Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 68
Filter
1.
PUSA Journal of Hospitality and Applied Sciences ; 8(1):62-76, 2022.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-20241480

ABSTRACT

Background: The Food Commerce industry has flourished massively during the past decade in South Kolkata in West Bengal, with new outlets opening every now and then, so much so that this region is known as 'Food Street'. Regardless of their scale of operations, each of these outlets had well established themselves, catering to their respective target markets and earning decent amount of revenue over the years. However, this growth suffered a setback owing to the origin of novel Coronavirus SARS-n-CoV-2. The growth rate declined to a great extent over the span of two years, with recent studies showing an overall stunted growth rate. Even though online marketing of these outlets and selling the food through delivery apps have aided the entrepreneurs, the cost to revenue ratio is not at par with that of the times before the pandemic hit. Overall, the pandemic has impacted the eateries in more way than initially imagined. Objectives: (a) To reveal the various problems and scenarios of managing food business during the Covid-19 pandemic in South Kolkata region;(b) To compare the present scenario of the food industry with how things were before prior to the pandemic to understand the nature of change during this time frame;and, (c) To describe the challenges and methods implemented by the food retail business entrepreneurs and managers of the randomly selected establishments to hold a steady business flow during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methodology: The study follows a descriptive research design. Therefore, the research will describe the characteristics of the sample under study. The food outlets of South Kolkata have been chosen as the study location. 100 respondents were selected. The respondents are those who consume food from these outlets such that they represent the wider target market of the 'Food Street'. Both Primary Data and Secondary Data were used. Primary Data was collected through sample survey. Random Sampling technique was used to choose the respondents. The study used quantitative data, therefore, only Quantitative analysis was performed. Results: The Research was able to depict the comparison between the present scenario and the situation prior to the pandemic. The study was able to reveal the challenges and problems that the food outlets had to suffer from. Also, the methods or strategies taken up by the entrepreneurs of these outlets to overcome the pandemic were discovered. 46% of the respondents opted for "Mobile Food Delivery" as their strategy to revive from losses. Conclusion: With COVID-19 having altered - and still in the process of altering - the definition of "normal" across the world, most industries are still scrambling to adjust. The effect on the restaurant industry has been particularly dramatic. With restaurants and pubs closed for sit-down service, many establishments are struggling to keep their heads above water. The food outlets located in South Kolkata shares the same fate and the research is able to highlight this effectively.

2.
Al Ameen Journal of Medical Sciences ; 16(1):80-91, 2023.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-20239476

ABSTRACT

Background: "Covishield" and "Covaxin" were the two vaccines which were approved for emergency use in India. As there is uncertainty regarding these vaccines, this study aimed to estimate the proportion of acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19 in West Bengal;to identify the possible barriers of vaccine acceptance prevalent among the study population and;to find out the association of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination with the socio-demographic and other predictor variables. Methods: Oobservational study with cross sectional design was conductedon 294 participants in Muchisa, Budge Budge II and Ward No. 81 of Borough 10, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) selected by Stratified Random Sampling in 2021 using a predesigned, pretested and structured schedule. The statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 16.0. The data were explored using Pearson's chi-square test and logistic regression. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The potential acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination was 59.5% with higher adoption in urban population. The most potential barrier in acceptance of vaccine was "fear of side effects". Higher level of education and history of Covid-19 in the locality were associated with higher acceptance of the vaccination in both the urban and rural areas. Conclusion: A study emphasized on the need for mass campaigns and other behavior change communication activities for addressing the myths surrounding the disease and the newer vaccines and hence improving the currently low vaccine acceptance.

3.
PUSA Journal of Hospitality and Applied Sciences ; 7(1):93-106, 2021.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-20232568

ABSTRACT

Background: The ongoing pandemic has caused severe crisis in the hospitality sector with millions of people forced to stay home and under quarantine to stop the spread of contagion. The following paper aims to highlight the problems and difficulties faced by the hospitality sector and the host communities in particular due to the mandatory nation-wide lockdown owing to COVID-19 pandemic. Background: The purpose of the study was to analyse and highlight the common characteristics of the host community towards the stranded international and domestic travellers while catering and accommodating them owing to local authorities' obligatory lockdown along with the forced shutdown of hotels and large commercial establishments in Rohtak and Durgapur. Methodology: The geographical area of the research and data collection was limited to the city of Rohtak in Haryana and Durgapur in the state of West Bengal. Population of the study is limited to the region of Rohtak and Durgapur. The number of participants or respondents were 42. The paper is exploratory in design and follows a qualitative methodological approach. The data was collected with the help of an online self-report questionnaire. Results: Over a period of 95 days, the interviews of hosts and tourists were conducted. The content analysis revealed eight themes in all the recorded interviews. A majority of tourists and host communities were impacted by the pandemic in psychological aspects by 35.7%, followed by accommodation and protocols by 33.3% each. Conclusion: There have been various studies that have been conducted in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic but not many of them have highlighted the importance of host communities which are an indispensable part of our society as well as the hospitality sector.

4.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association ; 120(10):31-33, 2022.
Article in English | GIM | ID: covidwho-2321622

ABSTRACT

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019, first reported in December 2019 mainly presented with the symptoms of Cough, Fever, Shortness of breath, Myalgia, Weakness and anosmia. C-reactive Protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant protein which is synthesized by the liver in response to raised levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) which is a biomarker of inflammation. Methods: This was a prospective observational study, done on 110 COVID-19 patients after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed history, vaccination status, presence of comorbidities and thorough clinical examination was performed. Serum CRP levels was assessed and Computed Tomographic scan (CT scan) of Thorax was done. CORADS scoring and CT severity grading as per CT scan was done. All the above parameters were recorded in the preformed proforma and data was entered in excel spreadsheet and was analysed using SPSS v26 software. Results: Majority were males (56.3%) and majority were from 61-80 years of age. Majority (57.3%) patients were non-smokers. Hypertension was the most common associated comorbidity (86.4%) (r=0.743, p=0.000). There is a strong positive correlation between CRP levels and CTSS in COVID 19 patients and a strong negative correlation between the CRP levels and outcome of COVID-19 patients (r=-0.449, p=0.000). Conclusion: Elevated serum CRP value is associated with disease progression and poorer outcome.

5.
Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences ; 11(12):884-887, 2022.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-2326281

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Efficacy of COVID vaccines has been evaluated in various studies. The interim analysis from four randomized controlled trials in UK, Brazil, and south Africa regarding efficacy of two doses of the vaccine was found to be 70.4% (95.8% CI 54.8-80.6). There is a limited data on follow-up Ab titer post vaccination. Hence, the current study is first of its kind with the objective to determine vaccine long term efficacy and its determinants. METHODS: Health Care Workers (HCW) from Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata who underwent Covishield vaccination from January 2021 to April 2021 were included in the study. Serological testing was done prior to first and second dose of vaccinations, and additionally around six months post second dose. RESULTS: Between January 2021 to April 2021, 2032 HCW, with predominant age of less than 30 years (44.83%) and male gender (61.96%) undergoing Covishield vaccination were enrolled. Antibodies were detected in 953 (46.9%) individuals prior to first dose, 1449 out of 1495 (96.9%) remained positive prior to second dose and 465 out of 504 (92.3%) HCW after 6 months and remaining 39 (7.7%) either had lost or never had antibodies in their blood. The mean +or- SD value of first, second and third antibodies were 2.35 +or- 3.10, 10.46 +or- 4.84 and 8.75 +or- 4.88 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides long observation period, covering the complete progress of the pandemic which provides a "real-life" picture of the antibody level dynamics over time, and after vaccination.

6.
Disaster Med Public Health Prep ; : 1-5, 2022 Aug 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2319259

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 second wave badly affected India. This study assessed public preparedness and attitude towards a new lockdown in the state of West Bengal (WB) along with perception about the COVID pandemic situation. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to all willing adult attendees of a COVID vaccination centre in Kolkata, capital city of WB. Logistic regression was applied to find the relationship between attitude towards lockdown and other selected independent variables. RESULTS: Of the 839 persons analyzed, 72.0% were non-health workers; and 55.4% thought that available vaccines reduce COVID-19 risk. Among them, 54.4% wanted stricter guidelines imposed. For preparedness, 42.6% and 28.8% said they would stock additional food and medicines respectively. On multiple logistic regression, being female, having elderly family members, perceiving the second wave as worse, and favouring stricter restrictions, all had odds of favourable attitude towards the new, proposed lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: A new lockdown was favoured by the majority. However, a well-planned and phased approach for this is needed in the light of many concerns about the previous lockdown. Mental health issues, financial security, medical help at hand, and ease of travel to workplaces are important issues that need to be addressed in case of future lockdown(s).

7.
GeoJournal ; 87(4): 2641-2662, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2313069

ABSTRACT

Study shows that COVID-19 cases, deaths and recoveries vary in macro level. Geographical phenomena may act as potential controlling factor. The present paper investigates spatial pattern of COVID-19 cases and deaths in West Bengal (WB), India and assumes Kolkata is the source region of this disease in WB. Thematic maps on COVID related issues are prepared with the help of QGIS 3.10 software. As on 15th January 2021, WB has 564032 number of COVID-19 cases which is 0.618% to the total population of the state. However, the COVID-19 case for India is 0.843% and for world is 1.341% to its total population. Lorenz Curve shows skewed distribution of the COVID-19 cases in WB. 17 (90%) districts hold 84.11% of the total population and carry 56.30% of the total COVID-19 cases. However, the remaining two districts-Kolkata and North 24 Parganas-hold remaining 43.70% COVID-19 cases. Correlation coefficient with COVID-19 cases and Population Density, Urban Population and Concrete Roof of their house are significant at 1% level of significance.

8.
International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications ; 14(3):1, 2022.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2301448

ABSTRACT

This study has a novel approach to capture the attitude of Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) consumers towards Packaging Influenced Purchase (PIP) during the Covid-19 crisis. Over the years, BoPs consumers have established themselves as an emerging market with ample growth and opportunities. The authors suggested a Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) based framework to assist marketers in targeting both urban and rural BoP consumers regarding PIP. Packaging elements and influence of family, extended family, peers have been included in the framework for gaining in-depth understanding. With a sample size of 100 from West Bengal, this focus group-based study can fulfil the BoP literature's existing prominent research gap. Results indicate the difference in attitude for urban and rural BoPs towards PIP during this crisis. The fusion of MCDM based approach and relevant machine learning-based technique aims to assist marketers in identifying, formulating, and redefining an action plan.

9.
International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications ; 12(4):37, 2022.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2301447

ABSTRACT

The behaviour of consumers mostly follows the guidelines derived from marketing theories and models. But under some unavoidable circumstances, the consumers show a complete deviation compared to their existing consumption pattern, purchase behaviour, decision-making and so on. Under similar circumstances, this study aims to capture both urban and rural Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) consumers' perceptions of various marketing mixes during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. With a sample size of 378 and 282, the perception towards different marketing mixes has been captured for Pre-COVID and During-COVID periods, respectively. The adopted quantitative analysis indicates a difference in perception towards marketing mix During COVID compared to Pre-COVID. Moreover, the selection of West Bengal, India, as an area of research fulfills the BoP literature's existing prominent research gap. This study also comes with the potential to assist marketers and the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry in framing strategies to target BoP consumers.

10.
Current Politics and Economics of South, Southeastern, and Central Asia ; 31(4):421-426, 2022.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2298217

ABSTRACT

In December 2019, India's Parliament passed, and its President signed into law, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, altering the country's 1955 Citizenship Act. For the first time in independent India's history, a religious criterion was added to the country's naturalization process. The changes sparked significant controversy, including large-scale and sometimes violent protests. Opponents of the CAA warn that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are pursuing a Hindu majoritarian, anti-Muslim agenda that threatens India's status as an officially secular republic and violates international human rights norms and obligations. In tandem with a National Register of Citizens (NRC) planned by the federal government, the as-yet unimplemented CAA may threaten the citizenship rights of India's large Muslim minority of roughly 200 million. India's Supreme Court is set to resume its review more than 250 petitions on the law's constitutionality in December 2022.

11.
National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology ; 12(9):1458-1462, 2022.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-2274269

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID vaccines have been rolled out all over the world after emergency use authorization in the prevailing pandemic situation. However, hesitancy about its safety and efficacy exists among beneficiaries. Vaccine hesitancy can be a barrier to adequate immunization coverage. Aims and Objectives: This qualitative study was undertaken among health care workers in the rural field practice area of a tertiary care hospital, to find out their perceptions about COVID vaccines, and reasons behind hesitancy toward the same. Materials and Methods: Six focused group discussions (FGD) were held with the help of moderator. Each FGD had five members, so 30 members were included in the study. Health care workers included doctors, nurses, ANM/ASHAs, and other health care workers. Results: There were 17 males and 13 females. Doctors had a positive attitude toward vaccination, but other health care workers had mixed perception regarding vaccination. Most grass root level workers were sceptical about the efficacy of the vaccine. Conclusion: Mostly positive attitude toward COVID vaccines was observed in the present study. Hesitancy toward vaccines was observed in some health care workers, and it likely rooted from their inadequate knowledge about the vaccine.

12.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association ; 120(5):11-15, 2022.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-2273659

ABSTRACT

Background : Mucormycosis is a life threatening fungal disease caused by the filamentous fungi mucormycetes. Though a known entity for decades, it began to manifest in an unprecedented manner in the COVID scenario specially with the second wave in India. The objectives were to describe the demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, risk factors, therapy and in-hospital mortality of patients with Mucormycosis. Material and Methods : We conducted a retrospective observational study for a period of six months from March 2021 to August 2021. The data was collected for cases of mucormycosis from multiple centres all over West Bengal and analysed. All consecutive individuals with confirmed mucormycosis were enrolled in this study. The data documenting demographic particulars, presentation, predisposing factors and comorbiditieswere recorded in a pre validated case report form Details of investigation recording site and extent of disease, therapeutic intervention and outcome was mentioned . Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21.0 for MS-Windows. Results : The total number of cases from March to August 2021 was 263 . There were 171 males and 92 females and the mean age of occurrence was 50.8+or-0.4 years .In West Bengal clusters of cases were being reported most commonly from the districts of North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Hooghly. Some cases admitted here hailed from outside states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam. The majority of the cases 74.22% (196)were COVID Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) while only 25.78% were non COVID associated. Diabetes mellitus was associated in 78.7% and history of prolonged steroid therapy in 57.4% of cases. We encountered rhino orbital mucormycosis in 99.24% of cases and cerebral involvement in 47.3%. They were treated with Amphotericin B deoxycholate along with endoscopic debridement. The most common side effects of Amphotericin B Deoxycholate were hypokalemia (93%), hypomagnesemia (32%) and AKI (74%) of the cases . The number of patients discharged was 16.7% and 10 left against medical advice (LAMA) . In hospital deaths were recorded to be 26.7%. Cause of death was commonly -AKI, septic shock and multiorgan failure . Conclusion : Prevention is better than cure of this devastating disease which is difficult todiagnose and treat . Awareness about mucormycosis and careful clinical evaluation of post-COVID patients is mandatory in this era in order to rapidly diagnose and treat mucormycosis.

13.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association ; 120(5):48-50, 2022.
Article in English | GIM | ID: covidwho-2265800

ABSTRACT

Surgeons were facing considerable ethical dilemma during this COVID-19 pandemic-whichpatient to select for surgery and which patient to be deferred for a later date. Surgeons also had a difficult taskof protecting themselves and their team and perform a safe surgery without infecting the patient. There were also ethical issues of using Oxygen or an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed during this time for the surgical patient when it was in short supply. A critical factorwas balancing the benefit of surgery for the patient against the risk of contacting the COVID-19 virus and the complications of the disease process.

14.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry ; 65(Supplement 1):S107, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2261919

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Pandemic, being unprecedented, leads to several mental health problems, especially among the front-line healthcare professionals (HCP). Front-line HCPs often suffer from anxiety, depression, burnout, insomnia and stress-related disorders. This is mediated by different biopsychological vulnerabilities of the individuals;socio-environmental factors such as the risk of exposure to infection, availability of personal protective equipment, psychological impact of the isolation/quarantine and interpersonal distancing also play the major roles. Aim(s): This study aimed to investigate the Psychiatric Morbidity in different Healthcare professionals (HCPs) and to observe any changes that occurred in this COVID pandemic situation. Material(s) and Method(s): The present study was a Hospital based Cross-sectional observational study, conducted over 1.5 years at College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kamarhati. 126 HCPs (Consultants, Senior Resident, junior residents, Interns, Nurses, Paramedical Staffs, Non-Clinical staffs) were included in this study. Bengali version of Self Rated Questionnaire (SRQ-24) was used to assess the psychiatric morbidity. Result(s): In our study 61.9% HCPs were having Psychiatric Morbidity and 38.1% were not having Psychiatric morbidity. Among Consultants 30.2% had psychiatric morbidity, among Senior Residents 40%, in Junior Residents 52.9%, among Interns 50%, among Nurse 77.8% and in Non-Clinical Stuffs 69.6% and in Paramedical Stuffs 75% had psychiatric morbidity. Conclusion(s): Healthcare professionals had to do their duty in many adverse situations in COVID pandemic. They had to face tremendous mental and physical pressure and frequently they became exhausted. In spite this they did duty properly and saved millions of lives. So, their mental health should be assessed and proper intervention should be taken.

15.
Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine ; 25(1):47-48, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2255079

ABSTRACT

Background: Health sectors can be listed under the high-risk work areas. As we all know, in this COVID 19 pandemic, doctors, nurses, health workers are the front line warriors. If we consider only the nursing personnel here, their tasks alone are prone to occupational hazards. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are most common among the self-reported occupational diseases. In previous studies, a significantly large number of participants reported musculoskeletal symptoms faced at least once. Insufficiency of ergonomic expertise is one of the most important recognizable risk factors as well as the shortage of staff in hospitals. MSDs are caused due to stressful physical work, static work postures, frequent bending, and twisting, lifting, pushing, and pulling of heavy objects, vibrations, localized mechanical pressure, etc. Various studies have shown that the daily chores of nursing personnel put them at high risk of MSDs. Methods : The study areas were different hospitals and nursing homes in West Bengal. Only the female, registered nurses working in different wards are chosen for this study. The study's inclusion criteria were only the female, registered nurses and the absence of any chronic disease in them. The exclusion criteria were the nursing students, nurses having histories of recent or previous major accidents/injuries or chronic diseases. The study population was interviewed on a one-to-one basis by means of a questionnaire based on Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Result(s): Among the total study population, 67.5% of subjects reported low back pain (LBP). 22.5% reported upper back, knee, and ankle discomfort. 27.5%, 15%, and 12.5% reported neck, shoulder, and wrist/hand discomfort, respectively. Conclusion(s): The results of this study have revealed that MSDs are a common phenomenon among nursing personnel. LBP is the most familiar among them, 67.5% of subjects have reported the presence of discomfort. Not only LBP, subjects reported neck, shoulder, knee, and upper back discomfort along with ankle and wrist symptoms. In this COVID-19 scenario, their jobs have become more strenuous than usual. It is found that tasks requiring continuous long hours to perform are causing symptoms to appear. Shift rotations, splitting of shifts, using more ergonomically designed tools, knowledge of ergonomic skills are required in this situation to avoid the aggravation of symptoms.

16.
National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology ; 13(2):438-446, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2254197

ABSTRACT

According to a published literature from the end of 2019 to the start of April 2021, India contributed approximately 71% of the global cases of mucormycosis in patients with COVID-19. In addition to this, hyperglycemia in diabetics, steroid therapy, and consequent metabolic acidosis and diabetic keto acidosis along with other risk factors such as prolonged hospitalization with or without mechanical ventilators increase the chance of infection. Aims and Objectives In our study, we suggested the risk factors, clinical features, appropriate investigations, and effective treatment to control the infection of post-COVID-19 rhino-orbital mucormycosis. After taking history of the patients (age, residential area, date of admission, symptoms of illness, comorbidities, ex-diabetes, hypertension or other major illness, treatment history during COVID infection or other regular medications of the patient, and ex-history of steroid intake), we noted the related clinical features of rhino-orbital mucormycosis of the patients.

17.
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences ; 13(11):158-162, 2022.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-2283118

ABSTRACT

Background: With the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, the life of humankind had changed a lot. With a change in health-care approach, contraception became a non-essential service and faced a downfall. Aims and Objective: This study objective is to find out the changes in contraceptive usage in a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: The study is a retrospective observational study, in which contraceptive usage was compared between 2019 and 2020. Data obtained from record section of the institute were used as source. Attendance in Gynecological Outpatient Department, admission in maternity ward, and delivery rates were also compared between 2 years. Results: Total contraceptive usage was decreased by 11.1% in 2020. Long-acting reversible contraceptives or short-acting both types were decreased in 2020, but maximum decrease was barrier method condom by 25.1% and oral contraceptive pills by 24.9%. Hospital maternity ward admission was less by 7% and delivery rates by 2.4%. Only medical termination of pregnancy showed an increased trend in 2020. Conclusion: Pandemic also had caused a toll in family planning, and thus, overall decrease in usage was seen which can be detrimental to population control.

18.
Current World Environment ; 16(2):628-648, 2021.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-2282223

ABSTRACT

COVID 19 pandemic has gradually established itself as the worst pandemic in the last hundred years around the world after initial outbreak in China, including India. To prevent the spread of the infection the Government implemented lockdown measure initially from 24th March to 14th April, 2020 which was later extended to 3rd May, 2020. This lockdown imposed restrictions in human activities, vehicular movements and industrial functioning;resulting in reduced pollution level in the cities. This study was initiated with the objective to identify the change in the air quality of seven megacities in India and to determine any correlation between the active COVID cases with the air quality parameters. Air quality dataset of the most common parameters (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, NH3, CO and Ozone) along with air quality index for 70 stations of seven megacities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Chandigarh) were analysed. Comparison was made between AQI of pre lockdown and during lockdown periods. The results obtained indicate sufficient improvement in air quality during the period of the lockdown. For the next part of the study active COVID cases during the lockdown were compared to the air quality change of that period. A significant correlation between active COVID case and change in the air quality was observed for Delhi and Kolkata with 0.51 and 0.64 R2 values respectively. A positive correlation was also observed between air pollutant parameters and incidents of COVID cases in this study. Thus from the analysis it was identified that air quality index improved considerably as a result of the nationwide lockdown however, there was no significant impact of this improvement on the infection rate of the prevailing pandemic.

19.
Forum Geografic ; 21(1):34-43, 2022.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2282180

ABSTRACT

As a pandemic, COVID 19 spread worldwide in early 2020. Primarily densely populated countries had remained vulnerable due to this biological hazard. Many people were forced to stay home owing to nature of the disease and no respite. A nationwide lockdown was implemented in India for 29 days (March 24th to April 21st) of 2020 during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the nationwide lockdown, industries, transport, and other commercial activities were suspended, except for necessary services. During the entire pandemic situation, an affirmative impact was observed as the air quality was reported to have improved worldwide. The complete economic lockdown to check COVID-19, brought unforeseen relief from severe condition of air quality. An apparent, reduction in level of PM2.5 and Air Quality Index (AQI) was experienced over Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Present work explores the various metrics of air pollution in Kolkata, West Bengal, India (imposed as a result of containment measure for COVID-19). The polluting parameters (e.g., PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, O3, and NH3) were chosen for seven monitoring stations (Ballygunge, Fort William, Victoria, Bidhannagar, Jadavpur, Rabindra Bharati, Rabindra Sarabar), which are spread across the metropolitan area of Kolkata. National Air Quality Index (NAQI) has been used to show pre-and during-lockdown air quality spatial patterns. The findings showed major changes in air quality throughout the lockdown period. The highest reduction in pollutants emission was observed for: PM10 (- 60.82%), PM2.5 (-45.05%) and NO2 (-62.27%), followed by NH3 (- 32.12%) and SO2 (-32.00%), CO (-47.46%), O3 (15.10%). During the lockdown, the NAQI value was reduced by 52.93% in the study area. © 2022 University of Craiova, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geography. All rights reserved.

20.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry ; 65(Supplement 1):S96, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2280424

ABSTRACT

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel Corona virus has impacted more than 200 countries.COVID-19 patients are frequently isolated and quarantined due to high infectivity thus adding to further mental stress in addition to physical symptoms, uncertainty, anger, stress and insecurity. It has given rise to various psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, fear of isolation, fear of dying, feeling of helplessness, insomnia and many more. The aim of this study is to investigate stress, anxiety, and depression in COVID-19 positive patients during the Corona pandemic in West Bengal. Aim(s): To study the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities lie stress, anxiety, depression in moderate and severely affected COVID 19 patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal. Settings and Design: This cross sectional study was conducted at post COVID follow up clinic on 100 COVID-19 infected patients who were admitted in COVID ward of College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, West Bengal. Subjects and Methods: those EWS score more than equals to 5 and gave consent were selected as subjects and data was collected on socio demographic parameters and SRQ 24 was applied followed by assessment was done using the HAM-D for depression, HAM-A for anxiety, and PSS for stress in post COVID-19 patients at post COVID follow up clinic in the hospital. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 27.0 version for Microsoft Windows. Result(s): 78% patients were suffering from moderate (N=78) and 22% from severe (N=22) COVID 19 infection. 57.0 % patients (N=57) were women and 43.0% (N=43) were men. The mean age of the patients was more in severe (50.6+/-12.8) compared to moderate (42.6+/-12.5) COVID-19 infection .Mean depression was more in severe (14.0+/-3.8) compared to moderate (5.57+/-2) (p<0.0001). Mean Anxiety was more in severe (16.72+/-11.6) compared to moderate (8.0+/-10.6.) (p=0.0014). Mean Stress was more in severe (20.18+/-3.36) compared moderate infection (19.0+/-3.2) (p=0.1397). Conclusion(s): out of 100 COVID-19 patients majority were women and suffered from moderate COVID infection. Higher the age more the infection was found. Depression, Anxiety, Stress were more associated with the severe infection, low educated, lower socioeconomic status. Severe infection was commonly found among female, less educated, higher age, from rural area, lower economic status.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL