Association between SARS-CoV-2 variants and post COVID-19 condition: findings from a longitudinal cohort study in the Belgian adult population (preprint)

Background: While many studies on the determinants of post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC) have been conducted, little is known about the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 variants and PCC. This study aimed to assess the association between different SARS-CoV-2 variants and the probability of having PCC three months after the infection. Methods: This study was a longitudinal cohort study conducted between April 2021 and September 2022 in Belgium. In total, 8,238 adults with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were followed up between the time of their infection and three months later. The primary outcomes were the PCC status three months post infection and seven PCC symptoms categories (neurocognitive, autonomic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, musculoskeletal, anosmia and/or dysgeusia, and other manifestations). The main exposure variable was the type of SARS-CoV-2 variants (i.e. Alpha, Delta, and Omicron), extracted from national surveillance data. The association between the different SARS-CoV-2 variants and PCC as well as PCC symptoms categories was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The proportion of PCC among participants infected during the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron-dominant periods was significantly different and respectively 50%, 50%, and 37%. Participants infected during the Alpha- and Delta-dominant periods had a significantly higher odds of having PCC than those infected during the Omicron-dominant period (OR = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33–1.96 and OR = 1.73, 95%CI = 1.54–1.93, respectively). Participants infected during the Alpha and Delta-dominant periods were more likely to report neurocognitive, respiratory, and anosmia/dysgeusia symptoms of PCC. Conclusions: People infected during the Alpha- and Delta-dominant periods had a higher probability of having PCC three months after infection than those infected during the Omicron-dominant period. The lower probability of PCC with the Omicron variant must also be interpreted in absolute figures. Indeed, the number of infections with the Omicron variant being higher than with the Alpha and Delta variants, it is possible that the overall prevalence of PCC in the population increases, even if the probability of having a PCC decreases.

Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Confinement: Do Victims Feel more Socially Isolated? (preprint)

Background: Since March 13th 2020, confinement measures have been introduced in Belgium to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). These measures also have an impact on people’s daily life (closure of school/businesses, teleworking, recommendation to stay at home…). This can cause stress on social, economic and psychological levels and thereby can trigger domestic violence. Besides, confinement also fosters social isolation, which can complicate help seeking behaviour. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of domestic violence during the coronavirus crisis and to assess whether victims of domestic violence experienced more social isolation than nonvictims. Methods Several online COVID-19 health surveys were organised among Belgian residents aged 18 + via snowball sampling. This study is based on the second (April 2020) and the sixth survey (March 2021). After excluding 1-person households and missing data, the sample size was respectively 25,251 and 12,589. Weighted prevalence of domestic violence was evaluated for the two surveys. The association (OR (95% CI)) between domestic violence and subjective social isolation was assessed with logistic regression stratified by survey, adjusted for covariates and taking post-stratification weights into account. Results In April 2020, 4.0% of the adult population reported being a victim of domestic violence (1.2% in the health interview survey 2018); in March 2021, this was 6.2%. In April 2020, victims of domestic violence had a higher odds of perceived weak social support (2.23 (1.76–2.82)) and of having less confidence in health care services (1.78 (1.21–2.63)). In March 2021, victims had a higher odds of perceived weak social support (1.98 (1.27–3.09)), but also of being unsatisfied with their social contacts (1.81 (1.16–2.84)) and of perceived social (2.70 (1.77–4.13)) and emotional loneliness (2.40 (1.45–3.97)). Conclusions Compared to 2018, more people reported domestic violence since the coronavirus crisis. Victims of domestic violence feel more often socially isolated. Although confinement is needed to counteract the virus, it can put people in a dangerous situation since they do not get the help they need. Therefore, adequate support is essential.

Short-term impact of the COVID-19 confinement measures on health behaviours and weight gain among adults in Belgium (preprint)

Background: In Belgium, confinement measures were introduced on the 13 th of March 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). These measures may affect health behaviours of the population such as eating habits, physical activity and alcohol consumption, which in turn can lead to weight gain resulting in overweight and obesity, increasing the risk of several chronic diseases, but also of severe COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of confinement measures on health behaviours and their associations with weight gain. Methods: : Data were derived from the second national COVID-19 health survey. Data were collected between the 16 th and the 23 rd of April 2020. The recruitment of participants was based on snowball sampling via Sciensano’s website, invitations via e-mail and social media. The study sample includes participants aged 18 years and over with no missing data on the variables of interest (n=28,029). The association between self-reported weight gain and health behaviour changes, adjusted for gender, age group and household composition was assessed through OR’s (95% CI) calculated with logistic regression models, using post-stratification weights. Results: : Overall, 28.6% reported weight gain after 6 weeks of confinement. Higher odds of weight gain were observed among participants who increased or decreased their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (OR=1.39 (1.15-1.68) and 1.29 (1.04-1.60), respectively), among those who increased their consumption of sweet or salty snacks (OR=3.65 (3.27-4.07)), among those who became less physically active (OR=1.91 (1.71-2.13)), and among those who increased their alcohol consumption (OR=1.86 (1.66-2.08)). Conclusions: : The most important correlates of weight gain during confinement were an increased consumption of sweet or salty snacks and being less physically active. These findings confirm the impact of diet and exercise on short term weight gain and plead to take more action, in supporting people to achieve healthier behaviours in order to tackle overweight and obesity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.