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Purpose: To investigate the knowledge of pathology and prevention of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), attitude towards clinical practice, and adherence to standard precautions among clinical physiotherapists during the pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): A snowballing method was used to recruit physiotherapists (across 53 countries) who responded to a newly designed and validated survey on the participants’demographics, knowledge of COVID-19, attitude, practices, and standard precaution adherence during the pandemic. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha, Pearson’s correlation, and ANOVA. Result(s): All participants (n = 2550, 100%) were knowledgeable on COVID-19 symptomatology. However, only (n = 312, 12.2%) were actively involved in the management of confirmed cases. The percentage score of participants’knowledge regarding COVID-19 pathology, and prevention, their attitude, and adherence to standard precautions averaged 77.73 ±10.11, 89.70 ±9.26, 77.44 ±7.04, and 61.59 ±16.63, respectively. Knowledge about COVID-19 pathology differed significantly across demographic variables (p <0.001, Ƞ2 ≤0.07). Most participants (n = 1936, 75.9%) reported an inadequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusion(s): Participants had good knowledge of COVID-19 pathology and a positive attitude towards safe clinical practice. However, adherence to standard precautions was suboptimal due to inadequate infectious disease training and PPE supply.Copyright © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor &Francis Group.
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Introduction: Psychological requirements are extremely important in the formation of a person's personality and conduct. During the COVID-19 epidemic in Jouf, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the goal of the current study was to determine the psychological and medical requirements of Saudi children. Method(s): The research received responses from 205 mothers in total, 90 of whom were the mothers of male children and 105 of whom were the mothers of female children. The investigation was carried out during the global COVID-19 epidemic that also afflicted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study made use of a 42-item measure measuring psychosocial and health needs across four categories. Result(s): Whether the study's findings were based on the children's overall score or their academic, psychological, or health requirements, it was discovered that these needs were modest. From the perspective of their moms, neither gender nor class significantly affected the children's health or psychological requirements. Conclusion(s): This study suggests giving the kids family programs to take advantage of and manage their downtime and boost their levels of outdoor exercise.Copyright © 2022, Universidade de Sao Paulo. Museu de Zoologia. All rights reserved.
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Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused stress and anxiety for various parts of society all over the world. This concern and stress are not limited to being affected by COVID-19 because this condition has also caused changes in people's lifestyles. Objective(s): The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate the validity and reliability of the COVID-19-related stressors questionnaire and determine the contribution of each of the stressors to the prediction of mental health in the Iranian population. Method(s): This descriptive-analytical and correlational study was performed on 301 volunteers living in Tehran, Iran. Due to the prevalence of COVID-19, questionnaires were distributed by convenience sampling method and online conduction. The instruments used in the present study were the researcher-made questionnaire on Iranians' COVID-19-related stressors (ICRS) and the mental health questionnaire general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Content validity (qualitative and quantitative), face validity, structural validity (exploratory factor analysis), Cronbach's alpha, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 24 and AMOS24 software. Result(s): In exploratory factor analysis, the final 25 items were obtained in seven factors with an explanation of 66.25% variance. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that worrying about changing economic status, getting COVID-19 and change in lifestyle increased the chance of developing mental health disorder up to 1.29 (OR = 1.29), 1.28 (OR = 1.28), and 1.18 times (OR = 1.18), respectively. The variable of changing family interactions reduces the chance of developing a mental health disorder by 0.85 times (OR = 0.85). Conclusion(s): The COVID-19-related stressors questionnaire is valid and can be used in future research. Identifying the most im-portant stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and determining each contribution to mental health prediction will help health policymakers to make better decisions.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).
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Background: Pharmaceutical businesses had enormous difficulties in product distribution during COVID-19, and the solution to this perpetual issue is a resilient supply chain. Aim(s): The study aims to understand the vulnerabilities to which it subjected the pharmaceutical product distribution supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic and further develop an adaptive model through which the pharmaceutical product supply chain can enhance its resilience capabilities. Material(s) and Method(s): The conceptual model is developed for the supply chain of pharmaceutical companies based on the literature survey, and then the conceptual model is explored through factor analysis. Researchers have developed a validated model after a statistical analysis using Cronbach's alpha. Subjective analysis has concluded that the pharmaceutical supply chain's resilience is driven by factors such as "trade cost," which comprises transport cost, business practices, and raw material sourcing cost;"shock propagation," which comprises country-specific shocks, production shocks, and policy changes;and "technological infrastructure bottleneck," which relates to the availability of cold chain storage warehouses and refrigerated transport vehicle facilities. Result(s): An empirical model pertaining to supply chain resilience may be further studied with different geographies, like Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi NCR, for the purpose of generalizing the study. Conclusion(s): The identified major factors were trade cost, shock propagation, and technological infrastructure bottlenecks. The sensitivity of the issue under investigation required a personal touch to the survey, as the COVID-19 pandemic had left these respondents emotionally vulnerable. As COVID-19 is the recent catastrophe that has hit humanity, it has made the pharmaceutical product distribution channel vulnerable during the pandemic. This difficult time of pandemic has really tested the pharmaceutical products' supply chain capabilities as well.Copyright © 2023, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India. All rights reserved.
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Background: The internet-based remote learning and pedagogical revolution in the era of the covid pandemic has contributed to the boom in video conferencing technologies and resulted in new phenomena of exhaustion and fatigue experienced during virtual meetings. Objective(s): To examine the psychometric properties of the Zoom Exhaustion and Fatigue Scale (ZEFS) in the Indian university student population and to explore its impact on mental health. Method(s): Five hundred and seven students participated in this study and 484 completed the ZEFS and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) via online survey. Psychometric validation of the ZEFS was performed with confirmatory factor analysis and reliability was assessed with Cronbach alpha and composite reliability. Pearson correlations were used to explore the relationship between the ZEFS and the DASS. Result(s): The results showed excellent reliability of the full ZEFS scale with a high Cronbach alpha and composite reliability score (0.94). The validity of the ZEFS within the Indian student sample was supported with favorable fit indices (CFI = 0.968, GFI = 0.932, AGFI = 0.897, CMIN/DF = 3.198, RMSEA = 0.06) consistent with the original factor structure. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scales of the DASS were found to be significantly correlated with Zoom fatigue (p <.01). Conclusion(s): Our data suggest that the Indian version of the ZEFS is a psychometrically sound measure to assess Zoom fatigue in the Indian student population.Copyright © 2023 IACFS/ME.
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Background: It is important to understand HCWs' (healthcare workers) psychological responses to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as theare exposed to the virus on a daily basis. This study helps identify some of the challenges they face. Aim: The overall aim of the study was to investigate psychological responses to COVID-19, including vaccinations and stressors, amongst healthcarHCWs in South Africa during the pandemic. Setting: HCWs who worked in private and state hospitals and private practice in Tshwane, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design was used. Several standardised and validated questionnaires were used in the surveincluding the Coronavirus-19 Fear Scale, the COVID-19-related stigma scale and the COVID-19 stress scale. A purposive sample (N=103) waanalysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. Results: There were 103 completed questionnaires. Many (76% and 54%) either knew someone close who contracted COVID or died from COVID-19respectively. Most (58%) were in favour of being vaccinated. A significant proportion (42%;p= 0.009) of the HCWs felt uncomfortable whethinking about COVID. Physical reactions such as sweating, or a pounding heart were reported by 17% of the HCWs. A majority of the HCWdisagreed with any form of stigmatization of COVID-19. Most of the HCWs expressed a need for mental health support during the COVID-1pandemic. About three-quarters of the respondents expressed a need to talk to someone about their worries about COVID-19. Conclusion: Most of the respondents either knew someone who either contracted COVID-19 or died because of it. Many experienced anxiety symptoms whethinking about COVID-19. Many HCWs reported anxiety and stress symptoms such as insomnia, palpitations, sweating and difficultconcentrating. An overwhelming majority of the HCWs stated that people should not be discriminated against or stigmatized in any way because oCOVID-19. The majority of the HCWs expressed a need for psychological support during the COVID-19 pandemic. About 20% of the HCWwere against being vaccinated. This is worrisome as they are at high risk. The HCWs clearly expressed a need for more attention and supportowards their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2023 Nel et al.
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Aim: Fear of childbirth is an emotional stress that affects the mental health and well-being of mothers during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to compare the prenatal attachment, childbirth fear and hopelessness levels of pregnant women who had and did not have COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. Material(s) and Method(s): This prospective questionnaire study was conducted with participants between the ages of 18 and 40 who had 20 or more gestational weeks. Two groups were formed as follows: Group 1: Participants who had COVID-19 infection, and Group 2: Participants who did not have COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. Patients in both groups were given questionnaires using Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire, Prenatal Attachment Inventory and Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the results were recorded. Result(s): Childbirth fear and Beck Hopelessness Scale scores were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.023, respectively). The Prenatal Attachment Inventory scale score of Group 2 was higher than that of Group 1 (p = 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between childbirth fear and prenatal attachment scores (p = 0.012, r=-0.250). There was a negative correlation between the Beck Hopelessness Scale score and Prenatal Attachment Inventory scores (p < 0.001, r=-0.416). Discussion(s): Covid-19 infection during pregnancy increased the childbirth fear and hopelessness levels in pregnant women while reducing the prenatal attachment level. Pregnant women should be informed about prevention methods against COVID-19 infection and necessary measures should be taken.Copyright © 2022, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.
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Background: Older adults with pre-existing health conditions such as cancer are at higher risks of COVID-related morbidity and mortality. Moreover, the pandemic has triggered new sources of anxiety and stress impairing their quality of life (QoL), such as fear of infection, financial challenges, and social isolation. The goal of this study is to evaluate the changes in QoL of breast cancer patients and survivors during the pandemic and assess whether racial/ethnic minority patients were disproportionately affected. As the COVID-19 vaccines become available, another goal of the study is to examine the vaccination rate and symptoms after vaccination among patients of different racial/ethnic groups. Method(s): Two waves of surveys were sent out to the breast cancer patients registered in the Chicago Multiethnic Epidemiologic Breast Cancer Cohort (ChiMEC) via RedCap in the summers of 2020 and 2021 with response rates of > 48%. To measure anxiety and stress, we calculated an overall score (ranging from 0-44) using 11 questions on a 5-point Likert scale, with lower score representing better QoL. The questions were adopted from existing item banks, and the items showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84). The second survey also contained questions on vaccination status, concerns, and symptoms after vaccination. Result(s): In the first wave of survey in 2020, no significant racial differences were found in the anxiety/stress scores among the 1300 breast cancer patients. In the second wave of survey in 2021, 1348 patients responded, with 66% of them also respondents of the previous survey. Compared to 2020, the average anxiety/stress score in 2021 decreased from 13.2 to 12.2 for White patients, while increased from 12.8 to 13.6 for Black patients. Mixed effects models showed that the scores worsened significantly for Black patients while improved significantly for White patients. Compared to Whites, Black patients were significantly less confident to find medical help and keep up with work/home responsibilities, while significantly more likely to feel isolated and overwhelmed, and more frequently worried about being sick and going to hospitals. The racial differences in the anxiety/stress scores became insignificant after adjusting for annual household income in multivariate linear mixed effect models. In terms of Covid-19 vaccination, 92.2% of the respondents got vaccinated, with no significant racial/ethnic difference. However, there were more Black patients who had not decided yet or did not respond to this question (Table). The major concerns for patients were the long-term and short-term side effects of the vaccines. In terms of symptoms after vaccination, the most reported symptoms were pain at injection site (62.0%), tiredness (50.2%) and muscle or body aches (30.8%). Conclusion(s): Through a longitudinal study, we found that although the anxiety/stress scores of our patients remained moderate, White patients were having improved QoL while Black patients were doing worse. A third wave of survey is planned in the summer of 2022 to further examine this trend. In our study, the vaccination rates were very high among all racial/ethnic groups and the symptoms after vaccination were similar to the ones demonstrated in the general population. We hope that this information can proactively address some patients' concerns about getting vaccinated.
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Objective: To determine the mode of e-learning preferred by the students regarding pre-recorded lectures (asynchronous) or online zoom lectures (online synchronous learning). Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry from 21st May to 21st June 2020. An online self-administered questionnaire was shared with the students via WhatsApp. The reliability was checked after conducting a pilot study and Cronbach's alpha was 0.711. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Result(s): A total of 282 responses were obtained. Most respondents were female (69.9%), while about 83.7% of responses were from MBBS students. Students who were currently not in the country strongly agreed that time zone differences made online zoom lectures harder to attend. Most students (65.2%) preferred pre-recorded lectures over online zoom lectures. The major factors influencing their choice included pre-recorded lectures being less time-consuming (72.4%) with students being able to re-watch them during the exam preparation (87.6%) and better manage their daily activities (78.8%). Approximately 70.9% of the students wanted instructors to continue uploading recorded lectures after resumption of traditional lectures. Conclusion(s): Students preferred pre-recorded lectures over online zoom lectures. An online curriculum should be developed with predominantly asynchronous learning along with reliable methods of assessment to ensure that the students achieve their academic goals.Copyright © 2023, Pakistan Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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Background: Pharmacists have a key role to play in responding to public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies have sought to evaluate their intention to contributing to the outbreak management. Purpose(s): This study used the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate pharmacists' intention to practice the FIP COVID-19 recommendations and to explore possible enablers that support such practice. Method(s): A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was distributed to pharmacists in Macau in May 2020. Cronbach's alpha was used to test the reliability for the four TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norm (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intention). Multiple linear regressions were conducted to predict intention using the other three TPB constructs Results: Pharmacists (n=110) had a positive intention to contributing to COVID-19 management (mean=4.21+/-0.60). Attitude (beta=0.547, p=0.000), SN (beta=0.177, p=0.050) and PBC (beta=0.158, p=0.027) were significant predictors of intention, accounting for 60.2% of the variance in their intention to practice. Scale reliability ranged from 0.838 to 0.948 for the four constructs. The difference between past behaviours and intentions was statistically significant (p=0.000). Important enablers to support the practice included training (mean= 4.26+/-0.57), better communication with stakeholders (mean=4.17+/-0.61) and improved pharmacy management (mean=4.18+/-0.60). Conclusion(s): Pharmacists showed favourable attitude, SN, PBC and intention to contributing to COVID19 management. Actions to enhance training, stakeholder communication and pharmacy management are important to increasing their willingness to take part in public health emergency alike in the future.
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Objective: To determine the barriers to the maintenance of COVID 19 cross infection control protocols among medical and dental practitioners Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore from July 2021 to July 2022 on medical and dental practitioners. The sampling technique employed was convenient sampling. Medical and dental practitioners irrespective of their age, gender and specialty of practice were included in the study. Data was collected using a pre-validated questionnaire with a Cronbach alpha value of 0.7. Result(s): There was s statistically significant difference in the scores of barriers to maintenance of COVID 19 cross infection control protocols of overcrowding in the hospital (p= <=0.001), limitation of infection control material (p=<=0.001), insufficient training in infection control (p=0.05), lack of handwashing (p=0.022), not wearing a mask while examining the patient (p=<=0.001) and lack of knowledge about mode of transmission of COVID 19 (P=0.036) Conclusion(s): The barriers faced to maintenance of cross infection control protocols pertaining to the hospital administration were reported to be higher for medical practitioners in comparison to the dental practitioners. The barriers faced to maintenance of cross infection control protocols pertaining to the attitude and practices of health care workers were also higher for medical practitioners in comparison to the dental practitioners. Copyright © 2022 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.
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BACKGROUND: The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for contemporary society, generating fear. We aimed to validate a fear scale to identify and assess the severity of fear related to SARS-CoV-2. METHOD(S): This was a cross-sectional study conducted through an online survey and applied to the general Brazilian population. Participants were randomly recruited via social networking platforms during the pandemic (N.=1332). A self-reported fear scale (SARS-CoV-2 Fear Scale [SCoV-2-FS]) comprising 11 questions addressing the fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection during essential daily activities was validated. RESULT(S): The reliability and validity of the SCoV-2-FS were psychometrically evaluated using reliability measures and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's alpha was 0.9, indicating excellent internal reliability. CONCLUSION(S): The results of the CFA showed that the unidimensional factor structure of the SCoV-2-FS fitted well with the data. The SCoV-2-FS is a valid and reliable tool with robust psychometric properties and is thus useful for assessing fear associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.
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The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) imparted unprecedented negative impact worldwide since it was declared as a global pandemic in 2020 due to its high infectivity and mortality rate. Consequently, those who have been infected with COVID-19 experienced significant amount of social stigma which resulting in deterioration of mental well-being. Hence, this study aimed to translate the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue Stigma Scale (EMIC-SS) into Malay and investigate the reliability and validity of the Malay version (EMIC-SS-M) among COVID-19 survivors in Malaysia. Initially, concurrent translation and back translation of the EMIC-SS was conducted followed by the assessment of its face and content validity. Then, the EMIC-SS-M was administered to 219 COVID-19 survivors recruited from three targeted centers for assessment of its reliability (internal consistency) and validity (convergent and discriminant validity, exploratory factor analysis [EFA] and confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]). The EMIC-SS-M reported an acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha of 0.727, while its domains reported acceptable Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.708 to 0.795. EFA and CFA confirmed that the EMIC-SS-M consisted of 15 items in 4 domains. The EMIC-SS-M exhibited good psychometric properties and ready for use to assess stigma among COVID-19 survivors in Malaysia. It can be adapted for use to assess stigma in other disease conditions among the Malaysian population in future studies. Copyright © 2022, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. All rights reserved.
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Background. Nursing homes (NHs) are high risk settings for COVID. Staff are the primary source for introducing COVID into a NH. Preventing staff from working when ill is key to resident safety. NH staff face significant socioeconomic pressures that may influence their willingness to report COVID symptoms. Understanding the drivers behind unreported illness can inform ways to prevent working when ill. Methods. We conducted a confidential survey of 120 COVID-positive NH staff in Orange County, CA from Dec '20-Feb '22 to quantify the frequency and drivers of unreported COVID symptoms. We designed a 40-item survey to assess demographics, course of illness, symptom reporting behavior, and monetary, logistic, and emotional (stigma/fear) barriers to reporting using a 5-point Likert scale. Recruitment flyers were shared with all 70 NHs in the county and referrals were accepted from NH leadership. Participants received $50 for completing the 20-30 min phone-based survey. We calculated summary statistics, transformed all data to a 0-100 scale, assessed the reliability of each factor related to reporting at the group level using Cronbach's alpha, and assessed discriminant validity with t-tests comparing responses among subsets expected to differ. Results. Table 1 shows participant characteristics. 49% of surveys were during the 2020-21 winter wave and 51% were during the Delta/Omicron waves, with a relatively even distribution of certified nursing assistants (CNAs), nurses, and nonfrontline staff. Most cases (70%) were detected by routine testing at the NH and most (63%) had >=1 symptom prior to their test. Only 39% disclosed their symptom to a supervisor. It is unknown how many staff would have disclosed symptoms if they were not captured during routine testing. Responses were consistent across 15 discrete factors with Cronbach alpha >0.7. Overall, fear and encouragement from supervisors were the most salient factors for speaking up about COVID symptoms (Table 2). Responses varied between the two waves and between frontline vs nonfrontline workers. Conclusion. Frequent surveillance testing of NH staff during a pandemic is critical due to many factors that drive reluctance to speak up about potential symptoms. Encouragement from supervisors to report symptoms and stay home when ill may improve NH safety.
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Background. The Symptoms of Infection with Coronavirus-19 (SIC), a patient reported outcome (PRO) measure, was developed to assess COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Qualitative and cross-sectional studies demonstrated its content validity and preliminary psychometric properties. This study provides additional evidence on the reliability, responsiveness, known-group validity, and meaningful change thresholds of the SIC using methods aligned with regulatory guidance and best practices. Methods. Data were from ENSEMBLE-2, a multicenter, randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Ad26.COV2.S for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infections in adults (aged 18+). The SIC was used in the trial to evaluate COVID-19 signs and symptoms and the Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGIS) was used as an anchor for validation. Intra-class correlations (ICCs) and Cronbach's alphas were computed to evaluate the test-retest reliability and internal consistency, and analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were performed to assess the known-group validity of the SIC. Responsiveness was evaluated using PGIS as an anchor variable and a 1- or 2-point improvement in PGIS was used to estimate the meaningful change thresholds of the SIC. Results. 183 participants with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed moderate to severe/critical COVID-19 were included (mean +/- SD age: 51.5 +/- 14.8 y;female: 44%;White 65%). ICCs showed strong test-retest reliabilities for most SIC domains (.60 and above). The internal consistency reliability of the SIC had a Cronbach's alpha > .70 for all but one domain (Neurological). Statistically significant differences (p values < 0.05) for the different PGIS severity levels were found for all but one domain (Sensory), supporting known-group validity. All domains showed responsiveness based on changes (improvement and worsening) in PGIS, supporting the ability of the SIC to detect changes in COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Based on mean changes in the PGIS, estimated meaningful change thresholds for SIC domains ranged from -.36 to -2.11. Conclusion. These results, based on data from ENSEMBLE-2, build upon prior cross-sectional analyses and provide additional supportive psychometric evidence on the SIC.
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Objectives: Approximately 18% of preschoolers have significant mental health problems, yet there is no agreed-upon standard of care for routine identification of psychiatric problems in young children. This study evaluated the screening test accuracy and reliability of the parent-report Preschool SDQ (P-SDQ) in primary care settings. Method(s): A total of 183 healthy children, 2 to 4 years old, enrolled in a longitudinal cohort through a multisite primary care research network. Parents completed the P-SDQ at baseline and at 2 and 12 weeks later. At 12 weeks, 107 parents participated in a semi-structured diagnostic phone interview, the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment (PAPA);criterion validity between the P-SDQ scores at baseline and the presence of psychiatric diagnoses (Dx) at 12 weeks was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 95% CI. We assessed the test-retest reliability using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2,1) and internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha for the total difficulties score (TDS), and internalizing (INT) and externalizing (EXT) subscales using data at baseline and 2 weeks. Result(s): Of 183 parents (child mean age 39.3 months;46.4% male), 120 completed the P-SDQ at 2 weeks. Among the 107 (58.4%) who participated in the PAPA, 26 (24.3%) children had any diagnosis (Dx), 22 (21%) had INT Dx, and 9 (8%) had EXT Dx. The TDS performed satisfactorily against any Dx with AUC = 0.67 (0.55-0.79). The AUC for an EXT Dx and INT Dx were 0.77 (0.60-0.94) and 0.61 (0.47-0.74), respectively. A threshold of >10 for the TDS had 50% sensitivity and 78% specificity to identify any Dx. A threshold of >7 for the INT scale had 18% sensitivity and 99% specificity to identify an INT Dx. A threshold of >6 for the EXT scale had 78% sensitivity and 71% specificity to identify an EXT Dx. ICC (2,1) for TDS, INT, and EXT scores were 0.72, 0.62, and 0.79, respectively. Internal consistency of the TDS was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.72). Conclusion(s): The screening test accuracy and reliability of the P-SDQ total difficulties score supports its use to identify young children at risk for psychiatric diagnoses, and in particular externalizing diagnoses, in primary care. Limitations include the small sample size and adjustments to recruitment during COVID-19. DIAG, PSC, ADMIN Copyright © 2022
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Purpose: To evaluate how covid-19 protective measures in Greece, especially teleworking and use of face masks, affect dry eye syndrome (DES) in contact lens (CLW) and non-contact lens (non-CLW) wearers. Method(s): In this cross-sectional study, two specially modified and reliable (Cronbach's Alpha) questionnaires were distributed electronically. The effects of teleworking, use of face masks and their combination on DES were studied. Amongst others, face mask use and duration, change of workplace and type of CL used were investigated. ANOVA statistics, x2 tests and non-parametric tests were performed. Result(s): 121 subjects completed the study, 44 CLW and 77 non-CLW. In the CLW group, teleworking showed statistically significant higher DES (p = 0.011). Additionally, dryer workplace (p = 0.007) and use of frequent replacement contact lenses (CL) other than monthlies (p = 0.014) increased DES. In the non-CLW group, teleworking (p < 0.0001) and the combination of teleworking and use of face masks (p = 0.003) showed statistically significant higher DES. Longer teleworking hours led to higher DES (p = 0.034) and higher eye discomfort (p = 0.015);when this was combined with face masks, the eye discomfort was even higher (p = 0.038). Finally, in between CLW and non-CLW, when they were under the combination of teleworking and face mask use, a statistically significant difference in eye discomfort (p < 0.0001) and in eye dryness (p = 0.010) was found, with very intense symptoms (p = 0.007 and 0.009 respectively). Conclusion(s): Analogous to international studies, face mask use and lengthy use of electronic devices led to elevated DES in both CLW and non-CLW;the novelty of this study is that examines also the two in combination. The even higher eye discomfort found should motivate CL practitioners to inform CLW and non-CLW better during this covid-19 pandemic. Copyright © 2022
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Aims: Commercial smell tests are too costly and time-consuming for population surveillance in health emergencies like COVID-19 where smell loss is a concern. To address this need, Parma et al. (2021) developed SCENTinel, a brief test of three olfactory functions: detection, intensity, and identification. We examined the psychometric properties of SCENTinel, hypothesizing that SCENTinel components would be positively intercorrelated and that SCENTinel would be associated with self-reported smell loss and SARS-CoV-2+ results. Method(s): We performed a cross-sectional study of a sample of adults presenting for outpatient SARS-CoV-2 testing at Northwestern Medicine locations. Staff handed out SCENTinel test cards to interested patients who voluntarily self-administered the test at home, completing questions on demographics and COVID-19 symptomatology. After smelling each of three resealable odor patches, participants selected the location of the odor (detection), rated the intensity of the odor, and identified the odor via a 4-alternative-forced-choice task (identification). Data were matched with medical record demographics and SARS-CoV- 2(PCR) results. Result(s): Participants completed 2413 SCENTinel tests;after matching participants to medical record data containing concurrent SARS-CoV-2(PCR) results, 1557 tests (64%) were analyzed. Mean age was 49 (SD = 16), 62% were female, 76% were white. 4-5% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection (ndelta = 50;ndelta + omicron = 74). The SCENTinel components showed moderate-to-high correlations with the overall score, r = 0.35-0.84. Identification and detection were moderately correlated (r = 0.42);intensity was slightly correlated with both (rs = 0.13, 0.08), averaging to Cronbach's alpha 0.44 for SCENTinel-overall. Self-reported smell loss was only related to intensity (r = - 0.11). SARS-CoV-2delta+ was slightly related to SCENTinel-overall (r = - 0.09), entirely driven by intensity (r = - 0.27). Mean intensity scores were much lower for the SARSCoV- 2delta+ group (Cohen's d = - 0.76;Fig. 1). Regressions showed that self-reported smell loss and SCENTinel-overall were both uniquely predictive of SARS-CoV-2delta+. As a screener of SARS-CoV- 2delta+, SCENTinel-overall was highly specific (89%), but not sensitive (28%), with kappa of 0.74 (CI 0.70-0.77). Conclusion(s): SCENTinel components are intercorrelated, but effects were small to moderate. Intensity formed a pattern of associations distinct from detection and identification. SCENTinel-overall was highly specific and predictive of SARS-CoV-2delta+, even controlling for self-reported smell loss. The low sensitivity of SCENTinel could reflect asymptomatic infection. Future directions include optimizing scoring and validation with goldstandard olfaction tests.
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Aims: This study aimed to develop, pilot-test and psychometrically analyse a patient-reported health-related quality of life questionnaire for patients with current or previous coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A disease-specific instrument was not available before, even though the patients experience a wide range of symptoms and reduced functioning. Method(s): We used an internationally recognized methodology for questionnaire development consisting of four phases. Adults with current or previous COVID-19, in hospital, nursing home or at home were eligible. In phase I, relevant issues were gathered through literature review, interviews with health-care workers and patients, and operationalized into items in phase II. In the current study, participants completed the questionnaire and were interviewed as part of phase IIIA and, in phase IIIB, participants completed a revised questionnaire and a debriefing form. Validity and reliability were assessed by correlation-based methods, Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient. Result(s): We enrolled participants from 11 countries within and outside Europe, 54 in phase IIIA and 371 in Phase IIIB. The mean time needed to complete the 80-item questionnaire in Phase IIIA was 16 min (range 4-45). Predefined criteria for retention were fulfilled for 71 items of which five needed some rewording. In phase IIIB, 80% of participants completed the 71-item questionnaire within 15 min, on paper (n = 175) or digitally (n = 196). The final questionnaire includes 61 items that fulfilled criteria for retention or were important to subgroups of patients. The item-scale correlations were>0.7 for all but nine items;three of these were changed. The internal consistency (alpha range 0.68-0.92) and test-retest (all but one scale>0.7) results were acceptable. The final scale structure of the Oslo COVID-19 quality of life (QLQ) weekly (W) 61 consists of 15 multi-item scales and six single items covering e.g. acute and long-term physical symptoms, psychological distress, and physical, social functioning. Patient representatives expressed satisfaction with the content of the questionnaire. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 is a disease with a pleomorphic symptomatology. In addition to many items assessing symptoms, multiple functional items were included. The Oslo COVID-19 QLQ-W61 is a cross-cultural instrument, now ready for use in research and clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 peritraumatic distress index (CPDI) self-report questionnaire was designed to measure peritraumatic psychological distress in a pandemic emergency. AIM: The aim of the study was the validation of Bulgarian COVID-19 peritraumatic distress index (CPDI) questionnaire and its application to measure psychological distress level in Bulgarian population. METHOD(S): The study was conducted among 42 adults from February 2022 to March 2022. The average age of respondents participating in the validation of COVID-19 peritraumatic distress index (CPDI) questionnaire is 40.88 +/- 13.309, women being predominant-71.4% (n = 30), as well as individuals with higher education-69% (n = 29). Following the preliminary instruction, all participants filled out the online Bulgarian version of the questionnaire anonymously 2 times within a period of 2 weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Cronbach's alpha, and Corrected Item-Total Correlation. RESULT(S): The CPDI instrument was linguistically validated according to a standard procedure (8) and cross-culturally adapted (9) into Bulgarian in several stages. The overall Cronbach's alpha for the Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) questionnaire is 0.940. Almost all corrected item-total correlations exceeded the accepted cut off of 0.30 indicating each item was related to the overall scale except for Q5 "I feel sympathetic to COVID-19 patients and their families." CONCLUSION(S): The Bulgarian version of the questionnaire reveals good reliability and cross-cultural validity and can be applied widely for measuring the prevalence of psychological suffering and distress in the pandemic emergency. Copyright © 2022 Rumyana Stoyanova, Anna Mihaylova, Petya Kasnakova, Desislava Bakova, Stanislava Harizanova, Zlatina Zheleva, Tanya Deneva, Delyana Davcheva, Elka Toseva.