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Coronavirus Mental Health

Sámi community perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods case study in Arctic Sweden
Stoor JPA, Sedholm O, San Sebastián M and Nilsson LM
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a grave threat not only to Indigenous people's health and well-being, but also to Indigenous communities and societies. This applies also to the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic, where unintentional effects of public health actions to mitigate the spread of virus may have long-lasting effects on vulnerable communities. This study aim was to identify and describe Sámi perspectives on how the Sámi society in Sweden was specifically affected by the pandemic and associated public health actions during 2020-2021. A mixed-method qualitative case study approach was employed, including a media scoping review and stakeholder interviews. The media scoping review included 93 articles, published online or in print, from January 2020 to 1 September 2021, in Swedish or Norwegian, regarding the pandemic-related impacts on Sámi society in Sweden. The review informed a purposeful selection of 15 stakeholder qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis of the articles and interview transcripts generated five subthemes and two main themes: "weathering the storm" and "stressing Sámi culture and society". These reflect social dynamics which highlight stressors towards, and resilience within, the Sámi society during the pandemic. The results may be useful when evaluating and developing public health crisis response plans concerning or affecting the Sámi society in Sweden.
Estimating the Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on Self-reported Antiretroviral Therapy Use and Late Refill Visits Among People Living With HIV in Rural South Africa
Tseng AS, Mugwanya KK, Szpiro AA, van Heerden A, Ntinga X, Schaafsma TT and Barnabas RV
People living with HIV require reliable access to and adequate supply of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for viral suppression. The Deliver Health Study, a randomized trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, found that home-delivered ART significantly increased viral suppression compared with clinic-based care. The effect of changing COVID-19 alert levels on self-reported ART use has not been quantified.
Mental health conditions and COVID-19 vaccine outcomes: A scoping review
Jia R, Coupland C, Vinogradova Y, Qureshi N, Turner E and Vedhara K
Research shows that people with a history of mental health conditions were at increased risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, and mortality. However, the relationship between mental health conditions and COVID-19 vaccine outcomes such as vaccine intention, uptake and vaccine breakthrough is not yet well-understood.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Diagnostic Frequency and Medical Therapies Applied to Subjects With Functional Seizures
Schaefer Bennett G, Naik S and Krawiec C
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was associated with catastrophic consequences and increased psychological distress. However, it is unknown if the pandemic impacted the frequency of functional seizures (FS), a well known manifestation of psychiatric disease. The study objectives are to evaluate FS diagnostic code frequency before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the therapies applied. We hypothesized that FS frequency would be higher during the pandemic, but that the therapies applied would be similar between the two time periods.
Perspectives of primary school teachers on the capacity of schools to support post-pandemic health needs emerging among school-age children
Bennett AE
This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on capacity building for health promotion in primary schools from the perspectives of primary school teachers.
Advanced nurse practitioner well-being: A 4-year cohort mixed methods study
Wood E, King R, Robertson S, Tod A, Senek M, Taylor B and Ryan T
To examine changes in advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) well-being, satisfaction and motivation over a four-year period.
Mental health, sleep, and respiratory health after initiating elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor treatment in children with cystic fibrosis
Pham H, Vandeleur M, Mainzer RM and Ranganathan S
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) significantly improves lung function but its effect on mental health and sleep remains poorly understood. We report on mental health, sleep, and respiratory health outcomes of adolescents with CF commenced on ETI therapy, and monitored the prevalence of neuropsychiatric issues through the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Beyond the Preventive Measures: A Delphi Method-Based Study of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Different Age Groups
Sedlašek E, Krohne N, Borko P, Zemljarič I, Masten R, Vinko M, De Leo D and Poštuvan V
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures affected various aspects of people's lives, while also representing an important risk factor for people's mental health. In the present study, we examined the negative psychological consequences of the preventive measures on people's mental health and the protective factors that strengthened their mental health and well-being during the pandemic. A study, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods based on a Delphi protocol, was conducted with a sample of Slovenian professionals who worked with people from different demographic groups (i.e., children and adolescents, emerging adults, the adult working population, the elderly) during the pandemic. We conducted (i) a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 11 professionals and (ii) a quantitative study where 73 professionals completed a structured online questionnaire. Experts recognized the disruption of informal face-to-face social contacts as the measure with the greatest impact on people's lives across all groups studied, the effect being particularly evident in relation to individuals' development period and socio-demographic characteristics. An individual's ability to adapt to change and emotional support provided by family or other close persons contributed significantly to maintaining mental health and well-being during the pandemic. Considering the interplay of various COVID-19-related risk and protective factors for mental health, enabling and promoting the maintenance and development of social relationships (including through alternative pathways) should be a priority aspect of (mental health) intervention for all demographic groups.
Persistence of COVID-19 Symptoms and Quality of Life at Three and Twelve Months after Hospital Discharge
Gutiérrez-Canales LG, Muñoz-Corona C, Barrera-Chávez I, Viloria-Álvarez C, Macías AE, Martínez-Navarro LJ, Alvarez JA, Scavo-Montes DA and Guaní-Guerra E
Medical and public recognition of "long-COVID or post-COVID syndrome", as well as its impact on the quality of life (QoL), is required to better address the disease burden. Objectives: We aimed to describe the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms and QoL among patients at three and twelve months after their discharge from the hospital. We conducted an observational, prospective, and longitudinal analytic study from September 2021 to April 2022. To measure QoL, we used a validated version of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). We included 68 patients in the study. A total of 54 (79.4%) patients reported at least one persistent symptom at three months vs. 52 (76.4%) at twelve months ( = 0.804). Some persistent symptoms (myalgia, alopecia, and cough) decreased significantly at twelve months (50% vs. 30.9%, 29.4% vs. 13.2%, and 23.5% vs. 7.4%; respectively, = 0.007); in contrast, other persistent symptoms (sleep-wake and memory disorders) were more frequent (5.9% vs. 32.4% and 4.4% vs. 20.6%; respectively, = ≤0.001). Regarding QoL, a statistically significant improvement was observed in some scores over time, = ≤0.037. At twelve months, dyspnea, myalgia, and depression were risk factors associated with a poor physical component summary (PCS), = ≤0.027, whereas anxiety, depression, and fatigue were associated with a poor mental component summary (MCS), = ≤0.015. As the proportion of persistent symptoms at twelve months is high, we suggest that patients must continue under long-term follow up to reclassify, diagnose, and treat new onset symptoms/diseases.
Factors Related to Caregivers' Intention to Vaccinate Their Elderly Family Members with Major Neurocognitive Disorders against COVID-19
Huang MF, Yeh YC, Liu TL, Hsiao RC, Chen CS and Yen CF
Vaccination helps reduce the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in elderly individuals with major neurocognitive disorders (MNDs). However, some caregivers are hesitant to have their elderly family members with MNDs vaccinated against COVID-19. This study explored the factors influencing caregivers' intentions to vaccinate elderly family members with MNDs against COVID-19. A total of 232 caregivers of elderly family members with MNDs participated in this study. In this survey, data regarding COVID-19 vaccination acceptance, fear, side effects, family members' attitudes toward vaccination, mental health status, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairments were collected from the elderly participants with MNDs. The associations between these variables and the caregivers' intention to vaccinate their elderly family members with MNDs against COVID-19 were examined using a multivariable linear regression analysis model. The results revealed that caregivers' perceived familial support for vaccination, the perceived value of vaccination, and autonomy to vaccinate elder family members were positively correlated with caregivers' intention to vaccinate elderly family members with MNDs, whereas elderly family members' age was negatively correlated with caregiver intentions. This study demonstrated that caregiver factors (perceived familial support, value of vaccination, and autonomy) and elderly family members' age were correlated with caregiver intention. These factors should be considered in developing interventions to enhance caregivers' intentions to vaccinate their elderly family members with MNDs against COVID-19.
A New Pandemic of the XXIst Century: The Growing Crisis of Adolescent Depression in the Digital Age
Cyrkler M, Czerwiak KZ, Drabik A and Soroka E
In a reality dominated by social media and affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of people in various age groups has undoubtedly suffered, especially among young people. Statistics confirm that adolescent depression is a significant health problem and is the most common cause of disability in this age group. Research shows the multifactorial basis of this disease entity, placing particular emphasis on the genetic, environmental, and biological background. A family history of depression can increase the risk of developing depression by 4-fold. A teenager, being part of many systems, such as family, school community, and social media co-user, is exposed to many stressors. Maturing youth have a very demanding educational plan to implement, and depression causes a decline in cognitive functions, which are so important in acquiring knowledge. Among many patients, an additional risk is self-harm and suicide, which are part of the clinical picture of depressive disorders. Suicide accounts for about one-third of mortality among youth. We draw attention to the need to increase educational and psychoeducational impacts on adolescent depression, as it is a huge health problem that has an impact on all areas of a young person's life. The trend of depression among adolescents is constantly increasing. The aim of this article is to review the global causes and consequences of the growing number of cases of depression, self-harm, and suicide among children and adolescents, as well as contemporary approaches to management.
Pulmonary rehabilitation in follow-up and inpatient rehabilitation for Long COVID: twelve months of follow-up
Rutsch M, Buhr-Schinner H, Gross T, Schüller PO and Deck R
Individuals with persistent impairments due to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can receive pulmonary rehabilitation in Germany. To date, there is no evidence of the medium- or long-term effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on Long COVID.
Adaptation and Validation of the Turkish Version of the Brain Fog Scale
Bas M, Kahriman M, Gencalp C, Koseoglu SK and Hajhamidiasl L
Brain fog is a condition that is characterized by poor concentration, memory loss, decreased cognitive function, and mental fatigue. Although it is generally known as a long-term COVID-19 symptom, brain fog has also been reported to be caused by many other diseases. Thus, it is necessary to assess this condition in certain populations. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Brain Fog Scale in a Turkish population. We conducted the study in two phases. In a pilot study including 125 participants, we confirmed the suitability of the scale for validity analyses and then conducted exploratory ( = 230) and confirmatory factor analyses ( = 343). The Cronbach's alpha value of the 23-item Brain Fog Scale was 0.966. In addition, the 23-item and three-factor structure was confirmed as a result of the analyses. These three factors are mental fatigue, impaired cognitive acuity, and confusion. We also found that participants previously diagnosed with COVID-19 had higher brain fog scores. This finding indicates that brain fog is an important condition that can accompany COVID-19. Furthermore, this validated construct has an acceptable fit and is a valid and useful tool for the Turkish population.
Trends in weight gain recorded in English primary care before and during the Coronavirus-19 pandemic: An observational cohort study using the OpenSAFELY platform
Samuel M, Park RY, Eastwood SV, Eto F, Morton CE, Stow D, Bacon S, Mehrkar A, Morley J, Dillingham I, Inglesby P, Hulme WJ, Khunti K, Mathur R, Valabhji J, MacKenna B, Finer S and
Obesity and rapid weight gain are established risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and have emerged as independent risk factors for severe disease following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Restrictions imposed to reduce COVID-19 transmission resulted in profound societal changes that impacted many health behaviours, including physical activity and nutrition, associated with rate of weight gain. We investigated which clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were associated with rapid weight gain and the greatest acceleration in rate of weight gain during the pandemic among adults registered with an English National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner (GP) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding factors for adhering to health recommendations during COVID-19 among older adults - a qualitative interview study using health belief model as analytical framework
Gustavsson J and Beckman L
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique possibility to broaden the understanding of people's reactions to a global crisis. Early on, it became evident that older adults were particularly vulnerable to the virus and that the actions of this age group would be crucial to the outcome. This qualitative interview study uses the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework as an analytical tool to examine older people's experiences of adherence to recommendations during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to view this study in the context of Sweden's voluntary restrictions, which further highlight the unique nature of this research.
Economic, Psychological, and Emotional Well-Being of Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Eldeirawi KM, Persky VW, Zielke C, Goldstein E, Bimbi O, Saenz J, Mustafa Z, Jumah TA, Ramirez XR, Aldirawi A, Quinn L and Hernandez R
The intersection between perinatal mental health and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains of significant public health importance. The current study examined the emotional and financial well-being and predictors of elevated depressive symptoms among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resilience and adaptation: a mixed-methods exploration of COVID-19's influence on neonatal residency education in China
Liu W, Wei H, Wang C and Hua Z
This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on neonatology residency training in a tertiary children's hospital in Chongqing, located in southwest China. Specifically, the study encompassed the effects on residents' education, lived experiences, well-being, and the quality of neonatal care delivered. As higher educational institutions adapt to the post-COVID-19 era after the pandemic disruption, it is imperative that educational designers/academics learn from their experiences and challenges in curriculum design and delivery, ensuring quality and relevance in education.
Profiles of objective and subjective cognitive function in Post-COVID Syndrome, COVID-19 recovered, and COVID-19 naïve individuals
Bland AR, Barraclough M, Trender WR, Mehta MA, Hellyer PJ, Hampshire A, Penner IK, Elliott R and Harenwall S
Post-COVID Syndrome has emerged as a significant public health concern worldwide with increasing evidence to suggest that individuals who have had an acute COVID-19 infection report lingering memory and attention difficulties, even in individuals who have fully recovered and no longer experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. The present study sought to investigate the profile of objective and subjective cognitive difficulties in people who have Post-COVID Syndrome, people who have fully recovered from an acute COVID infection and people who have never had COVID-19. We further sought to explore the extent to which self-reported fatigue and stress are related to subjective and objective cognitive difficulties. 162 participants including 50 people living with Post-COVID Syndrome, 59 people who have had COVID-19 but have fully recovered and 53 people who have never experienced symptoms of COVID-19 and had never tested positive for COVID-19 were recruited from Academic Prolific to complete a series of online questionnaires and neurocognitive tasks. Subjective cognitive function was measured using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire and objective cognitive function was measured using the Cognitron cognitive test battery. We found that objective and subjective measures of cognitive function were not significantly related, suggesting that self-reports of "brain fog" are not reflecting objectively measured cognitive dysfunction. A MANOVA revealed that subjective cognitive deficits were driven by heightened perceived stress and fatigue and not significantly related to COVID-19 status. Objective cognitive function, however, was significantly related to perceived stress and COVID status whereby we observed significant objective cognitive deficits in people who have been exposed to an acute COVID-19 infection regardless of whether they had Post-COVID Syndrome or had fully recovered, as compared to people who had never had COVID-19. This suggests that an acute infection can have long term effects on cognitive function, even without persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Encouragingly, objective cognitive function was significantly associated with time since initial infection showing that cognitive deficits improved over time for people who had recovered from COVID-19. However, we did not observe the same improvement in individuals with Post-COVID Syndrome and observed that cognitive dysfunction was significantly related to the number of neurological symptoms presently experienced. These results add to the accumulating literature that COVID-19 is associated with significant cognitive difficulties following a COVID-19 infection, which appear to improve over time for those who have recovered from COVID-19 yet persist in people living with Post-COVID Syndrome.
System-justifying beliefs buffer against psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic
Xu R, Ding Y, Guo Y and van Prooijen JW
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a detrimental effect on people's mental health. Drawing on the palliative function of ideologies, we suggest that people rely on system-justifying beliefs to mitigate psychological distress during the pandemic. We conducted three studies with correlational and experimental designs to examine whether and how system-justifying beliefs can buffer against psychological distress during COVID-19, and whether this effect may vary across social classes. The results indicated that (a) system-justifying beliefs alleviated psychological distress during the pandemic, (b) personal control mediated this relationship and (c) this effect was consistent across all social classes. This study provides robust evidence for the palliative function of system-justifying beliefs during a massive global health crisis (i.e. COVID-19).
National Cancer Institute-funded grants focused on synchronous telehealth cancer care delivery: a portfolio analysis
Jensen RE, Brick R, Medel J, Tuovinen P, Jacobsen PB, Hardesty R and Vanderpool RC
Telehealth use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a complementary source of cancer care delivery. Understanding research funding trends in cancer-related telehealth can highlight developments in this area of science and identify future opportunities.
Pandemic policies and sleeping problems in older adults
Rodrigues PMF, Silva PGS, Voss G, Martinez-Pecino R and Delerue-Matos A
Sleep quality is fundamental to physical and mental health. Recent research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected individuals' sleep quality. This study aims to investigate whether the containment and health policies (Oxford Coronavirus Government Response Tracker indexes) adopted by European countries and Israel during the pandemic are related to sleep problems in people aged 50 and over. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a logistic regression analysis based on data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, collected in 27 European countries and Israel, in 2021. The results show that containment and health policies affect older adults' sleep, once we neutralise the influence of the sociodemographic, economic, and health characteristics of the individuals and close contact with COVID-19. In fact, the more containment and health policies, the fewer chances of sleep problems. A possible explanation for this is that these policies give people over 50 a sense of safety and security in relation to COVID-19, which may reduce sleep problems.
Association of the COVID-19 pandemic with the incidence of suicidal/self-harm emergencies in Japan: dependence of trend on the regional length of movement restriction
Ushimoto T, Tanaka K, Kaneto Y, Nakajima K and Inaba H
Reportedly, coronavirus disease pandemic 2019 (COVID 19) was associated with an increased rate of emergency department visits related to suicide in youth. This study analyzed the influence of the pandemic on the incidence of emergency transportation associated with suicide attempts and self-harm.
Comparison of networks of loneliness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms in at-risk community-dwelling older adults before and during COVID-19
Liu T, Wang YH, Ng ZLY, Zhang W, Wong SMY, Wong GH and Lum TY
Network analysis provides an innovative approach to examining symptom-to-symptom interactions in mental health, and adverse external conditions may change the network structures. This study compared the networks of common risk factors and mental health problems (loneliness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms) in community-dwelling older people before and during COVID-19. Older adults (aged ≥ 60) at risk for depression were recruited through non-governmental organizations. Loneliness, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were measured using the three-item Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3), nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively. Data from 2549 (before) and 3506 (during COVID-19) respondents were included using propensity score matching. Being restless (GAD-7-item5) was most central, indicated by Expected Influence, in both pre and during COVID-19 networks despite low severity (mean score). The network during COVID-19 had higher global strength and edge variability than the pre-pandemic network, suggesting easier symptom spread and potentially more complex symptom presentation. In addition, feeling isolated from others (UCLA-3-item3) had stronger connections with feeling worthless/guilty (PHQ-9-item6) and anticipatory anxiety (GAD-7-item7) during COVID-19 than before. These findings may enhance our knowledge of the symptom structure of common mental health problems and the impacts of the pandemic. Targeting central symptoms may offer novel preventive strategies for older people.
The protective effect of physical activity on mental health of middle school students at different stages during the COVID-19 outbreak
Dong RB, Dou KY, Huang J and Wang R
This study aims to further understand the changes in physical activity level(PAL) and mental health among adolescents before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 and explore the protective role of physical activity (PA) on the mental health of adolescents during major disasters. A convenient sampling method was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey. The cross-sectional data from 2838 Chinese middle school students (mean age = 14.91 ± 1.71 years, 49.54% female) were used, of which 1,471 and 1,367 were in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The PAL was collected using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-CN), mental health status was collected using the Mental Health Inventory of Middle School Students (MMHI-60), sociodemographic information was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Before and after the outbreak of COVID-19, the PAL of adolescents was 2.36 ± 0.74 and 2.50 ± 0.66, respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.19). The mental health scores were 1.71 ± 0.60 and 1.86 ± 0.73, respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.01, 95% CI: - 0.20, - 0.10). The detection rates of mental health problems were 27.50% and 35.50%, respectively. The rates of achieving PAL standards were 30.20% and 18.00% among adolescents, while the rates of not achieving PAL standards were 39.60% and 18.00%. PA is a protective factor for the mental health of adolescents during major disasters.
Real-world predictors of changes in fear of COVID-19 in the Japanese general population: a large-scale internet-based cohort study with 20,712 participants
Tokumitsu K, Sugawara N, Tabuchi T and Yasui-Furukori N
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection that considerably impacts both physical and mental health. In particular, the prolonged nature of psychological issues associated with COVID-19 has become a concern. However, evidence based on longitudinal studies investigating the changes in fear of COVID-19 has been limited, posing a public health challenge.
Compounding stress: A mixed-methods study on the psychological experience of miscarriage amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Fernandez-Pineda M, Swift A, Dolbier C and Banasiewicz KG
Experiencing a miscarriage can have profound psychological implications, and the added strain of the COVID-19 pandemic may have compounded these effects. This study aimed to explore the psychological experiences, assess the levels of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder), and examine the relationships of personal significance of miscarriage and perceived stress with psychological distress of women in North Carolina who suffered a miscarriage of a desired pregnancy between March 30, 2020, and February 24, 2021, of the COVID-19 pandemic, at 14 to 31 months after the loss.
Prenatal Maternal Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Newborn Brain Development
Weiner S, Wu Y, Kapse K, Vozar T, Cheng JJ, Murnick J, Henderson D, Teramoto H, Limperopoulos C and Andescavage N
Elevated maternal psychological distress during pregnancy is associated with altered fetal brain development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, prenatal maternal psychological distress more than doubled.
Decoding depression by exploring the exposome-genome edge amidst COVID-19 lockdown
Farré X, Blay N, Espinosa A, Castaño-Vinyals G, Carreras A, Garcia-Aymerich J, Cardis E, Kogevinas M, Goldberg X and de Cid R
Risk of depression increased in the general population after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. By examining the interplay between genetics and individual environmental exposures during the COVID-19 lockdown, we have been able to gain an insight as to why some individuals are more vulnerable to depression, while others are more resilient. This study, conducted on a Spanish cohort of 9218 individuals (COVICAT), includes a comprehensive non-genetic risk analysis, the exposome, complemented by a genomics analysis in a subset of 2442 participants. Depression levels were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Together with Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS), we introduced a novel score; Poly-Environmental Risk Scores (PERS) for non-genetic risks to estimate the effect of each cumulative score and gene-environment interaction. We found significant positive associations for PERS (Social and Household), PERS (Lifestyle and Behaviour), and PERS (Wider Environment and Health) scores across all levels of depression severity, and for PRS (Broad depression) only for moderate depression (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.03-1.40). On average OR increased 1.2-fold for PERS and 1.6-fold for PER and PER from mild to severe depression level. The complete adjusted model explained 16.9% of the variance. We further observed an interaction between PERS and PRS showing a potential mitigating effect. In summary, stressors within the social and behavioral domains emerged as the primary drivers of depression risk in this population, unveiling a mitigating interaction effect that should be interpreted with caution.
Adverse events reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Danish region: a retrospective analysis
Uggerby C, Knudsen SV, Grøntved S, Sørensen AL, Larsen KL, Schmidt CK, Jensen T, Pedersen JR and Mainz J
The 2020 onset of the COVID-19 pandemic globally strained healthcare. Healthcare systems worldwide had to rapidly reorganize, impacting service delivery, patient care, and care-seeking behaviors. This left little time to assess the pandemic's effects on patient safety. This paper investigates COVID-19's influence on patient safety in a Danish region, using data from the national reporting system for adverse events during the initial COVID-19 surge in early 2020. This retrospective analysis investigated how the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (January-September 2020) affected the incidence of adverse events in a Danish Region, comparing it to the same period in 2019. Data were sourced from the Danish Patient Safety Database and regional systems. Adverse events were reported numerically. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe the percentage difference in adverse events and hospital activity, as well as the rate of adverse events per 1000 activities. Additionally, COVID-19-specific adverse events from April 2020 to March 2021 were identified and analyzed, categorizing them into seven risk areas across various healthcare sectors. During Denmark's initial COVID-19 surge in early 2020, the North Denmark Region's hospitals reported a significant decrease in adverse events, with a 42.5% drop in March 2020 compared to March 2019. From January to September 2020, the number of adverse events dropped 8.5% compared to the same period in 2019. In the same period, hospital activity declined by 10.2%. The ratio of reported adverse events per 1000 hospital activities thus decreased in early 2020 but showed only a minor difference overall for January-September compared to 2019. Between April 2020 and March 2021, out of 5703 total adverse events, 324 (5.7%) were COVID-19 related. COVID-19-related events were categorized into seven distinct risk areas, reflecting diverse impacts across healthcare sectors including hospitals, general practices, pre-hospital care, and specialized services. The initial decline in reporting of adverse events likely resulted from rapid healthcare changes and under-prioritization of the reporting system during the acute phase. However, a near return to pre-pandemic reporting levels suggests a resilient reporting system despite the crisis. The study's strength lies in the comprehensive data from Danish reporting systems, though it acknowledges potential underreporting and doesn't measure the pandemic's overall impact on patient safety.
Non-attendance is associated with work performance due to the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination: A cross-sectional study in a Japanese manufacturing industry
Yamada M, Dohi S, Ide H and Mafune K
Although vaccines have promoted the socioeconomic normalization of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), adverse effects on work performance due to the post-vaccination side effects have been reported. Thus, we examined the relationship between the status of going to work the day following vaccination as a post-vaccination employment consideration and work performance among the Japanese workers in the manufacturing industry.
Asthma control associated with anxiety and depression in asthmatic children following post-acute COVID-19
Chang TM, Chen Y, Yang KD, Wang JY, Lin CY, Chang YJ, Chen CH and Tsai YG
Poor asthma control may adversely affect mental health. Our study investigates the correlation between inadequate asthma control, exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) levels, and anxiety and depression among pediatric asthma patients with COVID-19.
COVID again? Health workers' burnout and turnover intentions: possible impacts of coronavirus-induced anxiety and first-level servant leaders
Kılınç E and Çiçek B
Building on social exchange and leader-member exchange theories, this paper aims to propose a model of the impact of coronavirus-induced anxiety on health-care professionals' burnout and turnover intention through the mediation role of servant leadership.
Longitudinal associations of depression, anxiety, and stress among healthcare workers assisting patients with end-stage cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: the moderator role of emotional exhaustion
Sardella A, Musetti A, Franceschini C, Quattropani MC and Lenzo V
This study aimed to analyze the moderating role of emotional exhaustion in the relationships between longitudinal associations of depression, anxiety, and stress among healthcare workers assisting end-of-life cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exploring the care experiences among clinical staffing during emerging infectious disease: from the COVID-19 pandemic approach
Lee Y, Chung F, Liao P, Wang P and Lin M
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), one of the most significant recent emerging infectious diseases, has evolved into a global pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented public health crisis with substantial morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate the care experiences of nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes in the prevalence of mental health problems during the first year of the pandemic: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Salanti G, Peter NL, Tonia T, Holloway A, Darwish L, Kessler RC, White I, Vigod SN, Egger M, Haas AD, Fazel S, Herrman H, Kieling C, Patel V, Li T, Cuijpers P, Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Leucht S and
To describe the pattern of the prevalence of mental health problems during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the impact of containment measures on these trends.
Well-being approaches targeted to improve child and youth health post-COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Moss SJ, Sriskandarajah C, Brundin-Mather R, Cherak MS, Mizen SJ, Stelfox M, Halperin D, Halperin S, Ahmed SB, Lorenzetti DL, Smith S, Harley M, Tutelman PR, Birnie KA, Anglin MC, Stelfox HT, Fiest KM, Racine N and Parsons Leigh J
Our previous work synthesized published studies on well-being interventions during COVID-19. As we move into a post-COVID-19 pandemic period there is a need to comprehensively review published strategies, approaches, and interventions to improve child and youth well-being beyond deleterious impacts experienced during COVID-19.
Mindfulness-based interventions for improving mental health of frontline healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review
Benavides-Gil G, Martínez-Zaragoza F, Fernández-Castro J, Sánchez-Pérez A and García-Sierra R
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) appear to be effective for improving the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs). However, the effectiveness of MBIs on extreme psychological trauma caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is largely unknown. The aim of this paper was to systematically review empirical studies of MBIs for HCPs carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, to evaluate them and their effectiveness in different areas of mental health.
A digital intervention to support childhood cognition after the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot trial
Kirk H, Spencer-Smith M, Jobson L, Nicolaou E, Cornish K, Melzak E, Hrysanidis C, Moriarty C, Davey B, Whyman T, Bird L and Bellgrove MA
Difficulties in executive functioning (EF) can result in impulsivity, forgetfulness, and inattention. Children living in remote/regional communities are particularly at risk of impairment in these cognitive skills due to reduced educational engagement and poorer access to interventions. This vulnerability has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies are needed to mitigate long-term negative impacts on EF. Here we propose a pilot trial investigating the benefits, feasibility, and acceptability of a school-based EF intervention for primary school students (6-8 years) living in regional, developmentally vulnerable, and socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Students were randomised to a digital intervention or teaching as usual, for 7 weeks. Children completed measures of EF and parents/educators completed ratings of everyday EF and social/emotional wellbeing at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Change in EFs (primary outcome), everyday EF, and social/emotional wellbeing (secondary outcomes) from pre- to post-intervention and pre-intervention to 3-month follow-up were examined. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was assessed through educator feedback and intervention adherence.Protocol Registration: The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 20 April 2023. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WT3S2 . The approved Stage 1 protocol is available here: https://osf.io/kzfwn .
Health Behaviours and the Quality of Life of Students of Medical Fields during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Kupcewicz E, Schneider-Matyka D, Rachubińska K, Jastrzębski P, Bentkowska A and Grochans E
(1) Background: Social distancing and closing down public spaces associated with learning, leisure and physical activity limited the spread of COVID-19. These measures had an impact not only on the economy and education but also on health behaviours and the quality of life of individuals affected by the restrictions. The aim of this study was to identify the role of health behaviours in the perception of the quality of life of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: This study was conducted among 796 students of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in the first quarter of 2022. Subgroup 1 consisted of students at the Public Health School ( = 428; 53.8%) and subgroup 2 consisted of students belonging to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine ( = 368; 46.2%). The diagnostic survey method was applied, and an original survey questionnaire, the Health Behaviour Inventory and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref version) were used. (3) Results: The largest contribution to the prediction of quality of life of students in subgroup 1 was made by a positive mental attitude related to avoiding too strong emotions, which explained 19% of the result variability in the somatic domain (ßeta = 0.24; R = 0.21), 20% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.36; R = 0.20), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.52; R = 0.17) and 17% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.19; R = 0.19). Moreover, in subgroup 2, a predominantly positive mental attitude significantly predicted quality of life in the somatic domain, explaining 23% of the result variability (ßeta = 0.24; R = 0.26), while it explained 25% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.47; R = 0.25), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.46; R = 0.17) and 21% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.38; R = 0.23). (4) Conclusions: Positive correlations between health behaviours and the quality of life among the study participants were determined. Health-promoting behaviours had a beneficial impact on the respondents' quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The category of health behaviours described as a positive mental attitude was an important predictor for the participants' quality of life.
Community-Based Cluster-Randomized Trial to Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths
, Samet JH, El-Bassel N, Winhusen TJ, Jackson RD, Oga EA, Chandler RK, Villani J, Freisthler B, Adams J, Aldridge A, Angerame A, Babineau DC, Bagley SM, Baker TJ, Balvanz P, Barbosa C, Barocas J, Battaglia TA, Beard DD, Beers D, Blevins D, Bove N, Bridden C, Brown JL, Bush HM, Bush JL, Caldwell R, Calver K, Calvert D, Campbell ANC, Carpenter J, Caspar R, Chassler D, Chaya J, Cheng DM, Cunningham CO, Dasgupta A, David JL, Davis A, Dean T, Drainoni ML, Eggleston B, Fanucchi LC, Feaster DJ, Fernandez S, Figueroa W, Freedman DA, Freeman PR, Freiermuth CE, Friedlander E, Gelberg KH, Gibson EB, Gilbert L, Glasgow L, Goddard-Eckrich DA, Gomori S, Gruss DE, Gulley J, Gutnick D, Hall ME, Harger Dykes N, Hargrove SL, Harlow K, Harris A, Harris D, Helme DW, Holloway J, Hotchkiss J, Huang T, Huerta TR, Hunt T, Hyder A, Ingram VL, Ingram T, Kauffman E, Kimball JL, Kinnard EN, Knott C, Knudsen HK, Konstan MW, Kosakowski S, Larochelle MR, Leaver HM, LeBaron PA, Lefebvre RC, Levin FR, Lewis N, Lewis N, Lofwall MR, Lounsbury DW, Luster JE, Lyons MS, Mack A, Marks KR, Marquesano S, Mauk R, McAlearney AS, McConnell K, McGladrey ML, McMullan J, Miles J, Munoz Lopez R, Nelson A, Neufeld JL, Newman L, Nguyen TQ, Nunes EV, Oller DA, Oser CB, Oyler DR, Pagnano S, Parran TV, Powell J, Powers K, Ralston W, Ramsey K, Rapkin BD, Reynolds JG, Roberts MF, Robertson W, Rock P, Rodgers E, Rodriguez S, Rudorf M, Ryan S, Salsberry P, Salvage M, Sabounchi N, Saucier M, Savitzky C, Schackman B, Schady E, Seiber EE, Shadwick A, Shoben A, Slater MD, Slavova S, Speer D, Sprunger J, Starbird LE, Staton M, Stein MD, Stevens-Watkins DJ, Stopka TJ, Sullivan A, Surratt HL, Sword Cruz R, Talbert JC, Taylor JL, Thompson KL, Vandergrift N, Vickers-Smith RA, Vietze DJ, Walker DM, Walley AY, Walters ST, Weiss R, Westgate PM, Wu E, Young AM, Zarkin GA and Walsh SL
Evidence-based practices for reducing opioid-related overdose deaths include overdose education and naloxone distribution, the use of medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, and prescription opioid safety. Data are needed on the effectiveness of a community-engaged intervention to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths through enhanced uptake of these practices.
Layperson-Delivered Telephone-Based Behavioral Activation Among Low-Income Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The HEAL-HOA Randomized Clinical Trial
Kwok JYY, Jiang D, Yeung DY, Choi NG, Ho RTH, Warner LM and Chou KL
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to loneliness and its physical and psychosocial sequelae, but scalable interventions are lacking, especially during disasters such as pandemics.
Chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms persisting beyond one year from infection: a case-control study and network analysis
Chau SWH, Chue TM, Chan RNY, Lai YL, Wong PWC, Li SX, Liu Y, Chan JWY, Chan PK, Lai CKC, Leung TWH and Wing YK
Our study aims to delineate the phenotypes of chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms among adult subjects recovering from their first COVID that occurred more than one year ago. We also aim to explore the clinical and socioeconomic risk factors of having a high loading of chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms. We recruited a post-COVID group who suffered from their first pre-Omicron COVID more than a year ago, and a control group who had never had COVID. The subjects completed app-based questionnaires on demographic, socioeconomic and health status, a COVID symptoms checklist, mental and sleep health measures, and neurocognitive tests. The post-COVID group has a statistically significantly higher level of fatigue compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Among the post-COVID group, the lack of any COVID vaccination before the first COVID and a higher level of material deprivation before the COVID pandemic predicts a higher load of chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms. Partial correlation network analysis suggests that the chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms can be clustered into two major (cognitive complaints -fatigue and anxiety-depression) and one minor (headache-dizziness) cluster. A higher level of material deprivation predicts a higher number of symptoms in both major clusters, but the lack of any COVID vaccination before the first COVID only predicts a higher number of symptoms in the cognitive complaints-fatigue cluster. Our result suggests heterogeneity among chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms, which are associated with the complex interplay of biological and socioeconomic factors.
The long COVID and its mental health manifestations - the review of literature
Pietrzak P and Hanke W
This article aims to present the overview of the situation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic about issues concerning the prevalence of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, rate of suicide attempts, and long COVID (LC) infections in the general population during COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of the literature (in English, Polish and Spanish language) on topics related to COVID-19, mental disorders (suicide attempts, depression, anxiety) and LC infection published during the 4 years (2020-2023) was done using Pubmed and PubMed Central search engine. Keywords such as "COVID-19," "mental disorders," "long COVID infection," "depression," "anxiety," "suicide attempts" were used during the search. The conduct of this review/comment followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol, which corresponds to a checklist of 27 items designed to facilitate the development and reporting of a robust protocol for systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Overall 35 studies were selected and analyzed in the review on topics: including among others LC (14 studies), suicide attempts (7 studies), mental disorders (depression, anxiety) (14 studies). The main issues raised in the articles were: higher risk of LC symptoms in women, fatigue and brain fog listed as frequently encountered patient's complaints together with anxiety, depression, loneliness, especially in younger age groups and in women. Issues regarding LC, mental disorders and suicide attempts requires further research as the results vary in different countries. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3).
Relationships between students' perceived campus walkability, mental health, and life satisfaction during COVID-19
Zhang Z, Wang J, Wang H and Wu J
Improving walkability in the campus environment and socio-psychological environments can promote students' mental health and subjective well-being. This study aimed to propose a theoretical model to investigate the link of perceived campus walkability (PCW) with mental health and life satisfaction (LS), and to disentangle the mediating impact of socio-psychological environments and academic performance on this relationship, while simultaneously considering the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. We applied structural equation modeling to analyze the data collected through a questionnaire survey conducted at six universities and colleges in Yantai, China. PCW had both direct and indirect positive effects on mental health and LS. However, indirect effects are greater than direct effects. Walking attitudes, social capital, and academic performance were critical to the relationship between PCW, mental health, and LS. Academic performance had the strongest indirect effect on mental health, while social capital had the strongest indirect effect on LS. We also found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, body mass index and family income were significantly correlated with mental health and LS. The findings indicate that campus planners and policymakers should improve PCW and support the socio-psychological environment to promote students' mental and social health during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Integrated care policy recommendations for complex multisystem long term conditions and long COVID
van der Feltz-Cornelis CM, Sweetman J, Turk F, Allsopp G, Gabbay M, Khunti K, Williams N, Montgomery H, Heightman M, Lip GYH, Crooks MG, Strain WD, Loveless A, Hishmeh L, Smith N and Banerjee A
The importance of integrated care for complex, multiple long term conditions was acknowledged before the COVID pandemic but remained a challenge. The pandemic and consequent development of Long COVID required rapid adaptation of health services to address the population's needs, requiring service redesigns including integrated care. This Delphi consensus study was conducted in the UK and found similar integrated care priorities for Long COVID and complex, multiple long term conditions, provided by 480 patients and health care providers, with an 80% consensus rate. The resultant recommendations were based on more than 1400 responses from survey participants and were supported by patients, health care professionals, and by patient charities. Participants identified the need to allocate resources to: support integrated care, provide access to care and treatments that work, provide diagnostic procedures that support the personalization of treatment in an integrated care environment, and enable structural consultation between primary and specialist care settings including physical and mental health care. Based on the findings we propose a model for delivering integrated care by a multidisciplinary team to people with complex multisystem conditions. These recommendations can inform improvements to integrated care for complex, multiple long term conditions and Long COVID at international level.
Discrimination Experiences among Asian American and Pacific Islander Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Association with Mental Health Outcomes: Updated Findings from the COMPASS Study
Dougan MM, Tzuang M, Nam B, Meyer OL, Tsoh JY and Park VMT
Reports of escalated discrimination experiences among Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) continue.
Colchicine to reduce coronavirus disease-19-related inflammation and cardiovascular complications in high-risk patients post-acute infection with SARS-COV-2-a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Thankachen SS, Devasenapathy N, Bassi A, Ghosh A, Arfin S, Gummidi B, Basheer A, Bangi A, Sahu D, Bhalla A, Blesson M, Jain M and Jha V
There is no known effective pharmacological therapy for long COVID, which is characterized by wide-ranging, multisystemic, fluctuating, or relapsing symptoms in a large proportion of survivors of acute COVID. This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of an anti-inflammatory agent colchicine, to reduce symptoms among those at high risk of developing long COVID.
Generation Scotland: an update on Scotland's longitudinal family health study
Milbourn H, McCartney D, Richmond A, Campbell A, Flaig R, Robertson S, Fawns-Ritchie C, Hayward C, Marioni RE, McIntosh AM, Porteous DJ, Whalley HC and Sudlow C
Generation Scotland (GS) is a large family-based cohort study established as a longitudinal resource for research into the genetic, lifestyle and environmental determinants of physical and mental health. It comprises extensive genetic, sociodemographic and clinical data from volunteers in Scotland.
Perceived stress and influencing factors for the people at high risk to COVID-19 in centralized quarantine camps in Wenzhou, China
Zhou YW, Zheng JY, Shan CY, Yang HS, Su YS, Wang DB, Ni JX, Lan LJ, Lian XZ and Zhou ZM
This study was designed to assess stress levels and related factors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic among individuals in centralized quarantine camps in Wenzhou, China.
Impact of COVID-19-Induced Academic Stress on Insomnia and Suicidal Ideation among Taiwanese Health Trainees and Junior Doctors
Huang PC, Lin CY, Huang RY, Chen JS, Potenza MN, Strong C, Wang HW, Griffiths MD, Chen CY, Ko NY and Shieh SJ
BACKGROUND Clinical training for allied health trainees (AHTs) and postgraduate-year (PGY) doctors needed to go online during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which may have caused academic stress and consequent outcomes among this cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS To evaluate academic-related stress, clinical confidence, psychological distress, and insomnia, an online survey-based study was conducted among Taiwanese AHTs and PGY doctors between July and December, 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey included the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and self-designed questions. It was distributed using convenience sampling and snowball sampling and was completed by 522 participants. RESULTS Structural equational modelling showed that academic stress was negatively associated with clinical confidence (standardized coefficient [ß]=-0.382, p<0.001). Clinical confidence was negatively associated with psychological distress (ß=-0.397, p<0.001), which was associated with insomnia (ß=0.648, p<0.001). Additionally, clinical confidence and psychological distress were the significant mediators. Results indicated that higher academic stress was associated with higher level of insomnia via the mediation of clinical confidence and psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS Academic stress related to changes in clinical training may have led to insomnia among AHTs and PGY doctors during the pandemic. Factors to reduce academic stress should be investigated to promote good mental health while providing sufficient clinical training, especially during events that can cause increased stress (eg, epidemics, pandemics).
What can we learn from speaking to asthma patients more than once? The power of qualitative longitudinal design in primary care research
Wanat M, Santillo M, Tonkin-Crine S and Wang K
Qualitative Longitudinal Research (QLR) has a long tradition in a variety of social science disciplines and is increasingly used in applied healthcare research. QLR can provide insights into the nature, causes and consequences of change (or its absence). However, its use in primary care research is limited.
Examining Coping Strategies and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence for the Protective Role of Problem-Focused Coping
Chang OD, Ward KP and Lee SJ
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, studies documented a marked decline in mental health and well-being when compared with prepandemic levels. This study examined how different coping styles were associated with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems among U.S. adults March-April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 535 U.S. adults across three time points were analyzed using longitudinal multilevel logistic and linear regression modeling. Avoidant-emotional coping was associated with greater odds of experiencing anxiety (OR = 1.65, p < .001). Both avoidant- and active-emotional coping were associated with greater odds of experiencing depression (OR = 1.67, p < .001, and OR = 1.09, p = .022, respectively) and sleep problems (b = 0.05, p < .001, and b = 0.01, p = .005, respectively). Alternatively, problem-focused coping was associated with lower odds of depression (OR = 0.86, p < .001). Results converge with previous evidence suggesting the perniciousness of avoidant-emotional coping during the pandemic, but also underscore that problem-focused coping strategies may represent one important source of resilience for adults to adapt despite such challenges.
Burnout Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Palliative and Hospice Care Professionals During the COVID-19 Endemic: An Exploratory Survey
Ng WR, Hamizah N, Chen X, Yeo ZZ, Soh KC and Chong PH
Burnout is a significant issue for palliative and hospice professionals, exacerbated by the impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on healthcare professionals. It is crucial to update our understanding of prevalence data, identify associated factors, and evaluate support resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Re-engaging with arts and cultural activities at the Life Rooms: 'It's given me spring'
Worsley J, Billington J and Balabanova E
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust's Life Rooms initiative is an established and successful model of integrating arts and culture within NHS provision. In the face of COVID-19, the Life Rooms was restructured to provide a full suite of online resources. Following the lifting of restrictions, in-person arts provision returned to the Life Rooms sites. Additional evidence in respect of the impact on mental health and wellbeing of the return to in-person arts and cultural activities provided by the Life Rooms, as well as the relative merits of online and in-person arts and cultural activities, is needed to inform future planning around in-person, online, and/or hybrid provision.
Medical Team Intervention Into a Long-Term Care Health Facility in Japan During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Saito M, Kita K, Sakamaki I, Yamamoto Y and Yamashiro S
Nursing homes face a high risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection; in the early stages of the pandemic, outbreaks in nursing homes resulted in significant deaths among residents. Our medical team intervened in one nursing home struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed the outcomes of 65 residents (52 women and 13 men; mean age, 89 years) during the first wave of infection, as well as changes in resident and staff numbers after the pandemic subsided. The mortality rates in the early and late transfer groups for the first three months of our intervention were 46.7% and 19.2%, respectively. The number of residents and staff fell to 34 and six, respectively, at their lowest point, but recovered to 64 and 33, respectively, by August 2023. Since the successful containment of the outbreak, no clusters of COVID-19-related illnesses have been observed at the facility despite nine infection waves occurring across Japan. Improving staff precautions, designing facilities with effective zoning, and sharing information with government agencies are essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections. Hence, an inter-professional team approach is important to support residents, and ongoing mental health support for staff is essential to maintain optimal healthcare quality in nursing home facilities.
Relationship between Environmental Conditions and Utilisation of Community-Based Mental Health Care: A Comparative Study before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy
Prina E, Tedeschi F, Lasalvia A, Salazzari D, Latini S, Rabbi L, Marando F, van Rijn E, Wollgast J, Pisoni E, Bessagnet B, Beauchamp M and Amaddeo F
(1) Background: Lower socioeconomic status increases psychiatric service use, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic by environmental stressors like air pollution and limited green spaces. This study aims to assess the influence of sociodemographic and environmental factors on mental health service utilisation. (2) Methods: This retrospective study uses an administrative database focusing on community mental health services in Northeast Italy. Spatial and temporal analyses were used to address space-time dependencies. (3) Results: Findings showed that sociodemographic factors like living in rented apartments and lower education levels predicted higher mental health service use. Environmental factors, such as elevated NO levels and, before the pandemic, lower solar radiation and tree cover, correlated with increased service utilisation. COVID-19 reduced most of the pre-existing differences associated with these factors across census blocks with a different composition of sociodemographic and environmental factors. (4) Conclusions: These findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of the environment on public mental health.
Mechanisms Explaining the Longitudinal Effect of Psychosocial Safety Climate on Work Engagement and Emotional Exhaustion among Education and Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Bourgoin Boucher K, Ivers H and Biron C
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the education and healthcare sectors were severely affected. There is a need to investigate the ways in which these workers in at-risk sectors can be protected and through what mechanisms. The aims of this research are, therefore, (1) to assess the mediating role of job demands and resources in the relationship between psychosocial safety climate (PSC) and work engagement and emotional exhaustion, and (2) to test for sector-specific differences among education and healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the study, which employed a longitudinal design including three measurement times, 70 education professionals and 69 healthcare professionals completed a questionnaire measuring PSC, psychological demands, social support, recognition, work engagement, and emotional exhaustion. The results show that PSC was significantly higher among education professionals than among healthcare professionals. When considering both job sectors together, mediation analyses show that social support mediates the PSC-work engagement relationship, while psychological demands mediate the PSC-emotional exhaustion relationship. Moderated mediation analyses show that job sector is a moderator: among education professionals, colleague support and recognition mediate the PSC-work engagement relationship, and psychological demands mediate the PSC-emotional exhaustion relationship. PSC is associated with more balanced job demands and resources, higher work engagement, and lower emotional exhaustion among education and healthcare professionals. The study of these two sectors, which are both vital to society but also more exposed to adverse work conditions, shows the importance that managers and executives must attach to their mental health by improving their respective working conditions.
Psychological health among healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic: An updated meta-analysis
Narapaka PK, Katikala K, Ponnala VR, Meenakshi S, Viswas G, Singh M, Venkateshan RG and Dhingra S
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak created a challenge to manage the health, especially the mental health of various care providers involved in treating the patients infected with the virus. Previously published literature has shown a significant effect of the pandemic on the psychological health of healthcare workers (HCWs) globally; so, this study aimed to describe the psychological health outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among Indian HCWs.
Home Anxiety Assessment and Influencing Factors among Adolescent Athletes in Yantai City
Chen Y, Ye C, Lin Y, Ma Y, Zhang X and Wang J
To understand the prevalence of home-related anxiety among adolescent athletes during the novel coronavirus pandemic and to ascertain the factors influencing this anxiety.
How Did COVID-19 Impact Smoking Habits in the Saudi Community?
Alhazani FA, Alsultan AS, Alshehri RF, Alayed FT, Alhussini FO, Albalawi AM, AlZamel SM, Al-Ghanem MK and Alhuzaim WM
Background/aims Most countries have gone through lockdowns to varying degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the spread of the disease. The successive pandemic waves have impacted the health system, imposing restrictions set by the government. This changed people's daily life routines and they felt more socially isolated, which in turn had an impact on their mental health. Some factors were linked to the severity and outcome of COVID-19 on patients. One of these factors was smoking. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and impact of lockdown on smoking habits, as well as the changes in attitudes, behavior, and the rate of consumption before and after the government restrictions in the general population of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 921 participants from the general population of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via an online questionnaire. A structured self-response questionnaire was given to the participants after institutional research ethical approval was obtained for the study. Results A total of 921 participants from the smoker population of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. The majority of participants were male (72.9%), and more than half were aged between 18 and 34 years (53.7%). Single individuals had a higher prevalence of increased smoking and a lower rate of quitting compared to married individuals. Participants with higher education levels were more likely to continue smoking at the same rate. While 40.5% of participants reported no change in their smoking rate during the pandemic, 15.4% reported a decrease, 39.0% reported an increase, and 5.1% reported quitting smoking. Participants who reported feeling more stressed during the pandemic had a higher prevalence of increased smoking. The majority of participants believed that smoking increased the risk of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion The study highlights the need for targeted smoking cessation interventions and support services during the pandemic, considering demographic factors, living arrangements, and psychological impact. Efforts should be made to raise awareness about the negative health consequences of smoking during the pandemic and provide resources for stress management and alternative coping strategies. These findings have important implications for public health interventions and policies in Saudi Arabia.
Association between precautionary behaviors against coronavirus disease and psychosocial factors in outpatients with a pre-existing disease and their attendants
Idemoto K, Niitsu T, Shiina A, Kobori O, Onodera M, Ota K, Miyazawa A, Tachibana M, Kimura M, Seki R, Hashimoto T, Yoshimura K, Ito S, Nakazato M, Igarashi Y, Shimizu E and Iyo M
The spread of the novel coronavirus infection (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) has caused behavioral changes and mental illness in patients and their attendants during its early phase. The present study aimed to examine the association between precautionary behaviors against COVID-19 and psychosocial factors in outpatients with pre-existing disease and their attendants.
Depressive symptoms, burnout, resilience, and psychosocial support in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide study in Japan
Oyama N, Seki M, Nakai M, Miyamoto K, Nagao K and Morimitsu R
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess the mental health of healthcare workers and identify risk and protective factors.
Impact of continued mindfulness practice on resilience and well-being in mindfulness-based intervention graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Tanaka C, Wakaizumi K, Ninomiya A, Tamura N, Kosugi S, Park S, Sado M, Mimura M and Fujisawa D
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented stress. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are known to be effective in reducing stress. However, it is unclear how long-term outcomes differ between those who continue mindfulness practice after MBIs and those who do not. In this study, we hypothesized that those who continued mindfulness practice would have higher stress tolerance, and we examined this hypothesis through a survey of MBI graduates. In this study, we examined the association between the continuation of mindfulness practice among MBI completers and individual stress during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Poorer outcomes following COVID-19 infection for patients with depression: A cohort analysis in South Korea
Lee SK, Lim Y, Jeong S and Han HW
It remains unknown whether patients with pre-existing depressive conditions are at high risk of severe COVID-19. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between patients with pre-existing depressive conditions and severe COVID-19.
Differential effectiveness of COVID-19 health behaviors: The role of mental health conditions in mask-wearing, social distancing, and hygiene practice
Zhai Y and Du X
Mental health conditions are known to increase susceptibility to infectious diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Health behaviors play a crucial role in mitigating this susceptibility. We aim to examine the differential effectiveness of COVID-19 preventive health behaviors among individuals, considering the presence or absence of specific mental health disorders.
Effectiveness of psychological first aid in infectious disease pandemics: An overview of systematic reviews
Koda M, Horinouchi T, Oya N, Aki M, Iriki A, Yoshida K, Ogawa Y, Kuga H and Nakao T
There is insufficient research on the usefulness of psychological interventions, such as psychological first aid (PFA), during outbreaks. We searched for and critically appraised systematic reviews that examined the effectiveness of PFA during infectious disease outbreaks, such as the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Systematic reviews that examined the efficacy of PFA in the severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Ebola virus disease, and COVID-19 outbreaks were searched through PubMed on February 19, 2021. The three included systematic reviews were critically appraised and assessed using AMSTAR-2. One review's overall confidence in its findings was evaluated as "high," which suggested that PFA training had a favorable effect on healthcare personnel. Furthermore, the review also demonstrated that PFA was commonly used during outbreaks and could be delivered through multiple methods, such as a phone or video call. Although it was anticipated that PFA would improve subjective well-being, reports showed no evidence of reduced depression or insomnia. Future studies should examine additional numbers of PFA recipients and conduct quasi-experimental studies to better understand the effectiveness of PFA. Evidence on its effectiveness in infectious disease outbreaks is still lacking, along with research and evaluation methods. Quasi-experimental studies, such as comparisons with other psychological interventions, are required to better understand the effectiveness of PFA.
Healthcare worker job burnout, anxiety and depression: A one-year comparison during COVID-19 in Singapore
Teo I, Chay J, Quek LM, Sung SC and Tan HK
Risk and protective factors of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Singapore
Subramaniam M, Abdin E, Shafie S, Wang P, Shahwan S, Satghare P, Chua BY, Ni MY, Lun P, Teh WL, Vaingankar JA and Chong SA
The main aims of the study were to: establish the average levels of psychological distress, suicidality and positive mental health (PMH); and examine their associated risk and protective factors in the population of Singapore during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and social service provision in Singapore: Learnings from a descriptive mixed-methods study for future resource planning
Goh ZZS, Chan LG, Lai JY, Lee J, Lee ES, Soon WSW, Toh A and Griva K
COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown measures have led to impact on the mental health and social service delivery, including the rapid adoption of digital solutions to mental healthcare delivery in Singapore. This study aims to rapidly document the quantitative and qualitative impact of the pandemic restrictions on mental health and social services.
Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and healthcare service delivery
Low WY and Tong WT
Demand for mental health support services among health professionals in Vietnam: Lesson from COVID-19 Pandemic
Thanh NH, Manh Hung T, Ngoc TN, San BV, Hung DQ, Hung ND, Binh VD, Trung LH, Tinh LV, Nam NT, Tan PH, Khoa PTA, Thach PN, Khanh NT, Chinh CD, Trung NV, Thi TTM, Hien PB, Long TA, Thuong NV, Thanh NV, Thang TX, Truong LD, Hieu VQ and Otsu S
This study aimed to measure the preferences for mental health support among health professionals, their willingness to support the mental health of colleagues and associated factors.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for children in custody: An analysis of inspection reports
Lennox C, Duncan-Zaleski M, Nasim S, Shirley O, Ross K, Chitsabesan P, Robinson L, Shaw J and Leonard S
Children in custodial settings are a vulnerable group. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there were concerns about the safety of children in these settings. COVID-19 has had an impact on everyone but given the vulnerability of children in custody, there were concerns about the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. All custody settings for children are independently inspected and this research aimed to analyse data from inspection reports. Twenty-six inspection reports undertaken between March 2020 and October 2021 were analysed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on delivery of usual care/regime.
Move Well, Feel Good: Feasibility and acceptability of a school-based motor competence intervention to promote positive mental health
Fairclough SJ, Clifford L, Foweather L, Knowles ZR, Boddy LM, Ashworth E and Tyler R
In response to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown measures Move Well, Feel Good (MWFG) was developed as a school intervention using improvement of motor competence as a mechanism for promoting positive mental health. Study objectives were to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of MWFG and to describe changes in child-level outcomes.
Evaluation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screening Measures of Emergency Medical Services Clinicians in Urban and Suburban New York During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Maloney LM, Robitsek RJ, McKenzie K, Peralta E and Valenzuela JY
The objective of this study was to assess the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the self-reported rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians in urban and suburban settings that were one of the primary epicenters during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Editorial: Community series in mental illness, culture, and society: dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, volume VIII
de Filippis R, El Hayek S and Shalbafan M
Practice Facilitation and Clinical Performance Feedback Using the Electronic Health Record Improved Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Management in Small Primary Care Practices in New York City
Tabaei BP, De Leon S, Glenn L and Pham-Singer H
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately affects people of color and those with lower household income. Improving blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol management for those with or at risk for CVD can improve health outcomes. The New York City Department of Health implemented clinical performance feedback with practice facilitation (PF) in 134 small primary care practices serving on average over 84% persons of color. Facilitators reviewed BP and cholesterol management data on performance dashboards and guided practices to identify and outreach to patients with suboptimal BP and cholesterol management. Despite disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, practices demonstrated significant improvements in BP (68%-75%, P < .001) and cholesterol management (72%-78%, P = .01). Prioritizing high-need neighborhoods for impactful resource investment, such as PF and data sharing, may be a promising approach to reducing CVD and hypertension inequities in areas heavily impacted by structural racism.
The impact of COVID-19 on non-communicable disease patients in sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review
Basa M, De Vries J, McDonagh D and Comiskey C
COVID-19 and its prevention measures have had a significant impact on patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by disrupting routine healthcare service and increasing risk factors. These challenges were expected to be more severe in sub-Saharan Africa due to the lack of physical infrastructure and inadequate resources. The quantity of studies conducted was limited, and there was a lack of published systematic reviews in the specified region. This systematic review aimed to assess the indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures on individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in sub-Saharan African countries.
Exploring barriers to care home research recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic: The influence of social media recruitment posts and public sentiment
Schoultz M, Mcgrogan C, Carolan C, Macaden L and Beattie M
Recruitment of care home staff to research studies is recognised as challenging. This was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated negative media portrayal of care home workers. Social media use has surged since the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns, offering a plausible approach to understanding the barriers to care home research recruitment and gaining insight into public perceptions of care home workers.
Occurrence, co-occurrence and persistence of symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in survivors of COVID-19 critical illness
Navarra-Ventura G, Godoy-González M, Gomà G, Jodar M, Sarlabous L, Santos-Pulpón V, Xifra-Porxas A, de Haro C, Roca O, Blanch L, López-Aguilar J and Fernández-Gonzalo S
Intensive care unit (ICU) admission and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are associated with psychological distress and trauma. The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a series of additional long-lasting stressful and traumatic experiences. However, little is known about comorbid depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To examine the occurrence, co-occurrence, and persistence of clinically significant symptoms of depression and PTSD, and their predictive factors, in COVID-19 critical illness survivors. Single-centre prospective observational study in adult survivors of COVID-19 with ≥24 h of ICU admission. Patients were assessed one and 12 months after ICU discharge using the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Davidson Trauma Scale. Differences in isolated and comorbid symptoms of depression and PTSD between patients with and without IMV and predictors of the occurrence and persistence of symptoms of these mental disorders were analysed. Eighty-nine patients (42 with IMV) completed the 1-month follow-up and 71 (34 with IMV) completed the 12-month follow-up. One month after discharge, 29.2% of patients had symptoms of depression and 36% had symptoms of PTSD; after one year, the respective figures were 32.4% and 31%. Coexistence of depressive and PTSD symptoms accounted for approximately half of all symptomatic cases. Isolated PTSD symptoms were more frequent in patients with IMV (≤.014). The need for IMV was associated with the occurrence at one month (OR = 6.098,  = .005) and persistence at 12 months (OR = 3.271,  = .030) of symptoms of either of these two mental disorders. Comorbid depressive and PTSD symptoms were highly frequent in our cohort of COVID-19 critical illness survivors. The need for IMV predicted short-term occurrence and long-term persistence of symptoms of these mental disorders, especially PTSD symptoms. The specific role of dyspnea in the association between IMV and post-ICU mental disorders deserves further investigation. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04422444.
Current epidemiology of chronic liver disease
Manikat R, Ahmed A and Kim D
Chronic liver disease presents a significant global health burden, characterized by several etiologies, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and chronic hepatitis C virus infection. This review explored current epidemiological trends and projections for each etiology, looking into their respective burdens and challenges. MASLD, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease, and its global incidence and prevalence are steadily rising. ALD, fueled by increased alcohol consumption, is also on the rise, with concerning implications for future mortality rates. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections remain major public health concerns, particularly in specific regions of the world, necessitating concerted efforts for screening and treatment. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the epidemiology of chronic liver disease, exacerbating mortality rates and disrupting healthcare services. Mental health issues arising from the pandemic further complicate the treatment of chronic liver disease, making comprehensive healthcare strategies essential. Despite advancements in treatment, chronic liver disease continues to impose a substantial economic burden, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and early intervention. In conclusion, ongoing surveillance and research efforts are crucial for understanding and addressing the evolving landscape of chronic liver disease. Comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention, screening, and treatment of its different etiologies are essential for mitigating its impact and improving patient outcomes.
Exploring the Singapore general population's trust in COVID-19 information from different sources and its association with perceived risk of infection during the pandemic
Devi F, Tan BCW, Shafie S, Zhang YJ, Shahwan S, Satghare P, Chong SA and Subramaniam M
The degree of public trust in the government's competence is crucial in preventing the spread of misinformation and reducing psychological distress during a pandemic. The study aimed to (i) explore the trust in COVID-19 information from different sources and trust in the ability of the World Health Organization (WHO), government departments and related institutions in handling the epidemic in Singapore and (ii) its association with perceived risk of infection among Singapore residents.
Association between job lost and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of food insecurity as mediator of this relationship
Meller FO, Quadra MR, Santos LPD, Dumith SC, Eugenio FD, Silva TJD, Mendes JVS and Schäfer AA
This study aimed to evaluate the association between employment status and mental health, considering food insecurity as a mediator of this relation. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with adults (≥ 18 and < 60 years) during the COVID-19 outbreak in two cities from Southern Brazil. Employment status was categorized into working, not working, and lost job. The mental health outcomes evaluated were depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sadness. Food insecurity was identified by the short-form version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Adjusted analyses using Poisson regression were performed to assess the association between employment status and mental health. Mediation analysis was performed to investigate the direct and indirect effects of employment status on mental health outcomes. In total, 1,492 adults were analyzed. The not working status was associated with 53% and 74% higher odds of perceived stress and of sadness, respectively. Being dismissed during the pandemic increased the odds of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sadness by 68%, 123%, and 128%, respectively. Mediation analyses showed that food insecurity was an important mediator of the association between employment status and depressive symptoms and sadness, but not of perceived stress. The complexity of these results highlights economic and nutritional aspects involved in mental health outcomes.
Mental health is just an Addendum: Assessing stakeholder's perceptions on COVID-19 and mental health services provision in Malawi
Mchenga M, Ndasauka Y, Kondowe F, Kainja J, M'manga C, Maliwichi L and Nyamali S
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020. COVID-19 has since caused a significant increase in mental health problems at national and global levels. This study assessed the views of key mental health stakeholders regarding the state of mental health service provision in Malawi and the pandemic's impact on the sector.
Exploring the relationship between older adults' online health information seeking, negative emotions and prevention behaviors in the pandemic context: a two-wave longitudinal study
Liu T, Song X and Zhu Q
During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults were facing more mental health issues that may cause complex impacts on pandemic prevention, and turning to the internet for health information is a double-edged sword for them. This study aimed to investigate the reciprocal relationship between negative emotions and prevention behaviors in older adults, as well as the direct and moderating effects of online health information seeking (OHIS) on negative emotions and prevention behaviors.
Physical activity on the mental health of children and adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures-A systematic review
Zhong B, Sun H, Wang G, Junwen S, Tang S, Gao Y, Chen H, Lu T and Yan J
To review published Physical Activity (PA) on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents aged 5 to 18 years during COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures.
Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on weight gain and physical activity: a prospective cohort study from Italy
Stival C, Lugo A, Carreras G, Odone A, van den Brandt PA, Gorini G, Molinaro S, Cerrai S, Pacifici R, Gallus S, , and
It is crucial to monitor changes in body weight and physical activity (PA) to understand if short-term effects of COVID-19 pandemic have had implications over time.
Depression and assets during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study of mental health across income and savings groups
Ettman CK, Cohen GH, Abdalla SM, Hatton CR, Castrucci BC, Bork RH and Galea S
The prevalence of depression in U.S. adults during the COVID-19 pandemic has been high overall and particularly high among persons with fewer assets. Building on previous work on assets and mental health, we document the burden of depression in groups based on income and savings during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a nationally representative, longitudinal panel study of U.S. adults (N = 1,271) collected in April-May 2020 (T1), April-May 2021 (T2), and April-May 2022 (T3), we estimated the adjusted odds of reporting probable depression at any time during the COVID-19 pandemic with generalized estimating equations (GEE). We explored probable depression-defined as a score of ≥10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)-by four asset groups, defined by median income (≥$65,000) and savings (≥$20,000) categories. The prevalence of probable depression was consistently high in Spring 2020, Spring 2021, and Spring 2022 with 27.9% of U.S. adults reporting probable depression in Spring 2022. We found that there were four distinct asset groups that experienced different depression trajectories over the COVID-19 pandemic. Low income-low savings asset groups had the highest level of probable depression across time, reporting 3.7 times the odds (95% CI: 2.6, 5.3) of probable depression at any time relative to high income-high savings asset groups. While probable depression stayed relatively stable across time for most groups, the low income-low savings group reported significantly higher levels of probable depression at T2, compared to T1, and the high income-low savings group reported significantly higher levels of probable depression at T3 than T1. The weighted average of probable depression across time was 42.9% for low income-low savings groups, 24.3% for high income-low savings groups, 19.4% for low income-high savings groups, and 14.0% for high income-high savings groups. Efforts to ameliorate both savings and income may be necessary to mitigate the mental health consequences of pandemics.
[Sleep disorders and oncological diseases]
Kolokolov OV, Salina EA and Lvova OI
The study of neurological symptoms and signs connected with neoplasms and antitumor therapy is relevant in the context of an increasing prevalence of cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic and social factors have increased the number of patients suffering from insomnia. Sleep disorders is an unfavorable prognostic factor for neoplasms. The review presents risk factors and mechanisms of sleep disturbance, their relationship with inflammation and dysfunction of the immune system in cancer. In particular, dysfunction of the melatonergic system is discussed as a risk factor for the development of insomnia and cancer. The relevance of developing measures aimed at the rehabilitation of patients in order to restore normal sleep, which plays a fundamental role in maintaining a person's mental and physical health, is emphasized.
Mental health and the overall tendency to follow official recommendations against COVID-19: A U-shaped relationship?
Apouey B, Yin R, Etilé F, Piper A and Vögele C
This paper investigates the association between several mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness) and the overall tendency to follow official recommendations regarding self-protection against COVID-19 (i.e., overall compliance). We employ panel data from the COME-HERE survey, collected over four waves, on 7,766 individuals (22,878 observations) from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. Employing a flexible specification that allows the association to be non-monotonic, we find a U-shaped relationship, in which transitions to low and high levels of mental health are associated with higher overall compliance, while transitions to medium levels of mental health are associated with less overall compliance. Moreover, anxiety, stress, and loneliness levels at baseline (i.e., at wave 1) also have a U-shaped effect on overall compliance later (i.e., recommendations are followed best by those with lowest and highest levels of anxiety, stress, and loneliness at baseline, while following the recommendations is lowest for those with moderate levels of these variables). These U shapes, which are robust to several specifications, may explain some of the ambiguous results reported in the previous literature. Additionally, we observe a U-shaped association between the mental health indicators and a number of specific health behaviours (including washing hands and mask wearing). Importantly, most of these specific behaviours play a role in overall compliance. Finally, we uncover the role of gender composition effects in some of the results. While variations in depression and stress are negatively associated with variations in overall compliance for men, the association is positive for women. The U-shaped relation in the full sample (composed of males and females) will reflect first the negative slope for males and then the positive slope for females.
Prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the population-based study DREAMCORONA
Mojahed A, Mack JT, Staudt A, Weise V, Shiva L, Chandra P and Garthus-Niegel S
This study examines the 12-month prevalence rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, including psychological, physical, and sexual forms, in women and men. It also aims to identify changes in IPV victimization during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore factors associated with the occurrence of any IPV victimization during this period.
The prevalence of mental health and addiction concerns and factors associated with depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: A cross-sectional study
Chang O, Levitt A, Khalid M, Kodeeswaran S and Markoulakis R
Higher than expected rates of mental health and/or addiction (MHA) concerns have been documented since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A more up-to-date prevalence of MHA outcomes and the factors associated with the occurrence of MHA concerns remains unclear. This study examined the prevalence of MHA outcomes and factors associated with screening positive for symptoms of depression only, anxiety only, and both depression and anxiety two years into the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada.
Assessing the Disruption Impact on Healthcare Delivery
Fatani M, Shamayleh A and Alshraideh H
Health emergency outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic make it challenging for healthcare systems to ration medical resources and patient care. Such disastrous events have been increasing over the past years and are becoming inevitable, necessitating the need for healthcare to be well-prepared and resilient to unpredictable rises in demand. Quantitative and qualitative based decision support systems increase the effectiveness of planning, alleviating uncertainties associated with the crisis. This study aims to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the performance of healthcare systems in different areas and to address the associated disruption. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates among healthcare workers who worked during the pandemic. The pandemic-related disruption and its psychometric properties were assessed using Structural Equations Modeling (SEM) with 5 latent factors: Staff Mental Health, Communication Level, Planning and Readiness, Healthcare Supply Chain, and Telehealth. Responses from highly qualified participants with many years of experience in hospital settings were collected and analyzed. Results show that the model satisfactorily fits the data with a CLI of 0.91 and TLI of 0.88. The model indicates that enhancing supply chain management, planning, telehealth usage, and communication level across the healthcare system can mitigate the disruption. However, the lack of mental health management for healthcare workers can significantly disrupt the quality of delivered care. Staff mental health and healthcare supply chain, respectively, are the highest contributors to varying degrees of disruption in healthcare delivery. This study provides a direction for more research focusing on determinants of healthcare efficiency. It also provides decision-makers insights into the main factors leading to disruptions in healthcare systems, allowing them to shape their outbreak response and better prepare for future health emergencies.
Self-perception of health and physical activity levels among the youth and adults before and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
Nyawornota VK, Adamba C, Tay DA, Nyanyofio OC, Muomah RC, Chukwuorji JC, Nwonyi SK, Malete L, Joachim D and Ocansey RT
Emerging research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions led to decreased physical activity levels and poorer health globally. However, most studies on this topic have focused on advanced countries, leaving a gap in understanding the impact in countries like Ghana. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing self-perceived health status and physical activity levels among youth and adults in Ghana before, during, and after the COVID-19 restrictions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informing public health interventions and policies to promote well-being during and beyond the pandemic.
Identifying social determinants of health in populations exposed to structural inequities: a qualitative study of the COVID-19 pandemic experiences of Black and Latinx people living with HIV and cardiovascular risks
Loeb TB, Albarran GI, Lee E, McEwan JA, Dyer KE, Cooley-Strickland M, Norwood-Scott E, Ramm K, Kesblyan D, Barnes A, Novacek D and Chin D
Black and Latinx communities experience inequities in the social determinants of health (SDOH) and high rates of chronic illnesses [e.g., cardiovascular disease (CVD), HIV]. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these long-standing SDOH disparities. However, scant attention has been paid to the pandemic-related experiences of populations exposed to structural inequities.
Impacts of Long COVID on workers: A longitudinal study of employment exit, work hours and mental health in the UK
Reuschke D, Houston D and Sissons P
The COVID-19 pandemic has had enormous implications for the world of work. However, there has been relatively little focus on the employment and workforce challenges of the virus in relation to workforce health, beyond the immediate management of the spread of the disease. There is an important gap in understanding the ongoing workforce issues created by the significant incidence of Long COVID in the population.
Association between work from home and health-related productivity loss among Korean employees
Kim HJ, Lee DW, Choi J, Hong YC and Kang MY
After the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the widespread adoption of working from home, or teleworking, has prompted extensive research regarding its effects on work productivity and the physical and mental health of employees. In this context, our study aimed to investigate the association between working from home and health-related productivity loss (HRPL).
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among pregnant and lactating women attending maternity care clinics in refugee camps in Jordan
Dalky A, Quran TO, Abuhammad S, Al-Faraj HM, Bani Hani S, ALBashtawy M, Abu Khader IR, Jallad M and Salameh B
Despite the advantages of vaccination in preventing maternal and fetal problems, there were many concerns in the medical community regarding vaccine safety for pregnant women, and this has put obstetricians in a challenging situation when it comes to advising their pregnant patients on whether to obtain the vaccine.
Provider perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on treatment of substance use and opioid use disorders among American Indian and Alaska Native adults
Richardson M, Hirchak K, Bajet K, Brigman M, Shaffer R, Keyes B, Oliver KA, Kropp F, McDonell MG, Venner KL and Campbell ANC
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities are more likely to suffer negative consequences related to substance misuse. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the opioid poisoning crisis, in combination with ongoing treatment barriers resulting from settler-colonialism, systemic oppression and racial discrimination. AI/AN adults are at greatest risk of COVID-19 related serious illness and death. In collaboration with an Indigenous community advisory board and Tribal leadership, this study explored AI/AN treatment provider perceptions of client-relatives' (i.e., SUD treatment recipients) experiences during the pandemic from 2020 to 2022.
Life changes, self-prevention, knowledge and mental health among inflammatory bowel disease patients during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
He S, Xiao T and Xia Y
With the COVID-19 pandemic going to be COVID-19 endemic, the negative impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of IBD patients cannot be ignored. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of anxiety and depression in IBD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze the factors associated with mental health.
A bibliometric analysis of the knowledge related to mental health during and post COVID-19 pandemic
Wang L, Ye L, Jin Y, Pan X and Wang X
COVID-19 led to a horrific global pandemic, with strict lockdowns and prolonged indoor stays increasing the risk of mental health problems, affecting people of different ages, genders, regions, and types of work to varying degrees. This study provides a bibliometric summary of the knowledge map related to mental health during and post COVID-19 pandemic.
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