Impact of coronavirus pandemic crisis in endoscopic clinical practice: Results from a national survey in Brazil

Abstract Background and study aims In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic, mobilizing all countries to contain the disease spread. Activity in endoscopy centers globally was severely affected. We conducted a national survey aiming to assess the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on endoscopic clinical practice in Brazil. Methods In April 2020, 3,719 associate members of SOBED (Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy) were invited to respond to an electronic survey. An Internet link was established to provide access to the online questionnaire with 40 questions regarding personal profile, endoscopy unit logistics and schedule, availability and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), financial impact, and exposure to COVID-19. Results A total of 2,131 individuals (67 %) accessed the questionnaire and 1155 responses were received. After review, 980 responses were considered valid. According to almost 90 % of respondents, endoscopy activity was restricted to urgent procedures, in both public and private hospitals. All respondents increased PPE use after the outbreak, however, institutions provided adequate PPE to only 278 responders (28.7 %). Significant income loss was universally reported. A total of 10 practitioners (1 %) reported COVID-19 infection and attributed the contamination to endoscopic procedures. Conclusions Based on this nationwide survey with almost 1,000 respondents, the COVID-19 pandemic substantially reduced the activity of endoscopy units in private and public settings. The pandemic increased awareness of PPE use, but its availability was not universal and 1 % of the respondents became infected with COVID-19, allegedly due to exposure during endoscopic procedures.

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An Italian Survey on Dietary Habits and Changes during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13041197 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 1197

Author(s):

Luana Izzo ◽

Antonio Santonastaso ◽

Gaetano Cotticelli ◽

Alessandro Federico ◽

Severina Pacifico ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

World Health ◽

Italian Population ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Diet Adherence ◽

Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽

The World ◽

The Impact

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern; the outbreak has led to lockdowns in several parts of the world, and sudden changes in people’s lifestyles. This study explores the impact of the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period on dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the Italian population, through an online questionnaire, conducted from April to May 2020, involving 1519 participants. The 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) highlighted a medium Mediterranean diet adherence in 73.5% of responders, which principally included the younger population, aged 18–30 years (p < 0.05). In regards to changes in eating habits, 33.5% of responders declared an influence of the pandemic period on nutritional practice. A decrease in alcohol consumption was reported by 81% of responders, while an increase in frozen food consumption was reported by 81.3% of responders. In addition, 58.8% reported positive weight modification (40.8%, +1–3 kg); physical activity reduction was reported for 70.5% of responders. Our study contributes toward amplifying the investigation on the dietary habits and changes of the Italian population during the COVID-19 lockdown, although the pandemic is ongoing. Similar studies should be performed around the world to understand how the emergency has impacted people’s habits.

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Needs assessment and impact of COVID-19 on pharmacy professionals in 31 commonwealth countries

Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice ◽

10.1186/s40545-020-00275-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Diane Ashiru-Oredope ◽

◽

Amy Hai Yan Chan ◽

Omotayo Olaoye ◽

Victoria Rutter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Global Health ◽

Emergency Preparedness ◽

World Health ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Frequency Distributions ◽

The World ◽

Pandemic Response ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The declaration of COVID-19 a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020 marked the beginning of a global health crisis of an unprecedented nature and scale. The approach taken by countries across the world varied widely, however, the delivery of frontline healthcare was consistently recognised as being central to the pandemic response. This study aimed to identify and explore the issues currently facing pharmacy teams across Commonwealth countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also evaluates pharmacy professionals’ understanding of key knowledge areas from the COVID-19 webinar hosted by the Commonwealth Pharmacists’ Association (CPA). Method A quantitative survey-based approach was adopted, using a 32-item questionnaire developed from the literature on pharmacy and pandemic response. The survey was hosted on Survey Monkey and pilot tested. The final survey was disseminated by CPA member organisations. A 6-item online questionnaire was sent via email to all attendees of CPA's COVID-19 webinar. Descriptive statistics on frequency distributions and percentages were used to analyse the responses. Data were analysed using Microsoft® Excel (2010). Results There were 545 responses from pharmacy professionals across 31/54 Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. Majority of the respondents reported being at least somewhat worried (90%) and more than 65% were very worried or extremely about the impact of COVID-19 on them personally and professionally. Nearly two-thirds of respondents stated finding it somewhat difficult or very difficult to work effectively during the pandemic. Challenges mostly faced by pharmacy professionals working remotely included; general anxiety about the impact of COVID-19 on their lives (12%), and difficulties in communicating with their co-workers (12%). Most pharmacy professionals had not previously been actively involved in a global health emergency (82%) nor obtained training on global/public health emergency preparedness (62%). Between 45 and 97% of the COVID-19 webinar attendees provided the correct answers to post-webinar questions, suggesting some improvement in knowledge. Conclusion Our study confirms pharmacy professionals’ concerns about practice during a pandemic and provides preliminary data on the challenges and learning needs of the profession. The CPA has since acted on these findings, providing ongoing opportunities to develop and refine resources for the profession as the pandemic evolves. Pharmacy professionals have also demonstrated improved knowledge on the management of COVID-19 and resources available for professionals.

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The Role of Micronutrients to Support Immunity for COVID-19 Prevention

Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia ◽

10.1007/s43450-021-00179-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mukhtar H. Ahmed ◽

Arez Hassan ◽

Judit Molnár

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Healing Process ◽

Strong Relationship ◽

The Body ◽

World Health ◽

Disease Spread ◽

Food Sources ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus, named as SARS-CoV-2, as a global pandemic in early 2020 after the disease spread to more than 180 countries leading to tens of thousands of cases and many deaths within a couple of months. Consequently, this paper aims to summarize the evidence for the relationships between nutrition and the boosting of the immune system in the fight against the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. This review, in particular, assesses the impact of vitamin and mineral supplements on the body’s defence mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2. The results revealed that there is a strong relationship between the ingestion of biological ingredients like vitamins C–E, and minerals such as zinc, and a reduction in the effects of coronavirus infection. These can be received from either nutrition rich food sources or from vitamin supplements. Furthermore, these macromolecules might have roles to play in boosting the immune response, in the healing process and the recovery time. Hence, we recommend that eating healthy foods rich in vitamins C–E with zinc and flavonoids could boost the immune system and consequently protect the body from serious infections. Graphical Abstract

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The impact of COVID-19 upon the delivery of exercise services within cystic fibrosis clinics in the United Kingdom

10.1101/2021.04.12.21255205 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Owen W Tomlinson ◽

Zoe L Saynor ◽

Daniel Stevens ◽

Don Urquhart ◽

Craig A Williams

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

United Kingdom ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Exercise Training ◽

National Survey ◽

Exercise Testing ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact ◽

Future Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedent change to clinical practice. As the impact upon delivery of exercise services for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the UK was unknown, this was characterised via a national survey. In total, 31 CF centres participated. Principal findings included a significant reduction in exercise testing, and widespread adaptation to deliver exercise training using telehealth methods. Promisingly, 71% stated that they would continue to use virtual methods of engaging patients in future practice. This does, however, highlight a need to develop sustainable and more standardised telehealth services further to manage patients moving forwards.

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COVID-19: Needs assessment of the pharmacy profession and contributions so far across the Commonwealth

10.21203/rs.3.rs-64723/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Diane Ashiru-Oredope ◽

Amy Chan ◽

Omotayo Olaoye ◽

Victoria Rutter ◽

Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

World Health Organisation ◽

World Health ◽

Learning Needs ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Health Crisis ◽

General Anxiety ◽

The Pacific ◽

Pharmacy Profession ◽

The World ◽

The Impact

Abstract BackgroundThe declaration of COVID-19 a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on the 11March 2020 marked the beginning of a global health crisis of an unprecedented natureand scale. The approach taken by countries across the world varied widely, however,the delivery of frontline healthcare was consistently recognised as being central to thepandemic response. This study aimed to identify and explore the issues currentlyfacing pharmacy teams across Commonwealth countries during the COVID-19pandemic. The study also evaluates pharmacy professionals’ understanding of keyknowledge areas from the COVID-19 webinar hosted by the CommonwealthPharmacists’ Association ( CPA) on 5 th June 2020.MethodA quantitative survey-based approach was adopted, using a 32-item questionnairedeveloped from the literature on pharmacy and pandemic response. The survey washosted on Survey Monkey and pilot tested. The final survey was disseminated by CPAmember organisations. A 6-item online questionnaire was sent via email to allattendees of CPA's COVID-19 webinar. Descriptive statistics on frequency distributionsand percentages were used to analyse the responses. Data were analysed usingMicrosoft® Excel (2010).ResultsThere were 545 responses from pharmacy professionals across 31/54 commonwealthcountries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. Majority of therespondents reported being at least somewhat worried (90%) and more than 65% werevery worried or extremely about the impact of COVID-19 on them personally andprofessionally. Nearly two-thirds of respondents stated finding it somewhat difficult orvery difficult to work effectively during the pandemic. Challenges mostly faced bypharmacy professionals working remotely included; general anxiety about the impact ofCOVID-19 on their lives (12%), and difficulties in communicating with their co-workers(12%). Most pharmacy professionals had not previously been actively involved in aglobal health emergency (82%) nor obtained training on global/public healthemergency preparedness (62%). Between 45% to 97% of the COVID-19 webinarattendees provided the correct answers to post-webinar questions, suggesting someimprovement in knowledge.ConclusionOur study confirms pharmacy professional’s concerns about practice during apandemic and provides preliminary data on the challenges and learning needs of theprofession. The CPA has since acted on these findings, providing on-goingopportunities to develop and refine resources for the profession as the pandemicevolves. Pharmacy professionals have also demonstrated improved knowledge on themanagement of COVID-19 and resources available for professionals.

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Child Psychiatrists' Characteristics, Communication, and Competence as Described by Pediatricians in a National Survey

The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine ◽

10.2190/yq72-nb3a-2pwe-hbnq ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 91-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Gregory K. Fritz ◽

Anne S. Bergman

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

National Survey ◽

Nationwide Survey ◽

Utilization Patterns ◽

Medical Specialities ◽

Child Psychiatrists

A nationwide survey of pediatricians was undertaken to evaluate pediatricians' attitudes and utilization patterns regarding child psychiatrists. The responses of 1,089 pediatricians (69% of those surveyed) to open-ended questions in the survey are described. A wide variety of strongly-held beliefs concerning child psychiatrists' usefulness as collaborators and consultants in training and in clinical practice are identified. The implications of these findings for both medical specialities are discussed.

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COVID-19 Pandemic Causing Depression in Different Sociodemographic Groups in Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136955 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6955

Author(s):

Hana Sonbol ◽

Hadil M. Alahdal ◽

Rasis A. Alanazi ◽

Khawla Alsamhary ◽

Fuad Ameen

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Online Survey ◽

World Health ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Elderly Persons ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

COVID-19 disease was announced as a global pandemic in March 2020 by the World health organization (WHO). Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to enforce restriction measures such as closing schools, remote working, and a travel ban. We aim to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s depression in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional online survey of 1109 participants was conducted during the curfew between 18th of May and 11th of June 2020. An online questionnaire included questions about the commitment to follow the precautionary measures, knowledge on COVID-19, and depression. Depression was assessed with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised method. Females, unmarried individuals, elderly persons, parents of young children, unemployed, and small families were more likely to be depressed. Education level did not explain the differences in depression. However, the more knowledge the participants had about COVID-19 the better they followed the restrictions. A regression analysis revealed that the commitment of a person to follow the restrictions increased his/her depression symptoms. Attention should be paid to different groups of people in future psychiatric planning.

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Pediatric neurosurgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: update and recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2020.9.focus20703 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 49 (6) ◽

pp. E2

Author(s):

Matheus Fernando Manzolli Ballestero ◽

Luciano Furlanetti ◽

Ricardo Santos de Oliveira

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Pediatric Neurosurgery ◽

Respiratory Illness ◽

Neurosurgical Procedures ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Psychological Burden ◽

Brazilian Society ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

The Impact

OBJECTIVESCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a potentially severe respiratory illness that has threatened humanity globally. The pediatric neurosurgery practice differs from that of adults in that it treats children in various stages of physical and psychological development and contemplates diseases that do not exist in other areas. The aim of this study was to identify the level of knowledge and readiness of the healthcare providers, as well as to evaluate new preventive practices that have been introduced, psychological concerns, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric neurosurgical units in Brazil.METHODSPediatric neurosurgeons were given an online questionnaire developed by the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their clinical practice.RESULTSOf a cohort of 110 active members of the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery, 76 completed the survey (69%). Ninety-six percent were aware of the correct use of and indication for the types of personal protective equipment in clinical and surgical practices, but only 73.7% of them had unrestricted access to this equipment. Ninety-eight percent of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the pandemic had affected their pediatric neurosurgical practice. The COVID-19 pandemic interfered with outpatient care in 88% of the centers, it affected neurosurgical activity in 90.7%, and it led to the cancellation of elective neurosurgical procedures in 57.3%. Concerning the impact of COVID-19 on surgical activity, 9.2% of the centers had less than 25% of the clinical practice affected, 46.1% had 26%–50% of their activity reduced, 35.5% had a 51%–75% reduction, and 9.2% had more than 75% of their surgical work cancelled or postponed. Sixty-three percent affirmed that patients had been tested for COVID-19 before surgery. Regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of those interviewed, 3.9% reported fear and anxiety with panic episodes, 7.9% had worsening of previous anxiety symptoms, 60.5% reported occasional fear, 10.5% had sadness and some depressive symptoms, and 2.6% reported depressive symptoms.CONCLUSIONSThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare services worldwide, including neurosurgical units. Medical workers, pediatric neurosurgeons included, should be aware of safety measures and follow the recommendations of local healthcare organizations, preventing and controlling the disease. Attention should be given to the psychological burden of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers, which carries a high risk of anxiety and depression.

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents’ behavior toward scheduled pediatric vaccinations in Saudi Arabia

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.13765 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (08) ◽

pp. 1054-1058

Author(s):

Abdullah Saleh Al-Nafeesah ◽

Abdullah Saleh Aldamigh ◽

Basel Abdulrahman Almansoor ◽

Osama Al-Wutayd ◽

Ashwaq Ahmed AlE'ed

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a newly discovered coronavirus and has resulted in a global pandemic. The World Health Organization recommended avoiding any delay or disruption of immunization services, as this could result in increases in outbreak-prone vaccine-preventable diseases. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents’ behaviour towards their children’s scheduled vaccinations. Methodology: This web-based cross-sectional study recruited 1,143 parents/guardians of children below six years of age living in Saudi Arabia between May 1 and May 30, 2020 via social media platforms. A self-developed online questionnaire consisting of eight items was used. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with vaccine delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The parents/guardians were aged 20–60 years; 82% were aged between 20 and 39 years. It was found that 26% of parents did not vaccinate their children on time according to the national immunization schedule in regular situations, and 38% of parents reported delaying vaccination due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The multiple logistic regression analysis found that having two or more children, living in Riyadh or the Western region or not vaccinating children during regular situations were associated with an increased risk of vaccine delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Delaying children’s vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic was influenced most by living in regions with high COVID-19 prevalence and having two or more children.

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Is religion really important?

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/s0924-9338(11)72158-7 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (S2) ◽

pp. 451-451

Author(s):

G. Da Ponte ◽

T. Neves ◽

M. Lobo

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Psychiatric Disorders ◽

Positive Emotions ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

The Impact

IntroductionKnowing the impact that religious beliefs can have on the etiology, diagnosis and course of psychiatric disorders will help psychiatrists better understand their patients, assessing when the religious or spiritual beliefs are used to cope with mental illness and when they may be exacerbating this disease.ObjectivesAlert to the importance of religion in clinical practice.MethodsRelevant literature review.ResultsSeveral studies have demonstrated the influence of spirituality on physical, mental and health. In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) has given rise to the interest in further investigations in this area, with the inclusion of a spiritual aspect of the multidimensional concept of health. The spiritual well-being can be considered a protective factor for psychiatric disorders.Although it is not possible to determine with accuracy, the mechanisms of interaction of spirituality on health, especially mental health, several studies suggest that exercise can influence the spiritual activities, psychodynamically, through positive emotions. Furthermore, these emotions may be important for mental health in terms of possible psychophysiological and psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms.Anthropological sources suggest that beliefs in demons, black magic and evil spirits as cause of mental illness and distress are common. They may be less prevalent in western countries but even in Europe it's possible to see patients thought that their condition have been caused by evil and occult possession.ConclusionsClinicians should understand the negative and positive roles that religion plays in those with mental disorders and use this in clinical practice.

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