Quarantine of the Covid-19 pandemic in suicide: A psychological autopsy

2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 182-184
Author(s):  
Isabella Aquila ◽  
Matteo Antonio Sacco ◽  
Cristoforo Ricci ◽  
Santo Gratteri ◽  
Pietrantonio Ricci

The epidemiology of suicide has identified numerous psychiatric and occupational risk factors. The circumstances surrounding a suicide are fundamental to determining whether its characteristics will play a crucial role in the decision-making process. The state of emergency arising from the Covid-19 pandemic has introduced a new element, given the general concern and feelings of alarm which are global. The most suitable forensic method to analyse these cases is the psychological autopsy. This study’s purpose is to analyse the application of the psychological autopsy method to evaluate the impact of the pandemic where government lockdowns impose restrictions on personal freedom. We set out to consider how far this together with other factors may induce suicide. The literature does not as yet offer us a retrospective analysis of the influence of the global pandemic state on rates of suicide. Accordingly, we report a forensic case and examine the critical issues and problems in the management of these cases.

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Prades ◽  
S Claire ◽  
C Blandine ◽  
M G Catherine ◽  
F Bretelle ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question What are the risk factors for environmental reprotoxic exposure in infertile patients? Summary answer The most represented categories of reprotoxic risk factors (RRF) were dietary exposures (86% of patients), overweight (46%), psychoactive substances (38%) and male occupational exposures (63%). What is known already Numerous studies have reported the deleterious effects of environmental reprotoxic exposures on male or female fertility. These studies most often focus on the impact of a limited number of reprotoxic risk factors (body mass index (BMI), dietary habits, tobacco or alcohol consumption) or a limited number of chemical or physical reprotoxic exposures: phthalates, occupational exposures, or pesticides. Despite the call of several reproductive health professional societies and public health agencies for taking environmental health into account in women of childbearing age, this approach remains little realized in current practice. Study design, size, duration We conducted a prospective, monocentric study between June 2018 and February 2020 in women and men visiting the fertility unit of our University Hospital for assisted reproduction technique (ART) treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods Patients completed a self-questionnaire to collect information about i) the various types of exposure to RRF, and ii) frequency and intensity of exposures (qualitative and semi-quantitative approach). We performed a literature search in order to define the environmental factors and the exposure level thresholds associated with a “recognized” or “suspected” RRF and we analyzed their nature and number in patients. Main results and the role of chance During the inclusion period, we received 545 couples in consultation, and 405 were included in this study (810 patients/1090, participation rate: 74%). 65% of women and 68% of men self-reported at least one “recognized” RRF. In men, they were from exposure to solvents, heat, psychoactive substances and a BMI>25; in women, from exposure to poor indoor air quality, psychoactive substances and a BMI>25. A limited number of recognized risk factors were recorded in the majority of patients (one, two or three risk factors in 65% of patients). Men were more often exposed than women to occupational risk factors (63% of men versus 28% of women) such as solvents and ambient heat, and women were more often exposed than men to poor indoor air quality and volatile organic compounds (49% of women versus 30% of men). We note that the majority of the risk factors for reprotoxic exposure found were modifiable, specifically dietary, occupational, overweight and psychoactive substance exposures. Limitations, reasons for caution One limitation is the collection of data via a self-administered questionnaire, which makes it possible to estimate the risk factors for reprotoxic exposure, but not to detect them in a measurable way, for example, through exposure biomarkers. In addition, no data is available about all RRF in the general population. Wider implications of the findings: We suggest that if the individual screening of each infertile patient’s RRF was done before ART, most patients could act on a limited number of modifiable RRF, in the aim of increasing their chances of natural pregnancy and improving ART outcomes. Trial registration number N° 2018–13–06–004 (Ethics Committee of the University of Aix Marseille) and N° 2020–27 (Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille General Regulation on Data Protection).


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-33
Author(s):  
Violeta Astratinei ◽  
Andreea Strambu-Dima ◽  
Bettina Ryll

"Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted cancer care worldwide. The aim of this study was to capture the impact of Covid-19 on melanoma patients during the national state of emergency. Material and methods: We sent a survey to the members of the Romanian Melanoma patient community between April - May 2020. Results: We received feedback from 108 patients. Forty percent of the respondents experienced difficulties in accessing healthcare services, while 56% found it difficult or impossible to speak with their physician. With regard to feeling safe in healthcare facilities, 60% of patients felt safe in the private sector, versus 48% in public hospitals. Over half of the respondents delayed investigations such as dermoscopy, imaging, and laboratory tests by their own initiative, while a third saw investigation delayed upon their physician’s initiative. We found no significant delays in the administration of systemic therapies for advanced disease. While e-prescriptions for melanoma treatments were not communicated and implemented consistently, we noted an increased interest in telemedicine and social media networks by physicians. Spontaneous patient reports collected in the same period further show the lack of access to melanoma diagnostic surgery, insufficient management of side effects of different treatments, difficulties in obtaining pain medication, alterations in the administration schemes of both immunotherapies and target therapies, and cumbersome access to Covid-19 testing. Conclusions: Our results provide a melanoma-specific perspective on the impact of Covid-19 on patients that is unexpectedly nuanced with regards to patient subpopulations and captures differences in impact between systemic treatment and Journal of Medical and Radiation Oncology Journal homepage: www.jmedradonc.org Original research 16 other interventions. In addition, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the ability of virtual patient communities to sensitively detect and report issues in health care provision, offering the opportunity for timely intervention. Based on our findings, we formulate a set of recommendations on how to save-guard melanoma care during the pandemic, some of which we believe to be generalizable to other patient communities."


2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-80
Author(s):  
V. A. Shirokov ◽  
A. V. Potaturko ◽  
Nikita L. Terekhov ◽  
S. I. Solodushkin

Introduction. Spondylogenic back pain is common in the working-age population and often results in a working disability. In order to ensure professional decision-making and inform preventive measures, occupational risk factors for low back pain (LBP) need to be identified. Material and methods. Using a regular medical check-up examination data, we analyzed the prevalence and the odds ratio of LBP in 3215 individuals working in physically demanding jobs and exposed to physical inactivity and vibration. Results. No statistically significant differences in LBP prevalence were found between workers exposed to low total physical activity (PA), in and out of work, and those exposed to physical overwork (38.9% и 33.8% respectively). Physical inactivity in the workplace and hypodynamia during leisure-time cause similar effects and increase the risk of LBP by 1.5 times. A combination of occupational factors such as a constrained posture (class 3.1-3.2 according to the National Labor Legislation) and whole-body vibration increases LBP risk up to 78.7%. Whereas the combination of a constrained posture, prolonged sedentary position, and whole-body vibration, increases LBP prevalence up to 84.21% (OR: 80). Conclusions. The highest risk of LBP (OR: 80.0) was assigned to the combination of constrained posture, prolonged sedentary position, and whole-body vibration. The obtained data suggest that both low PA and physical overwork increase the risk of LBP, whereas moderate PA reduces it.


2021 ◽  
Vol 92 ◽  
pp. 02063
Author(s):  
Mariana Usheva ◽  
Ladislav Vagner

Research background: The Covid-19 pandemic affects all areas of operation in almost every country, except for Slovakia. In Slovakia, radical measures were taken in the first phase of March, and the state of emergency required the closure of gastronomic establishments, service operations, restrictions on shops, stricter hygiene measures and restrictions on free cross-border as well as a national movement. The second phase is foreseen in the autumn, which should be much more demanding, and it will also be a great challenge for companies to be able to adapt their activities to the new standards. An important question for companies is how this will affect their financial results. Some companies were not affected by the disease; others had to be closed, did not generate any profit, eventually went bankrupt. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is primarily to examine the impact of coronavirus on earnings management and how it will affect further decision-making within the company. In our study, we focused on the impact that Covid-19 has or will have on the management of companies in Slovakia. A total of 172 companies in Slovakia operating in various sectors were interviewed Methods: The methodology used standard questionnaire survey procedures with scale answers. We addressed companies, despite the sector in which they operate. The overall return was 20%, and we obtained 172 responses. Findings & Value added: Because the consequences of the Covid-19 disease are not yet evident, managers within earning management will also count on reserves in the form of savings accounts more than before.


Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 238-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W. C. Wong ◽  
Wincy S. C. Chan ◽  
Philip S. L. Beh ◽  
Fiona W. S. Yau ◽  
Paul S. F. Yip ◽  
...  

Background: Ethical issues have been raised about using the psychological autopsy approach in the study of suicide. The impact on informants of control cases who participated in case-control psychological autopsy studies has not been investigated. Aims: (1) To investigate whether informants of suicide cases recruited by two approaches (coroners’ court and public mortuaries) respond differently to the initial contact by the research team. (2) To explore the reactions, reasons for participation, and comments of both the informants of suicide and control cases to psychological autopsy interviews. (3) To investigate the impact of the interviews on informants of suicide cases about a month after the interviews. Methods: A self-report questionnaire was used for the informants of both suicide and control cases. Telephone follow-up interviews were conducted with the informants of suicide cases. Results: The majority of the informants of suicide cases, regardless of the initial route of contact, as well as the control cases were positive about being approached to take part in the study. A minority of informants of suicide and control cases found the experience of talking about their family member to be more upsetting than expected. The telephone follow-up interviews showed that none of the informants of suicide cases reported being distressed by the psychological autopsy interviews. Limitations: The acceptance rate for our original psychological autopsy study was modest. Conclusions: The findings of this study are useful for future participants and researchers in measuring the potential benefits and risks of participating in similar sensitive research. Psychological autopsy interviews may be utilized as an active engagement approach to reach out to the people bereaved by suicide, especially in places where the postvention work is underdeveloped.


Author(s):  
Laily Yahya

The article review of ‘The Impact of Fun and Enjoyment on Adult Learning’ (Lucardie, 2014) opens doors to the kaleidoscope of fun and enjoyment amongst adult learners. The essence of this review is an informative snapshot on the critical issues of how fun and joy have impacted adult learning through a qualitative research drawing upon traditions of phenomenology. It aims to explore the affective experiences of fun and enjoyment. This article review attempts to highlight an insightful assessment of the ideas and the arguments that are being discussed by the author. The different interpretation of this concept draws out contrasting elements between learners and teachers’ beliefs. A twist to this review is a reflective stance procured to address central issues emerging in the article related to the Malaysian context. It is through the lens of the reader, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI):4R is proposed. This refers to the process of continuously improving the quality of teaching and learning of an educational programme. This review concludes with the framing of CQI:4R to illustrate reflect, revisit, realign and reconstruct processes that could possibly navigate the architectural landscape of the Malaysian Teacher Education.


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