ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered people's lifestyles around the world. Prevention of recurrent episodes of the disease and mitigation of its consequences are especially associated with effective post-COVID-19 rehabilitation in patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the drug Likopid (glucosaminylmuramyl dipeptide, GMDP) for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation in patients. Material and methods. Patients who recovered from mild to moderate COVID-19 (n=60, mean age 54+/- 11.7 years) were randomized into the observation group (n=30, 15 men and 15 women) who received 2 courses of Licopid (1 mg twice a day) and the comparison group (n=30, 15 men and 15 women). Analysis of the phenotypic and functional characteristics of the innate immune cellular factors was carried out before the start of immunomodulatory therapy, immediately after the end of the course, and also after 6 months observations. In order to assess the quality of life of all patients, we used the SF-36 Health Status Survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaires. Results. During assessing the effect of immunomodulatory therapy on the parameters of innate immunity of patients at the stage of rehabilitation after COVID-19, an increase in the protective cytolytic activity of CD16+ and CD8+Gr+ cells, as well as a persistent increase in TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 expression was found, which indicates the antigen recognition recovery and presentation at the level of the monocytic link of the immune system. The use of GMDP as an immunomodulatory agent resulted in an 8-fold reduction in the frequency and severity of respiratory infections due to an increase in the total monocyte count. As a result of assessing patients' quality of life against the background of the therapy, a positive dynamic in role functioning was revealed in patients. In the general assessment of their health status, an increase in physical and mental well-being was noted during 6 months of observation. The comparison group showed no improvement in the psychoemotional state. Discussion. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of GMDP immunomodulatory therapy in correcting immunological parameters for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation in patients. The data obtained are consistent with the previously discovered ability of GMDP to restore impaired functions of phagocytic cells and induce the expression of their surface activation markers, which in turn contributes to an adequate response to pathogens. Conclusion. The study revealed that the correction of immunological parameters with the use of GMDP in COVID-19 convalescents contributed not only to a decrease in the frequency and severity of respiratory infections, but also to an improvement in the psycho-emotional state of patients, and a decrease in anxiety and depression.Copyright © Eco-Vector, 2023. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The most common causes of acute hepatitis in children are hepatitis A and autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatitis in the course of Wilson's disease is sporadically registered in adolescents. An increase of activity of aminotransferases both in the course of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and in the course of COVID-19 has been observed. Hepatitis is common in children with MIS-C and is associated with a more severe presentation and persistent elevation of liver function tests. To date, no cases of acute hepatitis in children due to COVID-19 have been reported. We present 2 cases of acute hepatitis in children where the only cause seems to be a previous asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.Copyright © 2023 Termedia Publishing House Ltd.. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: There was an increase in antipsychotic prescribing for people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic (1). To explain this increase, the current study was conducted to explore the views of staff working in care homes for the elderly during the pandemic on the use of antipsychotics for residents with Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). Aim(s): The aim was to explore the use of antipsychotics for people with BPSD during the COVID-19 pandemic by interviewing staff in care homes about their experiences during that time. Method(s): Semi-structured interviews were conducted online with staff working in ten UK elderly care settings using convenience sampling. Participants mainly onsite care home staff were recruited through online networks, for example, Twitter, and support groups such as CHAIN and NIHR clinical research network. Interviews were conducted between May 2021-March 2022, were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed inductively using thematic analysis in NVivo version 12. Result(s): Ten interviews were completed with managers (n=2), care staff (n=6) and nurses (n=2) in nursing homes (n=7) and residential homes (n=3) (all were female). The first theme 'Challenges experienced in care provision' entails challenges experienced in the care environment;residents were confined to their rooms, activities were suspended, staff were absent and stressed, and family visits were barred. The reduced human contact affected residents' sense of self, mental and physical wellbeing, and in turn, their behaviours. The second theme 'Prescribing process' refers to doctors prescribing medicines in response to staff raising concerns. The third theme 'Attitude toward antipsychotics' denotes participants' positive and negative beliefs about antipsychotics. The positive beliefs included antipsychotics being the right choice and beneficial, an increased need and continued use of antipsychotics, use of a combination of medications and weighing the risks and benefits of antipsychotics. The negative beliefs included reports of adverse effects and short-term benefits of antipsychotics, antipsychotics not always beneficial, benefits in deprescribing, dislike for antipsychotics and belief antipsychotics are the last resort. Some expressed the need for antipsychotics had not increased but been driven by health professionals involved. The fourth theme 'Other psychotropic medication' alluded to other commonly used psychotropic medications and associated risks and benefits. The fifth theme 'Measures implemented within care settings' represented strategies implemented to avert the initiation or bolster antipsychotic deprescribing such as non-pharmacological approaches, nurses' assessment of residents before requesting antipsychotics, multidisciplinary consultation, and medication review. Conclusion(s): This is the first study that reports care home staff views on antipsychotic use for residents with dementia during the pandemic. The limitations include that only views of female respondents were obtained and the limited sample size. Care homes faced enormous challenges in the provision of care services to residents with dementia during the pandemic. The multitude of difficulties experienced in care homes due to lack of preparedness may have influenced staff to have positive views of antipsychotics and their use as an option during the pandemic. It's important to acknowledge and address these difficulties for example through education and training interventions to help with future preparedness.
ABSTRACT
Background: The Covid-19 pandemic seems to have an incessant out-turn on the people in every field in some or the other way. It has been reported that maximum number of deaths in the countries during this pandemic are caused due to a term called death anxiety or phobia. There are certain parameters such as anxiety, apprehension, depression which if influence a person can alter one's well-being. Objective(s): The steadfast intent of this review article is to narrate the psychological impact of this pandemic on dentists. The eloquence and emergence of this topic will alarm all the medicos and paramedics to have a check on this scenario. Method(s): The article consists of detailed study from several articles from PubMed publications. Articles written only in English language were referred. Various keywords such as "Covid-19 pandemic" or "Psychological Impact" were used. Result(s): The Covid-19 Pandemic has adversely affected all of us physically as well as psychologically. This article signifies the psychological impact of this pandemic on dentists. Conclusion(s): The current studies that are carried out till date show an extensive impact on the psychology of the dental professionals. The following review article elaborates the importance of the same.Copyright © 2023 Patil B et al.
ABSTRACT
Purpose of Study: Between September 2020 and November 2021, a survey was developed in partnership with children, youth, and community members experiencing vulnerabilities in a Vancouver Inner City Neighbourhood (ICN) to explore challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the survey, participants were asked questions about their financial status, housing security, food accessibility, and other social determinants of health. Other equity-seeking groups in Vancouver, including youth experiencing developmental and/or other medical diversity, wished to adapt the ICN COVID-19 survey to explore the impact of the pandemic in their community. These youth are active members of the province's pediatric tertiary care teaching hospital's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), and in sharing their lived experience as patients, they strive to improve the quality of healthcare for children and youth throughout British Columbia. The objectives of this study were to: 1) adapt the COVID-19 survey to capture the views and needs of youth experiencing developmental and/or other medical diversity;and 2) identify how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted this group's social determinants of health. Methods Used: Ethics board approval was obtained for this observational, cross-sectional study (H20-00987). The research team and YAC co-constructed an adapted COVID-19 survey via Zoom dialogues. YAC members completed the survey online via Qualtrics from May 2022-August 2022. Demographic information and survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Summary of Results: In total, 12 participants completed the survey, including 11 youth and 1 staff member. The median age of the youth participants was 23 years (n=11, min=14, max=29). During the COVID-19 pandemic, 82% (9/11) of youth reported changes in their ability to attend work or school, 36% (4/11) reported concern around reliable and affordable access to medications/medical treatment, and 46% (5/11) reported difficulty in caring for themselves. 46% (5/11) of youth also reported difficulty in caring for older adults or people in their families with disabilities. Many youth (6/11;55%) reported they had less than five people to turn to for support in times of stress, and 46% (5/11) of youth reported the pandemic changed their ability to connect with these people. Furthermore, 82% (9/11) of youth reported experiencing some level of distress related to the pandemic. 73% (8/11) of youth reported heightened anxiety, 82% (9/11) reported worsened mood, 55% (6/11) reported difficulty sleeping, and 64% (7/11) reported difficulty exercising. Conclusion(s): Youth with developmental and/or other complex medical diversity experienced difficulties accessing work and education, reliable and affordable medical care, and social support due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic negatively impacted the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of these youth, indicating a need for future dialogue and advocacy to ensure the views and voices on rights of children and youth are honoured.
ABSTRACT
This study examines the immediate and intermediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of two high school graduation cohorts (2020 and 2021) and how changes in well-being affect students' educational plans and outcomes. Our unique panel data on 3697 students from 214 schools in 8 German federal states contain prospective survey information on three dimensions of well-being: mental health problems, self-rated health, and life satisfaction. Data is collected several months before (fall 2019), shortly before and soon after (spring 2020) as well as several months after (fall/winter 2020/21) the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applying difference-in-differences designs, random effect growth curve models, and linear regression models, we find that school closures had a positive immediate effect on students' well-being. Over the course of the pandemic, however, well-being strongly declined, mainly among the 2021 graduation cohort. We show that a strong decline in mental health is associated with changes in educational and career plans and transition outcomes. As adverse life experiences in adolescence are likely to accumulate over the life course, this study is the first to exhibit potential long-lasting negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and careers of young individuals.
ABSTRACT
This editorial synthesizes the findings of eight studies in the latest issue of Activities, Adaptation & Aging: Dignified and Purposeful Living for Older Adults. The findings encapsulate the factors that contribute to aging well and improving the quality of life for older adults, including active leisure participation, adopting leisure activities, animal interactions, community center involvement, individualized information, mental and physical well-being strategies, social resources and support, and volunteering. These factors not only inform practitioners working with older adults but also provide insights for individuals seeking to age well. The resilience of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic is also discussed, emphasizing the importance of speaking positively about aging. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Activities, Adaptation & Aging is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenge for all health care providers (HCPs). Anesthesiologists are vulnerable to acquiring the disease during aerosol-generating procedures in operating theater and intensive care units. High index of suspicion, detailed history including travel history, strict hand hygiene, use of face masks, and appropriate personal protective equipment are some ways to minimize the risk of exposure to disease. Neurologic manifestations of COVID-19, modification of anesthesia regimen based on the procedure performed, and HCP safety are some implications relevant to a neuroanesthesiologist. National and international guidelines, recommendations, and position statements help in risk stratification, prioritization, and scheduling of neurosurgery and neurointervention procedures. Institutional protocols can be formulated based on the guidelines wherein each HCP has a definite role in this ever-changing scenario. Mental and physical well-being of HCPs is an integral part of successful management of patients. We present our experience in managing 143 patients during the lockdown period in India.Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Neurodivergence has been established as associated with a significant number of co-occurring physical conditions, particularly for autistic individuals who are at risk for increased pain, hypermobility (including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and gastrointestinal problems. However, data, so far, has been focused on adults and generally limited to discussions of condition prevalence alone. Method(s): The following article will present a topical review of the literature considering evidence for increased physical health concerns within neurodivergent populations, particularly autistic individuals, with a focus on the impact that these physical health concerns may have in an educational setting. Results and discussion: The impact of physical health concerns within neurodivergent populations in an educational setting may be concerning. Such populations may face a range of challenges in obtaining appropriate support for physical conditions. We discuss a number of said challenges including;communication challenges, misattributing physical health symptoms as a part of neurodivergence, and a history of not being believed, which limits symptomatic reporting. We further consider the potential impact these physical health concerns may have on scholastic and social development, such as impacts for attainment and attendance. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for teachers, parents/carers and other allied professionals in young people's lives, on supporting young neurodivergent people with physical health concerns.Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
ABSTRACT
Cancer has become one of the major causes of death in the growing world population, affecting people irrespective of their age, sex and culture. Cancer diagnosis and therapy is a distressing procedure and affects the physical, emotional and mental well-being of the patient. Many studies have reported that cancer has a long-term impact on patient's lives leading to mood dysfunction, heart problems and chemotherapy toxicity. Modern-day healthcare systems are moving towards a patient-oriented approach and are designed around the patient's well-being, needs and preferences. Oncology nurses form the fundamental part of this system and provide the patient with the much-needed care, support and hope for life. Oncology nursing has developed and evolved briefly in the recent few decades due to the advancement in treatment procedures. As cancer care continues to progress, nurses play a vital role in the field of oncology. Specialized oncology nurses are providing clinical care, or as nurse researchers leading revolutionary oncology research. The future of oncology nursing is optimistic. Nursing care for cancer patients not only requires guidance through medication and treatment, but also offers encouragement and motivation to the patients. The present review provides an insight into the nursing care of cancer patients, its brief history, advancements and the current practices of oncology nursing. Future prospects of oncology nursing have also been discussed in detail.Copyright © 2022, Kuwait Medical Association. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objectives Background Social isolation is probably one of the most affected health outcomes in the elderly people, particularly those living alone, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we try to identify it by detecting changes in the elderly such as malnutrition and lack of mobility. Material and methods The system consists of two types of sensors installed at various locations in the user's home: Passive infrared (PIR) sensors and reed switch sensors. It was implemented for 15 days in the home of a 26-year-old student living alone, as a first step to later be deployed in the home of elderly people. Results Our study showed strong similarities between the activities detected by the algorithm and the real activity pattern of the interviewed individual. In addition, the system was able to identify two daily patterns (weekday and weekend) of the person as he is a student and is present in class during the week. Conclusion A system composed of low-cost, unobtrusive, non-intrusive and miniaturized sensors is able to detect meal-taking activity and mobility. These results are an intermediate step in assessing the potential risk of social isolation in older people living alone based on these ADLs.Copyright © 2023 AGBM
ABSTRACT
Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on sleep quality, insomnia, mental health and memory in the United States. Method(s): This was a cross-sectional study using publicly available database taken from Boston College COVID-19 Sleep and Well-Being Dataset. Result(s): A total of 476 subjects were included in the analysis, with a mean (SD) age of 38.8 (17.8) years. The population had a mean (SD) score of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI of 6 (3.2), with 65% having the prevalence of poor sleep quality (defined as PSQ >= 5;n=311). The mean (SD) score for Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was 6.9 (5.2), with 55 subjects (11.5%) had clinical insomnia (defined as ISI >= 15);of whom 9% had clinical severe insomnia. There were positive correlations between PSQI and ISI (r=0.76, p < 0.001;Figure 1), PROMIS fatigue scale (r=0.53, p<0.001), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) (r= 0.46, p<0.001), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (r=0.44, p<0.001). PSQI was inversely correlated to John Henryism Active Coping Scale (JHACS) and memory scale. In the multivariate regression model, JHACS, ISI, fatigue, PSS, and GAD-7 were significant predictors for PSQI, and these variables accounted for 62% of the variance of PSQI. Conclusion(s): There was a high prevalence of poor sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was in association with insomnia and other mental and physical well-being. This finding highlights the need to prioritize policy and public health efforts to address sleep issues, which have substantial health and economic effects for both individuals and the population at large.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has had considerable effects on people's lives worldwide, particularly left-behind children in China as they tragically witnessed the outbreak. From the outset, millions of left-behind children in rural areas experienced extensive physical and psychological disturbances because their migrant parents who lived in the city or another province could not be with them. This study explored the psychological, academic, and physical well-being of rural left-behind children during COVID-19. We captured the experiences of 10- to 15-year-old children and adolescents who were left behind by their migrant parents before the COVID-19 outbreak. The results of the present study suggest that left-behind children have exhibited severe psychological illnesses since the pandemic has limited their social interactions with peers and increased improper caretaking from grandparents.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic is the most important health emergency of the 21st century. Since the high number of infected people and as there is still no specific therapy worldwide, the pandemic has been countered through the application of prevention measures based on social distancing and home isolation. These elements are known risk factors for the development of various psychiatric conditions. From a forensic point of view, these pathologies are related to a high suicide rate. Objective(s): It is no coincidence that during the previous pandemics that have occurred in history there has been a significant increase in suicides. By this work, we therefore want to highlight the psychological consequencesofapandemicandthe importanceofpreventivestrategies. Method(s): It is important to focus not only on physical well-being but also on the psychological aspects that the pandemic produces in the daily life of each individual Results: If the infecting agent causes the death of millions of people around the world, the socio-economic context that is created indirectly determines as many deaths. Conclusion(s): Therefore it is necessary to underline how it is advisable to implement preventive measures in order to significantly reduce deaths from suicide, a problem with an important impact in the social and forensic fields.
ABSTRACT
Being a highly contagious disease, Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has shown its impact throughout the world. Clinical manifestations are seen primarily involving the respiratory system. Fever, cough, fatigue, and breathlessness are the commonly seen symptoms. Several cases of COVID-19 manifest as viral pneumonia-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). COVID-19 symptoms appear not only during the course of the illness but also as its after effects. Long COVID-19 is said to be multisystem syndrome, categorised as postacute or chronic depending upon the time frame. It is characterized by the presence of symptoms beyond four weeks of the actual disease. Change in structural components in the lung leads to having a functional consequence on the body, affecting the cognitive, psychosocial, mental and physical well-being of the patients. Studies have shown alveolar damage same as ARDS. The most common pulmonary sequences seen are dyspnoea, cough (dry/with expectoration) and decreased diffusion capacity leading to reduced endurance. The present case report was of a 45-year-old nurse, who presented with the symptoms of postacute long COVID-19. Her previous scan of thorax showed a severity score of 11/25 after being tested COVID-19 positive. In view of the presenting complaints, a tailor-made pulmonary rehabilitation program was administered which showed great improvement in overall health condition. This case had been reported to document the effects of post COVID rehabilitation program on aspects such as functional capacity, quality of life, anxiety and depression using novel measures such as Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT), World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21). Rehabilitation has been proven to be effective and safe in improving the exercise performance, quality of life affected due to COVID-19 and psychological function of the patients. Copyright © 2022 Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Symposium summary: The current COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the body image of individuals as well as their practice of physical exercise and their consumption of image-and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) in an attempt to boost their appearance. This symposium will present the results of various cross-sectional studies that are part of an overarching global project aimed to study fitness habits during the COVID-19 lockdown which was carried out in eight countries (UK, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Lithuania, Brazil, and Japan). These studies focus on: (1) Assessing the perception of body image during self-isolation;(2) Exploring the practice of exercising and related habits during self-isolation (e.g., using fitness apps or spending more time in social media);(3) Understanding whether exercise can help to cope with self-isolation;and (4) Exploring any potential use of IPEDs during self-isolation as a way to boost physical appearance. Findings have contributed to a better understanding of the effects of self-isolation on body image and the identification of related risky behaviours in the attempt to boost physical appearance, while contributing to the development of practices targeting mental and physical wellbeing in challenging times for humanity.
ABSTRACT
Severe restrictive measures were implemented globally to limit the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic leading to significant lifestyle changes and impacting on both the physical and the mental health of citizens. Caught by the fear of getting sick, some individuals have adopted behaviors which favored the development of Exercise Addiction (EA). Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of EA in the general Italian population during Phase 1 of the lockdown, and the role of Appearance Anxiety (AA), self-compassion and use of Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs) as predictors of its development. Between April to May 2020 an online survey was conducted across Italy. The rate of EA in the full sample (953 subjects) was 3.6%. 84.2% of the participants reported variations in their fitness routine. Perceived benefit of exercising resulted significantly higher in those with EA. Subjects with EA reported stronger motivation in engaging in physical activity as for physical wellness, psychological wellbeing and sexual attractiveness and confidence in relationship. A higher level of AA, a lower level of self-compassion, the use of PIEDs and a higher perceived benefit of exercising during lockdown were all significant predictors for the presence of EA. Our findings suggest that the fear of getting sick from Covid-19, combined with radical changes in the lifestyles induced by the lockdown and individual personological characteristics can favor the development of AE and related phenomena in the general population.
ABSTRACT
The article in the Medical Journal of Malaysia, clearly highlights the effects of anxiety on medical students. The COVID-19 has disrupted the physical, mental, and social well-being of the medical students causing stress, anxiety, depression, fear, loneliness, and uncertainty about their futures.