Does Viral Anxiety Influence the Insomnia Severity Among Patients With Insomnia Disorder During COVID-19 Pandemic?

Background and Objective We aimed to investigate whether viral anxiety affects insomnia severity in patients with insomnia disorder during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, we examined whether viral anxiety mediates the influence of dysfunctional beliefs about sleep on insomnia severity. Methods The medical records of 111 patients who visit the sleep clinic from September 2021 to May 2022 were reviewed. Patients' symptoms were rated with rating scales including Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6), Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep-16 items (DBAS-16), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and discrepancy between desired time in bed and desired total sleep time (the DBST index). Results The SAVE-6 score was not significantly correlated with ISI score among insomnia patients. Linear regression analysis showed that the ISI score was expected by PHQ-9 (β = 0.21, p = 0.038) and DBAS-16 (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed that viral anxiety did not mediate the influence of dysfunctional beliefs about sleep on insomnia severity. Conclusions We could not observe the mediating effect of viral anxiety on the association between dysfunctional beliefs about sleep on insomnia severity. Though COVID-somnia was one of big issues in this COVID-19 pandemic, the influence of virus on the severity of insomnia among insomnia patients needs to be interpreted cautiously © 2023 The Korean Society of Sleep Medicine

Learning on Health Fairness and Environmental Justice via Interactive Visualization

This paper introduces an interactive visualization interface with a machine learning consensus analysis that enables the researchers to explore the impact of atmospheric and socioeconomic factors on COVID-19 clinical severity by employing multiple Recurrent Graph Neural Networks. We designed and implemented a visualization interface that leverages coordinated multi-views to support exploratory and predictive analysis of hospitalizations and other socio-geographic variables at multiple dimensions, simultaneously. By harnessing the strength of geometric deep learning, we build a consensus machine learning model to include knowledge from county-level records and investigate the complex interrelationships between global infectious disease, environment, and social justice. Additionally, we make use of unique NASA satellite-based observations which are not broadly used in the context of climate justice applications. Our current interactive interface focus on three US states (California, Pennsylvania, and Texas) to demonstrate its scientific value and presented three case studies to make qualitative evaluations. © 2022 IEEE.

Sport event travel intentions during times of crisis: the role of life goals, risk and emotions

Sport consumers may respond to times of crisis (e.g. pandemic) in different ways depending on a number of factors related to their decision-making. When it comes to decisions related to traveling to attend or participate in sport events, some of these factors include life goals, emotions, and related risk-seeking attitudes that permeate the psychology of the consumer. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine the influence of emotions formed during a crisis, risk-seeking attitudes and relevant life goals on intentions to travel to attend or participate in sport events during times of crisis (i.e. pandemic). Survey data were collected from 412 Amazon M-Turk respondents in May 2020 using the web survey platform Qualtrics. The results revealed that positive and negative emotions, along with risk-seeking attitudes and the goals to be healthy and have a rich social life explained 41.8% of variance in intentions to travel to attend or participate in a sport event. The goal to be healthy had a significant negative influence on intentions to travel to attend or participate in sport events while the goal to have a rich social life had a significant positive influence on intentions. Positive and negative emotions and risk-seeking attitudes were also found to significantly influence intentions. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Validation of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 (SAVE-9) Scale and Relationship With Insomnia or Depression Among Healthcare Workers Who Witnessed Patient's Death in COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Objective We tested the psychometric properties of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 (SAVE-9) scale among healthcare workers who experienced patients' deaths. Methods From June 2nd to 10th, 2022, an anonymous, online survey was administered to medical doctors and nursing professionals who witnessed the deaths of patients they cared for during the last two years. Participants demographic characteristics and responses to the SAVE-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were collected. Results A total of 267 responses were collected in this survey. The two-factor model of the SAVE-9 fits well among healthcare workers who witnessed patients' death (CFI = 1.000, GFI = 0.996, RMSEA = 0.000, RSMR = 0.040). The SAVE-9 scale showed good reliability of internal consistency and convergent validity with the GAD-7 (r = 0.429, p = 0.001), PHQ-9 score (r = 0.414, p = 0.001), and ISI (r = 0.368, p = 0.001). Conclusions We observed that the SAVE-9 and its two subscales were valid and reliable tools for measuring work-related stress and viral anxiety among healthcare workers who witnessed the death of their patients Copyright © 2022 The Korean Society of Sleep Medicine

Safety and Immunogenicity of a Booster Dose of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (NVX-CoV2373) in Adults from the PREVENT-19 Trial in the United States

Background. Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (5 mug recombinant spike protein/50 mug Matrix-MTM adjuvant;NVX-CoV2373) has received regulatory authorizations for use in adults >= 18 years globally. Methods. Participants from PREVENT-19 (NCT04611802), a phase 3, randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of a primary series of 2 doses of NVX-CoV2373 given 21 days apart, in adults >= 18 years in the United States and Mexico, were eligible to receive a booster dose at least 6 months after the initial vaccination series. Short-term safety and immunogenicity of the booster dose was assessed in an ad hoc analysis of 298 participants. Results. There was an incremental increase compared to the initial vaccination series in local and systemic reactogenicity, which was transient and mostly mild-to-moderate in intensity. Most unsolicited adverse events were also mild-to-moderate in severity;there were no deaths or treatment-related SAEs and 2/298 booster recipients in this analysis reported unrelated SAEs. Neutralizing, anti-S IgG, and hACE2 receptor binding inhibiting antibodies against the ancestral (Wuhan) strain 28 days after booster were higher than those 14 days after primary vaccination (Table). Overall, humoral responses were high regardless of interval between priming and booster vaccination, but a longer interval yielded stronger responses. Higher immune responses against the Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5 variants were also observed after the booster dose than after the primary series in a subset of 14-18 participants tested. Overall, humoral responses were high and broad regardless of age after any vaccination, but higher responses were observed in adults < 65 years after initial and booster vaccinations. A booster dose induced more robust antibody responses compared with the primary series in adults >= 65 years. Conclusion. A single booster dose of NVX-CoV2373 demonstrated a satisfactory safety profile, and high levels of neutralizing, anti-S IgG, and hACE2 inhibition antibody responses against the SARS-CoV-2 prototype Wuhan as well as against the Omicron variant including recently emerged sub-variants. (Table Presented).

Safety and immunogenicity of COVID Influenza Combination Vaccine

Background. We developed a COVID-Influenza Combination (CIC) vaccine, comprising recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike (rS) and quadrivalent influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein nanoparticles (qNIV), and Matrix-MTM adjuvant. rS/Matrix-M previously demonstrated efficacy against COVID-19 in Phase 3 trials, while qNIV/ Matrix-M previously demonstrated induction of broadly cross-reactive antibodies. Here we report preliminary safety and immunogenicity results of a first-ever Phase 1/2 CIC dose-finding trial. Methods. Seropositive (COVID-19 vaccinated >= 8 weeks prior) participants (N=642) aged 50-70 years were randomized equally, to receive two intramuscular doses, 56 days apart, to 1 of 14 different dose/formulations of CIC using a design of experiments approach (dose range: rS 2.5-22.5ug, HA5-60ug;and 50ug Matrix-M), or to 1 of 2 reference formulations of either standalone rS with Matrix-M [2 doses] or qNIV with Matrix-M [1 dose only]. Pre- and post-vaccination (Days 0, 28, 56, 70, 84, 182) immunogenicity assessments including SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG and influenza HAI antibodies to vaccine-homologous strains. Reactogenicity was assessed 7 days following each dose, and safety outcomes assessed through Day 70. Multiple regression was used to create predictive models to assess antibody response surfaces and for dose optimization. Results. All CIC formulations were well tolerated, with a reactogenicity and safety profile generally comparable to standalone rS or qNIV. Regression modelling of post-first dose responses revealed that both rS and HA antigens in a CIC formulation modestly interfered with each other, however, interference was overcome with dose adjustment across a range of rS/HA doses. Specifically, higher rS dose ( >20ug), in a dose dependent fashion, overcame HA interference, closely matching standalone rS IgG reference responses (GMEU 16,818), whereas lower, intermediate HA dose overcame rS interference, closely matching standalone HA reference HAI responses for H3N2 (GMT 145), H1N1 (GMT 134), and B-Victoria (GMT 66);while modestly (at least 34%) lower than the reference B-Yamagata response (GMT 101). Conclusion. CIC formulations were well tolerated and immunogenic, with various dose combinations achieving response comparable to standalone vaccines.

Insomnia mediates the influence of reassurance-seeking behavior and viral anxiety on preoccupation with COVID-19 among the general population

Objectives: We explored in this study whether insomnia, viral anxiety, reassurance-seeking behavior, and preoccupation with COVID-19 are related among the general population. As well, we explored the possibility that insomnia may mediate the association between COVID-19 viral anxiety and preoccupation. Method(s): During November 9-15, 2021, 400 participants voluntarily completed this survey, and participants' age, sex, living location, and marital status were collected. Responses to questions about COVID- 19, were also gathered, and their symptoms were rated using the Obsession with COVID-19 scale (OCS), Coronavirus Reassurance- Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS), Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The mean and standard deviation of participants' demographic characteristics and rating scale scores are summarized. Two-tailed significance was determined by a p value of 0.05. Correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. We used linear regression to examine which variables can predict obsession with COVID-19. The bootstrap method with 2,000 resamples was implemented to determine whether insomnia mediates the influence of viral anxiety or reassurance seeking behavior on preoccupation with COVID-19. Result(s): A total of 400 participants were analyzed in this study. Preoccupation with COVID-19 was predicted by young age (beta = -0.08, p = 0.012), CRBS (beta = 0.52, p < 0.001), FCV-19S (beta = 0.30, p < 0.001), and ISI (beta = 0.07, p = 0.029) (adjusted R2 = 0.62, F = 163.6, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed that insomnia partially mediates the influence of reassurance seeking behavior and viral anxiety on preoccupation with COVID-19. Conclusion(s): Sleep disturbances can contribute to a vicious cycle of hypochondriacal preoccupation with COVID-19. In order to reduce an individual's viral anxiety, insomnia symptoms must be addressed.

Insomnia Mediate the Influence of Reassurance-Seeking Behavior and Viral Anxiety on Preoccupation With COVID-19 Among the General Population

Background and Objective We explored in this study whether insomnia, viral anxiety, reassurance-seeking behavior, and preoccupation with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are related among the general population. As well, we explored the possibility that insomnia may mediate the association between COVID-19 viral anxiety and preoccupation. Methods During November 9-15, 2021, 400 participants voluntarily completed this survey, and participants' age, sex, living location, and marital status were collected. Responses to questions about COVID-19 were also gathered, and their symptoms were rated using the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS), Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results Preoccupation with COVID-19 was predicted by young age (beta = -0.08, p = 0.012), CRBS (beta = 0.52, p < 0.001), FCV-19S (beta = 0.30, p < 0.001), and ISI (beta = 0.07, p = 0.029) (adjusted R2 = 0.62, F = 163.6, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed that insomnia partially mediates the influence of reassurance seeking behavior and viral anxiety on preoccupation with COVID-19. Conclusions Sleep disturbances can contribute to a vicious cycle of hypochondriacal preoccupation with COVID-19. In order to reduce an individual's viral anxiety, insomnia symptoms must be addressed. Copyright © 2022 The Korean Society of Sleep Medicine

Home-based workouts in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: the influence of Fitness YouTubers' attributes on intentions to exercise

Purpose: Home-based workouts via fitness YouTube channels have become more popular during the pandemic era. However, few studies have examined the role of social media personae related to intention to exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural relationships between fitness YouTuber attributes: perceived physical attractiveness (PPA), perceived social attractiveness (PSA), perceived similarity (PS), parasocial relationships (PSRs), wishful identification (WI), physical outcome expectations (POEs), and continuous intention to work out with fitness YouTubers (CIWFY). Design/methodology/approach: This study considered fitness YouTube channel viewers as the unit of analysis. An online survey was conducted to empirically develop and test the research model using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings: The SEM empirical findings revealed that the PSRs were significantly influenced by PSA, PPA, and PS. Also, WI was significantly affected by PPA and PS. Furthermore, POEs were significantly impacted by PPA and PSRs. POEs affected the CIWFY. Lastly, PSRs and POEs mediated the influence of PSA and PPA on the CIWFY. Originality/value: The psychological impacts of exercising to online fitness videos in the era of COVID-19, with its untact (no contact) social norms is timely. The study model demonstrated the fitness YouTube viewers' cognitive path from perceptions toward fitness YouTubers' attributes to behavioral intention. To be specific, the current study demonstrated how three attribution types (i.e. PPA, PSA, and PS) of fitness YouTubers affect viewers' PSRs and WI with fitness YouTubers, along with POEs and CIWFY. Along with health practitioners, fitness YouTubers who want to captivate viewers on their channels might need to consider self-attributes from their viewers' standpoint and should build psychological bonding with viewers. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Utility of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-3 Items as a Tool for Assessing Work-Related Stress, and Relationship With Insomnia and Burnout of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and ObjectiveaaThe aim of this study is to explore the usefulness of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-3 items (SAVE-3) scale as a tool for assessing work-related stress inhealthcare workers.MethodsaaThere were 389 participants and all remained anonymous. The SAVE-9, the PatientHealth Questionnaire-4, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel(MBI-HSS-MP), the perceived stress scale (PSS), and single item insomnia measure wereused. After checking whether the SAVE-3 scale is clustered into a sole factor from SAVE-9 scalebased on principal component analysis with promax rotation, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)was done on the 3 items of the SAVE-3 to examine the factorial validity for a unidimensionalstructure.ResultsaaThe SAVE-3 was clustered with factor loadings from 0.664–0.752, and a CFA revealedthat 3 items of the SAVE-3 cohered together into a unidimensional construct with fit for all of indices(comparative fit index = 1.00;Tucker Lewis index = 1.031;standardized root-mean-square residual= 0.001;root-mean-square-error of approximation = 0.00). The SAVE-3 scale showed acceptablereliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.56 and McDonald’s ω = 0.57) in this sample. A high SAVE-3score correlated significantly with younger age (r = -0.12, p = 0.02), a high PSS score (r = 0.24, p <0.001), a high total score for the MBI-HSS-MP (r = 0.35, p < 0.001) and all of its subscales (emotionalexhaustion, r = 0.40, p < 0.001;personal accomplishment, r = -0.14, p < 0.005;depersonalization,r = 0.39, p < 0.001), and poor sleep quality (r = 0.15, p < 0.001).ConclusionsaaTaken together, the data suggest that SAVE-3 is a reliable, valid, and usable scalefor measuring work-related stress in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 epidemic

Exploring the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sport tourism

Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and consequent economic shutdown have had severe impacts on the tourism industry. Acquiring an understanding of the impacts and ongoing response procedures is crucial to recovery planning. The purpose of this study is to explore the management procedures undertaken by sport tourism stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indiana, USA, a state that relies heavily on sport tourism for its economic vibrancy. Design/methodology/approach A constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 high-rank managers in sport tourism organizations. Findings Continued uncertainty, psychological and financial distress were found to be the main challenges. Contingency planning, adaptability and focus on doable tasks were the core elements of the strategic response plan. Resilience management, particularly social and financial, appeared to be key in the recovery process. A stronger return was predicted with technological advancements and new collaborations. Intra-destination collaboration and creative programs were found to be key in the long-term resilience of the destination. Originality/value Findings shed light on the challenges faced, response actions undertaken, and the projected future which helps to understand the stories behind decisions and proposals, identify the gaps, and plan the best possible practices. Recommendations for leveraging sports to revitalize the destinations and help businesses survive the crisis are provided that can guide sport tourism communities on their path to recovery from COVID-19.