Depression among Jordanian women during pregnancy in COVID-19: Role of social support

Aims: To describe the level of depression , social support experienced by pregnant Jordanian women and assess the role of support and other factors on depression level among a sample of Jordanian women during pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The study invitation and link to an online survey were shared during November 2021 via social media and through word of mouth. A convenience sample of 434 pregnant women completed the study questionnaire, which included questions on their COVID-19 status, demographics, depression , social. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Scale (CES-D). Results: The prevalence of depression among women during pregnancy was 28.3%. The mean of depression score among women during pregnancy was 24.3 +/- 4.4. The prevalence of social support among women during pregnancy were (63%). The mean social support score among the participants was 39.3 +/- 9.1. Factors associated with a higher depression score included not get influenza vaccination, not having insurance, described life as poor, having pressure, and not having social support.Conclusion: This is a national study among women during pregnancy in Jordan. The study found that people who took influenza vaccination, having insurance, described life as poor, and having pressure, they experience more depression than other people. Moreover, our study found as social support increased, the depression decreased.

Intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccination among people in Gaza Strip

Aims: This project assessed intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccine and its potential influencing factors among adults living in the Gaza Strip. Method: Data were collected from February through July 2021 when the vaccine distribution just started. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using social media outlets. The respondents include a convenience sample of 325 individuals who are 18 years and older in the Gaza Strip. Bivariate statistics and logistic regressions were used to investigate the factors related to intention to receive vaccine. Results: Bivariate statistics found that the intention to get the vaccine is significantly higher for males (as compared to females), less educated, and married. Those with chronic disease are more likely to receive COVID-19-vaccine. However, when the other variables were controlled, only gender, profession, and perceived barriers significantly predicted the intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: This project highlighted variables that are associated with intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccine. These finding may be used to develop interventions to foster the acceptance of the vaccine among the people of Gaza Strip.

Intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccination among people in Gaza Strip

Aims: This project assessed intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccine and its potential influencing factors among adults living in the Gaza Strip. Method: Data were collected from February through July 2021 when the vaccine distribution just started. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using social media outlets. The respondents include a convenience sample of 325 individuals who are 18 years and older in the Gaza Strip. Bivariate statistics and logistic regressions were used to investigate the factors related to intention to receive vaccine. Results: Bivariate statistics found that the intention to get the vaccine is significantly higher for males (as compared to females), less educated, and married. Those with chronic disease are more likely to receive COVID-19-vaccine. However, when the other variables were controlled, only gender, profession, and perceived barriers significantly predicted the intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: This project highlighted variables that are associated with intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccine. These finding may be used to develop interventions to foster the acceptance of the vaccine among the people of Gaza Strip.

Mask use by adults with asthma in the era of covid 19

Rationale: The evidence that wearing masks greatly reduces the chance of becoming infected with COVID-19 is strongly supported, although not all masks confer similar protection. What is unknown is to what extent adults with asthma wear masks, the type of masks worn, and discomfort/problems encountered when wearing a mask. Method: Adults with asthma who previously responded to a survey concerning the impact of COVID-19 on their lives and indicated they were willing to participate in additional studies (N=712) were asked to complete a 50-item REDCap survey concerning their mask use. Survey items included the type of mask/face covering usually worm, how long a mask was usually worn, the practice of carrying an inhaler when wearing a mask, the extent to which problems/concerns were experienced when wearing a mask/face, COVID-19 status, asthma control, and open-ended questions concerning mask wearing. Results: Respondents (N=455) were primarily female (83%), white (90%), and college educated (74%). Few (5%) had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Most participants (98.5%) indicated they wore a mask/face covering when out in public. Most respondents (63%) reported wearing a mask 2 or fewer hours/day. The most common types of masks/facial coverings used were cloth mask with at least 2 layers and a surgical mask. Over half (52%) always/most of the time carried their inhaler when wearing a mask. Respondents with uncontrolled asthma (ACT less than or equal to 19) and those with a high school education or less were significantly less likely to wear a surgical mask and more likely to wear a cloth mask with only 1 layer. Respondents with uncontrolled asthma were significantly more likely to indicate problems breathing and anxiety when wearing a mask (See Figure). Several participants commented that while they do not like wearing a mask, not contracting COVID-19 was a strong incentive to wear a mask. Several respondents who wear masks for extended periods at work indicated the importance of taking a safe break from mask wearing to relieve the discomforts experienced. Conclusions: Adults with asthma are likely to wear a mask/face covering when in public and report having some problems/concerns breathing when wearing a mask. Those with uncontrolled asthma and those with less education were more likely to wear less effective masks/face coverings. Efforts are needed to assure the knowledge and means to secure the most effective masks are available to all adults with asthma.

Impact of COVID-19 on individual behavior and household exposure related to smoking, vaping and marijuana use among adults with asthma

Rationale: Across the United States, household, employment, and social routines have been substantially altered due to the emergence the COVID-19 pandemic. These altered routines may drive changes in smoking behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported behavior changes and household exposure related to tobacco, vaping and marijuana use during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of adults with asthma. Method: An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted with those ≥18 years old, currently diagnosed with asthma, and able to read and write in English. The survey invitation was shared via email, social media, and ResearchMatch. Participants completed the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and items regarding their smoking behavior before and since the pandemic. Items to assess cigarette, marijuana, and vaping use included: “Do you smoke cigarettes?”, “During the past 4 weeks, did you use marijuana/cannabis (e.g., joint, blunt, pipe, bong)?”, “During the past 4 weeks did you use vaping products?”. Questions also assessed presence of secondhand smoking behaviors in the home and if these behaviors had changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. ACT scores were dichotomized: ≤19 (uncontrolled asthma) vs. ≥20 (controlled asthma). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi squared statistics, and logistic regression. Results: Respondents (N=795) had a mean age of 43 years and were primarily female (81%), white (83%), and college educated (71%). Approximately 56% reported having an asthma exacerbation since COVID-19. Of participants, 4%, 5%, and 14% reported smoking cigarettes, vaping, and marijuana use, respectively. Household behaviors for cigarettes, vaping, and marijuana were 12%, 8%, and 15% respectively. For associations between smoking behavior and reduced asthma control, the adjusted odds ratios [CI] for cigarettes, vaping and marijuana were 5.79 (95% CI=2.28-14.66), 2.15 (95% CI=1.06-2.50), and 1.54 (95% CI=0.99-2.41), respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for current household smoking and reduced asthma control was 2.07 (95% CI=1.27-3.39). Conclusions: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and the resulting routine changes have brought about substantial increases in smoking behaviors (tobacco, vaping, and marijuana). In addition to supporting the well-known impact of cigarette use on asthma, individual use of marijuana and vaping were associated with uncontrolled asthma. Healthcare providers should remain diligent in asking about smoking behavior changes in the household during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Covid-19 related stress and uncontrolled asthma among adults

RATIONALE: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with detrimental effects on mental as well as physical health. Studies on the impact of the psychosocial stress associated with the pandemic on adults with asthma are limited. We examined the associations of COVID-19 related stress with asthma control in adults. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted with US adults with asthma. Study invitations were shared with potential participants via social media and email lists. Stress was measured using a 5-point Likert scale to capture participants' responses to 8 questions on being worried, sad vs. happy, relaxed vs. nervous, not fidgety vs. extremely fidgety, not fatigued vs. fatigued, focused vs. unfocused, not irritable vs. extremely irritable, and not lonely vs. extremely lonely. Responses were summed for a score ranging from 8-40 with higher values indicating higher stress. Stress scores were categorized into 4 levels (low: 8-16, moderate:17-24, high: 25-32, very high: 33-40). Participants also completed the asthma control test (ACT), answered questions about health care utilization during the pandemic, and reported the level of life changes they and their families experienced due to the pandemic. Results: Participants (N=909) were mostly female (82%), white (80%), from urban areas (61%), with at least a college degree (69%), and had a mean age of 44±15 years. Of participants, 13% and 15% were put into self-quarantine with and without symptoms, respectively;14% lost their job;and 21% had reduced ability to earn money. Less educated, non-white, and those who rent or live with family were more likely to experience significantly higher levels of stress in the 2 weeks before the survey. Almost 58% had an asthma exacerbation since the pandemic and 43% had uncontrolled asthma (ACT≤19). In adjusted multiple logistic regression models, we observed a significant dose-response (p trend<0.0001) direct relationship of COVID-19 related stress levels with the odds of uncontrolled asthma. Compared to participants with low stress score, the odds of having uncontrolled asthma were 1.58 (95% CI=1.04,2.41), 2.74 (95% CI=1.72,4.37), and 6.46 (95% CI=3.18,13.12) for those at moderate, high, and very high levels of stress, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: Adults with asthma are significantly impacted by the pandemic. Our findings show a significant and dose-response detrimental effect of COVID-19 related stress on asthma control. Health care providers should attempt to assess the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on adults with asthma and provide the necessary mental health care and referrals.