Efecto del confinamiento por COVID-19 en la prevalencia de la enfermedad hepática esteatósica asociada a disfunción metabólica / Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Introducción. La enfermedad hepática esteatósica asociada a disfunción metabólica (MASLD) es una condición clínica frecuente, relacionada con el sobrepeso, la dislipidemia y la diabetes. Como estos factores de riesgo están a su vez asociados al sedentarismo y la ganancia de peso, se esperaría un impacto como resultado del confinamiento por COVID-19 en la prevalencia de dicha condición. Metodología. Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo en un panel de datos de 132 pacientes de 2017 a 2022, en donde fueron incluidos pacientes con una ecografía hepática y una valoración médica y paraclínica 1,5 años antes y después del periodo de confinamiento (25 de marzo de 2020 a 28 de febrero de 2021). El desenlace primario fue un cambio significativo en la prevalencia de la MASLD, y se utilizó un modelo exploratorio de regresión logística de efectos fijos con panel de datos para hallar los predictores de cambio. Resultados. En un total de 132 pacientes analizados, la prevalencia global de la MASLD antes (31 %; IC95%: 23-39) y después (35,6 %; IC95%: 27,4-43,8) del confinamiento por COVID-19 no cambió significativamente, sin embargo, en las mujeres sí hubo un aumento significativo (RR: 4; IC95%: 1,0004-16). Se encontró una marcada diferencia de prevalencia entre sexos (17 % en mujeres y 46 % en hombres; p=0,001). El confinamiento se asoció a incrementos en la masa corporal (diferencia: +1 kg; IC95%: 0,1-1,9), el colesterol LDL (diferencia: +9,7 mg/dL; IC95%: 4,9-14,4) y al diagnóstico de prediabetes (RR: 2,1; IC95%: 1,4-3,1). La MASLD se asoció positivamente a la preferencia nutricional por la comida rápida (p=0,047). Solo el índice de masa corporal resultó predictor independiente de MASLD (RR: 1,49; IC95%: 1,07-1,93). Conclusión. La prevalencia global de la MASLD no varió después del confinamiento por COVID-19, pero sí se incrementó en mujeres, y algunos de sus factores de riesgo también aumentaron significativamente. Se encontró equivalencia numérica entre la MASLD y la definición previa de la enfermedad. Se requiere un estudio local más grande para desarrollar y validar un mejor modelo predictor del cambio de la MASLD a través del tiempo.

Introduction. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common clinical condition, related to overweight, dyslipidemia and diabetes. As these risk factors are in turn associated with sedentary lifestyle and weight gain, an impact as a result of the COVID-19 confinement on the prevalence of MASLD would be expected. Methodology. Retrospective longitudinal study in a data panel of 132 patients from 2017 to 2022. Patients with a liver ultrasound and a medical and paraclinical assessment 1.5 years before and after the confinement period (March 25, 2020 to February 28, 2021) were included. The primary outcome was a significant change in the prevalence of MASLD, and an exploratory fixed-effects logistic regression model with panel data was used to find predictors of change. Results. In a total of 132 patients analyzed, the overall prevalence of MASLD before (31%, 95%CI: 23-39) and after (35.6%, 95%CI: 27.4-43.8) confinement by COVID-19 did not change significantly, however, in women there was a significant increase (RR: 4, 95%CI: 1.0004-16). A marked difference in prevalence was found between sexes (17% in women and 46% in men; p=0.001). Confinement was associated with increases in body mass (difference: +1 kg, 95%CI: 0.1-1.9), LDL cholesterol (difference: +9.7 mg/dL, 95%CI: 4.9-14.4) and the diagnosis of prediabetes (RR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.4-3.1). MASLD was positively associated with nutritional preference for fast food (p=0.047). Only body mass index was an independent predictor of MASLD (RR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.07-1.93). Conclusion. The overall prevalence of MASLD did not change after the COVID-19 lockdown, but it did increase in women, and some of its risk factors also increased significantly. Numerical equivalence was found between MASLD and the previous definition of the disease. A larger local study is required to develop and validate a better predictor model of MASLD change over time.

Human social isolation and stress: a systematic review of different contexts and recommendations for future studies

Abstract Objectives The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent lockdowns and social distancing measures adopted worldwide raised questions about the possible health effects of human social isolation. Methods We conducted a systematic review on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase electronic databases using terms related to human social isolation - defined as the isolation of an individual from regular routines and usual social contact - and psychological stress, searching for simulated or naturalistic isolation environments. We present the main results, as well as the validity and limitations of each model. PROSPERO registry number: CRD42021241880. Results Despite the diversity of contexts reviewed, some outcomes almost ubiquitously relate to psychological stress, i.e., longer periods, expectation of a longer period, confinement, lack of social interaction, and support. Based on the results, and considering that most studies were not designed for the purpose of understanding isolation itself, we propose a group of recommendations for future experimental or naturalistic research on the topic. Conclusion Evidence on the impact of different situations in which individuals are subjected to social isolation can assist in development of directed preventive strategies to support people under similar circumstances. Such strategies might increase the general public's compliance with social distancing as a non-pharmacological intervention for emerging infectious diseases.

Análisis de la incidencia de pubertad precoz central tratada con análogos de hormona liberadora de gonadotrofina. Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 / Analysis of the incidence of central precocious puberty treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción. Desde inicios de la pandemia por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), fue comunicado en varios países un incremento de las consultas de niñas con pubertad precoz central idiopática (PPCI), sin que contáramos con datos argentinos. Este aumento estaría vinculado con los cambios en el estilo de vida y los niveles de estrés resultantes del aislamiento que afectó particularmente a la población infantil. Objetivos. 1) Describir la evolución de la incidencia de PPCI con requerimiento de inhibición del eje hipotálamo-hipófiso-gonadal (EHHG) en niñas entre 2010 y 2021 en una cohorte del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. 2) Comparar las características de las niñas, con dicho diagnóstico realizado durante la pandemia, con las de un grupo control. Métodos. Serie de tiempo interrumpida y estudio de casos y controles. Resultados. La incidencia anual fue estable entre 2010 y 2017. Desde 2017 hubo un ascenso anual que promedió el 59,9 % (IC95 % 18,6-115,5) y pareciera haberse acelerado durante la pandemia. Constatamos asociación entre haber desarrollado PPCI y haber requerido tratamiento inhibitorio entre el 01 de junio de 2020 y el 31 de mayo de 2021, y dos variables: edad de menarca materna (OR 0,46; IC95 % 0,28-0,77) y antecedente familiar de PPCI (OR 4,42; IC95 % 1,16-16,86). Conclusión. Evidenciamos desde 2017 un aumento significativo en la incidencia de PPCI con requerimiento de inhibición del EHHG. El incremento en la exposición a diversos desencadenantes ambientales durante la pandemia por COVID-19 podría haber ejercido mayor influencia en las niñas con alguna predisposición genética.

Introduction. Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, consultations of girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) increased in several countries, but there were no data from Argentina. This increase may be related to changes in lifestyle and stress levels resulting from the lockdown, which particularly affected the child population. Objectives. 1) To describe the progression of the incidence of ICPP requiring inhibition of the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in girls between 2010 and 2021 in a cohort from the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. 2) To compare the characteristics of girls diagnosed with ICPP during the pandemic with those of a control group. Methods. Interrupted time-series and case-control study. Results. The annual incidence remained stable between 2010 and 2017. Since 2017, it increased to an average of 59.9% (95% CI: 18.6­115.5) and appears to have accelerated during the pandemic. We found an association between ICPP and requiring inhibitory treatment between June 1 st, 2020 andMay 31 st, 2021 and 2 variables: maternal age at menarche (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28­0.77) and family history of ICPP (OR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.16­16.86). Conclusion. We evidenced a significant increase in the incidence of ICPP with requirement of HPG axis inhibition since 2017. Increased exposure to various environmental triggers during the COVID-19 pandemic may have had a greater influence in girls with some genetic predisposition.

Changes in emergency glaucoma care during the COVID-19 pandemic in South India

Purpose: To assess the differences in the pattern of presentation of glaucoma emergency conditions during the various phases of pandemic?related travel restrictions: first wave?related lockdown, unlock period, and the second wave?related lockdown. Methods: The number of new emergency glaucoma conditions, the various diagnoses, and the total number of all new glaucoma patients presenting to the glaucoma services at five tertiary eye care centers in south India from 24th March 2020 to 30th June 2021 were collected from the electronic medical records and were analyzed. The data were compared with the corresponding time period in the year 2019. Results: In total, 620 patients presented with an emergency glaucoma diagnosis during the first wave?related lockdown as against 1337 during the same period in 2019 (P < 0.0001). During the unlock period, 2659 such patients visited the hospital compared with 2122 in 2019 (P = 0.0145). During the second wave?related lockdown, there were 351 emergency patients compared with 526 patients in 2019 (P < 0.0001). Lens?induced glaucomas (50.4%) and neovascular glaucoma (20.6%) were the most common diagnoses during the first wave?related lockdown. During the unlock period, there was a greater proportion of neovascular glaucoma (P = 0.0123). The second wave?related lockdown had a greater proportion of phacolytic glaucomas (P = 0.005) and acute primary angle closure (P = 0.0397) patients. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that emergency glaucoma care was grossly underutilized by the people during the lockdowns. Trivial conditions like cataracts or retinal vascular diseases if not treated appropriately may progress to become emergencies in the future.

Changing Sleep Patterns and Anxiety due to Covid?19 Home Confinement among Working Population: A Cross?Sectional Study

Introduction: The COVID?19 pandemic took the entire world unawares and people were forced to stay indoors overnight. Due to this a drastic change ensued in lifestyle with many succumbing to various kinds of stresses and psychological problems. This study aims to study the changing sleep patterns and level of anxiety among the working population due to the COVID?19 Pandemic lockdown. Methodology: An online survey was conducted using a cloud?based website. The sleep patterns both prior to and during the lockdown period of the pandemic were assessed using a self?administered questionnaire. The level of anxiety during both these periods (before and during lockdown) amongst the working population was also assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scores (GADS). Results: A total of 224 individuals participated in the study of which 52.7% were males and 47.3% were females. On analysis, the lifestyle and sleep deprivation scores showed that before the lockdown only 2.7% reported a low score out of total participants. However, this number was raised to 13.4% during the lockdown. The percentage of people reporting deteriorated sleep quality gradually increased with females reporting moderate to severe category of Generalized Anxiety Disorder scores as compared to Males. Conclusion: The study suggests that there has been a significant change in the sleep quality of the study participants due to Covid enforced lockdown which if unnoticed might lead to significant health problems. The effective use of programs like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, if followed timely could reduce psychological distress to some extent.

Eye banking and keratoplasty trend analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A South Indian observational study

Purpose: To analyze the impact on eye donation and corneal transplantation during the COVID?19 pandemic in a tertiary eye hospital in south India. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the donor and recipient records during the study period from January 2020 to May 2021 was conducted and tabulated in Microsoft Excel 2013. Demographic details of the donor, utility rate, cause of death, culture characteristics, storage methods, wet lab usage, and the surgical donor outcomes were evaluated. Additionally, the postoperative workup of the recipients, diagnosis, graft infection and rejection episodes, development of COVID?19 postoperatively, and outcome in terms of visual acuity at one, three, and six months were also noted. Results: A total of 466 eyes from 249 donors were received during the study period. The mean age of the donor population was 62.43 years (20.9). The corneal transplantation utility rate was 36.4% (n = 170). Fifty?one percent of the total transplant surgeries were for therapeutic purposes. This was followed by penetrating optical keratoplasty (34%), Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (9%), and patch grafts (3%). Seventeen (10%) graft rejection episodes were noted and nine (53%) had complete resolution after medical treatment. Conclusion: Proper preventive measures are key to carrying out safe and efficient eye banking activities even during a deadly pandemic, as COVID?19 transmission via transplantation is rare.

Study of Hindrances in Sustaining � Body Donation Programme in COVID-19 Era

Rationality : During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been widespread confusion regarding the acceptance of donated bodies, especially those of COVID-19 unknown status. The present study aims to (1) quantify the fall in the body donation in COVID pandemic times & (2) explore the perception of the recipients of body donation (Anatomy faculties) and the facilitators of body donation (NGO members), regarding the problems they faced. Materials and Methods : A cross sectional study using a pre designed study schedule was conducted over period of two months. 30 Anatomy faculties from 3 Medical Colleges in Kolkata and 20 members from 2 NGOs were interviewed. The actual numbers of the body donation received has been documented from record in Anatomy Departments and actual numbers of the body donation facilitated by NGOs has been obtained from record maintained in NGO office. The responses were analysed accordingly. Results : There was significant decline in body donation activity in all the Medical Colleges during COVID times. 80% Anatomy faculties and 60% NGO members recommended posthumous RTPCR tests for COVID-19 unknown bodies. 93.33% faculties and 60% NGO members also wanted the Government to publish directives for posthumous RTPCR tests in donor抯 body. Most faculties (83.33%) were unsure as to whether embalming fluid can neutralize COVID-19 virus or not. Conclusion, Limitation & Future Scope : This study explored the hesitations, its causes and remedial measures of hindrances in body donation program in COVID times. Being an ICMR STS project, authors needed to wrap up it by only two months time; but it can be used as the pilot to continue same in larger scale. Further researches are required to assess the lethality of embalming fluid on COVID-19 virus in this perspective

Domestic burns that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Due to "stay at home" restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, people spent more time at home leading to an increase in home accidents, including burns. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of burns that occurred within homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: This was a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample. METHODS: Data were collected through the distribution of survey links on social networking sites and websites, and through email between December 2020 and February 2021. Participants were over 18 years of age, living in Brazil. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and dispersion statistics. RESULTS: A total of 939 adults (aged > 18 years) participated in this study. The mean age was 37.2 years (standard deviation [SD] = 12.5), 75.6% were female, 70.0% self-reported white skin color, 74% had completed higher education, and 28.1% had an income of 3 to 6 times the monthly minimum wage. A total of 21.6% suffered burns during the pandemic, 44.3% from a hot object. Approximately 49.3% never had access to a burn prevention campaign. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to develop burn prevention strategies that reach a wider population and to strengthen public policies to reduce the prevalence of domestic burns, especially during the pandemic.

Perception of Indian citizens regarding lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian context

Background: In response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the government of India declared a lockdown on March 24, 2020. This affected the daily life of citizens, influencing the availability of daily needs. There was a diverse opinion among public health experts regarding the implementation of the lockdown. Therefore, this study was planned to assess the perceptions and to study the effects of lockdown and challenges faced by Indian citizens during the lockdown imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among Indian citizens above 18 years old using the snowball sampling method. Data were collected through Google forms containing a semistructured questionnaire. Results: Of 464 participants, 61.85% of them reported that lockdown is necessary to contain the spread of the coronavirus infection; 50.43% had a negative effect on their job; and felt mental health problems like anxiety, lack of sleep, stress due to increased workload, and the feeling of separated from family. Conclusion: According to the majority of participants, the lockdown was necessary to contain the spread of the pandemic. Participants who faced different problems also found ways to overcome them in a positive way.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients

ABSTRACT Objective: The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the control of diabetes mellitus in patients are largely unknown. In this study we aimed to analyze the impact of the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown on the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects and methods: A total of 7,321patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (4,501 from the pre-pandemic period, 2,820 from the post-pandemic period) were studied retrospectively. Results: The admission of patients with diabetes melitus (DM) decreased significantly during the pandemic (4,501 pre-pandemic vs. 2,820 post-pandemic; p < 0.001). The mean age of patients was statistically lower (51.5 ± 14.0 vs. 49.7 ± 14.5 years; p < 0.001), and the mean glycated hemoglobin (A1c) level was significantly higher (7.9% ± 2.4% vs. 7.3% ± 1.7%; p < 0.001) in the post-pandemic period than in the pre-pandemic. The female/male ratio was similar in both periods (59.9%/40.1% for pre-pandemic, 58.6%/41.4% for post-pandemic; p = 0.304). As calculated by month the pre-pandemic rate of women was higher only in January (53.1% vs. 60.6%, p = 0.02). Mean A1c levels were higher in the postpandemic period than in the same month of the previous year, excluding July and October (p = 0.001 for November, p < 0.001 for others). Postpandemic patients admitted to the outpatient clinic were significantly younger than prepandemic visits for July (p = 0.001), August (p < 0.001) and December (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The lockdown had detrimental effects on blood sugar management in patients with DM. Hence, diet and exercise programs should be adapted to home conditions, and social and psychological support should be provided to patients with DM.

COVID-19 lockdown effects on the anthropometrics, aerobic capacity, muscle function and metabolic control in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity

Abstract Objective: The lockdown due to a novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic negatively impacted the daily physical activity levels and sedentary behavior of children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lockdown on the anthropometric measurements, aerobic capacity, muscle function, lipid profile and glycemic control in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Methods: 104 children and adolescents with overweight and obesity were divided in a non-lock-down group (NL) (n = 48) and a lockdown group (L) (n = 56). Both NL and L groups were evaluated on three consecutive days, day one: anthropometric measurements; day two: aerobic capacity and muscle function and day three: lipid profile and glycemic control. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and median plus interquartile range (IQR) according to their assumption of normality. Results: The L group increased the body weight (81.62 ± 22.04 kg vs 74.04 ± 24.46 kg; p = 0.05), body mass index (32.54 ± 5,49 kg/m² vs 30.48 ± 6.88 kg/m²; p = 0.04), body mass index by z-score (3.10 ± 0.60 SD vs 2.67 ± 0.85 SD; p = 0.0015), triglycerides [141.00 mg/dl IQR (106.00-190.00 mg/dl) vs 103.00 mg/dl IQR (78.50- 141.50 mg/dl); p = 0.001], fasting insulin [31.00 mU/L IQR (25.01 - 47-17 mU/L vs 21.82 mU/L IQR (16.88 - 33.10 mU/L; p = 0.001)] and Conclusions: The lockdown due COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, and glycemic control of overweight and obese children and adolescents.

Physical activity on anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review / Atividade física nos sintomas de ansiedade durante a pandemia de COVID-19: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of physical activity on anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three databases (PubMed; Scopus and Web of Science) were searched in the period from 2020 to 2022 the following base terms were used: "Physical Activity", Exercise, Anxiety and COVID-19. Peer-reviewed, primary studies published in English, Portuguese and Spanish using valid and reliable measures were included. Eighteen studies met the eligibility criteria, of which 17 were cross-sectional, 2 were cohort studies. The number of participants ranged from 43 to 2,301, aged between 18 and 65 years or older. A decrease in PA practice or an increase in sitting time were associated with higher levels of anxiety symptoms. Additionally, participants who did not meet PA recommendations were more likely to experience moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. The results showed that physical activity is associated with the alleviation of anxiety symptoms during confinement in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumo Esta revisão sistemática teve como objetivo investigar o efeito da atividade física nos sintomas de ansiedade durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Foram pesquisadas três bases de dados (PubMed; Scopus e Web of Science) no período de 2020 a 2022 foram utilizados os seguintes termos base: "Physical Activity", Exercise, Anxiety e COVID-19. Foram incluídos estudos primários, revisados ​​por pares, publicados em inglês, português e espanhol usando medidas válidas e confiáveis. Dezoito estudos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade, sendo 17 transversais, 2 estudos de coorte. O número de participantes variou de 43 a 2.301, com idade entre 18 e 65 anos ou mais. Uma diminuição na prática de AF ou um aumento no tempo sentado foram associados a níveis mais elevados de sintomas de ansiedade. Além disso, os participantes que não atendiam às recomendações de AF eram mais propensos a apresentar sintomas de ansiedade moderados a graves. Os resultados mostraram que a atividade física está associada ao alívio dos sintomas de ansiedade durante o confinamento na pandemia de COVID-19.

Experiences of nursing students preparedness to migrate to online learning during COVID-19 lockdown in Namibia

Background: COVID-19 made it mandatory for Namibian education institutions to transition from traditional face-to-face classroom learning to online learning. Minimal time was available to prepare nursing students to adopt this model of learning, which subsequently influenced their learning experiences. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore and describe nursing students' experiences regarding their preparedness to migrate to online learning during the COVID-19 lockdown at a public university in Namibia. Setting: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English at the public university in Kavango East, Namibia. Methods: A qualitative approach utilising an exploratory and descriptive design was used. Convenience sampling and a semi-structured interview guide was used to assess the experiences of undergraduate nursing students. Data saturation was achieved after 15 interviews. ATLAS.ti 8 software assisted with management of data that was analysed inductively following the six steps of thematic analysis. Results: The following themes emerged from analysis of the data: (1) students' readiness to migrate to online learning; (2) challenges faced by nursing students during the migration to online learning; and (3) strategies to support the transition from face-to-face to online learning. Conclusion: The study's findings show that the student nurses were unprepared for online learning due to lack of skills and the ability to use technology to navigate online learning platforms. Access to online learning was also hampered by poor Internet connectivity and unreliable electronic devices. Contribution: These findings may be used to develop targeted interventions and strategies to mitigate challenges faced during transition from face-to-face to online learning.

The impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health: A scoping review

Background: This scoping review assessed the COVID-19 impacts on mental health and associated risk factors. Methods: A literature search for relevant articles published between March 2020 and July 2022, was conducted in the APA PsychInfo, JBI Evidence Synthesis, Epistemonikos, PubMed, and Cochrane databases. Results: The article inclusion criteria were met by 72 studies. The commonly used mental health assessment tools were the Patient Health Questionnaire (41.7%), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (36%), 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (13.9%), Impact of Event Scale (12.5%), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (9.7%), Symptom Checklist and the General Health Questionnaire (6.9% each). The prevalence rate of depression ranged from 5-76.5%, 5.6-80.5% for anxiety, 9.1- 65% for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 8.3-61.7% for sleep disorders, 4.9-70.1% for stress, 7-71.5% for psychological distress, and 21.4-69.3% for general mental health conditions. The risks included female gender, healthcare related/frontline jobs, isolation/quarantine, poverty, lower education, COVID-19 risk, age, commodities, mental illness history, negative psychology, and higher social media exposure. The incidence of mental disorders increased along with the increasing cases of COVID-19 and the corresponding government restrictions. Conclusion: Standard mental health assessment tools were used in these studies conducted during COVID-19. Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. Various factors impacted the prevalence of mental health disorders. Policymakers need to provide social protective measures to improve coping in critical health events. Further studies should investigate the effectiveness of interventions for reducing the prevalence and risk factors for mental health conditions during a public health emergency.

Impact of COVID-19 on management outcome of cervicofacial infections in a maxillofacial centre

INTRODUCTION: Cervicofacial infections (CFI) are life-threatening and constitute some of the common emergencies seen by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon on a regular basis. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced human activities for most of 2020 including the first worldwide lockdown. At the height of the pandemic, it was expected that the number of patients presenting with cervicofacial infections would drop as with most health conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the management and outcome of cervicofacial infections in a tertiary maxillofacial institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who presented at the Maxillofacial clinic with cervicofacial infections and were subsequently admitted into the ward during the lockdown (2020) was compared with those of the previous year (2019) and the year after (2021).RESULTS: The total number of patients seen and admitted with cervicofacial infections in 2020 was 39(31.2%) which was lower than that seen the preceding year 48(38.4%) but higher than 38(30.4%) of the year after. 116 patients were treated while nine patients left hospital without treatment. All patients presented with extensive cervicofacial infections, involving more than three fascial spaces and were treated using parenteral antibiotics with surgical incision and drainage under local anesthesia. There were more deaths in 2020 (n=10) than in the preceding year (n=8) and the year after (n=7).CONCLUSION: A high percentage of CFI was admitted duringCOVID-19 period compared to the previous and following years. Involvement of multiple fascial spaces was also noted

INTRODUCTION: Les infections cervico-faciales (ICF) mettent la vie en danger et constituent certaines des urgences les plus courantes que rencontre régulièrement le chirurgien buccal et maxillo-facial. La pandémie de COVID-19 a entraîné une réduction des activités humaines pendant la majeure partie de l'année 2020, y compris le premier verrouillage mondial. Au plus fort de la pandémie, on s'attendait à ce que le nombre de patients présentant des infections cervico-faciales diminue comme pour la plupart des problèmes de santé. Le but de cette étude était de déterminer l'impact de COVID19 sur la gestion et le résultat des infections cervicofaciales dans une institution tertiaire maxillo-faciale. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Une analyse rétrospective des patients qui se sont présentés à la clinique maxillo-faciale avec des infections cervico-faciales et ont ensuite été admis dans le service pendant le lockdown (2020) a été comparée à celles de l'année précédente (2019) et de l'année suivante (2021). RÉSULTATS: Le nombre total de patients vus et admis pour des infections cervico-faciales en 2020 était de 39 (31,2 %), ce qui était inférieur à celui de l'année précédente (48 (38,4 %)) mais supérieur à celui de l'année suivante (38 (30,4 %)). 116 ont été traités tandis que neuf patients ont quitté l'hôpital sans traitement. Tous les patients présentaient des infections cervico-faciales étendues, impliquant plus de trois espaces fasciaux et ont été traités à l'aide d'antibiotiques parentéraux, avec incision chirurgicale et drainage sous anesthésie locale. Il y a eu plus de décès en 2020 (n=10) que l'année précédente (n=8) et l'année suivante (n=7). CONCLUSION: Bien qu'un pourcentage élevé de FCI ait été admis pendant la période COVI-19 par rapport aux années précédentes et suivantes, l'implication de multiples espaces fasciaux a également été constatée

Situation analysis of COVID-19 on Domestic Violence in Fiji

@#COVID-19, a highly contagious and deadly virus rapidly swept across the world from the year 2019 to 2020 killing more than two million people. Due to the magnitude of affect the virus was having, governments were forced into taking measures that required isolation of the infected from the unaffected, as mitigation to halt the spread. This brought about the “COVID-19 Lockdown”. Though the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) were with one of the least numbers of COVID-19 cases, similar measures were implemented as measure to prevent the virus from entering the countries. Like other countries, PICs like Fiji had a lockdown and this affected the lifestyles of the people. Amidst the lockdown, there was a rise in domestic violence cases. The literature review was done using databases; Medline, ProQuest, Embase, and Scopus. The research was done by using the relevant keywords in the field of COVID-19 which was aimed specifically on domestic violence during the pandemic. Moreover, local, and international publications, like media reports and published reports were also used. Upon carrying out this research it could be stated that there was a rise in the number of domestic violence cases in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The literature review was aimed at identifying the consequences of COVID-19 and why it triggered a spike in domestic violence cases. The study concluded that the psychological impacts, and socio-economic state created as the result of the lockdown was the main contributing factor which gives rise to substance abuse, depression, which collectively lead to violence

Drug adherence to anti-tubercular treatment during COVID-19 lockdown in Haldwani block of Nainital district

Background: India saw one of the stringent lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the wake of this period, the normal functioning of medical services was affected. People were reluctant to seek medical attention and notification of Tuberculosis dipped. The aim of the study was to estimate the proportion of non-adherence to anti-tubercular treatment and to identify the factors affecting the non-adherence to treatment. Methods: A retrospective community-based study was conducted among 284 tuberculosis patients. They were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire consisting of WHO dimensions of non-adherence and lockdown related questions. Results: The proportion of non-adherence to treatment was found to be 5.3%. Factors like chronic diseases, depression, without knowledge on how the disease is transmitted and that medication can be discontinued once the symptoms subsided, alcohol consumption, and trouble accessing medicine were found to be the determining factors in non-adherence to the treatment. Conclusions: Non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment in our study was low but the various dimensions of adherence along with lockdown related factors had significant impact on it. To further minimize non-adherence during emergency like the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, corrective measures must be explored and implemented.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND UNIVERSITY RESEARCH STUDENTS : THE ANALYSIS OF STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES

The present study has assessed the perceived stress and coping strategies, among the research students amid the Covid-19 lockdown in Bundelkhand University, Jhansi. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess perceived stress and coping strategies of the research students of different discipline in Covid-19 lockdown, and to determine the association, if any, of stress and coping with selected demographic variables. Material and Method: This was conducted online from April 2021 to June 2021. Third, 4th & 5th year of PhD research students (N=72) participated, whose perceived stress and coping strategies, due to Covid-19, were assessed through an online questionnaire. The tool used was comprised of three sections- demographic data, as part-A; Perceived Stress Scale, as part-B; and Coping Strategies Scale, as part-C. Results: It highlights perceived stress among the research students who were earlier active in daily routine and overall lifestyle. Mean coping strategies score was measured to 73.18+13.12and perceived stress score was 20.44+6.21 with maladaptive coping strategy being the highest in the participants. Conclusion: Study observed perceived stress in research students during Covid-19 lockdown, who previously showed a hectic daily routine and lifestyle. The mean coping strategies score was measured as 73.18+13.12among the participants and perceived stress score was 20.44+6.21 with maladaptive coping strategy being the highest in the participants. The amplified understanding about Covid-19 may help to diminish its fear and reduce Covid-19 related stress.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and the Effect of Internet Usage on Lifestyle of College Students of Haryana during COVID 19 lockdown period

Introduction: Since 1990, internet usage is increasing day by day and availability of smart mobile phones and electronic gazettes like tablet, laptop etc. has given it an exponential rise. During COVID-19 lockdown period, internet usage pattern has changed a lot as per behaviour of students studying in schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutes etc. To study the prevalence of internet addictionObjective: and the effect of internet usage on lifestyle of college students of Haryana. Total 1035 students, ofMethod: various educational streams in various colleges of Haryana state were included in the study and data was collected by pretested self-designed questionnaire and young's internet addiction test questionnaire was used to assess its effect on life style. Out of 1035 students, 436(42%) participants were belowResults: average users of internet, followed by 369(36%) average users and 230(22%) excessive users of internet. Average of total score of young internet addiction questionnaire was 27.72. Various life style factors like feeling stressed while working, neglects other activities, miss a diet, checks internet many times, obsessed with phone and internet usage per day were found significantly associated with internet addiction(p<0.05). Conclusion : Excessive internet usage during COVID-19 pandemic may lead to various abnormal behavior changes which cause negative effect on various aspects of students like emotional, hyperactivity, depression, sleeping disorder etc.

Fibromialgia en la nueva era de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y el síndrome post-COVID-19: una revisión exploratoria / no

Introducción: La fibromialgia es un síndrome caracterizado por dolor crónico generalizado, rigidez articular, trastornos del sueno, fatiga, ansiedad y episodios depresivos, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas comienzan después de un trauma físico o emocional. Pese a ello, son escasas las publicaciones que describen el impacto clínico de la COVID-19 en los síntomas de fibromialgia. Objetivo: Mapear la evidencia médica disponible sobre el impacto de la COVID-19 y el síndrome post-COVID en pacientes con y sin diagnóstico de fibromialgia previo a la infección. Materiales y métodos: Revisión sistemática exploratoria en PubMed y Scopus, considerando artículos en inglés y en español, con datos sobre la fibromialgia en población sobreviviente a la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Se revisaron los registros de ensayos clínicos de las bases de datos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados: Se incluyeron 12 artículos publicados: estudios retrospectivos (n = 4), transversales (n = 2), casos y controles (n = 2), estudios cualitativos (n = 2), cohorte prospectiva (n = 1) y corte longitudinal (n = 1). La población total fue de 3.060 pacientes. Además, se incluyeron registros de un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado, un estudio observacional tipo transversal y uno de casos y controles. La suma total de la población estudiada fue de 173 participantes. Conclusión: Los pacientes sobrevivientes a la COVID-19 con o sin diagnóstico previo de fibromialgia pueden presentar un aumento del dolor crónico, insomnio, rigidez articular y deterioro en la calidad de vida. La población con antecedente de fibromialgia puede verse más afectada por estrés psicológico, lesión tisular a estructuras neuromusculares e inflamación por la infección por SARS-CoV-2.

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic generalized pain, joint stiffness, sleep disorders, fatigue, anxiety and depressive episodes, whose clinical manifestations begin after a physical or emotional trauma. However, few publications describe the clinical impact of COVID-19 on fibromyalgia symptoms. Objective: To map the available medical evidence on the impact of COVID-19 and PCS in patients with and without a diagnosis of fibromyalgia prior to infection. Materials and methods: Exploratory systematic review in PubMed and Scopus, considering COVID-19 Fibromyalgia SARS-CoV-2 articles in English and Spanish, with data on fibromyalgia in the population surviving SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical trial records of the World Health Organization databases were reviewed. Results: Twelve published articles were included: retrospective studies (n = 4), cross-sectional (n = 2), cases and controls (n = 2), qualitative studies (n = 2), a prospective cohort (n = 1) and a longitudinal section study (n = 1). The total study population of the included publications was 3,060 patients. In addition, one randomized controlled clinical trial and two observational cross-sectional and case-control studies were included. The total sum of the study population was 173 participants. Conclusion: Survivors of COVID-19 with or without a previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia may present an increase in chronic pain, insomnia, joint stiffness, and deterioration in quality of life. The population with a history of fibromyalgia may be more affected by psychological stress, tissue damage to neuromuscular structures, and inflammation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.