COVID-19 lockdown in Spain: Psychological impact is greatest on younger and vulnerable children

In 2020, quarantine home confinement measures were implemented in Spain to control a pandemic for the first time. The objective of this study is to assess both the psychological and social impact of that ‘lockdown’ on different age groups of children and adolescents and also the different strategies adopted by families in that situation. We collected data via an online questionnaire answered by 850 participants, parents of young people aged between 4 and 18, between 24th April and 8th May 2020. Our results show that living in a home smaller than 80 m2 is associated with an increased risk of presenting clinical symptoms of emotional or behavioural distress, with an odds ratio of 2.54 (95% CI: 1.07–6.02), p = 0.034; while increased age is a predictor of better psychological functioning during lockdown: coefficient of 0.25 (95% CI: 0.07–0.41), p = 0.004. Moreover, age is also a marker of higher scores on the scale of psychological symptoms, with a coefficient of 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01–0.04), p = .005. To conclude, younger children present poorer behavioural and emotional functioning and more symptoms of emotional distress than adolescents during lockdown. Living in a small home is a risk factor for presenting clinical symptoms. These findings should be taken into consideration when planning for future home confinement episodes and when considering preventative strategies in the realm of mental health care.

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COVID-19 Lockdown in Spain: Psychological impact is greatest on younger and vulnerable children.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-93278/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Josep Matalí-Costa ◽

Ester Camprodon-Rosanas

Keyword(s):

Psychological Functioning ◽

Social Impact ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Age Groups ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Vulnerable Children ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract In 2020, quarantine home confinement measures were implemented in Spain to control a pandemic for the first time. The objective of this study is to assess both the psychological and social impact of that “lockdown” on different age groups of children and adolescents, and also the different strategies adopted by families in that situation. We collected data via an online questionnaire answered by 850 participants, parents of young people aged between 4 and 18, between 24th April and 8th May 2020. Our results show that living in a home smaller than 80 m2 is associated with an increased risk of presenting clinical symptoms of emotional or behavioural distress, with an odds ratio of 2.54 (95%CI: 1.07 - 6.02), p = 0.034; while increased age is a predictor of better psychological functioning during lockdown: coefficient of 0.25 (95%CI: 0.07 - 0.41), p = 0.004. Moreover, age is also a marker of higher scores on the scale of psychological symptoms, with a coefficient of 0.02 (95%CI: 0.01 - 0.04), p = 0.005. To conclude, younger children present poorer behavioural and emotional functioning and more symptoms of emotional distress than adolescents during lockdown. Living in a small home is a risk factor for presenting clinical symptoms. These findings should be taken into consideration when planning for future home confinement episodes and when considering preventative strategies in the realm of mental healthcare.

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Marked Increase in Incident Gynecomastia: A 20-Year National Registry Study, 1998 to 2017

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgaa440 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 105 (10) ◽

pp. 3134-3140 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Trine Koch ◽

Elvira V Bräuner ◽

Alexander S Busch ◽

Martha Hickey ◽

Anders Juul

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Population Based ◽

Incidence Rates ◽

National Registry ◽

Registry Study ◽

Age Related ◽

Danish Health ◽

Increased Risk ◽

National Patient ◽

First Time

Abstract Context Gynecomastia, the proliferation of mammary glandular tissue in the male, is a frequent but little-studied condition. Available prevalence data are based on selected patient populations or autopsy cases with their inherent bias. Objective The objective of this work is to evaluate the age-related incidence and secular trends in gynecomastia in the general population. Design An observational, 20-year national registry study was conducted. Setting This population-based study used nationwide registry data. Participants Participants included all Danish males (age 0-80 years) with a first-time diagnosis of gynecomastia. Main Outcome Measures All Danish males (age 0-80 years) were followed up for incident diagnosis of gynecomastia in the Danish National Patient Registry from 1998 to 2017 using the International Codes of Diseases, 10th revision, and the Danish Health Care Classification System. Age-specific incidence rates were estimated. The hypothesis tested in this study was formulated prior to data collection. Results Overall, a total 17 601 males (age 0-80 years) were registered with an incident diagnosis of gynecomastia within the 20-year study period, corresponding to 880 new cases per year and an average 20-year incidence of 3.4 per 10 000 men (age 0-80 years). The average annual incidence was 6.5/10 000 in postpubertal males age 16 to 20 years and 4.6/10 000 in males age 61 to 80 years, with a respective 5- and 11-fold overall increase in these 2 age groups over the 20-year period. Conclusions The incidence of gynecomastia has dramatically increased over the last 20 years, implying that the endogenous or exogenous sex-steroid environment has changed, which is associated with other adverse health consequences in men such as an increased risk of prostate cancer, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disorders.

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Early Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil: A National Survey

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9092976 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 2976 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos ◽

Bianca Gonzalez Martins ◽

Lucas Arrais Campos ◽

João Marôco ◽

Rayya Ahmed Saadiq ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Related Factors ◽

Event Scale ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Population Demographic ◽

The Impact

Background: Isolation measures used to contain epidemics generate social interaction restrictions and impose changes in routines of the public that increase negative psychological outcomes. Anxiety and depression are the most common symptoms. Objective: To evaluate the mental health of the Brazilian population during the SARs-CoV-2 pandemic and its relationship with demographic and health characteristics. Methods: Adults from all Brazilian States participated (n = 12,196; women: 69.8%, mean age = 35.2 years). The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale–revised were used (online survey). Data validity and reliability were verified by confirmatory factor analysis and ordinal alpha coefficient. The probability of presenting psychological symptoms was calculated by multiple logistic regression and odds ratio (OR) (0 = without symptoms, 1 = with mild, moderate, and severe levels of symptoms). Results: High prevalence of depression (61.3%), anxiety (44.2%), stress (50.8%), and psychological impact (54.9%) due to the isolation experienced from the pandemic was found. Younger individuals (OR = 1.58–3.58), those that felt unsafe (OR = 1.75–2.92), with a previous diagnosis of mental health (OR = 1.72–2.64) and/or had general health problems before the pandemic (OR = 1.17–1.51), who noticed changes in their mental state due to the pandemic context (OR = 2.53–9.07), and excessively exposed to the news (OR = 1.19–2.18) were at increased risk of developing symptoms. Women (OR = 1.35–1.65) and those with lower economic status (OR = 1.38–2.69) were more likely to develop psychological symptoms. Lower educational levels increased the likelihood of depressive (OR = 1.03–1.34) and intrusive symptoms (OR = 1.09–1.51). Conclusions: The pandemic and related factors can have a high impact on the mental health of the population. Demographic characteristics can influence the occurrence of psychological symptoms.

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Sports participation related to injuries and illnesses among ambulatory youth with chronic diseases: results of the health in adapted youth sports study

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-019-0145-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kristel Lankhorst ◽

◽

Janke de Groot ◽

Tim Takken ◽

Frank Backx

Keyword(s):

Chronic Diseases ◽

Social Impact ◽

Injury Rate ◽

Sports Participation ◽

Health Problems ◽

Activity Level ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Organized Sports ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Reported Health

Abstract Background Although sports participation leads to important health enhancement for youth with chronic diseases or physical disabilities (CDPD), it may pose an increased risk for injury or illness. This study investigated the incidence, type, severity and risks to (sports-related) injuries and illnesses among ambulatory youth with CDPD. Methods Over a 12-month period, every 2 weeks, the characteristics of injuries and illnesses were registered by an online questionnaire and phone-based interview. Physical activity level was measured with the Activ8 during 1 week. Complete data was available of 103 youngsters with CDPD (61 boys, 42 girls), with a mean age of 14.4 (SD = 2.7) years. The personal characteristics, the injury and illness rates per 1000 h of PA were investigated per group of organized sports participation per week (0, 1 or ≥ 2 times p/wk). Results Almost half of the youngsters sustained one or more injuries (46%) or illnesses (42%) during 1 year. The injury rate per 1000 h of PA between 0, 1 and ≥ 2 times per week of sports participation was 0.84, 1.88, 133 respectively and the illness rate were 1.87, 1.88 and 1.18 respectively. Differences between the rates were not statically significant. Most reported health problems had no subsequent restriction (49%) or other minor consequences (21%) in school, physical education or sports participation. Most reported health problems were contusions (41%) at the lower extremity (74%) and flu plus fever (58%). Conclusions Participation in sports ≥2 times per week does not pose a significant increased risk in the incidence of injury or illness per 1000 h of PA in youth with CDPD compared to their peers who participate less frequent (once weekly) and compared to non-sports participants. Athletes who participate in sports at least twice weekly get injured mostly during their sporting activities, while peers who do participate in sports once a week or not at all, get injured during less intense physical activities during physical eduction lessons, ADL or non-organized sports and play in leisure time. The social impact of injuries or illnesses was limited.

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Asparaginase-Associated Pancreatitis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Results From the NOPHO ALL2008 Treatment of Patients 1-45 Years of Age

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.19.02208 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (2) ◽

pp. 145-154 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Cecilie U. Rank ◽

Benjamin O. Wolthers ◽

Kathrine Grell ◽

Birgitte K. Albertsen ◽

Thomas L. Frandsen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Age Groups ◽

Older Children ◽

Pediatric Hematology ◽

Hazard Ratios ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Leukemic Relapse ◽

First Time ◽

Risk Of Relapse

PURPOSE Asparaginase-associated pancreatitis (AAP) is common in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but risk differences across age groups both in relation to first-time AAP and after asparaginase re-exposure have not been explored. PATIENTS AND METHODS We prospectively registered AAP (n = 168) during treatment of 2,448 consecutive ALL patients aged 1.0-45.9 years diagnosed from July 2008 to October 2018 and treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL2008 protocol. RESULTS Compared with patients aged 1.0-9.9 years, adjusted AAP hazard ratios (HRa) were associated with higher age with almost identical HRa (1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.3; P = .02) for adolescents (10.0-17.9 years) and adults (18.0-45.9 years). The day 280 cumulative incidences of AAP were 7.0% for children (1.0-9.9 years: 95% CI, 5.4 to 8.6), 10.1% for adolescents (10.0 to 17.9 years: 95% CI, 7.0 to 13.3), and 11.0% for adults (18.0-45.9 years: 95% CI, 7.1 to 14.9; P = .03). Adolescents had increased odds of both acute (odds ratio [OR], 5.2; 95% CI, 2.1 to 13.2; P = .0005) and persisting complications (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 2.4 to 18.4; P = .0002) compared with children (1.0-9.9 years), whereas adults had increased odds of only persisting complications (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.4 to 11.8; P = .01). Fifteen of 34 asparaginase-rechallenged patients developed a second AAP. Asparaginase was truncated in 17/21 patients with AAP who subsequently developed leukemic relapse, but neither AAP nor the asparaginase truncation was associated with increased risk of relapse. CONCLUSION Older children and adults had similar AAP risk, whereas morbidity was most pronounced among adolescents. Asparaginase re-exposure should be considered only for patients with an anticipated high risk of leukemic relapse, because multiple studies strongly indicate that reduction of asparaginase treatment intensity increases the risk of relapse.

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Genotyping of the prevalent Chlamydia trachomatis strains involved in cervical infections in women in Ahvaz, Iran

Journal of Medical Microbiology ◽

10.1099/jmm.0.016717-0 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 59 (9) ◽

pp. 1023-1028 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Behrouz Taheri Beni ◽

Hossein Motamedi ◽

Mohammad Roayaei Ardakani

Keyword(s):

Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Age Groups ◽

Lower Abdominal Pain ◽

Rflp Analysis ◽

The Other ◽

Pcr Rflp ◽

First Time ◽

Genotype F ◽

Genotype E

To determine the prevalence of cervical Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes in Iran for the first time and their association with three clinical symptoms/signs, i.e. abnormal vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain (LAP) and swab-induced bleeding, and patient age, 620 cervical specimens were obtained from women with symptomatic genital infection referred to gynaecological clinics and 108 C. trachomatis-positive specimens were genotyped by direct omp1 gene PCR-RFLP analysis. Eight genotypes were identified. The most prevalent genotype was E (31.5 %), followed by F (23.1 %), D/Da (13 %), K (9.2 %), I (8.3 %), G (7.5 %), H (5.5 %) and J (1.9 %). For analysing the association of C. trachomatis genotypes with symptoms/signs and age, P-values were separately evaluated for genogroups and genotypes. The analysis of genogroups showed that women infected with genogroup F/G manifested the symptom of LAP significantly more often than those infected with the other genogroups (P=0.02), while the analysis of genotypes revealed that women infected with genotype F reported LAP slightly more often than women infected with the other genotypes (P=0.08). No significant correlation between genogroups and age was found; however, genotype E was somewhat less prevalent among women aged 25–34 years than among other age groups (P=0.08).

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Are we back to normal yet? The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health with a specific focus on schizotypal traits in the general population of Germany and the UK, comparing responses from April/May vs. September/October

10.1101/2021.02.15.21251726 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Daimer ◽

Lorenz Mihatsch ◽

Lisa Ronan ◽

Graham K. Murray ◽

Franziska Knolle

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Financial Burden ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Strong Impact ◽

Symptom Index ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

AbstractStudies reported a strong impact on mental health during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in March–June, 2020. In this study, we investigated the impact of the pandemic on mental health in general and on schizoptypal traits specifically in general population samples of the UK (N 1sttimepoint=239, N 2ndtimepoint= 126) and Germany (N 1sttimepoint= 543, N 2ndtimepoint=401) over two timepoints, April/May and September/October 2020. We were able to show that whereas general psychological symptoms (global symptom index, GSI) and percentage of responders above clinical cut-off for further psychological investigation declined from the first to the second timepoint in both countries, schizotypy scores (Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire) were increased at the second timepoint. We investigated potential predictors, using regression models. For schizotypy, we detected a doubling or more of the estimated impact from the first to the second timepoint, including stronger perceived loneliness, increased use of drugs, stronger financial burden, and decreased regular exercise and sleep. These effects predicted GSI, however with a lower increase of impact from the first to the second timepoint. We furthermore found that living in the UK was a predictor for higher schizotypal scores or GSI. However, the results are highly comparable between the two countries. In conclusion, this study shows that while the general psychological impact decreases, potentially showing a normative response to an exceptional situation; schizotypy scores increase, revealing a stronger impact of loneliness, drug use, and financial burden. This development might create an increased risk for developing psychosis in some individuals. The development of the general psychological and schizotypy scores over time requires further attention and investigation.

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Parents' Stress and Children's Psychological Problems during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Neuropsychiatric Disease Journal ◽

10.9734/indj/2021/v16i330176 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 13-28

Author(s):

Maitham Jaber Aljaber ◽

Maria Mahdi Alqadeeb ◽

Jassim Hijji Alsaleem ◽

Sadiq Fadhel Al Ameen ◽

Ahmad Ibrahim Alhashem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Psychological Problems ◽

Psychological Status ◽

Future Research ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽

Cross Sectional

The first outbreak of (COVID-19) was in the Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of December 2019 in the form of acute pneumonia. COVID-19 is a serious and highly infectious disease that affected 245,621,992 cases worldwide, leading to a dramatic loss of everyday lifestyle and negatively impacting people's psychological status. This paper shows Parents' Stress and Children's Psychological Problems during this pandemic. Objectives: This work determined the psychological impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on parents and children. Methods: Parents who have children aged between 4 and 16 years old (n=424) completed an online questionnaire using QuestionPro and gave written informed consent. The questionnaire was distributed through social media (WhatsApp, Telegram ) from December 6th to January 5th, 2020-2021. We excluded all responses that came from outside Saudi Arabia. Also, we excluded participants who did not have children; if the parent had more than one child, they were asked to report on one child only. Parents described the difficulties they faced, the parent-child dyadic stress, and their children's behavioral and emotional complications during the pandemic. The participants filled the depression Anxiety Stress Scale (Dass21) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scale. Results: There were significant impacts on the mental health of the public. Our findings demonstrated that the COVID-19 outbreak had remarkable psycho-social effects on children and their parents.The results showed that younger parents were more affected than older parents,Q6 (r = 0.150, p<0.01), DASS stress (r = -0.266, p<0.01), DASS anxiety (r = -0.201, p<0.01), and DASS depression (r = -0.265, p<0.01),but there was no significant psychological impact of having COVID-19. Those who had relatives who died from COVID were at a higher risk of depression (r=0.006, p<0.05). Having a child diagnosed with mental illness seems to have increased the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress of parents. There was a significant association between parents' mental health and their children's psychological adjustment. Conclusions: Quarantining is stressful, especially for parents who also have work and school obligations. This circumstance puts parents at a greater risk of distress and might prevent them from being supportive parents. This, in turn, can lead to psychological symptoms in children. Governmental actions should consider the implications of lockdown on families and their mental health. Recommendation for Future Research: since this study had only focused on one child if parents have more than one with a limited number of participants, we recommended that further research be carried on a larger sample size to see whether there are any similarities in the findings.

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Sports participation related to injuries and illnesses among youth with chronic diseases: results of the Health in Adapted Youth Sports study

10.21203/rs.2.10707/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Kristel Lankhorst ◽

Janke de Groot ◽

Tim Takken ◽

Frank Backx

Keyword(s):

Chronic Diseases ◽

Social Impact ◽

Injury Rate ◽

Sports Participation ◽

Health Problems ◽

Activity Level ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Organized Sports ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Reported Health

Abstract Background: Although sports participation leads to important health enhancement for youth with chronic diseases or physical disabilities (CDPD), it may pose an increased risk for injury or illness. This study investigated the incidence, type, severity and risks to (sports-related) injuries and illnesses among youth with CDPD. Methods: For one calendar year, every two weeks, the characteristics of injuries and illnesses were registered by an online questionnaire and phone-based interview. Physical activity level was measured with the Activ8 during one week. Complete data was available of 103 youngsters with CDPD (61 boys, 42 girls), with a mean age of 14.4 (SD=2.7) years. The personal characteristics, the injury and illness rates per 1000 hours of PA were investigated per group of organized sports participation per week (0, 1 or ≥2 times p/wk). Results: Almost half of the youngsters sustains one or more injuries or illnesses during one year, 46% and 42% resp. The injury rate per 1000 hours of PA between 0, 1 and ≥2 times per week of sports participation was 0.84, 1.88, 133 resp. and the illness rate was 1.87, 1.88 and 1.18 resp. The rates were not statistically different. Most reported health problems had no subsequent restriction (49%) or other minor consequences (21%) in school, physical education or sports participation. Most reported health problems were contusions (41%) at the lower extremity (74%) and flue plus fever (58%). Conclusions: Participation in sports ≥2 times per week does not pose a significant increased risk in the incidence of injury or illness per 1000 hours of PA in youth with CDPD compared to once weekly or no sports participation. Athletes who participate in sports at least twice weekly get injured mostly during their sporting activities, while peers who do participate in sports once a week or not at all, get injured during less intense physical activities during PE lessons, ADL or non-organized sports and play in leisure time. The social impact of injuries or illnesses was limited.

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The Differencies in Adult and Pediatric Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Review

Acta Medica Martiniana ◽

10.1515/acm-2016-0007 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 13-22

Author(s):

P Vasekova ◽

L Plank

Keyword(s):

Differential Diagnosis ◽

Myelodysplastic Syndrome ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Correct Diagnosis ◽

Age Groups ◽

Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Close Correlation ◽

Histopathological Diagnosis ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) represent very heterogenous group of clonal stem cell bone marrow disorders with ineffective haematopoesis leading to cytopenias in peripheral blood and increased risk of blastic transformation and evolution of acute myeloid leukemia. MDS is a disease of older age mostly, in children it seems to be very rare. There are several significant morphological, cytogenetic and prognostic differencies of the disease in adults and in children. Adult MDS patients most commonly manifest with symptoms of anemia, bleeding and infection are uncommon. In childhood, MDS manifests predominantly by neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. In addition, some pediatric MDS patients present also with constitutional disease’s signs and symptoms. Early and correct diagnosis in both age groups is essential for the choice of appropriate therapy and also for next life of patients. However, the diagnosis of MDS is challenging, complex and requiring close correlation of clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters and standardized examination of BM biopsies. The authors present an overview focused on biology of MDS in adults and children, on the differences in the incidence, clinical presentation and treatment. They summarize the possibilities and limits of histopathological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease in different age groups. A major problem in the morphological diagnosis of MDS remains the determination, whether the myelodysplasia is due to clonal disorder. It might result also from some other factors, as significant dysplasia can also occur in reactive conditions, and vice versa, only discrete dysplasia is sometimes observed in MDS patients. Although histomorphological and immunohistochemical analysis of BM biopsy is invasive and time-consuming examination, it has its value in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic effect.

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