ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hypertension is the most common co-morbidity associated with COVID-19 patients. Many patients take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for the management of hypertension. The study aimed to compare the clinical and hematologic features in hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients suffering from COVID-19. Material(s) and Method(s): This observational study compared clinical and hematologic features in hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients suffering from COVID-19. The study enrolled patients from SMS Medical College, Jaipur (Rajasthan, India) after approval from the institutional Ethics Committee. The comparison of quantitative variables was performed using the Mann-Whitney test, and qualitative attributes were compared using the chi-squared test. The level of confidence is considered at 5%. Result(s): There were no significant differences found in clinical and hematologic features between hypertensives and non-hypertensives suffering from COVID-19. Conclusion(s): The present study concludes that there is no evidence that either use of ACE inhibitors is useful or harmful in patients with hypertension. Therefore, it is endorsed to use these agents in the management of hypertensives in patients suffering from COVID-19, till further evidence is found.Copyright © 2023, Dr Yashwant Research Labs Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The study explored the impacts of restrictions on the perceived psychological distress and health outcomes in children by their mothers who acted as their full-time caregivers during the pan-India lockdown after the outbreak of COVID-19. Method: A narrative qualitative research design was used and a purposive heterogeneous sample of 20 mothers of children aged 9–11 years were chosen, who were in a full-time caregiving role. Data obtained through a telephonic semi-structured interview were analysed using Narrative Thematic Method. Results: Four themes were generated: aberrant social responsivity and loneliness, decreased interest in regular activities, psychological distress and defiant emotional responses, and negative health outcomes. Anxiety, irritation, quarrelsome behaviours, anger, frustration, feeling low, reduced interest in games, boredom, etc. were reported in children. Decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, complaints of indigestion and multiple complaints of body aches were major negative health outcomes. Conclusions: Mothers described a variety of psychological distress and health outcomes for children due to the extreme restrictions, uncertainty, apprehension, reduced positive engagement and lowered social connection after the outbreak of the pandemic. Family-, media-, school- and community-based real or virtual intervention programmes are recommended to minimize the negative impacts and to guard children against the ill-consequences of restrictions of current and future pandemics. © 2021 Australian Psychological Society.