Pandemic-related stress experiences, resources and depressive moods of students at the end of the online winter semester 2020/21

Background: Students worldwide belong to a vulnerable group with an above-average tendency towards depressive disorders. Empirical studies also show that depressive moods among students have increased significantly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Objectives: The aim of the article is to examine whether the stress experiences caused by the pandemic are related to the depressed mood of the students. In addition, it is analyzed whether resilience, coping and social support as resources are associated with the depressive moods of students. The aim is to clarify which resources can explain the connection between the stress experiences caused by the pandemic and the depressive mood of students as mediators. Methods: The study is based on an online survey of students at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences for the 2020/21 winter semester. The data of 621 students were evaluated. A mediation analysis was carried out. Results: Pandemic-related stress experiences are significantly related to the depressive moods of students. Resilience is also a significant factor influencing depressive moods and partially mediates the influence of pandemic-related stressful experiences on the depressed mood of the students. Coping and social support show no significant association with the depressed mood of the students. Conclusion: Starting points for reducing the depressive mood lie in reducing the stress caused by the pandemic and in strengthening the resilience of the students.

The mental health crisis: New data on teen girls

In February of this year, the CDC released sobering data: nearly three in five teen girls experienced sadness and hopelessness in 2021. This is double the number of boys and represents an almost 60% increase as well as the highest level over the past 10 years. Further, nearly one in three considered death by suicide, an increase of almost 60% over the past 10 years. One in five girls was the victim of sexual violence in the past year, an increase of 20% since 2017. Moreover, finally, one in 10 have been forced to have sex, an increase of 27% since 2019. These numbers are noted to be even higher in LBGTQ+ and minority populations of girls.

Domestic Abuse in the Context of Life-Limiting Illness: A Systematic Scoping Review

Domestic abuse is a worldwide public health and social issue which impacts the health and wellbeing of those experiencing abuse and their families. People living with a life-limiting illness are at increased risk of domestic abuse because they are often frail, isolated, and dependent on others. Little is known about domestic abuse and the coexistence of life-limiting illness and existing support for those experiencing or at risk of abuse. A scoping review was conducted to identify factors that shape and characterise experiences of adults with a life-limiting illness affected by domestic abuse and the health and social care practitioners and other organisations that support them. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and checklist for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses-Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) were applied. Five databases were systematically searched from 2000 to 2021: MEDLINE;CINAHL;PsycINFO;Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science);and ProQuest Dissertations and Global. Twenty-one papers met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in North America, with female participants living with cancer, and conducted in health and community settings. There were no studies involving third sector organisations. A range of abusive behaviours was reported resulting in missed medical appointments, delays in screening leading to late diagnosis, and palliative rather than curable treatment. Abuse also impacted on the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of the person experiencing the abuse, which increased stress levels and could have a detrimental effect on their health. Identifying domestic abuse within the context of life-limiting illness was reported to be challenging for health and social care professionals, as was responding to and managing a disclosure. Further research is needed to address existing knowledge in order to inform policy and practice to identify and manage domestic abuse where it coexists with life-limiting illness.

Social Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts the Link between Child Abuse and Adolescent Internalizing Problems.

Collective traumas have a notable impact on adolescent well-being. While some youth face increased risk for mental health problems (e.g., those with maltreatment histories), many demonstrate resilience following traumatic events. One contributing factor to well-being following trauma is the degree to which one isolates from others. Accordingly, we examined the association between maltreatment and internalizing problems during the COVID-19 pandemic as moderated by social isolation. Among adolescents reporting pre-pandemic emotional abuse, those experiencing less isolation reported the lowest levels of anxiety symptoms. Among adolescents reporting pre-pandemic physical abuse, those experiencing less isolation reported the greatest levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The findings highlight a public health-oriented approach to youth well-being during collective trauma that extends beyond mitigating disease transmission.

The PreCCL strategies to empower women against intimate partner violence occurrences in Limpopo province, South Africa

South African women remain vulnerable to gender-based violence, including femicide. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major and very complex public concern in the country currently. This makes IPV the most widespread method by which men perpetrate violence against women. It is not clear if women are empowered with IPV Information, Motivation and Behavior skills (IBM) to protect themselves against IPV occurrences. This article presents the developed PreCCL (prevention, community-based, corrective and law enforcement) strategies to empower women against intimate partner violence in Limpopo Province, South Africa. PreCCL strategies were developed based on qualitative and quantitative IBM (Information, Motivation and Behaviour) of IPV results as well as evidence-based information from the review of literature. Delphi technique was used to organize one stakeholder engagement meeting with a panel of 38 experts knowledgeable regarding Vhembe district IPV issues (namely managers from Vhembe Thohoyandou victim empowerment centre, members of the Executive council of the 6th administration of Limpopo provincial Legislatures, heads of departments or directors from the department of health, social development and community safety and security, chairperson of gender equity, TVEP managers, as well as women who were victims from Vhembe where the study was conducted, and chairperson of gender equity, disability women and children). The purpose of the stakeholder engagement meeting was consultation and buy-in of experts in the field regarding feasible and practical evidence-based intervention strategies for local communities. The setting for stakeholder engagement meeting was Vhembe District Tshifulanani at Munnandinnyi and Hadumasi the Victorious Community offices. However, due to COVID-19 regulations other stakeholders failed to attend, and the rating scales were emailed to them together with the PreCCL strategies. The participants were asked to rate the PreCCL strategies on a given Likert scale in terms of relevance, importance, potential effectiveness and recommendation for adoption. The 0.67 Cronbach Alpha reliability score of the Likert scale was found acceptable for this study. Of the 65 questionnaires sent out, only 38 were returned, which was 58.5% response rate. Data were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS. The strategies were rated relevant in addressing IPV in the district by most (n = 36;97,4%;Mean ± SD = 3.0 ± 0.7) of the stakeholder, whereby (n= 6;15.8%;Mean ± SD=3.8 ±1.2) strongly agreed and (n =30;78,9%) agreed. In terms of importance, most (n = 32;84.3%) of the respondents rated the strategies very important in addressing IPV in the communities. The strategies were rated potentially effective in addressing IPV by most (n =34;89.5%;Mean ± SD (3.2 ± 0.6) of the stakeholder. The majority (n = 34;89.6%) of the stakeholders recommended the adoption of the developed strategies in current state. Conclusion: PreCCL strategies to empower women against IPV occurrences, which were developed based on IBM qualitative and quantitative results as well as review of literature are considered relevant and potentially effective by stakeholder who recommend their adoption by the Department of Social Development, Limpopo Province.

Surviving intimate partner violence and disaster

PurposeFew studies investigating disaster have examined the risks associated with surviving both disaster and intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV is psychological or physical abuse in a personal relationship. Using an intersectional approach, the purpose of this study is to investigate contributions to and differences in perceived stress and personal resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of predominantly female-identified IPV survivors (n = 41) to examine risks associated with this vulnerable population during disaster.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured interview guide, IPV survivors were interviewed regarding their perceived stress (i.e. perceived stress scale), personal resilience, (i.e. Connor Davidson Resilience Scale), type of violence experienced (i.e. physical violence), COVID-19-related stressors (i.e. loss of income due to the pandemic) and relevant socio-demographic characteristics (i.e. race).FindingsThese interviews indicate that participants exhibited low levels of resilience and a moderate amount of stress exposure highlighting risk factors associated with experiencing personal violence during disaster.Originality/valueAt the height of their need for support and assistance, the disaster generated additional rent and nutritional stress compounding the pressures violence survivors face. These findings suggest those who are socially vulnerable due to violence need structural support services to cope with disaster and violence-related stresses.

Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation Narrative Therapy Delivered via Synchronous Telehealth: A Case Study of a Rural Woman Veteran With Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The International Classification of Diseases-11 th Revision (ICD-11) includes the diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Clinical practice guidelines support the use of phased care for individuals with CPTSD. This case study illustrates the use of synchronous telehealth to deliver phased treatment to a rural woman veteran with CPTSD. Mrs. A experienced sexual, physical, and emotional abuse throughout her life, perpetrated by family members, intimate partners, and military authority figures. She sought treatment for posttraumatic nightmares and body image issues;she also had pain related to fibromyalgia and chronic migraine headaches. Mrs. A participated in 19 sessions of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) Narrative therapy via synchronous telehealth. Trauma and eating disorder symptoms were assessed before and after treatment and the patient demonstrated clinically significant improvement on measures of these disorders. Patient-provider working alliance and quality of life were assessed post-treatment. Synchronous telehealth use drastically increased with the onset of COVID-19;however, little information on treating CPTSD via synchronous video teleconferencing is available. This case study illustrates an evidence-based, phased therapy for CPTSD while highlighting the feasibility and value of in-home delivery of psychotherapy for CPTSD via synchronous telehealth.Copyright © The Author(s) 2023.

Co-production to understand online help-seeking for young people experiencing emotional abuse and neglect: Building capabilities, adapting research methodology and evaluating involvement and impact.

BACKGROUND: Involving young people (YP) as co-researchers (YCoR) in mental health research is important for ethical and epistemological reasons. However, approaches to involve and evaluate 'meaningful involvement' in complex qualitative mental health research, and how to evaluate impacts (or change) for the co-researcher and the research is less well defined. OBJECTIVES: This co-produced research explored the experiences of YP seeking help for emotional abuse and neglect via an online, peer-peer message board. This practical case study aims to evidence the meaningful role and impacts associated with YCoR involvement in sensitive and complex mental health research using a flexible approach to co-production. METHODS: During the Covid-19 pandemic, we explored on- and off-line approaches and adapted research methodology to build relationships, knowledge, skills, and confidence with YCoR. The virtual involvement was evaluated against the five principles of co-production. Anonymous, continuous digital feedback, reflective practices and multiple dissemination outputs are used to evaluate the impact of the study on those involved and the research. RESULTS: Ten members of NeurOX Young People's Advisory Group were involved in the core project. Additional members were invited at later stages and in the dissemination of outputs. We describe a supportive, scaffolded learning approach to build capabilities and embed the lived experience of YCoR in complex qualitative research. A digital blended approach was acceptable to YCoR, principles of co-production were met and the impact/benefits of involvement are described. To demonstrate the epistemological value of involving YP we evidence YPs capabilities for involvement and the 'change' or contribution YCoR made to the research through reflective practices. CONCLUSIONS: This case study demonstrates how flexible approaches co-production with YCoR can be robust and responsive to balance ethical and epistemological impact in complex mental health research. Supportive, scaffolded practices and safe environments helped build the confidence and capacity of YCoRs to demonstrate valuable phenomenological insights in the analysis. YP's perspectives on how they describe 'meaningful' and impactful involvement illustrate the reciprocal benefits gained through working together. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This case study describes the YCoR involvement throughout the research and dissemination of outputs. YCoR co-authors were involved in developing the outline and reviewing the draft stages of the manuscript.

Abuse of Marginalized Older Adults during COVID-19: Proxy Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Child and spousal abuse rates tend to increase during various disasters. This study sought to determine the prevalence and determinants of older adults' experiences of increased verbal or physical conflict (+VPC) as a proxy for elder abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data stem from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), a prospective cohort study of 51,338 Canadians aged 45-85 at baseline. We analyzed the data of participants aged 55 or older at core follow-up 1 who also participated in a CLSA COVID-19 substudy (n = 24,306). Experiencing +VPC was the main outcome variable;explanatory variables included gender identity, sexual orientation, age group, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, marital status, household income, working status, living arrangement (alone vs. with others), social support availability, cohesion in the community, self-rated health, anxiety, depression, and previous history of elder abuse. The overall weighted prevalence of +VPC was 7.4%. Gay/bisexual men, 55-64 age group, living with others, low social support, poor social cohesion, low self-rated health, poor mental health, and history of psychological or physical abuse were each significantly associated with +VPC. Weighted multivariable logistic regression revealed that male gender, living with others, higher depression and anxiety scores, and a history of psychological abuse were independent predictors of +VPC. Implications for postpandemic recovery and prevention strategies during future disasters include targeted outreach programs for the most vulnerable group, which included males and younger older adults between 55 and 64 years as well as those with mental health issues and/or history of elder psychological abuse.

International Students' Suggestions for What Universities Can Do to Better Support Their Mental Wellbeing

This article aims to expand understanding of how to support international students' mental wellbeing in Australian higher education. It presents findings from a study that explored international students' own suggestions for how universities could improve their wellbeing. Qualitative responses were analyzed from 601 international students at one large, metropolitan university in Australia. Findings emphasize the relationship between course experience and student wellbeing and suggest that universities could improve international students' wellbeing by focusing on improving their learning experiences and fostering a sense of belonging.

Elder abuse in the COVID-19 era based on calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated circumstances that place older adults at higher risk for abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Identifying characteristics of elder abuse during COVID-19 is critically important. This study characterized and compared elder abuse patterns across two time periods, a one-year period during the pandemic, and a corresponding one-year period prior to the start of the pandemic. METHODS: Contacts (including social media contacts, and email; all referred to as "calls" for expediency) made to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) resource line were examined for differences in types of reported elder abuse and characteristics of alleged perpetrators prior to the pandemic (Time 1; March 16, 2018 to March 15, 2019) and during the pandemic (Time 2; March 16, 2020 to March 15, 2021). Calls were examined for whether or not abuse was reported, the types of reported elder abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect, and characteristics of callers, victims, and alleged perpetrators. Chi-square tests of independence compared frequencies of elder abuse characteristics between time periods. RESULTS: In Time 1, 1401 calls were received, of which 795 calls (56.7%) described abuse. In Time 2, 1009 calls were received, of which 550 calls (54.5%) described abuse. The difference between time periods in frequency of abuse to non-abuse calls was not significant ([Formula: see text]). Time periods also did not significantly differ with regard to caller, victim, and perpetrator characteristics. Greater rates of physical abuse ([Formula: see text] and emotional abuse ([Formula: see text] were reported during Time 2 after adjustment for multiple comparisons. An increased frequency of multiple forms of abuse was also found in Time 2 compared to Time 1 ([Formula: see text]. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest differences in specific elder abuse subtypes and frequency of co-occurrence between subtypes between time periods, pointing to a potential increase in the severity of elder abuse during COVID-19.

COVID-19 lockdown and domestic violence in Poland - an analysis of crisis helpline and Google data

Introduction: Following the introduction of COVID-19 lockdown, studies have shown an increase in domestic violence in many countries. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of seeking domestic violence information and support during the initial COVID-19 lockdown (March - April 2020) in Poland. Material and methods: We analysed searches for information on domestic violence on Google and the use of the domestic violence crisis helpline in the lockdown period compared to previous years. Google search terms were selected by the authors of the paper and then the frequency of searches performed in March and April 2020 and in the corresponding months of 2015-2019 were determined using the Google Trends tool. Additionally, we compared the data obtained from the national helpline Blue Line in March - April 2020 vs. the corresponding months in 2019. Results: An increase in the number of reports of domestic violence was observed in comparison to the previous year (+6.9%), with the largest increase in the number of reports by email (+77.7%). At the same time, the number of reports from persons under 18 years old was lower (-48.5%). An increase in reports of both physical and psychological violence was observed. Google Trends data showed an increase in searches for 'psychological help' and a decrease in searches for domestic violence and addiction (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The presented results highlight a potential short-term increase of domestic violence during COVID-19 lockdown periods, with growing importance of Internet-based tools for seeking help (e-mails, and web search engines to a lesser extent).

DOMESTIC ABUSE AND/OR VIOLENCE (DA/V) REPORTING BY SERVICE USERS (SUS) OF A REGIONAL ONLINE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION (STI) TESTING SERVICE (E-SERVICE), DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Introduction DA/V increased over the pandemic Our e-service widened access during the crisis and introduced three questions to adult SUs enquiring about DA/V. An analysis of SUs triggering these questions is provided. Method E-notes review of SUs who triggered question(s) about current DA/DV, whilst ordering a kit between 17.8.21- 28.2.22. SUs that trigger are automatically offered access to supportive online information. The e-service team don't directly contact these SUs unless there's another reason (e.g. relaying positive STI results). If safe to do so, the triggers are discussed during these calls and further support/counselling offered. Results 3846/231460(1.7%) SU triggered DA/V question(s) between 17.8.21-28.2.22. The first 202 SU e-notes were reviewed: median age 28yrs (18-73yrs);66%(134/202) female;72%(145/202) heterosexual;75%(152/202) UK born. 264 triggers were selected: 27%(55/202) physical/emotional abuse, 81%(164/202) coercive control, and 22%(45/202) sexual abuse. Ten (5%) SUs triggered three DA/V questions, 42(21%) two and 150(74%) one. STI positivity was 4%. 77%(156/202) engaged in high-risk activity. 26%(52/202) had never visited a clinic. Telephonic discussion with the e-service took place in 10%(20/202) SUs: 50%(10/20) received counselling/signposting;10%(2/20) referred to independent DA/V advocate, 30% (6/20) stated historic abuse, 10%(2/20) mistakenly triggered, 5%(1/10) declined support for current abuse and 5%(1/10) disengaged. Of 29%(58/202) SUs who ordered further e-kit(s) 38%(22/58) continued to trigger and 9%(5/58) disclosed sexual assault. Discussion 1.7% SUs reported current DA/V. After attempted contact a supportive DA/V discussion was accepted by 80% SUs. Despite providing online support 38% continued to disclose abuse. Efforts to explore/evaluate safe methods of engaging and supporting DA/V survivors using e-services are required.

Where Has the Love Gone?

[...]dwindling support in some cases transformed into outright hostility as the COVID-19 response became a politically polarizing topic: I've had nurses spit at," said Vicki Good, the executive director of nursing at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. According to Laranjeira (2021), several precipitating factors imply that frontline workers, especially nurses, are among the professionals most negatively affected by the pandemic: intensive and long work schedules, increased workload, adaptation to new working protocols, risk of infection and transmission to their relatives, disruption of family and personal life, mental stress and trauma, permanent health deterioration, and death (Özkan at et al., 2021). Other inciting reasons for occupational violence that might impact nurses when interacting with the public include health care authorities' refusal "to admit COVID-19 patients due to limited space, the death of relatives in the hospital, and refusal to hand over deceased patient bodies without the results (ProQuest: ... denotes text stops here in original.) Rollins, J.A. (2022).

Fibromyalgia syndrome: year in review

The aim of this review is to describe the most recent findings concerning the diagnosis, aetiopathogenesis and treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) that were published between January 2021 and January 2022 and appearing on PubMed database. Year 2021 saw the publication of many papers which tried to estimate the big COVID-19 impact on FM patient's lives, both from a physical and a mental point of view (1-3). Moreover, more and more attention has been put on juvenile fibromyalgia, which is surging as a distinct clinical entity which needs prompt diagnosis (4), and, as the adult counterpart, if it is comorbid with a rheumatic disease, it increases the perception of disease activity with respect to physician's evaluation. The most important publications last year were centered on the aetiopathogenesis of FM. One of the things that has to be kept in mind is the extreme importance of trauma in the life of these individuals. An interesting metaanalysis by Kaleycheva et al. (5) comprising nineteen studies confirms that there is a significant association between stressor exposure and adult FM, with the strongest associations observed for physical abuse (physical abuse (OR 3.23, 95% confidence interval 1.99-5.23) and total abuse (3.06, 1.71-5.46);intermediate for sexual abuse (2.65, 1.85-3.79) and smaller for medical trauma (1.80, 1.19-2.71), other lifetime stressors (1.70, 1.31-2.20), and emotional abuse (1.52, 1.27-1.81)). In addition, an autoantibody-centered theory is now developing. The most important recent study in this perspective comes from a study by Goebel et al. published on Journal of Clinical Investigation (6). Researchers found that mice treated with IgG from FM patients displayed increased sensitivity to noxious mechanical and cold stimulation, and nociceptive fibers in skin-nerve preparations from mice treated with FM IgG displayed an increased responsiveness to cold and mechanical stimulation. From the therapeutic point of view, few studies worth mentioning focused on the pharmacological treatment of FM;in particular, well-conducted clinical trials were about ketamine and low-dose naltrexone (7, 8). Most of 2021 studies focused on neurostimulation in FM patients, in particular on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or direct current stimulation (DCS) (9, 10 etc.).

Munchausen by Internet and false perinatal crises

Background: In representative cases of Munchausen by internet (MBI), an individual (or "poser") goes online to falsely report or exaggerate illnesses or life crises. The principal goal, as in factitious disorder imposed on self or another, is to garner emotional satisfaction. We provide the first evidence that MBI can target a specific type of health care provider-in this case, birthing doulas. Methods: We describe 5 cases in which individuals have utilized social media platforms to report factitious perinatal illnesses and crises, including neonatal death, in real time. Current health headlines, such as those involving the COVID-19 pandemic, can be relevant to the ruses. Posers can engage in deceptions with several health care professionals concurrently or serially, and may portray multiple people ("sock puppets") at the same time. Results: MBI has consequences that can be highly disruptive. In the cases highlighted in this report, many hours of support were given to individuals who had fabricated their pregnancies, infants, and perinatal complications. The doulas experienced feelings ranging from resignation to anger and betrayal. Conclusions: Health care professionals of all types who offer services online should be vigilant to the risks of potential MBI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Investigation of Anxiety Levels and Domestic Violence During COVID-19 Outbreak in Context of Various Variables

Objective: The study aimed to examine the level of anxiety and domestic violence perceived by individuals during Covid-19 pandemic in the context of socio-demographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional research methodology including participants from Turkey. The data was col-lected by using Demographic Information Form, Covid-19 Information Form and State-Anxiety Form which is part of the The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory throughout the process. In the analysis, ANOVA and independent sample t-test were applied as parametric tests;Kruskal Wallis and Mann – Whitney U were applied as non-parametric tests. In order to determine the relationship and dependencies of binary cat-egorical variables, chi-square analysis was performed. Results: 266 valid surveys were submitted. 58.6% (156) of the participants stated an increase in domestic violence and anger since the start of the social isolation period. In addition, anxiety levels of participants who stated that they have been exposed to verbal and emotional violence since the beginning of the social isolation period and those who noted an increase in violence and anger within their family are sta-tistically higher than other participants. Conclusion: In accordance with the result of analysis, the findings indicate that there has been an increase of verbal and emotional domestic violence. These findings show that there is a need for new policies and planning is required to prevent domestic violence are needed in addition to disease prevention measures.

Trapped in Place: A Systematic Review of Elder Abuse During the COVID-19 Era

Prior to COVID-19, an estimated 1 in 10 adults age ≥ 60 years experienced abuse annually in the United States. Social isolation is a known risk factor for elder abuse. To understand the possible contributing factors to a reported increase in elder abuse and to increase awareness a systematic review was done. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the keywords {(elderly or geriatric abuse + COVID-19)} 26 articles were found and 16 meet the inclusion criteria of discussing elderly abuse in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Results: 8 articles were expert opinion, 4 were cross-sectional studies, 1 was a literature review article regarding diagnosis and management, 2 were retrospective cohort studies, and 1 was a systematic review regarding geriatric emergencies. They all included women. 6 articles discussed at least 1 minority population, whether it was LTBQ+ people, people with disabilities or racial and/or ethnic minorities depending on the geographic location discussed. 3 articles were international and 1 encompassed North America as a whole, while the other articles were based in the US. All articles except 1 reported concern for increased elderly abuse. Minority groups were more likely to be isolated and less likely to access resources. There were no clear differences for women. Victims of isolation were more likely to have medical needs, while victims of emotional abuse were more likely to report loneliness. Possible explanations for the increase in abuse include a decrease in all in-person services, decreased social/community supports, increased isolation or only interacting with their perpetrators, and increased reliance on their abusers. There were several legal barriers to Adult Protective Services (APS) in-person evaluations in some regions. Also 40% of caregivers reported doing worse financially and 15% reported drinking more alcohol. Telehealth is challenging for sheltering-in-place with an abuser and who also may have more difficulty using telehealth due to high rates of hearing impairment and language barriers. Discussion: The numerous contributing factors to the increase in elderly abuse highlight the need to weigh the risks and benefits for in-person care and in-person APS evaluations, along with the re-introduction of social programs. It also highlights the need for providers to be aware of any potential signs or symptoms of abuse in their patients.

The Role of Emirati Women during the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Challenges

Using a qualitative methodology of personal interviews and participant observation, this research investigates the role of Emirati women in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent impact/challenges. Research participants included female Emirati health care workers and educationists. We observed Emirati families to help better understand the challenges women went through during the pandemic. Contrary to existing narratives about the invisibility, docility, marginalization, victimhood, and dependency of Arab women, this research reveals that Emirati women were able to exercise agency in the fight against the pandemic due to the following factors: longstanding government empowerment of women, a sense of patriotism, supportive male relatives, and female dominance in the health and educational sectors. During the pandemic, Emirati women have contributed in the following ways as: volunteers;international aid workers;care givers;health information agents;and virtual teachers. Despite this, challenges abound because of the following: increased family conflict;domestic violence;the psychological toll of Covid-related deaths;economic challenges;and increased domestic responsibilities. The Emirati women's case provides lessons for policy makers and societies desirous of women's empowerment.