Non-Consensual Sex among Japanese Women in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Large-Scale Nationwide Survey-Based Study (preprint)

Background: Non-consensual sex including rape and sexual assault has been a global concern and may have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, however the information on this topic is limited. Therefore, our objective was to survey the incidence rate of non-consensual sex among Japanese women aged 15-79 years between April to September 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.   Materials and Methods: We utilized the data obtained from a nationwide, cross-sectional internet survey conducted in Japan between August and September 2020. Sampling weights were applied to calculate national estimates, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with non-consensual sex. Data was extracted from a cross-sectional, web-based, self-administered survey of approximately 2.2 million individuals from the general public, including in men and women.   Results: Excluding men and responses with inconsistencies, the final analysis included 12,809 women participants, with 138 (1.1%) reporting experiencing non-consensual sex within a five-month period. Being aged 15–29 years and having a worsened mental or economic status were associated with experiencing non-consensual sex.   Conclusions: Early intervention to prevent individuals from becoming victims of sexual harm should be extended to economically vulnerable and young women, especially during times of societal upheaval such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Japan should prioritize the implementation of comprehensive education on the concept of sexual consent.

A Comprehensive Health Effects Assessment of the Use of Sanitizers and Disinfectants during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey (preprint)

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study through an electronic questionnaire. Results implied that detergents (67%), alcohol-based materials (56%), and chlorinated compounds (32%) were the most commonly used types of sanitizers and disinfectants. Most frequently reported health issues include skin complications 48.8% and respiratory complications 29.8%. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds with all possible health complications under investigation (p-value < 0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate regression analysis showed that alcohols-based materials were associated with skin complications (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87–2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye complications (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74–1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90–2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological complications (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92–2.44). The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics.

Difficulty in continuing home care after informal caregiver was exposed to the covid-19: a case report (preprint)

There are many challenges that can arise while providing home care to a terminally ill patient. Isolation of infected patients was used to prevent COVID-19 infection. In home care, where informal caregivers play an important role, such measures could result in the loss of caregivers.

End-of-life home care during the COVID-19 pandemic (preprint)

Patients and their families are discouraged from the restrictions on hospital visits for coronavirus Infection control. This separation might further deteriorate the mental health of both vulnerable patients and their family members. Home care could be a preferable solution to this problem.

Financial and Non-financial Conflicts of Interest Among the Japanese Government Advisory Board Members Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (preprint)

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the extent of conflicts of interest among the Japanese government COVID-19 advisory board members and elucidate the accuracy of conflicts of interest (COI) disclosure and management strategies. MethodsUsing the payment data from all 79 pharmaceutical companies in Japan between 2017 and 2018 and direct research grants from the Japanese government between 2019 and 2020, we evaluated the extent of financial and non-financial COI among all 20 Japanese government COVID-19 advisory board members. ResultsJapanese government COVID-19 advisory board members were predominantly male (75.0%) and physicians (50.0%). Between 2019 and 2020, two members (10.0%) received a total of $819,244 in government research funding. Another five members (25.0%) received $419,725 in payments, including $223,183 in personal fees, from 28 pharmaceutical companies between 2017 and 2018. The average value of the pharmaceutical payments was $20,986 (standard deviation: $81,762). Further, neither the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare nor the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat disclosed financial or non-financial COI with industry. Further, the government and had no policies for managing COI among advisory board members. ConclusionsThis study found that the Japanese government COVID-19 advisory board had financial and non-financial COI with pharmaceutical companies and the government. Further, there were no rigorous COI management strategies for the COVID-19 advisory board members. Any government must ensure the independence of scientific advisory boards by implementing more rigorous and transparent management strategies that require the declaration and public disclosure of all COI.