ABSTRACT
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused many significant disruptions to the food system, including the charitable food sector. Using qualitative interviewing, this research draws from the experiences of food pantry staff and volunteers during the early months of the pandemic in the greater Buffalo, New York area. Participants describe the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on product acquisition, distribution, and other challenges. Buffalo food charity organizations adapted to these challenges and demonstrated how diversified food supply lines, strong interorganizational relationships, and federal food assistance programs could increase food charity organizations' resilience to emergencies like pandemics in the future.Copyright © 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
ABSTRACT
Background: Confinement due Colombia's coronavirus pandemic caused impoverishment in many households, food shortage, and an increased food insecurity, which before the pandemic was at 54.2%. Related to these antecedents, comprehension of food acquisition dynamics was investigated throughout Universidad de Antioquia's students' households within the time of the pandemic. Method(s): A transversal descriptive study of 133 online surveys was applied. Result(s): The confinement changed how families obtained their provisions. Shopping through deliveries increased in 40.6%. Money for food decreased in 30.1% of households. Situations identified as obstacles for provisioning were fear of Coronavirus infection, deprovisioning, obligatory confinement imposed by the government, and higher prices. Nevertheless, 73.7% of households were satisfied with their provisioning methods. Conclusion(s): Confinement contributed to more dependent and solidary means of food acquisition (support from friends and neighbors), and decrease in the autonomy (self-bought).Copyright © 2022 Sociedad Espanola de Nutricion Comunitaria. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Globally, diet quality is poor, with populations failing to adhere to national dietary guidelines.(1) Such failure has been consistently linked with poorer health outcomes.(2) Examples of malnutrition include both under- and over-nutrition, with overweight and obesity now a significant health problem worldwide.(3) Other commonly occurring examples of malnutrition are micronutrient deficiencies with iron, vitamin A and iodine deficiencies being the most frequently occurring globally. These nutritional challenges have been influenced by recent global world events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the related economic uncertainties;with all of these events influencing food supply and food security. Diet and health status is socio-economically patterned, and such inequalities are likely to have been enhanced as a result of these recent events. In addition to the impact of diet on health outcomes it is increasingly recognised that what we eat, and the resulting food system, has significant environmental or planetary health impacts, and research activity is growing in terms of understanding the detail of these impacts, what changes are required to reduce these impacts and also how the impact of climate change on our food supply can be mitigated. Given the complexity of the interactions between climate change, other world events, food and health, and the different actors and drivers that influence these, a systems thinking approach to capture such complexity is essential.(4) Such an approach will help address the challenges set by the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the form of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity.(5) Progress against SDGs has been challenging with an ultimate target of 2030. While the scientific uncertainties regarding diet and public and planetary health need to be addressed, equal attention needs to be paid to the structures and systems, as there is a need for multi-level, coherent and sustained structural interventions and policies across the full food system/supply chain to effect behavior change. Such systems-level change must always keep nutritional status, including impact on micronutrient status, in mind. However, benefits to both population and environmental health could be expected from achieving dietary behaviour change towards more sustainable diets.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Health care providers are vital resources for every country. Their health and safety are crucial not only for continuous and safe patient care, but also for control of any outbreak. Mental workload is a broad multidimensional construct. It refers to a subjective experience of the costs incurred by a physician in performing patient. Mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, effort, performance and frustration levels are the important dimensions on workload. Recognizing the degree to which we are affected and making strategies to make life better is important. Objective(s): To assess the mental workload status of doctors who are catering to mainly industrial workforce and what is its dimension which is putting a toll on them and the degree of stress they are experiencing, and to correlate between workload and stress levels. Material(s) and Method(s): A cross sectional study was carried out in ESIC Medical College and Hospital, from September 1 to December 31 ,2020. Both online and offline survey questionnaires were used to collect the data from doctors working in ESIC hospital, which was started after clearance from IEC and consent from participants. Workload was assessed using NASA task load index which contains 6 dimensions. This was assessed using a scale graded from 0 to 10 and stress levels were assessed using perceived stress scale. Result(s): A total of 104 participants responded to the survey of which 40(38.5%) were female and 64(61.5%) were male. The proportion of participants with high mental demand were 68(65.4%), physical demand 44(42.3%), effort demand 74(71.2%), frustration 40(38.5%), performance demand 8(7.7%) and temporal demand 44(42.3%). The proportion of participants with higher levels of workload were 90(86.5%), among whom, females were 37.8 % and males were 62.2 %. The perceived stress scale showed 2(1.9%) of participants were in low stress (score 0-13) And 80(76.9%) were in moderate stress (score 14-26) and 22(21.2%) were in high stress (score 27-40). Among participants with high stress levels 45.5 % were females and 54.5% were males. The calculated overall workload mean scores was 66.23+15.383 and perceived stress was 22.01+5.55 which is positively correlated and statistically significant. Conclusion(s): A considerate proportion of doctors' experience high workload and stress levels. Doctors being frontline workers are more vulnerable for mental health problems which are still underreported and is expected to be very considerate. There is a need to implant ways to decrease the stress levels of doctors and for better patient care.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) disease which is still showing peaks and plateau with emerging new mutational variants led to modification of working of hospitals and medical institutes. The present study was conducted to study various measures adopted and changes made in the cytopathology laboratory during COVID-19 infection in resource limited setting but catering to large population of covid patients. It was also intended to study methods adopted for effective cytopathology residency training during corona times. Material(s) and Method(s): The study analyzed the working of cytopathology lab during corona times from March 2020 till December 2021 and compared it with pre corona times from March 2018 till December 2019. The different methods adopted for effective cytopathology residency training were also analyzed. Result(s): A decrease of 1.9% of cases was observed during corona with increase of 17.4% for samples of respiratory tract including aspergillosis, mucormycosis and tuberculosis (Table1). There was 10.3% increase in cytological diagnosis of malignant cases during corona times (Table 2). Use of 90% alcohol for fixation, avoiding of pneumatic tube, judicious use of PPE kit along with access of digital cytology slides database was included in the changes made in the lab (Table 3). Conclusion(s): There was marginal decrease of cytopathological diagnosis during COVID-19 with substantial increase in malignancy rate of 10.3% in cytological diagnosis of different organs. Diagnosis of mucormycosis, aspergillus and tuberculer infection in respiratory tract cytology increased during this period. Judicious use of limited available resources led not only to smooth functioning of the cytopathology lab but also prevented any infection in the working health personals. Newer online resources were explored and modified for continuous training of the Cytopathology residents. Emotional support with effective communication was the key to alleviate any psychological stress amongst health professionals in the Cytopathology laboratory.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated focusing on the economic stressors for the welfare of the population worldwide. This pandemic, which has affected individuals globally since January 2020, has caused barriers in the business involving different sectors. The primary sector, i.e., agriculture and food supplies, and the secondary sectors like the manufacturing units, oil and petrol sector, transport sector, travel and tourism as well as the finance industries, have all faced the adverse effect of this pandemic and subsequent lockdown. The different restrictions implement-ed by the government in most of the countries like quarantine, self-isolation, sealing of national and international borders, a complete shutdown of transport and travel, etc., have disrupted the equilibrium of demand and supply. As an aftermath of such misbalance, the economic conditions in all the sectors have been negatively impacted. In this review, we shall discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the economic condition of different sectors like agriculture, logistics, petroleum-based fuels, commodity market, hospitality and tourism, pharmaceutical industry, and finance in-dustry.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
Background: Covid-19 infection time and again has been causing major morbidities and mortalities. Increased vulnerability of Covid-19 recovered patients was seen towards mucormycosis infection. Mucormycosisis is an aggressive, angioinvasive fungal disease caued by fungi of order Mucorales. This increase in cases may be attributed to a weakened immune system, pre-existing comorbidities such as diabetes, overzealous use of steroids. We conducted a study on 25 cases admitted in mucor ward in a tertiary care setting to highlight this association and focusing on possible causes so that we can be prepared to handle any such catastrophe in future in a better way. Methods and Results: We did a retrospective study on 25 cases admitted in a tertiary care center catering to large population of Covid -19 patients with varying severity.Covid-19 associated mucormycosis(CAM) was found to be more common in males(76%).Diabetes mellitus was the most common underlying condition(72%).68% patients had received steroids and antibiotics, 28% patients had history of receiving Oxygen. In CAM predominant presentation was rhino-orbital mucormycosis. Unilateral orbit involvement was seen in (88%) cases. Conclusion(s): As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is highly susceptible to mutations and is causingseries of waves, its association with opportunistic fungal infection is a serious concern. Incidences of mucormycosis were increased in Covid-19 patients due to immune modulation and coexistence of immunosuppressive conditions such as diabetes. Concurrent glucocorticoid therapy further heightens the risk. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention can help improve outcome. Copyright © 2023 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Covid-19 infection time and again has been causing major morbidities and mortalities. Increased vulnerability of Covid-19 recovered patients was seen towards mucormycosis infection. Mucormycosisis is an aggressive, angioinvasive fungal disease caued by fungi of order Mucorales. This increase in cases may be attributed to a weakened immune system, pre-existing comorbidities such as diabetes, overzealous use of steroids. We conducted a study on 25 cases admitted in mucor ward in a tertiary care setting to highlight this association and focusing on possible causes so that we can be prepared to handle any such catastrophe in future in a better way. Methods and Results: We did a retrospective study on 25 cases admitted in a tertiary care center catering to large population of Covid -19 patients with varying severity.Covid-19 associated mucormycosis(CAM) was found to be more common in males(76%).Diabetes mellitus was the most common underlying condition(72%).68% patients had received steroids and antibiotics, 28% patients had history of receiving Oxygen. In CAM predominant presentation was rhino-orbital mucormycosis. Unilateral orbit involvement was seen in (88%) cases. Conclusion(s): As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is highly susceptible to mutations and is causingseries of waves, its association with opportunistic fungal infection is a serious concern. Incidences of mucormycosis were increased in Covid-19 patients due to immune modulation and coexistence of immunosuppressive conditions such as diabetes. Concurrent glucocorticoid therapy further heightens the risk. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention can help improve outcome. Copyright © 2023 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Health care providers health and safety are crucial not only for continuous and safe patient care, but also for control of any pandemic. Aim/Objectives: Our study assessed the mental workload status of doctors who are catering to mainly industrial workforce.Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital for three months during the pandemic. Data was collected and assessed using NASA TASK LOAD INDEX containing 6 dimensions, and stress levels were assessed using perceived stress scale. Result(s):A total of 104 participants responded to the survey;of which 40(38.5%)were female and 64(61.5%) were male. The percentage of people with high mental demand were 68(65.4%), the overall major contributor to this high workload seen in the participants was Effort demand . The participants with higher levels of workload were 90(86.5%). Among them females were 37.8 % and males were 62.2 %. The perceived stress scale showed 2(1.9%) of participants were in low stress, 80(76.9%) were in moderate stress and 22(21.2%) were in high stress. The calculated overall workload mean scores was 66.23+15.383 and perceived stress was 22.01+5.55 which is positively correlated and statistically significant. Conclusion(s):A considerate proportion of doctors experience high workload and stress levels. Doctors being Frontline workers were more vulnerable for mental health problems which are still underreported and is expected to be very considerate. There is a need to implant ways to decrease the stress levels of doctors and for better patient care. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Simulation is a technique where the situation or a process is imitated. This process makes one to pretend the scenario. Aviation industry is one of the oldest industry which uses simulation technique to simulate the aviation technique. The main aim of having simulation lab is to make students acquire psychomotor skills before they actually treat the patients. Presently the National Medical Council of India has made it mandatory to have a skill lab but desirable to have a simulated mannequin for the training of medical students before actually treating the patients. Various advantages and disadvantages are appreciated in simulation technique. It is not very far that Dental council of India may make compulsory training of certain simulated modules in dentistry before treating the patient. Simulation lab in the pandemic like COVID has really helped people to undergo extensive training before treating patients, especially one who were catering the COVID ward or intensive care units. The simulation in dentistry is not a very old technique, certain technique are already in practice, but this article tries to highlight the necessity and gray areas where simulation can be improved for the benefit of students to learn and for the benefit of patients in view of safety. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The novel coronavirus pandemic highlighted the importance of discussing and monitoring emerging diseases to scientific society, particularly in the case of zoonotic diseases. Diseases emerge in nature and infect living beings current on all continents, even in the current scenario of biomedical research evolution. Among the most studied emerging animal diseases are the swine viral diseases, due to their high occurrence and severity. Added to this, is the economic impact on the health of pigs and in some cases on human health. The challenges of swine health include endemic diseases, foodborne and transboundary diseases. Idiopathic vesicular diseases and subclinical diseases have also been identified, either alone or in combination with other infections. Several factors have contributed to these phenomena, but failures in biosecurity, biocontainment, and herd immunity imbalances are critical and must be addressed. Viruses evolve naturally, through mutation, rearrangement, or recombination, either to become more virulent or more transmissible, or not. This review will discuss the broad field of emerging swine viral infections, how monitoring the evolution of these viral agents is of supreme importance. Also, when should a new disease or emerging agent is considered a risk to swine production? Although the evolution of pork production systems is admirable, animal diseases continue to account for 20% of the losses. Therefore, international organizations work with member countries to prevent animal diseases, ensure food supply, maintain household income, health, and preserve the future. One Health is not just a concept, but an action of surveillance and control that all countries must implement. Copyright © 2023 Universidade Federal de Goias. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Despite COVID-19 being the most severe pandemic to afflict the world since the Spanish Flu of 1918, the Malaysian response has not been outstanding even among developing nations. Pandemic preparation is a national responsibility, and the current Pandemic Preparedness Plan needs to be revised and updated if the country is to prepare properly for another pandemic. It has also become clear that the country needs to go beyond merely revising the Pandemic Preparedness Plan. Indeed, opportunities abound for a reset of the economy and the country in many ways. This reset is a great opportunity to push for widespread automation and adoption of artificial intelligence in the Malaysian economy, adoption of E- in work and life, introduction of a more efficient food supply chain, delivery of education through alternative means and to have vaccines and medicines security. In addition, future pandemic preparedness must heed lessons learned during this pandemic and use a wholeof- community approach in its planning. There is a great need to recognise the combined threats of unsustainable healthcare financing, climate change, the rise in lifestyle diseases, an ageing population and rapidly spreading infectious diseases which must be tackled and included in any future planning. Public health education also needs to change as pandemic resilience is not usually part of the usual public health curriculum. The link between infections and non-communicable diseases needs to be bridged and more research needs to carried out to understand this link better. Public health education also needs to incorporate adaptive thinking and scaling up response at speed and health promotion needs to adapt to social media and to counter misinformation. Advocacy for change is no longer a luxury or an option. It needs to happen quickly, and the country needs to adapt and innovate. If it fails to adapt and innovate then risks will emerge, it will be left further behind, and Malaysia will be even less prepared for another catastrophic health event.
ABSTRACT
Background: Several studies reported the frequent occurrence of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The diagnosis of DIC by the validated ISTH DIC score, might be useful as readily assessable prognostic parameter. Aim(s): The aim of our study was to explore DIC occurs and analyze the coagulation parameters of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to our hospital. Method(s): A retrospective analysis of hospital-based records of 62 COVID-19 patients with ARDS. Data including D-dimer, routine investigations (platelet count, prolonged prothrombin time, D-dimer, fibrinogen and NLR ratio). DIC scorings within three days of admission were collected. The study was conducted in a tertiary care center catering to population of west Algeria. Result(s): A total of 62 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 ARDS were recruited in our study. Mean age of the subjects were 60.46 (29-91) years, and 69.5% of the total patients were male. The coagulation parameters assessment demonstrated abnormal mean of PT (sec) 14.3 (11.1-41.6), normal mean platelettes count 256 G/L (34-768). However, mean D-dimer level 1185 (150-11000), fibrinogen level 5.02 g/l (2.1-8.56) and NLR 7.3 (0.5-19.9) were particularly elevated. Mean ISTH DIC Score were 1.68 (0-5), One patients 1.6% withe DIC score 5 and confirmed DIC. 16 patients 25.8% withe DIC score 0. Our studies showed a significant positif correlation betwen NLR, ISTH score DIC and fibrinogen level respectively P < 0. 0001 and p < 0.001. Conclusion(s): The DIC might not only be a concomitant finding, but even a pathophysiological process contributing to circulatory and organ failure, in COVID-19 ARDS patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Food insecurity impacts 1 out of 6 patients with celiac disease (CD) in the United States, and rates have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations who require specialized medical diets. State and federal resource programs do not account for the increased cost of gluten-free (GF) foods, and food pantries do not address overall health issues that often come with food insecurity. Our project aimed to provide GF food to food insecure families through a hospital-based food pantry and offer dietitian-led cooking classes to improve dietary quality and nutrition knowledge. Method(s): To address barriers to food access, Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) opened a food pantry, the Family Food Connections (FFC), in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston. FFC offers weekly food supplies to BCH patient families and community members. GF food bags are available for those who request them. Monthly virtual cooking classes led by a registered dietitian are offered free of charge to families with and without CD. All classes are held via Zoom with simultaneous translation services available in Spanish. Classes feature naturally GF recipes, and provide instructions on scratch cooking, nutrition education, and use of ingredients found in the food packages. The recipes are designed to include seasonal ingredients and are used as a platform to teach about nutrition related topics. Classes also serve as an open forum for families to ask nutrition and meal preparation related questions to the dietitian instructor. Metrics on pantry usage and class attendance were collected using Zoom analytics tools and REDCap. Result(s): Utilization of both the food pantry and cooking classes increased monthly. During the first six months of operation, an average of 500 families per week visited the FFC for food packages, totaling over 5,000 unique family visits. Of these families, 122 indicated needing all gluten-free food (64) or some gluten-free food (58). As of May 2022, 34 families attended the live virtual cooking classes, and 628 families viewed the recorded sessions. Survey questionnaire responses were limited to date (N=11) but did indicate that families previously had never attended a cooking class due to a lack of time, or they were not aware that classes were available. Conclusion(s): Initial utilization of the FFC, GF food packages, and accompanying cooking classes revealed a significant demand for the provision of GF food as well as a GF focused cooking and nutrition education program. The classes allow for processing nutrition education through non-intentional learning, and provide an opportunity to improve health and quality of life for all who attend, regardless of dietary restrictions. Future studies will evaluate changes in health outcomes, quality of life, cooking habits, and GF diet knowledge.
ABSTRACT
Introduction COVID-19 may have widespread effects throughout the body, including the endocrine glands, which can be impaired by different mechanisms. Several recent reports have described the onset of thyroid dysfunction in previously healthy patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Thus, we aimed to describe the pattern of abnormal thyroid function tests (TFTs) in severe COVID-19 patients in Hospital Sungai Buloh. METHODOLOGY Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) were received from all critical care wards catering for severe COVID-19 adult patients (Clinically Stage 4 and 5) from December 2020 till June 2021. It was retrospectively reviewed in Laboratory Information System (LIS) with exclusion of thyroid disease, pregnancy or immunotherapy. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab samples and severity classification was based on the Malaysia MOH guideline. Analysis of TFT was performed on Siemens Atellica using chemiluminescent immunoassay Results From 184 TFT results analysed, about 120 patients (65%) had abnormal thyroid function, of which 62.5% had low TSH level with normal fT4 and 15.8% had low TSH with high fT4. This indicated that abnormal TFT is common among COVID-19 patients, with low TSH being most common. However, we are unable to exclude steroid use as a cause of low TSH levels, as steroid are one of the main treatments prescribed in severe COVID-19 cases. Conclusion There was a high proportion of abnormal TFT in severe COVID-19 patients even in the absence of pre-existing thyroid conditions. Clinicians directly involved in treating these patients need to be vigilant in interpreting thyroid function abnormalities in COVID-19 infection.
ABSTRACT
In the UK, approximately 3 million people are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition is a major public health issue with costs the NHS over £19 billion per year in England alone. We know 93% of malnutrition happens in peoples own homes, 5% in care homes and 2% in hospital. It is also understood that 30% of inpatients are at higher risk of becoming malnourished in hospital. 1 As many departments, demand for dietetic services has outweighed capacity, in part due to improved rates of nutritional risk screening across the organisation. The Trust uses an internal validated nutritional screening tool but community partners largely use MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool). Within our Dietetic team, we identified a number of treatment strategies needed to ensure timely care, patient empowerment and patient safety with a focus on improved nutrition to help recovery across organisational boundaries from the acute admission and into primary care. Patients who are identified as malnourished or at very high risk of malnutrition, have specialist requirements should have immediate referral to a dietitian. Oral nutritional supplements are now prescribed appropriately whilst in hospital and post discharge in line with national and local guidelines. 4 Communication between different healthcare professionals and settings is essential for the seamless delivery of care2 and hospital teams discharging patients with an identified risk of malnutrition should communicate this in writing to primary care teams3. As a team, we decided to encompass nutrition and dysphagia scores as an inpatient on discharge letters. This was be achieved by working closely with the pharmacy, Speech and Language, catering, nursing and medical teams to develop and implement a clear process for all adult inpatients to improve ward based nutritional care and appropriate prescribing, based on their individual risk of malnutrition. We have developed and implemented a discharge process that provides patients with a nutrition pack (malnutrition pathway leaflets, cover letter +/- Care Homes information) +/- nutritional supplements on discharge. The process was developed with local CCGs, GPs, PCN Pharmacists and community dietetic services. Outcomes measured include;appropriate prescribing, access to snacks and supplements, clinical outcomes including length of stay (LOS), readmission rates and timely access to first line advice. Baseline audit information revealed only 8% of inpatients received the a first line nutrition leaflet, this has increased to 13% just 6 weeks post implementation, patient first line snacks has increased to 5 different categories as choice available has increased. Oral nutritional support (ONS) is now solely prescribed using the agreed ONS pathway. Early indications suggest a direct improvement in patient care and choice. References 1. Brothern A, Simmonds N, Stroud M.2010. Malnutrition Matters: Meeting Quality Standards in Nutritional Care. A report on behalf BAPEN Quality Group 2. ‘A Guide to Managing Adult Malnutrition in the Community’ Last accessed from: on 02.07.2021 3. ‘Pathway for using ONS in the Management of Malnutrition’ Last accessed from:https://www.malnutritionpathway.co.uk/library/ons_pathway.pdf on 29.06.2021 4. ‘Nutritional considerations for primary care teams managing patients with or recovering from COVID-19’ BDA and optimising nutritional prescribing last accessed :. 02.07.21
ABSTRACT
Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic children were deprived of in-person attendance at school and experienced social isolation. The impact of these social-distancing measures on pediatric mental health is only now being unraveled. We conducted a descriptive review of psychiatric diagnoses at a pediatric outpatient practice in a Southern Illinois rural community. We compared the trends of pediatric psychiatric diagnosis before and following the COVID pandemic. Methods: Pediatric Group LLC has multiple office locations in Rural Southern Illinois catering to about 10,000 pediatric patients staffed by pediatric providers and a clinical psychologist. The pediatric population has remained stable during the period. The care providers and practices have remained unchanged over the past four years. We did a retrospective review of electronic health records from January 2019 through June 2021. Using ICD10 diagnostic codes, we analyzed the top 100 diagnoses made at the pediatric practice. Diagnoses were broadly classified into psychiatric and non-psychiatric categories. Psychiatric illnesses included anxiety, attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorders, mood disorders, sleep disorders, and other psychiatric illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Descriptive comparisons were made between pre-COVID (2019) and post-COVID (2021) periods. Results: Compared to a baseline of 5044 encounters in 2019 (pre-COVID), attendance was 9% lower (4680) in 2020. Attendance dropped by 14% (2206) in the first half of 2020, increasing by 11% (2474) to reach preCOVID levels in the second half of 2020. The attendances continued to increase in the first half of 2021, reaching 43% higher (3614) numbers compared to pre-COVID levels. Compared to 2019 and 2020, an increase in all psychiatric diagnoses was seen in our offices in the year 2021. Further analysis of the year 2021 showed significant increases in Anxiety and Depressive disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation disorder (DMDD), and Major Depressive disorders (MDD) that almost doubled the statistics from the pre-COVID period. Sleep disorders and Post Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD) visits increased by far more than 150 percent. (Table 1) Conclusion: A steady increase in pediatric psychiatric illness has been noted in the second half of 2020 and first half of 2021 following COVID pandemic. We observed an increase by over two times with almost all the psychiatric disorders in 2021. The overall increase in the incidence of various pediatric psychiatric illnesses is concerning. We believe that the absence of in-school attendance may have played a significant role.