Assessment of anxiety and fear of getting infected among dentists while working in current corona virus disease outbreak- A study

Background: Health care workers and dentists in particular are categorized as at high risk of catching Covid- 19 infection. The present study assessed anxiety and fear among dentists while working in current corona virus pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): 150 dentists of both genders were provided with a questionnaire. Each positive response "Yes" was marked as "1" while "No" was marked with "0." The frequency of the positive/negative responses was used to assess the dentists' anxiety. Result(s): Out of 150 subjects, males were 90 and females were 60. 70 were BDS, 80 were MDS, 50 were working in clinic, 60 in hospital and 40 in both, 95 were working in private sector and 55 in government sector. The anxiety of being infected with COVID-19 was seen in 67%, afraid of providing treatment for any patient was seen in 70%, anxious talking to the patients in close proximity in 65%, afraid that you could carry the infection from your practice back to your family in 84%, feel anxious when you hear that one of your coworkers or colleagues has been infected with COVID-19 in 80% and 72% knew the illness problems associated with COVID-19 virus. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion(s): Dentists had anxiety and fear while working in Covid- 19 pandemic.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Anxiety levels of healthcare personnel in different stages of COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide study from Turkey Healthcare personnel and COVID 19

Aim: SARS CoV-2 transmission in healthcare personnel was first reported on January 20, 2020. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiety levels experienced by healthcare personnel in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors affecting these levels. Material(s) and Method(s): A survey investigating sociodemographic features and examining anxiety levels was conducted among approximately 1000 healthcare personnel who were expected to take active roles in the pandemic across Turkey. The survey was conducted in three stages: before the pandemic spread to Turkey, at the beginning of the pandemic and when the pandemic became prominent. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting anxiety and predictors of anxiety levels. Result(s): In the first survey, always (odds ratio, 15.781;p<0.01) and often (odds ratio, 5.365;p<0.05) media use, in the second survey media use (p<0.05) and profession (odds ratio, 0.021;p<0.05) and in the third survey, marital status (odds ratio, 17.716;p<0.01) and gender (odds ratio, 4.431;p<0.05) were determined as the predictors of anxiety related to COVID-19. Discussion(s): As a result of this study, healthcare personnel groups were defined (women, nurses, married people) who need special intervention and support to provide spiritual comfort when working on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. Further comprehensive studies are needed of the extent of psychological support required by healthcare personnel and to whom and how this support should be provided.Copyright © 2022, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.

Students anxiety experiences during COVID-19 in Nepal

Background COVID-19 started in China and has spread throughout the world since December 2019. The pandemic has not only brought the risk of morbidity and mortality from infection but also psychological burden. Objective To find out the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on students from high schools, colleges and universities in Nepal, along with examining the association between socio-demographic and other related variables and level of anxiety in the students. Method This study sampled students from Nepal using convenience sampling and responded to a quantitative questionnaire that included the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and other basic information. Finally, 105 respondents were included in the final analysis (100% response rate). Convenient sampling technique was used to gather the sample. Result The results indicated that 18.1% of the respondents were experiencing severe anxiety, 22.9% moderate anxiety, and 25.7% mild anxiety. Moreover, females were more prone to anxiety as compared to males. The results of correlation analysis indicated that economic effects, and delays in academic activities, were positively associated with anxiety symptoms (p < .05). However, social support was negatively correlated with the level of anxiety (p < .001). Conclusion It is recommended that the mental health of students should be monitored during public health emergencies, such as this one. This study examines the psychological impacts of COVID-19 among the college students in Nepal. Copyright © 2020, Kathmandu University. All rights reserved.

A Psychometric Analysis of Somatic and Cognitive Factors of Anxiety in Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic Based on State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety Scale: An Observational Study

Background: The Pandemic of COVID-19 has put healthcare workers under significant psychological pressure. This aimed to analyze the cognitive and somatic components of anxiety among healthcare workers using the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Assessment Scale (STICSA) before and during the pandemic. In this observational study, 300 healthcare workers were analyzed using the STICSA questionnaire. Various demographic data like age, gender, marital status, educational background, sleep duration was collected. The somatic and cognitive dysfunction score were compared using an independent sample T-test between gender, duration of sleep, etc. Somatic and cognitive dysfunction severity was compared with demographic and pandemic-related parameters using the Chi square test. Result(s): Among 300 participants, the majority (83%, n=249) were below 29 years of age, 159(53%) were females. In respect to duration of sleep during the pandemic, the total score was 40.85 +/- 13.3 in participants sleeping less than 7 hours and 35.83 +/- 11.7 among participants sleeping more than7 hrs. This difference in total score and duration of sleep between the groups was statistically significant (P value 0.001). The mean total score of somatic and cognitive dysfunction before the pandemic was 34.88 +/- 11.527, and it was 38.03 +/- 12.655 during the pandemic. The difference in scores before the pandemic and during the pandemic was statistically significant (P value <0.001). Conclusion(s): This study gives enough evidence that anxiety levels have increased and duration of sleep has decreased among health care workers during this pandemic, with cognitive dysfunction being more profound than somatic dysfunction.. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Relationship between Anxiety Levels and Prevention Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Transmission Among Pregnant Women

Backgrounds: Pregnant women are classified in a group that is vulnerable to the transmission of COVID-19 infection. Anxiety of pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic can hinder pregnancy plans and increase anxiety of pregnant women. The anxiety of pregnant women could lead them to have a positive healthy attitude, namely by following the health protocols implemented by the government. Aim(s): This study is aimed to determine the relationship between anxiety levels and prevention attitudes toward COVID-19 transmission among pregnant women. Methodology: This type of research is quantitative analytic with a cross sectional approach using the HARS anxiety questionnaire to determine the anxiety levels of pregnant women and prevention attitude questionnaire toward COVID-19. Research was carried out at Sri Wartini Community Medical Center in Bogor City with a sample of 40 pregnant women. The sampling technique used was total sampling. The data analysis technique used statistical test with chi-square test. Result(s): Among 40 participants, 24 (60%) participants had positive prevention attitudes toward COVID-19 and 16 (40%) participants had negative prevention attitudes toward COVID-19 transmission, whereas 15 (37.5%) participants had mild anxiety and positive prevention attitudes toward COVID-19 transmission. The p-value of this research was 0.000. Conclusion(s): There was significant relationship between anxiety levels and prevention attitudes toward COVID-19 transmission among pregnant women. Copyright © 2023, Institute of Medico-legal Publication. All rights reserved.

Assessment of anxiety level among undergraduate students regarding examinations in Babylon University, Iraq

Objective: To assess anxiety levels regarding examinations among undergraduate students at college of nursing, Babylon University. Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted from 1st December 2021 to 31th January 2022. The study included undergraduate nursing students of Babylon University, Hilla City, Iraq. The study, used a structured self-administered questionnaire with 100 nursing students. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographical data and Sarson's examination anxiety scale which consisted of 38 items to measure exam anxiety levels. The validity was determined through 10 experts related to the field of study. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the questionnaire was sent to the respondents via emails or by the social media (Messengers, viber, and what's up). Result(s): Mean age of participants was 24.50+/-5.61 years. The level of undergraduates' anxiety towards examinations was clear. A total of 69 students out of 100 were suffering moderate anxiety on Sarson's examination anxiety scale. Conclusion(s): There was a moderate level of anxiety among most nursing students of Babylon University who participated in current study regarding to examinations based on Sarson exam anxiety Scale. Copyright © 2022, Pakistan Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Assessment of anxiety related to Covid-19 in the elderly in Tunisia

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has several risks particularly in the elderly, such a high death rate and severe forms.The risk also involves significant psychological distress especially anxiety. Objective(s): Assessment of anxiety symptoms due to COVID 19 in elderly subjects in Tunisia. Method(s): A cross-sectional descriptive study on a sample of 50 people aged between 65 and over. Data was collected using a questionnaire and a COVID Anxiety Rating Scale "Fear of COVID-19 Scale". Result(s): We found that most subjects agreed or strongly agreed that they were afraid of Corona and that 54% agreed or strongly agreed that they felt uncomfortable thinking about the Corona. Physical symptoms like having sweaty hands, or having palpitations related to the fear of having the disease were reported by 24% of the subjects. Almost half of the respondents (46%) were afraid of losing their lives due to Corona. Most subjects (66%) reported that they became nervous or anxious when viewing information posted on social media on Corona. Insomnia related to worries about having COVID was reported in 12% of subjects. We were able to retain that most of the subjects (68%) had a mild level of anxiety and that 30% of the subjects had a moderate level. No subject had severe anxiety. Conclusion(s): Low to moderate level of fear due to the COVID 19 pandemic was observed among Tunisian elderly according to this study. This leads us to conclude that assessment of anxiety particularly in seniors should be more systematic.

Effectiveness of a flash glucose monitoring systems implementation program through a group and telematic educational intervention in adults with type 1 diabetes

Objectives: Verifying the clinical effectiveness and the impact on quality-of-life parameters, fear of hypoglycaemia and satisfaction with the treatment obtained with a flash glucose monitoring (MFG) devices implantation program that includes a telematic and group educational intervention in adults with type 1 diabetes. Patients and Methods: Prospective quasi-experimental study, carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic period with a 9-month follow-up at the Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Sevilla. Result(s): Eighty-eight participants were included (men: 46.6%;mean age (years) 38.08, SD: 9.38);years of DM1 evolution: 18.4 (SD: 10.49);treatment with multiple doses insulin (MDI) 70.5% vs 29.5% subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy (CSII)). Baseline HbA1c was 7.74% (1.08). After the intervention, the global decrease in HbA1c was -0.45% (95% CI [-0.6, -0.25], P<.01), increasing to -1.08% in the group that started with HbA1c>=8% (P<.01). A mean decrease in the Fear of Hypoglycemia 15 (FH15) test score of -6.5 points was observed (P<.01). In the global score of the spanish version of Diabetes Quality Of Life (DQOL-s) test, the decrease was -8.44 points (P<.01). In Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire test (DTQ-s), global score increased in + 4 points (P<.01). Conclusion(s): The incorporation of an educational program in group and telematic format within the development of MFG devices implantation strategies is an effective option, with associated benefits in quality of life and fear of hypoglycemia in adult patients with DM1. This option can be implemented in usual clinical practice. Copyright © 2021 SEEN y SED

Investigating the Effectiveness of Meaning Therapy with a Spiritual Approach on Self-care Behaviors and Anxiety of Corona Disease in People with Type 2 Diabetes

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of meaning therapy with a spiritual approach on self-care behaviors and anxiety of corona disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The research design was a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test with a control group and random selection. The statistical population of this research included all people with type 2 diabetes who are members of the Iranian Diabetes Association in Tehran. Sampling in this research was done in the form of purposeful sampling. For this purpose, 30 people with type 2 diabetes were selected and completed the questionnaire of self-care behavior and corona anxiety, and then they were randomly divided into two groups (15 people in the experimental group and 10 people in the control group). In this research, Tobert and Glasgow's (2000) diabetes self-care behavior questionnaire and Alipour's corona anxiety questionnaire (2018) were used to collect data. The intervention was conducted in the form of 10 sessions and two sessions of 45 minutes per week on the experimental group. The control group did not receive any intervention during this period. After collecting the data, it was analyzed using spss-24 software and covariance analysis methods. The findings showed that meaning therapy with a spiritual approach had a significant effect on improving self-care behaviors and reducing the anxiety of corona disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

Quality of Life of Myasthenia Gravis Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic - One Year Follow Up

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the largest pandemic of our times. Pandemics are severe stressors to vulnerable groups (such as patients with chronic diseases) and this highly contagious disease exerts considerable impacts on mental health. We wanted to investigate the possible impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life (QoL) of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients and potential changes during the period of one year. Methods: Data on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of MG was collected. We used a selfdesigned questionnaire (consisting of 12 questions), a revised 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MGQOL15r), a 36-item health survey of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF36), Hamilton scales for the assessment of anxiety (HAM-A) and depression (HAMD) were used. The actual severity of the clinical manifestation was estimated using MG activities of daily life (MGADL). We reassessed patients in April and May 2021, who were tested during April 2020 using the same questionnaires. Results: The study included 57 adult MG patients. We noticed a statistically significant difference between the results obtained at these two time points regarding scores on MGQOL15r (p<0.05). The obtained scores were significantly better in 2021. Some scores on SF-36 subscales were also better in 2021 than in 2020 (such as social functioning, emotional well-being, role limitation due to emotional problems) (p<0.05). MGQOL15r and SF36 scores correlate with severe clinical manifestation, high scores on HAM-A and HAM-D (p<0.01). Higher scores on HAM-D and fear that MG symptoms will be worse if the patient gets an upper respiratory infection were independent predictors of the lower SF36 scores. Regarding MGQOL15r independent predictors of the higher score were higher scores on HAM-D. Conclusions: QoL of myasthenia gravis patients improved during the pandemic. It is important for healthcare workers to provide professional therapeutic advice and psychosocial support for this population of patients during the pandemic. eP01.04.07 COVID Spike Antibodies in Neuromuscular Conditions: A KU Experience Pasnoor M1, Tajuddin A1, Jawdat O1, Farmakidis C1, Jabari D1, Heim A1, Higgs K1, Dimachkie M1 1The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States Background: Little is known about the immune response to COVID vaccination in immune suppressed neuromusuclar patients. Multiple studies showed variable data regarding the effect of immunosuppression on the immune response to the vaccination. Objective: To evaluate the COVID spike antibody levels in patients with various neuromuscular conditions who received vaccination and assess the effect of immunosuppressive therapies on antibody levels. Method: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients in neuromuscular clinic who had COVID antibody testing. We collected demographic, clinical, diagnostic and treatment information. Descriptive statistics was performed on the data obtained. Results: The total number of patients enrolled in the study were129, 64 male and 65 female . The mean age of the patients enrolled was 64.82 ±14.50 and the mean duration of antibody acquisition since date of last vaccination dose was 172 days. The number of patients on immunosuppressive therapies was 88(68.2%), 47(53.41%) had high antibody titer (>250), 31(35.23%) had low antibody titer (0.4- 250), 9(10.23%) had undetected antibody titer (<0.4) and 1 (1.1%) had detected unmeasured titer. Immunosuppressive therapies included steroids, methotrexate, azathioprine, myophenolate mofetil, eculizumab, efgartigimod, intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab. The other group of patients who were not on immunosuppressive medication were 41 (31.8%) , 28 (68.29%) showed high antibody titer (>250), 9(21.95%) showed low antibody titer (0.4-250) , 1(2.44%) showed undetected titer (>0.4) and 3(7.32%) had detected unmeasured titer. 50% of patient who were on rituximab showed undetected antibody titer and 60% of patients who received eculizumab had low antibody titer. 4 % of patients on immunosuppressive drugs did not develop adequate spike antibodies levels to vaccination, compared to 24% on no immunosuppressive therapies. Conclusions: Our study reveals modest impact of immunosuppression on COVID spike antibody titer. While this finding is limited by small number of patients and heterogeneity in therapies, age and interval between vaccination and antibody testing, our finding supports the importance of booster vaccine in this patient population.

PERSPECTIVES on MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION in PEDIATRIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION: A CALL to ACTION

The already high rates of anxiety and depression among healthy children have increased further since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. Pre-pandemic data suggest children with chronic disease were already experiencing increased rates of anxiety and depression as compared to their healthy peers. There is currently a paucity of literature on the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with pediatric pulmonary hypertension. In addition, there are no practice recommendations regarding mental health screening in this population. We evaluated provider perception of mental health screening at fourteen pediatric pulmonary hypertension care centers across the United States and Canada utilizing a cross-sectional survey. Thirty-seven providers from fourteen pediatric pulmonary hypertension centers in North America completed the survey. Health care providers caring for pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients perceive their patient cohort to frequently experience anxiety and depression. In addition, these providers believe that their patients would benefit from formalized, and routine, assessment of anxiety and depression with referral to mental health services as appropriate. Barriers to current mental health services were identified. This highlights the need to better understand the prevalence of anxiety and depression in pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients and to establish formal mental health screening practices within pediatric pulmonary hypertension care centers.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT IN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN AUSTRALIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has had wide-ranging effects across society, and healthcare workers of all kinds find themselves on the frontline. Studies have shown that during the pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have suffered from high rates of mental distress, but little work has focused explicitly on mental healthcare workers, who may experience unique stressors during this pandemic. Objective: To examine psychological distress and professional burnout in a cohort of Australian mental healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study examined a multidisciplinary cohort of mental healthcare workers in a large metropolitan service in Australia. Demographic and employment information as well as individual personal experience of the COVID-19 pandemic was collected and correlated with cross-sectional assessments of anxiety, depression and professional burnout using validated clinical questionnaires: the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Findings: Unsurprisingly, HCWs reported that the pandemic has impacted multiple domains of life and, as a result, high levels of anxiety, depression and professional burnout were reported. Participants reported some reduction in anxiety since the early phases of the pandemic, but the reduction was more modest in mental healthcare workers identifying as being 'vulnerable' employees. Conclusion: Despite the low numbers of COVID-19 cases in Australia, mental healthcare workers in Australia report significant levels of psychological distress and professional burnout during the pandemic, influenced by several factors in both their professional and private lives.

Remote Online Test Anxiety during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical Students

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced higher education to adopt e-learning and remote online tests as a kind of assessment that leads to new paradigms. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the medical students' test anxiety toward remote online tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The current cross-sectional study has been conducted in the 2020-2021 academic year. A self-reported online questionnaire was used to investigate the medical students' test anxiety at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. The survey consisted of demographic characteristics, including gender, age, and curriculum phase, as well as the validated version of the Sarasons's test anxiety scale in Persian. Results: The findings indicated that the prevalence rates of mild, moderate, and severe test anxiety were 27.9%, 36.9%, and 35.2%, respectively, toward remote online tests. Although the comparison of test anxiety levels showed a statistically significant difference due to gender and age (P<0.05), the difference in test anxiety among the students of basic sciences and preclinical was not significant (P>0.05). Furthermore, the female students' test anxiety was more than that of male students, and participants over 20 years old had higher test anxiety scores (P<0.05). Conclusion: Moderate to severe test anxiety was more common in medical students, which can have devastating effects on the students' academic performance. There is a critical need to recommend anxiety management techniques and bring reforms in e-assessment systems to reduce test anxiety in medical students.

Assessment of COVID-19-related new onset of Depression and Anxiety: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: The aim of the present study assessment of new-onset depression and anxiety associated with COVID-19. Methods: This analytical, cross-sectional study was done the Department of Psychiatry Adesh Medical College Hospital Ambala Haryana, India for 10 months. By using Google Form platform contained validated online survey among Indian population which includes all adult males and females during or post COVID-19 infection and compared to the non-COVID-19 population as a control group. Results: 38% of participants were male while 62% are females. 26% of participants were married while 70% were single. 60% of participants are students and 38% are employed while 2% are retired. Regarding the COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative participants, 25% of participants reported having been diagnosed with COVID-19. Scores of PHQ-9 ranged from 0 to 27 (the mean is and the standard deviation is 6.12). Depression prevalence in our sample was 40%. Scores of GAD-7 ranged from 0 to 21 (the mean of 8.99 and the standard deviation is 5.33). Anxiety prevalence in our sample was 41%. The model shows a significant overall effect of gender [F(489) = 39.02, p<0.001], a non-significant effect of COVID-19 infection [F(489)=1.88, p=0.177] and a trending effect of the interaction between gender and COVID-19 [F(489) = 3.25, p=0.069]. Since the effect is not significant, we did not run any post hoc analyses. Conclusion: Significant levels of depression and anxiety were observed among the study population. The high levels of depression and anxiety may have masked the differences between those with or without COVID-19.

Determination of anxiety levels of female and male athletes for catching corona virus

Background: The Covid-19 epidemic has greatly changed the lifestyles and habits of millions of people around the world, and it has been observed that these changes have become permanent. Aim: The aim of our research is to examine the anxiety levels of female and male athletes for catching the new type of corona virus (Covid-19). Method: The survey method, one of the quantitative research models, was used in the study. The population of the research consisted of athletes (n=198) who were actively involved in sports in various sports clubs and in various branches in the districts of Istanbul, on the European side (Bakirköy, Göngören, Zeytinburnu). The data were collected online by applying the survey technique. The New Type Coronavirus (Covid-19) Anxiety Scale of the athletes (SYTKYKÖ) was used as a data collection tool. As a statistical procedure, it was determined that the data did not show normal distribution and Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis-H analyzes from non-parametric tests were used. Findings: It is seen that there is a difference between the anxiety levels of catching Covid-19 according to the gender of the athletes, their education level, the status of people around them catching covid-19, the level of chronic disease, and their training status. There was no difference between the anxiety levels of catching Covid-19 according to the age, sports branch and years of doing sports of the participants. Result: As a result, it was concluded that the anxiety levels of the athletes of catching Covid-19 were high.