Frequency and Seasonal Variations of Viruses Causing Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic in Riyadh (2017–2022)

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on healthcare systems throughout the world. As the clinical and epidemiological features of COVID-19 share many similarities with other respiratory viruses in children, ensuring optimal management of different viral respiratory diseases is critical. The precautions taken to prevent COVID-19 have seemingly had an indirect effect on the seasonal variations of viral diseases and the frequency of relevant viruses. The seasonal irregularity of and uncertainty surrounding these infection peaks may affect the clinical prediction and management resources. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency and seasonal variation of common respiratory viruses in children pre- and post-pandemic. Methodology This study utilizes a descriptive cross-sectional retrospective approach. A total of 726 samples collected from children below 14 years of age and admitted to King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz University Hospital between March 2017 and February 2022 were included in the present study to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency and seasonal variation of common respiratory viruses in children pre- and post-pandemic. The samples taken before March 15, 2020, were considered pre-COVID-19, and those taken from March 15, 2020, onward were considered post-COVID-19. The seasons were divided based on the months of the year as per the Saudi climate website (winter: December-February, spring: March-April, summer: May-August, and autumn: September-November). Results All nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) for viral Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) multiplex that were done for all admitted children of age up to 14 years were included, and the total samples amounted to 726, There were 686 (94.4%) positive samples for viruses and 40 (5.5%) negative samples. The number of positive samples pre-COVID-19 pandemic was 494 (72%), and the number of positive samples post-COVID-19 pandemic was 192 (28%). The frequency of different viruses has decreased post-COVID-19 and seasonality has changed;Although Adenovirus, and influenza viruses have no big changes, but Human Rhino/enterovirus (HRE) has increased frequency post-COVID-19 (49%), while post-COVID-19 it was (29.1%). The seasonal peak for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) pre-COVID-19 showed mainly in winter (49%), while post-COVID-19 it showed no peak. Conclusion The frequency of most types of viruses is noted to be lesser in the post-COVID-19 period, most likely due to precautions followed during the pandemic. This is not the case for HRE which showed increasing frequency in post-COVID-19;However, there are clinically and statistically significant differences among seasonal peaks in Respiratory RSV, HRE, and Parainfluenza viruses (PIV) pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. RSV showed no peak in different seasons post-COVID-19, although its peak pre-COVID-19 was in winter and autumn;Additionally typical trend of HRE peak changed to be in Autumn and spring post-COVID-19 instead of winter pre-COVID-19.

Barriers to School and Work Transitions for Youth With and Without a Disability During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Comparison

To explore barriers to school and work transitions for youth with and without a disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretive descriptive qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews. Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada which was considered a hot zone for COVID-19 cases and deaths. A purposive sample of 35 youth (18 with a disability;17 without), aged 16-29 (mean age 23). Not applicable. Semi-structured interviews with participants. Our findings revealed several similarities and some differences between youth with and without disabilities regarding barriers to school and work transitions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key themes related to these barriers involved: (1) difficult transition to online school and working from home (i.e., expense of setting up home office, technical challenges, impact on mental health), (2) uncertainty about employment (i.e., under-employment, difficult working conditions, difficulty finding work, disability-related challenges) and (3) missed career development opportunities (i.e., cancelled or reduced internships or placements, lack of volunteer opportunities, uncertainties about career pathway, longer-term impact of pandemic). Our findings highlight that youth with disabilities may need further support in engaging in meaningful and accessible vocational activities that align with their career pathway. None.

School and Employment-Related Barriers for Youth and Young Adults with and without a Disability during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area

Purpose: Youth and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the socio-economic impacts of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to explore barriers to school and employment for youth with and without a disability during the pandemic. Methods: This qualitative comparison study involved in-depth interviews with 35 youth and young adults (18 with a disability;17 without), aged 16–29 (mean age 23). An interpretive, thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted. Results: Our findings revealed several similarities and some differences between youth and young adults with and without disabilities regarding barriers to school and employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key themes related to these barriers involved: (1) difficult transition to online school and working from home (i.e., the expense of setting up a home office, technical challenges, impact on mental health), (2) uncertainty about employment (i.e., under-employment, difficult working conditions, difficulty finding work, disability-related challenges) and (3) missed career development opportunities (i.e., canceled or reduced internships or placements, lack of volunteer opportunities, uncertainties about career pathway, the longer-term impact of the pandemic). Conclusion: Our findings highlight that youth and young adults with disabilities may need further support in engaging in meaningful and accessible vocational activities that align with their career pathway.

Facilitators for Coping With the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparing Youth With and Without Disabilities

Research Objectives To understand the facilitators for helping youth with and without disabilities to cope and maintain mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design A descriptive design using in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews with a narrative thematic analysis. Setting Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada which was considered a hot zone for COVID-19 cases and deaths. Participants A purposive sample of 34 youth (17 with a disability;17 without) aged 16-29 (mean age 23.2). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Interviews with participants Results Our findings revealed several similarities and some differences between youth with and without disabilities regarding facilitators for maintaining mental health during the pandemic. Enablers of coping included: (1) social support, (2) financial support, (3) keeping busy (i.e., having a daily routine, working to keep the mind occupied, volunteering to boost mental health, focusing on school work), and (4) work-life balance (i.e., reduced commute, more time for exercising, going outdoors, cooking, sleeping better, and reflection on life's purpose). Conclusions Our findings highlight how having coping strategies could help youth to deal with pandemic-related stress. Youth with disabilities may need some additional support in accessing resources, exercising and going outdoors to help enhance their coping strategies. Author(s) Disclosures None.

Facilitators for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic: Online qualitative interviews comparing youth with and without disabilities.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly impacted people's mental health. Youth with disabilities are at particular risk for the psychological implications of the pandemic. Although much attention has been given to pandemic-related mental health challenges that youth have encountered, little is known about the facilitators for coping with the stresses of the pandemic and how this varies for youth with and without disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand facilitators for helping youth and young adults with and without disabilities to cope and maintain mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 34 youth and young adults (17 with a disability; 17 without), aged 16-29 (mean age 23.2). A narrative, thematic analysis of the transcripts was performed. RESULTS: Our findings revealed several similarities and some differences between youth and young adults with and without disabilities regarding facilitators for maintaining mental health during the pandemic. Enablers of coping included: (1) social support; (2) financial support, (3) keeping busy (i.e., having a daily routine, working to keep the mind occupied, volunteering to boost mental health, focusing on school work), and (4) work-life balance (i.e., reduced commute, more time for exercising, going outdoors, cooking, sleeping better, and reflection on life's purpose). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight how having coping strategies could help to youth and young adults deal with pandemic-related stress. Youth with disabilities may need some additional support in accessing resources, exercising and going outdoors to help enhance their coping strategies.