Estimates of Quality-Adjusted Life-Year Loss for Injuries in the United States.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to develop an approach for estimating nationally representative quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) loss from injury and poisoning conditions using data collected in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). METHODS: This study uses data from the 2002-2015 NHIS and MEPS surveys. Injuries were identified in the MEPS medical events file and through self-reporting of medical conditions. We restricted our model to 163,731 adults, for which we predict a total of 294,977 EQ-5D scores using responses to the self-administered questionnaire. EQ-5D scores were modeled using age, sex, comorbidities, and binary indicators of the presence and duration of injury at the time of the health status questionnaire. These models consider nonlinearity over time during the first 3 y following the injury event. RESULTS: Injuries are identified in MEPS using medical events that provide a reasonable proxy for the date of injury occurrence. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) decrements can be estimated using binary indicators of injury during different time periods. When grouped into 29 injury categories, most categories were statistically significant predictors of HRQL scores in the first year after injury. For these groups of injuries, mean first-year QALY loss estimates range from 0.005 (sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles, n = 7067) to 0.109 (injury to nerves and spinal cord, n = 71). Fewer estimates are significant in the second and third years after injury, which may reflect a return to baseline HRQL. CONCLUSION: This research presents both a framework for estimating QALY loss for short-lived medical conditions and nationally representative, community-based HRQL scores associated with a wide variety of injury and poisoning conditions. HIGHLIGHTS: This research provides a catalog of nationally representative, preference-based EQ-5D score decrements associated with surviving a large set of injuries, based on patient-reported health status.Mean first-year QALY loss estimates range from 0.005 (sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles, n = 7067) to 0.109 (injury to nerves and spinal cord, n = 71).This article presents a novel methodology for assessing quality-of-life impacts for acute conditions by calculating the time elapsed between injury and health status elicitation. Researchers may explore adapting these methods to study other short-lived conditions and health states, such as COVID-19 or chemotherapy.

Relationship between Health Status and Daily Activities Based on Housing Type among Suburban Residents during COVID-19 Self-Isolation.

COVID-19 significantly impacted residents' health status and daily activities in suburban residential areas. This study elucidated the relationship between health scores, daily activities, and housing types. The method was a questionnaire survey of 378 residents of suburban residential estates in Teraikedai, Kongo District, Japan, during the COVID-19 self-isolation period. Since the survey cohort was New Town, the suburban residential area identified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was targeted. The questions included participant demographics, the Basic Survey on Japanese Social Life, and the SF-12v2. The Tukey-Kramer HSD test and stepwise decreasing logistic regression were used for the statistical analysis of the responses. The COVID-19 self-isolation led to lower physical and mental health scores than usual, and the health scores of residents living in detached houses were better than those of residents in apartments, both those over the age of 65 and those under the age of 65. There was also a correlation between residents' daily activities and their health scores. For those aged under 65 years, the health scores of residents living in detached houses were significantly better than those living in apartments, indicating that daily activities such as sports and recreational hobbies may contribute to health scores.

Assessment of Perceived Health Status and Access to Health Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey in Italy.

(1) Background: The aims of this survey were to assess the perceived health status and to evaluate the use of healthcare services during the pandemic period. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2021 in the Campania and Calabria regions, Southern Italy. The sample was selected among 655 subjects attending vaccination or primary care physician clinics. (3) Results: More than half (57.2%) of the respondents were female, the mean age was 49 years (range 19-97), and 61.3% had at least one chronic disease. Among the respondents, 56.3% declared that they had accessed healthcare at least once during the pandemic and, among all respondents who did not access healthcare, 23.2% gave reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two scores obtained from the Short-Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), physical health summary (PCS) and mental health summary (MCS), had a means of 48.4 and 45.9, respectively. Among the respondents, 2.3% of respondents considered their health poor, 43.1% good and 6.4% excellent. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest the need to ensure, in similar health emergency situations, a quick response from the National Health System so that ordinary medical assistance activities can be guaranteed in full safety, avoiding the risk of missed access or lack of assistance.

The Association between Fear of COVID-19 and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Greek General Population.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the level of fear related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the association of fear, and of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A large sample of the Greek general population (N = 583) completed the validated versions of the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19s) and the 12-item Short Form (SF-12), and provided data on socio-demographic status, health history and COVID-19 protective behaviors. Variables were compared with Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests and associations with Spearman's correlations. Gamma regression models investigated the influence of sociodemographic and COVID-related variables on HRQoL. The mean FCV-19s score for the sample was 18.3 ± 5.6, and physical and mental component summary scores were 50.2 ± 7.9 and 46.7 ± 10.1, respectively. More fear of COVID-19 was expressed by females (p < 0.001), individuals with comorbidities (p < 0.01), those with contacts with comorbidities (p < 0.001), and individuals not having caught COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Contrastingly, less fear was expressed by unvaccinated individuals and those with less frequent intake of information about the pandemic. Item level and overall FCV-19s scores were negatively associated with SF-12 summary scores, and fear of COVID-19 was the most important predictor of both physical and mental HRQoL. The findings from this and other similar studies could help to identify specific population groups in need of interventions to improve their physical and mental health, which had deteriorated due to the pandemic.

Accuracy of quality of life questionnaire as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary sequelae.

Background: Follow-up after hospital discharge of SARS-CoV-2 survivors represents a huge burden on the healthcare system. We attempt to assess the utility of symptoms and health-related quality of life questionnaire (SF-12) to identify SARS CoV2 pulmonary sequelae. Methods: Prospective, non-interventional follow-up study. A cardiopulmonary exercise test, functional respiratory test (PFT), SF12 questionnaire were performed after hospitalization at six months after the first positive PCR smear. Results: 41 patients were included, female (39%), mean age 57.3 ± 13.7 years. 70% persisted with symptoms. 46% presented a maximum oxygen consumption below 80% of predicted. SF-12 physical domain score was significantly reduced in patients with altered PFT (32.7 vs. 45.9; p < 0.001) and obtained the best sensitivity and specificity to identify PFT alterations (AUC 0.862, Sensitivity 85.7%, Specificity 81.5%). Conclusions: SF-12 questionnaire shows high sensitivity and specificity to detect SARS CoV2 survivors with pulmonary function alterations.

Antecedentes y objetivos: El seguimiento tras el alta hospitalaria de los supervivientes de SARS-CoV-2 representa una enorme carga para el sistema sanitario. Intentamos evaluar la utilidad de los síntomas y el cuestionario de calidad de vida (SF-12) para identificar los pacientes con secuelas pulmonares por SARS-CoV-2. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de seguimiento prospectivo observacional. Después de la hospitalización, a los 6 meses del primer frotis con PCR positiva se realizaron: una prueba de esfuerzo cardiopulmonar, pruebas funcionales respiratorias (PFR) y se aplicó el cuestionario SF-12. Resultados: Se incluyó a 41 pacientes, el 39% eran mujeres, con una edad media de 57,3 ± 13,7 años. El 70% persistía con síntomas. El 46% presentó un consumo máximo de oxígeno por debajo del 80% del predicho. La puntuación del dominio físico del SF-12 fue significativamente más baja en pacientes con PFR alteradas (32,7 vs. 45,9; p < 0,001) y obtuvo la mejor sensibilidad y especificidad para identificar las alteraciones de las PFR (AUC 0,862; sensibilidad 85,7% y especificidad 81,5%). Conclusiones: El cuestionario de calidad de vida SF-12 presenta una alta sensibilidad y especificidad para detectar a los sobrevivientes de SARS-CoV-2 con alteraciones de la función pulmonar.

COVID-19 seroprevalence after the first UK wave of the pandemic and its association with the physical and mental wellbeing of secondary care healthcare workers.

Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody status amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) working through the first wave of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020. To examine the association of seroprevalence and self-reported COVID-19 symptoms with occupation, sex, and ethnicity; and how these factors were associated with physical and mental wellbeing. Design: Single-centre cohort study. Setting: Large public hospital in the United Kingdom. Intervention: All HCWs who had been tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig) G nucleocapsid antibody in summer 2020 were asked to complete an electronic survey focusing on their physical and mental health in Winter 2020-21. This survey was comprised of the Short Form 12v2, Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS), and Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) questionnaires. Results: 7604/9781 (77.7%) HCWs were antibody tested, of which 1082 completed the full survey. Antibody testing was conducted between 17/06/20-30/07/20, during which time our seroprevalence rate was 28% (299/1082). Of those self-reporting COVID-19 symptoms, 51% (201/395) were antibody positive. Antibody-positive participants had lower PCS scores (p = 0.016), indicating poorer physical health. Lower PCS scores were also found in those deemed high risk for COVID-19 by their GP (p = 0.001), and those aged >44 years (p = 0.009). Antibody-negative participants had lower MCS scores (p = 0.044), indicating poorer mental health. Those who self-reported COVID-19 symptoms had lower PCS scores (p=<0.001) than those with no symptoms. Lower MCS scores were found in women (p = 0.001), Caucasians (p = 0.018), non-clinicians (p = 0.001), and those aged <44 years (p = 0.009). Significantly higher GAD-7 anxiety scores were evident in staff aged <44 years (p = 0.023), and those with self-reported COVID symptoms (p = 0.031). Doctors had lower GAD-7 anxiety scores (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Self-reported symptoms did not correlate with seroprevalence; data surrounding this can be useful for future workforce planning. Interventions are needed to reduce the mental and physical burden of the pandemic on HCWs. Further work is needed to identify which particular HCWs may require further support, to ensure well-being and effective patient care. Trial registration: Sponsor Protocol number - 2020COV112, Clinicaltrials.gov number -NCT04527432.

Impact of COVID-19 severity on health-related quality of life among Saudi adult patients.

COVID-19 patients may experience varying degrees of symptom severity, significantly impacting the health-related quality of life. As a result, the current study examines the impact of symptom severity on health-related quality of life among Saudi adult COVID- 19 patients. In this cross-sectional study 310 adult COVID-19 patients were recruited through a snowball technique in Saudi Arabia. We used a questionnaire (SF-12 RAND tool questionnaire) that included three parts: sociodemographic factors, perception of degree severity of COVID-19 symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Out of 310 COVID-19 adult patients, 200 (64.5%) were female, 110 (35.5%) were between 30-49 years old. The mean scores of the HRQoL, physical components summary (PCS), and mental components summary (MCS) were 58.11±17.02, 71.32±23.72, and 44.91±17.94, respectively. Patients with very severe symptoms had the lowest HRQoL mean rank (120.39, P=0.023). There was a strong positive correlation between HRQoL and PCS (0.852) and HRQoL and MCS (0.730). However, PCS and MCS had a weak positive correlation (0.292). The severity of COVID-19 symptoms had a significant impact on HRQoL. Thus, it is essential to enhance the uptake of vaccines to decrease the risk of infections and avoid impact on quality of life.

Fatigue and quality-of-life in the year following SARS-Cov2 infection.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-COV2 pandemic has been ongoing worldwide since at least 2 years. In severe cases, this infection triggers acute respiratory distress syndrome and quasi-systemic damage with a wide range of symptoms. Long-term physical and psychological consequences of this infection are therefore naturally present among these patients. The aim of this study was to describe the state of health of these patients at 6 (M6) and 12 months (M12) after infection onset, and compare quality-of-life (QOL) and fatigue at these time-points. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was set up at Reims University Hospital. Patients were clinically assessed at M6 and M12. Three scores were calculated to describe patient's status: the modified Medical Research Council score (mMRC) used to determine dyspnoea state, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Short Form 12 (SF12) that was carried out to determine the QOL both mentally and physically (MCS12 and PCS12). Descriptive analysis and comparison of scores between M6 and M12 were made. RESULTS: 120 patients completed both follow-up consultations. Overall, about 40% of the patients presented dyspnoea symptoms. The median mMRC score was 1 Interquartile ranges (IQR) = [0-2] at the two assessment. Concerning FSS scores, 35% and 44% of patients experienced fatigue at both follow-ups. The two scores of SF12 were lower than the general population standard scores. The mean PCS12 score was 42.85 (95% confidence interval (95% CI [41.05-44.65])) and mean MCS12 score of 46.70 (95% CI [45.34-48.06]) at 6 months. At 12 months, the mean PCS12 score was 42.18 (95% confidence interval (95% CI [40.46-43.89])) and mean MCS12 score of 47.13 (95% CI [45.98-48.28]). No difference was found between SF12 scores at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study pinpoints the persistence of fatigue and a low mental and physical QOL compared to population norms even after 1 year following infection. It also supports the claims of mental or psychological alterations due to infection by this new virus, hence a lower overall QOL in patients.

Safety and efficacy of low dose naltrexone in a long covid cohort; an interventional pre-post study.

Background: Up to 37.7% of patients experience symptoms beyond 12 weeks after infection with SARS-CoV-2. To date care for people with long covid has centred around multidisciplinary rehabilitation, self care and self pacing. No pharmacotherapy has been shown to be beneficial. Methods: In this single centre interventional pre post study, the safety of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) was explored in patients with Post COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS), defined by NICE as patients with ongoing symptoms 12 or more weeks after initial infections with SARS-CoV-2 where alternative explanation for symptoms cannot be found. Patients were recruited through a Post COVID clinic, had a baseline quality of life questionnaire in symmetrical Likert format, were prescribed 2 months (1 mg month one, 2 mg month two) of LDN and repeated the same questionnaire at the end of the second month. Patients were monitored to adverse events. Findings: In total 52 patients participated of whom 40(76.9%) were female. The median age was 43.5 years(IQR 33.2-49). Healthcare workers represented the largest occupational cohort n = 16(34.8%). The median time from diagnosis of COVID-19 until enrolment was 333 days (IQR 171-396.5). Thirty-eight participants (73.1%) were known to commence LDN, two of whom (5.3%) stopped taking LDN post commencement due to new onset diarrhoea and also described fatigue. In total 36(69.2%) participants completed the questionnaire at the end of the two-month period. Improvement was seen in 6 of 7 parameters measured; recovery from COVID-19, limitation in activities of daily living, energy levels, pain levels, levels of concentration and sleep disturbance (p ≤ 0.001), improvement in mood approached but was not significant (p = 0.054). Conclusions: LDN is safe in patients with PCS and may improve well-being and reduce symptomatology in this cohort. Randomised control trials are needed to further explore this.

Predictors and Outcomes for COVID-19 Re-Admissions in the Anticipate Cohort.

Aims To describe readmissions of hospitalised patients with COVID-19, define predictors of readmission and explore the long term outcomes using the SF-12 score compared to patients who were not readmitted and those not hospitalised. Methods A single centre retrospective in North Inner-City Dublin. Recruitment was done through a COVID follow up clinic. Predictors of readmission and SF-12 scores at two timepoints post follow up at median 3 months and 12 months. Results Seventy (45%) participants were admitted, with a median age of 49.5 years (IQR 41.3-56.9), 36(51%) of whom were female. Unscheduled readmissions at ≤30 days in COVID-19 patients were 9(12.9%) and length of stay was four days (IQR 2-5). Readmissions were due to ongoing symptoms(n=9(64.3%)) or new complications(n=5(35.7%)). Mechanical ventilation and having symptoms of nausea and vomiting on index admission were predictive of readmission. (p=0.002). SF-12 scores at one year of readmitted patients were not different to patients who were never admitted at median one year follow up, p=.089. Conclusions Most readmissions were of short duration. Early follow up of patients post MV or who had nausea and vomiting on index admission should be prioritised. Wellbeing of readmitted patients was not different to those never hospitalised, at one year.

Accuracy of quality of life questionnaire as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up after hospital discharge of SARS-CoV-2 survivors represents a huge burden on the healthcare system. We attempt to assess the utility of symptoms and health-related quality of life questionnaire (SF-12) to identify SARS CoV2 pulmonary sequelae. METHODS: Prospective, non-interventional follow-up study. A cardiopulmonary exercise test, functional respiratory test (PFT), SF12 questionnaire were performed after hospitalization at six months after the first positive PCR smear. RESULTS: 41 patients were included, female (39%), mean age 57.3±13.7 years. 70% persisted with symptoms. 46% presented a maximum oxygen consumption below 80% of predicted. SF-12 physical domain score was significantly reduced in patients with altered PFT (32.7 vs. 45.9; p<0.001) and obtained the best sensitivity and specificity to identify PFT alterations (AUC 0.862, Sensitivity 85.7%, Specificity 81.5%). CONCLUSIONS: SF-12 questionnaire shows high sensitivity and specificity to detect SARS CoV2 survivors with pulmonary function alterations.

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 at 1-year using the SF-12 questionnaire: Data from the Anticipate longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies to date have explored the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with long COVID. METHODS: The Anticipate Study is a prospective single-centre observational cohort study. Hospitalised and nonhospitalised patients were seen at a dedicated post-COVID clinic at a 2-4 month (Timepoint 1) and 7-14 month follow-up (Timepoint 2). The main objectives of this study are to assess the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 in patients using the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) score, a health-related quality of life tool, and to identify predictors of developing post-COVID-19 syndrome (PoCS). In addition, we aimed to describe symptomatology and identify predictors of PoCS at 1-year. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients were enrolled, 105 (68%) were female aged 43.3 (31-52) years. In total 149 (96%) and 94 (61%) patients completed follow-up at median 96 (76-118) days and 364 (303-398) days. The overall cohort had significantly reduced physical composite score (PCS) of the SF-12 (45.39 [10.58] vs 50 [10], p = 0.02). Participants with PoCS had significantly lower scores than those without symptoms at 1-year follow-up (37.2 [10.4] v 46.1 [10.9] p <0.001), and scores for these patients did not improve over the 2 Timepoints (PCS 34.95 [10.5] - 37.2 [10.4], p = 0.22). Fatigue was the most common symptom. Those with 5 or more symptoms at initial diagnosis had lower PCS and mental composite score (MCS) at 1-year. Predictors of PoCS at 1-year were lower PCS and higher baseline heart rate (HR) at clinic review median 3 months after COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Patients with PoCS have lower PCS scores during follow-up, which did not significantly improve up to a 1-year follow-up. Lower PCS scores and higher HR at rest can be used in the weeks after COVID-19 can help predict those at risk of PoCS at 1 year.

Physical Therapy effectiveness applied through telerehabilitation during the state of exception in Ecuador due to the health emergency of SARS-COV2 (COVID 19)

Due to the global conjuncture caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19), health centers and providers have been forced to take alternative measures to provide treatments while safeguarding the health of patients and professionals. In the area of Physical Therapy, telerehabilitation has been the chosen method that allows permanent contact with the patient and at the same time satisfies the requirements of social distancing, without interrupting the recovery process. To determine the effectiveness of the physiotherapeutic interventions applied through telerehabilitation to the patients of the Physical Therapy Laboratory of the Technical University of Ambato, is the purpose of the research, during the state of exception provided by the Government of Ecuador for the health emergency SARS-CoV-2. The study was non-experimental and retrospective, with a quali-quantitative approach, the medical records were classified according to age, sex and diagnosis. The SF-12 Health questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were applied to the patients;then the comparative statistical analysis between the SF-12 and VAS was performed before and after the treatment period, using the SPSS software. of the 38 initial participants, in 23.7% the pain disappeared completely;On average, the SF-12 score increased by 14 points (initial 29.9 vs final 43.7) while the T test found significant differences, since when examining the initial and final results of the VAS and the SF-12 questionnaire, A value of 0.00 was obtained, the reference being p = 0.05;thus confirming that the affirmative hypothesis is accepted. All participants showed improvement in quality of life and decrease in pain, concluding that physiotherapy through telerehabilitation is an effective alternative method, in situations in which physical contact with the patient must be avoided.

Effect of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown on mental health among post-secondary students in the Grand Est region of France: results of the PIMS-CoV19 study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 epidemic has sent students around the world in to lockdown. This study sought to assess the prevalence of impaired self-perceived mental health and identify associated factors among French post-secondary students during the lockdown. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among French students living in the Grand Est area in France from May 7 to 17, 2020 during the first lockdown. An online survey was used to collect sociodemographic data, learning and teaching conditions, living conditions, and exposure to COVID-19, and self-perceived mental health was assessed with mental composite score (MCS) of the SF-12. RESULTS: Overall, 4018 were analyzed. Most participants were female (70.7%), and the mean age was 21.7 years (SD 4.0). The mean MCS score was 44.5 (SD 17.3). Impaired mental health, defined by a MCS < 1st Quartile, was mainly associated with female sex; decreased time for learning; not having access to the outside with a garden, a terrace or a balcony; difficulties with the living situation and having someone in the home affected by the SARS-COV2 requiring hospitalization or not. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that living conditions during lockdown had a clear impact on the mental health of French post-secondary students. There is a need to improve prevention and to access distance education as well as an urgent need for measures to develop healthy coping strategies for students. This is significant challenge and will assist in moderating the risk for the development of further distress and mental health concerns.

The Societal Influences and Quality of Life Among Healthcare Team Members During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus infection disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is likely to put healthcare professionals across the world in an unprecedented situation. Methods: A total of 683 healthcare workers were recruited in this study. Short form-12 items (SF-12), Societal Influences Survey Questionnaire (SISQ), and Disaster-Related Psychological Screening Test (DRPST) were used to survey participants. Multiple linear regression and structural equation model (SEM) were used to explore the possible factors to the societal influences and quality of life. Results: After multiple linear regression analysis, female, older, more education years, married, regular intake, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequency had positive association with SISQ. To physical component summary (PCS) of SF-12, chronic illness, sleep score, PTSD frequency, and social distance had negative association, and exercise habits had positive association. A mental component summary (MCS) value of SF-12, age, participate in social activities, and social information had positive association, and PTSD frequency, sleep score, social anxiety, and depression had negative association. Under SEM analysis, PTSD had positive influence on SISQ. Sleep score and MCS value had negative influences on SISQ. PTSD severity, older age, sleep score, smoking, and nursing staff had negative influences on PCS value. Young age, PTSD frequency, sleep score, and depression had negative influences on MCS value. Conclusion: Healthcare team members with severe PTSD symptoms suffered more societal influences. Relative to PTSD severity, PTSD frequency was more important to the quality of life. Members of older age who frequently participate in clubs, volunteers, or charity activities had better mental life quality.

Coping Strategies and Health-Related Quality of Life in Pregnant Women with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Background and Objectives: As maternal deaths associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection remain at several times greater than the general population, significant factors that might contribute to the higher mortality and morbidity rate are the psychological impact of the disease and pregnancy itself. Therefore, the current study's main objective was to assess how pregnant women react and cope with the stress of COVID-19 disease and how it influences their overall health and quality of life in healthcare facilities. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 304 pregnant women who successfully completed standardized forms to assess our topics of interest, comprising of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Short Form Health Survey-12, the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory scale, the CORE-Outcome Measure Questionnaire, and the Quality from the Patient's Perspective questionnaire. Results: Unemployed, pregnant women living in poverty in the rural areas had higher SARS-CoV-2 infection rates during pregnancy. They faced higher anxiety levels and depression rates, with associated increased physical burden and exhaustion. However, these findings are not influenced by hospital care since it remained unchanged among COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 maternity units, excepting significantly lower technical competence scores of COVID-19 facilities. Conclusions: As the pandemic's consequences emerge and additional outbreaks occur, care must prioritize the additional physical burden experienced by pregnant women who have contracted COVID-19, as well as psychological, emotional, and mental health support.

Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes and the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a survey conducted in patients enrolled in a dedicated registry.

PURPOSE: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had profound consequences also for non-infected patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the quality of life of a population with hereditary gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes and on the surveillance/oncological care program of patients enrolled in a dedicated registry. METHODS: The study was conducted by means of an online self-report survey during the first Italian national lockdown. The survey comprised four sections: demographics; perception/knowledge of COVID-19; impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surveillance and cancer care; health status (SF-12 questionnaire). RESULTS: 211 complete questionnaires were considered. 25.12% of respondents reported being not at all frightened by COVID-19, 63.98% felt "not at all" or "a little" more fragile than the healthy general population, and 66.82% felt the coronavirus to be no more dangerous to them than the healthy general population. 88.15% of respondents felt protected knowing they were monitored by a team of dedicated professionals. CONCLUSION: Patients with hereditary gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes reported experiencing less fear related to COVID-19 than the healthy general population. The study results suggest that being enrolled in a dedicated registry can reassure patients, especially during health crises.

Clinical Audit on Symptomatology of Covid-19 Healthcare Workers and Impact on Quality-of-Life (QOL) Due to Continuous Facemask Usage: A Prospective Study.

Covid-19 due to Sars-Cov-2 infection has reached pandemic proportion. Many healthcare workers are involved in managing both COVID-suspected and confirmed cases. It is mandatory for healthcare workers to have droplet and contact precautions by means of Personal protective equipment (PPE), facemask, face shield or eye protection. Prolonged usage of medical mask results in various adverse effects. This study is an attempt to know the common effects of prolonged face mask in healthcare workers and its resultant quality-of-life (QOL). To study the common effects of prolonged face mask and its impact on QOL of healthcare workers during the COVID 19 crisis. This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted over 6 months among 2750 healthcare workers. A questionnaire requesting demographic details and most common side effects after prolonged usage of face mask was circulated. We also attached a short form-12 (sf-12) questionnaire to assess its impact on QOL. Out of 2750 personnel, 299 were excluded. Male preponderance was noted. Study was conducted on candidates using 3ply mask or above. Age range was between 18 and 65 years with mean age being 37.61 ± 15.23 in mask users < 5 h per day, 32.2 ± 10.02 in 5-10 h group and 30.19 ± 8.15 in 10 h group. 8.48% (n = 174) had comorbidities. QOL impacted. The complaints with face mask use definitely are troublesome with increase in severity with duration of mask usage. This definitely has a proportional impact on the healthcare workers' QOL.