Efficacy of Virtually-Delivered Qigong/Tai Chi for Depression in Middle- and Older-Age Adults with Bipolar Disorder (QT-BD): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background : Depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older age bipolar disorder (BD) are associated with decreased quality of life and premature mortality. Yet, currently available pharmacological treatments are limited in efficacy. Mind-body interventions have been shown to improve mood, quality of life, and cognition in other adult populations, and may thus provide a promising therapeutic alternative. Here we conduct the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of a group Qigong/Tai Chi intervention (QT-BD) for reducing depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults with BD. As a further innovation during the COVID pandemic, we used Zoom to deliver the group intervention and active control. Methods : We conducted a virtually-delivered 12-week pilot RCT with 23 patients with BD aged >= 40 comparing a QT-BD intervention versus an active control (light exercise). We assessed depressive symptoms (primary outcome), verbal fluency (secondary outcome), and functioning/quality of life (exploratory outcomes) at baseline and 12-weeks. Results : No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for all outcomes (all p's>0.05). However, non-significant decreases in depressive symptoms were found in the subgroup of participants with baseline MADRS scores ≥10 in the QT-BD intervention only (p=0.07). Limitations : Our sample size was limited and the virtually-delivered format may have limited the positive benefits of face-to-face interventions. Conclusions : This novel pilot study suggests that QT-BD may be a feasible and efficacious intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in middle- and older-aged BD, particularly when baseline MADRS is ≥10, warranting further investigation in larger-scale trials.

The Longitudinal Features of Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Chinese College Students: A Network Perspective.

There is substantial evidence that the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic increased the risk of depressive symptoms among college students, but the long-term features of depressive symptoms on a symptom level have been poorly described. The current study investigated interaction patterns between depressive symptoms via network analysis. In this longitudinal study, participants included 860 Chinese college students (65.8% female; Mage = 20.6, SDage = 1.8, range: 17-27) who completed a questionnaire at three-time points three months apart. Results demonstrated that fatigue was the most influential symptom, and the occurrence of fatigue could give rise to other depressive symptoms. In addition to predicting other symptoms, fatigue could be predicted by other symptoms in the measurement. The network structures were similar across time, suggesting that the overall interaction pattern of depressive symptoms was stable over the longitudinal course. These findings suggest that depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 period are associated with the presence of fatigue.

The mediating role of psychological capital in the association between life satisfaction and depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Although life satisfaction is a predictor of depressive and anxiety symptoms, the mechanisms underlying this association are poorly understood. This study examined how psychological capital (PsyCap), a positive psychological state, mediated the association between life satisfaction and depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at three medical universities in China. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 583 students. Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, life satisfaction, and PsyCap were measured anonymously. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was performed to explore the effects of life satisfaction on depressive and anxiety symptoms. Asymptotic and resampling strategies were used to examine how PsyCap mediates the association between life satisfaction and depressive and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: Life satisfaction was positively associated with PsyCap and its four components. There were significant negative associations between life satisfaction, psychological capital, resilience, optimism, and depressive and anxiety symptoms among medical students. Self-efficacy was negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Psychological capital (a×b = -0.3201, BCa 95% CI: -0.3899, -0.2446; a×b = -0.2749, BCa 95% CI: -0.3817, -0.1996), resilience (a×b = -0.2103, BCa 95% CI: -0.2727, -0.1580; a×b = -0.1871, BCa 95% CI: -0.2520, -0.1414), optimism (a×b = -0.2100, BCa 95% CI: -0.3388, -0.1150; a×b = -0.1998, BCa 95% CI: -0.3307, -0.0980), and self-efficacy (a×b = -0.0916, BCa 95% CI: 0.0048, 0.11629; a×b = 0.1352, BCa 95% CI: 0.0336, 0.2117) significantly mediated the association between life satisfaction and depressive and anxiety symptoms. LIMITATIONS: This was a cross-sectional study, and causal relationships between the variables could not be ascertained. Self-reported questionnaire instruments were used for data collection, which may have recall bias. CONCLUSIONS: Life satisfaction and PsyCap can be used as positive resources to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms among third-year Chinese medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological capital and its components (self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism) partially mediated the relationship between life satisfaction and depressive symptoms, and completely mediated the relationship between life satisfaction and anxiety symptoms. Therefore, improving life satisfaction and investing in psychological capital (especially self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism) should be included in the prevention and treatment of depressive and anxiety symptoms among third-year Chinese medical students. Additional attention is needed to pay for self-efficacy in such disadvantageous contexts.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with myasthenia gravis.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the pandemic on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxious-depressive symptoms, feelings of loneliness, and fear of COVID-19 between people with myasthenia gravis (MG) and healthy controls. We also wanted to know in which group the variable fear of COVID-19 interfered the most with the results. This cross-sectional study involved 60 people with MG and 60 healthy controls. Participants using an online platform completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Fear of COVID19 Scale (FCV- 19S). The MG group reported worse levels in HRQoL indicators (p = 0.043- <.001), more severe anxiety-depressive symptoms (p = 0.002), and greater fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.001), but there were no differences in feelings of loneliness (p = 0.002). Furthermore, after controlling for the effect of the fear of COVID-19 variable, the differences remained for physical health indicators, but not for the most of psychosocial indicators (Social Functioning p = 0.102, η2p = 0.023; Role Emotional p = 0.250, η2p = 0.011; and HADS Total p = 0.161, η2p = 0.017). The harmful effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was greater in the MG group, and the perceived fear of COVID-19 had also a greater impact among this group, which has increased its negative effect on their psychosocial health.

Relationship between the spread of COVID-19, social frailty, and depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure.

In community-dwelling older people, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to be associated with the development of frailty and depressive symptoms. We aimed to investigate whether the spread of COVID-19 is associated with the development of frailty in patients with heart failure (HF). The presence of the multi-domain of frailty in 257 patients with HF was assessed at hospital discharge. The spread of COVID-19 was significantly associated with the development of social frailty and depressive symptoms. Evaluation of these symptoms during hospitalization would support disease management and understanding of their social and psychological conditions.

Impact of Cohabitation during Confinement on Older Adults' Negative Affect: What Specificity of Life as a Couple?

BackgroundSocial isolation is a risk factor for older adults' physical and psychological health. The beneficial effect of social connections in times of major health events is undeniable. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether the positive effect of social support depends on the relationship type.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the influence of older adults' living conditions on the risk of experiencing negative affect during the first lockdown and post-lockdown.DesignAn epidemiological study conducted during the COVID-19 crisis, at the time of the first lockdown, and 2 to 3 months following the lockdown.SettingA subset sample of the PACOVID survey, a population-based survey of older adults. Participants: Altogether, 277 participants were included into three groups depending on their living conditions: Group 1 "living alone" (n = 141);Group 2 "living with their spouse" (n = 106);Group 3 "living in cohabitation with relatives" (n = 30). Measurements: Mixed logistic regression analyses were used to study the change in the risk of experiencing negative affects over time according to the living conditions. The presence of negative affects during lockdown was assessed using three items from the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale: << Do you feel sad?>>;<< Do you feel depressed?;<< Do you feel lonely?ResultsParticipants living with their relatives or partner were significantly less likely to experience negative affect than those living alone during lockdown. Moreover, over time, only those living with their spouse had this lesser risk compared to those living alone.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the protective effect of social support over time and more specifically of that provided by the spouse. Couple functioning ought to be given consideration when studying the impact of health crisis situation on the mental health of older adults.

Parental Phubbing and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms during COVID-19: A Serial Meditating Model.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, depressive symptoms, a common emotional problem among adolescents, have become more prominent. Regarding the influencing factors of adolescent depressive symptoms, it is widely accepted that parents' problematic cellphone use around the family (specifically parental phubbing) is a strong predictive factor for the development of depressive symptoms among adolescents. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp increase in the number of individuals with depressive symptoms, and the negative consequences of parental phubbing and depressive symptoms might have been exacerbated. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the association between parental phubbing and adolescent depressive symptoms as well as their underlying mechanism. METHOD: To test our hypotheses, we conducted an offline/online survey with 614 adolescents in Central China from May to June 2022, which corresponded to a period of strict lockdowns in some areas due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant. The participants completed a set of measures, including a technology interference questionnaire, a parent-child relationship scale, a self-concept clarity scale, and the depressive symptoms scale. RESULTS: Parental phubbing was positively associated with adolescent depressive symptoms; the parent-child relationship and self-concept clarity could independently mediate this relationship; and the parent-child relationship and self-concept clarity were also serial mediators in this association. These findings extend previous research by highlighting the impact of parental technology use on their children and the underlying mechanism explaining adolescent depressive symptoms. They provide practical recommendations for parents to prioritize fostering a positive family environment and minimizing phubbing behaviors to enhance adolescent development, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Role of Perceived Social Support on Psychological Well-Being of University Students during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Past research revealed concerns over the depressive symptoms and psychological well-being of university students. The present study utilizes a stratified random sampling to examine the role of perceived social support on psychological well-being between depressed and non-depressed university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. This study recruited a total of 244 university students from different universities across Malaysia from November 2021 to July 2022 through social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.A prevalence rate of 50.4% of university students was found to present significant depressive symptoms. There is a significant correlation between perceived social support and psychological wellbeing (r = 0.769, p < 0.05). Non-depressed university students reported significantly higher on their perceived social support and psychological well-being than university students with significant depressive symptoms with values of p<0.001 and p<0.043. Among depressed university students, perceived social support from friends and significant others was reported to be significantly lower than non-depressed university students with a value of p<0.001 and p<0.023.Overall, the present study discovered that a higher level of perceived social support could predict greater psychological well-being and reduced depressive symptoms among university students. Hence, perceived social support should be promoted as an effective intervention for university students due to its accessibility and cost. Future research should look into the effectiveness of perceived social support and other psychological resources for university students with di fferent mental health concerns.

Healthy citizens, healthy democracies? A review of the literature

A growing literature over the past 10 years on health and political behavior has established health status as an important source of political inequality. Poor health reduces psychological engagement with politics and discourages political activity. This lowers incentives for governments to respond to the needs of those experiencing ill health and thereby perpetuates health disparities. In this review article, we provide a critical synthesis of the state of knowledge on the links between different aspects of health and political behavior. We also discuss the challenges confronting this research agenda, particularly with respect to measurement, theory, and establishing causality, along with suggestions for advancing the field. With the COVID-19 pandemic casting health disparities into sharp focus, understanding the sources of health biases in the political process, as well as their implications, is an important task that can bring us closer to the ideals of inclusive democracy.

THE ROLE OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Past research revealed concerns over the depressive symptoms and psychological well -being of university students. The present study utilizes a stratified random sampling to examine the role of perceived social support on psychological wellbeing between depressed and non-depressed university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. This study recruited a total of 244 university students from different universities across Malaysia from November 2021 to July 2022 through social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. A prevalence rate of 50.4% of university students was found to present significant depressive symptoms. There is a significant correlation between perceived social support and psychological wellbeing (r = 0.769, p < 0.05). Non-depressed university students reported significantly higher on their perceived social support and psychological well -being than university students with significant depressive symptoms with values of p<0.001 and p<0.043. Among depressed university students, perceived social support from friends and significant others was reported to be significantly lower than non-depressed university students with a value of p<0.001 and p<0.023. Overall, the present study discovered that a higher level of perceived social support could predict greater psychological well-being and reduced depressive symptoms among university students. Hence, perceived social support should be promoted as an effective intervention for university students due to its accessibility and cost. Future research should look into the effectiveness of perceived social support and other psychological resources for university students with di fferent mental health concerns. © 2023 Australasian College of Health Service Management. All Rights Reserved.

COVID-19 pandemic and the determinants of depressive symptoms among senior citizens of India: An empirical investigation

The COVID-19 pandemic inflicted multiple threats to individuals' physical, mental, and financial health conditions. The pandemic-related restrictive behaviors pose serious consequences for public health and increase the risk of mental illness among individuals, particularly among older citizens. The combination of their pre-existing illnesses, social isolation, COVID fear, and financial adversity frequently aggravates their condition and leads to depression and mental illness. Thus, the present study investigates the mental health status and the determinants of depressive symptoms among older adults of Bhubaneswar during the COVID pandemic context. The study used the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) to measure their depressive symptoms. The social isolation parameter is measured with the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Financial self-efficacy, COVID-19-related psychological fear, and comorbidity health status are other determinants considered. A chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression (MLR) models are adopted to find the probable risk factors that may influence depressive symptoms among older people. The results indicate that comorbidity health conditions, a social isolation mindset, and financial efficacy issues are the significant determinants that drive an older person towards different depression categories. The improvement of these influential factors can lead senior citizens to avoid any health emergency like COVID pandemic. In the event of a public health emergency, such as COVID pandemic, the government could use the study's findings to devise methods for assisting the elderly. Society as a whole should be aware of these findings, which can lead to depressive symptoms, and offer support to the elderly. Future research may concentrate on identifying the causes of depressive symptoms in different age groups or in the presence of specific comorbidity health conditions. Future research may also investigate the factors influencing depressive symptoms in a specific occupation. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Socio-emotional strengths against psychopathology and suicidal ideation in fear of COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a global health crisis. It also leads to different types of psychosocial problems in society as a result of preventive health measures and the disease itself. Among others, psychopathological symptoms and suicide behaviors have increased. The PsicorecurSOS COVID-19 online protocol was designed. At baseline, 1020 Spanish adults were assessed, during confinement, for sociodemographics, fear of COVID-19, anxious-depressive symptoms, covitality, and suicidal ideation. Reliability, descriptive, and frequency analyses were carried out, and the computer tool SPSS PROCESS was used to carry out a conditional process analysis (model 59). A total of 595 participants were included (58.30% response rate from baseline; mean age = 37.18 [SD = 13.30]; 72.44% female). Regarding suicidal ideation, 12% responded differently to "never," 19.3% exceeded the cutoff point on the anxiety scale, and 24% on the depression scale. Moderate mediation analysis explained 27% of the variance in suicidal ideation. In addition, the indirect effect of moderate mediation was significant (b = -.004, SE = .002 with the presence of covitality; and b = .01, SE = .003 absence of covitality). Sex and age did not influence the overall outcome of the model. The data from this study can serve as a starting point for generating social and health treatment initiatives based on self-examination of anxiety-depressive symptoms and increasing socio-emotional skills in order to prevent and alleviate the psychosocial effects of the pandemic.

The role of social support, detachment, and depressive and anxiety symptoms in suicidal thoughts and behaviours during the Covid-19 lockdown: Potential pathways.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as problems related to social relationships, such as available social support and feelings of detachment from others, have worsened. These factors are strongly associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB). The effects of feelings of detachment on mental health and on STB have been scarcely studied, together with the relation that it may have with available social support. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess potential pathways connecting these conditions. A nationally representative sample of Spanish adults (N = 3305) was interviewed during the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2020). STB, social support, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured with the C-SSRS (modified version), OSSS-3, PHQ-8, and GAD-7 scales, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models and mediation analyses were performed. Social support and some of its components (i.e., social network size and relations of reciprocity) were associated with lower odds of STB. Detachment significantly mediated (22% to 25%) these associations. Symptoms of emotional disorders significantly mediated the association between social support components (29% to 38%) - but not neighbourhood support - with STB, as well as the association between detachment and higher odds of STB (47% to 57%). In both cases, depressive symptoms were slightly stronger mediating factors when compared to anxiety symptoms. Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at lowering depressive and anxiety symptoms, and STB should provide social support and help tackle the feeling of detachment in a complementary way.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Depressive Symptoms in China: A Longitudinal, Population-Based Study.

Objectives: We aimed to examine how COVID-19 incidence is associated with depressive symptoms in China, whether the association is transient, and whether the association differs across groups. Methods: We used a longitudinal sample from 2018 to 2020 waves of the China Family Panel Study. We constructed COVID-19 incidence rates as the number of new cases per 100,000 population in respondents' resident provinces in the past 7, 14, and 28 days when a respondent was surveyed. We performed linear or logistic regressions to examine the associations, and performed stratified analyses to explore the heterogeneity of the associations. Results: Our sample included 13,655 adults. The 7-day incidence rate was positively associated with the CES-D score (coef. = 2.551, 95% CI: 1.959-3.142), and likelihood of being more depressed (adjusted odds ratio = 6.916, 95% CI: 4.715-10.144). The associations were larger among those with less education, pre-existing depression, or chronic conditions. We did not find any significant association between the 14- or 28-day local incidence rates and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The impact of COVID-19 incidence on mental health in China's general population was statistically significant and moderate in magnitude and transient. Disadvantaged groups experienced higher increases in depressive symptoms.

Association Between Frequent Use of Makeup and Presence of Depressive Symptoms-Population-Based Observational Study, Including 2400 Participants.

INTRODUCTION: The increased prevalence of depression is a global phenomenon, with an estimated 320 million cases worldwide. In Brazil, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there are about 12 million cases or more, mainly among adult women with lower socioeconomic status, leading to a high consumption of health resources. Studies suggest a positive association of measures related to appearance care on depressive symptoms, but usually with no objective methodology. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adult Brazilian women with lower purchasing power and to verify the association between the intensity of symptoms and the use of makeup. METHODS: A national sample of 2400 cases from all regions of the country, drawn randomly from an online panel representative of the Brazilian population, was studied using an online questionnaire accessible via computer or smartphone, from which the frequency of use of makeup was surveyed, and the Zung Depressive Self-Rating Scale was applied for the inventory of symptoms. RESULTS: A prevalence of 61.4% (0.59-0.63) of depressive symptoms was identified. The association between frequent use of makeup and a lower prevalence of cases with a Zung index suggestive of mild depression was confirmed. Association between frequent use of makeup and lower intensity of depressive symptoms was also identified among cases with a Zung index suggestive of absence of depression. Additionally, an association was identified between the habit of frequent use of makeup and higher economic class as well as the younger age group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the hypothesis that use of makeup may contribute both to a lower prevalence of mild depression and less expressive symptoms when index of absence of depression is observed.

Mental health and intentions to quit among nurses in Iran during COVID-19 Pandemic: A social identity approach.

The positive effects of social identification on mental health are well documented in the literature. However, most of this research has been conducted among small groups in WEIRD (Western Educated Industrialized Rich and Democratic Henrich, Heine, & Norenzayan, 2010, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 33, 61) settings. Understanding how social identity as a psychological source can improve resilience and welfare among frontline healthcare workers in non-WEIRD contexts can help to alleviate the negative impact of large-scale epidemics overall, especially in resource-poor settings and contribute towards improved welfare of key healthcare workers. The present research investigates whether identifying as a nurse could influence mental health and intentions to quit directly and indirectly via positive and negative emotions among a unique sample of Iranian nurses (N = 462) during a risky period, the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple regression results showed that identifying as a nurse was negatively associated with negative emotions which in turn were positively related to depressive symptoms. In a similar vein, identifying as a nurse was positively associated with positive emotions which, in turn, were negatively related to intentions to quit. Results also confirmed that risk perceptions related to COVID-19 positively moderated the effect of social identification on negative emotions only. That is, identification as a nurse was associated with reduced negative emotions only when perceived risk was low. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.

The Impact of Japan's Soft Lockdown on Depressive Symptoms among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

This study investigated the impact of stay-at-home orders on depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire was administered to older adults living in Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture, in July 2020, after the Japanese government declared its first COVID-19 state of emergency and stay-at-home order. In a sample of 1056 people, 69.1% were stay-at-home, and 30.9% were not. Those in the first group were more likely to be women, young-old, or non-workers. In addition, the patients tended to have more diseases. Of the participants, 39.3% had depressive symptoms and 60.7% did not. Multivariate analysis revealed that depressive symptoms were associated with increased frequency of being alone during the daytime (OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.51), less face-to-face contact with friends or acquaintances (OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.65, 0.94), increased contact with friends or acquaintances through email/LINE app (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.60), and refraining from going out (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.12, 2.09). These results suggest that quarantine measures related to soft lockdowns may aggravate the mental health of community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, it is necessary to consider macro-level policies.

Depression not only due to Post COVID-19 Syndrome: Happiness Diary & Mental Health

Research is always concerned with the topic of how to cure de-pressive symptoms or alleviate the symptoms. A central thera-peutic goal in cognitive behavioral therapy is cognitive restruc-turing. At the behavioral level, a particular therapeutic interven-tion is often used to promote a more positive mindset: a positive effect on the psyche of keeping a happiness diary has already been demonstrated. The results of this work are consistent with others reported in the literature, which is why such studies should also be conducted on clinical groups. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long-term keeping of the happi-ness diary and what effect this has on the depressive course symptomatology. Subjects were asked at catamnesis (6 months after the end of therapy) whether they still kept their diary regularly and were then instructed to complete the BDI-II again and return it to the practice. These scores were compared to the initial diagnostic from the patient's therapy period (pre-and post-measure-ment) and analyzed. Subjects who had not con-tinued the happiness diary in the next 6 months after the end of therapy achieved a higher score in the BDI-II compared to the subjects who had continued the happiness diary regularly. The results of this work allow conclusions to be drawn about the importance of relapse prevention in psychotherapy.

Anxiety Levels of People Living with HIV and Problems in Accessing Healthcare Services and Drugs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Since its emergence in December 2019, COVID-19 has caused severe morbidity and mortality. Access to healthcare services for individuals with chronic diseases including people living with HIV was disrupted due to many factors such as the density in hospitals and social closure strategies to stop the spread of the pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine whether HIV status and social and medical problems faced by people living with HIV caused anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Between October 2021 and February 2022, the Beck anxiety scale and a 16-item questionnaire including questions on demographic information was completed by 100 people living with HIV who visited our Cukurova University Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology outpatient clinic and gave consent to be included in the study. Results: Overall, 93 (93%) participants were male and seven (7%) were female, with a mean age of 36 +/- 10 years. Among all participants, 44% reported a decrease in their general quality of life, 42.4% reported an increase in the level of anxiety, 33% reported a decrease in access to resources such as money and food, and 13% reported that they had difficulty in paying the rent of their own house. During the pandemic, 11.3% of the participants lost their jobs and 9.1% lost their health insurance;8.1% reported that they became homeless and moved to live with someone else. Access to antiretroviral treatment decreased in 7.2% of the participants, the number of hospital visits were reduced in 33.3%, and 26% reported a reduction in monitoring tests such as HIV RNA. The mean Beck anxiety score, which was used to evaluate the patients' anxiety level, was 12.32 +/- 12.35 (min-max= 0-54) and suggested mild anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: The difficulties and problems in the daily lives of individuals living with HIV have deepened with the COVID-19 pandemic. The data we obtained in our study helps us understand the difficulties and anxiety levels of people living with HIV in receiving healthcare.

Mediating Effect of Autistic Traits between the Emotional Impact of Pandemic and Depressive Symptoms

Background. The pandemic is having a significant impact on mental health, especially in vulnerable groups. Method. A conditional analysis was carried out with a population of 185 people. The study population did not have any psychiatric diagnosis, they are people without autism. The age of the participants ranges between 18 and 72 years (M = 31.43;SD = 16.26). The mediating role of autistic traits and the moderating role of age between the emotional impact of the pan-demic and depressive symptoms are analyzed. Results. The results demonstrate a significant influence of age and emo-tional impact of the pandemic on the depressive symptoms. The mediating variable autistic traits was also significant. Conclusions. These results point to the younger population with autistic traits as particularly vulnerable.