ABSTRACT
Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the pattern of digital media use and screen time among students during lockdown. It also aimed to explore possible correlates of problematic digital media use and screen-time among students. Methodology: It was a prospective observational study. Students pursuing undergraduate courses in Public and Private State Universities constituted the study universe. The study used a survey approach for data collection. Besides the screen time, the mental well being of the study participants was assessed by the WHO Well-being Index and the personality was assessed using the Big Five Inventory (BFI)-10. Results: A total of 731 responses were included in the analysis. Around 93% self-reported an increase in daily screen time during COVID-19. A small but significant negative correlation between increased screen time and QoL (rs = -0.154, p < .001) was found. Increased screen time due to the use of social media for non-communication purposes was associated with poorer QoL (U = 32947.50;p = .02) and greater COVID stress (U = 32381.50;p = .01). Out of total of 202 students who shared the screenshot of the phone ST function, 145 (71.8%) underestimated their daily smartphone ST, whereas 56 (27.7%) overestimated ST. In the regression analysis the predicted odds of poor mental well-being were 1.430 times greater for subjects with higher neuroticism scores for the overall sample.
ABSTRACT
The nationwide lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a 41-day prohibition on the sale of alcohol. The impact of an interruption in the alcohol supply chain and difficulty in accessing healthcare facilities during the lockdown can be better understood by tracking internet interest for alcohol use-related search queries. Also, the media have an important influence in moulding public opinion, attitudes, and conversation on a wide range of issues, including health. This presentation shall focus on findings from the evaluation of the shift in internet search interest for. keywords representing various alcohol-related themes throughout India's lockdown period. Also, the coverage of alcohol sales on internet during India's third phase of lockdown shall be discussed.
ABSTRACT
In this study, we assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the amount and pattern of screen time among college students. The relationship between increased screen time and quality of life (QoL), COVID-related stress, and personality traits were also explored. A cross-sectional online survey-based study was conducted among Indian college students who were recruited by purposive sampling. Details regarding socio-demographics, amount and pattern of screen time usage, change in screen time patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, and COVID-related stress were collected. In addition, personality traits and QoL were assessed with validated questionnaires. A total of 731 responses (51% female, mean age 20.7 years) were analysed. Of the participants, 93.2% self-reported an increase in daily screen time during COVID-19. The predominant reasons for the increased screen time were educational screen time (89.6%), streaming or watching videos for entertainment (82.8%), use of social media for non-communication purposes (78.1%), communication with friends and/or family members (76.2%), reading or watching news (65.9%), and interactive recreational screen time (44.7%). A small but significant negative correlation between increased screen time and QoL (rs =-0.154, p o .001) was found. Increased screen time due to the use of social media for non-communication purposes was associated with poorer QoL (U = 32947.50;p = .02) and greater COVID stress (U = 32381.50;p = .01). Educational screen time was the most common cause for increased screen time among college students and was not associated with negative effects on QoL. The context and purpose of screen time appears to be important in ascertaining the impact of screen time on QoL. © 2022, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence and clinical manifestation of disulfiram ethanol reaction (DER) and isopropanol toxicity (IT) in patients with alcohol use disorders, on disulfiram. Alcohol-based hand rub contains either ethanol or isopropanol or both. COVID-19 pandemic has led to wide scale usage of sanitizers. Patients with alcohol use disorders, on disulfiram, might experience disulfiram ethanol like reactions with alcohol-based sanitizers. METHODS: We telephonically contacted 339 patients, prescribed disulfiram between January 2014 and March 2020. The assessment pertained to the last 3 months (i.e. third week of March to third week of June 2020). RESULT: The sample consisted of middle-aged men with a mean 16 years of alcohol dependence. Among the 82 (24%) patients adherent to disulfiram, 42 (12.3%) were using alcohol-based hand rubs. Out of these, a total of eight patients (19%; 95% CI 9-33) had features suggestive of DER; four of whom also had features indicative of IT. Five patients (62.5%) had mild and self-limiting symptoms. Severe systemic reactions were experienced by three (37.5%). Severe reactions were observed with exposure to sanitizers in greater amounts, on moist skin or through inhalation. CONCLUSION: Patients on disulfiram should be advised to use alternate methods of hand hygiene.