scholarly journals COVID-19 restrictions and changing sexual behaviours in HIV-negative MSM at high risk of HIV infection in London, UK

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054768
Author(s):  
Iain Hyndman ◽  
Diarmuid Nugent ◽  
Gary George Whitlock ◽  
Alan McOwan ◽  
Nicolò Girometti
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Hiv Negative

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions have affected attendance to and delivery of UK sexual healthcare services (SHS). We surveyed the impact on sexual behaviour of men having sex with men (MSM) to inform future SHS provision.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey among HIV-negative MSM at high risk of HIV infection who attended 56 Dean Street, a sexual health and HIV clinic. The survey was conducted over a 7-day period in August 2020. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and related mental well-being experienced during lockdown (defined as 23 March–30 June 2020) were extracted. Categorical and non-categorical variables were compared according to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use.Results814 MSM completed the questionnaire: 75% were PrEP users; 76% reported they have been sexually active, of which 76% reported sex outside their household. 75% reported fewer partners than prior to lockdown. Isolation/loneliness (48%) and anxiety/stress (27%) triggered sexual activity, and 73% had discussed COVID-19 transmission risks with their sexual partners. While 46% reported no change to emotions ordinarily experienced following sex, 20% reported guilt for breaching COVID-19 restrictions. 76% implemented one or more changes to their sexual behaviour, while 58% applied one or more steps to reduce COVID-19 transmission during sex. 36% accessed SHS and 30% reported difficulties in accessing testing/treatment. Of those who accessed SHS, 28% reported an STI diagnosis. PrEP users reported higher partner number, engagement in ‘chemsex’ and use of SHS than non-PrEP users.ConclusionsCOVID-19 restrictions had a considerable impact on sexual behaviour and mental well-being in our survey respondents. High rates of sexual activity and STI diagnoses were reported during lockdown. Changes to SHS provision for MSM must respond to high rates of psychological and STI-related morbidity and the challenges faced by this population in accessing services.

scholarly journals Contributing Factors in Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being—The Role of Socioeconomic Status, Social Support, and Health Behavior

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (22) ◽  
pp. 9597
Author(s):  
Gabriella Nagy-Pénzes ◽  
Ferenc Vincze ◽  
Éva Bíró
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Mental disorders are common in adolescents, and for effective interventions we should be aware of their determinants. However, there are only a small number of studies investigating the combined effect of multiple factors. Therefore, our aim is to assess the impact of socioeconomic status, social support, and health behavior on adolescents’ mental well-being. A cross-sectional health survey of 1641 children was carried out in accordance with the study protocol of the Hungarian Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey. Multivariate multiple regression was used to analyze the main determinants of mental well-being. The boys’ mental well-being was favorable compared to girls; lower subjective family wealth was associated with lower life satisfaction and depressive mood. Life satisfaction was positively related to healthy eating, social support, and physical activity. Unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyle, and lower social support were associated with higher depression scores. Higher social support reduces psychosomatic symptoms, while unhealthy eating and spending a lot of time in front of the computer increase them. Both social support and healthy lifestyle seem to be protective against mental health problems among adolescents, and thus interventions should focus on these factors regardless of the socioeconomic status of the participants, with special attention given to girls.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Study Conditions and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among University Students in Germany: Results of the International COVID-19 Student Well-Being Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Mayara Matos Fialho ◽  
Franca Spatafora ◽  
Lisa Kühne ◽  
Heide Busse ◽  
Stefanie M. Helmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
University Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
German Student ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background: Results of previous studies examining the impact of the SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 on university students' mental well-being indicated severe mental health consequences. It is unclear how the current COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in study conditions due to federal regulations affected mental well-being in the German student population. We examined university students' perceptions of study conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated associations between study conditions and depressive symptoms.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Germany in May 2020 at four universities (N = 5,021, 69% female, mean age: 24 years, SD: 5.1). Perceived study conditions, as well as sociodemographic information, were assessed with self-generated items and the CES-D 8 scale was used to determine depressive symptoms. Associations between perceived study conditions (academic stress and academic satisfaction), in general, and confidence to complete the semester, in particular, and depressive symptoms were analyzed using generalized linear regressions.Results: Fifty-four percent of survey participants felt that the university workload had significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic; 48% were worried that they would not be able to successfully complete the academic year; 47% agreed that the change in teaching methods caused significant stress. Regarding depressive symptoms, the mean score of the CES-D 8 scale was 9.25. Further, a positive association between perceived study conditions and depressive symptoms was found (p < 0.001), indicating that better study conditions were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Results of the generalized linear regression suggest that better student mental well-being was related to higher confidence in completing the semester.Conclusions: This study provides first insights into perceived study conditions and associations with depressive symptoms among students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Findings underline the need for universities to provide intervention strategies targeting students' mental well-being during the course of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Impact of enhanced personal protective equipment on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19

2020 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-139150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramanathan Swaminathan ◽  
Bimantha Perera Mukundadura ◽  
Shashi Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the use of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare workers in patient-facing roles. We describe the impact on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE consistently.MethodsWe conducted a single-centre, cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE. A web-based questionnaire was disseminated to evaluate the effects on individuals’ physical and mental well-being. Physical and mental impact was assessed through a visual analogue scale.ResultsProspective analysis of the views of 72 respondents is reported. 63.9% were women and 36.1% were men. Physical impact included exhaustion, headache, skin changes, breathlessness and a negative impact on vision. Communication difficulties, somnolence, negative impact on overall performance and difficulties in using surgical instrumentation were reported.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the undeniable negative impact on the front-line healthcare workers using enhanced PPE and lays the ground for larger multicentric assessments given for it to potentially be the norm for the foreseeable future.

Unemployment and Mental Well-Being: Elaboration of the Relationship

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eero Lahelma
Keyword(s):  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Paid Work ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Several Variables ◽  
Adverse Impacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between unemployment and mental well-being was studied in 703 Finnish women and men who were originally employed in industry (manufacturing). A population survey with a follow-up measurement was carried out in 1983 and 1984. Mental well-being was measured by a 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire. The association between unemployment and mental ill-health proved to be a strong one. Cross-sectional analyses and analyses on the improvement of mental well-being were made. The impact of employment status on mental ill-health, as well as its improvement, was controlled for by means of logistic regression analysis (GUM). Several variables included in the design did not alter the main result, apart from the fact that the impact of unemployment was stronger among men than among women. The impact of unemployment proved to be independent and direct. The author compares these results with other studies that have used a similar approach, and discusses the significance of paid work in developed capitalist societies in an understanding of the adverse impacts of unemployment.

scholarly journals Pre-exposure prophylaxis use among men who have sex with men who have experienced problematic chemsex

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 474-480
Author(s):  
Steven Maxwell ◽  
Mitzy Gafos ◽  
Monty Moncrieff ◽  
Maryam Shahmanesh ◽  
Oliver Stirrup
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Crystal Methamphetamine ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Negative

Men who have sex with men (MSM) who experience problematic chemsex are at high risk of acquiring HIV due to combined drug use and sexual behaviours. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could substantially reduce the risk of HIV transmission in this group of men. The aim of this study was to examine the biopsychosocial characteristics associated with PrEP use among HIV-negative MSM who have experienced problematic chemsex. This was a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data collected during client assessments at a specialist alcohol and drug service based within the United Kingdom. We compared the socio-demographics, substance use, sexual behaviours and mental health of MSM who reported ever using PrEP to those who reported never using PrEP. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann–Whitney U-test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Between August 2016 and July 2018, 165 HIV-negative MSM who engaged in chemsex had an assessment completed. Thirty-four per cent (n = 50/145) had ever used PrEP. The median age was 36 years (IQR: 30–42), 92% identified as gay (n = 152/165) and 79% were of white ethnicity (n = 130/164). The use of crystal methamphetamine was associated with higher levels of men ever using PrEP (40% versus 21%) (p= 0.047). Men who had ever used PrEP had a higher median number of sexual partners in the previous three months (20 versus 10) (p= 0.004) and had lower level of condom use in their sex lives (median reported 5% versus 50%) (p= 0.010) in comparison to men who had never used PrEP. It is encouraging that men having higher-risk sex had been accessing PrEP. However, further research is required to explore PrEP uptake, retention and adherence in this high-risk group.

scholarly journals Approach Coping Mitigates Distress of COVID-19 Isolation for Young Men With Low Well-Being in a Sample of 1,749 Youth From Australia and the USA

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip (Xin) Cheng ◽  
Haeme R. P. Park ◽  
Justine M. Gatt
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Approach Coping ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has led to lockdowns across the world with people being separated from their loved ones including partners, family, and friends. Here, using a large sample of 1,749 Australians and Americans, we investigated the impact of COVID-19 isolation on younger populations (13–25 years), and the influence of coping strategies and mental well-being on this impact. Overall, COVID-19 isolation had a more negative impact on adolescence (13–17 years) than young adulthood (18–25 years), but with no difference apparent between men and women, or between Australian and American residents. However, a deeper analysis revealed a gender-specific effect: the type of coping strategies differentially influenced the negative impact of COVID-19 isolation on men with various levels of well-being, an interaction effect not apparent in women. For men with lower levels of mental well-being, COVID-19 isolation appeared to have a less negative impact on them if they used more approach-oriented coping strategies (e.g., actively focusing on the problem). Our results provide cross-sectional evidence for a differential impact on young men at low levels of wellbeing by pandemic isolation. In sum, young men and adolescent boys with lower well-being coped better with COVID-19 isolation when they used more approach coping strategies.

scholarly journals Otolaryngologic Lesions among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Children

2018 ◽  
Vol 01 (02) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Oluwabusayo Babatunde ◽  
Adebolajo Adeyemo ◽  
Regina Oladokun
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Otoacoustic Emission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hiv Negative

Abstract Background Otolaryngologic (ORL) lesions are common in children. ORL lesions occur even more commonly and more severely in HIV-infected children. The few available literature has reported a high prevalence in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected children; however, there are inadequate data on the impact of HIV infection on hearing and the pattern of manifestations of ORL lesions among African children. Objectives This study was conducted to describe the prevalence and manifestations of ORL lesions among HIV-infected children and controls in Nigeria. Materials and Methods A prospective comparative cross-sectional study design was adopted. Clinical evaluation was done, and hearing assessment was done using otoacoustic emission for all participants and pure tone audiometry for participants aged ≥ 5 years. Hearing thresholds were defined according to the World Health Organization classification. Results One hundred children were studied: 50 HIV-infected and 50 HIV-negative children. The prevalence of ORL lesions among HIV-infected children was 66%, whereas it was 46% (p = 0.044) among HIV-negative children. ORL lesions were more prevalent among children between the 18-month and 5-year age group (p = 0.003) irrespective of HIV status. The lesions that were associated with HIV infection were cervical adenopathy (44%, p = 0.010) and hearing loss (36%, p = 0.023). Conclusion The frequency of ORL lesions is high in HIV-infected children, but improved outcomes following use of medications may be responsible for the slight disparity in prevalence when compared with HIV-negative children.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and the mental well-being of Australian medical students: impact, concerns and coping strategies used

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 649-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaza Lyons ◽  
Helen Wilcox ◽  
Lianne Leung ◽  
Oliver Dearsley
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Academic Goals ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Objective: Medical students are vulnerable to poor mental well-being. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted student life and had significant effects on curricula delivery at medical schools around Australia. The study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on medical student mental well-being, assess concerns and determine activities used by students to help with the situation. Method: An online cross-sectional survey was designed. Questions focused on concerns and impact of COVID-19. The Kessler-10 (K10) measured psychological distress. Results: Two hundred and ninety-seven students participated with a 37.5% response rate. Mean K10 score was 20.6 indicating moderate psychological distress. There were no significant differences in K10 mean score or distress level (low, moderate, high, very high) between students in different years of the medical course. Deterioration in mental well-being since COVID-19 onset was reported by 68% students. Main negative impacts were on social connectedness, studies and stress levels. Concerns related to uncertainty about returning to normal and graduation. Common activities were using video chats, social media, exercise and hobbies. Conclusions: The impact of COVID-19 on mental well-being has led to legitimate concerns by students regarding their studies and progress through the medical course. We hope to minimise these disruptions, and reassure and support students to ensure that academic goals are achieved.

scholarly journals Examining the Post-operative Well-Being of Women Who Underwent Mammoplasty: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Ranieri ◽  
Fabiana Fiasca ◽  
Federica Guerra ◽  
Enrico Perilli ◽  
Antonella Mattei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radical Mastectomy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Emotional Adaptation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background: Mammoplasty is the most common surgery used for breast augmentation (aesthetic plastic) and breast reconstruction (disease-related plastic) in women who have been diagnosed with and surgically treated for regional breast cancer with modified radical mastectomy. This study aims to examine the long-term effects of mammoplasty on the psychological well-being of women.Methods: Participants were 44 women aged 30–50 years (mean = 40.4 ± 5.9). They were divided into two groups based on the purpose of the breast surgery they underwent [augmentation surgery (AS) vs. reconstruction surgery (RS)] and the time that had elapsed since their surgery (≤3 vs. >3 years).Results: Our findings suggest that women who underwent AS reported a decline in their psychological well-being over time. The women who had undergone AS ≤3 and >3 years did not show any differences in emotional functioning, with the exception of the BREAST-Q scores on the satisfaction with breasts subscale. We examined the impact of mammoplasty on the satisfaction levels and well-being of women who had undergone RS (after MRM). They were less satisfied with their breasts than those who belonged to the AS group, confirming our hypothesis. However, this was true only among those who had undergone surgery ≤3 years earlier.Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings underscore the need to provide psychological support to those who have undergone breast AS and RS. Additionally, this study implies the need for personalized psychological interventions to improve the emotional adaptation process and enhance women's mental well-being.

scholarly journals COVID-19: a study about the impact of coronavirus on physicians of La Plata, Argentina

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Virginia Croce ◽  
Elsa Chiappa ◽  
Adriana Moiso ◽  
Martin Enrique Rabassa
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Buenos Aires Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
La Plata ◽  
The Impact

Background: In Argentina, the burden of COVID-19 on health systems and physicians was substantial with difficulties on daily triage decisions which have to be made in the context of grave shortages of basic equipment and consumables. Purpose: this study was performed to understand what physicians were experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic in La Plata (capital city of Buenos Aires province, Argentina). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed; a questionnaire was sent by e-mail to physicians who work in this city during November 2020. The questionnaire was made based on Medscape US and International Physicians COVID-19 Experience Report: Risk, Burnout, Loneliness. Statistical analysis: test for normality was performed employing the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test while Chi-square test of independence to examine the relationship between sex and workplace with nominal variables. For categorical variables, Kendall tau correlation was performed to test for independence. ANOVA was developed to examine differences between physician age. Statistical significance was set to p < 0.05 in all cases. All statistical analysis was done employing SPSS Statistics, Version 24 (IBM, USA). Results: 203 physicians answered the questionnaire; the majority of physicians (96%) considered stressful their experience during pandemic and reported distress episodes being for more than 60% the most stressful of their practices, 30% presented depression and were medically treated, while 32.7% felt loneliness with 4 physicians with suicidal thoughts. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to protect the psychological well-being of the healthcare community, and to invest resources to significantly promote the mental health of professionals.

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