ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: While suicide rates did not change (or decreased) in the first pandemic year (i.e., 2020) in the majority of countries, in Hungary the number of completed suicides rose significantly. OBJECTIVE: In our study, we investigated whether the unfavourable trend reversal of the Hungarian suicide rate following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic persisted in the second pandemic year. METHOD: We used an interrupted time-series analysis with Prais-Winsten regression, controlling for time and seasonal effects as well as autoregressive effects, to estimate the effect of the pandemic on the suicide rates of the Hungarian male, female and total populations in 2020 and 2021. RESULTS: In the first pandemic year, we observed a significant increase in suicide rates in males and the total population. Although the case numbers for males and the total population in 2021 exceeded the case numbers of the pre-pandemic year, regression estimates suggest that the increase in rates did not differ significantly from the pre-pandemic years in males and it was only found to be significant at the 10% level in the total population. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Based on the examination of data from the first two pandemic years, we may conclude that by 2021 the adverse effect of the pandemic on suicidality reduced in the total population and disappeared in males. The question remains open whether this favourable development will continue. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(48): 1895-1901.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Suicide , Humans , Male , Female , Pandemics , Hungary/epidemiology , Suicidal IdeationABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In most countries, COVID-19 mortality increases exponentially with age, but the growth rate varies considerably between countries. The different progression of mortality may reflect differences in population health, the quality of health care or coding practices. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated differences in age-specific county characteristics of COVID-19 mortality in the second year of the pandemic. METHOD: Age-specific patterns of COVID-19 adult mortality were estimated according to county level and sex using a Gompertz function with multilevel models. RESULTS: The Gompertz function is suitable for describing age patterns of COVID-19 adult mortality at county level. We did not find significant differences in the age progression of mortality between counties, but there were significant spatial differences in the level of mortality. The mortality level showed a relationship with socioeconomic and health care indicators with the expected sign, but with different strengths. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 resulted in a decline in life expectancy in Hungary not seen since World War II. The study highlights the importance of healthcare in addition to social vulnerability. It also points out that understanding age patterns will help to mitigate the consequences of the epidemic. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(17): 643-650.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Adult , Humans , Life Expectancy , Age Factors , Hungary/epidemiology , MortalityABSTRACT
In this study, the aetiological background of an outbreak of severe haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) in a colony of purebred Jack Russell Terriers vaccinated against CPV-2 in Hungary was investigated. Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2, Parvoviridae) and canine astrovirus (CaAstV, Astroviridae) co-infection was identified by viral metagenomics and next-generation sequencing (VM-NGS) methods from a rectal swab of an affected 7-week-old puppy. The complete coding sequence of CPV-2 strain FR1/CPV2-2021-HUN (ON733252) and the complete genome of CaAstV strain FR1/CaAstV-2021-HUN (ON733251) were determined by VM-NGS and PCR methods. Results of sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that CPV-2 strain FR1/CPV2-2021-HUN was different from the applied vaccine strains and previously identified strains from Hungary but showed high sequence identity (> 99.8%) and close phylogenetic relationship to recently described "Asian-origin" CPV-2c strains from Italy. But, based on the single amino acid difference on position 426 of VP2 (Glu/Asp) between the study strain and the closest relatives, FR1/CPV2-2021-HUN belonged to the 2b antigenic type rather than 2c. The CaAstV strain FR1/CaAstV-2021-HUN showed close relationship with a CaAstV strain identified previously from a diarrhoeic dog in Hungary. Both viruses were continuously detectable by PCR in additional enteric samples, and the CPV-2 could also be detected in several (n = 32) tissue samples from 9 affected deceased puppies. Further comparative studies are necessary to confirm the role of the point mutation causing the change in the antigenic type of this "Asian-origin" CPV-2 and/or the role of CaAstV co-infection in the development and/or severity of (haemorrhagic) gastroenteritis among dogs vaccinated against CPV-2.
Subject(s)
Astroviridae , Coinfection , Dog Diseases , Gastroenteritis , Parvoviridae Infections , Parvoviridae , Parvovirus, Canine , Dogs , Animals , Parvovirus, Canine/genetics , Astroviridae/genetics , Phylogeny , Coinfection/veterinary , Coinfection/epidemiology , Hungary/epidemiology , Parvoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Parvoviridae Infections/veterinary , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/prevention & control , Gastroenteritis/epidemiology , Gastroenteritis/prevention & control , Gastroenteritis/veterinary , Disease OutbreaksABSTRACT
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and has affected every social class. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe stress and anxiety levels in the general population was reported to be 25%. This study aimed to describe the validation of the Hungarian version of the COVID Stress Scale. (2) Methods: The research study was a cross-section validation study with a representative sample (N = 1200) and a non-representative student sample (N = 350). The translation procedure was a four-step procedure. The interviewers conducted the data collection. (3) Results: The reliability of the Hungarian CSS was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlating the CSS with the PSS and WHO-WBI5. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the CSS-H factors was between 0.844 and 0.907 (representative sample) and between 0.878 and 0.936 (student sample), which qualified as very good. The reliability of the internal consistency was good for all six factors in both samples. The CSS-H total and all-domain scores significantly and positively correlated with the PSS total score and negatively correlated with well-being. (4) Conclusions: The Hungarian COVID Stress Scale is a valid, reliable instrument to measure COVID-19-related distress in the Hungarian population.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , Humans , Hungary/epidemiology , Psychometrics/methods , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The increased workload caused by the coronavirus pandemic may have had a significant impact on the mental health of radiographers. The aim of our study was to investigate burnout and occupational stress in radiographers working in emergency departments (ED) and non-emergency departments (NED). METHODS: Quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive research was carried out among radiographers working in the public health sector in Hungary. Due to the cross-sectional nature of our survey, there was no overlap between the ED and NED groups. For data collection, we used simultaneously the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire (ERI), and our self-designed questionnaire. RESULTS: We excluded incomplete questionnaires from our survey; finally, 439 responses were evaluated. Significantly higher scores for depersonalisation (DP; 8.43 (SD = 6.69) vs. 5.63 (SD = 4.21) and emotional exhaustion (EE; 25.07 (SD = 11.41) vs. 19.72 (SD = 11.72)) were observed in radiographers working in ED (p = 0.001; p = 0.001) when compared to NED. Male radiographers working in ED aged 20-29 and 30-39 years with experience of 1-9 years were more affected by DP (p ≤ 0.05). Worrying about one's own health had a negative effect on DP and EE (p ≤ 0.05). Having close friend with a COVID-19 infection had a negative effect on EE (p ≤ 0.05); not being infected with coronavirus, not being quarantined and relocating within the workplace had a positive effect on personal accomplishment (PA); radiographers who were 50 years or older with 20-29 years of experience were more affected by depersonalisation (DP); and those who worried about their health had significantly higher stress scores (p ≤ 0.05) in both ED and NED settings. CONCLUSION: Male radiographers at the beginning of their careers were more affected by burnout. Employment in EDs had a negative impact on DP and EE. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Our results support the implementation of interventions to counter the effects of occupational stress and burnout among radiographers working in ED.
Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , COVID-19 , Occupational Stress , Humans , Male , Hungary/epidemiology , Pandemics , Cross-Sectional Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Burnout, Professional/psychology , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
(1) Background: In this study, sport and subjective psychological well-being is investigated in three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: We have conducted three different representative sample surveys (n = 3600 altogether) on the Hungarian adult population and investigated the sample's subjective psychological well-being with the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, as well as changes in their subjective well-being through the different waves of the pandemic. Sporting habits and socio-economic variables were also surveyed, and OLS regression models were created focused on the WHO-5 measures. (3) Results: The subjective psychological well-being of the Hungarian adult population decreased significantly, but in the second and third wave of pandemic restrictions, an increase in subjective psychological well-being has been measured. The relationships between the time spent on doing sports and subjective psychological well-being were significant in each pandemic waves. The highest subjective psychological well-being and its highest increase were reported by those who could increase their time spent on doing sports as well. (4) Conclusions: The relationships between the sports activities, physical health, size of settlement, changes in income and subjective psychological well-being of the Hungarian adult population were significant in all three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adult , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Hungary/epidemiology , Pandemics , Psychological Well-Being , HabitsABSTRACT
Although countries in central and eastern Europe (CEE) have relatively younger populations compared to the West, their populations are often affected by higher prevalence of chronic conditions and multi-morbidity and this burden will likely increase as their populations age. Relatively little is known about how these countries cater to the needs of complex patients. This Perspective piece identifies key initiatives to improve coordination of care in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, including some pioneering and far-reaching approaches. Unfortunately, some of them have failed to be implemented, but a recent strategic commitment to care coordination in some of these countries and the dedication to rebuilding stronger health systems after the COVID-19 pandemic offer an opportunity to take stock of these past and ongoing experiences and push for more progress in this area.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Multimorbidity , Humans , Poland/epidemiology , Czech Republic/epidemiology , Hungary/epidemiology , Slovakia/epidemiology , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Chronic DiseaseABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 may unfavourably affect the mental health of individuals in various ways. Accordingly, the concern has been raised that national suicide rates will increase in the wake of the outbreak of the pandemic. METHODS: In the current study, we tested this conjecture in three age groups (<25; 25-64; ≥65) of the Hungarian total population and the male and female populations. In addition, we assessed whether the pandemic had different effects on counts of suicides committed by violent or non-violent methods. Finally, by comparing the monthly suicide rates in 2020 and the corresponding monthly rates in 2019, we also investigated the "pulling together" hypothesis that postulates that a temporary decrease in suicides may occur after large-scale catastrophic events. RESULTS: With regard to the total population only the suicide counts of individuals aged 25-64 rose significantly (p < 0.05) during the COVID months of 2020. Similar patterns, but at lower levels of significance (0.05 < p < 0.1), were found in those members of the total population aged 65 or older and among males aged between 25 and 64. Furthermore, we found that the number of violent suicides increased significantly (p < 0.05) during the COVID months. Finally, our results have not confirmed the existence of a "pulling together" phenomenon in association with the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary. LIMITATIONS: We used non-individual level data and were therefore unable to control suicide risk factors at the level of individuals. DISCUSSION: The number of suicides rose significantly in some subgroups of the Hungarian population during the COVID months of 2020.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Suicide , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Hungary/epidemiology , Pandemics , Sex Distribution , Age Distribution , COVID-19/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The development of effective, safe, and acceptable vaccines is a long process. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy continues to elicit mixed reactions among different quarters despite numerous evidence of their effectiveness. This study aimed to determine the availability and acceptance rates of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, among Kenyan and Hungarian residing populations and the underlying reasons contributing to the hesitancy of uptake. A non-probability, snowball sampling design was employed, and a survey questionnaire tool link was expeditiously disseminated. Data were carefully analyzed descriptively. Demographic variables, COVID-19 awareness, possible exposure, reasons associated with hesitancy in taking up a vaccine, choice of a vaccine, and availability of vaccines among other important variables were tested to explore their associations with vaccine acceptance rates between the two distinct countries. A total of 1960 participants were successfully enrolled in the research study, while 67 participants were excluded based on the inclusion criterion set. There was, however, no significant difference in COVID-19 public awareness between the Kenyan and Hungarian-residing participants, p = 0.300. Of the respondents, 62.4% were willing and ready to receive vaccines against COVID-19 disease. There was a significant difference (p = 0.014) between the Kenyan and Hungarian-residing respondents concerning vaccine uptake and acceptance rates. The vaccine acceptance rates in Hungary were higher than in Kenya, with mean = 0.27, SD = 0.446, S. E = 0.045 for the Hungarian population sample and mean = 0.40, SD = 0.492, S. E = 0.026, for the Kenyan sample respectively. Concerning gender and vaccine acceptance, there was a notable significant difference between males and females, p = 0.001, where the mean for males and females were 0.29 and 0.46 respectively. Acceptance rates among males were higher than among females. The functions of One-Way ANOVA and Chi-square were used to establish any significant differences and associations between means and variables respectively. Concerns regarding the safety, efficacy, and accuracy of information about the developed vaccines are significant factors that must be promptly addressed, to arrest crises revolving around COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, especially in Kenya and among females in both populations, where acceptance rates were lower. Expansion of the screening program to incorporate antibody (serology) tests, is also highly recommended in the present circumstance. Equitable distribution of vaccines globally should be encouraged and promoted to adequately cover low- and middle-income countries. To enhance effective combat on vaccination hesitancy and apprehension in different countries, mitigation techniques unique to those countries must be adopted.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Female , Male , Humans , Kenya/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Hungary/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , VaccinationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: From 2010 to 2019, suicide mortality fell steadily and substantially in Hungary: the declining trend remained stable, and the suicide rate decreased by more than one-third which was remarkable even from an international perspective. However, despite the declining trend, regional inequalities have always characterised the distribution of suicide mortality in Hungary. Following these favourable trends, COVID-19 appeared in Hungary on the 4th of March 2020 which might lead to an increase in suicides. We aimed to investigate this hypothesis in Hungary by gender, age, educational attainment, and region, as well. METHODS: To test whether the pandemic changed the declining trend of Hungarian suicide rates, the observed number of suicides during March-December 2020 (pre-vaccination period) was compared with the expected numbers (without the appearance of COVID-19). An interrupted time-series analysis was conducted by negative binomial regression using monthly data from January 2010 to February 2020 (pre-pandemic period). RESULTS: Suicide mortality increased significantly compared to the trend during the pre-pandemic period: overall (by 16.7%), among males (18.5%), in the age group 35-49 years (32.8%), and among vocational school graduates (26.1%). Additionally, significant growths in suicide rates were detected in the two regions (Central Hungary and Central Transdanubia) with the lowest COVID mortality rates (by 27.3% and 22.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed reversed trend in suicide mortality during the pre-vaccination period compared to the pre-pandemic period in Hungary. There were significant differences in the pattern of suicide rates by gender, age group, educational attainment, and region during the pre-vaccination period in Hungary, which might be attributed to the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings could prove useful in preventive strategies as the identification of groups at higher risk may be important for suicide prevention; however, further investigations are needed to explore the reasons.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Suicide , Male , Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Suicide Prevention , Hungary/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Background: In late 2021, the pandemic wave was dominated by the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant in Hungary. Booster vaccines were offered for the vulnerable population starting from August 2021. Methods: The nationwide HUN-VE 3 study examined the effectiveness and durability of primary immunization and single booster vaccinations in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, Covid-19 related hospitalization and mortality during the Delta wave, compared to an unvaccinated control population without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: The study population included 8,087,988 individuals who were 18-100 years old at the beginning of the pandemic. During the Delta wave, after adjusting for age, sex, calendar day, and chronic diseases, vaccine effectiveness (VE) of primary vaccination against registered SARS-CoV-2 infection was between 11% to 77% and 18% to 79% 14-120 days after primary immunization in the 16-64 and 65-100 years age cohort respectively, while it decreased to close to zero in the younger age group and around 40% or somewhat less in the elderly after 6 months for almost all vaccine types. In the population aged 65-100 years, we found high, 88.1%-92.5% adjusted effectiveness against Covid-19 infection after the Pfizer-BioNTech, and 92.2%-95.6% after the Moderna booster dose, while Sinopharm and Janssen booster doses provided 26.5%-75.3% and 72.9%-100.0% adjusted VE, respectively. Adjusted VE against Covid-19 related hospitalization was high within 14-120 days for Pfizer-BioNTech: 76.6%, Moderna: 83.8%, Sputnik-V: 78.3%, AstraZeneca: 73.8%, while modest for Sinopharm: 45.7% and Janssen: 26.4%. The waning of protection against Covid-19 related hospitalization was modest and booster vaccination with mRNA vaccines or the Janssen vaccine increased adjusted VE up to almost 100%, while the Sinopharm booster dose proved to be less effective. VE against Covid-19 related death after primary immunization was high or moderate: for Pfizer-BioNTech: 81.5%, Moderna: 93.2%, Sputnik-V: 100.0%, AstraZeneca: 84.8%, Sinopharm: 58.6%, Janssen: 53.3%). VE against this outcome also showed a moderate decline over time, while booster vaccine types restored effectiveness up to almost 100%, except for the Sinopharm booster. Conclusions: The HUN-VE 3 study demonstrated waning VE with all vaccine types for all examined outcomes during the Delta wave and confirmed the outstanding benefit of booster vaccination with the mRNA or Janssen vaccines, and this is the first study to provide clear and comparable effectiveness results for six different vaccine types after primary immunization against severe during the Delta pandemic wave.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Vaccines , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Humans , Hungary/epidemiology , Infant , Middle Aged , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Young AdultABSTRACT
Observations of women and clinicians indicated that the prevalence of menstrual cycle problems has escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it was not clear whether the observed menstrual cycle changes were related to vaccination, the disease itself or the COVID-19 pandemic-induced psychological alterations. To systematically analyze this question, we conducted a human online survey in women aged between 18 and 65 in Hungary. The menstrual cycle of 1563 individuals were analyzed in our study in relation to the COVID-19 vaccination, the COVID-19 infection, the pandemic itself and the mental health. We found no association between the COVID-19 vaccination, the vaccine types or the COVID-19 infection and the menstrual cycle changes. We also evaluated the menstrual cycle alterations focusing on three parameters of the menstrual cycle including the cycle length, the menses length and the cycle regularity in three pandemic phases: the pre-peak, the peak and the post-peak period in Hungary. Our finding was that the length of the menstrual cycle did not change in any of the periods. However, the menses length increased, while the regularity of the menstrual cycle decreased significantly during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when comparing to the pre- and post-peak periods. In addition, we exhibited that the length and the regularity of the menstrual cycle both correlated with the severity of depression during the post-peak period, therefore we concluded that the reported menstrual cycle abnormalities during the peak of COVID-19 in Hungary might be the result of elevated depressive symptoms.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Female , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Retrospective Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Pandemics , Hungary/epidemiology , COVID-19 Vaccines , Menstrual Cycle/psychology , VaccinationABSTRACT
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a recognised tool for tracking community transmission of COVID-19. From the second half of 2020, the emergence of new, highly infective, more pathogenic or vaccine-escape SARS-CoV-2 variants is the major public health concern. Variant analysis in sewage might assist the early detection of new mutations. Weekly raw sewage samples from 22 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Hungary (representing 40% of the population) were analysed between December 2020 and March 2021 for signature mutations N501Y and del H69/V70 of B.1.1.7 lineage by melting point genotyping and RT-digital droplet PCR (RT-ddPCR). The latter method proved to be more efficient in parallel detection of different variants and also provides quantitative information. Wastewater surveillance indicated that the B.1.1.7 variant first emerged in Budapest in early January 2021 and rapidly became dominant in the entire country. Results are in close agreement with the available clinical data (Pearson's correlation coefficient, R = 0.9153). RT-ddPCR was confirmed to be a reliable tool for tracking emerging variant ratios in wastewaters. It is a rapid and cost-effective method compared to whole-genome sequencing, but only applicable for the detection of known mutations. Efficient variant surveillance might require the combination of multiple methods.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Wastewater , COVID-19/epidemiology , Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring , Sewage , Hungary/epidemiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The present COVID-19 epidemic has had a considerable impact on the mental health of individuals worldwide. Research projects suggests potential benefits of yoga practice for prevention, or as medical supplementation in relation to the present pandemic. This study investigated the association between yoga and health status, and how the frequency of yoga practice affected the mental well-being (MWB) of the respondents. METHODS: Hungarian yoga practitioners (N.=379) aged 20 to 75 years (93.4% female) were asked about their personal health, perceived usefulness of yoga practice for COVID-19 cases and their MWB. Data were collected between April 17 and May 17, 2021. The measurement tool used was an online questionnaire including sociodemographic data, characteristics of yoga practice, COVID-19 and health related questions, and WHO Well-being Index (WBI-5). Associations were examined through ANOVA and χ2 tests. RESULTS: There was a significant difference among the yoga practice groups by weekly frequency (once a week, 2-3 times a week, 4-5 times a week, daily) on the total mean score of well-being (WBI-5), F (3, 373) =12.97, P<0.001, η
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Yoga , Female , Humans , Male , Yoga/psychology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Hungary/epidemiology , Pandemics , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of acute myocardial infarction. Based on literature data, the prognosis of COVID+, STEMI patients is significantly worse than that of COVID- STEMI patients. On the other hand, physicians report fewer acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients presenting to hospitals in countries severely affected by the pandemic. It is concerning that patients with life-threatening illness can suffer more complications or die due to their myocardial infarction. We aimed to investigate the changes in myocardial infarction care in the country's biggest PCI-center and to compare total 30-day mortality in COVID+ and COVID-patients with acute myocardial infarction treated at the Semmelweis University Heart and Vascular Center, and to investigate risk factors and complications in these two groups. Methods: Between 8 October 2020 and 30 April 2021, 43 COVID+, in 2018-2019, 397 COVID-patients with acute myocardial infarction were admitted. Total admission rates pre- and during the pandemic were compared. Results: Within 30 days, 8 of 43 patients in the COVID+ group (18.60%), and 40 of the 397 patients in the control group (10.07%) died (P = 0.01). Regarding the comorbidities, more than half of COVID+ patients had a significantly reduced ejection fraction (EF≤ 40%), and the prevalence of heart failure was significantly higher in this group (51.16% vs. 27.84%, P = 0.0329). There was no significant difference between the two patient groups in the incidence of STEMI and NSTEMI. Although there was no significant difference, VF (11.63% vs. 6.82%), resuscitation (23.26% vs. 10.08%), and ECMO implantation (2.38% vs. 1.26%) were more common in the COVID+ group. The mean age was 68.8 years in the COVID+ group and 67.6 years in the control group. The max. Troponin also did not differ significantly between the two groups (1,620 vs. 1,470 ng/L). There was a significant decline in admission rates in the first as well as in the second wave of the pandemic. Conclusions: The 30-day total mortality of COVID+ patients was significantly higher, and a more severe proceeding of acute myocardial infarction and a higher incidence of complications can be observed. As the secondary negative effect of the pandemic serious decline in admission rates can be detected.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myocardial Infarction , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction , Aged , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/therapy , Humans , Hungary/epidemiology , Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis , Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology , Myocardial Infarction/therapy , Pandemics , Prognosis , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/therapy , TroponinABSTRACT
(1) Background: Changes in daily life and academic training has led to uncertainty in the higher education student population during COVID-19. The goal of the study was to examine the impacts of the pandemic on Hungarian students. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using self-report questionnaires collected in Google Forms. Eight-hundred-and-twenty-seven students (25.29 ± 8.09) took part anonymously. The respondents rate their overall physical and mental health on a 5-point Likert scale and validated scales were used: Well Being Index (WHO-5); Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS); and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS 24.0, results were considered at a significance level p ≤ 0.05. (3) Results: Positive correlation was found between MAAS and WHO-5 (r = 0.363, p < 0.001) negative correlation between MAAS and PSS-14 (r = -0.448, p < 0.001), and negative correlation between WHO-5 and PSS-14 (r = -0.671, p < 0.001). Females had higher PSS-14 mean score (32.51 ± 10.16) than males (27.71 ± 10.19; p < 0.001; Z = -5703), males (60.92 ± 12.10) had higher MAAS level than females (57.31 ± 12.51; p < 0.001; Z = -3589). No difference was found in gender regarding WHO-5 mean scores. Athletes (7.03 ± 3.27) differ significantly from non-athletes (6.00 ± 3.04) in WHO-5 (p < 0.001; Z = -4.349) and MAAS level (p = 0.012; Z = -2.498), but showed no difference in PSS-14 (p = 0.101; Z = -1.641). Students rated mental (3.01 ± 0.99) worse than physical health (3.49 ± 0.98; p < 0.001, r = 0.426) and the narrowing of social relationships worse (3.83 ± 1.26) than physical (p < 0.001, r = -0.212) and mental health (p < 0.001, r = -0.408). Females had worse mental health (2.96 ± 9.94) than males (3.20 ± 0.99; p = 0.003; Z = -2.924) and rated the narrowing of social relationships worse (3.90 ± 1.23) than males (3.59 ± 1.35; p = 0.006; Z = -2.730). (4) Conclusions: The pandemic has negatively impacted students, and it may have long-term consequences on their mental and physical health and education.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Hungary/epidemiology , Male , Pandemics , StudentsABSTRACT
The propensity to have children, which, according to the view accepted in the literature, is a good predictor of actual childbearing, is of particular importance in countries with low fertility rates and economic prosperity. In this paper, we report the results of a representative survey of 15,700 respondents in 2021 of university students in an emerging market economy in Central Europe, mapping their intentions to have children. The PLS-SEM data analysis method was used to test our hypotheses on the relationships between social, economic, and environmental variables of childbearing. Our results confirm the dominant role of socio-cultural inclusiveness in childbearing, over socio-economic and environmental-economic factors. The novelty of our research lies in the impact analysis of family policy incentives; however, our results are consistent with those documented in the literature, namely, the primacy of socio-cultural factors in the willingness of childbearing.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Family Planning Policy , Birth Rate , COVID-19/epidemiology , Child , Fertility , Humans , Hungary/epidemiology , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health system resources were reallocated to provide care for patients with COVID-19, limiting access for others. Patients themselves also constrained their visits to healthcare providers. In this study, we analysed the heterogeneous effects of the pandemic on the new diagnoses of lung, colorectal and breast cancer in Hungary. DESIGN: Time series and panel models of quarterly administrative data, disaggregated by gender, age group and district of residence. PARTICIPANTS: Data for the whole population of Hungary between the first quarter of 2017 and the second quarter of 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of patients newly diagnosed with lung, colorectal and breast cancer, defined as those who were hospitalised with the appropriate primary International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision diagnosis code but had not had hospital encounters with such a code within the previous 5 years. RESULTS: The incidence of lung, colorectal and breast cancer decreased by 14.4% (95% CI 10.8% to 17.8%), 19.9% (95% CI 12.2% to 26.9%) and 15.5% (95% CI 2.5% to 27.0%), respectively, during the examined period of the pandemic, with different time patterns across cancer types. The incidence decreased more among people at least 65 years old than among the younger (p<0.05 for lung cancer and p<0.1 for colorectal cancer). At the district level, both the previously negative income gap in lung cancer incidence and the previously positive income gap in breast cancer incidence significantly narrowed during the pandemic (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The decline in new cancer diagnoses, caused by a combination of supply-side and demand-side factors, suggests that some cancer cases have remained hidden. It calls for action by policy makers to engage individuals with high risk of cancer more in accessing healthcare services, to diagnose the disease early and to prepare for effective management of patient pathways from diagnosis to survival or end-of-life care.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , COVID-19 , Colorectal Neoplasms , Lung Neoplasms , Aged , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Hungary/epidemiology , Incidence , Lung , Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology , Pandemics , Time FactorsABSTRACT
The social distancing measures introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected the sexual behavior of the population. We collected data retrospectively from the National STD Center of Hungary. The overall patient influx data of the STD Center and the number of patients diagnosed with syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea infections were assessed in the three-month period of 2020 when the strict governmental lockdown was introduced in Hungary. Data were compared to the pre- and post-lockdown quarters of 2020 and matched to the respective quarters of 2018 and 2019. The number of patients diagnosed with syphilis and chlamydia infections in 2020 during the lockdown decreased compared to 2018 and 2019, while the number of gonorrhea cases increased. The lower number of STI screenings resulted in a significant decrease in asymptomatic syphilis and chlamydia case numbers. However, the growing number of gonorrhea cases in 2020 during lockdown highlights that sexual behavior remained unchanged regardless of restrictions. Therefore, gonorrhea may be considered as an indicator of STI incidences during the pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Chlamydia Infections , Gonorrhea , HIV Infections , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Syphilis , COVID-19/epidemiology , Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology , Communicable Disease Control , Gonorrhea/diagnosis , Gonorrhea/epidemiology , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Hungary/epidemiology , Pandemics , Retrospective Studies , Sexual Behavior , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Syphilis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Background and purpose: COVID-19 has made providing in-person care difficult. In most countries, including Hungary, telemedicine has partly served as a resolution for this issue. Our purpose was to explore the effects of COVID-19 on neurological care, the knowledge of neurology specialists on telemedicine, and the present state of telecare in Hungary, with a special focus on Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Between July and October 2021, a nationwide online survey was conducted among actively practicing Hungarian neurology specialists who were managing patients with PD. Results: A total of 104 neurologists were surveyed. All levels of care were evaluated in both publicly funded and private healthcare. Both time weekly spent on outpatient specialty consultation and the number of patients with PD seen weekly significantly decreased in public healthcare, while remained almost unchanged in private care (p<0.001); higher portion of patients were able to receive in-person care in private care (78.8% vs. 90.8%, p<0.001). In telecare, prescribing medicines has already been performed by the most (n=103, 99%). Electronic messages were the most widely known telemedicine tools (n=98, 94.2%), while phone call has already been used by most neurologists (n=95, 91.3%). Video-based consultation has been more widely used in private than public care (30.1% vs. 15.5%, p=0.001). Teleprocedures were considered most suitable for monitoring progression and symptoms of Parkinson's disease and evaluating the need for adjustments to antiparkinsonian pharmacotherapy. Conclusion: COVID-19 has had a major impact on the care of patients with PD in Hungary. Telemedicine has mitigated these detrimental effects; however, further developments could make it an even more reliable component of care.