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The objective of the research is to develop an instrument with adequate psychometric properties that measures the social stigma related to COVID-19. It is an instrumental investigation, where 1353 university students were evaluated, aged between 16 and 50 years (M = 21.6, SD = 4.5), 69.2% women and 30.8% men. Validity was assessed using Eyken's V;an exploratory factorial analysis (EFA) where 16 items grouped into three factors were extracted and for the confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) four models were tested, being the one with three factors, from the EFA the one that presented the best adjustment indices. The reliability obtained with Cronbach's Alpha for fears was .68, prejudices .66 and discrimination .73;with MacDonald's Omega it was .76, .74, and .74, respectively. It is concluded that the scale has adequate psychometric characteristics for the assessment of social stigma towards COVID-19. © 2022 Universidad Nacional de Cordoba - Facultad de Psicologia. All rights reserved.
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This paper analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent migration to digital learning environments on the habits of use of digital teaching tools among university professors in Peru. The existence of gender gaps in this impact has also been studied. For this purpose, quantitative analysis of the answers of 116 professors from different Peruvian universities to a questionnaire designed for this purpose was carried out. As a result, it has been obtained that the pandemic has led to an increase in the use of digital tools in all areas of teaching activity studied, mainly in the evaluation and sharing of teaching materials. In addition, although female professors reported a lower use of digital tools before the pandemic, the increase in their use has been greater than in males in all teaching areas. © 2022 IEEE.
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Introduction: Preprofessional health care practitioners were also mentally affected by COVID-19. Objectives: To determine the factors associated with having more worry and fear during COVID-19 in Peruvian pre-professional health care practitioners. Methods: Cross-sectional study with analytical methods, with the participation of 285 students from different health careers in southern Peru, to whom 2 locally validated tests were applied and crossed with different socio-educational variables. Results: The main concerns were that they could not help worrying despite the measures taken, the uncertainty of being an unpredictable disease, the fact that their workplace has many risks and the perception that their ability to work would be affected by being infected. The main fears were the perception that their heart was racing or that their hands were sweating. Those who were in an I-3 facility (without hospitalization) were less worried than those in other facilities (RPa: 0.56;95 % CI: 0.43-0.72;p-value< 0.001), adjusted for sex and educational career. In addition, the older the age, the more fear (RPa: 1.76;95 % CI: 1.46-2.11;p-value< 0.001), adjusted for 4 variables. Conclusions: The practitioners showed concern in relation to the unpredictability of the disease, occupational hazards and the fact that they could be infected;in addition, fear that caused a very strong cardiac acceleration and sweating in the hands. Associated with the concern was the level of the health facility where they worked. Associated with fear was the age of the respondents. © 2022, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.
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Introduction. Concern about becoming infected with COVID-19 is one of the reactions that has affected the mental health of Peruvian health care workers. Objective. To determine the effect of concern about COVID-19 on professional self-efficacy, psychological distress, anxiety, and depression in health personnel in the Puno region of Peru. Method. An explanatory, cross-sectional study was conducted with the voluntary participation of 401 health workers (such as nurses, physicians, nursing technicians, obstetricians, dentists, psychologists, and nutritionists) of both sexes (24.2% men and 75.5% women) from 12 health networks in the region of Puno, Peru. They were asked to answer the Scale of Concern for the Transmission of COVID-19 in Health Personnel (EPPC-Cov19), Patient Health Questionnarie-2 (PHQ-2, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2) and the Professional Self Efficacy Scale (AU-10). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis. Results. The factor loads of the explanatory model showed a good fit: X-2 (286) = 797.31, p < .001;IFC = .99;RMSEA= .06;SRMR = .07;WRMR = 1.25. Therefore concern about COVID-19 has a greater effect on anxiety (beta = .77) and depression (beta = .71), as well as psychological distress (beta = .65), and only a mild effect on work self-efficacy (beta = .12). Discussion and conclusion. Concern about the spread of COVID-19 affects depression, anxiety, psychological distress and work self-efficacy among Peruvian health workers in the Puno region of Peru.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as the most important international health problem of the last decades. This study explores the psychopathological implications that Covid-19 has caused on cancer patients during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain. Methods: In this prospective study, we included cancer patients in active treatment from March to June 2020. A 24-question semi-structured questionnaire was designed to measure baseline demographic, clinical and Covid-19 exposure characteristics. Mental health was assessed using the validated Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A descriptive and analytical univariate analysis of the variables studied was performed. Results have been compared with baseline emotional distress rates from historical cohorts in cancer patients. Results: 104 cancer patients were included;a 52.8% of emotional distress, 42.3% of anxiety and 58.6% of depression were detected. 51% of patients expressed higher concern about cancer diagnosis vs COVID-19 infection. Tumor type, stage, type of oncologic treatment or rescheduling of cancer therapy were not related with higher levels of psychological symptomatology. Patients with previous consumption of psychotropic drugs and those who adopted additional infection prevention measures because they considered themselves at risk of having a more aggressive COVID-19 disease had higher levels of emotional distress (p=0.008;p=0.003), anxiety (p=0.026;p=0.004) and depression (p=0.013;p=0.008). Emotional distress was higher in patients whose financial status had worsened (p=0.002). Anxiety rates were higher among patients who often used relaxing therapies (p=0.011) and those who were frequently exposed to media (p=0.05). Depression rates were higher among patients with lower educational level (p=0.032), in those whose economic situation had worsened (p=0.003), and those who relied on Religion or Faith (p=0.029). Conclusions: High rates of emotional distress have been detected during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic among cancer patients in active treatment, however, not higher than expected in this population. The cancer disease itself continues to be the main factor of concern for cancer patients, above and beyond the distress generated by Covid-19 pandemic. Legal entity responsible for the study: Hospital Universitario De La Princesa, Medical Oncology Department. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
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Introduction: During the health emergency due to COVID-19, nurses faced a great challenge when having to assist patients infected with the virus, this caused emotional imbalances and affected their family, social and work environment. Objective: Analyze if concern about the spread of COVID-19 and workload predict anxiety in Peruvian nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional predictive study in which 204 Peruvian nurses the Coast, Sierra and Jungle between the ages of 22 and 57 participated. For the collection of information, the COVID-19 Contagiousness Scale was used along with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 and the Workload Scale. A correlation and multiple linear regression analysis was carried out. Results: The findings show that concern for COVID-19 infection, workload and anxiety are directly and significantly related (p <.01). Likewise, the multiple linear regression analysis shows that the concern for the spread of COVID-19 and the workload explain 31.20% of the total variance of the anxiety variable. Conclusions: Concern about the spread of COVID-19 and workload predict anxiety in Peruvian nurses. © 2021, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.
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SESSION TITLE: Fellows Chest Infections Posters SESSION TYPE: Fellow Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 INTRODUCTION: From Raja Ampat, Indonesia to the Red Sea of Indian Ocean, marine corals have attracted myriad of divers and hobbyists around the world with their rainbow-like colors, assorted shapes and unique symbiotic roles. However, certain species contain some of the deadliest toxins known to human that can subject handlers to health problems and even life-threatening conditions. We report a case of Palythoa coral exposure induced respiratory failure. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old man with childhood asthma presented to the emergency room with sudden onset of shortness of breath. His symptoms started one hour prior to his arrival and included chills, dyspnea, chest tightness, pleuritic pain and nausea. Further questioning revealed that our patient was cleaning some Palythoa sp. corals out from his saltwater aquarium two hours before he fell sick. He ran a piece of coral over hot water to kill it. It emitted a strong foul odor immediately afterwards. He had never attempted such cleaning process before. He was not wearing any protective equipment but denied using any cleaning chemicals. There was no other pertinent history. Initial vital signs included heart rate of 117, respiratory rate of 28 bpm, blood pressure 123/59, and oxygen saturation of 97% on 75%, 40 liters/min High-Flow Nasal Canula. He was in mild distress. Auscultation revealed decreased bilateral air entry, faint wheezing and mild apical rales. Cardiac, abdominal and neurological exams were otherwise benign. ABG showed pH of 7.42, PaCO2 41, PaO2 52 and HCO3 26. Chest CT revealed diffuse centrilobular ground-glass opacities in an upper-lobe-predominant distribution. Lab studies were significant for lactic acid of 3.4, troponin of 0.44 and BNP at 666 pg/ml. CRP was 293 mg/L and procalcitonin of 15. WBC was 27.3 with 85% neutrophils without eosinophilia. Complete septic workups including atypical pneumonia pathogens, HIV and COVID-19 were negative. Patient’s symptoms subsequently improved with nebulized albuterol treatments, IV steroids and supplemental oxygen. He remained on regular floor with intent for discharge in the following days. DISCUSSION: Palytoxin (PTX), originally described in a Hawaiian legend, is an extremely poisonous substance synthesized by certain species of corals and dinoflagellates. Its lethal power stems from the ability of inactivating the sodium/potassium ATPase pump, thereby destroying cellular ion gradient. Ensuing cardiac, respiratory, renal and hematologic dysfunctions have been observed. Fewer than 300 cases were ever reported worldwide. Most were due to ingestion of contaminated fish, though dermal and inhalational exposure, such as our patient, have been documented. CONCLUSIONS: It thus becomes necessary to take PTX poisoning into consideration, whenever compatible history is provided. While in vitro and in vivo animal studies have been conducted, there is no known antidote. Management is usually supportive. Reference #1: Hamade AK, Deglin SE, McLaughlin JB, et al. Suspected Palytoxin Inhalation Exposures Associated with Zoanthid Corals in Aquarium Shops and Homes - Alaska, 2012-2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015;64:852. Reference #2: Ramos V, Vasconcelos V. Palytoxin and analogs: biological and ecological effects. Mar Drugs. 2010;8(7):2021-2037. Published 2010 Jun 30. doi:10.3390/md8072021 Reference #3: Thakur LK, Jha KK. Palytoxin-induced acute respiratory failure. Respir Med Case Rep. 2016;20:4-6. Published 2016 Oct 21. doi:10.1016/j.rmcr.2016.10.014 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Mourad Ismail, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by TAWFIQ KARADSHEH, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by William Meng, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Richard Miller, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Roberto Solis, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Yasmeen Sultana, source=Web Response no disclosure on file for Qizhi Wang
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SESSION TITLE: Global Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Global Case Reports PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 INTRODUCTION: Systemic anticoagulation use remains a crucial therapeutic strategy in the treatment of COVID-19 disease (respiratory tract infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 RNA) affected patient population. By presenting a sporadic case of chest wall hematoma we bring to light factors surrounding this decision. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old Hispanic female with a history of Hypertension, Diabetes, and Obesity presented with myalgias, cough, and dyspnea at rest. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 Pneumonia, she was started on Hydroxychloroquine. As the patient’s oxygen requirement increased despite receiving Tocilizumab and Remdesivir, systemic anticoagulation with Enoxaparin was initiated. Upon receiving therapeutic Enoxaparin subcutaneous for five days, the patient started to complain of left upper chest wall pain, which was noted to have loculated swelling with diffuse ecchymosis. Upon development of sudden hypotension, lightheadedness, acute anemia, she underwent CT Angiography of Chest diagnosing arterial hematoma and attributed to systemic anticoagulation. The patient received several blood products and evacuation of 600 ml chocolate-colored fluid from loculated hematoma with the placement of an in-dwelling drain. She did not require any embolization or surgical intervention, as there was no active arterial diathesis. Before discharge, her symptoms resolved, and she was weaned to a nasal cannula. She continued to improve, and the catheter was subsequently discontinued. The patient was eventually discharged with no further adverse events. DISCUSSION: The incidence of spontaneous muscle hematomas in patients using anticoagulant therapy is infrequent. The proposed risk factors of pathophysiology in these cases include microangiopathy, diabetes, elderly age, vascular lesions, collagen, or hemostatic disorders1. Current literature suggests COVID 19 to be prothrombotic, with varying degrees of abnormalities noted in coagulation test parameters2,3. Reports suggest better outcomes, lower severity of illness with the use of therapeutic anticoagulation4. Pathology reports show COVID 19 infection to cause proinflammatory changes and microthrombi in arterioles5. However, this patient had a bleeding event contrary to published reports so far, including lower extremity and bowel ischemia6,7. This raises the question of appropriate timing, dosage, and use of anticoagulation in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: We aim to throw light into the conundrum surrounding the use of systemic anticoagulation in the COVID19 patient population by highlighting one of the very rare adverse events in the setting of anticoagulation use. Reference #1: Dohan A, Darnige L, Sapoval M, Pellerin O. Spontaneous soft tissue hematomas. Diagn Interv Imaging. 2015;96(7-8):789-96. Reference #2: Panigada M, Bottino N, Tagliabue P, et al. Hypercoagulability of COVID-19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit. A Report of Thromboelastography Findings and other Parameters of Hemostasis. J Thromb Haemost. 2020 Reference #3: Ranucci M, Ballotta A, Di dedda U, et al. The procoagulant pattern of patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. J Thromb Haemost. 2020;DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Medhat Ismail, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ashesha Mechineni, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Sushant Nanavati, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Roberto A Solis, source=Web Response