Self-Perceived Mental Health Status, Digital Activity, and Physical Distancing in the Context of Lockdown Versus Not-in-Lockdown Measures in Italy and Croatia: Cross-Sectional Study in the Early Ascending Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in March 2020

The novelty of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is that it is occurring in a globalized society enhanced by digital capabilities. Our aim was to analyze the psychological and emotional states of participants in different pandemic-related contexts, with a focus on their digital and physical distancing behaviors. The online survey was applied during the ascending phase of the pandemic in March 2020 in two neighboring EU countries: Italy and Croatia. The study subjects involved four groups, two directly affected by epidemiological measures and two serving as controls—(1) participants from Italy who were in lockdown (Italy group), (2) participants from Croatia who were not in lockdown but who were in direct contact with an infected person and underwent epidemiological measures (CRO-contact group), (3) participants from Croatia who were in an analogous situation but not near the same infected person (CRO-no contact group), and (4) participants from Croatia who were not aware of any infected person (CRO-unrelated group). The survey consisted of validated scales of psychological and emotional states, and custom-made questionnaires on the digital (online) and physical (off-line) behavior of the participants. The Italy group in lockdown had higher self-perceived scores for depression, stress, post-traumatic intrusion, and avoidance, as well as the highest digital activity and physical distancing than the not-in-lockdown Croatian groups. The insight into the extent of online activities and off-line isolation allowed for the introduction of Digital Activity and Physical Distancing Scores. Self-perceived post-traumatic avoidance was higher in both the Italy and CRO-contact groups than the control CRO-no contact and CRO-unrelated groups, and higher avoidance correlated with higher Digital Activity and Physical Distancing Scores. Being in direct contact with the infected person, the CRO-contact group had no other alterations than unexpectedly lower post-traumatic hyperarousal when compared with the Italy group. The Italy group in lockdown demonstrated higher self-perceived psychological toll together with higher digital activity and physical distancing than Croatian groups not in lockdown, even when compared with the affected CRO-contact group. The study outcomes suggest that the general emergency measures influenced citizens in lockdown more than exposure to the virus through direct contact with an infected person.

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Self-perceived mental health status, digital activity and physical distancing in the context of lockdown versus not-in-lockdown measures in Italy and Croatia: Cross-sectional study in early ascending phase of COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25112 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Vanja Kopilaš ◽

Anni M. Hasratian ◽

Lucia Martinelli ◽

Goran Ivkić ◽

Lovorka Brajkovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Emotional States ◽

Infected Person ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Contact Group ◽

Direct Exposure ◽

Custom Made ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Group 2

BACKGROUND The novelty of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it occurs in the globalized society enhanced by digital capabilities. OBJECTIVE To analyze the psychological and emotional states of participants in different pandemic-related situations together with their digital and physical distancing behaviors. METHODS The online survey was applied during the ascending phase of the pandemic in March 2020 in two neighboring EU countries, Italy and Croatia. The study subjects involved four groups, two directly affected by epidemiological measures and two serving as controls – (1) participants from Italy who were in lockdown (Italy group), (2) participants from Croatia who were not in lockdown, but who were in direct contact with an infected person and underwent epidemiological measures (CRO-contact group), (3) participants from Croatia who were in analogous situation but not near the same infected person (CRO-no contact group) and (4) participants from Croatia who were not aware of any infected person (CRO-unrelated group). The survey consisted of validated scales of psychological and emotional states, and custom-made questionnaires on digital and physical (off-line) behavior of the participants. RESULTS Italy group in lockdown had higher self-perceived scores for depression, stress, post-traumatic intrusion and avoidance, as well as highest digital activity and physical distancing than the not-in-lockdown Croatian groups. The insight in extent of online activities and off-line isolation allowed introducing Digital Activity and Physical Distancing Scores. Self-perceived post-traumatic avoidance was higher in both, the Italy and CRO-contact groups, than the control CRO-no contact and CRO-unrelated groups, and the higher avoidance correlated with higher Digital Activity and Physical Distancing Scores. Unlike Italian participants, the CRO-contact group had no other alterations than unexpectedly lower post-traumatic hyperarousal when compared to Italy and CRO-unrelated groups. CONCLUSIONS The Italy group demonstrated higher self-perceived psychological toll together with higher digital activity and physical distancing than Croatian groups, even when compared to the affected CRO-contact group, suggesting that the general emergency measures influenced citizens in lockdown more than a direct exposure to virus.

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Mental Health Status among the South Indian Pharmacy Students during Covid-19 Pandemic’s Quarantine Period: A Cross-Sectional Study

10.1101/2020.05.08.20093708 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

S Vidyadhara ◽

A Chakravarthy ◽

A Pramod Kumar ◽

C Sri Harsha ◽

R Rahul

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Specific Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Emotional States ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

South Indian

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID-19 outbreak created a major panic among all the citizens of the country owing to its severity, contagiousness within the community, lack of specific treatment and possibility of re-infection. All these factors along with the uncertain behaviour of the virus lead to state of fear and concern all throught out the nation. The current study represents the mental health survey conducted on the students of South Indiaafter the completion of one month quarantine period of the COVID-19 outbreak.MethodologyThe present study is a cross-sectional, web-based online survey which consists of 21-item DASS questionnaire. Thiswas used to assess the emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. Using Google Forms, the questionnaire was randomly distributed among the pharmacy students of selected colleges. Mean with standard deviation was calculated for continuous variables and the number with percentage was calculated for categorical variables.ResultsA total of 500 participants responded to the questionnaire. More than half of the responses were received from females (65%). On assessment it was found that, 26 % of respondents reported severe to extremely severe depressive symptoms; 31.5 % of respondents reported severe to extremely severe anxiety symptoms, and 19 % reported severe to extremely severe stress levels.ConclusionIn India during the outbreak of COVID-19, an alarming number of students were found to have an impact on mental health due to the outbreak and were observed to have higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The study findings shows the need of conducting more such studies and can be used to prepare appropriate psychological interventions to improvemental health among the young public during the pandemic.

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Does Dispositional Mindfulness Predict the Development of Grit?

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000252 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 76-87 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Buaphrao Raphiphatthana ◽

Paul Jose ◽

Karen Salmon

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Dispositional Mindfulness ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Report Data ◽

Self Report Data ◽

Acting With Awareness ◽

Mindfulness Facets

Abstract. Grit, that is, perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is a novel construct that has gained attention in recent years ( Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007 ). To date, little research has been performed with the goal of identifying the antecedents of grit. Thus, in order to fill this gap in the literature, self-report data were collected to examine whether mindfulness, a mindset of being-in-the-present in a nonjudgmental way, plays a role in fostering grittiness. Three hundred and forty-three undergraduate students completed an online survey once in a cross-sectional study, and of these, 74 students completed the survey again 4.5 months later. Although the cross-sectional analyses identified a number of positive associations between mindfulness and grit, the longitudinal analysis revealed that the mindfulness facets of acting with awareness and non-judging were the most important positive predictors of grit 4.5 months later. This set of findings offers implications for future grit interventions.

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Learning Electrocardiogram Interpretation: Insights from Residents and a Proposed Solution in an Observational Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.19645 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Alakchar ◽

Abdisamad M. Ibrahim ◽

Mohsin Salih ◽

Mukul Bhattarai ◽

Nitin Tandan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Internal Medicine ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Resident Attitudes ◽

Internal Medicine Residents ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Degree Of Participation ◽

Electrocardiogram Interpretation

BACKGROUND Interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKG) is an essential tool for every physician. Despite this, the diagnosis of life-threatening pathology on EKG remains suboptimal in trainees. The purpose of this study is to study resident attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs, and describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. OBJECTIVE Study attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs. Describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. METHODS Design: An observational cross-sectional study through an anonymous online survey of resident attitudes and comfort with EKG interpretation. This was followed by creation of a WhatsApp group for discussion and interpretation of EKGs with peers. At the end of the day, the official EKG interpretation was posted. Setting: Internal medicine residency at Southern Illinois University. Participants: Internal medicine residents Interventions: Creation of WhatsApp group to aid with EKG interpretation Measurements: A 17 item questionnaire, followed by detection of degree of participation in a WhatsApp group. RESULTS Forty-one out of 63 residents (65%) completed the survey. 85% of respondents thought that an interactive way to teach EKGs is the best method of teaching, and 73% did not feel confident interpreting EKGs. 30% often rely on automated EKG interpretation. Further analysis indicated that PGY-1 residents reported ordering fewer EKGs (correlation coefficient -0.399, p = 0.012) and were uncomfortable diagnosing QT prolongation on an EKG (correlation coefficient -0.310, p = 0.049). Residents in the third or greater year of training ordered more EKGs (correlation coefficient 0.379, p = 0.015), less frequently relied on the computer for EKG diagnosis (correlation coefficient 0.399, p = 0.010), and were comfortable diagnosing an acute myocardial infarction and atrial arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, most IM trainees do not feel comfortable interpreting EKG, however, this does improve with PGY year. WhatsApp is a possible platform for teaching EKGs.

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Effect of the Cut-Off Level for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone on the Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism among Infertile Mexican Women

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11030417 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 417

Author(s):

Lidia Arce-Sánchez ◽

Salvatore Giovanni Vitale ◽

Claudia Montserrat Flores-Robles ◽

Myrna Souraye Godines-Enriquez ◽

Marco Noventa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽

Thyroid Autoimmunity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽

Mexican Women ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

The primary aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) using two different cut-off levels for TSH values (≥2.5 mIU/L versus ≥4.1 mIU/L). The secondary objective was to analyze the clinical-biochemical characteristics in women with and without SCH. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. In total, 1496 Mexican women with infertility were included: Group 1, women with TSH levels ranging between 0.3 and 2.49 mIU/L, n = 886; Group 2, women with TSH between 2.5 and 4.09 mIU/L, n = 390; and Group 3, women with TSH ≥4.1 mIU/L n = 220. SCH prevalence was 40.7% (CI 95%: 38.3–43.3%) with TSH cut-off ≥ 2.5 mIU/L, and 14.7% (CI 95%: 12.7–16.5%) with TSH cut-off ≥ 4.1 mIU/L, (p = 0.0001). The prevalence of overweight was higher in Group 2 than in Groups 1 and 3. Thyroid autoimmunity, obesity and insulin resistance were higher in Group 3 than in Group 1 (p < 0.05). No other differences were observed between groups. Conclusions: The prevalence of SCH in our selected patients increased almost three times using a TSH cut-off ≥ 2.5 mIU/L compared with a TSH cut-off ≥ 4.1 mIU/L. Women with TSH ≥4.1 mIU/L compared with TSH cut-off ≤ 2.5 mIU/L more often presented with obesity, thyroid autoimmunity and insulin resistance.

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Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126234 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6234

Author(s):

Christina Brogårdh ◽

Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽

Frida Eek ◽

Kjerstin Stigmar ◽

Ingrid Lindgren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Online Survey ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sexual Life ◽

Life Domains ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

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The correlation between uremic pruritus and blood lead levels in prevalent hemodialysis patients and its relation to the severity of pruritus using visual analog score

The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine ◽

10.1186/s43162-021-00045-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sahar Mahmoud Shawky ◽

Reeham Abdel Aziz Abdel Hamid ◽

Lina Essam Khedr

Keyword(s):

Blood Lead ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Visual Analog Score ◽

Blood Lead Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Uremic Pruritus ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Lead Levels ◽

Group 2

Abstract Background Pruritus is a common and often distressing symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease. Though the pathogenesis of uremic pruritus remains poorly understood, systemic inflammation has presented itself as one of the possible explanations. High blood lead levels (BLLs) have been noted to be associated with inflammation and poor nutritional status in hemodialysis patients. Our aim is to study the relation between blood lead levels and uremic pruritus. This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled 50 patients; all were on regular hemodialysis 3 times per week for at least 6 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups, group 1 (n =10) with no pruritus and group 2 (n=40) with varying degrees of pruritus. Group 2 was further divided according to intensity of pruritus by visual analog score (VAS) into mild (n=10), moderate (n=20), and severe pruritus (n=10). Results There was a significant difference in serum lead levels and ferritin levels between groups 1 and 2 (p value < 0.01 and < 0.05, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in serum lead levels in the groups with varying intensity of pruritus, having higher serum lead levels in patients who exhibited severe pruritus (p value < 0.005) Moreover, a statistically significant relation between elevated blood lead levels and the duration of dialysis was observed in this study. Conclusion Uremic pruritus is a multi-factorial phenomenon, and our study showed that blood lead levels in hemodialysis patients might be associated with increased intensity of pruritus.

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A Cross-National Study of Dementia Stigma Among the General Public in Israel and Australia

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-210277 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Perla Werner ◽

Sarang Kim

Keyword(s):

General Public ◽

Cultural Context ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

National Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Subjective Knowledge ◽

Cultural Aspects ◽

The Impact ◽

Cross National

Background: Despite the increasing amount of research on dementia stigma, there is a dearth of cross-national studies conducted on this subject. This is surprising since the experience of stigma is closely associated to socio-cultural aspects. Objective: The present study intended to expand knowledge about the impact of culture on dementia stigma by comparing the level and correlates of stigmatic beliefs about dementia among the general public in Israel and Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted with two age-matched samples: 447 adults in Israel and 290 adults in Australia. Results: Overall, dementia stigma was moderate in both countries. However, the level of dementia stigma was significantly higher in Australia than in Israel. Lower levels of subjective knowledge and higher levels of ageism were associated with increased levels of stigmatic beliefs in both countries. Gender was a significant correlate of dementia stigma, with male participants reporting higher levels of public stigma than women, although this gender difference was mainly driven by the Australian sample. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that providing knowledge and decreasing ageist attitudes should be key considerations in dementia awareness and stigma reduction campaigns despite the cultural context. In addition, developing gender-specific messages should be considered as a way of improving the effects of such campaigns.

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Diabetes knowledge, risk perception, and quality of life among South Asian caregivers in young adulthood

BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care ◽

10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001268 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. e001268

Author(s):

Angela Koipuram ◽

Sandra Carroll ◽

Zubin Punthakee ◽

Diana Sherifali

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Risk Perception ◽

South Asian ◽

Online Survey ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Design And Methods

IntroductionPersons of South Asian descent have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The management of T2DM in the South Asian community has required the support of adult children, potentially impacting the quality of life, diabetes-related knowledge, and risk perception among these caregivers.Research design and methodsTo investigate diabetes-related knowledge, quality of life, risk perception, and actual risk of developing diabetes among South Asian young adults whose parents are living with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted (n=150). An online survey was administered. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in diabetes-related knowledge between males and females (p<0.001). Males (in comparison to females) had a lower risk perception of developing diabetes (p=0.06). Further, risk perception and diabetes-related knowledge were positively associated with caregiver’s physical health (p=0.002).ConclusionFindings highlight the importance of providing gender-specific and culturally tailored diabetes educational interventions.

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Experiences of Australian podiatrists working through the 2020 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: an online survey

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research ◽

10.1186/s13047-021-00449-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Cylie M. Williams ◽

Anna Couch ◽

Terry Haines ◽

Hylton B. Menz

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Medical Officer ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Business Decisions ◽

Working Through ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background On the 19th of January, 2020, the Chief Medical Officer of Australia issued a statement about a novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2. Since this date, there have been variable jurisdictional responses, including lockdowns, and restrictions on podiatry practice. This study aimed to describe impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the podiatry profession in Australia. Methods This was a cross sectional study of Australian podiatrists using demographic data collected between 2017 and 2020, and pandemic-related question responses collected between 30th March and 31st August, 2020. Data were collected online and participants described their work settings, patient funding types, business decisions and impacts, and information sources used to guide practice decisions during this time-period. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse open-ended questions about their practice impact of SARS-CoV-2. Results There were 732 survey responses, with 465 Australian podiatrists or podiatric surgeons providing responses describing pandemic impact. From these responses, 223 (49% of 453) podiatrists reported no supply issues, or having adequate supplies for the foreseeable future with personal protective equipment (PPE) or consumables to support effective infection prevention and control. The most frequent responses about employment, or hours of work, impact were reported in the various categories of “business as usual” (n = 312, 67%). Participants described most frequently using the local state and territory Department of Health websites (n = 347, 75%), and the Australian Podiatry Association (n = 334, 72%) to make decisions about their business. Overarching themes which resounded through open-ended comments was that working through the pandemic was likened to a marathon, and not a sprint. Themes were: (i) commitment to do this, (ii) it’s all in the plan, but not everything goes to plan, (iii) my support team must be part of getting through it, (iv) road blocks happen, and (v) nothing is easy, what’s next? Conclusion Podiatrists in Australia reported variable pandemic impact on their business decisions, PPE stores, and their valued sources of information. Podiatrists also described their “marathon” journey through the pandemic to date, with quotes describing their challenges and highlights. Describing these experiences should provide key learnings for future workforce challenges, should further restrictions come into place.

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