scholarly journals The Impact of Covid-19 On Maternal Delivery Experiences and Breastfeeding Practices in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author(s):  
Jinyue Yu ◽  
Mingyue Gao ◽  
Zhuang Wei ◽  
Jonathan CK Wells ◽  
Mary Fewtrell

Abstract Background The COVID-2019 pandemic has placed extensive pressure on health systems and posed a severe public health challenge worldwide. Lockdown measures implemented in many countries have delayed virus spread. However, a considerable number of people have faced unprecedented pressure, especially the pregnant and breast-feeding women, because face-to‐face professional support has been reduced during the lockdown in many countries. Objectives To compare the delivery and infant feeding experiences of women who delivered before (BL) versus during (DL) the Covid-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. Methods Women aged ≥ 18 years with an infant ≤ 18 months of age completed an anonymous survey. Information/links were shared online and via local clinics in Beijing. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of breastfeeding during the first 6-months. Results 2233 women provided data; BL 1241 (55.6%), DL 992 (44.4%). The 6-month mostly breastfeeding (MBF, mainly breastfeeding with few non-formula fluids added) rate was significantly higher in the DL mothers (71.6%), compared to the BL mothers (60.6%). MBF was predicted by delivery during the lockdown period (OR1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.06, 1.90), younger maternal age, discussing infant feeding in a feeding support group, and getting support from friends or relatives. Moreover, relative to those little affected by COVID, those who were much affected were less likely to MBF. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures influenced mothers’ planned birth location and breastfeeding intention. However, breastfeeding practice was maintained during the pandemic. The reported breastfeeding rates were high and our results highlight the importance of feeding support as well as potential beneficial effects of increased mother-infant contact during the lockdown period which is relevant even under normal circumstances.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 986
Author(s):  
Ricardo Campos ◽  
Vânia Pinto ◽  
Daniela Alves ◽  
Celina Pires Rosa ◽  
Henrique Pereira

(1) Background: The purpose of this article is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students in Portugal in the period after returning to face-to-face classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the 2020/2021 academic year. (2) Methods: We conducted an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, between December 2020 and February 2021 with a representative sample of Portuguese medical students (n = 649), applying an anonymous questionnaire which was composed by a sociodemographic characterization, The Brief Symptoms Inventory–18, The Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the Negative Impact Assessment Scale. For statistical processing, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS ©) was used. (3) Results: 65.3% of participants said that self-perceived relevant anxiety symptoms, and around 10% said that they had a physical or a mental illness diagnosis. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for Fear of COVID-19, Somatization, Anxiety and Overall Mental Health, indicating that women, students from the 1st and last years of training had higher scores. Age, year of training, Fear of COVID-19 and Negative Impact of COVID-19 were significant predictors of overall mental health. (4) Conclusion: In our sample of Portuguese medical students, age, year of training, but mostly fear of COVID-19 and the negative impact of COVID-19 contributed to mental health symptoms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e06-e06
Author(s):  
Farnaz Takavar ◽  
Mehdi Momeni ◽  
Narges Mohammadrezaie ◽  
Ahmad Ghoochani Khorasani ◽  
Mehrad Aghili

Introduction: Conventional approaches in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) are used, including; lectures, video presentations, practical educations on moulage, also employing messenger applications can potentially be regarded as a method to train interns. Objectives: The current study aims to compare two methods of face-to-face and virtual training by WhatsApp messenger, regarding the impact of training on interns’ knowledge and satisfaction for advanced cardio resuscitation rotational interns in emergency medicine. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 73 rotation interns of emergency medicine of Tehran University of Medical Sciences from 2017 to 2018 were divided into two groups: 1) face-to-face training, 2) virtual training by using WhatsApp messenger application. Initially, a pretest of 10 questions about main topics in advanced cardiac support was conducted on interns. At the end of training course, a posttest of 20 questions was conducted for both groups. Results: Mean value of pretest was 6.46 for face-to-face training group and 5.97 for WhatsApp group (P=0.29). Posttest mean score was 14.08 for face-to-face group and 12.03 for WhatsApp (P=0.003). Interns’ satisfaction scores were 7.68 and 7.36 for face-to-face and WhatsApp group respectively (P=0.25). Mean scores of pretest and posttest within group had no significant differences between groups, but Cohen’s effect size for face-to-face group was greater than WhatsApp trained group. Conclusion: Face-to-face training was associated with better results in promoting knowledge of interns, compared to WhatsApp training. That’s advisable to employ face-to-face training for interns.


Author(s):  
Sumaiya Mushroor ◽  
Shammin Haque ◽  
Riyadh A. Amir

Background: Overuse of smart devices provides comfort and problems both physically and mentally. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of smart phone and mobile devices on human health and life.Methods: This descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted for three months in Dhaka city among general population aged 18 to 70 years. Four hundred and forty respondents were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected by face to face interview with a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire.Results: Among 440 respondents majority (76.6%) were below 25 years where 72.0% were students. A large proportion (90.5%) used smart phones for communication, 53.4% used for less than 5 hours daily. Majority (65.7%) had other electronic devices, most common 197 (68.1%) were laptop users where 118 (40.8%) used for studying. More than half 322 (73.2%) used earphones, 91 (20.7%) had ear problems and 223 (50.7%) lacked concentration. Many 299 (68.0%) had good relationship with family members, 208 (47.3%) stated that increased use of mobile devices hampered family life, 88 (42.3%) thought it reduced quality family time. Majority users 253 (57.5%) experienced physical discomfort after prolonged use and 95 (37.7%) suffered from headache. Association between age of respondents and time spent on smart devices was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was significant (p<0.05) association between ear problem and ear phone usage.Conclusions: Excessive use of smart phones should be avoided and social awareness increased through health programmes. Potential risks of cell phones and smart devices can be avoided by limiting the use.


Author(s):  
Yogita Hatmode ◽  
Dhanesh Kumar K. U.

Background: There have been widespread adverse effects and association between smoking and tobacco use across published researches, but very few studies have been investigated on the beneficial effects that accompany a long-term cessation of smoking. Comparing the lung function with normal subjects might significantly use the results obtained, if positive, to encourage current smokers to quit smoking and quitters to continue to refrain from smoking.  Aims: To determine the impact of cessation of smoking on lung function parameters in quitters as compared to smokers and non-smokers. Materials and Methods: The cross sectional observational study was on smokers, non-smokers, and quitters in rural area of Mangalore city. A total of 150 individuals were selected for the study, 50 each from all 3 groups of smokers, non-smokers and quitters using convenient sampling method using convenient sampling process. All participants were examined for Pulmonary Function Test parameters. The analysis was carried out using the Analysis of the variance test to determine the impact of smoking cessation in lung function parameters. Results: Significant differences were observed between quitters, smokers and non-smokers in terms of lung function parameters using ANOVA (FVC-p<0.001**, FEV1-p<0.001**, FEV1/FVC-p=0.04** PEFR difference between the groups was not significant with p=0.25). Analysis of PFT parameters using Tukey’s multiple post-hoc procedures revealed that FVC and FEV1 showed a significant differences between the quitter group when compared to the smoker group p<0-001**. Conclusion: Smoking cessation was followed by substantial change in lung function parameters FVC and FEV1 between the quitters as opposed to the smoker community.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1363
Author(s):  
Isabella Wild ◽  
Amy Gedge ◽  
Jessica Burridge ◽  
John Burford

The COVID-19 pandemic was declared on 11 March 2020. The working equid community includes some of the world’s most marginalised people, who rely on animals for their daily lives and livelihoods. A cross-sectional study investigated the effects of COVID-19 on working equid communities, with the intention of developing methods for replication in future unprecedented events. A multi-language survey was developed, involving 38 predominantly closed questions, and carried out face-to-face, over telephone, or online. There were 1530 respondents from a population of individuals who received support from equid welfare projects across 14 low- or middle-income countries projects during November and December 2020. Overall, at the time of survey completion, 57% (875/1522) of respondents reported that their equids were working less, 76% (1130/1478) reported a decreased monthly income from equids, and 78% (1186/1519) reported a reduction in household income compared to pre-pandemic levels. Costs of equid upkeep remained the same for 58% (886/1519) of respondents and 68% (1034/1518) reported no change in the health of their equid. The potential long-term impacts on human and equid welfare due to reported financial insecurities necessitates monitoring. A One Welfare approach, involving collaboration with governments, humanitarian, and animal welfare non-governmental organisations is required to mitigate deep-rooted issues.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Whitfield ◽  
Andre Perkins ◽  
Sarah Kelly ◽  
Hannah Dumbleton

Introduction The effect of COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns on education has been discussed broadly in both the media and among academics, however its true effects on paramedicine students and their ability to attend in-person lectures, skill sessions and clinical placements has not been widely researched. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on a group of paramedicine students at an Australian university. Methods A cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of first and second year paramedicine students was undertaken to explore their perceived experiences of COVID-19 through both qualitative and quantitative responses. Results A total of 83 paramedicine students from Griffith University in Queensland participated in the survey, demonstrating an 84.7% response rate. Of the participants, 78.3% (n=65) disagreed that online workshop sessions were as valuable as face-to-face sessions. Similarly, the majority of participants (61.5%, n=51) disagreed that online lectures and tutorials were as beneficial as in-person equivalents. A further 61.4% (n=51) of students agreed that COVID-19-associated lockdowns had negatively impacted their ability to formulate strong personal relationships that are important for university, however 78.3% of students agreed that communication platforms assisted in maintaining some form of social interaction. Conclusion The results from this study demonstrate that the educational and social impacts of COVID-19 on paramedicine students were highly diverse, and were contingent on several factors including but not limited to: year of study, learning style, previously established social connections and extenuating life circumstances.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
Farzana Karim

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major global public health challenge. In some countries, it is a re-emerging infectious disease. This descriptive type of cross sectional study was carried out among the 200 high school students in a selected semi urban area under Dhaka division of Bangladesh to evaluate their tuberculosis related knowledge. Data were collected by face to face interview of the respondents and analyzed by using SPSS version 16. In this study 53% respondents were male and others were female. Mean age of the respondents was 13.5 years. Among the respondents all of them heard the term tuberculosis. About 36% respondents told that they obtained some information about tuberculosis from television, 29% told book, 17.5 % told radio, 12.5% told newspaper. Majority of the respondents told that tuberculosis is a serious disease whereas 7% told that it is not very serious disease. Majority of the respondents told that cough lasts more than three weeks is the symptom of tuberculosis. More than half of the respondents told that tuberculosis can be transmitted by infected person to person. Among the respondents only 42% told that tuberculosis must be treated by medicine prescribed by doctor. Others (40.5%) said that it is cured by herbal or homeopathy treatment. About 12.5% respondents told that tuberculosis is non curable and 05% told that no treatment is required for this type of disease. About 40% respondents told that they do not know how to prevent tuberculosis disease, 22.5% told that avoidance of TB patients can prevent TB infection. From this study findings it may be concluded that tuberculosis related knowledge among the respondents was not adequate.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 02 No. 04 October’18. Page : 220-223


VASA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian-Alexander Behrendt ◽  
Tilo Kölbel ◽  
Thea Schwaneberg ◽  
Holger Diener ◽  
Ralf Hohnhold ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Worldwide prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is increasing and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) has become the primary invasive treatment. There is evidence that multidisciplinary team decision-making (MTD) has an impact on in-hospital outcomes. This study aims to depict practice patterns and time changes regarding MTD of different medical specialties. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study design. 20,748 invasive, percutaneous PVI of PAD conducted in the metropolitan area of Hamburg (Germany) were consecutively collected between January 2004 and December 2014. Results: MTD prior to PVI was associated with lower odds of early unsuccessful termination of the procedures (Odds Ratio 0.662, p < 0.001). The proportion of MTD decreased over the study period (30.9 % until 2009 vs. 16.6 % from 2010, p < 0.001) while rates of critical limb-threatening ischemia (34.5 % vs. 42.1 %), patients´ age (70 vs. 72 years), PVI below-the-knee (BTK) (13.2 % vs. 22.4 %), and rates of severe TASC C/D lesions BTK (43.2 % vs. 54.2 %) increased (all p < 0.001). Utilization of MTD was different between medical specialties with lowest frequency in procedures performed by internists when compared to other medical specialties (7.1 % vs. 25.7 %, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MTD prior to PVI is associated with technical success of the procedure. Nonetheless, rates of MTD prior to PVI are decreasing during the study period. Future studies should address the impact of multidisciplinary vascular teams on long-term outcomes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Majer ◽  
Sandra Pyda ◽  
Jerzy Robert Ladny ◽  
Antonio Rodriguez-Nunez ◽  
Lukasz Szarpak

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave L Dixon ◽  
William L Baker

BACKGROUND The impact and quality of a faculty members publications is a key factor in promotion and tenure decisions and career advancement. Traditional measures, including citation counts and journal impact factor, have notable limitations. Since 2010, alternative metrics have been proposed as another means of assessing the impact and quality of scholarly work. The Altmetric Attention Score is an objective score frequently used to determine the immediate reach of a published work across the web, including news outlets, blogs, social media, and more. Several studies evaluating the correlation between the Altmetric Attention Score and number of citations have found mixed results and may be discipline-specific. OBJECTIVE To determine the correlation between higher Altmetric Attention Scores and citation count for journal articles published in major pharmacy journals. METHODS This cross-sectional study evaluated articles from major pharmacy journals ranked in the top 10% according to the Altmetric Attention Score. Sources of attention that determined the Altmetric Attention Score were obtained, as well each articles open access status, article type, study design, and topic. Correlation between journal characteristics, including the Altmetric Attention Score and number of citations, was assessed using the Spearman’s correlation test. A Kruskal-Wallis 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the Altmetric Attention Scores between journals. RESULTS Six major pharmacy journals were identified. A total of 1,376 articles were published in 2017 and 137 of these represented the top 10% with the highest Altmetric Attention Scores. The median Altmetric Attention Score was 19 (IQR 15-28). Twitter and Mendeley were the most common sources of attention. Over half (56.2%) of the articles were original investigations and 49.8% were either cross-sectional, qualitative, or cohort studies. No significant correlation was found between the Altmetric Attention Score and citation count (rs=0.07, P = 0.485). Mendeley was the only attention source that correlated with the number of citations (rs=0.486, P<0.001). The median Altmetric Attention Score varied widely between each journal (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The overall median Altmetric Attention score of 19 suggests articles published in major pharmacy journals are near the top 5% of all scientific output. However, we found no correlation between the Altmetric Attention Score and number of citations for articles published in major pharmacy journals in the year 2017.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document