donaldson AL, Harris JP, Vivancos R, O'Brien SJ. Can cases and outbreaks of norovirus in children provide an early warning of seasonal norovirus infection: an analysis of nine seasons of surveillance data in England UK. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1393. [PMID: 35858892 PMCID: PMC9301858 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13771-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children are important transmitters of norovirus infection and there is evidence that laboratory reports in children increase earlier in the norovirus season than in adults. This raises the question as to whether cases and outbreaks in children could provide an early warning of seasonal norovirus before cases start increasing in older, more vulnerable age groups. Methods This study uses weekly national surveillance data on reported outbreaks within schools, care homes and hospitals, general practice (GP) consultations for infectious intestinal disease (IID), telehealth calls for diarrhoea and/or vomiting and laboratory norovirus reports from across England, UK for nine norovirus seasons (2010/11–2018/19). Lagged correlation analysis was undertaken to identify lead or lag times between cases in children and those in adults for each surveillance dataset. A partial correlation analysis explored whether school outbreaks provided a lead time ahead of other surveillance indicators, controlling for breaks in the data due to school holidays. A breakpoint analysis was used to identify which surveillance indicator and age group provided the earliest warning of the norovirus season each year. Results School outbreaks occurred 3-weeks before care home and hospital outbreaks, norovirus laboratory reports and NHS 111 calls for diarrhoea, and provided a 2-week lead time ahead of NHS 111 calls for vomiting. Children provided a lead time ahead of adults for norovirus laboratory reports (+ 1–2 weeks), NHS 111 calls for vomiting (+ 1 week) and NHS 111 calls for diarrhoea (+ 1 week) but occurred concurrently with adults for GP consultations. Breakpoint analysis revealed an earlier seasonal increase in cases among children compared to adults for laboratory, GP and NHS 111 data, with school outbreaks increasing earlier than other surveillance indicators in five out of nine surveillance years. Conclusion These findings suggest that monitoring cases and outbreaks of norovirus in children could provide an early warning of seasonal norovirus infection. However, both school outbreak data and syndromic surveillance data are not norovirus specific and will also capture other causes of IID. The use of school outbreak data as an early warning indicator may be improved by enhancing sampling in community outbreaks to confirm the causative organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Donaldson
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. .,Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, 2nd Floor, Block F, Waterhouse Buildings, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK. .,Field Epidemiology Service, Public Health England, Liverpool, UK.
| | - John P Harris
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, 2nd Floor, Block F, Waterhouse Buildings, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK.,Cumbria and Lancashire Health Protection Team, Public Health England, Preston, UK
| | - Roberto Vivancos
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Field Epidemiology Service, Public Health England, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah J O'Brien
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, 2nd Floor, Block F, Waterhouse Buildings, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
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11
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Lokhande T, Yang X, Xie Y, Cook K, Liang J, LaBelle S, Meyers C. GIS-based classroom management system to support COVID-19 social distance planning. COMPUTATIONAL URBAN SCIENCE 2022; 2:11. [PMID: 35669158 PMCID: PMC9143716 DOI: 10.1007/s43762-022-00040-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Schools across the United States and around the world canceled in-person classes beginning in March 2020 to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a public health emergency. Many empirical pieces of research have demonstrated that educational institutions aid students’ overall growth and studies have stressed the importance of prioritizing in-person learning to cultivate social values through education. Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers and school administrators have been making plans to reopen schools. However, few scientific studies had been done to support planning classroom seating while complying with the social distancing policy. To ensure a safe return to campus, we designed a ‘community-safe’ method for classroom management that incorporates social distancing and computes seating capacity. In this paper, we present custom GIS tools developed for two types of classroom settings – classrooms with fixed seating and classrooms with movable seating. The fixed model tool is based on an optimized backtracking algorithm. Our flexible model tool can consider various classroom dimensions, fixtures, and a safe social distance. The tool is built on a python script that can be executed to calculate revised seating capacity to maintain a safe social distance for any defined space. We present a real-world implementation of the system at Eastern Michigan University, United States, where it was used to support campus reopening planning in 2020. Our proposed GIS-based technique could be applicable for seating planning in other indoor and outdoor settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trupti Lokhande
- Department of Geography and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA
| | - Xining Yang
- Department of Geography and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA.,Institute of Geospatial Research and Education, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA
| | - Yichun Xie
- Department of Geography and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA.,Institute of Geospatial Research and Education, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA
| | - Katherine Cook
- Department of Geography and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA
| | - Jianyuan Liang
- Department of Geography and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA
| | - Shannon LaBelle
- Department of Geography and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA
| | - Cassidy Meyers
- Department of Geography and Geology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 USA
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12
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Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Related to Self-Testing Procedure against COVID-19 among Greek Students: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084559. [PMID: 35457427 PMCID: PMC9026819 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on health, economy, society and education. In the effort to return to normalcy, according to the instructions of the Greek Government for the resumption of the operation of schools, a screening Rapid Antigen Detection Test with the method of self-testing is required for students twice per week, for the early identification and isolation of positive cases. We aimed to pivotally investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to self-testing procedures against COVID-19 among Greek students. A questionnaire was distributed to a convenient sample of students in the region of Athens. Information about the vaccination coverage against SARS-CoV-2 was also obtained. Our study included 1000 students, with 70% of them having an average grade at school. Most of the participants were aware of coronavirus (98.6%) and the self-test (95.5%). The vast majority of students (97%) performed self-testing twice per week, with the 70% them being assisted by someone else. Nearly one sixth of the participants had been infected by COVID-19 (14%) while 36% of them have already been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, we report high compliance with the COVID-19 self-testing procedure among students in Attica, Greece. Older age adolescents are more likely to not comply with the regulations of self-testing. Consequently, tailored interventions targeted at older age adolescents are warranted in order to increase the acceptability of self-testing.
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13
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Forster J, Streng A, Rudolph P, Rücker V, Wallstabe J, Timme S, Pietsch F, Hartmann K, Krauthausen M, Schmidt J, Ludwig T, Gierszewski D, Jans T, Engels G, Weißbrich B, Romanos M, Dölken L, Heuschmann P, Härtel C, Gágyor I, Figge MT, Kurzai O, Liese J. Feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance Testing Among Children and Childcare Workers at German Day Care Centers: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2142057. [PMID: 34982157 PMCID: PMC8728621 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.42057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Closure of day care centers has been implemented globally to contain the COVID-19 pandemic but has negative effects on children's health and psychosocial well-being. OBJECTIVE To investigate the feasibility of surveillance among children and childcare workers and to model the efficacy of surveillance on viral spread prevention. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted at 9 day care centers in Wuerzburg, Germany, from October 2020 to March 2021. Participants included children attending day care, childcare workers, and household members. Participating day care centers were assigned to different surveillance modules in a nonrandomized feasibility study. A mathematical model for SARS-CoV-2 spread in day care centers was developed to identify optimal surveillance. INTERVENTIONS Modules 1, 2, and 3 involved continuous surveillance of asymptomatic children and childcare workers by SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction testing of either midturbinate nasal swabs twice weekly (module 1) or once weekly (module 2) or self-sampled saliva samples twice weekly (module 3). Module 4 involved symptom-based, on-demand testing of children, childcare workers, and their household members by oropharyngeal swabs. All participants underwent SARS-CoV-2 antibody status testing before and after the sampling period. Questionnaires on attitudes and perception of the pandemic were administered in weeks 1, 6, and 12. Mathematical modeling was used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 spread in day care centers. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes were acceptance of the respective surveillance protocols (feasibility study) and the estimated number of secondary infections (mathematical modeling). RESULTS Of 954 eligible individuals (772 children and 182 childcare workers), 592 (62%), including 442 children (median [IQR] age, 3 [2-4] years; 214 [48.6%] female) and 150 childcare workers (median [IQR] age, 29 [25-44] years; 129 [90.8%] female) participated in the surveillance. In total, 4755 tests for SARS-CoV-2 detected 2 infections (1 childcare worker and 1 adult household member). Acceptance for continuous surveillance was highest for biweekly saliva testing (150 of 221 eligible individuals [67.9%; 95% CI, 61.5%-73.7%]) compared with biweekly (51 of 117 individuals [43.6%; 95% CI, 35.0%-52.6%]) and weekly (44 of 128 individuals [34.4%; 95% CI, 26.7%-43.0%]) midturbinate swabbing (P < .001). Dropout rates were higher for midturbinate swabbing (biweekly, 11 of 62 participants [18%]; once weekly, 11 of 55 participants [20%]) than for saliva testing (6 of 156 participants [4%]). Mathematical modeling based on study and literature data identified biweekly testing of at least 50% of children and childcare workers as minimal requirements to limit secondary infections. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this nonrandomized controlled trial, surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in 9 German day care centers was feasible and well accepted. Mathematical modeling estimated that testing can minimize the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in day care centers. These findings enable setup of surveillance programs to maintain institutional childcare. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Registry for Clinical Trials Identifier: DRKS00023721.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Forster
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Streng
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Paul Rudolph
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Viktoria Rücker
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Wallstabe
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Timme
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Franziska Pietsch
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Maike Krauthausen
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Schmidt
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Timo Ludwig
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - David Gierszewski
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Jans
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Geraldine Engels
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Weißbrich
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Romanos
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lars Dölken
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Heuschmann
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Clinical Trial Center Wuerzburg, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Härtel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ildikó Gágyor
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Johannes Liese
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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14
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Yamamoto H, Morikawa Y, Hagiwara Y, Hataya H. Pediatric emergency healthcare utilization during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Tokyo. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e14936. [PMID: 34324761 PMCID: PMC8447143 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various public health interventions have been implemented against the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We investigated changes in pediatric emergency healthcare utilization during the current pandemic. METHODS Based on data on outpatient healthcare visits to one pediatric emergency department in Tokyo, Japan, the descriptive, cross-sectional study compared the number of emergency department visits in 2020 to the number in the previous 3 years. Data were extracted from the electronic triage reporting system. The primary outcome was the number of emergency department visits. The characteristics of patients by age group were also investigated. RESULTS A 40.6% reduction in pediatric emergency healthcare utilization was observed during the study period, with the greatest decrease occurring in the number of visits for fever. However, while the number of patients with a complaint with an exogenous cause decreased, the proportion of these patients increased. Although social activities in the greater community have now almost normalized, and only a slight increase in the number of patients with fever has been reported, the number of emergency department visits remains lower than in previous years as of this writing. CONCLUSIONS Public health interventions led to a reduction in emergency department visits, thereby allowing time to redistribute health-care resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroo Yamamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Morikawa
- Clinical Research Support Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Hagiwara
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatric Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hataya
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Chambonnière C, Fearnbach N, Pelissier L, Genin P, Fillon A, Boscaro A, Bonjean L, Bailly M, Siroux J, Guirado T, Pereira B, Thivel D, Duclos M. Adverse Collateral Effects of COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions on Physical Fitness and Cognitive Performance in Primary School Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111099. [PMID: 34769619 PMCID: PMC8583224 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the COVID-19-related confinement and social restrictions affected the levels of physical fitness and academic achievement in primary school French children. A total of 206 primary school children (106 before confinements and 100 after restrictions) completed a test battery evaluating their anthropometric characteristics, body compositions, activity preferences, cognitive performances and physical fitness. The performance of the Standing Long Jump was better at T0 (169.9 ± 142.5 cm) compared to T1 (135.2 ± 31.4 cm) (p = 0.0367), and the Medicine Ball Throw performance declined from T0 to T1 (297.3 ± 81.1 cm vs. 249 ± 52 cm; p < 0.0001). Motor skills (26.9 ± 6.2 s vs. 30.9 ± 5.4 s; p < 0.0001), the shuttle-run test (stages completed), Maximal Aerobic Speed, and the estimated VO2max were lower at T1 compared to T0 (p < 0.0001). Executive functioning was found to be greater at T0 compared to T1 (p < 0.0001). Explicit liking or wanting for sedentary or physical activities did not change between T0 and T1. Both overall physical fitness and cognitive performance drastically declined among primary school French children with the COVID-19-related public health restrictions, which reinforces the need to urgently develop preventive strategies in anticipation of further mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Chambonnière
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (C.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (J.S.); (T.G.); (D.T.)
| | - Nicole Fearnbach
- Clinical Sciences Division, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Léna Pelissier
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (C.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (J.S.); (T.G.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Pauline Genin
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (P.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Alicia Fillon
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (C.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (J.S.); (T.G.); (D.T.)
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (P.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Audrey Boscaro
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (C.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (J.S.); (T.G.); (D.T.)
| | - Line Bonjean
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (C.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (J.S.); (T.G.); (D.T.)
| | - Mélina Bailly
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (C.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (J.S.); (T.G.); (D.T.)
| | - Julie Siroux
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (C.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (J.S.); (T.G.); (D.T.)
| | - Terry Guirado
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (C.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (J.S.); (T.G.); (D.T.)
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Biostatistics Unit, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
| | - David Thivel
- Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (C.C.); (A.F.); (A.B.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (J.S.); (T.G.); (D.T.)
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (P.G.); (M.D.)
- Clermont Auvergne University Foundation, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Martine Duclos
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (P.G.); (M.D.)
- Clermont Auvergne University Foundation, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UFR Medicine, Clermont Auvergne University, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- INRA, UMR 1019, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, G. Montpied Hospital, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Aqeel M, Abbas J, Shuja KH, Rehna T, Ziapour A, Yousaf I, Karamat T. The influence of illness perception, anxiety and depression disorders on students mental health during COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan: a Web-based cross-sectional survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HEALTHCARE 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/ijhrh-10-2020-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Since the emergence of a coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) in December 2019, the whole world is in a state of chaos. Isolation strategy with quarantine is a useful model in controlling transmission and rapid spread. As a result, people remained at home and disrupted their outside daily activities. It led to the closure of educational institutes, which is a source of many students to cope with numerous personal and familial issues. This study aims to focus on exploring the relationships and potential mediational pathways between mental health problems, illness perception, anxiety and depression disorders.
Design/methodology/approach
The study incorporated snowball sampling techniques through a cross-sectional, Web-based survey and recruited 500 students from different universities of twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad from March 23 to April 15, 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak lockdown. The study used four instruments, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for assessing depression, anxiety, illness perception and mental health disorders.
Findings
The findings indicated normal (43.2%), mild (20.5%), moderate (13.6%) and severe (22.7%) levels of anxiety prevalence in students. Results specified a normal (65.9%), mild (9.10%), moderate (9.12%) and severe (15.90%) depression prevalence and findings stipulated that anxiety disorder prevalence was higher than depression disorder. The correlational results specified a negative and significant relationship between mental health, illness perception, anxiety and depression symptoms. The multiple regression analysis stated that anxiety and depression disorders mediated the relationship between mental health and present illness perception. The perception of illness exhibited a relation to depression and anxiety disorders.
Originality/value
The study proposed a model to address mental health problems during the lockdown. The (2019-nCoV) illness perception developed mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, which has declined individuals’ mental health. There is an urgent need for ongoing clinical examination and management to address psychological disorders and findings suggest assessing mental health to combatting the pandemic worldwide. Findings recommend developing strategies to promote mental health-care facilities during COVID-19 wide-ranging disasters. These results highlight the impending importance of devising strategies to treat mental health problems.
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17
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Experiences of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic from the perspectives of young people: Rapid qualitative study. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2021; 2:100162. [PMID: 34254057 PMCID: PMC8264271 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Young people are considered at lower risk from coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). However, measures to limit the population health impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic have caused significant disruptions to their lives. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of young people predominantly living in the south-west of England during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design Rapid qualitative study. Methods Following advertisement on social media, a purposive sample of young people by age and gender who had expressed an interest were invited to participate. In June 2020, 21 young people (12–17 years) took part in 18 semi-structured interviews, either through a digital platform or by telephone. Interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken, assisted by NVvivo Software. Results Young people felt the greatest impacts of the pandemic have been disruption to how they learned because of school closures and limited face-to-face interaction with their social networks. There was variation in terms of how satisfied young people were with self-directed learning at home, and some anxieties in relation to its effectiveness outside the school environment. Most young people reported maintaining social relationships remotely, but some young people appeared to have little social interaction outside their household. High levels of adherence to social distancing and handwashing were reported, which could lead to a sense of injustice resulting from visibility of other people breaching social distancing guidance. Young people were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 if a vaccine became available, with the greatest motivator being to protect others above themselves. Conclusions Young people have experienced significant disruption to their education and social networks during the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdown, high levels of compliance to government public health guidelines to reduce transmission of COVID-19 were reported by young people. If an effective vaccine is developed, a schools-based vaccination programme could be an efficient method to interrupt transmission to more at-risk populations and prevent further disruptions to young people's education. Young people reported mixed experiences of self-directed learning at home. Judgements against those not adhering to social-distancing guidelines were apparent. Motivations to be vaccinated against COVID-19 were driven by high levels of altruism.
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Lee H, Lee H, Song KH, Kim ES, Park JS, Jung J, Ahn S, Jeong EK, Park H, Kim HB. Impact of Public Health Interventions on Seasonal Influenza Activity During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Korea. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e132-e140. [PMID: 32472687 PMCID: PMC7314207 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 was introduced in Korea early and experienced a large outbreak in mid-February. We aimed to review the public health interventions used during the COVID-19 outbreak and describe the impact on seasonal influenza activity in Korea. Methods National response strategies and public health interventions, along with daily COVID-19 confirmed cases in Korea were reviewed during the pandemic. National influenza surveillance data were compared between seven sequential seasons. Characteristics of each season, including the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI), duration of epidemic, date of termination of epidemic, distribution of influenza virus strain and hospitalization were analyzed. Results After various public health interventions including enforced public education on hand hygiene, cough etiquette and staying at home with respiratory symptoms, universal mask use in public places, refrain from non-essential social activities and school closure, the duration of the influenza epidemic in 2019/2020 decreased by 6-12 weeks and the influenza activity peak rated 49.8 ILI/1,000 visits compared to 71.9-86.2 ILI/1,000 visits of previous seasons. During the period of enforced social distancing from week 9 to 17 of 2020, influenza hospitalization cases were 11.9-26.9-fold lower compared with previous seasons. During the 2019/2020 season, influenza B accounted for only 4%, in contrast with previous seasons in which influenza B accounted for 26.6% to 54.9% of all cases. Conclusions Efforts to activate high level national response not only led to a decrease in COVID-19, but also substantial decrease in seasonal influenza activity. Interventions applied to control COVID-19 may serve as useful strategies for prevention and control of influenza in upcoming seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.,Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heeyoung Lee
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Center for Public Health, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Song
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Eu Suk Kim
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Su Park
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongtak Jung
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Ahn
- Department of Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyeong Jeong
- Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyekyung Park
- Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Bin Kim
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Cheng HC, Lu SL, Yen YC, Siewchaisakul P, Yen AMF, Chen SLS. Dental education changed by COVID-19: Student's perceptions and attitudes. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:364. [PMID: 34217279 PMCID: PMC8254053 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02806-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental students have encountered changes in the teaching format amid the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. This study aims to evaluate the attitudes of dental students of one medical university toward online courses and compare them with those of non-dental students amid the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional survey with a self-report online questionnaire was conducted at the medical university in May 2020 in Taipei. Students from the School of Dentistry, School of Dental Technology, and School of Oral Hygiene Study were enrolled in our survey. RESULTS In total, 473 students responded to the survey, 318 (67.2%) of whom were dental students. Overall, 366 (77%) students agreed with the change to online learning. Only 10.4% of students thought that dental professional courses with a laboratory format could be changed to online courses. Dental students were significantly more worried than non-dental students about being infected with COVID-19 and about the COVID-19 pandemic continuing. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, changing to online learning seems to be perceived as feasible by students. However, more discussion about changing dental professional courses with a laboratory format to online courses considering the attitudes from students is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Chung Cheng
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No.250, Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Division of Orthodontics, Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Sao-Lun Lu
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No.250, Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Yen
- Research Center of Biostatistics, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Amy Ming-Fang Yen
- School of Oral Hygiene, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No.250, Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Sam Li-Sheng Chen
- School of Oral Hygiene, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No.250, Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
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Abstract
Seasonal influenza kills many hundreds of thousands of people every year. We argue that the current pandemic has lessons we should learn concerning how we should respond to it. Our response to the COVID-19 not only provides us with tools for confronting influenza; it also changes our sense of what is possible. The recognition of how dramatic policy responses to COVID-19 were and how widespread their general acceptance has been allowed us to imagine new and more sweeping responses to influenza. In fact, we not only can grasp how we can reduce its toll; this new knowledge entails new responsibilities to do so. We outline a range of potential interventions to alter social norms and to change structures to reduce influenza transmission, and consider ethical objections to our proposals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Levy
- Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford
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21
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Stassart C, Wagener A, Etienne AM. Parents' Perceived Impact of the Societal Lockdown of COVID-19 on Family Well-Being and on the Emotional and Behavioral State of Walloon Belgian Children Aged 4 to 13 Years: An Exploratory Study. Psychol Belg 2021; 61:186-199. [PMID: 34249370 PMCID: PMC8252974 DOI: 10.5334/pb.1059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This exploratory study assessed parents' perceptions of the emotional and behavioral impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on their children. The total sample included 749 children, aged 4 to 13 years old (353 girls, 396 boys); 524 parents took part. The emotional and behavioral changes observed during the societal lockdown, family coexistence, the impact of COVID-19 on family well-being, and the frequency of social contacts before and during this lockdown were investigated. Results show that the most frequently reported difficulties were worry, agitation, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, nervousness, arguing, anger, frustration, boredom, irritability, behavioral problems, and laziness. Family coexistence declined significantly during this lockdown, and parents mentioned that COVID-19 had an impact on family well-being. Various ordinal logistic regressions showed that family coexistence, children's nervousness due to COVID-19, the impact of COVID-19 on family well-being, age, and social contacts before and during this lockdown seemed to explain the various emotional and behavioral changes observed in children during the societal lockdown. These results are discussed and recommendations are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Stassart
- Inter University Health and Society Research Unit (URiSS), Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - A. Wagener
- Inter University Health and Society Research Unit (URiSS), Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - A.-M. Etienne
- Inter University Health and Society Research Unit (URiSS), Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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22
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Kleynhans J, Tempia S, McMorrow ML, von Gottberg A, Martinson NA, Kahn K, Moyes J, Mkhencele T, Lebina L, Gómez-Olivé FX, Wafawanaka F, Mathunjwa A, Cohen C. A cross-sectional study measuring contact patterns using diaries in an urban and a rural community in South Africa, 2018. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1055. [PMID: 34078327 PMCID: PMC8172361 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11136-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Describing contact patterns is crucial to understanding infectious disease transmission dynamics and guiding targeted transmission mitigation interventions. Data on contact patterns in Africa, especially South Africa, are limited. We measured and compared contact patterns in a rural and urban community, South Africa. We assessed participant and contact characteristics associated with differences in contact rates. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study nested in a prospective household cohort study. We interviewed participants to collect information on persons in contact with for one day. We described self-reported contact rates as median number people contacted per day, assessed differences in contact rates based on participant characteristics using quantile regression, and used a Poisson model to assess differences in contact rates based on contact characteristics within age groups. We also calculated cumulative person hours in contact within age groups at different locations. RESULTS We conducted 535 interviews (269 rural, 266 urban), with 17,252 contacts reported. The overall contact rate was 14 (interquartile range (IQR) 9-33) contacts per day. Those ≤18 years had higher contact rates at the rural site (coefficient 17, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 10-23) compared to the urban site, for those aged 14-18 years (13, 95%CI 3-23) compared to < 7 years. No differences were observed for adults. There was a strong age-based mixing, with age groups interacting more with similar age groups, but also interaction of participants of all ages with adults. Children aged 14-18 years had the highest cumulative person hours in contact (116.3 rural and 76.4 urban). CONCLUSIONS Age played an important role in the number and duration of contact events, with children at the rural site having almost double the contact rate compared to the urban site. These contact rates can be utilized in mathematical models to assess transmission dynamics of infectious diseases in similar communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Kleynhans
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Stefano Tempia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
- MassGenics, Duluth, Georgia, USA
| | - Meredith L McMorrow
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
- United States Public Health Service, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Anne von Gottberg
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Neil A Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Tuberculosis Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jocelyn Moyes
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thulisa Mkhencele
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Limakatso Lebina
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Floidy Wafawanaka
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Azwifarwi Mathunjwa
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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O'Kane SM, Lahart IM, Gallagher AM, Carlin A, Faulkner M, Jago R, Murphy MH. Changes in Physical Activity, Sleep, Mental Health, and Social Media Use During COVID-19 Lockdown Among Adolescent Girls: A Mixed-Methods Study. J Phys Act Health 2021; 18:677-685. [PMID: 33979779 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To suppress the transmission of coronavirus, many governments, including that of the island of Ireland, implemented a societal lockdown, which included school closures, limits on social gatherings, and time outdoors. This study aimed to evaluate changes in physical activity (PA), mental health, sleep, and social media use among adolescent girls during lockdown. METHODS 281 female pupils (12-14 y) taking part in the ongoing Walking In Schools study on the island of Ireland self-reported PA, mental health, sleep, and social media use before (September-October 2019) and during lockdown (May-June 2020), via questionnaires. These were supplemented with open-ended structured interviews conducted with 16 girls during lockdown. RESULTS During the period of lockdown and school closures, pupils tried new forms of PA and undertook PA with family, but there was no significant change in self-reported PA. There was a decline in health-related quality of life and motivation for exercise; however, self-efficacy for walking and happiness with appearance increased. There was no change in sleep quality or social media usage. CONCLUSIONS Despite the many challenges that schools face as they reopen, there is a need to continue to prioritize PA and motivation for exercise to support health and well-being in adolescent girls.
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24
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Anwar YAS, Muti'ah M. Exploration of the scientific papers and self-assessment of students using the COVID-19 case on biochemistry course. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 49:326-332. [PMID: 33053608 PMCID: PMC7675370 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a case that can be used as a biochemistry learning resource in relation to the topic of viruses. Learning to use cases will be effective if students are assigned to produce reports, articles, or other scientific papers. Self-assessment can be used to assess the competencies that have been learnt in the writing process. This study aims to analyze the scientific papers and self-assessment of students using the COVID-19 pandemic case. It includes qualitative research with scientific paper and self-assessment questionnaire analyses. The research sample was chemistry education study program students (N = 57) following biochemistry course, out of a population of 87 students. The results show that the students have a good understanding of explaining COVID-19. Self-assessment analysis shows that 80% of the students responded positively to eight statements; those who gave positive responses to each questionnaire statement were able to produce scientific papers. Good self-assessment is in line with the ability of students to compile good scientific papers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunita Arian Sani Anwar
- Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and EducationUniversitas MataramMataramIndonesia
| | - Muti'ah Muti'ah
- Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and EducationUniversitas MataramMataramIndonesia
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25
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Impact of COVID-19 on School-Aged Male and Female Health-Related Fitness Markers. Pediatr Exerc Sci 2021; 33:61-64. [PMID: 33773489 DOI: 10.1123/pes.2020-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 on male and female anthropometric variables and physical performance. METHODS This study utilized a mixed (time [PRE vs POST], gender [male vs female]) methods design to examine changes in the body mass index and physical fitness performance measures prior to and following closures. Data were collected from 264 third through eighth graders. This sample consisted of 131 males and 133 females. The data was collected through anthropometric (body mass index) and physical performance measures and was analyzed with separate 2 × 2 mixed-factorial analyses of variance (time [PRE, POST] × gender [male, female]). RESULTS The findings indicated both males and females exhibited mean increases in the body mass index (+10.6%; 18.8-20.8 kg·m-2, P < .001, partial η2 = .627) and decreases in push-ups (-35.6%; 7.3-4.7 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .371), sit-ups (-19.4%; 22.7-18.3 repetitions, P < .001, partial η2 = .420), and the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test (-26.7%; 31.4-22.4 laps, P < .001, partial η2 = .644) scores from PRE to POST. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate that both males and females exhibited significant anthropometric and physical performance losses during the Coronavirus disease 2019 shutdown.
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26
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Bloise F, Tancioni M. Predicting the spread of COVID-19 in Italy using machine learning: Do socio-economic factors matter? STRUCTURAL CHANGE AND ECONOMIC DYNAMICS 2021; 56:310-329. [PMID: 35317020 PMCID: PMC7994006 DOI: 10.1016/j.strueco.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We exploit the provincial variability of COVID-19 cases registered in Italy to select the territorial predictors of the pandemic. Absent an established theoretical diffusion model, we apply machine learning to isolate, among 77 potential predictors, those that minimize the out-of-sample prediction error. We first estimate the model considering cumulative cases registered before the containment measures displayed their effects (i.e. at the peak of the epidemic in March 2020), then cases registered between the peak date and when containment measures were relaxed in early June. In the first estimate, the results highlight the dominance of factors related to the intensity and interactions of economic activities. In the second, the relevance of these variables is highly reduced, suggesting mitigation of the pandemic following the lockdown of the economy. Finally, by considering cases at onset of the "second wave", we confirm that the territorial distribution of the epidemic is associated with economic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Massimiliano Tancioni
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Economics and Law, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Rome, Italy
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27
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Polcwiartek LB, Polcwiartek C, Andersen MP, Østergaard L, Broccia MD, Gislason GH, Køber L, Torp-Pedersen C, Schou M, Fosbøl E, Kragholm K, Hagstrøm S. Consequences of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) lockdown on infection-related hospitalizations among the pediatric population in Denmark. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:1955-1963. [PMID: 33555426 PMCID: PMC7868522 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-03934-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It remains unknown how Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) prevention measures implemented on March 12, 2020, have affected the rate of pediatric infection-related hospitalizations in Denmark. Therefore, we investigated the rate of pediatric infection-related hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used a retrospective cohort design and included all Danish children < 18 years. Infection-related hospitalizations were assessed during study periods in 2020 vs. 2018/2019, and we computed incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Poisson regression. In the 2020 study period, 3093 children were hospitalized with an infection, while the corresponding figures for 2018 and 2019 study periods were 4824 and 3830, respectively. When comparing the 2020 to the 2018/2019 study period prior to nationwide lockdown, we observed a decline in infection-related hospitalizations (12.68 (95% CI, 12.22-13.16) vs. 15.49 (95% CI, 15.12-15.86) per 1000 person-years). We further observed decreased IRRs, especially during the lockdown period (week 11: 0.64 (95% CI, 0.55-0.75); week 12: 0.26 (95% CI, 0.21-0.33); week 13: 0.13 (95% CI, 0.10-0.19)).Conclusion: The rate of pediatric infection-related hospitalizations in Denmark declined during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to that in 2018/2019, with a 36% decline during initiation of the nationwide lockdown period. What is Known: • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries have implemented mitigation strategies such as lockdown of non-critical business functions. Most of these strategies have previously been proven effective on interruption of infection transmission. • It remains unclear how the mitigation strategies have affected the rate of pediatric infection-related hospitalizations. What is New: • Insight on how COVID-19 prevention measures have affected the frequency of infection-related hospitalization. • Valuable knowledge on how to act in potential future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bech Polcwiartek
- Department of Pediatrics, Aalborg University Hospital, Reberbansgade 15, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Christoffer Polcwiartek
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 18-22, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Porsborg Andersen
- Department of Clinical Research, Nordsjaellands Hospital, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Lauge Østergaard
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marcella D. Broccia
- Department of Clinical Research, Nordsjaellands Hospital, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark ,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 18-22, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Gunnar H. Gislason
- The Danish Heart Foundation, Vognmagergade 7, 3. sal, 1120 Copenhagen, Denmark ,Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Lars Køber
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Torp-Pedersen
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 18-22, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark ,Department of Clinical Research, Nordsjaellands Hospital, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Morten Schou
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Emil Fosbøl
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Kragholm
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 18-22, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark ,Department of Cardiology, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Bispensgade 37, 9800 Hjørring, Denmark ,Unit of Clinical Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 18-22, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Søren Hagstrøm
- Department of Pediatrics, Aalborg University Hospital, Reberbansgade 15, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark ,Center for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Bispensgade 37, 9800 Hjørring, Denmark ,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Hobrovej 18-22, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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Wiguna T, Anindyajati G, Kaligis F, Ismail RI, Minayati K, Hanafi E, Murtani BJ, Wigantara NA, Putra AA, Pradana K. Brief Research Report on Adolescent Mental Well-Being and School Closures During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:598756. [PMID: 33312144 PMCID: PMC7704451 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.598756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic does not affected only physical but also mental health and socioeconomic part. The social distancing, social quarantine, school from home, and work from becomes a new normal these days. Being adolescence, the above conditions may be challenging due to their developmental milestones. Therefore, this brief report aimed to preliminary identify proportion of adolescents' emotional and behavior problems and several factors related to it during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. The findings might raise some understanding of youth mental well-being and programs that can be applied in schools and community in general to overcome the issues. The study was designed as cross sectional and used online survey that started on April 2020. During April 15-May 10, 2020, there were 113 adolescents participated on this survey. Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) 11-17 years old was used to assess adolescent emotional and behavior problems; and specific life experience questionnaire was designed to collect other independents variables (Cronbach's α = 0.75). All participants fulfilled the online informed consent before they started to complete the questionnaire. All data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20 for Mac. The average age of research subjects were 14.07 (2.18) years old; 98.2% was school from home. There was 14.2% of the total research subject at risk on total difficulties problems; 38.1% of adolescent was at risk on peer-relationship problems, 28.3% at risk on pro-social behavior problems, 15% at risk on conduct behavior and 10.6% at risk on emotional problems. The number of adolescent that perceived worse to significantly worse self-mental well-being prior COVID-19 increased during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia (p < 0.05). There was significantly association between having mental health information and conduct behavior (OR = 10.34, 95%CI = 1.27-78.86); Subjective anxiety due to COVID-19 pandemic and pro-social behavior problems (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.00-5.63), parental support and total difficulties (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.14-0.60) and pro-social behavior problems (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01-0.82); friends support during COVID-19 pandemic and conduct behavior (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.04-1.00) and pro-social behavior problems (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02-0.75). To be concluded, during phase 1 and 2 COVID-19 pandemic and school closures in Indonesia, adolescents were at risk for having emotional and behavior problems. Therefore, maintain clear mental health information, keep them on connection with school by designing an optimal tele-education, tele-consultation, and virtual activity programs to accommodate adolescents' biopsychosocial needs in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjhin Wiguna
- Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Abuhammad S. Barriers to distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak: A qualitative review from parents' perspective. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05482. [PMID: 33200106 PMCID: PMC7654229 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The goal of this study was to review the content posted in available local Jordanian Facebook groups to explore the perceptions of parents regarding the challenges of distance learning faced by their children during the coronavirus outbreak in Jordan. METHOD The Facebook search engine was used to identify local Facebook groups. The search keywords included distance learning, parents, and Jordan. Several faculty professors reviewed the posts and discussion flow on distance learning posted in Facebook groups from March 15th to April 25th 2020. RESULTS The study identified a total of 248 posts and threads which categorized thematically for further analysis. The selected threads and answers revealed four underlying themes: (1) personal barriers (2) technical barriers (3) logistical barriers and (4) financial barriers. CONCLUSION Overall, parents were not limited to their daily routines during the pandemic. They performed the responsibility of helping school in teaching students. Many parents faced many types of barriers in their endeavors to assist their children with distance learning during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Abuhammad
- Dept. of Maternal and Child Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
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30
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Mahmood S. Instructional Strategies for Online Teaching in
COVID
‐19 Pandemic. HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/hbe2.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samreen Mahmood
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics Deakin University Melbourne Australia
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31
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Mayurasakorn K, Pinsawas B, Mongkolsucharitkul P, Sranacharoenpong K, Damapong S. School closure, COVID-19 and lunch programme: Unprecedented undernutrition crisis in low-middle income countries. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:1013-1017. [PMID: 32619327 PMCID: PMC7361388 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected nearly 70% of children and teenagers around the world due to school closure policies. School closure is implemented widely in order to prevent viral transmission and its impact on the broader community, based on preliminary recommendations and evidence from influenza. However, there is debate with regard to the effectiveness of school closures. Growing evidence suggests that a child's SARS-CoV-2 infection is often mild or asymptomatic and that children may not be major SARS-CoV-2 transmitters; thus, it is questionable if school closures prevent transmission significantly. This question is important as a majority of children in low- and middle-income countries depend on free school meals; unexpected long-term school closure may adversely impact nutrition and educational outcomes. Food insecurity is expected to be higher during the pandemic. In this viewpoint, we argue for a more thorough exploration of potential adverse impacts of school closures in low- and middle-income countries and recommend actions to ensure that the health and learning needs of vulnerable populations are met in this time of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korapat Mayurasakorn
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Research Network and Research Group, Siriraj Medical Research CenterMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Bonggochpass Pinsawas
- Population Health and Nutrition Research Group, Siriraj Medical Research CenterMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Pichanun Mongkolsucharitkul
- Population Health and Nutrition Research Group, Siriraj Medical Research CenterMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | | | - Sa‐nga Damapong
- Department of HealthMinistry of Public HealthBangkokThailand
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32
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Viner RM, Russell SJ, Croker H, Packer J, Ward J, Stansfield C, Mytton O, Bonell C, Booy R. School closure and management practices during coronavirus outbreaks including COVID-19: a rapid systematic review. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2020; 4:397-404. [PMID: 32272089 PMCID: PMC7270629 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30095-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 857] [Impact Index Per Article: 214.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 107 countries had implemented national school closures by March 18, 2020. It is unknown whether school measures are effective in coronavirus outbreaks (eg, due to severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], Middle East respiratory syndrome, or COVID-19). We undertook a systematic review by searching three electronic databases to identify what is known about the effectiveness of school closures and other school social distancing practices during coronavirus outbreaks. We included 16 of 616 identified articles. School closures were deployed rapidly across mainland China and Hong Kong for COVID-19. However, there are no data on the relative contribution of school closures to transmission control. Data from the SARS outbreak in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore suggest that school closures did not contribute to the control of the epidemic. Modelling studies of SARS produced conflicting results. Recent modelling studies of COVID-19 predict that school closures alone would prevent only 2-4% of deaths, much less than other social distancing interventions. Policy makers need to be aware of the equivocal evidence when considering school closures for COVID-19, and that combinations of social distancing measures should be considered. Other less disruptive social distancing interventions in schools require further consideration if restrictive social distancing policies are implemented for long periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell M Viner
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Simon J Russell
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Croker
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jessica Packer
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph Ward
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Oliver Mytton
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chris Bonell
- Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Robert Booy
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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33
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Viner RM, Russell SJ, Croker H, Packer J, Ward J, Stansfield C, Mytton O, Bonell C, Booy R. School closure and management practices during coronavirus outbreaks including COVID-19: a rapid systematic review. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2020; 4:397-404. [PMID: 32272089 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30095-x)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 107 countries had implemented national school closures by March 18, 2020. It is unknown whether school measures are effective in coronavirus outbreaks (eg, due to severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], Middle East respiratory syndrome, or COVID-19). We undertook a systematic review by searching three electronic databases to identify what is known about the effectiveness of school closures and other school social distancing practices during coronavirus outbreaks. We included 16 of 616 identified articles. School closures were deployed rapidly across mainland China and Hong Kong for COVID-19. However, there are no data on the relative contribution of school closures to transmission control. Data from the SARS outbreak in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore suggest that school closures did not contribute to the control of the epidemic. Modelling studies of SARS produced conflicting results. Recent modelling studies of COVID-19 predict that school closures alone would prevent only 2-4% of deaths, much less than other social distancing interventions. Policy makers need to be aware of the equivocal evidence when considering school closures for COVID-19, and that combinations of social distancing measures should be considered. Other less disruptive social distancing interventions in schools require further consideration if restrictive social distancing policies are implemented for long periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell M Viner
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Simon J Russell
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Croker
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jessica Packer
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph Ward
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Oliver Mytton
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chris Bonell
- Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Robert Booy
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
Social outings can trigger influenza transmission, especially in children and elderly. In contrast, school closures are associated with reduced influenza incidence in school-aged children. While influenza surveillance modelling studies typically account for holidays and mass gatherings, age-specific effects of school breaks, sporting events and commonly celebrated observances are not fully explored. We examined the impact of school holidays, social events and religious observances for six age groups (all ages, ⩽4, 5–24, 25–44, 45–64, ⩾65 years) on four influenza outcomes (tests, positives, influenza A and influenza B) as reported by the City of Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 2004 to 2009. We characterised holiday effects by analysing average weekly counts in negative binomial regression models controlling for weather and seasonal incidence fluctuations. We estimated age-specific annual peak timing and compared influenza outcomes before, during and after school breaks. During the 118 university holiday weeks, average weekly tests were lower than in 140 school term weeks (5.93 vs. 11.99 cases/week, P < 0.005). The dampening of tests during Winter Break was evident in all ages and in those 5–24 years (RR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.22–0.41 vs. RR = 0.14; 95% CI 0.09–0.22, respectively). A significant increase in tests was observed during Spring Break in 45–64 years old adults (RR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.14–3.96). Milwaukee Public Schools holiday breaks showed similar amplification and dampening effects. Overall, calendar effects depend on the proximity and alignment of an individual holiday to age-specific and influenza outcome-specific peak timing. Better quantification of individual holiday effects, tailored to specific age groups, should improve influenza prevention measures.
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