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Johannsdottir L, Cook D. COVID-19 and local community resilience in the Westfjords of Iceland. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2311966. [PMID: 38324668 PMCID: PMC10851826 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2311966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Remote Arctic communities have often been depicted as being particularly vulnerable to the challenges of disasters, with their location and lack of infrastructure exacerbating risk. This study explores the characteristics of local resilience in the Arctic using the case study of the communities of the north-western Westfjords. A total of 42 semi-structured interviews were carried out with various community members, seeking to uncover the features of inbuilt resilience that contribute to successes and vulnerabilities. These were transcribed, coded, and categorised in relation to an integrated framework for assessing community resilience in disaster management, which groups topics via the themes of environmental, social, governance, economic, and infrastructure. All themes played a role in the success of local coping strategies, with easy access to the natural environment central to physical and mental well-being. Despite this, vulnerabilities of the community were evident, including insufficient local healthcare workers during a severe COVID-19 outbreak in a care home, the absence of a local quarantine hotel, and insufficient information in foreign languages for non-natives of Iceland. The general trend of following rules and expert advice was demonstrative of strong social capital, with locals trusting those in charge, nationally and locally, to manage the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Johannsdottir
- Environment and Natural Resources, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - David Cook
- Environment and Natural Resources, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Maizel JL, Haller MJ, Maahs DM, Addala A, Lal RA, Filipp SL, Gurka MJ, Westen S, Dixon BN, Figg L, Hechavarria M, Malden KG, Walker AF. COVID-19 impacts and inequities among underserved communities with diabetes. J Clin Transl Endocrinol 2024; 36:100337. [PMID: 38559803 PMCID: PMC10973684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background People with diabetes have higher COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. These risks are amplified for underserved communities including racial/ethnic minorities and people with lower socioeconomic status. However, limited research has examined COVID-19 outcomes specifically affecting underserved communities with diabetes. Methods From November 2021 to July 2022, adults with insulin-requiring diabetes at federally qualified health centers in Florida and California (n = 450) completed surveys examining COVID-19 outcomes and demographics. Surveys assessed COVID-19 severity, vaccination uptake, mask-wearing habits, income changes, and healthcare access changes. Surveys also included the full Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS-19). Descriptive statistics were computed for all outcomes. Between-group comparisons for state and race/ethnicity were evaluated via Chi-Squared, Fisher's Exact, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel, One-Way ANOVA, and t-tests. Logistic regression determined factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Data were self-reported and analyzed cross-sectionally. Results Overall, 29.7 % reported contracting COVID-19; of those, 45.3 % sought care or were hospitalized. Most (81.3 %) received ≥ 1 vaccine. Hispanics had the highest vaccination rate (91.1 %); Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) had the lowest (73.9 %; p =.0281). Hispanics had 4.63x greater vaccination odds than Non-Hispanic Whites ([NHWs]; 95 % CI = [1.81, 11.89]). NHWs least often wore masks (18.8 %; p <.001). Participants reported pandemic-related healthcare changes (62 %) and higher costs of diabetes medications (41 %). Income loss was more frequent in Florida (76 %; p <.001). NHBs most frequently reported "severe" income loss (26.4 %; p =.0124). Loss of health insurance was more common among NHBs (13.3 %; p =.0416) and in Florida (9.7 %; p =.039). COVID-19 anxiety was highest among NHBs and Hispanics (IQR = [0.0, 3.0]; p =.0232) and in Florida (IQR = [0.0, 2.0]; p =.0435). Conclusions Underserved communities with diabetes had high COVID-19 vaccine uptake but experienced significant COVID-19-related physical, psychosocial, and financial impacts. NHBs and those in Florida had worse outcomes than other racial/ethnic groups and those in California. Further research, interventions, and policy changes are needed to promote health equity for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Maizel
- Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Public Health, 3300 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Department of Health Services Research, Management, and Policy, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Michael J. Haller
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1600 Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - David M. Maahs
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ananta Addala
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rayhan A. Lal
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Filipp
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1600 Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Matthew J. Gurka
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1600 Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sarah Westen
- University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Brittney N. Dixon
- University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Department of Health Services Research, Management, and Policy, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Lauren Figg
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Melanie Hechavarria
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1600 Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Keilecia G. Malden
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1600 Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ashby F. Walker
- University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Department of Health Services Research, Management, and Policy, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Mansky de la Fuente V, Hötzel MJ, Teixeira DL, Larraín RE, Enriquez-Hidalgo D. Citizen attitudes towards present and future beef consumption before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meat Sci 2024; 212:109467. [PMID: 38430620 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2024.109467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
There's been a change in citizens' attitudes towards beef consumption in high-income countries, resulting in a decline in its consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted citizens' attitudes and behaviours towards beef consumption. This study aimed to investigate Chilean citizens' attitudes towards beef consumption during the initial 18 months of the pandemic. Socio-demographic characteristics and attitudes towards beef consumption were asked in two questionnaires done in 2020 (n = 1142) and 2021 (n = 1221). Citizens' attitudes to beef eating and production did not change between the start and more than a year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants not related with animal production, female, young, and non-meat consumers demonstrated more negative attitudes towards beef consumption and production. Half of the participants agreed that beef is bad for the environment, but only 30% agreed that beef is bad for human health. Half of participants had reduced beef consumption and 48% expressed intentions to reduce beef consumption in the future, primarily motivated by concerns related to animal welfare, the environment, and human health. The majority of participants (80%) thought that their fellow citizens should reduce their beef consumption but only 50% had confidence that this will occur. We conclude that Chilean consumers' attitudes to beef eating did not change due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants expressed strong concern about beef consumption both individually and socially, due to environmental, animal and health concerns, and believed Chileans should reduce beef consumption in the future but had low confidence that this will happen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Mansky de la Fuente
- Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - María José Hötzel
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Dayane Lemos Teixeira
- Hartpury University, Department of Animal and Agriculture, Gloucester, United Kingdom.
| | - Rafael Esteban Larraín
- Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil; Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES)
| | - Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom; Rothamsted Research, Sustainable Agriculture Sciences, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, United Kingdom.
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Muspratt-Palmer R, Martindale S, Soutar A, Grimsell V, Sellwood C. A blueprint for learning: How NHS England (London) learned during its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Public Health Pract (Oxf) 2024; 7:100475. [PMID: 38405232 PMCID: PMC10883832 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification and sharing of lessons is a key aspect of emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) activity in the national health service (NHS) in England (NHS England, 2022). The overall intent of the lessons identification and implementation process is to improve readiness and response to future major incidents and emergencies, such that, wherever possible, patient harm is minimised and staff well-being is maximised. In this commentary, we draw on international literature to outline some of the major challenges in healthcare organisations to learning from major incidents and emergencies. We describe our experience of identifying lessons and set out the approach used by NHS England (London) to identifying lessons from the NHS response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the capital. We describe the knowledge garnered in our organisation about learning methods during the Covid-19 pandemic. The commentary considers the different approaches to identifying lessons, and the subsequent challenges of learning and implementation. This paper places its focus on the learning processes followed rather than what was learned as a result. It also explores whether the learning process undertaken by NHS England (London) demonstrates the hallmarks of a learning organisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Muspratt-Palmer
- NHS England (London), Covid-19 Public Inquiry Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Sarah Martindale
- NHS England (London), Covid-19 Public Inquiry Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Amelia Soutar
- NHS England (London), Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Victoria Grimsell
- NHS England (London), Covid-19 Public Inquiry Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Chloe Sellwood
- NHS England (London), Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) Team, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
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Oleribe OO, Taylor-Robinson SD, Taylor-Robinson AW. COVID-19 post- pandemic reflections from sub-Saharan Africa: what we know now that we wish we knew then. Public Health Pract (Oxf) 2024; 7:100486. [PMID: 38495538 PMCID: PMC10943955 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The commonly heard aphorism about history repeating itself suggests an endless cycle of recurring events. However, George Santayana offered a similar sentiment when he said, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it". This emphasises that the responsibility for the recurrence of events lies not with history itself, but with humanity. It underscores that if we desire change, it is our responsibility to initiate it, rather than attributing it to external forces such as fate, luck, or time. With this thought in mind, here we offer a narrative view from sub-Saharan Africa, focusing primarily on our own experiences in Nigeria and Uganda, on what harsh lessons can be learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding emergency preparedness to respond effectively to the next major infectious disease outbreak. Four strategies are suggested, the implementation of which may contribute substantially to safeguarding against an experience similar to the catastrophic public health, social and economic costs borne by African nations during COVID-19 and in its immediate aftermath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obinna O. Oleribe
- Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Best Health Consult Limited Liability Company, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Simon D. Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Medicine, Busitema University, Mbale, Uganda
- Department of Public Health, Busitema University, Mbale, Uganda
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Andrew W. Taylor-Robinson
- College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Hanoi, Viet Nam
- Center for Global Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Makanjuola S, Shantikumar S. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID-associated mortality: A descriptive longitudinal study of UK data. Public Health Pract (Oxf) 2024; 7:100489. [PMID: 38562991 PMCID: PMC10982561 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background It has been previously reported in the literature that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in overall excess deaths and an increase in non-COVID deaths during the pandemic period.Specifically, our research elucidates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID associated mortality. Study aim To compare mortality rates in non-COVID conditions before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales. Study design Annual mortality data for the years 2011-2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (pandemic) in England and Wales were retrieved from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). These data were filtered by ICD-10 codes for nine conditions with high associated mortality. We calculated mortality numbers - overall and age stratified (20-64 and 65+ years) and rates per 100 000, using annual mid-year population estimates. Methods Interrupted time series analyses were conducted using segmented quasi-Poisson regression to identify whether there was a statistically significant change (p < 0.05) in condition-specific death rates following the pandemic onset. Results Eight of the nine conditions investigated in this study had significant changes in mortality rate during the pandemic period (2020). All-age mortality rate was significantly increased in: 'Symptoms Signs and Ill-defined conditions', 'Cirrhosis and Other Diseases of the Liver', and 'Malignant Neoplasm of the Breast', whereas 'Chronic Lower Respiratory Disorders' saw a significant decrease. Age-stratified analyses also revealed significant increases in the 20-64 age-group in: 'Cerebrovascular Disorders', 'Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease', and 'Ischaemic Heart Diseases'. Conclusion Trends in non-COVID condition-specific mortality rates from 2011 to 2020 revealed that some non-COVID conditions were disproportionately affected during the pandemic. This may be due to the direct impact COVID-19 had on these conditions or the effect the public health response had on non-COVID risk factor development and condition-related management. Further work is required to understand the reasons behind these disproportionate changes.
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Lee GYL, Lim RBT. Are self-test kits still relevant post COVID-19 pandemic? Qualitative study on working adults' perceptions. Infect Dis Health 2024; 29:73-80. [PMID: 38049368 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Other than self-isolation measures, self-testing is likely to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and may become a valuable approach in future outbreaks of infectious diseases. This study delves into the perceptions and experiences of working adults who utilised COVID-19 self-test kits in Singapore during the post-pandemic period. METHODS Employing a qualitative descriptive design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 working adults from diverse occupations, with a median age of 35 years. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews was carried out by two independent qualitative research-trained researchers. RESULTS Facilitators included personal motivations like safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the convenience of user-friendly self-test kits. Proximal environmental factors encompassed situations involving close contacts and large gatherings, while distal factors involved workplace regulations, public health campaigns, mass media influence, and trust in authorised kits. Nonetheless, barriers include discomfort, cost, uncertainty about proper technique, and evolving testing requirements. Positive test results prompted participants to notify contacts and self-isolate, whereas negative results encouraged a return to normalcy. Participants recommend sustained testing for new variants and vulnerable groups, though some view it as unnecessary due to pandemic normalisation. CONCLUSIONS Self-testing emerged as a social phenomenon influenced by societal obligations and relationships across multiple levels. Effective communication strategies may play a role in fostering trust and ensuring that working adults sustain the practice of self-testing; therefore, further research is needed to explore their potential impact. Such efforts could be valuable for maintaining vigilance and achieving effective disease control in the post-COVID-19 pandemic landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Yu Lin Lee
- Health Sciences Authority, 11 Biopolis Way #11-01 Helios, Singapore 138667, Singapore City, Singapore; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore 117549, Singapore City, Singapore.
| | - Raymond Boon Tar Lim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore 117549, Singapore City, Singapore.
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Han HJ, Woo J, Wi WY, Cho KD, Koo M, Hong SJ, Jung YM, Kim HY, Ahn KH, Hong SC, Kim HJ, Oh MJ, Cho GJ. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infant obesity: A nationwide retrospective cohort study. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:795-799. [PMID: 38520760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifestyle changes, such as those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including alterations in physical activity and dietary habits, are known to affect pregnancy outcomes. In particular, suboptimal intrauterine conditions during pregnancy are known to influence not only fetal growth but also growth during infancy. However, research on the impact of the environmental changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of infants and children during their early years is lacking. To address this issue, this study evaluated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on obesity in infants. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used the data collected from the Korea National Health Insurance (KNHI) claims database. The data of 1985,678 women who delivered infants between 2015 and 2021 were collected. Women who delivered during the pandemic and those who delivered during the pre-pandemic period were matched in a 1:1 frequency-matched pair procedure for factors such as age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery, offspring sex, and birth weight. Finally, 197,580 women were enrolled. The weight and head circumference of infants (4-6 months of age) of the COVID-19 pandemic group were compared with those of the pre-pandemic group. RESULTS The COVID-19 pandemic group infants exhibited significantly higher weight and prevalence of obesity at 4-6 months of age compared to infants in the pre-pandemic group. After adjustment for covariates, pandemic group infants had a higher risk of obesity (odds ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.51-1.57) compared to the pre-pandemic group infants. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has had a notable impact on the weight of infants aged 4-6 months. This suggests that pandemic conditions may influence the growth of newborns, underscoring the importance of monitoring and assessing trends in the growth of infants born during such crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joohyun Woo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Young Wi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Dong Cho
- Big Data Department, National Health Insurance Service, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Koo
- Big Data Department, National Health Insurance Service, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jung Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Mi Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Yeon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hoon Ahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Cheol Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai-Joong Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum Joon Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Al Oweidat K, Toubasi AA, Khraisat FA, Aldahabi MN, Alghrabli A, Khater Y, Saleh N, Al-Sayegh TN, Albtoosh AS. The impact of COVID-19 on antibiotic resistance and clinical outcomes among critically ill patients. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:546-551. [PMID: 38142778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on antimicrobial resistance, with few studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) among critically ill patients and their clinical outcomes. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study of patients admitted to the medical Intensive Care Unit at Jordan University Hospital and had blood, urine, or bronchoalveolar bacterial cultures taken during 2 time periods: prepandemic (ie, 1/2016 to 1/2019) and pandemic (ie, 1/2020 to 1/2023). We compared the clinical outcomes (ie, in-hospital deaths, the need for O2 devices, intubation, the length of hospital stay, and the occurrence of complications) and prevalence of MDROs between the 2 periods and conducted multivariate analyses. RESULTS There were 1,254 patients (479 prepandemic and 775 postpandemic. The percentage of patients who had MDROs was significantly higher among patients with a culture taken during the pandemic (82.4%) compared to before it (17.6%) (P-value=.000). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients cultured during the pandemic were more than 3 times as likely to have an MDRO (odds ratio = 3.210; 95% confidence interval: 2.236-4.609). CONCLUSIONS The increase in MDROs during the COVID-19 pandemic is an alarming threat to public health; thus, investigating the antibiotic resistance situation as the pandemic subsides is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Al Oweidat
- Associate Professor at the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad A Toubasi
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
| | | | | | - Ahmad Alghrabli
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Yasmeen Khater
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Noor Saleh
- Critical Care Fellow at the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Asma S Albtoosh
- Associate Professor at the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Kang T, Lee Y, Kang M. Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization among chronic disease patients in South Korea. Prev Med Rep 2024; 41:102680. [PMID: 38524274 PMCID: PMC10959695 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background From 2020 to 2022, South Korea has experienced significant direct and indirect damage because of the coronavirus pandemic. Preventive measures aimed at controlling the spread of the virus have inadvertently limited healthcare accessibility for patients without COVID-19, leading to detrimental consequences, particularly for patients with chronic diseases. Hence, there is a growing need to comprehensively examine the changes in healthcare utilization among patients with chronic diseases owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the associated factors and health outcomes. Methods To examine changes in healthcare utilization among patients with chronic diseases and their impact on health outcomes, we used the NHIS database. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate changes in healthcare utilization, and a two-part model was applied to explore the effects of reduced healthcare utilization on hospitalization status and length of hospital stay. Results Since the onset of the pandemic, the likelihood of hospitalization has been 1.10 times higher than that during pre-pandemic times in the population groups with a 20 % decrease in outpatient healthcare utilization. Notably, individuals belonging to the low-income group exhibited a 1.77-fold higher likelihood of hospitalization than those in the high-income group. Furthermore, in cases where hospitalization could have been avoided, low-income individuals had an extended hospital stay of 16.7 days compared with high-income individuals. Conclusion There is a need for a more proactive approach for classifying patients with chronic diseases based on various vulnerability factors to effectively respond to future novel infectious diseases and reduce the long-term burden on the nation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeuk Kang
- Health and Wellness College, Sungshin Women’s University Woonjung Green Campus, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonkyoung Lee
- BK21 Center for Integrative Responses to Health Disasters, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minku Kang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, South Korea
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Kakuya F, Terao R, Onoda H, Okubo H, Fujiyasu H, Inyaku F, Fukuura A, Arai T, Kinebuchi T. Epidemiology of endemic human coronavirus infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Infect Chemother 2024; 30:400-405. [PMID: 37979777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a member of the coronavirus family that also includes endemic human coronaviruses (HCoVs) types OC43, HKU1, 229E, and NL63. HCoVs share extensive sequence homology with SARS-CoV-2. It has been assumed that HCoV infection occur primarily in winter and spring in Japan before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and that its frequency is the same for all age groups. METHODS Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected for HCoVs and SARS-CoV-2. All medical data were retrospectively analyzed. Our primary objective was to describe the epidemiology of HCoV in the Furano, Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our secondary objective was to compare the prevalence of HCoV with that of SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS From September 2020 to August 2022, 113 (6.2 %) of 1823 cases were positive for any HCoV. The HCoV-NL63 activity peaked in January-March 2021. The HCoV-OC43 activity peaked in June-August 2021. HCoVs were mostly detected at age ≤11 years and most frequently at age ≤2 years. HCoVs showed high detection in 2021, while SARS-CoV-2 showed moderate detection in 2020-2021, but significantly increased in 2022. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCoV-OC43 activity peaked in the summer. The frequency of HCoV infection varied widely by age group and was higher among those aged ≤11 years. These were different from those reported before the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings suggest that the disease dynamics of HCoVs remain unclear and that continued surveillance is essential in the post-COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujio Kakuya
- Department of Pediatrics, Furano Kyokai Hospital, Furano, Japan.
| | - Ryuta Terao
- Department of Pediatrics, Furano Kyokai Hospital, Furano, Japan
| | - Hikaru Onoda
- Department of Pediatrics, Furano Kyokai Hospital, Furano, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Okubo
- Department of Pediatrics, Furano Kyokai Hospital, Furano, Japan
| | | | - Fumie Inyaku
- Department of Pediatrics, Furano Kyokai Hospital, Furano, Japan
| | - Ai Fukuura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Furano Kyokai Hospital, Furano, Japan
| | - Toshio Arai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Furano Kyokai Hospital, Furano, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kinebuchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Furano Kyokai Hospital, Furano, Japan
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12
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Bogush AA, Kourtchev I. Disposable surgical/medical face masks and filtering face pieces: Source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment. Environ Pollut 2024; 348:123792. [PMID: 38518974 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The production and consumption of disposable face masks (DFMs) increased intensely during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a high amount of them being found in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. The main goal of this research study is to conduct a comparative evaluation of the water-leachability of microplastics (MPs) and chemical additives from various types of disposable surgical/medical face masks (MM DFMs) and filtering face pieces (FFPs). Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was used for MPs analysis. Liquid Chromatography/High Resolution Mass Spectrometry was used to analyse analytes presented in the water-leachates of DFMs. FFPs released 3-4 times more microplastic particles compared to MM DFMs. The release of MPs into water from all tested DFMs without mechanical stress suggests potential MP contamination originating from the DFM production process. Our study for the first time identified bisphenol B (0.25-0.42 μg/L) and 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (163.9-115.0 μg/L) as leachables from MM DFMs. MPs in the water-leachates vary in size, with predominant particles <100 μm, and the release order from DFMs is MMIIR > MMII > FFP3>FFP2>MMI. The main type of microplastics identified in the water leachates of the investigated face masks was polypropylene, accounting for 93-97% for MM DFMs and 82-83% for FFPs. Other polymers such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester/polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide/Nylon, polyvinylchloride, and ethylene-propylene copolymer were also identified, but in smaller amounts. FFPs released a wider variety and a higher percentage (17-18%) of other polymers compared to MM DFMs (3-7%). Fragments and fibres were identified in all water-leachate samples, and fragments, particularly debris of polypropylene fibres, were the most common MP morphotype. The findings in this study are important in contributing additional data to develop science-based policy recommendations on the health and environmental impacts of MPs and associated chemical additives originated from DFMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Bogush
- Research Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, Ryton-on Dunsmore, CV8 3LG, United Kingdom.
| | - Ivan Kourtchev
- Research Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, Ryton-on Dunsmore, CV8 3LG, United Kingdom
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13
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Zevallos-Roberts EC, Nelson BB, Thompson LR, Ryan GW, Jimenez J, Dudovitz RN, Herrera P, Porras-Javier L, Chung PJ. Stressors and Silver Linings during COVID-19: Implications for Supporting Families with Young Children in a Post- Pandemic World. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:836-846. [PMID: 37973715 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03838-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To better understand impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic and social disruptions on families, we analyzed qualitative data capturing perspectives from parents of young children. METHODS This study analyzes interviews of parents of children aged 1-3.5 years at enrollment, recruited from four primary care systems serving mainly lower-income Hispanic families in Los Angeles, California. Interviews were conducted over 15 months beginning September 2020. Analyses focused on the open-ended question: Please describe in your own words how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected you and your family. We used iterative, multi-step processes to identify emergent qualitative themes. RESULTS A total of 460 parent responses were collected and coded. Key themes and subthemes were tested for interrater reliability, with Kappa ranging from 0.74 to 0.91. Thematic analysis revealed two groups of responses, one emphasizing stress and one emphasizing "silver linings." Parents cited a range of stressors, from fear of COVID-19 to social isolation. Those emphasizing "silver linings" also referenced formal or informal supports - especially government/community assistance programs and childcare access - that enabled stronger family ties and positive lifestyle modifications. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE Experiences of families with young children during COVID-19 were not uniform. Economic stability and reliable childcare may be critical mediators of family stress. Results affirm that the pandemic's impacts were distributed through channels largely built on, and possibly exacerbating, existing disparities. For lower-income families with young children, funding for public and private programs that target economic stability and childcare assistance may merit prioritization in future socio-economic disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia C Zevallos-Roberts
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, 98 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA.
| | - Bergen B Nelson
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, 1000 E Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Lindsey R Thompson
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, 98 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA
| | - Gery W Ryan
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, 98 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA
| | - Jazmin Jimenez
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, 98 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA
| | - Rebecca N Dudovitz
- University of California Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Patricia Herrera
- 211LA Early Childhood Care Coordination Program, PO Box 726, San Gabriel, CA, 91778, USA
- Regional Manager, California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, 685 East Carnegie Drive, Suite 125, San Bernardino, CA, 92408, USA
| | - Lorena Porras-Javier
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Paul J Chung
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, 98 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA
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14
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Kamrath C, Tittel SR, Buchal G, Brämswig S, Preiss E, Göldel JM, Wiegand S, Minden K, Warschburger P, Stahl-Pehe A, Holl RW, Lanzinger S. Psychosocial Burden During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in Germany and Its Association With Metabolic Control. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:900-907. [PMID: 38323968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the psychosocial burden during the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents with type 1 diabetes and its association with metabolic control. METHODS Prospective multicenter observational cohort study based on data from the German Diabetes Prospective Follow-up Registry. Adolescents aged 12-20 years with type 1 diabetes were asked during routine follow-up visits to complete a questionnaire on psychosocial distress and daily use of electronic media during the COVID-19 pandemic from June 2021 to November 2022. Well-being, anxiety, and depression symptoms were assessed using World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), General Anxiety Disorder scale 7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 questionnaires. The impact of mental health symptoms on metabolic control was analyzed by using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for sex, diabetes duration, treatment, socioeconomic deprivation, and immigrant background. RESULTS Six hundred eighty eight adolescents (45.6% females) from 20 diabetes centers participated. Compared with a prepandemic cohort, WHO-5 scores were lower during the COVID-19 pandemic (estimated mean difference -9.6 [95% confidence interval -11.6; -7.6], p < .001), but GAD-7 scores were not different (estimated mean difference 0.6 [95% confidence interval -0.2; 1.5], p = .14). HbA1c was significantly positively associated with GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and negatively associated with WHO-5 scores (all p < .001). Daily electronic media use was positively associated with adjusted mental health symptoms (all p < .01). DISCUSSION Although the overall well-being of adolescents with type 1 diabetes was reduced during the later phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional psychological burden was relatively low. However, mental health symptoms were associated with poorer metabolic control and higher use of electronic media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Kamrath
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Sascha R Tittel
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, CAQM, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Eva Preiss
- Divison of Pediatric Diabetology, Darmstädter Kinderkliniken Prinzessin Margaret, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julia M Göldel
- Department of Psychology, Counseling Psychology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Susanna Wiegand
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Center for Social-Pediatric Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin und Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Minden
- German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), Program Area Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, German Charité University Medicine Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin und Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine at Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Warschburger
- Department of Psychology, Counseling Psychology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anna Stahl-Pehe
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany; Institute for Biometrics and Epidemiology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reinhard W Holl
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, CAQM, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Lanzinger
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, CAQM, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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15
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McConnery JR, Bone JN, Goldman RD, Hicks A, Seaton C, Subbarao P, Moraes TJ. The acute care burden of asthma in children was profoundly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-centre Canadian retrospective study. Paediatr Child Health 2024; 29:98-103. [PMID: 38586487 PMCID: PMC10996573 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxad037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Asthma is a chronic lung condition that can be exacerbated when triggered by viruses. Pandemic public health restrictions aimed to reduce COVID-19 transmission indirectly effected other circulating viruses. This study assessed the impact of the pandemic and associated public health measures on acute paediatric asthma across four tertiary sites in three Canadian provinces. We queried whether pandemic-related changes would impair preventive care and delay presentation to care, increasing asthma exacerbation severity. Methods This retrospective study compared the frequency of acute care access and severity of presentation to emergency departments (ED) for acute asthma to four tertiary care children's hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic (from March 17, 2020 to June 30, 2021) to a pre-lockdown control period (July 1, 2018 to March 16, 2020). Data was subjected to interrupted time series and Chi-square analysis. Results Our study included 26,316 acute asthma visits to ED. Sites experienced a 63% to 89% reduction in acute asthma visits during the pandemic, compared with pre-lockdown controls, and a 17% to 85% reduction in asthma, that is out of proportion as a fraction of all-cause ED visits. For asthma, there was no difference in severity measured by rate of ward admission or rate of Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission. Conclusions Public health measures appear to have resulted in a specific protective association on acute asthma with reduced acute care utilization over and above the reduction in all-cause presentations, without an increase in severity upon presentation. Our study indicates an importance to antiviral public health and engineering strategies to reduce viral transmission and thereby asthma morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R McConnery
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Jeffrey N Bone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver
| | - Ran D Goldman
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Anne Hicks
- Division of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Claire Seaton
- Division of Respirology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Padmaja Subbarao
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Theo J Moraes
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario
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16
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Calapkulu M, Sencar ME, Ozturk Unsal I, Sakiz D, Tekinyildiz M, Ozbek M, Cakal E. The effect of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the management of differentiated thyroid cancer in Turkey: a single tertiary centre experience. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 281:2587-2595. [PMID: 38347198 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many countries have implemented unprecedented health measures since the World Health Organisation declared the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global pandemic. These measures have resulted in delays in the diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, there is limited data on the impact of restrictions imposed during the pandemic on DTC management. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyse the clinicopathological and follow-up data of DTC patients diagnosed before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS This retrospective study included 191 DTC patients that were diagnosed between December 2018 and June 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: patients diagnosed before (December 2018 to February 2020) and during (March 2020 to June 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. The clinicopathological and follow-up data between the two groups were compared. RESULTS Similar preoperative cytology results were obtained from the two groups. No difference with regard to tumour size, lymphovascular invasion and extrathyroidal invasion was observed between the two groups. While the American Thyroid Association risk stratification was similar between the two groups, radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy was applied less during the COVID-19 period. Although RAI therapy was administered at a lower rate during the COVID-19 period, the recurrence rates among patients after two years of follow-up were similar to those during the pre-COVID-19 period. CONCLUSION Although the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions during the pandemic period caused difficulties in the management of DTC patients, this did not negatively affect their prognosis. These findings can confirm the applicability of active surveillance in DTC patients and may help change the real-life treatment practices in selected low-risk DTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Calapkulu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Sehit Omer Halisdemir Avenue, 06110, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Muhammed Erkam Sencar
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Sehit Omer Halisdemir Avenue, 06110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ilknur Ozturk Unsal
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Sehit Omer Halisdemir Avenue, 06110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Davut Sakiz
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Mardin Training and Research Hospital, Mardin, Turkey
| | - Merve Tekinyildiz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ozbek
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Sehit Omer Halisdemir Avenue, 06110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erman Cakal
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Sehit Omer Halisdemir Avenue, 06110, Ankara, Turkey
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17
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Schmalbach I, Steudte-Schmiedgen S, Osmers A, Witthöft M, Drees P, Petrowski K. Longitudinal Assessment of Hair Cortisol as a Predictor of Psychological Symptoms During COVID-19. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 163:106991. [PMID: 38412741 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.106991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of evidence regarding enduring psychoneuroendocrine changes following an initial traumatic event, particular in the presence of an ongoing stressor. The coronavirus pandemic presents an opportunity to explore this matter. Consequently, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of the ongoing pandemic (2021) on individuals, who experienced a first-time motor vehicle crash (MVC) at least 6 years earlier. To this end, we hypothesized that hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) following a first-time traumatic event positively predict symptoms of depression. METHOD We investigated N = 69 individuals (18 - 65 yrs.), who were victims of a MVC during 2010 - 2014. Hair strands were collected 10 days (t1) and 3 months after the MVC (t2), as well during the pandemic in 2021 (t3). To assess symptoms of depression, the participants filled out the Beck Depression Inventory at t1 - t3 and were additionally interviewed (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I) at t1 and t2. Exclusion criteria conveyed a lifetime or acute mental disorder (incl. past trauma exposure). RESULTS Elevated pre-pandemic HCC following adversity (i.e., MVC) significantly predicted symptoms of depression in adults during the coronavirus pandemic (BDI: ß =.44, p =.010, R2 =.20), even after controlling for confounders. HCC significantly decreased over time, while in average psychological symptoms remained consistent. CONCLUSION Cortisol dysregulation in the past presents an enduring vulnerability to ongoing stress. In this regard, vulnerable groups may benefit from preventive measures. This finding validates the predictive power of HCC and extended past evidence in this regard, at the same time reinforcing the concept of the diathesis-stress model.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Schmalbach
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - S Steudte-Schmiedgen
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - A Osmers
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Witthöft
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - P Drees
- University Hospital of the University Johannes-Gutenberg Mainz, Department for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Mainz, Germany
| | - K Petrowski
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Dresden University of Technology, Carl Gustav Carus Medical Faculty, Department of General Medicine/MK3, Dresden, Germany.
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18
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Haile SR, Peralta GP, Raineri A, Rueegg S, Ulytė A, Puhan MA, Radtke T, Kriemler S. Determinants of health-related quality of life in healthy children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:2273-2283. [PMID: 38411717 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05459-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Understanding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents, during a pandemic and afterwards, aids in understanding how circumstances in their lives impact their well-being. We aimed to identify determinants of HRQOL from a broad range of biological, psychological, and social factors in a large longitudinal population-based sample. Data was taken from a longitudinal sample (n = 1843) of children and adolescents enrolled in the prospective school-based cohort study Ciao Corona in Switzerland. The primary outcome was HRQOL, assessed using the KINDL total score and its subscales (each from 0, worst, to 100, best). Potential determinants, including biological (physical activity, screen time, sleep, etc.), psychological (sadness, anxiousness, stress), and social (nationality, parents' education, etc.) factors, were assessed in 2020 and 2021 and HRQOL in 2022. Determinants were identified in a data-driven manner using recursive partitioning to define homogeneous subgroups, stratified by school level. Median KINDL total score in the empirically identified subgroups ranged from 68 to 83 in primary school children and from 69 to 82 in adolescents in secondary school. The psychological factors sadness, anxiousness, and stress in 2021 were identified as the most important determinants of HRQOL in both primary and secondary school children. Other factors, such as physical activity, screen time, chronic health conditions, or nationality, were determinants only in individual subscales. CONCLUSION Recent mental health, more than biological, physical, or social factors, played a key role in determining HRQOL in children and adolescents during pandemic times. Public health strategies to improve mental health may therefore be effective in improving HRQOL in this age group. WHAT IS KNOWN • Assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents aids in understanding how life circumstances impact their well-being. • HRQOL is a complex construct, involving biological, psychological, and social factors. Factors driving HRQOL in children and adolescents are not often studied in longitudinal population-based samples. WHAT IS NEW • Mental health (stress, anxiousness, sadness) played a key role in determining HRQOL during the coronavirus pandemic, more than biological or social factors. • Public health strategies to improve mental health may be effective in improving HRQOL in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Haile
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela P Peralta
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessia Raineri
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Rueegg
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Milo A Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Radtke
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susi Kriemler
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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19
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Hoover A, Watson D, Reimche P, Tanner L, Gilchrist L, Finch M, Messinger YH, Turcotte LM. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization and cost for care of pediatric and young adult ALL. BMC Res Notes 2024; 17:112. [PMID: 38644484 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-024-06768-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and among the most common malignancies in young adults and requires a unique pattern of healthcare utilization including an acute/emergent presentation and an intensive initial 8 months of therapy followed by two years of outpatient treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic caused massive global disruptions in healthcare use and delivery. This report aims to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation, diagnosis and continued management of childhood and young adult ALL in regard to utilization and cost of care among commercially insured individuals in the United States. RESULTS Utilizing a commercial insurance claims database, 529 pediatric and young adult patients were identified who were diagnosed with ALL between January 2016 and March 2021. New diagnoses were evaluated by era and demographics. Utilization was measured by COVID-related era as number of inpatient and outpatient encounters, inpatient days, and cumulative cost during the initial 8 months of therapy. None of these cost or utilization factors changed significantly during or shortly after the pandemic. These findings reinforce that the necessary care for pediatric and young adult ALL was unwavering despite the massive shifts in the healthcare system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This provides a valuable benchmark as we further examine the factors that influence the pandemic's impact on health equity and access to care, especially in vulnerable pediatric and young adult populations. This is the first investigation of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization and cost of care in pediatric and young adult cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Hoover
- Optum Labs Visiting Fellow, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Mayo Mail Code 366, 420 Delaware St SE, 55455, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Laura Gilchrist
- Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Mike Finch
- Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Lucie M Turcotte
- Optum Labs Visiting Fellow, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Mayo Mail Code 366, 420 Delaware St SE, 55455, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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20
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Chan VKY, Chai Y, Chan SSM, Luo H, Jit M, Knapp M, Bishai DM, Ni MY, Wong ICK, Li X. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on depression incidence and healthcare service use among patients with depression: an interrupted time-series analysis from a 9-year population-based study. BMC Med 2024; 22:169. [PMID: 38644506 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03386-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression burden focused on the earlier pandemic phase specific to lockdowns, but the longer-term impact of the pandemic is less well-studied. In this population-based cohort study, we examined the short-term and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on depression incidence and healthcare service use among patients with depression. METHODS Using the territory-wide electronic medical records in Hong Kong, we identified all patients aged ≥ 10 years with new diagnoses of depression from 2014 to 2022. We performed an interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis to examine changes in incidence of medically attended depression before and during the pandemic. We then divided all patients into nine cohorts based on year of depression incidence and studied their initial and ongoing service use patterns until the end of 2022. We applied generalized linear modeling to compare the rates of healthcare service use in the year of diagnosis between patients newly diagnosed before and during the pandemic. A separate ITS analysis explored the pandemic impact on the ongoing service use among prevalent patients with depression. RESULTS We found an immediate increase in depression incidence (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.10-1.33, p < 0.001) in the population after the pandemic began with non-significant slope change, suggesting a sustained effect until the end of 2022. Subgroup analysis showed that the increases in incidence were significant among adults and the older population, but not adolescents. Depression patients newly diagnosed during the pandemic used 11% fewer resources than the pre-pandemic patients in the first diagnosis year. Pre-existing depression patients also had an immediate decrease of 16% in overall all-cause service use since the pandemic, with a positive slope change indicating a gradual rebound over a 3-year period. CONCLUSIONS During the pandemic, service provision for depression was suboptimal in the face of increased demand generated by the increasing depression incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicate the need to improve mental health resource planning preparedness for future public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Kin Yi Chan
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yi Chai
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sandra Sau Man Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mark Jit
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Martin Knapp
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - David Makram Bishai
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael Yuxuan Ni
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Urban Systems Institute, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ian Chi Kei Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Aston University, London, UK.
- Advanced Data Analytics for Medical Science (ADAMS) Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Advanced Data Analytics for Medical Science (ADAMS) Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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21
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Higgins Á, O'Reilly S, O'Sullivan MJ. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on symptomatic breast cancer presentations in an Irish breast cancer unit: a retrospective cohort study. Ir J Med Sci 2024:10.1007/s11845-024-03688-4. [PMID: 38639840 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03688-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused delays in the diagnosis and management of breast cancer which may have affected disease presentation. The aim of this study was to compare rates of metastatic disease, tumour characteristics and management in breast cancer patients diagnosed before and after the onset of COVID-19. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients in a university teaching hospital who were diagnosed with invasive symptomatic breast cancer in 2019 (prepandemic control group) and in 2020, 2021, and 2022 (pandemic study groups). Rates of new metastatic presentations, tumour histopathological characteristics, operation type, and therapies administered were statistically compared. RESULTS A total of 1416 patients were identified. There was a significant increase in new metastatic breast cancer presentations in 2022 compared to 2019 (14.0% vs 3.8%, p ≤ 0.001), with non-significant increases in 2020 and 2021. Rates of adjuvant radiotherapy increased in 2020 and decreased in 2022 compared to 2019, with no significant change in neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy rates. Rates of axillary surgery increased during 2020 and 2021. There was an increase in high-grade tumours and lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and less frequent oestrogen receptor (ER) positivity in pandemic groups. No significant change was noted in BCS to mastectomy ratios, overall nodal positivity rates, or median tumour size. CONCLUSION Symptomatic breast cancers diagnosed since the onset of COVID-19 demonstrated an increase in new metastatic presentations and more aggressive histopathological characteristics when compared to a pre-pandemic control group. Rates of adjuvant radiotherapy and axillary surgery increased during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine Higgins
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Seamus O'Reilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine and Health, Cork University Hospital and Cancer Research@UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Martin J O'Sullivan
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine and Health, Cork University Hospital and Cancer Research@UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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22
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Walsh R, Telner D, Butt DA, Krueger P, Fleming K, MacDonald S, Pyakurel A, Greiver M, Jaakkimainen L. Factors associated with plans for early retirement among Ontario family physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. BMC Prim Care 2024; 25:118. [PMID: 38637731 PMCID: PMC11025226 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02374-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher numbers of family physicians (FPs) stopped practicing or retired during the COVID-19 pandemic, worsening the family doctor shortage in Canada. Our study objective was to determine which factors were associated with FPs' plans to retire earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We administered two cross-sectional online surveys to Ontario FPs asking whether they were "planning to retire earlier" as a result of the pandemic during the first and third COVID-19 pandemic waves (Apr-Jun 2020 and Mar-Jul 2021). We used logistic regression to determine which factors were associated with early retirement planning, adjusting for age. RESULTS The age-adjusted proportion of FP respondents planning to retire earlier was 8.2% (of 393) in the first-wave and 20.5% (of 454) in the third-wave. Planning for earlier retirement during the third-wave was associated with age over 50 years (50-59 years odds ratio (OR) 5.37 (95% confidence interval (CI):2.33-12.31), 60 years and above OR 4.18 (95% CI: 1.90-10.23)), having difficulty handling increased non-clinical responsibilities (OR 2.95 (95% CI: 1.79-4.94)), feeling unsupported to work virtually (OR 1.96 (95% CI: 1.19-3.23)) or in-person (OR 2.70 (95% CI: 1.67-4.55)), feeling unable to provide good care (OR 1.82 (95% CI: 1.10-3.03)), feeling work was not valued (OR 1.92 (95% CI: 1.15-3.23)), feeling frightened of dealing with COVID-19 (OR 2.01 (95% CI: 1.19-3.38)), caring for an elderly relative (OR 2.36 (95% CI: 1.69-3.97)), having difficulty obtaining personal protective equipment (OR 2.00 (95% CI: 1.16-3.43)) or difficulty implementing infection control practices in clinic (OR 2.10 (95% CI: 1.12-3.89)). CONCLUSIONS Over 20% of Ontario FP respondents were considering retiring earlier by the third-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporting FPs in their clinical and non-clinical roles, such that they feel able to provide good care and that their work is valued, reducing non-clinical (e.g., administrative) responsibilities, dealing with pandemic-related fears, and supporting infection control practices and personal protective equipment acquisition in clinic, particularly in those aged 50 years or older may help increase family physician retention during future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Walsh
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Deanna Telner
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Debra A Butt
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Scarborough Health Network, Scarborough, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Krueger
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Fleming
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Aakriti Pyakurel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Greiver
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Liisa Jaakkimainen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Escribà-Salvans A, Jerez-Roig J, Farrés-Godayol P, Bezerra de Souza DL, Skelton DA, Minobes-Molina E. Health and sociodemographic determinants of excess mortality in Spanish nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 2-year prospective longitudinal study. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2024:10.1007/s00391-024-02294-4. [PMID: 38625391 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-024-02294-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age, multimorbidity, immunodeficiency and frailty of older people living in nursing homes make them vulnerable to COVID-19 and overall mortality. OBJECTIVE To estimate overall and COVID-19 mortality parameters and analyse their predictive factors in older people living in nursing homes over a 2-year period. METHOD Design: A 2-year prospective longitudinal multicentre study was conducted between 2020 and 2022. SETTING This study involved five nursing homes in Central Catalonia (Spain). PARTICIPANTS Residents aged 65 years or older who lived in the nursing homes on a permanent basis. MEASUREMENTS Date and causes of deaths were recorded. In addition, sociodemographic and health data were collected. For the effect on mortality, survival curves were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis using Cox regression. RESULTS The total sample of 125 subjects had a mean age of 85.10 years (standard deviation = 7.3 years). There were 59 (47.2%) deaths at 24 months (95% confidence interval, CI, 38.6-55.9) and 25 (20.0%) were due to COVID-19, mostly in the first 3 months. In multivariate analysis, functional impairment (hazard ratio, HR 2.40; 95% CI 1.33-4.32) was a significant risk factor for mortality independent of age (HR 1.17; 95% CI 0.69-2.00) and risk of sarcopenia (HR 1.40; 95% CI 0.63-3.12). CONCLUSION Almost half of this sample of nursing home residents died in the 2‑year period, and one fifth were attributed to COVID-19. Functional impairment was a risk factor for overall mortality and COVID-19 mortality, independent of age and risk of sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Escribà-Salvans
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), C. Sagrada Família 7, 08500, Vic, Spain
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Javier Jerez-Roig
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), C. Sagrada Família 7, 08500, Vic, Spain.
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain.
- Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Pau Farrés-Godayol
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), C. Sagrada Família 7, 08500, Vic, Spain
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | | | - Dawn A Skelton
- Research Centre for Health (ReaCH), School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Eduard Minobes-Molina
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), C. Sagrada Família 7, 08500, Vic, Spain
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
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Assaf RD, Hamad R, Javanbakht M, Arah OA, Shoptaw SJ, Cooper ZD, Gorbach PM. Associations of U.S. state-level COVID-19 policies intensity with cannabis sharing behaviors in 2020. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:82. [PMID: 38622670 PMCID: PMC11020667 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00987-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use before the COVID-19 pandemic for many involved sharing prepared cannabis for inhalation, practices that were less prevalent during the pandemic. State-level COVID-19 containment policies may have influenced this decrease. This study examined the extent to which the intensity of state-level COVID-19 policies were associated with individual-level cannabis sharing. Findings have the potential to guide harm reduction policies for future respiratory pandemics and seasonal respiratory virus waves. METHODS This study used cross-sectional individual-level data from the COVID-19 Cannabis Study, an anonymous U.S.-based web survey on cannabis use disseminated during the early phase of the pandemic (Full sample N = 1,883). We combined individual-level data with state-level policy data from Kaiser Family Foundation's State COVID-19 Data and Policy Actions for three time-points from June to August 2020 that overlapped with the survey period. Cannabis sharing was dichotomized as any versus no sharing. We adapted a previously published coding framework to score the intensity of COVID-19 policies implemented in each U.S. state and averaged the policy score across the time period. We then used Poisson regression models to quantify the associations of the average state-level COVID-19 policy score with cannabis sharing during the pandemic. RESULTS Participants (n = 925) reporting using inhalation as a mode for cannabis use were included in this analysis. Most respondents were male (64.1%), non-Hispanic White (54.3%), with a mean age of 33.7 years (SD 8.8). A large proportion (74.9%) reported sharing cannabis during the pandemic. Those who shared cannabis more commonly lived in states with a lower average policy score (16.7, IQR 12.3-21.5) compared to those who did not share (18.6, IQR 15.3-25.3). In adjusted models, the prevalence ratio of any cannabis sharing per every 5-unit increase in the average COVID-19 policy score was 0.97 (95% CI 0.93, 1.01). CONCLUSIONS Fewer individuals shared cannabis in states with more intense COVID-19 containment policies compared to those in states with less intense policies. Individuals who use cannabis may be willing to make changes to their behavior and may further benefit from specific and directed public health messaging to avoid sharing during respiratory infection outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Assaf
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Rita Hamad
- Department of Medicine, Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Onyebuchi A Arah
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven J Shoptaw
- Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Family Medicine and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ziva D Cooper
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pamina M Gorbach
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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25
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McCoy K, Moreland-Johnson A, Wade S, Quinones K, Swiecicki C, Hanson R. Therapist Participation in a Learning Collaborative on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Impact of COVID-related Stressors and Challenges. Community Ment Health J 2024:10.1007/s10597-024-01256-9. [PMID: 38619697 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-024-01256-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The rise in mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the need to improve access to evidence-based treatments (EBT) and necessitated changes in treatment delivery and training of mental health providers (MHPs). There is limited information on how the pandemic may have impacted MHPs' participation in training and treatment delivery. This study included 269 MHPs who participated in a Learning Collaborative (LC) focused on an EBT. Qualitative interviews conducted with 15 MHPs who participated in the LC during the pandemic identified facilitators and barriers to training participation and EBT delivery that included social support, technology challenges, and difficulty completing cases following the transition to telehealth. Quantitative results showed that MHPs in the peri-COVID cohorts completed significantly fewer cases and fewer consultation calls compared to those prior to the pandemic. Findings suggest that providing support to train MHPs and promote EBT delivery may be beneficial during times of heightened stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey McCoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA.
- Present Address: Milestones Psychology, 28 W. 25th Street 10th Floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | | | - Shelby Wade
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kathy Quinones
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Carole Swiecicki
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Rochelle Hanson
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
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26
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Acuña-Castillo C, Vidal M, Vallejos-Vidal E, Luraschi R, Barrera-Avalos C, Inostroza-Molina A, Molina-Cabrera S, Valdes D, Schafer C, Maisey K, Imarai M, Vera R, Vargas S, Rojo LE, Leiva-Salcedo E, Escobar A, Reyes-Cerpa S, Gaete A, Palma-Vejares R, Travisany D, Torres C, Reyes-López FE, Sandino AM. A retrospective study suggests 55 days of persistence of SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave of the pandemic in Santiago de Chile. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24419. [PMID: 38601544 PMCID: PMC11004068 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, infections continue to surge globally. Presently, the most effective strategies to curb the disease and prevent outbreaks involve fostering immunity, promptly identifying positive cases, and ensuring their timely isolation. Notably, there are instances where the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains infectious even after patients have completed their quarantine. Objective Understanding viral persistence post-quarantine is crucial as it could account for localized infection outbreaks. Therefore, studying and documenting such instances is vital for shaping future public health policies. Design This study delves into a unique case of SARS-CoV-2 persistence in a 60-year-old female healthcare worker with a medical history of hypertension and hypothyroidism. The research spans 55 days, marking the duration between her initial and subsequent diagnosis during Chile's first COVID-19 wave, with the analysis conducted using RT-qPCR. Results Genomic sequencing-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 detected in both Nasopharyngeal swab samples (NPSs) was consistent with the 20B clade of the Nextstrain classification, even after a 55-day interval. Conclusion This research underscores the need for heightened vigilance concerning cases of viral persistence. Such instances, albeit rare, might be pivotal in understanding sporadic infection outbreaks that occur post-quarantine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Acuña-Castillo
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mabel Vidal
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Eva Vallejos-Vidal
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología CEDENNA, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad De Las Américas, La Florida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto Luraschi
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Valdes
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Schafer
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Kevin Maisey
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mónica Imarai
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Vera
- Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública (HUAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Sergio Vargas
- Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública (HUAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonel E. Rojo
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Alejandro Escobar
- Laboratorio Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Odontológicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián Reyes-Cerpa
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis Gaete
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Expresión Génica, Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de Los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Fondap Center for Genome Regulation, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Palma-Vejares
- Centro de Modelamiento Matemático UMI-CNRS 2807, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Dante Travisany
- Fondap Center for Genome Regulation, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Modelamiento Matemático UMI-CNRS 2807, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Inria Chile Research Center, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Torres
- Department of Neurobiology Drexel University, Philadelphia, United States
| | | | - Ana María Sandino
- Centro de Biotecnología Acuícola, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Rangel DF, Costa LL, Ribeiro VV, De-la-Torre GE, Castro ÍB. Protective personal equipment on coastal environments: Identifying key drivers at a global scale. J Hazard Mater 2024; 468:133839. [PMID: 38402681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of coastal ecosystems by personal protective equipment (PPE) emerged as a significant concern immediately following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hence, numerous studies have assessed PPE occurrence on beaches worldwide. However, no predictors on PPE contamination was so far pointed out. The present study investigated social and landscape drivers affecting the PPE density in coastal environments worldwide using a meta-analysis approach. Spatial variables such as urban modification levels, coastal vegetation coverage, population density (HPD), distance from rivers (DNR), and poverty degree (GGRDI) were derived from global satellite data. These variables, along with the time elapsed after WHO declared the pandemic, were included in generalized additive models as potential predictors of PPE density. HPD consistently emerged as the most influential predictor of PPE density (p < 0.00001), exhibiting a positive effect. Despite the presence of complex non-linear relationships, our findings indicate higher PPE density in areas with intermediate GGRDI levels, indicative of emerging economies. Additionally, elevated PPE density was observed in areas located further away from rivers (p < 0.001), and after the initial months of the pandemic. Despite the uncertainties associated with the varied sampling methods employed by the studies comprising our database, this study offers a solid baseline for tackling the global problem of PPE contamination on beachesguiding monitoring assessments in future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Solar Brasil de Desenvolvimento Saúde e Pesquisa - ISOBRAS, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Ítalo Braga Castro
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil.
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Cherblanc J, Gaboury S, Maître J, Côté I, Cadell S, Bergeron-Leclerc C. Predicting levels of prolonged grief disorder symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrated approach of classical data exploration, predictive machine learning, and explainable AI. J Affect Disord 2024; 351:746-754. [PMID: 38290589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies on Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) primarily employed classical approaches to link bereaved individuals' characteristics with PGD symptom levels. This study utilized machine learning to identify key factors influencing PGD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We analyzed data from 479 participants through an online survey, employing classical data exploration, predictive machine learning, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to determine key factors influencing PGD symptoms measured with the Traumatic Grief Inventory - Self Report (TGI-SR) from 19 variables, comparing five predictive models. RESULTS The classical approach identified eight variables associated with a possible PGD (TGI-SR score ≥ 59): unexpected causes of death, living alone, seeking professional support, taking anxiety and/or depression medications, using more grief services (telephone or online supports) and more confrontation-oriented coping strategies, and higher levels of depression and anxiety. Using machine learning techniques, the CatBoost algorithm provided the best predictive model of the TGI-SR score (r2 = 0.6479). The three variables influencing the most the level of PGD symptoms were anxiety, and levels of avoidance and confrontation coping strategies used. CONCLUSIONS This pioneering approach within the field of grief research enabled us to leverage the extensive dataset collected during the pandemic, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the predominant factors influencing the grieving process for individuals who experienced loss during this period. LIMITATIONS This study acknowledges self-selection bias, limited sample diversity, and suggests further research is needed to fully understand the predictors of PGD symptoms.
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Skinner A, Occhipinti JA, Song YJC, Hickie IB. Mental health impacts of COVID-19: A retrospective analysis of dynamic modelling projections for Australia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28250. [PMID: 38586382 PMCID: PMC10998102 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In early 2020, we developed a dynamic model to support policy responses aimed at mitigating the adverse mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. As the pandemic has progressed, it has become clear that our initial model forecasts overestimated the impacts of infection control measures (lockdowns, physical distancing, etc.) on suicide, intentional self-harm hospitalisation, and mental health-related emergency department (ED) presentation rates. Methods Potential explanations for the divergence of our model predictions from observed outcomes were assessed by comparing simulation results for a set of progressively more refined models with data on the prevalence of moderate to very high psychological distress and numbers of suicides, intentional self-harm hospitalisations, and mental health-related ED presentations published after our modelling was released in July 2020. Results Allowing per capita rates of spontaneous recovery and intentional self-harm to differ between people experiencing moderate to very high psychological distress prior to the pandemic and those developing comparable levels of psychological distress only as a consequence of infection control measures substantially improves the fit of our model to empirical estimates of the prevalence of psychological distress and leads to significantly lower predicted effects of COVID-19 on suicide, intentional self-harm hospitalisation, and mental health-related ED presentation rates. Conclusion Accommodating the influence of prior mental health on the psychological effects of population-wide social and economic disruption is likely to be critical for accurately forecasting the mental health impacts of future public health crises as they inevitably arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Skinner
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jo-An Occhipinti
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Computer Simulation and Advanced Research Technologies (CSART), Sydney, Australia
| | - Yun Ju Christine Song
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian B. Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Steiner R. Emerging infodemic management strategies focus on technology: They can't forget trust. Can J Public Health 2024:10.17269/s41997-024-00879-5. [PMID: 38619749 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-024-00879-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Public health authorities around the world are planning to manage infodemics as part of their next public health emergency. But the experience of managing communications for Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table suggests that emerging infodemic management (IM) strategies should include three key principles, which appear to be missing from much of the existing literature: (1) emerging IM strategies should incorporate leadership from epidemiologists who can align infodemic response with underlying disease; (2) they should embrace journalists who mediate trust in crises; and (3) they should acknowledge the unique opportunity for public health leaders to build public trust rapidly in the first days of a crisis-a foundation for all subsequent IM. Standardizing infodemic response may help accelerate interventions during a public health emergency, especially when paired with technology. But over-standardizing the human work of building trust risks losing the infodemic fight before it starts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Steiner
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Jesser A, Steinböck A, Pammer B, Ghorab T, Weber M, Schaffler Y, Probst T, Felnhofer A, Kothgassner OD, Pieh C, Humer E. Burdens and resources of Austrian clinical psychologists: results of a qualitative study two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:205. [PMID: 38615038 PMCID: PMC11016222 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01714-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic increased the mental health burden in the general population, enhancing the demands placed on mental healthcare professionals. METHODS This study aimed to assess the burdens and resources of clinical psychologists that emerged since the beginning of the pandemic. N = 172 Austrian clinical psychologists participated in a cross-sectional online survey between April and May 2022. The burdens and the sources of support that emerged during the pandemic were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Mental health-related issues were identified as the greatest burden, followed by work-related themes and restrictions imposed by the government to combat the spreading of the virus. The most important resources mentioned by the clinical psychologists were social contacts and recreational activities. Practising mindfulness and focusing on inner processes and work-related aspects were further important resources mentioned. CONCLUSION Overall, it seems that clinical psychologists have a high awareness of mental health-related problems related to the pandemic and use adaptive coping strategies to deal with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Jesser
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, 3500, Austria
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Vienna, 1020, Austria
| | - Agnes Steinböck
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Barbara Pammer
- Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist, Graz, Austria
| | - Tiam Ghorab
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Magdalena Weber
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Yvonne Schaffler
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Thomas Probst
- Division of Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Anna Felnhofer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oswald D Kothgassner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Pieh
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Elke Humer
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, 3500, Austria.
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Vienna, 1020, Austria.
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Kim SH, Jeong BY, Kim YS, Park JW. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical and psychological aspects of temporomandibular disorders. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:447. [PMID: 38609928 PMCID: PMC11015653 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04168-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) caused drastic changes in people's lifestyle that affected TMD characteristics through its physical and psychological influences. The aim of this study was to define the clinical and psychological characteristics of a large group of well-defined TMD patients and seek their differences between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to establish points of care to be emphasized in the post-pandemic era. METHODS TMD patients diagnosed by the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) aged ≥ 18 were analyzed. Samples between September, 2017 to July, 2019 (n = 455) and March, 2021 to June, 2022 (n = 338) were collected to represent before and during COVID-19, respectively. The Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) and Symptom Checklist-90-Revision (SCL-90-R) were used to evaluate disability levels and psychological status. Clinical indices were compared between COVID periods and factors related to higher pain levels were investigated according to pandemic period. RESULTS More patients reported pain on palpation of the masticatory muscles during the pandemic (p = 0.021) while the number decreased for neck muscles (p = 0.001) and TMJ (p < 0.001) areas. Patients reporting nocturnal bruxism (23.3-29.6%) and clenching (45.1-54.7%) significantly increased during the pandemic. TMD patients with pain without disability were more common during the pandemic regardless of pain intensity (p < 0.001). The number of patients expressing interference in daily activities decreased drastically during COVID-19 regardless of disability level (p < 0.001). Factors associated with higher than moderate pain intensity (CPI ≥ 50) were insomnia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.603, p = 0.047) and somatization (OR = 1.082, p < 0.001) before the pandemic. During the pandemic, age (OR = 1.024, p = 0.007), somatization (OR = 1.070, p = 0.006), and paranoid ideation (OR = 1.117, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with higher pain intensity. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study underline the importance of evaluating psychological profiles of TMD patients, especially somatization, paranoid ideation and psychoticism, in exceptional situations that may cause a change in individual mental status. This will lead to a better understanding of the individual TMD patient and help in planning personalized treatment strategies that will assist the patient in adjusting to changes occurring in special environments such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hae Kim
- Center for Future Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Young Jeong
- Department of Oral Medicine, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Sun Kim
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Woon Park
- Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Oral Medicine, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Diagnosis, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
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Meese KA, Boitet LM, Sweeney KL, Rogers DA. Perceived stress from social isolation or loneliness among clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers during COVID-19. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1010. [PMID: 38605388 PMCID: PMC11010423 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18363-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace social isolation and loneliness have been found to result in a decline in job satisfaction and an increase in burnout among working individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness and social isolation among healthcare workers. The majority of research on healthcare worker experiences is conducted in siloes which does not reflect the shared experiences of interprofessional teams. The purpose of this study is to understand stress from social isolation or loneliness across the entire clinical and non-clinical healthcare team over the course of the pandemic. METHODS Data was acquired using a cross-sectional survey distributed to healthcare workers once a year at a large academic medical center in the Southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). Information pertaining to job role, work location, and demographic factors was collected. Participants were also asked to assess individual well-being and resilience, in addition to reporting stress derived from various sources including job demands and social isolation or loneliness. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the association between stress from social isolation or loneliness and individual characteristics. RESULTS Stress from social isolation or loneliness was found to decrease over the survey period across all measured variables. Trainees and physician-scientists were found to report the highest rates of this stressor compared to other job roles, while Hospital-Based ICU and Non-ICU work locations reported the highest rates of loneliness and social isolation stress. Younger workers and individuals from marginalized gender and racial groups were at greater risk for stress from social isolation or loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Given the importance of social connections for well-being and job performance, organizations have a responsibility to create conditions and mechanisms to foster social connections. This includes establishing and reinforcing norms of behavior, and developing connection mechanisms, particularly for groups at high risk of loneliness and social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Meese
- Department of Health Services Administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, United States.
- UAB Medicine Office of Wellness, UAB, Birmingham, United States.
| | - Laurence M Boitet
- UAB Medicine Office of Wellness, UAB, Birmingham, United States
- Department of Medical Education, UAB, Birmingham, United States
| | | | - David A Rogers
- UAB Medicine Office of Wellness, UAB, Birmingham, United States
- Department of Surgery, UAB, Birmingham, United States
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Thai H, Audet ÉC, Koestner R. Motivation for COVID-19 Vaccination: Applying a Self-Determination Theory Perspective to a Global Health Crisis. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00439-0. [PMID: 38599989 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Examining the spectrum of vaccine attitudes within the general public, spanning from hesitancy to confidence, is pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite widespread campaigns advocating for vaccine uptake, a proportion of the population harbour reservations about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. This study seeks to explore the determinants of vaccine attitudes in Canada, leveraging key concepts from the well-established Self-Determination Theory (SDT), including basic psychological needs and the quality of an individual's motivation. During a crucial juncture in the COVID-19 pandemic (December 2021), 292 participants were recruited and completed an online survey assessing levels of satisfaction/frustration of basic psychological needs (sense of autonomy, relatedness, and competence), vaccine attitudes (confidence and hesitancy), and motivation towards vaccination (controlled and autonomous). Two mediation models were employed to examine whether autonomous-controlled motivation mediated the relationship between need satisfaction-frustration and vaccine attitudes. Model 1 revealed a full mediating effect, indicating that need satisfaction influenced vaccine confidence only through autonomous motivation (ab1 = 0.09, SE = 0.04, z = 2.19, 95 % CI [0.01, 0.18]). Meanwhile, Model 2 demonstrated that need frustration was associated with vaccine hesitancy partially through controlled motivation (ab2 = 0.05, SE = 0.02, z = 2.54, 95 % CI [0.02, 0.10]). These findings underscore the applicability of SDT in investigating the motivational mechanisms that shape vaccine attitudes. Recognizing psychosocial factors, including the balance of basic needs and quality of motivations, may be integral to informing effective public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Thai
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Élodie C Audet
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Richard Koestner
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Lee S, Hwang S, Kwon KT, Nam E, Chung US, Kim SW, Chang HH, Kim Y, Bae S, Shin JY, Bae SG, Ryoo HW, Jeong J, Oh N, Lee SH, Kim Y, Kang CK, Park HY, Park J, Park SY, Kim B, Cheong HS, Son JW, Lim SJ, Yun S, Oh WS, Park KH, Lee JY, Heo ST, Lee JY. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression and Anxiety Among Healthcare Workers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Nationwide Study in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e120. [PMID: 38599597 PMCID: PMC11004773 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A healthcare system's collapse due to a pandemic, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can expose healthcare workers (HCWs) to various mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the depression and anxiety of HCWs. METHODS A nationwide questionnaire-based survey was conducted on HCWs who worked in healthcare facilities and public health centers in Korea in December 2020. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to measure depression and anxiety. To investigate factors associated with depression and anxiety, stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 1,425 participating HCWs were included. The mean depression score (PHQ-9) of HCWs before and after COVID-19 increased from 2.37 to 5.39, and the mean anxiety score (GAD-7) increased from 1.41 to 3.41. The proportion of HCWs with moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) increased from 3.8% before COVID-19 to 19.5% after COVID-19, whereas that of HCWs with moderate to severe anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 10) increased from 2.0% to 10.1%. In our study, insomnia, chronic fatigue symptoms and physical symptoms after COVID-19, anxiety score (GAD-7) after COVID-19, living alone, and exhaustion were positively correlated with depression. Furthermore, post-traumatic stress symptoms, stress score (Global Assessment of Recent Stress), depression score (PHQ-9) after COVID-19, and exhaustion were positively correlated with anxiety. CONCLUSION In Korea, during the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs commonly suffered from mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Regularly checking the physical and mental health problems of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial, and social support and strategy are needed to reduce the heavy workload and psychological distress of HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinwon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Soyoon Hwang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Kwon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
| | - EunKyung Nam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Un Sun Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
| | - Shin-Woo Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ha Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Yoonjung Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sohyun Bae
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sang-Geun Bae
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyun Wook Ryoo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Juhwan Jeong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - NamHee Oh
- Hospital Infection Control Team, Daegu Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - So Hee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeonjae Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Kyung Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiho Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Yoon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bongyoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae Suk Cheong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Woong Son
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Su Jin Lim
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Masan Medical Center, Changwon, Korea
| | - Seongcheol Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Andong Medical Center, Andong, Korea
| | - Won Sup Oh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sang Taek Heo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Lee
- Department of Counseling Psychology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, Korea
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Schowe AM, Godara M, Czamara D, Adli M, Singer T, Binder EB. Genetic predisposition for negative affect predicts mental health burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01795-y. [PMID: 38587666 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01795-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was accompanied by an increase in mental health challenges including depression, stress, loneliness, and anxiety. Common genetic variants can contribute to the risk for psychiatric disorders and may present a risk factor in times of crises. However, it is unclear to what extent polygenic risk played a role in the mental health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we investigate whether polygenic scores (PGSs) for mental health-related traits can distinguish between four resilience-vulnerability trajectories identified during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns in 2020/21. We used multinomial regression in a genotyped subsample (n = 1316) of the CovSocial project. The most resilient trajectory characterized by the lowest mental health burden and the highest recovery rates served as the reference group. Compared to this most resilient trajectory, a higher value on the PGS for the well-being spectrum decreased the odds for individuals to be in one of the more vulnerable trajectories (adjusted R-square = 0.3%). Conversely, a higher value on the PGS for neuroticism increased the odds for individuals to be in one of the more vulnerable trajectories (adjusted R-square = 0.2%). Latent change in mental health burden extracted from the resilience-vulnerability trajectories was not associated with any PGS. Although our findings support an influence of PGS on mental health during COVID-19, the small added explained variance suggests limited utility of such genetic markers for the identification of vulnerable individuals in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Schowe
- Department of Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.
- Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.
| | - Malvika Godara
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society, 10557, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department of Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Mazda Adli
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Fliedner Klinik Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tania Singer
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society, 10557, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
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Mitsuhashi T. Heterogeneity of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome onset at a Japanese campus. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17013. [PMID: 38590703 PMCID: PMC11000644 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak began in China in December 2019, with the World Health Organization declaring a state of emergency in January 2020. Worldwide implementation of lockdown measures to slow the spread of the virus led to reduced physical activity, disrupted eating habits, mental health issues, and sleep disturbances, which increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers, especially intensive care workers, experienced longer working hours and burnout, which further increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Accordingly, it is important to identify individuals at a risk of new-onset MetS during a pandemic, which could direct preventive interventions. This study aimed to assess the heterogeneous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of new-onset MetS based on the conditional average treatment effect (CATE) and to identify at-risk populations. Methods This study analyzed health checkup data obtained from Okayama University Shikata Campus workers using paired baseline and follow-up years. Baseline data encompassed 2017 to 2019, with respective follow-up data from 2018 to 2020. Furthermore, as the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan began in January 2020, workers who underwent follow-up health checkups in 2018 to 2019 and 2020 were considered as "unexposed" and "exposed," respectively. As the Shikata campus has several departments, comparisons among departments were made. The primary outcome was new-onset MetS at follow-up. Predictor variables included baseline health checkup results, sex, age, and department (administrative, research, medical, or intensive care department). X-learner was used to calculate the CATE. Results This study included 3,572 eligible individuals (unexposed, n = 2,181; exposed, n = 1,391). Among them, 1,544 (70.8%) and 866 (62.3%) participants in the unexposed and exposed groups, respectively, were females. The mean age (±standard deviation) of the unexposed and exposed groups was 48.2 ± 8.2 and 47.8 ± 8.3 years, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the average probability of new-onset MetS by 4.4% in the overall population. According to the department, the intensive care department showed the highest CATE, with a 15.4% increase. Moreover, there was large heterogeneity according to the department. The high-CATE group was characterized by older age, urinary protein, elevated liver enzymes, higher triglyceride levels, and a history of hyperlipidemia treatment. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic increased the incidence of new-onset MetS, with this effect showing heterogeneity at a single Japanese campus. Regarding specific populations, workers in the intensive care department showed an increased risk of new-onset MetS. At-risk populations require specific preventive interventions in case the current COVID-19 pandemic persists or a new pandemic occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiharu Mitsuhashi
- Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan
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Perna A, Colaizzo E, Ladogana A, Silvestri G, Baiardi S. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in a man surviving COVID-19: disentangling a casual or causal association by neuropathology. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07486-9. [PMID: 38578381 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07486-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature reporting the onset of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) immediately after COVID-19 infection has strengthened a possible causal link between infection and neurodegeneration. Here, we report a novel case undergoing detailed neuropathological assessment. CASE REPORT Two months after he had contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection, a 54-year-old man manifested a subacute onset of ataxia, headache, anosmia, and hallucinations, followed by rapidly progressive cognitive decline. Electroencephalography documented unspecific slowing with periodic polyphasic delta waves. Brain MRI showed hyperintensities of basal ganglia and thalami on DWI/FLAIR. CSF tested positive for the 14-3-3 protein, and prion seeding activity was demonstrated by the real-time quaking-induced conversion assay. The patient died 2 months after the neurologic onset. The neuropathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of CJD and ruled out COVID-19-related encephalitis. DISCUSSION To disentangle the link between COVID-19 infection and CJD, neuropathology is essential determining the extent of changes related to both conditions. In our patient, we did not find any specific abnormality related to COVID-19. Our conclusion is in line with the current worldwide epidemiological data that do not show an increase in CJD cases since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Perna
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Colaizzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Ladogana
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Silvestri
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Baiardi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Altura 1/8, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
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Spranzi M, Foureur N, Faidherbe V. From “exceptional ethics” to public health ethics. Patients and proxies facing COVID-19. Ethics and public health during COVID-19. Sante Publique 2024; 36:97-108. [PMID: 38580472 DOI: 10.3917/spub.241.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to elicit the perception and ethical considerations of patients and proxies with respect both to the individual medical decisions and public health decisions made during the COVID-19 crisis. It used a qualitative, multi-center study based on semi-directive interviews, conducted by an interdisciplinary team. The analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach and an ethical framework. Three themes emerged from the analysis: 1) patients, unlike proxies, did not complain about their diminished role in the decision-making process. Both highlighted the importance of “basic care” as opposed to a technical approach to treatment; 2) despite the transparency of the information process, a deep “crisis of trust” has developed between citizens and public authorities; 3) although both patients and proxies accepted the limitations of personal liberties imposed in the name of public health, they argued that these limitations should respect certain boundaries, both temporal and spacial. Above all, they should not affect basic affective human relationships, even if such boundaries are a factor in an increased risk of infection. The study showed that there is a need to reconsider the definition and the main principles of public health ethics, namely transparency and proportionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Spranzi
- Maîtresse de conférences en éthique médicale, UFR Simone Veil – santé, UVSQ
- Consultante d’éthique, Centre d’éthique clinique (AP-HP)
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Wiedemann A, Jones PB, Burn AM. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adults' mental health and beyond: a qualitative investigation nested within an ongoing general population cohort study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02659-5. [PMID: 38578523 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02659-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Initial discussions about the COVID-19 pandemic often overlooked its impact on young adults. By employing a qualitative approach nested within an ongoing general population cohort study, we seek to fill a gap in the literature by providing insights into the longer-term impact on this demographic. METHODS Data collection involved the use of in-depth semi-structured interviews. Using a pre-determined sampling frame, we purposively recruited 30 participants based on age, gender, ethnicity, and deprivation from the Neuroscience in Psychiatry Network (NSPN). The NSPN cohort, established in 2012, consists of 2403 young people aged 14-24 at baseline, recruited from Greater London and Cambridgeshire. Interviews were conducted in Autumn 2022; data were analysed using the framework method. RESULTS Participants were on average 28 years old (SD = 3 years, range 24-34 years; 53.3% female). The sample comprised individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with 40% from non-White ethnic groups. Many young adults reported profound personal growth and a stronger sense of resilience, a perception observed across varying levels of anxiety or depression. Nevertheless, we observed substantial disruptions to their personal and professional lives such as returning to their parents' homes, often deferring other life plans, lacking mental health support, and encountering significant career challenges. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the complexity of pandemic impacts, demonstrating the need for supportive policies and further research to understand the circumstances under which genuine personal growth occurs, whether it is enduring or transient, and which factors influence it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wiedemann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK.
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
- Applied Research Collaboration, National Institute for Health Research, East of England, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Peter B Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Applied Research Collaboration, National Institute for Health Research, East of England, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anne-Marie Burn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Applied Research Collaboration, National Institute for Health Research, East of England, Cambridge, UK
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Chen G, Zhang H, Hu Y, Luo C. Trust as a catalyst: revealing the impact of government trust and professional trust on public health policy compliance during a pandemic. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:957. [PMID: 38575954 PMCID: PMC10993454 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing research has extensively explored the relationship between government trust and compliance behaviour, but significant controversies exist. Some studies suggest a strong positive correlation between the two. Other studies have found that government trust hinders compliance behaviour. However, during the pandemic, the effectiveness of public health policies largely depends on the public's compliance with these policies. To examine the aforementioned controversies, this study utilizes survey data on the Chinese population during the COVID-19 period to explore the relationship between compliance with public health policies and government trust. METHODS The study conducted a questionnaire survey of 1,395 individuals from 25 provinces in China from mid-November to mid-December 2022. Firstly, we categorized the public's compliance behaviour with public health policies based on the results of factor analysis. Subsequently, we examined the impact of government trust and professional trust on compliance behaviour with public health policies by constructing a structural equation model. RESULTS Based on the results of factor analysis, we classified public adherence to public health policies into protective compliance and restrictive compliance. Results from the structural equation model show a positive correlation between the public's trust in the government and both protective and restrictive compliance, with a stronger influence on protective compliance. Government trust also exerts a positive impact on restrictive compliance behaviour through professional trust. Additionally, the study indicates a significant positive correlation between the public's professional trust and restrictive compliance, while it does not significantly affect protective compliance. Moreover, the public from rural areas demonstrates a greater willingness to adhere to both types of public health policies. Married individuals exhibit a stronger inclination toward protective compliance, while females show a stronger tendency toward restrictive compliance. CONCLUSION The study revealed a significant positive impact of government trust and professional trust on compliance behaviour with public health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, refuting any negative correlation between government trust and compliance behaviour. Normative motivations for compliance behaviour had a substantial impact on adherence. These findings offer valuable insights for future public health crisis management and public policy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobang Chen
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yue Hu
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunyan Luo
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Harrison S, Quigley MA, Fellmeth G, Stein A, Ayers S, Alderdice F. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on postnatal anxiety and posttraumatic stress: Analysis of two population-based national maternity surveys in England. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:122-136. [PMID: 38574867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated postnatal anxiety and posttraumatic stress (PTS) before and during the Covid-19 pandemic using comparable data across time. We used data from two national maternity surveys in England to explore the impact of the pandemic on prevalence and risk factors for postnatal anxiety and PTS. METHODS Analysis was conducted using population-based surveys carried out in 2018 (n = 4509) and 2020 (n = 4611). Weighted prevalence estimates for postnatal anxiety and PTS were compared across surveys. Adjusted risk ratios (aRR) were estimated for the association between risk factors and postnatal anxiety and PTS. FINDINGS Prevalence of postnatal anxiety increased from 13.7 % in 2018 to 15.1 % in 2020 (+1.4 %(95%CI:-0.4-3.1)). Prevalence of postnatal PTS increased from 9.7 % in 2018 to 11.5 % in 2020 (+1.8 %(95%CI:0.3-3.4)), due to an increase in PTS related to birth trauma from 2.5 % to 4.3 % (+1.8 %(95%CI:0.9-2.6); there was no increase in PTS related to non-birth trauma. Younger age (aRR = 1.31-1.51), being born in the UK (aRR = 1.29-1.59), long-term physical or mental health problem(s) (aRR = 1.27-1.94), and antenatal anxiety (aRR = 1.97-2.22) were associated with increased risk of postnatal anxiety and PTS before and during the pandemic, whereas higher satisfaction with birth (aRR = 0.92-0.94) and social support (aRR = 0.81-0.82) were associated with decreased risk. INTERPRETATION Prevalence of postnatal PTS was significantly higher during the pandemic, compared to before the pandemic, due to an increase in PTS related to birth trauma. Prevalence of postnatal anxiety was not significantly higher during the pandemic. Risk factors for postnatal anxiety and PTS were similar before and during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Harrison
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - M A Quigley
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - G Fellmeth
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A Stein
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychiatry, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; 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; African Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - S Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - F Alderdice
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Parihar A, Vishwakarma P, Khan R. Miniaturized MXene-based electrochemical biosensors for virus detection. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 158:108700. [PMID: 38582009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The timely control of infectious diseases can prevent the spread of infections and mitigate the significant socio-economic damage witnessed during recent pandemics. Diagnostic methods play a significant role in detecting highly contagious agents, such as viruses, to prevent further transmission. The emergence of advanced point-of-care techniques offers several advantages over conventional approaches for detecting infectious agents. These techniques are highly sensitive, rapid, can be miniaturized, and are cost-effective. Recently, MXene-based 2D nanocomposites have proven beneficial for fabricating electrochemical biosensors due to their suitable electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. This article covers electrochemical biosensors based on MXene nanocomposite for the detection of viruses, along with the associated challenges and future possibilities. Additionally, we highlight various conventional techniques for the detection of infectious agents, discussing their pros and cons. We delve into the challenges faced during the fabrication of MXene-based biosensors and explore future endeavors. It is anticipated that the information presented in this work will pave the way for the development of Point-of-Care (POC) devices capable of sensitive and selective virus detection, enhancing preparedness for ongoing and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpana Parihar
- Industrial Waste Utilization, Nano and Biomaterials, CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal- 462026, MP, India
| | - Preeti Vishwakarma
- Department of Microbiology, Barkatullah University, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal- 462026, MP, India
| | - Raju Khan
- Industrial Waste Utilization, Nano and Biomaterials, CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal- 462026, MP, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad- 201002, India.
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Raethke M, van Hunsel F, Luxi N, Lieber T, Bellitto C, Mulder E, Ciccimarra F, Riefolo F, Thurin NH, Roy D, Morton K, Villalobos F, Batel Marques F, Farcas A, Sonderlichová S, Belitser S, Klungel O, Trifirò G, Sturkenboom MC. Frequency and timing of adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines; A multi-country cohort event monitoring study. Vaccine 2024; 42:2357-2369. [PMID: 38448322 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, EMA set-up a large-scale cohort event monitoring (CEM) system to estimate incidence rates of patient-reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of different COVID-19 vaccines across the participating countries. This study aims to give an up to date and in-depth analysis of the frequency of patient-reported ADRs after the 1st, 2nd, and booster vaccination, to identify potential predictors in developing ADRs and to describe time-to-onset (TTO) and time-to-recovery (TTR) of ADRs. METHODS A CEM study was rolled out in a period ranging from February 2021 to February 2023 across multiple European countries; The Netherlands, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Spain. Analysis consisted of a descriptive analyses of frequencies of COVID-19 vaccine-related ADRs for 1st, 2nd and booster vaccination, analysis of potential predictors in developing ADRs with a generalized linear mixed-effects model, analysis of TTO and TTR of ADRs and a sensitivity analysis for loss to follow-up (L2FU). RESULTS A total of 29,837 participants completed at least the baseline and the first follow-up questionnaire for 1st and 2nd vaccination and 7,250 participants for the booster. The percentage of participants who reported at least one ADR is 74.32% (95%CI 73.82-74.81). Solicited ADRs, including injection site reactions, are very common across vaccination moments. Potential predictors for these reactions are the brand of vaccine used, the patient's age, sex and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. The percentage of serious ADRs in the study is low for 1st and 2nd vaccination (0.24%, 95%CI 0.19--0.31) and booster (0.26%, 95%CI 0.15, 0.41). The TTO was 14 h (median) for dose 1 and slightly longer for dose 2 and booster dose. TTR is generally also within a few days. The effect of L2FU on estimations of frequency is limited. CONCLUSION Despite some limitations due to study design and study-roll out, CEM studies can allow prompt and almost real-time observations of the safety of medications directly from a patient-centered perspective, which can play a crucial role for regulatory bodies during an emergency setting such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Raethke
- Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's, Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Florence van Hunsel
- Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's, Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands; Department of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Nicoletta Luxi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Lieber
- Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's, Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Chiara Bellitto
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Erik Mulder
- Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's, Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | | | - Fabio Riefolo
- Teamit Institute, Partnerships, Barcelona Health Hub, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicolas H Thurin
- Bordeaux PharmacoEpi, INSERM CIC-P 1401, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Debabrata Roy
- Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU), Southampton, UK; University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Kathryn Morton
- Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU), Southampton, UK; University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Felipe Villalobos
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Andreea Farcas
- Pharmacovigilance Research Center, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Sonderlichová
- Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Faculty of Medicine, SLOVACRIN, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Belitser
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Olaf Klungel
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gianluca Trifirò
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Miriam C Sturkenboom
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Support, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Karras J, Harrison M, Steffens M, Abdi I, Seale H. "COVID is a huge jigsaw puzzle that I am trying to make sense of myself": Exploring the perceptions towards the COVID-19 vaccine communication strategy in Australia amongst unvaccinated Australian adults. Vaccine 2024; 42:2407-2413. [PMID: 38453619 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated introduction of a novel vaccine has provided researchers with the opportunity to investigate how to support vaccine acceptance and reduce hesitancy using novel approaches. This study aimed to understand the perceptions of COVID-19 unvaccinated Australian adults towards the COVID-19 vaccines and the factors influencing their vaccine decision-making. We also explored their attitudes towards vaccine communication strategies and the availability and quality of resources to support decision-making and preferences during future public health emergencies. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 35 members of the Australian community who self-identified as being unvaccinated against COVID-19 from September to December 2021 and did not intend to vaccinate. Key themes that emerged focused on past experiences of vaccination, feelings of being coerced or pushed into vaccination, concerns about transparency around the development processes used for the COVID-19 vaccines, the value of getting vaccinated and issues regarding the mandates being used. Participants acknowledged that they would be open to talking to peers but held some reservations about the process. Requirements for vaccination have now been lifted in many countries. While governments should continue to strive to promote COVID-19 primary and booster vaccines going forward, this research suggests that there will be a small proportion of the community who continue to actively decline the vaccine. Further work is needed to understand the strategies that can support decision-making during pandemics amongst people who remain uncertain about the need for the vaccines or are concerned about vaccine safety. This includes innovatively exploring the role of peer-to-peer communication and the influence it may have on correcting misunderstandings and supporting confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Karras
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Mia Harrison
- Centre for Social Research in Health (CSRH), University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryke Steffens
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ikram Abdi
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Holly Seale
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
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Tsai J, Grace A, Espinoza R, Kurian A. Incidence of long COVID and associated psychosocial characteristics in a large U.S. city. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:611-619. [PMID: 37606649 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Persistent residual effects from Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) have been observed with varying definitions of "Long COVID" and little comprehensive examination. This study examined the incidence and psychosocial correlates of Long COVID using different definitions. METHODS Data were analyzed from a citywide sample of 3595 adults with lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 that were surveyed over 3 months. Rates of Long COVID were examined in terms of Post-Acute COVID (PAC), defined as at least one symptom lasting for 4 weeks, and three levels of Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) that included experiencing at least one symptom for 3 months (PCS-1), experiencing three or more symptoms for 3 months (PCS-2), or experiencing at least one of the same symptoms for 3 months (PCS-3). RESULTS Among the 686 participants who completed baseline, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up assessments, 75.7% had PAC, 55.0% had PSC-1, 26.5% had PSC-2, and 19.0% had PSC-3. Comparing participants with PAC and PSC-3 in the total sample with inverse probability weighting, multivariable analyses revealed being female, Asian or Native American, greater reported longlines, and less social support were predictive of PCS-3. CONCLUSION Residual effects of COVID-19 are very common and nearly one-fifth of our sample met the most restrictive definition of Long COVID warranting concern as a public health issue. Some demographic and social factors may predispose some adults to Long COVID, which should be considered for prevention and population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Tsai
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1200 Pressler St., Houston, TX, 77098, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA.
| | - Abigail Grace
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1200 Pressler St., Houston, TX, 77098, USA
| | - Rita Espinoza
- , Metropolitan Health District, City of San Antonio, USA
| | - Anita Kurian
- , Metropolitan Health District, City of San Antonio, USA
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Çömlek FÖ, Toprak A, Birbilen AZ, Dilek SÖ, Coşkun F. Evaluation of vitamin D levels in children and adolescents after the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: 1-year results of a secondary-level state hospital. Arch Pediatr 2024; 31:179-182. [PMID: 38538466 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global public health problem with high morbidity and mortality rates. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status of patients presenting to the Pediatrics Department of Gaziantep Maternity and Children's Hospital in the 1-year period after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic according to ethnicity, age, and gender. METHOD This cross-sectional study included the data of 7640 patients whose 25(OH)D levels were assessed at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2022. Vitamin D levels, age, gender, and the ethnic origin of the patients were retrospectively scanned and recorded from the laboratory results system. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of vitamin D levels, patients were divided into three groups: <10 ng/mL = vitamin D deficiency; 10-19 ng/mL = vitamin D insufficiency, and 20 ng/mL and over = normal vitamin D status. RESULTS The mean age of the 7640 patients who presented to the pediatrics department was 7.47 (±5.3) years. Of these patients, 48 % (3665) were male and 52 % (3975) were female. The mean vitamin D level of girls was 18.1 (±15.2) ng/mL, and of boys it was 20.2 (±15.4) ng/mL, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). In total, 21.2 % (1650) of patients had deficient, 43.3 % (3310) of patients had insufficient, and 35.5 % (2710) of patients had normal 25(OH)D levels. Overall, 21.8 % of the patients (1667) were immigrants, and in this group the deficiency was found to be statistically significantly higher at 27.4 % (n = 456; p < 0.001). There was a low negative correlation between the age of the patients and their 25(OH)D levels (r=-0.35; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency remains a serious public health problem. Since the most important production source is exposure to the sun, it must be kept in mind that vitamin D should be supported during lockdown pandemic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Toprak
- Biostatistics, Bezmialem Vakıf University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | - Fatma Coşkun
- Anesthesia and Reanimation, Gaziantep Children Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Romain Dagenhardt DM, Liu X, Richards J, Mersky J. Family treatment courts and the COVID-19 pandemic: Barriers and facilitators to program implementation, client engagement, and recovery. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2024; 159:209278. [PMID: 38135119 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Family Treatment Courts (FTCs) serve child welfare-involved parents with substance use issues who are working toward recovery and reunification with their children. Research has linked FTCs to successful outcomes such as treatment access and completion and family reunification, but there has been less attention to factors that hinder and facilitate program implementation and client engagement. Moreover, little is known about how the shift to virtual services during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted FTC programs and the families they serve. METHODS This study examined interview data gathered from staff in six FTCs located in different regions of the country to investigate the impact of the pandemic on programs and the clients they serve. Interviews conducted with clients from one FTC in the Midwest reinforce the data. RESULTS FTC programs and professionals adjusted to the pandemic by attempting to replicate face-to-face services in an online environment. Virtual services were vital for sustaining FTCs and mitigating barriers to client engagement during the pandemic. At the same time, FTCs were compelled to navigate new barriers to online program implementation as well as acute challenges that clients faced such as greater isolation and reduced treatment access. CONCLUSIONS We discuss implications from these findings with an eye toward maximizing FTC implementation and impact through the intentional use of both in-person programming and online technology after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiyao Liu
- Department of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-, Milwaukee, United States of America
| | - Jayden Richards
- Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, University of Wisconsin -, Milwaukee, United States of America
| | - Joshua Mersky
- Department of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-, Milwaukee, United States of America
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Helles M, Fletcher R, Münch M, Gibson R. Examining the structure validity of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index among female workers during New Zealand's initial COVID-19 lockdown. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2024; 22:217-225. [PMID: 38524163 PMCID: PMC10959842 DOI: 10.1007/s41105-023-00509-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Sleep is important for good physical and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown created a unique context that impacted psychological and social drivers for sleeping well. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a widely used measurement tool assessing subjective sleep quality. The traditional model of the PSQI (a one-factor model), whilst validated and used across different populations, has also been questioned with regards to data fit and representativeness of its global score in different social and work-related circumstances. Examination of the structure validity of the PSQI in the unique context of the pandemic has been scarce. This study determined the PSQI structure validity amongst employed women considered to experience increased stressors during the pandemic lockdown. The subjectively reported PSQI data from 498 female workers (mean age 44.6 years) collected during New Zealand's first national COVID-19 lockdown (April, 2020) was used. Confirmatory factor analyses compared the original one-factor model of the PSQI with the two- and three-factor models used by Jia et al. (2019) within this pandemic context. Results showed that the two-factor model provided a superior fit of the PSQI data compared to the original one-factor or a three-factor model. These findings suggest that a sub-score of the PSQI with two factors appears to be better at describing the sleep quality of healthy working women during the constrained situation of the pandemic lockdown compared to a single global sleep quality score. This indicates the importance of considering the validity of subjective sleep measures when used within unique social contexts and stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margrethe Helles
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Richard Fletcher
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mirjam Münch
- Centre for Chronobiology, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Cluster Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, Department of Biomedicine, Basel, Switzerland
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, School of Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, College of Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary Gibson
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, School of Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Altafim ERP, Castro MC, Rocha HAL, Correia LL, de Aquino CM, Sampaio EGM, Machado MMT. Relationships Between Mental Health, Negative Feelings of COVID-19, and Parenting Among Pregnant Women in Fortaleza, Brazil. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:609-616. [PMID: 37938442 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, the literature highlighted an increased risk of child abuse and the use of negative parenting practices. Furthermore, pregnancy during this time may have been challenging and generated different feelings regarding the pandemic and motherhood. Many pregnant women had other young children, underscoring the need to understand this scenario better. Therefore, the present study examined the predictive effect of indicators of mental health disorders, emotional discomfort with motherhood, and negative perceptions of COVID-19 on negative parenting practices. METHODS The study used a cross-sectional design. Pregnant women (n = 303) who had other children younger than six years answered an online questionnaire during the physical distancing period due to COVID-19 in Fortaleza. A partially latent structural equation model (SEM) was used to test direct and indirect relations between the variables. RESULTS The results revealed a direct positive relation between maternal mental health and the variables COVID-19 feelings, emotional discomfort with motherhood, and negative parenting practices. The stronger relationship was between maternal mental health and emotional discomfort with motherhood. The COVID-19 negative feelings also showed a direct positive relation to emotional discomfort with motherhood. Additionally, older mothers and those with fewer children tended to have less mental health disorders. Furthermore, being in a later trimester of pregnancy was linked to more negative feelings about motherhood. DISCUSSION The study suggests that mothers experiencing mental health challenges are more likely to feel discomfort with motherhood and use negative parenting practices, highlighting a need for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rachel Pisani Altafim
- Mental Health Program, Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Av. Tenente Catão Roxo, 2650, Ribeirão Preto, 14051-140, SP, Brazil.
- Instituto Para a Valorização da Educação e da Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Santo André, Brazil.
| | - Marcia C Castro
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Luciano Lima Correia
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Camila Machado de Aquino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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