scholarly journals The first 8 weeks of the Austrian SARS-CoV-2 epidemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Nagel ◽  
Agata Łaszewska ◽  
Gerald Haidinger ◽  
Judit Simon
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Relative Risks ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Testing Case

Summary Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV‑2) reached Austria in February 2020. This study aims to describe the first 8 weeks of the Austrian epidemic and reflect on the potential mental health consequences as known at that time. Methods Data on Austrian Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) epidemiological indicators and number of tests were obtained from official registers. Relative risks (RRs) of infection and death from COVID-19 were calculated for sex and age groups (< 65 years and ≥ 65 years). Public health measures introduced to reduce the spread of COVID-19 were identified via online media research. A rapid review of initial evidence on mental health consequences of the pandemic was performed in PubMed and medRxiv. Results By 21 April 2020 the case count in Austria was 14,810 after a peak of new daily infections mid-March. The RR of death for age ≥ 65 years was 80.07 (95% confidence interval, CI 52.64–121.80; p < 0.0001) compared to those aged < 65 years. In men the RR of death was 1.44 (95% CI 1.20–1.73; p < 0.0001) compared to women. Wide-ranging public health measures included avoidance of case importation, limitation of social contacts, hygiene measures, testing, case tracking, and the call for COVID-19-related research. International rates of psychiatric symptoms during the initial lockdowns exceeded typical levels: anxiety (6%–51%), depression (17%–48%) and posttraumatic stress (5%–54%). Conclusion Data show great vulnerability of older people also in Austria. Severe mental health impacts can be expected with need for proper assessment of the long-term consequences of this pandemic.

scholarly journals Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19 Public Health Measures on People Living With Dementia and Carers

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872199681
Author(s):  
Kerry Hanna ◽  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Hilary Tetlow ◽  
Kym Ward ◽  
Justine Shenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Social Support Services ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: To date, there appears to be no evidence on the longer-term impacts caused by COVID-19 and its related public health restrictions on some of the most vulnerable in our societies. The aim of this research was to explore the change in impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the mental wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. Method: Semi-structured, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with PLWD and unpaid carers between June and July 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of accessing social support services during the pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on their daily lives. Results: 20 interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed, which produced 3 primary themes concerning emotional responses and impact to mental health and wellbeing during the course of the pandemic: 1) Impact on mental health during lockdown, 2) Changes to mental health following easing of public health, and 3) The long-term effect of public health measures. Conclusions: The findings from this research shed light on the longer-term psychological impacts of the UK Government’s public health measures on PLWD and their carers. The loss of social support services was key in impacting this cohort mentally and emotionally, displaying a need for better psychological support, for both carers and PLWD.

scholarly journals The Utility of the Timed Up-and-Go Test in Predicting Cognitive Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study of Independent Living Adults in a Retirement Community

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1163-1168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Van Patten ◽  
Ellen E. Lee ◽  
Sarah A. Graham ◽  
Colin A. Depp ◽  
Ho-Cheol Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Health Measures

Physical, emotional, and cognitive changes are well documented in aging populations. We administered a comprehensive battery of mental and physical health measures and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; a cognitive screening tool) to 93 independently living older adults (OAs) residing in a Continuing Care Senior Housing Community. Performance on the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test (a measure of functional mobility) correlated more strongly with the MoCA total score than did measures of aging, psychiatric symptoms, sleep, and both self-report and objective physical health. Furthermore, it was associated with MoCA Attention, Language, Memory, and Visuospatial/Executive subscales. The MoCA-TUG relationship remained significant after controlling for demographic and physical/mental health measures. Given that the TUG explained significantly more variance in broad cognitive performance than a comprehensive battery of additional physical and mental health tests, it may function as a multimodal measure of health in OAs, capturing physical changes and correlating with cognitive measures.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among the Personnel and Students of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece: A Preliminary Report

Life ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ourania E. Tsitsilonis ◽  
Dimitrios Paraskevis ◽  
Evi Lianidou ◽  
Vassilios Pierros ◽  
Athanasios Akalestos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Continuous Monitoring ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Early Implementation ◽  
June July ◽  
State Responses

Due to early implementation of public health measures, Greece had low number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 severe incidents in hospitalized patients. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (ΝΚUA), especially its health-care/medical personnel, has been actively involved in the first line of state responses to COVID-19. To estimate the prevalence of antibodies (Igs) against SARS-CoV-2 among NKUA members, we designed a five consecutive monthly serosurvey among randomly selected NKUA consenting volunteers. Here, we present the results from the first 2500 plasma samples collected during June–July 2020. Twenty-five donors were tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs; thus, the overall seroprevalence was 1.00%. The weighted overall seroprevalence was 0.93% (95% CI: 0.27, 2.09) and varied between males [1.05% (95% CI: 0.18, 2.92)] and females [0.84% (95% CI: 0.13, 2.49)], age-groups and different categories (higher in participants from the School of Health Sciences and in scientific affiliates/faculty members/laboratory assistants), but no statistical differences were detected. Although focused on the specific population of NKUA members, our study shows that the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs for the period June–July 2020 remained low and provides knowledge of public health importance for the NKUA members. Given that approximately one in three infections was asymptomatic, continuous monitoring of the progression of the pandemic by assessing Ig seroprevalence is needed.

scholarly journals Mental health in the general population over 1 year of the Covid-19 pandemic: findings from Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
MI Troya
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Background The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated public health measures on mental health is a cause of increasing concern. We have measured indices of mental health among adults in the general population in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) during the period of May 2020-April 2021. Methods Nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey with data collected in ROI during four study waves involving 3,920 participants: Wave 1: May 26-June 17, 2020 (N = 969), Wave 2: July 1-23, 2020 (N = 1014), Wave 3: September 5-28, 2020 (N = 1008), Wave 4: April 16-28, 2021 (N = 929). Participants were recruited from adults resident in RoI, aged 18 years+ using random-digit-dialling of land lines and mobile phones and interviewed by a professional market research organisation (Ipsos MRBI). Data from Waves 1-4 will be presented including trends over the 12-month period. Finding from Waves 1 and 2 are presented here. Mental health was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS), including standard questions on self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Results Of the 1,983 participants from Waves 1-2, 27.7% (n = 549; 95%CI:0.26%-30%) reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, 74 (3.8%;95%CI:3%-5%) disclosed self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Female participants (RR:1.60, 95%CI:1.37-1.87), employed individuals experiencing work change (RR:1.50,95%CI:1.24-1.82), participants cocooning due to a health condition (RR:1.34,95%CI:1.08-1.66), those self-isolating (RR:1.25,95%CI:1.03-1.51) and those reporting moderate-heavy drinking (RR:1.27,95%CI:1.09-1.47) were at increased risk of depression and anxiety symptoms. Participants aged 18-29 and those in the two lowest income categories were most likely to report self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Conclusions The prevalence of țanxiety and depression in the general population has increased relative to pre-pandemic estimates in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and associated public health measures. Key messages In nationally representative telephone surveys of Irish adults conducted following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression is estimated at approximately 30%. Higher than average levels of anxiety or depression were reported in females, those who had experienced a change in their work, individuals cocooning and those with moderate to heavy drinking.

scholarly journals Stress symptoms and reactions to COVID-19: A multinational survey from six Asian regions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricci P.H. Yue ◽  
Edmund W. Cheng ◽  
Nick H.K. Or ◽  
Samson W.H. Yuen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Stress Reactions ◽  
Safety Equipment ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
History Of

People may experience a heightened level of stress reactions during a pandemic event and in an isolated social environment. A multi-national survey about such mental health information about COVID-19 was conducted in May 2020 across six Asian regions: Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Data were collected from a population representative sample of 11,895 adults on their stress symptoms and reactions to COVID-19 and the related public health measures. 59.1% of the respondents showed at least one substantial stress symptom. The situation was particularly worrying in South Korea, where 75% of the respondents reported substantial stress symptoms. Respondents who were young, educated, lived in an urban area, had a high socio-economic status, had a history of chronic illness or mental illness, or who lived with a pregnant woman, elderly or children were most vulnerable to stress during the pandemic. Stress reactions showed a positive relationship with the amount of time spent following news about the COVID-19 outbreak. Asian adults coped with their stress by preparing safety equipment and extra daily commodities (62.4%) and by following government-issued public health measures (60.1%). Most Asian (71%) also frequently checked on the safety of family members and friends to keep each other safe. The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated stringent public health measures have largely increased the prevalence of substantial stress symptoms across multiple Asian regions. Governments should prepare this mental health pandemic and the associated social repercussions.

scholarly journals Towards the Other Side of Complexity: Values and Decisions in a Time of Uncertainty

2021 ◽  
pp. 211-214
Author(s):  
Marcelo Knobel
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
The Other ◽  
Highly Qualified ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Great Uncertainty ◽  
Short Time ◽  
First Time

AbstractHumanity is experiencing a moment of great uncertainty. This is not the first time a pandemic threatens the lives of millions of people. However, the speed with which governments and scientists are reacting to events is unprecedented. In an incredibly short time after the discovery of the virus, public health measures were implemented, and the development of defences in the form of public policies, medical therapies, and vaccines began. At this precarious moment, when the proliferation of information (and misinformation) from a variety of sources contribute to the spread of panic, universities and the scientific community emerge as the best and most reliable sources of information. It is only highly qualified specialists who can truly address the pandemic and its terrible economic, political, and public health consequences.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Mental Health Problems During Virus Epidemics in the General Public, Health Care Workers and Survivors: A Rapid Review of the Evidence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simeon J Zuercher ◽  
Philipp Kerksieck ◽  
Christine Adamus ◽  
Christian Burr ◽  
Anja I Lehmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Care Workers

Background: The swift spread of SARS-CoV-2 provides a challenge worldwide. As a consequence of restrictive public health measures like isolation, quarantine, and community containment, the provision of mental health services is a major challenge. Evidence from past virus epidemics and the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak indicate high prevalence rates of mental health problems (MHP) as short- and long-term consequences. However, a broader picture of MHP among different populations is still lacking. Methods: We conducted a rapid review on MHP prevalence rates published since 2000, during and after epidemics, including the general public, health care workers, and survivors. Any quantitative articles reporting on MHP rates were included. Out of 2855 articles screened, a total of 74 were included in this review. Results: Most original studies on MHP were conducted in China in the context of SARS-CoV-1, and reported on anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms/disorder, general psychiatric morbidity, and psychological symptoms. The MHP rates across studies, populations, and epidemics vary substantially. While some studies show high and persistent rates of MHP in populations directly affected by isolation, quarantine, threat of infection, infection, or life-threatening symptoms (e.g. health care workers), other studies report minor effects. Furthermore, even less affected populations (e.g. distant to epidemic epicenter, no contact history with suspected or confirmed cases) can show high rates of MHP. Discussion: MHP vary largely across countries and risk-groups in reviewed studies. The results call attention to potentially high MHP during epidemics. Individuals affected directly by an epidemic might be at a higher risk of short or even long-term mental health impairments. This study delivers insights stemming from a wide range of psychiatric instruments and questionnaires. The results call for the use of validated and standardized instruments, reference norms, and pre-post measurements to better understand the magnitude of the MHP during and after the epidemics. Nevertheless, emerging MHP should be considered during epidemics including the provision of access to mental health care to mitigate potential mental impairments.

scholarly journals Impact of a total lockdown for pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) on deep surgical site infections and other complications after orthopedic surgery: a retrospective analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ines Unterfrauner ◽  
Laura A. Hruby ◽  
Peter Jans ◽  
Ludwig Steinwender ◽  
Mazda Farshad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Orthopedic Surgery ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Surgical Site Infections ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background A total lockdown for pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) entailed a restriction of elective orthopedic surgeries in Switzerland.  While access to the hospital and human contacts were limited, hygiene measures were intensified. The objective was to investigate the impact of those strict public health guidelines on the rate of intra-hospital, deep surgical site infections (SSI), wound healing disorders and non-infectious postoperative complications after orthopedic surgery during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Methods In a single-center study, patients with orthopedic surgery during the first Covid-19 lockdown from March 16, 2020 to April 26, 2020 were compared to cohorts that underwent orthopedic intervention in the pre- and post-lockdown periods of six months each. Besides the implementation of substantial public health measures (promotion of respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene), no additional infection control bundles have been implemented. Results 5791 patients were included in this study. In multivariate Cox regression analyses adjusting for the large case-mix, the lockdown was unrelated to SSI (hazard ratio (HR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6–4.8), wound healing disorders (HR 0.7; 95% CI 0.1–5.7) or other non-infectious postoperative complications (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.3–1.5) after a median follow-up of seven months. Conclusion The risks for SSI, wound healing disorders and other complications in orthopedic surgery were not influenced by the extended public health measures of the total Covid-19 lockdown. Trial registration BASEC 2020–02646 (Cantonal Ethics Commission Zurich). Level of evidence: Level III.

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