ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 vaccines were developed unprecedentedly and have proven safe and efficacious in reducing transmissibility and severe infection. The impact of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines on atrial arrhythmias (AA) incidence is unknown. Objective(s): To analyze the incidence of AA after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). Method(s): BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring data and Medicare claims data from CERTITUDE patients implanted with a CIED between 2010-20 were utilized to identify recipients of one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021. Those who had influenza vaccination in 2020 were also identified in the same cohort as a control. From remote monitoring data, the number of atrial high rate events (AHR) and % burden of AA in the three months post-vaccination was compared to the preceding three months using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for group difference comparisons. New AF diagnosis was determined from ICD-10 diagnosis codes in Medicare claims. Result(s): First and 2nd doses of COVID vaccine (50% Pfizer, 47% Moderna, and 3% J&J) were administered to 7757 and 6579 individuals with a CIED (age 76.2 (+/-9.0) y, 49% males), respectively. In the same cohort, 4723 (61%) individuals received the influenza vaccine. A statistically significant increase in the number of AHR episodes and % burden of AA was noted in the three months post-vaccination compared to the preceding three months after the 1st and 2nd doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (Figure). No such association was noted following influenza vaccination. In subgroup analysis, AHR episodes increased significantly in age groups >70 and men. Post-vaccination increase in AHR episodes was more significant in those without a pre-vaccination history of AHR episodes (mean increase of AHR 6.9+/-88.4, p<0.001) and was non-significant in those with a preceding history of AHR (p=0.8). Among the 764 patients with no AF diagnosis in claims preceding the first COVID-19 vaccine, 87 (11.4%) developed a new AF diagnosis or AHR event in the first three months post-vaccination. Conclusion(s): We report a small but significant increase in the number of CIED-detected atrial arrhythmias following vaccination for COVID-19 but not influenza, specifically in men and age >70 years. Acknowledging the immense public health benefit of COVID-19 vaccines, our results should prompt increased awareness of evaluating for AF in this high-risk group following vaccination. [Formula presented]Copyright © 2023
ABSTRACT
Objective: The recently emerged coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared as a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. The knowledge and awareness of the general populations about the modes of the disease transmission deemed extremely important in preventing the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to determine the knowledge and awareness of the Saudi population in Asir region towards the COVID-19. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted by recruiting 715 participants. A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to the participants that comprised several sections including the demographics, sources of medical information, acquaintance of mode of the virus transmission, diagnostics and preventive measures of the infection. Method(s): Data analysis was executed through SPSS program version 26. Result(s): Significant differences in the knowledge and attitude of Saudi population towards COVID-19 based on the differences in marital status (p=0.036), place of residence (p= 0.012), use of electronic devices (p =0.043), and sources of information (p <0.001) were observed. Non-significant variations in the average scores over the genders (p=0.616), age groups (p=0.252), educational level of parents (p=0.685), educational level of children (p=0.822), number of children (p=0.5), employment status (p=0.079), monthly income (p=0.339) and internet access (p =0.227) were noted. Conclusion(s): Although, the general knowledge and awareness about the different elements pertaining to COVID-19 among the population in the study area are satisfactory to assist in the control of the infection, more directive measures are to be implemented to improve that awareness.Copyright © 2023, Bahrain Medical Bulletin. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
E-wallet is an internet based payment system which allows the users to make online transactions quickly and it keeps financial as well as personal identity related information securely. Such electronic payment (E-wallet) systems enable a customer to pay online for the goods and services. E-wallets are primarily used for mobile recharges and bill payments. During the last decade, customers areusing E-wallet for payment trending in Indian payment pattern.COVID-19 pandemic effect, E-wallet has tremendous growth in India. With the Government initiative such as Digital India and increased use of smartphone and internet are means to exponential growth in use of E-wallet.The present study is an attempt to clarify the concept of E-wallet and to analyse the awareness and usage of E-wallet in Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari district. The study is descriptive and analytical in nature which makes use of primary and secondary data. For the purpose of study, well-structured questionnaire is prepared to collect the data from the respondents. A sample of 120 respondents from Nagercoil is selected by using convenient sampling technique. The study pointed out the necessity of proper awareness towards E-wallet among all category of people and to solve the concerns and issues of the present customers. This study leads to perform better in future.Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased the exposure to electronic devices in children, influencing their lifestyle and their sleep. This study was conducted to explore the relationship between the augmented screen exposure and sleep habits in children during and after the pandemic. METHODS: Using the "Google Forms" tool, we created an online questionnaire addressed to parents of children and adolescents aged 2-18 years. We explored the use of screens before and during/after the lockdown and assessed the presence of sleep disturbances through the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), referring to the period before and during/after COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: We collected 1084 valid questionnaires (median age 8.5 ± 4.1 years). We observed a significant increase in screens exposure for school (72%) and for leisure (49.7%) during the pandemic. We reported an increased sleep disturbances prevalence from 22.1% before the pandemic to 33.9% during the outbreak (p < 0.001). Even before the pandemic, the highest risks for sleep disorders were related to daily screen time for school reasons (OR 1.65, p < 0.001) and total screen time after 6 p.m. (OR 1.59, p < 0.001). The augmented exposure to screens for any reasons during the pandemic was significantly related to an increase of sleep disorders, especially regarding the increased exposure after 6 p.m. (OR 1.67, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The augmented use of electronic devices was recognized to be a significant predisposing factor in increasing the rate of sleep disorders during and after the pandemic, thus sleep hygiene recommendations should be highlighted to improve sleep habits.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Sleep Wake Disorders , Humans , Child , Adolescent , Child, Preschool , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Communicable Disease Control , Sleep , Surveys and Questionnaires , Sleep Wake Disorders/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Background: Asthma is a common non-communicable disease among children that may require urgent treatment during school hours. We developed a school-based programme to improve children's asthma control. Aim(s): To assess the feasibility of the programme. Method(s): The mixed-methods study was conducted in October 2020 in a Malaysian primary school. Despite COVID19 restrictions we delivered sessions to children with asthma and their parents, and school staff and, measured participation rate and explored views on the programme. Result(s): We identified 34 children with asthma (3.7% of school population). The session for school staff received good participation 55/62 (88.7%) and feedback (>80% scored good/excellent). In mid-October, COVID-19 forced national school closure so sessions for children with asthma and their parents were conducted remotely, and sessions for the whole school were abandoned. Only 14/34 (41.2%) children with asthma attended the remote sessions as 9/34 parents were uncontactable;11/34 of parents declined children's participation because they lacked internet facilities or timing was inconvenient. Children enjoyed the interactive methods (e.g. videos, games) used to deliver messages. Parental participation was minimal (4/14;28.5%). Conclusion(s): The school-based intervention was feasible, though restricted by the pandemic. Although remote health programmes gained popularity during the pandemic, widespread use could disadvantage children from lower socio-economic backgrounds who had limited access to the electronic devices/ and the internet.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected global patterns, and the period of the declared virus pandemic has had a negative influence on all aspects of life. This research focuses on categorizing and empirically investigating the role of digital platforms in learning and business processes during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent the use of electronic learning (EL) has been boosted by COVID-19's spread, and EL's effectiveness on the sustainable development of electronic commerce due to the demand for a variety of electronic devices. For this purpose, the information has been collected through an online questionnaire applied to 430 participants from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The results indicate that participant usage and skills with electronic devices and online software programs are increasing, as the ratio indicated a level of 68% for both genders. Thus, the significance of EL concerning electronic commercial enterprises has been openly acknowledged and influenced by numerous factors. In addition, several suggestions and steps to be undertaken by the government are highlighted. Finally, this research mentions the current limitations of EL and suggests future works to build sustainable online experiences. © 2023 by the authors.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The strategy of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantations performed as day-case admissions has gained a wider acceptance overtime; however, data on safety are still limited. This study aims to investigate the safety of a same-day discharge protocol introduced in our hospital for the postprocedural management of patients undergoing CIED implantation. METHODS: Α prospective, non-interventional, non-randomised study performed in a single high-volume implanting centre for a 16-month period (March 2020 to June 2021). At total of 821 of 965 (85.1%) patients scheduled for elective CIED implantation were considered to be eligible for inclusion in the Short-stay Device Management Protocol. These patients were compared with a historical group of 932 patients, meeting the same inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Procedure was successful in 812 patients (98.9%), committed to same-day discharge versus 921 of 932 patients (98.8%) admitted for overnight stay (p = 0.87). Overall, 90-day complication rate was comparable in both groups (4.14% vs 4.07%, p = 0.95), as was major (1.46% vs. 1.82%, p = 0.55) and minor (2.67% vs. 2.25%, p = 0.64) complication rates. The composite early post-procedural complication rates and late post-procedural complication rates were comparable among groups (0.97 vs 1.18%, p = 0.70 and 0.73% vs 0.64%, p = 0.83, respectively). Six hundred sixty-seven patients (84%) preferred the same-day discharge strategy. Finally, a reduction of 792 bed-days was recorded, resulting in possible financial Health System benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Same-day discharge is feasible and safe in the majority of patients referred for CIED implantation. Additionally, same-day discharge is preferred by patients and may reduce procedure-related costs due to significant bed-day reductions.
ABSTRACT
Background: A substantial reduction in the number of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation was reported in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. None of the studies have yet explored changes in CIED implantation during the following pandemic. Objective: To explore changes in CIED implantation during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021. Methods: From 2019 to 2021, 177,263 patients undergone CIED implantation from 1,227 hospitals in China were included in the analysis. Generalized linear models measured the differences in CIED implantation in different periods. The relationship between changes in CIED implantation and COVID-19 cases was assessed by simple linear regression models. Results: Compared with the pre-COVID-19 period, the monthly CIED implantation decreased by 17.67% (95% CI: 16.62-18.72%, p < 0.001) in 2020. In 2021, the monthly number of CIED implantation increased by 15.60% (95% CI: 14.34-16.85%, p < 0.001) compared with 2020. For every 10-fold increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the monthly number of pacemaker implantation decreased by 429 in 2021, while it decreased by 676 in 2020. The proportion of CIED implantation in secondary medical centers increased from 52.84% in 2019 to 56.77% in 2021 (p < 0.001). For every 10-fold increase in regional accumulated COVID-19 cases, the proportion of CIED implantation in secondary centers increased by 6.43% (95% CI: 0.47-12.39%, p = 0.036). Conclusion: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of CIED implantation is diminishing in China. Improving the ability of secondary medical centers to undertake more operations may be a critical way to relieve the strain on healthcare resources during the epidemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , China/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aca-demic development of residents in medical and surgical specialties at the University of Antioquia through an online survey. Method(s): Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study involving a survey distributed to medical residents. Result(s): The survey was completed by 156 residents. They all had electronic devices and the means necessary to carry out virtual activities. Almost half of the participants (47.4%) lived with people who were considered high-risk for COVID-19. Of those surveyed, 30.1% felt discriminated against for being healthcare workers. Even though 81.4% of participants were satisfied with the theoretical training, only 55.1% were satisfied with the practical training. The most detrimental impact was the risk of contracting COVID-19, which was reported by 61% of participants. On average, residents were absent for 31 days. The 52% of residents participated in telehealth activities, and 97.5% participated in virtual activities. Discussion(s): The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the training of residents. This study quantified a decrease of in-person educational activities including practical activities and an increase in virtual methods of education and communication. The pandemic has forced educational ins-titutions to transform the way they teach in order to follow public health measures. Copyright © 2023 Universidad de Antioquia.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic brought with it a state of alarm as of March 14, 2020, which implied a restriction on the mobility of the general population and home confinement. One of the main concerns raised by isolation was the substantial reduction in energy expenditure due to children spending more time sitting or participating in activities that involve very low rates of energy expenditure, such as watching television, managing the different networks social One of the nutrients that could be affected due to these changes in lifestyle is vitamin D The longitudinal observational study of a single cohort was carried out in boys and girls from Alava aged between 3-16 years, whose follow-up is carried out in the outpatient clinics of the University Hospital of Alava. For this study, data from a period prior to the lockdown (November 2019-February 2020) was compared with data from the period after the lockdown (May 2020- June 2020). Once the favorable opinion was obtained and after consulting the database of the Pediatric consultation of the University Hospital of Alava, it was observed that 230 girls and boys met the parameters for inclusion in the study. After eliminating those who did not have a previous or subsequent analysis of vitamin D, the sample size was reduced to 76 Results: - An increase in size: they are in the growth phase. - An increase in weight - An increase in the body mass index: In this case, this index also increased from 19.5to19.9 - A drop in physical activity - An increase in the number of hours that participants spent on electronic devices. - An increase in the percentage of girls and boys who help in the kitchen: After confinement, the percentage increased to 70%. - An increase in the weekly consumption of snacks(p<0.005). - There were no changes in the number of daily meals, servings of fruit, vegetables, dairy products, fish, red meat, eggs or sugary drinks- There were no differences in the number of hours the participants slept before and during the lockdown. - An increase in glucoset (p<0.005) although both parameters are within normal values. - An increase in vitamin D: 22.35 ng/dL on average, which rose to 25.57 ng/dL.This difference is significant (p<0.005), although both parameters are within normal levels.This increase may be due to the fact that after confinement the population wanted to go out and took more time in the street.In addition, shops and interior sites were closed.
ABSTRACT
Background/Objective: COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in the current century. During the COVID-19 lockdown, most countries switched their education methods to e-learning. The use of different electronic devices for e-learning for long hours is associated with several musculoskeletal pain that varies based on the sitting position the students use during e-learning. The aim of our study is to examine the association between different body position used during the e-learning and the different body aches experienced by the students. We also aimed to examine if several types of behavioral modifications and/or exercise practices by the students might minimize body aches associated with e-learning. Method(s): The subjects of this study were students from An-Najah university in Palestine. 385 questionnaires were filled using Google forms questionnaire and all subjects were using e-learning due to COVID-19 pandemic. Result(s): Our study showed that a large percentage of participants experienced musculoskeletal pain during the use of electronic devices for e-learning. The location and severity of pain was correlated with the sitting position used during e-learning. Furthermore, behavioral changes during e-learning like taking breaks and changing sitting position minimized the experienced pain during e-learning but no significant decrease in pain was observed by engaging in several exercise practices. Conclusion(s): The university students that participated in this study had an increase in body aches during the e-learning process that is associated with their sitting position. Awareness programs should be lunched to university students to help them minimize this pain based on behavioral changes and proper exercise training during the e-learning. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increased screen-viewing among children, especially during strict periods of lockdown. However, the extent to which screen-viewing patterns in UK school children have changed post lockdowns is unclear. The aim of this paper is to examine how screen-viewing changed in 10-11-year-old children over the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic, how this compares to before the pandemic, and the influences on screen-viewing behaviour. METHODS: This is a mixed methods study with 10-11-year-olds from 50 schools in the Greater Bristol area, UK. Cross-sectional questionnaire data on minutes of weekday and weekend television (TV) viewing and total leisure screen-viewing were collected pre-COVID-19 in 2017-18 (N = 1,296) and again post-lockdowns in 2021 (N = 393). Data were modelled using Poisson mixed models, adjusted for age, gender, household education and seasonality, with interactions by gender and household education. Qualitative data were drawn from six focus groups (47 children) and 21 one-to-one parent interviews that explored screen-viewing behaviour during the pandemic and analysed using the framework method. RESULTS: Total leisure screen-viewing was 11% (95% CI: 12%-18%) higher post-lockdown compared to pre-COVID-19 on weekdays, and 8% (95% CI: 6%-10%) on weekends, equating to around 12-15 min. TV-viewing (including streaming) was higher by 68% (95% CI: 63%-74%) on weekdays and 80% (95% CI: 75%-85%) on weekend days. Differences in both were higher for girls and children from households with lower educational attainment. Qualitative themes reflected an unavoidable increase in screen-based activities during lockdowns, the resulting habitualisation of screen-viewing post-lockdown, and the role of the parent in reducing post-2020/21 lockdown screen-viewing. CONCLUSIONS: Although screen-viewing was higher post-lockdown compared to pre-COVID-19, the high increases reported during lockdowns were not, on average, sustained post-lockdown. This may be attributed to a combination of short-term fluctuations during periods of strict restrictions, parental support in regulating post-lockdown behaviour and age-related, rather than COVID-19-specific, increases in screen-viewing. However, socio-economic differences in our sample suggest that not all families were able to break the COVID-19-related adoption of screen-viewing, and that some groups may need additional support in managing a healthy balance of screen-viewing and other activities following the lockdowns.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Computers , Female , Humans , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pandemics/prevention & control , Sedentary Behavior , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Communicable Disease Control , Surveys and Questionnaires , United Kingdom/epidemiology , TelevisionABSTRACT
The current under-representation of racial and ethnic minorities and socio-economically disadvantaged participants in clinical trials represents an important problem, because it reduces generalizability of trial results and should urgently be addressed in all diseases. Decentralized trials may improve engagement of under-represented populations with long-standing health disparities and may be relevant to patients with pancreatic cancer who would benefit from at home trial participation. We completed a fully decentralized randomized double-blind phase II clinical trial in New York State for participants with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Electronic data were collected for 28 days (5 vital readings and 1 survey with 20 questions per day) from 55 non-hospitalized participants. Home monitoring devices, HIPAA compliant data submission technology, and internet access were provided free-of-charge. We enrolled 40% White, 33% Black or African American and 27% Other/Mixed/Unknown participants. Of these, 25% self-identified as Hispanic or Latino. This exceeded national and New York state averages of minority populations, in contrast with the current clinical trial landscape. We found that the local area within a 30-minute return car journey from our main research hospital disproportionately over-represented socio-economically advantaged white inhabitants. We found that decentralization enabled the inclusion of participants living up to a 2-hour journey from this hospital in socio-economically deprived geographies with higher minority race representation. We excluded selection bias, by demonstrating that our trial population represented the differences of social deprivation observed between races at the national and state level (p = 0.003). In addition to trial enrollment, completeness of trial data has an important impact on the veracity of trial results. Half our participants were assigned a dedicated team member to make telephone call reminders if participants had not submitted data by mid-day despite of a pre-ceding automated notification to the supplied electronic device. Daily telephone follow-up significantly reduced missing electronic data in participants living above the median deprivation index (submitted data per day 4 out of 6 vs 6 out of 6: p = 0.03), thereby aiding equitable data collection from traditionally under-represented participant groups. Our findings require further validation and refinement from multiple centers and expansion to patients with reduced mobility and cachexia due to progressing pancreatic cancer. Also, other factors such as language assistance and recruitment methods, need to be addressed in clinical trials to mitigate against their negative impact on equitable recruitment. Nevertheless, for now we identify decentralization combined with engagement telephone calls as readily actionable methods to improve inclusion of under-represented participants in clinical trials.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To evaluate how covid-19 protective measures in Greece, especially teleworking and use of face masks, affect dry eye syndrome (DES) in contact lens (CLW) and non-contact lens (non-CLW) wearers. Method(s): In this cross-sectional study, two specially modified and reliable (Cronbach's Alpha) questionnaires were distributed electronically. The effects of teleworking, use of face masks and their combination on DES were studied. Amongst others, face mask use and duration, change of workplace and type of CL used were investigated. ANOVA statistics, x2 tests and non-parametric tests were performed. Result(s): 121 subjects completed the study, 44 CLW and 77 non-CLW. In the CLW group, teleworking showed statistically significant higher DES (p = 0.011). Additionally, dryer workplace (p = 0.007) and use of frequent replacement contact lenses (CL) other than monthlies (p = 0.014) increased DES. In the non-CLW group, teleworking (p < 0.0001) and the combination of teleworking and use of face masks (p = 0.003) showed statistically significant higher DES. Longer teleworking hours led to higher DES (p = 0.034) and higher eye discomfort (p = 0.015);when this was combined with face masks, the eye discomfort was even higher (p = 0.038). Finally, in between CLW and non-CLW, when they were under the combination of teleworking and face mask use, a statistically significant difference in eye discomfort (p < 0.0001) and in eye dryness (p = 0.010) was found, with very intense symptoms (p = 0.007 and 0.009 respectively). Conclusion(s): Analogous to international studies, face mask use and lengthy use of electronic devices led to elevated DES in both CLW and non-CLW;the novelty of this study is that examines also the two in combination. The even higher eye discomfort found should motivate CL practitioners to inform CLW and non-CLW better during this covid-19 pandemic. Copyright © 2022
ABSTRACT
Aims: QOL has become an important outcome variable for research studies, including children and adolescents. Examining the relationships between QOL and its predictors are a critical way to understand and improve QOL. Good sleep hygiene is essential to maintain optimal physical and psychological development and functioning. Behavioral sleep problems have been linked with poor academic performance and decreased QOL. This study provides the opportunity to examine HRQOL longitudinally in a sample of adolescents receiving mental health services and impacted by multiple disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, and COVID-19). We examine these associations and post-pandemic impact. Method(s): Adolescents (12-18 years) were evaluated with the AQOL-MHS. It evaluates QOL in three domains (Emotional Regulation (ER), Self-Concept (SC), and Social Context (SoC). 228 caretaker-child dyads participated in a total of 4 assessments that span over a 2-year period. Sleep problems (SP) were assessed by the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Data across time was included in the analysis to examine linear time trends. Three models were examined;A includes main effects of time, sleep problems and interaction, B controls for sex, age, and includes internalizing disorders and ADHD, C removes ADHD. Result(s): Half of our sample reported having a sleep problem and 49.3% were scored as having a psychiatric disorder, 29.1% had both. No differences were observed by sex or age. Having a sleep problem was significantly associated with having a mental diagnosis (p <= 0.01), PTSD (p <= 0.01) and worse overall QOL (p <= 0.006). SP by time interaction models were not significant. In bivariate analyses, ADHD was associated with sleep problems (p <= 0.04) but not in multivariate analyses. Having an internalizing disorder was a strong predictor of QOL, overall and for all sub-scales (p <= 0.001). Conclusion(s): The current study highlights the associations between sleep problems and QOL. Sleep problems were mostly associated with the Self-Concept domain. Those with sleep problems at baseline showed no improvement in QOL across time. Post-pandemic use of electronic devices has increased, and their use has shown adverse sleep outcomes. Parents should be aware of these associations and their implications. Clinicians should address sleep problems to achieve holistic improvement in adolescents' psychiatric symptoms and QOL.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Students spend extended hours using electronic devices due to online teaching. Digital eye strain (DES) and dry eye disease (DED) symptoms are both associated with prolonged screen exposure time and may co-occur. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between DES and DED symptoms and determine the prevalence of DED according to the severity of DES. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among international students in Chinese universities. The survey was built using Wenjuan Mini Program and distributed using the WeChat platform. The questionnaire assessed participants' screen exposure, the 20-20-20 rule, ED practices, and DED awareness. Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) and Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) were used to diagnose DES and DED symptoms, respectively. Results: 498 students completed the survey, but 452 were considered for the study. Predictors of DES and DED symptoms were conjunctivitis, eye allergy, glares, tired eye, neck pain, back pain, PhD students, and daily spending > 9h on screen (P < 0.05 for all). We observed that an increase in DES scores also exponentially increases DED scores. Among students diagnosed with DES symptoms, 26.5% had mild to moderate DED symptoms, and 8.2% had severe DED symptoms. In contrast, only 8.4% and 0.9% of those with asymptomatic DES had mild to moderate and severe DED symptoms, respectively (P < 0.000). A strong and significant positive correlation (r = 0.695, P < 0.000) between DES and DED scores was found. Conclusion: We found an extremely high prevalence of DES and DED symptoms compared to the previous studies with a similar population group. We believe that the prevalence of DED may be underestimated in the young population. Training about proper ED practices is mandatory to prevent these deleterious ocular surface conditions.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The municipality of Leganes has been very vulnerable to the effects of the crisis derived from the COVID-19 pandemic (both due to the incidence of the infection and the socioeconomic situation). Multiple studies show that children and adolescents, especially those with a psychiatric background, have been one of the most affected groups during the confinement. Objective(s): Firstly, to describe the characteristics of clinical care at the Child/Youth Mental Health Centre of Leganes (Madrid) during the first lockdown (March-June 2020). Secondly, to present data on the clinical evolution of the patients along this period (n = 720). Method(s): Descriptive study and literature review. Result(s): Clinical care during the period of strict confinement was mainly by telephone, although the most serious cases were attended in person. In addition, referral to Intensive outpatient programs was interrupted. The results show 56% of patients remained stable. Anxious symptoms (35%) and behavioural disturbances (24%) were most frequently referred (Figure 1), It is noteworthy that the most critical cases (such as suicide attempts or domestic violence) were observed in adolescents and that at least 11% of patients increased their use of electronic devices. Conclusion(s): The first confinement stage was particularly stressful for families and especially for children and adolescents, although most patients remained psychopathologically stable. However, other studies have found a significant increase in child and adolescent mental health problems during the following months (de-escalation stage).
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 epidemic and its measures, such as working from home, have had a significant impact on various aspects of people's lives and have contributed to the challenges of healthy and quality sleep. The aim of our study was to examine the characteristics of sleep of employees of the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union (GSC). Specifically, we wanted to assess how sleep quality correlates with various work and mental health parameters, and whether Zoom fatigue was an important predictor of employee sleep quality during the COVID-19 epidemic. Method(s): This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted during the first half of summer 2021 when most employees were still working from home or in a hybrid work model. We invited employees of different directorates of the GSC to complete an online survey, with which we wanted to obtain some work-related information and to assess overall sleep quality (The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), anxiety symptoms (The General Anxiety Disorder-7, GAD-7), and level of fatigue due to use of web-based tools - Zoom fatigue (The Zoom Exhaustion & Fatigue Scale, ZEF). Result(s): The online survey was completed by 201 participants (62 % female). The results show that almost half (46.8 %) slept less than the recommended minimum of 7 h per night and more than half (58.7 %) reported poor sleep quality. The statistical analyzes performed (correlation, regression analysis, and mediation) showed that sleep quality was significantly correlated with anxiety symptoms, Zoom fatigue, and mental connection with work after official working hours. Results also highlighted the importance of Zoom fatigue as a significant predictor of sleep quality, with anxiety as a mediator of the relationship between Zoom fatigue and sleep quality. Conclusion(s): Our results support previous findings that healthy sleep might be difficult to achieve during the COVID-19 epidemic. In our view, these preliminary results highlight the potential role of Zoom fatigue in predicting sleep quality during the COVID-19 epidemic. These findings could serve as a basis for further research on sleep, and work-related factors, particularly the hazards of long-term use of electronic devices for telework during the epidemic.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Use of light emitting electronic devices in bed before sleep has been associated with sleep disruption in children and adolescents. Both the wavelength and intensity of the emitted light, and cognitive and emotional engagement with the device, have been proposed as explanations for subsequent sleep disruption. Here, we examined the association between daily self-reported electronic devices usage and objective sleep parameters in an adult population of consumer sleep technology users. Method(s): Data from 231 users without sleep disorders (mean age: 48.8 +/- 16.6 years, 51% female, ages 16-82) across 25,282 nights were included in the analysis. Sleep data was captured between March 3, 2020 and March 3, 2022, using the PSG-validated Sleep Score mobile application, which uses a non-contact, sonar-based method to objectively capture sleep-related metrics. Self-reported data were collected from a cross-sectional survey whereby users were asked, "In a typical week, how often do you use electronic devices in bed before going to sleep?" as per their experience after the COVID pandemic started. A mixed effect model was used for the analysis controlling for age, chronotype, weekend, and gender. Dependent variables included total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency (SOL), sleep efficiency, WASO percent, bedtime, waking up time and time in bed (TIB). Result(s): Higher electronic device usage was associated with a reduction in TST (min) (beta = -9.2, 95%CI [-15.9, -2.5], p = 0.007), delayed bedtimes (beta = 0.17, 95%CI [0.029, 0.324], p = 0.019), and a reduction in TIB (min) (beta = -8.8, 95%CI [-14.75, -2.87], p < 0.005).There was no significant relationship between electronic device usage screen usage and SOL, sleep efficiency, percentage wake after sleep onset (WASO), and waking up time. Conclusion(s): Self-reported use of electronic devices in bed before sleep was associated with shorter TIB, later bedtime, and shorter TST. Our results suggest that electronic device usage before bed reduces the sleep opportunity window and subsequently shortens the time in bed and total sleep time. Future research is warranted to determine whether consumer sleep technologies may allow users to uncover deleterious pre-sleep behaviours which may contribute to sleep-wake dysfunction through daily logging and personalized feedback.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 has affected individuals across the globe, and those with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) likely represent a high-risk group. These devices can be interrogated to reveal information about the patient activity, heart rate parameters, and respiratory rate. Case summary: Four patients with CIEDs and left ventricular dysfunction were admitted to a single institution for COVID-19 infection. Each patient survived hospitalization, and none required intensive care. Retrospectively, CIED interrogation revealed each patient had decreased activity level prior to their reporting COVID-19 symptoms. Similarly, respiratory rate increased before symptom onset for three of the patients, while one did not have these data available. Of the three patients with heart rate variability (HRV) available, two had decreased HRV before they developed symptoms. After hospital discharge, these parameters returned to their baseline. Discussion: This case series suggests physiologic changes identifiable through interrogation of CIEDs may occur prior to the reported onset of COVID-19 symptoms. These data may provide objective evidence on which to base more sensitive assessments of infectious risk when performing contact tracing in communities.