Physical Inactivity is Associated with Job Burnout in Health Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The pandemic has drastically impacted lifestyles, including the frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity, which, in turn, leads to negative effects on job burnout among healthcare workers. Objective: This study evaluated the association between the level of physical activity and job burnout in a sample of health professionals during health emergency. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 workers working in a public hospital, located in the city of Rioja, Department of San Martin, Peru, were considered. Data were collected through an online and face-to-face survey. Job burnout was assessed using a validated questionnaire adapted to the Peruvian population and physical activity was assessed based on a single item. Crude and adjusted linear regression models were created to assess the association between the frequency of physical activity performed weekly and the level of job burnout. Results: In the crude models, it was observed that participants who performed physical activity 1-2 times, 3-4 times, or more than 4 times per week had, respectively, 6.29 (95% CI, 11.00-1.59), 14.28 (95% CI, 21.70-6.85), and 14.95 (95% CI, 25.17-4.72) lower job burnout points compared to those who never performed physical activity. In the model adjusted for confounding variables, the association of this result was maintained, showing a dose-response effect. Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for the implementation of health education programs that include physical activity to minimize the negative effects of job burnout and ensure better medical care by health professionals for the benefit of patients.

Effect of religious fatalism and concern about new variants on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines

Introduction To protect public health, it is important that the population be vaccinated against COVID-19;however, certain factors can affect vaccine acceptance. Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether religious fatalism and concern about new variants have a significant effect on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. Methodology An explanatory study was conducted with 403 adults of legal age captured through non-probabilistic convenience sampling in vaccination centers in the 13 health networks of the Regional Health Directorate of Puno, Peru. Data were collected through a brief scale of religious fatalism, a scale of acceptance of vaccines against COVID-19 and a scale of concern about a new variant of COVID-19. Results The proposed model obtained an adequate fit. There was a negative effect of religious fatalism on vaccine acceptance, a positive effect of fatalism on vaccine rejection, a positive effect of concern about new variants on the acceptance of vaccines, and a positive effect of concern about new variants on vaccine rejection. Conclusion These findings provide evidence for the usefulness of considering both religious fatalism and concern about new variants affect the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in adults in southern Peru.

Dietary Intake, Stress, Anxiety, and Satisfaction with Nutrition Services in Patients with and without COVID-19.

Background: Dietary intake constitutes a fundamental support in hospitalized patients to reduce morbimortality, risk of complications, and hospital stay. Objective: We compared dietary intake, stress, anxiety, and satisfaction with the nutrition service in patients with and without COVID-19; we also analyzed the correlation between the variables mentioned. Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative, and correlational study was carried out. A total of 215 patients were selected by non-probability convenience sampling (97 with COVID-19 and 118 without COVID-19). Results: Patients with COVID-19 presented a higher percentage of "all the dish served" consumption (63.9%), as well as a higher percentage of "high" anxiety (18.6%) and "very high" satisfaction (28.9%) compared to their counterparts without COVID-19. The stress variable was predominantly moderate in both groups (57.7% vs 55.9%). Statistically significant and indirect correlation was found between satisfaction and stress level (rho = -0.289; p<0.01) in patients without COVID-19; similarly, between intake and stress level (rho =-.254; p<0.05) in patients with COVID-19. Both groups presented a statistically significant and direct correlation between anxiety and stress level (rho =0.432 without COVID-19, rho = 0.525 with COVID-19; p<0.01). Conclusion: The findings suggest a multidisciplinary intervention, in which the improvement of mental health in the study population is contemplated and to coadunate the negative effects on the perception of the quality of care of the nutrition service and on dietary intake.

Psychometric Analysis of the Quarantine Coping Strategies Scale (Q-COPE) in the Spanish Language.

The possibility of facing an epidemic or pandemic resulting in mandatory isolation or quarantine has become a relevant construct for comparing and evaluating coping strategies under such conditions. The objective of this research was to develop and analyze the psychometric properties of a scale to assess quarantine coping strategies (Q-COPE). This was an instrumental study and 1110 Peruvian adults (M = 26.9 years; SD = 9.77) participated in the context of social isolation. For the construction of the scale, qualitative and quantitative procedures were followed. The internal structure was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The content analysis by expert judges supports the representativeness of the items related to the construct. EFA and CFA allowed the establishment of five factors: Emotional regulation, Information, Accommodation, Social support, and Altruism. The first-order model presents adequate goodness-of-fit indices: χ2 = 489.048, df = 220, χ2/df = 2.223, SRMR = 0.025, CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.047. Likewise, the second order model presented similar values: χ2 = 499.674, df = 225, χ2/df = 2.221, SRMR = 0.026, CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.047. The 23-item version was consistent with the proposed theory, obtained adequate fit indices and acceptable factor loadings (>0.70), and presented good internal consistency indexes evaluated by Cronbach's α, ordinal α, omega (ω), and H coefficient. It is concluded that the Q-COPE scale presents good psychometric properties that justify its use in an adult population and allows the assessment of the coping strategies that people use in the face of a quarantine situation.

Food insecurity associated with self-reported mental health outcomes in Peruvian households during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The global pandemic of COVID-19 and the social distancing efforts implemented worldwide to limit its spread have disrupted the economy, increased food insecurity, and mental health problems. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the association between food insecurity and mental health outcomes (stress, depression, and anxiety) in Peruvian households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted with 525 participants of both sexes (68% women), over 18 years of age and from the three geographic regions of Peru: Coast (54.9%), Highlands (28.4%), and Jungle (16.8%). The data were collected during the year 2021, between July 6 and September 22 through a self-administered online survey designed to assess socio-demographic, socioeconomic, food insecurity, and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress). Results: The majority of households (71.4%) experienced some degree of food insecurity. Mild food insecurity was the most frequent, affecting 49.1%, followed by moderate 15.4%, and severe 6.9%. Regarding mental health outcomes, 24.8% manifested depression, 26.7% anxiety, and 15.3% stress. With respect to the association between the level of food insecurity and anxiety, this was highly significant (p < 0.01). Households with mild, moderate and severe food insecurity are 2.04, 4.5, and 10.44 times, respectively, more likely to have moderate-severe anxiety. On the other hand, the mild food insecurity was not associated with moderate-severe depression. In contrast, households with moderate and severe food insecurity are 2.8 and 5.7 times, respectively, more likely to have moderate-severe depression. Finally, households with moderate food insecurity are 5.9 times more likely to have moderate-severe stress, and households with severe food insecurity are 8.5 times more likely to have moderate-severe stress, both having a highly significant association (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru, household food insecurity was independently associated with worse mental health outcomes. Monitoring of both food insecurity and mental health will be important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Academic self-efficacy, self-esteem, satisfaction with studies, and virtual media use as depression and emotional exhaustion predictors among college students during COVID-19.

The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between depression, emotional exhaustion, self-esteem, satisfaction with studies, academic self-efficacy, and the use of virtual media in Peruvian university students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A total of 569 college students (61.9% female), with a mean age of 21.73 years (standard deviation = 4.95), responded to the following questionnaires: Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, Single Item Self-Esteem Scale, Brief Scale of Satisfaction with Studies, Scale of Use of Virtual Media, Patient Health Questionnarie-2, and Single Item of Academic Emotional Exhaustion. Correlation statistics, regression models, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for data analysis. The results demonstrated a direct and significant correlation between virtual media use, academic self-efficacy, self-esteem, depression, and emotional exhaustion (p < .01). In addition, satisfaction with studies (ß = -0.13), academic self-efficacy (ß = -0.19), self-esteem (ß = -0.14), and emotional exhaustion (ß = 0.19) predicted depression significantly, whereas virtual media use (ß = 0.17), study satisfaction (ß = 0.09), and depression (ß = 0.20) predicted emotional exhaustion associated with academics. The SEM model indicated that self-esteem, satisfaction with studies, and academic self-efficacy negatively predict depression, whereas academic self-efficacy positively predicts virtual media use. Finally, both virtual media use and depression positively predict emotional exhaustion. This model presents optimal goodness-of-fit indices (X2 = 8.926, df = 6, p = .178; comparative fit = .991, Tucker-Lewis = .979, root mean square error of approximation = .029 [confidence interval 90% = .000-.067], standardized root mean square residual = .022). Thus, academic self-efficacy, self-esteem, satisfaction with studies, and virtual media use predict depression and emotional exhaustion among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Telehealth-based interventions on lifestyle, body mass index, and glucose concentration in university staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A pre-experimental study.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has impacted the health of the population. Technological advances become alternative tools for the promotion of lifestyle and prevention of non-communicable diseases in university personnel. Objective: This study analyzed the effect of an intervention based on a telehealth program and investigated its efficacy in improving lifestyle, body mass index, and glucose concentration in university staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: A pre-experimental study was conducted between August and December 2021 on 100 workers of a private university located in Tarapoto, Peru. Information was collected on lifestyle practices and beliefs, body mass index, and glucose contraction before and after the intervention. After the intervention, 78 participants were analyzed; 22 workers did not respond to the invitation. Results: Comparison between pretest and follow-up showed an increase in lifestyle practices and beliefs (from 93.33 ± 9.44 to 96.23 ± 9.32, p < 0.01), although this value is considered an unhealthy lifestyle. Moreover, a decrease in body mass index (from 25.23 ± 3.08 to 24.98 ± 2.98, p < 0.05) and glucose concentration (from 98.35 ± 6.70 to 97.45 ± 5.61, p < 0.01) was observed. Conclusion: Telehealth-based educational interventions could be effective in university staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which, in turn, would support improved lifestyles and adequate body mass index and glucose levels.

Burnout, Professional Self-Efficacy, and Life Satisfaction as Predictors of Job Performance in Health Care Workers: The Mediating Role of Work Engagement.

BACKGROUND: It is essential to identify the factors that influence the work performance of health professionals working in health care facilities, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, since these factors have an impact on the quality of medical care provided to the population. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between job burnout, professional self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and job performance in Peruvian health care workers. METHODS: Cross-sectional explanatory study, with the voluntary participation of 508 health professionals (physicians and nurses) of both sexes (70.7% women, 29.3% men), and from different health facilities in the city of Lima. All participants were administered the Single Burnout Item questionnaire, the Professional Self-Efficacy Scale (AU-10), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWL), the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ), and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis. RESULTS: In the SEM analysis, it was found that for the mediation model the incremental goodness-of-fit indices were significant (χ2 = 2292.313, gl = 659, P < .001, χ2/gl = 2.788). Career self-efficacy (ß = .557, P < .001) and life satisfaction (ß = .289, P < .001) were positive predictors of work engagement. While burnout was a negative predictor (ß = .878, P < .001). The consistent mediation of work engagement of professional self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and burnout had a positive predictor effect on job performance (ß = .878, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Research provides evidence that professional self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and burnout could influence job performance through work engagement.

Predictors of Depression in Nurses During COVID-19 Health Emergency; the Mediating Role of Resilience: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are susceptible to several mental problems, such as fear, stress, and depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affects their emotional well-being. However, resilience plays an important role in mitigating the effects of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study was to examine the mediating role of resilience in the relation between fear, stress, and depression of nurses during COVID-19 health emergencies. METHODS: A cross-sectional-predictive study was carried out. The variables analyzed were fear, resilience, stress, and depression. A total of 286 nurses from 2 hospitals in the cities of Juliaca and Puno, Peru. Data analyses were performed using structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS: Analyses showed that the variables were significantly related (P < .01). In addition, a confirmatory analysis of the hypothesized model using structural equation modeling shows that fear and stress are predictors of depression, and that resilience plays a role in mediating the effect of fear on stress (X2 = 534.69, gl = 372, P = .000; TLI = .902, CFI = .910, RMSEA = .039 [95% CI = 0.032-0.046], and SRMR = .065). CONCLUSION: Nurses tend to develop fear, stress, and depression. Resilience reduces the impact of these psychological variables. Hospital management should provide psychological support and training for nurses in coping strategies.

Predictors of Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19 in a Peruvian Sample.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination against COVID-19 is considered one of the most effective strategies to control this global public health crisis. However, vaccine hesitancy is one of the main threats to mitigating the pandemic. The present study aimed to identify predictors of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in 3 geographical regions of Peru. METHODS: An online analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were selected by non-probability convenience sampling and size was estimated using the online statistical calculator proposed by Soper. A total of 529 Peruvian nationals completed the questionnaires. Student's t-test and Fisher's F test (ANOVA) were used. A significance level of .05 was considered. RESULTS: Face-to-face work (ß = 2.037, P < .001), fear of COVID-19 (ß = .461, P < .001), vaccine confidence (ß = 2.881, P < .001) and trust in health care institutions (ß = .432, P < .01) predict a higher intention to receive the vaccine. However, the variables perception of a worldwide conspiracy (ß = -1.900, P < .001), and practice Protestant religion (ß = -2.274, P < .001) predict negatively their acceptance. CONCLUSION: Several positive predictors of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 have been identified. However, having a perception of a global conspiracy and practice Protestant religion are shown to be risk variables for vaccine acceptance. Therefore, there is a need to develop strategies to ensure high uptake and success of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

Validity and Reliability of a Brief Scale of Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19 in a Peruvian Sample.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of a brief scale measuring intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in a Peruvian sample in the context of the current pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional and instrumental study was carried out. A total of 547 Peruvian citizens selected through non-probability convenience sampling participated. Considering existing theories of vaccination hesitancy, 12 items were proposed that evaluate the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and the internal structure was evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was analyzed with the ordinal alpha coefficient. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis yielded a structure of 2 oblique factors that explain 69% of the total variance and the items saturated between 0.52 and 0.97. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that, of 4 models analyzed, the fourth model that was composed of 6 items presented optimal indices of goodness-of-fit (X2 = 11.089, P = .197, CFI = 0.999, TLI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.034 [IC 90%, 0.000-0.077], SRMR = 0.016). Reliability analysis through the ordinal alpha coefficient yielded that the brief scale of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 has adequate internal consistency (α = .91). CONCLUSIONS: The brief scale of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 presents adequate psychometric properties that demonstrate validity and reliability and can be used in future research and clinical practice.

Changes in Eating Habits and Lifestyles in a Peruvian Population during Social Isolation for the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Peru has one of the highest infection and death rates in the world for the COVID-19 pandemic. The government implemented house confinement measures with probable consequences on lifestyle, particularly affecting eating habits, physical activity, sleep quality, and mental health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the lifestyles, physical activity, and sleep characteristics, as well as changes in eating habits in a Peruvian population during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. We analyzed Peruvian adults based on an online self-administered questionnaire divided into sociodemographic, anthropometrics, COVID-19 diagnosis reported, lifestyle habits, and frequency of consumption of foods. RESULTS: During confinement for COVID-19, 1176 participants were studied. Of these, most reported weight gain (1 to 3 kg) and 35.7% were overweight. The lifestyles habits showed that 54.8% reported doing physical activity and 37.2% sleep less. The Peruvian sample presented a main meal pattern of breakfast (95.7%), lunch (97.5%), and dinner (89.1%). Likewise, eating habits before and during COVID-19 pandemic showed that vegetables (OR:1.56, CI95% 1.21-200), fruit (OR: 1.42, CI95% 1.10-1.81), legumes (OR:1.67, CI95% 1.23-2.28), and eggs (OR: 2.00, CI95% 1.52-2.65) presented significant consumption increase during social isolation, while bakery products (OR: 0.74, CI95% 0.56-0.97), meat, snack, refreshment, and fast food decreased in consumption. Other foods showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: This study showed an important frequency of overweight and sleep changes. There was a slight increase in physical activity despite the social isolation measures and an increase in healthy eating habits; nevertheless, the majority reported gaining weight.

Properties of a scale of concern for COVID-19: Exploratory analysis in a Peruvian sample

OBJECTIVE: Concern about getting sick could help prevent disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of a COVID-19 concern scale (EPCov-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an instrument-based study and information was collected from 224 people of Peruvian nationality in the context of social isolation. The items of the Cancer Concern Scale were adapted for this study. RESULTS: A scale with satisfactory psychometric properties was obtained. With a matrix of polychoric correlations, values higher than the standard were obtained in all 6 items (r >0.3) and the reliability was acceptable (α=0.866;95% CI=0.83 - 0.89). Parallel analysis suggested unidimensionality of the EPCov-19, the variance explained was 79.7% and saturations were higher than 0.4. Goodness-of-fit índices were satisfactory (CFI=0.995;GFI=0.997;TLI=0.991;and RMSEA=0.059, 95% CI=0.012 - 0.077). CONCLUSIONS: This is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring concern about the spread of COVID-19 and can be used in future studies.

Properties of a scale of concern for COVID-19: Exploratory analysis in a Peruvian sample.

OBJECTIVE: Concern about getting sick could help prevent disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of a COVID-19 concern scale (EPCov-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an instrument-based study and information was collected from 224 people of Peruvian nationality in the context of social isolation. The items of the Cancer Concern Scale were adapted for this study. RESULTS: A scale with satisfactory psychometric properties was obtained. With a matrix of polychoric correlations, values higher than the standard were obtained in all 6 items (r > 0.3) and the reliability was acceptable (α = 0.866; 95% CI = 0.83-0.89). Parallel analysis suggested unidimensionality of the EPCov-19, the variance explained was 79.7% and saturations were higher than 0.4. Goodness-of-fit índices were satisfactory (CFI = 0.995; GFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.991; and RMSEA = 0.059, 95% CI = 0.012-0.077). CONCLUSIONS: This is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring concern about the spread of COVID-19 and can be used in future studies.

OBJETIVO: La preocupación por enfermar podría ayudar a prevenir enfermedades. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de una escala de preocupación por la COVID-19 (EPCov-19). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El estudio es de tipo instrumental y se recogió información de 224 personas de nacionalidad peruana en el contexto de aislamiento social. Se realizó una adaptación de los ítems de la escala de preocupación por el cáncer. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo una escala con propiedades psicométricas satisfactorias. Con una matriz de correlaciones policóricas se obtuvieron valores superiores al estándar en los 6 ítems (r > 0,3) y la confiabilidad fue aceptable (α = 0,866; IC del 95% = 0,83-0,89). El análisis paralelo sugirió la unidimensionalidad de la EPCov-19, la varianza explicada fue del 79,7% y las saturaciones fueron superiores a 0,4. Los índices de bondad de ajuste son satisfactorios (CFI = 0,995; GFI = 0,997; TLI = 0,991 y RMSEA = 0,059, IC del 95% = 0,012-0,077). CONCLUSIONES: Se presenta un instrumento válido y confiable para medir la preocupación por el contagio de COVID-19 y puede ser usados en futuros estudios.

[Properties of a scale of concern for COVID-19: Exploratory analysis in a Peruvian sample]. / Propiedades de una escala de preocupación por la COVID-19: análisis exploratorio en una muestra peruana.

OBJECTIVE: Concern about getting sick could help prevent disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of a COVID-19 concern scale (EPCov-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an instrument-based study and information was collected from 224 people of Peruvian nationality in the context of social isolation. The items of the Cancer Concern Scale were adapted for this study. RESULTS: A scale with satisfactory psychometric properties was obtained. With a matrix of polychoric correlations, values higher than the standard were obtained in all 6 items (r >0.3) and the reliability was acceptable (α=0.866; 95% CI=0.83 - 0.89). Parallel analysis suggested unidimensionality of the EPCov-19, the variance explained was 79.7% and saturations were higher than 0.4. Goodness-of-fit índices were satisfactory (CFI=0.995; GFI=0.997; TLI=0.991; and RMSEA=0.059, 95% CI=0.012 - 0.077). CONCLUSIONS: This is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring concern about the spread of COVID-19 and can be used in future studies.