Effects of parenthood and gender on well-being and work productivity among Canadian academic research faculty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about enormous changes to all aspects of academic life. In spring 2020, we recruited faculty from Canadian universities who were asked to complete a survey about the perceived impact of the pandemic on aspects of their well-being and work productivity. Eight hundred ninety-nine academics from across Canada responded, reporting that the pandemic had had a significant negative impact on their mental health, work satisfaction, first-author publications, grants, and data collection. Overall weekly work hours dropped by 22% compared to prepandemic levels, from 45 hr/week to 35 hr. Though parents of children under the age of 13 managed to maintain an average of 30 hr/week despite juggling childcare and work duties, they nonetheless fared worse compared to nonparents and parents of older children on nearly all indicators of work productivity and well-being. Furthermore, mothers of young children reported having fewer uninterrupted work hours and spending more time as primary caregiver compared to fathers. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable negative impact on the self-reported well-being and work productivity of Canadian academics, and even more so among parents of young children. Mothers of young children may be particularly in need of additional support. These findings highlight the importance of adopting policies at the federal and institutional levels aimed at "leveling the playing field" for these groups as well as instituting creative childcare solutions that maintain health and safety while not further disadvantaging young parents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Public Significance Statement: The current findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable negative impact on the self-reported well-being and work productivity of Canadian academics, and even more so among parents of young children. Mothers of young children may be particularly in need of additional support. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) (French) La pandemie de la maladie causee par le coronavirus (COVID-19) a suscite d'enormes changements dans tous les volets de la vie universitaire. Au printemps 2020, nous avons effectue un sondage parmi les membres du personnel d'universites canadiennes afin de connaitre les repercussions percues de la pandemie sur divers aspects de leur bien-etre et sur leur productivite. Ont repondu au questionnaire 899 personnes de partout au pays, lesquelles ont signale que la pandemie avait eu d'importantes repercussions negatives sur leur sante mentale, leur niveau de satisfaction au travail, le nombre de publications comme premier auteur, l'obtention de subventions et la collecte de donnees. Dans l'ensemble, le nombre d'heures travaillees par semaine a chute de 22 %, comparativement a celui d'avant la pandemie, passant de 45 a 35 heures. Bien que les parents d'enfants de moins de 13 ans aient reussi a maintenir un horaire moyen de 30 heures semaine, jonglant les services de garde et le travail, ils ont des resultats tres inferieurs aux personnes sans enfants ou aux parents d'enfants plus ages pour presque tous les indicateurs de productivite et de bien-etre. De plus, les meres de jeunes enfants ont rapporte avoir un nombre inferieur d'heures de travail ininterrompues et avoir consacre plus de temps comme principaux fournisseurs de soins en comparaison des peres. Ainsi, la pandemie de COVID-19 a eu d'importantes repercussions sur les niveaux autorapportes de bien-etre et de productivite des chercheurs universitaires canadiens, en particulier parmi les parents de jeunes enfants. Les meres de jeunes enfants ont peut-etre particulierement besoin de soutien supplementaire. Ces resultats mettent en relief l'importance d'adopter des politiques federales et institutionnelles visant a egaliser les chances pour ces groupes, de meme que d'etablir des solutions novatrices pour la garde d'enfants qui assurent la sante et la securite, sans desavantager les jeunes parents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Engaging Multistakeholder Perspectives to Identify Patient-Centered Research Priorities Regarding Vaccine Uptake Among Adults With Autoimmune Conditions.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to prioritize topics for future patient-centered research to increase uptake of common vaccines, such as for pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, herpes zoster, human papillomavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, among adults living with autoimmune conditions. METHODS: A steering committee (SC) was formed that included clinicians, patients, patient advocates, and researchers associated with rheumatic diseases (psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis), inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Through a scoping review and discussions, SC members identified research topics regarding vaccine uptake and/or hesitancy for prioritization. A larger multistakeholder alliance that included patients and patient advocates, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, regulators, and vaccine manufacturers conducted a modified Delphi exercise online with three rating rounds and one ranking round. Frequency analysis and comparisons across stakeholder groups were conducted. A weighted ranking score was generated for each item in the ranking round for final prioritization. RESULTS: Through the Delphi process, 33 research topics were identified, of which 13 topics were rated as critical by more than 70% of all stakeholders (n = 31). The two highest ranked critical topics per the full stakeholder group were "How well a vaccine works for adults with autoimmune conditions" and "How beliefs about vaccine safety affect vaccine uptake." CONCLUSION: A multistakeholder group identified key topics as critically important priorities for future research to decrease vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake of vaccines for adults with autoimmune conditions.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients Living With Vasculitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the concerns and health-related behaviors in patients with vasculitis during the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in North America. METHODS: Patients with vasculitis in North America were invited to complete an online survey through the Vasculitis Patient-Powered Research Network in collaboration with the Vasculitis Foundation and the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation. Questions focused on concerns and behaviors related to doctors' visits, tests, medication, and telehealth use. Factors affecting their concern and health-related behaviors were determined. RESULTS: Data from 662 patients were included: 90% of patients were White, 78% were women, 83% expressed moderate or high levels of concern about COVID-19, and 87% reported that their vasculitis moderately or extremely affected their level of concern. Older age, female sex, lung disease, and immunosuppression were associated with greater concern. Doctors' visits, laboratory tests, and other tests were avoided by 66%, 46%, and 40% of patients, respectively. Younger age, urban location, higher income, higher concern levels, and prednisone use (>10 mg/day) were associated with greater likelihood of avoiding visits or tests. Ten percent of patients on immunosuppressive therapy stopped their medication. Twenty-nine percent patients on rituximab avoided an infusion. Forty-four percent of patients had telehealth visits; more visits were reported for younger patients, for patients on glucocorticoids, and in Canada versus the United States. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with vasculitis have high levels of concern and exhibit potentially harmful health-related behaviors. Health care use varies across different demographic groups and geographic regions. Specific strategies are warranted to facilitate engagement of these patients with the health care system during the pandemic.

A Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap for Broadly Protective Coronavirus Vaccines: A Pandemic Preparedness Strategy

Broadly protective coronavirus vaccines are an important tool for protecting against future SARS-CoV-2 variants and could play a critical role in mitigating the impact of future outbreaks or pandemics caused by novel coronaviruses. The Coronavirus Vaccines Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap (CVR) is aimed at promoting the development of such vaccines. The CVR, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation, was generated through a collaborative and iterative process, which was led by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and involved 50 international subject matter experts and recognized leaders in the field. This report summarizes the major issues and areas of research outlined in the CVR and identifies high-priority milestones. The CVR covers a 6-year timeframe and is organized into five topic areas: virology, immunology, vaccinology, animal and human infection models, and policy and finance. Included in each topic area are key barriers, gaps, strategic goals, milestones, and additional R&D priorities. The roadmap includes 20 goals and 86 R&D milestones, 22 of which are ranked as high priority. By identifying key issues, and milestones for addressing them, the CVR provides a framework to guide funding and research campaigns that promote the development of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines.

A research and development (R&D) roadmap for broadly protective coronavirus vaccines: A pandemic preparedness strategy.

Broadly protective coronavirus vaccines are an important tool for protecting against future SARS-CoV-2 variants and could play a critical role in mitigating the impact of future outbreaks or pandemics caused by novel coronaviruses. The Coronavirus Vaccines Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap (CVR) is aimed at promoting the development of such vaccines. The CVR, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation, was generated through a collaborative and iterative process, which was led by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and involved 50 international subject matter experts and recognized leaders in the field. This report summarizes the major issues and areas of research outlined in the CVR and identifies high-priority milestones. The CVR covers a 6-year timeframe and is organized into five topic areas: virology, immunology, vaccinology, animal and human infection models, and policy and finance. Included in each topic area are key barriers, gaps, strategic goals, milestones, and additional R&D priorities. The roadmap includes 20 goals and 86 R&D milestones, 26 of which are ranked as high priority. By identifying key issues, and milestones for addressing them, the CVR provides a framework to guide funding and research campaigns that promote the development of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines.

Changes in vulvar cancer incidence from before COVID-19 through the first year of the pandemic (350)

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the trend in vulvar cancer incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients diagnosed with new high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (VIN3) or stage I-IV squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva between January 2015 and June 2021 at a single institution. All diagnoses were confirmed by histologic identification of invasive squamous cell carcinoma on either biopsy or surgical excision. Incidence rate ratios were calculated before and after the April 2020 - June 2020 COVID- 19 lockdown. U charts were created to identify the change in incidence before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Nominal variables and continuous variables associated with increased risk for vulvar cancer were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and two-sample tests, respectively. Results: The incidence of stage I vulvar cancer and stage II-IV vulvar cancer was 2.13 and 2.19 times as high following the COVID-19 lockdown compared to the incidence prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, respectively. Cumulatively, the incidence of invasive vulvar cancer (stage I-IV) was 2.14 times as high following the COVID-19 lockdown. Comparatively, the incidence of high-grade VIN3 in the year following the COVID-19 lockdown was 0.7 times the incidence of VIN3 in the five years prior to the lockdown. Using a U chart, three of the four consecutive quarters following the lockdown had incidence values greater than the centerline, with an incidence in 2020 quarter-4 greater than two standard deviations from the centerline proportion. No differences existed between pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown groups in terms of age, BMI, gravidity, parity, race, history of HIV/AIDS, chronic immunosuppression, lichen sclerosus, or smoking history. Conclusions: The incidence of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva increased following the COVID-19 lockdown. Vulvar cancer development and progression have been shown to be time-sensitive and delayed care has been broadly reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the etiology of the increase in the diagnosis of vulvar cancer during the pandemic is most likely multifactorial, given the overall rapid increase. Fig. 1

Needs Assessment of Southeastern United States Vector Control Agencies: Capacity Improvement Is Greatly Needed to Prevent the Next Vector-Borne Disease Outbreak

A national 2017 vector control capacity survey was conducted to assess the United States’ (U.S.’s) ability to prevent emerging vector-borne disease. Since that survey, the southeastern U.S. has experienced continued autochthonous exotic vector-borne disease transmission and establishment of invasive vector species. To understand the current gaps in control programs and establish a baseline to evaluate future vector control efforts for this vulnerable region, a focused needs assessment survey was conducted in early 2020. The southeastern U.S. region was targeted, as this region has a high probability of novel vector-borne disease introduction. Paper copies delivered in handwritten envelopes and electronic copies of the survey were delivered to 386 unique contacts, and 150 returned surveys were received, corresponding to a 39% response rate. Overall, the survey found vector control programs serving areas with over 100,000 residents and those affiliated with public health departments had more core capabilities compared to smaller programs and those not affiliated with public health departments. Furthermore, the majority of vector control programs in this region do not routinely monitor for pesticide resistance. Taken as a whole, these results suggest that the majority of the southeastern U.S. is vulnerable to vector-borne disease outbreaks. Results from this survey raise attention to the critical need of providing increased resources to bring all vector control programs to a competent level, ensuring that public health is protected from the threat of vector-borne disease.

Effects of parenthood and gender on well-being and work productivity among Canadian academic research faculty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about enormous changes to all aspects of academic life. In spring 2020, we recruited faculty from Canadian universities who were asked to complete a survey about the perceived impact of the pandemic on aspects of their well-being and work productivity. Eight hundred ninety-nine academics from across Canada responded, reporting that the pandemic had had a significant negative impact on their mental health, work satisfaction, first-author publications, grants, and data collection. Overall weekly work hours dropped by 22% compared to prepandemic levels, from 45 hr/week to 35 hr. Though parents of children under the age of 13 managed to maintain an average of 30 hr/week despite juggling childcare and work duties, they nonetheless fared worse compared to nonparents and parents of older children on nearly all indicators of work productivity and well-being. Furthermore, mothers of young children reported having fewer uninterrupted work hours and spending more time as primary caregiver compared to fathers. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable negative impact on the self-reported well-being and work productivity of Canadian academics, and even more so among parents of young children. Mothers of young children may be particularly in need of additional support. These findings highlight the importance of adopting policies at the federal and institutional levels aimed at "leveling the playing field" for these groups as well as instituting creative childcare solutions that maintain health and safety while not further disadvantaging young parents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (French) La pandemie de la maladie causee par le coronavirus (COVID-19) a suscite d'enormes changements dans tous les volets de la vie universitaire. Au printemps 2020, nous avons effectue un sondage parmi les membres du personnel d'universites canadiennes afin de connaitre les repercussions percues de la pandemie sur divers aspects de leur bien-etre et sur leur productivite. Ont repondu au questionnaire 899 personnes de partout au pays, lesquelles ont signale que la pandemie avait eu d'importantes repercussions negatives sur leur sante mentale, leur niveau de satisfaction au travail, le nombre de publications comme premier auteur, l'obtention de subventions et la collecte de donnees. Dans l'ensemble, le nombre d'heures travaillees par semaine a chute de 22 %, comparativement a celui d'avant la pandemie, passant de 45 a 35 heures. Bien que les parents d'enfants de moins de 13 ans aient reussi a maintenir un horaire moyen de 30 heures semaine, jonglant les services de garde et le travail, ils ont des resultats tres inferieurs aux personnes sans enfants ou aux parents d'enfants plus ages pour presque tous les indicateurs de productivite et de bien-etre. De plus, les meres de jeunes enfants ont rapporte avoir un nombre inferieur d'heures de travail ininterrompues et avoir consacre plus de temps comme principaux fournisseurs de soins en comparaison des peres. Ainsi, la pandemie de COVID-19 a eu d'importantes repercussions sur les niveaux autorapportes de bien-etre et de productivite des chercheurs universitaires canadiens, en particulier parmi les parents de jeunes enfants. Les meres de jeunes enfants ont peut-etre particulierement besoin de soutien supplementaire. Ces resultats mettent en relief l'importance d'adopter des politiques federales et institutionnelles visant a egaliser les chances pour ces groupes, de meme que d'etablir des solutions novatrices pour la garde d'enfants qui assurent la sante et la securite, sans desavantager les jeunes parents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Public Significance Statement: The current findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable negative impact on the self-reported well-being and work productivity of Canadian academics, and even more so among parents of young children. Mothers of young children may be particularly in need of additional support. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Describing Changes in Telebehavioral Health Utilization and Services Delivery in Rural School Settings in Pre- and Early Stages of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

BACKGROUND: Receiving treatment for behavioral health disorders remains problematic due to profound provider shortages. Telebehavioral health services are effective for providing quality care, but research literature on these services in schools is limited. METHODS: Data were collected during Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters on all students receiving telebehavioral health services from 15 school-based telehealth programs across the U.S. RESULTS: From Fall 2019 to Spring 2020, 62 schools providing services during both periods increased the number of students served from 396 to 745, increased the average number of encounters per student from 2.4 to 4.1, increased the percentage of encounters delivered by clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and clinical psychologists (all p < .001), and increased the use of individual counseling, family counseling, and group counseling (all p < .001). Schools that initiated the service in Spring 2020 (n = 25) averaged 6.5 encounters for the 301 students receiving services, delivered mostly by clinical social workers or professional counselors, using individual counseling. CONCLUSION: Overall, data indicate programs significantly increased both behavioral services provided to their ongoing schools and increased the number of schools served. Undoubtedly telebehavioral health care delivery provided a swift and necessary response to the challenges posed by the growing pandemic threat.

Medication Interruptions and Subsequent Disease Flares During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Online Study of Patients With Rheumatic Disease.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess trends in anxiety and interruptions in disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use among patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate whether DMARD interruptions were associated with disease flares. METHODS: ArthritisPower, the Vasculitis Patient-Powered Research Network, and other patient organizations invited members to join a 52-week longitudinal study, with baseline surveys completed March 29 to June 30, 2020, with follow-up through May 2021. Logistic regression incorporating generalized estimating equations evaluated associations between interruptions in DMARD use and self-reported disease flares at the next survey, adjusting for demographic characteristics, medications, disease, and calendar time. RESULTS: Among 2,424 patients completing a median of 5 follow-up surveys, the mean age was 57 years, 87% were female, and the most common conditions were rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Average Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety T scores decreased from April 2020 (58.7) to May 2021 (53.7) (P < 0.001 for trend). Interruptions in DMARD use decreased from April (11.2%) to December 2020 (7.5%) (P < 0.001) but increased through May 2021 (14.0%) (P < 0.001). Interruptions in DMARD use were associated with a significant increase in severe flares (rated ≥6 of 10) at the next survey (12.9% versus 8.0% [odds ratio (OR) 1.71 (95% confidence interval [95% CI 1.23, 2.36]) although not any flare (OR 1.18 [95% CI 0.89, 1.58])]. CONCLUSION: Anxiety and interruptions in DMARD use initially decreased over time, but DMARD interruptions increased during 2021, possibly related to an increase in COVID-19 cases or vaccine availability. Interruptions in DMARD use were associated with increased rates of severe disease flares, highlighting the importance of avoiding unnecessary DMARD interruptions.

The psychological impact of fertility treatment suspensions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: To examine the psychological impact of fertility treatment suspensions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and to clarify psychosocial predictors of better or worse mental health. METHODS: 92 women from Canada and the United States (ages 20-45 years) whose fertility treatments had been cancelled were recruited via social media. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms, perceived mental health impact, and change in quality of life related to treatment suspensions. Potential predictors of psychological outcomes were also examined, including several personality traits, aspects of social support, illness cognitions, and coping strategies. RESULTS: 52% of respondents endorsed clinical levels of depressive symptoms. On a 7-point scale, participants endorsed a significant decline in overall quality of life (M(SD) = -1.3(1.3), p < .0001) as well as a significant decline in mental health related to treatment suspensions on a scale from -5 to +5 (M(SD) = -2.1(2.1), p < .001). Several psychosocial variables were found to positively influence these outcomes: lower levels of defensive pessimism (r = -.25, p < .05), greater infertility acceptance (r = .51, p < .0001), better quality social support (r = .31, p < .01), more social support seeking (r = .35, p < .001) and less avoidance of infertility reminders (r = -.23, p = .029). CONCLUSION: Fertility treatment suspensions have had a considerable negative impact on women's mental health and quality of life. However, these findings point to several protective psychosocial factors that can be fostered in the future to help women cope.