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

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.

MEAL PATTERNS AND CONSUMPTION OF PRO AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS BY INDIAN WOMEN DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown of March-May 2020 affected lifestyles, availability of commodities, and dietary habits. This study examined the effect of lockdown on meal patterns and consumption of pro and anti-inflammatory foods by women. An online survey was conducted on 1545 women aged 18 and above, residing in India. Dietary changes before and during lockdown were assigned numerical scores. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. Lockdown showed positive effects on diet patterns, with 37% increase in consumption of home-cooked meals, drastic decrease in ordering food via delivery apps from 49.9% pre-lockdown to 2.2%; decreased consumption of processed foods from 25.8 % to 11.4%; increased water intake (59.6%); increased consumption of anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables and fruits (48.4%) and nearly 40% decrease in consumption of pro-inflammatory foods like chaat, cakes, fried items. Three AYUSH guidelines were followed daily: 80.3% respondents used spices in cooking; 52.9% drank warm water and 37.2% drank “Golden” milk. The mean total score was 50.4 ± 12.6 out of a maximum score of 112. The favorable changes in the dietary patterns of the women could be due to unavailability of pro-inflammatory food items and closing of food deliveries during lockdown.

Categorical Analysis on Mental Health Status of the people of Kerala during the COVID-19 Pandemic using the Proportional Odds Model

Background: Covid-19 pandemic forced people to get confined to social isolation and maintain social distancing which affected their mental health. The study aims at understanding the impact on the mental health status of people in Kerala, based on their demographic profile and the psychological issues faced during the Covid-19 lockdown. Methodology: The study included 700 respondents from various districts of Kerala telephonic and mailed questionnaires for the period of December 2020 - May 2021. Ordered logit model is used for the econometric analysis using R software. Results: The overall mental health status of an individual is affected by various reasons which are taken as various categories for the analysis. As a result of log odds estimated, Covid-19 patients are more disposed to mental health issues. Male respondents had a positive impact on mental health issues and unmarried people of all gender are disturbed with lockdown distress. Almost all occupational categories taken into account are more or less shaken with the pandemic except those with proper job security including Government and PSU workforces. Psychological, physical well-being is affected by the pandemic lockdown overall mental health system of people of Kerala. Conclusion: Covid-19 pandemic have affected the overall mental health of the people regardless of age and profession which can be more or less solved by the individuals themselves through yoga, meditation, exercise, reading books, gardening, cooking, virtual contacts with friends and family, getting enough sleep, etc. which helps tocan keep the mind relaxed and stable.